‘The Future is Happening on Our Side.’ Stakeholders Weigh in on Exciting Opportunities at Alderney Landing!

Community members gathered at Alderney Landing’s Visioning Workshop

The Future of Alderney Landing Community Cultural Centre (ALCCC) shone brightly during a Visioning Workshop held earlier this year at the Alderney Landing Theatre.

Responding to a public invitation from ALCCC, over 100 enthusiastic participants gathered, united by their shared passion for shaping a vibrant future for this Dartmouth waterfront gem. The attendees were separated into groups and embarked on a creative journey, sketching their dreams onto printed maps of Alderney Landing. Their visions painted a tapestry of possibilities, guided by thoughtful discussions on the site's strengths, weaknesses, and untapped opportunities.

Among the insights emerged a collective desire to revitalize the waterfront, transforming it into an interactive oasis with water-based programming and engaging amenities, and a need to expand the Community Cultural Centre’s core offerings including the Theatre, Gallery, Market, Outdoor Events, local restaurants and small businesses.

Alderney Landing also met with a series of smaller groups which included participation from individuals and organizations that represent those core offerings:

Live music in Downtown Dartmouth at Alderney Landing Theatre

Theatre:

Various stakeholders, including Eastern Front Theatre, Africville Museum, Symphony Nova Scotia, and Coastal Dance, alongside Alderney Landing staff, were consulted regarding the theatre's expansion. Challenges like low community awareness and accessibility issues were noted. Despite this, Alderney Landing theatre remains popular, hosting diverse events from dance performances to corporate functions. Conflicting event needs hinder simultaneous bookings. Desired upgrades include modular features for versatility and a focus on community events over corporate bookings. Preserving the theatre's connection to Dartmouth's identity and waterfront is paramount, aligning with its mandate to prioritize community engagement and support local organizations. Expansion is sought to accommodate diverse community-driven events.

Gallery:

The Gallery session involved Alderney Landing staff and Dartmouth Professional Artists primarily from the volunteer committee. With limited staffing, they face high demand, booking exhibitions years in advance. Operating as a nonprofit, the gallery supports local artists without charging fees, relying on subsidies. Long-term goals include establishing an artist residency program and hosting community workshops, potentially aided by additional studio space. The gallery's first-floor location offers optimal lighting and window display opportunities. However, physical constraints limit the range of artworks showcased, emphasizing the need for upgrades to accommodate diverse exhibitions, including media-based and performance art.

Market:

The Market session, attended by ALCCC staff and regular vendors, highlighted the Alderney Landing Market's pivotal role as a thriving community hub. Embracing a "Dartmouth First" ethos, it nurtures local businesses, fostering growth from market stalls to independent storefronts. Plans for a small business incubation program and expanded vendor capacity underscore its commitment to community support. However, logistical challenges such as limited access to water and power, alongside parking and storage constraints, hinder further expansion. Yet, the market remains a key waterfront attraction, prompting calls for future enhancements to optimize space usage and ensure seamless experiences for vendors and visitors alike.

Events:

On the whole, the workshop buzzed with excitement as participants championed the expansion of Alderney's concert space, echoing the sentiment that live performance, music, and art are the heartbeat of this community hub.

With boundless creativity and collaborative spirit, the future of Alderney Landing emerged as a beacon of promise, poised to embrace new possibilities while preserving its cherished character. Together, the community laid the foundation for a tomorrow where Alderney Landing thrives as a dynamic, inclusive, and beloved destination for all.