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The Oakdene Centre
Finalist
Nova Scotia Community Economic Development Award
for Contribution to Economic Growth

November 26, 1998

An old abandoned school turned into community centre has had a million dollar impact on the town of Bear River.

Three years ago, Robert (Robbie) Bays, a volunteer and community activist, set to work turning the Bear River Community School into the Oakdene Centre, a place that fosters the arts and entrepreneurial spirit. Through community fundraising and financial assistance from Human Resources Development Canada, money was found to refurbish the building, and turn it into a community focal point.

Today the Oakdene Centre is thriving. Most of the work there is done by volunteers, however the centre houses the Bear River Musical festival which so far has contributed $26,000 to the local economy. Studio spaces are rented to local artists; their rent cover the heat and insurance for the building. Artists, working in everything from pottery to water colour, sell their work at the Centre, while adult education initiatives provide residents with skills upgrading. Local community groups like softball clubs and Women In Business hold gatherings there. A library is located in the complex, and an active Community Access Program (CAP) site links Bear River residents to the world through the Internet.

Bear River's community hub is a place where people benefit from CED's natural linking of economic and social development.