Recreation in Remote communities: A Case Study of a Nova Scotia Village

Abstract

With diverse living conditions and distinctive natural environments, remote rural communities typically foster a unique way of life, which are often displayed through leisure activities. As rural communities feel the effects of globalization and population decline, the leisure styles of community residents change. This paper examines recreation in the lifestyles of rural residents living in remote communities. The purpose of this study is to highlight the unique lifestyles of rural residents in the fishing village of Newport, Nova Scotia, Canada. Specifically, this study explores the leisure styles of community members in one remote community over a 30-year period during which time the economy has changed from being dependent on resource extraction to resource appreciation. Data were gathered using multiple techniques, including content analysis, focus groups, and key stakeholder interviews. The findings indicate that community members are not engaged with one another, as each cohort in the community indicates varying leisure pursuits. There is a strong level of individualized recreational activities for the youth and young adult males, leading to segregation from the community. The senior cohort group provides recreation for itself, while adult men and women appear to have limited to no time for recreation, due to work, family, and household obligations. The residents of Newport report placing high value on community recreational activity, yet no segment of the population is willing to provide the leadership to facilitate recreational opportunities. We conclude that individualized pursuits, coupled with the limited recreational opportunities in the community, have limited the sense of community cohesiveness in Newport. Further research is needed to find out whether this is the case with other rural communities in Canada. Keywords: rural communities, leisure styles, sense of community, cohesion