The relevance of economic development, or not, an old story

National Post/Jean Jobb, 9/3/14, Toronto, Canada. "New Ireland:  How Maine almost became part of Canada at the end of the War of 1812."

Build here. Is Pacifica Canada,
forever to be left out, to never recover
from its stupid, wasted land mistakes

"If wishes were fishes...",
Pacifica would have a balanced city economy

"CASTINE, Me. — A tiny history museum in this Maine town is reminding Canadians of what could have been, mounting an exhibition on the little-known story of a lost Canadian province: New Ireland.

British forces in pre-Confederation Canada seized Northern Maine during the final months of the War of 1812, sensing little local ability to resist and well aware of the strategic value of controlling the region separating Quebec and New Brunswick.

Had the land-grab succeeded, it would have yielded roughly 50,000 square kilometres of territory — an area two-thirds the size of present-day New Brunswick. And it would have had a profound impact not just on the location of Canada’s East Coast border, but on the country’s future economic development and, possibly, the timing of Confederation itself.

“If British diplomats and strategic thinkers had been more strongly committed to this idea, a very alternative outcome is easy to imagine,” said Liam Riordan, a professor of history at the University of Maine, Orono." 

Related - Pacifica Riptide, 8/8/2010, "Economic development committee:  Quarry resolution and city staff report." Economic Development Committee, Resolution, page 2.  ..."WHEREAS, The Rockaway Beach area was planned to serve as a cohesive area that would provide both residents and businesses a mix of residential and commercial uses which enhance community identity, pride and character and if properly planned, could stimulate economic sustainability for both existing and future generations.  Numerous other coastal cities, such as Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel, have such  areas which serve as economic drivers for their respective city..." ... THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, ...  the City to properly plan and implement a development plan that will lead to the realization of such a village concept for the area." The city accept the Economic Development Committee Report:  City of Pacifica/Staff Report, Quarry village partnership resolution, 8/9/2010.  Action?  Still waiting four years later.

Note photographs:  State of Maine, Department of Maine Resources.  Pacifica quarry by Bob Pilgrim from the related Pacifica Riptide article, 8/8/14.  "If wishes were fishes.." Who said it?   Good Reads Quotes, Frank Herbert, The Dune Storybook: "If wishes were fishes, we'd all cast nets."  Meaning and variations, English Stack Exchange/English Language and Usage.

Posted by Kathy Meeh