Author of the article: Rosemary Godin, PNI Atlantic Published Apr 13, 2025 • 1 minute readPat Johnston wasn’t going to miss the chance of a sunny day to get down to the Wilfred Oram Library in downtown North Sydney on Saturday and start cleaning out the front corner garden. For about six years, Johnston has been tending the perennial plot that sits near the sidewalk on Commercial Street and is a pleasant place to sit and chat. A couple of years ago, and to show their gratitude, a plaque was put there with the words: “Pat’s Bee Happy Garden.” Participants put their best feet forward for Northside community members and visitors on Saturday as part of an organized community cleanup along Commercial Street in North Sydney. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN/CAPE BRETON POSTParticipants put their best feet forward for Northside community members and visitors on Saturday as part of an organized community cleanup along Commercial Street in North Sydney.Pat Johnston wasn’t going to miss the chance of a sunny day to get down to the Wilfred Oram Library in downtown North Sydney on Saturday and start cleaning out the front corner garden. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentFor about six years, Johnston has been tending the perennial plot that sits near the sidewalk on Commercial Street and is a pleasant place to sit and chat. A couple of years ago, and to show their gratitude, a plaque was put there with the words: “Pat’s Bee Happy Garden.” Sandra Kay, left, and Deb Dinnan were just a couple of more than a dozen volunteers who showed up in downtown North Sydney at noon on Saturday to take part in the Downtown North Sydney Clean-up. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN/CAPE BRETON POSTSandra Kay and Deb Dinnan were just a couple of more than a dozen volunteers who showed up in downtown North Sydney at noon on Saturday to take part in the Downtown North Sydney Clean-up. “This is our town”, said Kay, and we take pride in it,” said Dinnan, adding that it was important to tidy up now. “We have company coming during the summer,” she said of tourists who like to visit the area. This is the fourth year that Sherry, left, and Paul Finney have been helping organize the North Sydney Downtown Clean-up as part of their volunteer membership in the North Sydney Business Improvement and Development Association. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN/CAPE BRETON POSTThis is the fourth year that Sherry and Paul Finney have been helping organize the North Sydney Downtown Clean-up as part of their volunteer membership in the North Sydney Business Improvement and Development Association. While others cleaned along the main street of town, the couple worked towards the waterfront area which always gets its share of visitors during tourist season. The Finneys were pleased with the turnout of so many hometowners and visitors during the morning’s events which included a family Bunny Hop and the cleanup. They say it’s definitely something they’s plan to do again next year.Article content
IN PHOTOS: Giving North Sydney’s downtown a good outdoor cleanup
