Pictou Island (Nova Scotia) facts for kids
Pictou Island is a small Canadian island in the Northumberland Strait. It's about 7 kilometers (4 miles) north of Nova Scotia and 19 kilometers (10 miles) south of Prince Edward Island. The island is about 9.5 kilometers (6 miles) long and 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) wide. Its total area is around 12.8 square kilometers (5 square miles).
Pictou Island is part of Pictou County. The highest point on the island is 24 meters (79 feet) above sea level. In 2016, about 28 people lived on the island all year round. More people visit during the warmer months.
The island is mostly covered in trees. There are some open areas on the south side, which is more protected. Most people who live on the island year-round make their living by fishing. The island has a public wharf at the west end. There's also a breakwater at the east end for boats to dock safely.
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Island Life and Services
Pictou Island has a community centre, a church, and a Pioneer Cemetery. It also has a fire department and several lighthouses. These places help make island life possible for its residents.
Power and Supplies
People on Pictou Island do not get electricity from the mainland. Instead, they create their own power. They use solar power from the sun and windmills to capture wind energy. Many also use generators for extra power.
There are no stores on the island. Residents can order groceries by email or phone from Sobeys, a large grocery chain. The groceries then arrive by ferry or plane, depending on the time of year. This system helps ensure everyone gets what they need.
Education on the Island
A small, one-room public school is located at the Pictou Island Community Centre. A single part-time teacher teaches students up to grade 6. After grade 6, students usually start learning through correspondence studies. This means they study at home with materials sent to them.
Many island students go to schools on the mainland of Nova Scotia when they reach grade 11. This is because some higher education programs do not accept diplomas from correspondence studies.
Internet Access
The Community Centre also has a provincially supported CAP Site. This site provides public internet access. Most island residents have internet at home through dial-up connections. Some residents are hoping to get faster internet soon.
Getting Around and Transportation
A passenger-only ferry service runs to Pictou Island from May to November. During the winter, when the ferry doesn't run, Cessna airplanes bring mail and supplies. These planes fly from an airport in nearby Trenton.
The island has one main dirt road that goes from one end to the other. The Nova Scotia Department of Transportation maintains this road. It also doubles as a landing strip for the airplanes in winter.
Island History
Pictou Island was officially claimed on October 17, 1809, by Charles Morris. Later that same year, the Crown gave the island to Admiral Sir Alexander Forrester Inglis Cochrane. This was likely a reward for his victories in the Napoleonic Wars while serving in the Royal Navy. People from Europe began to settle permanently on the island in the 1810s.
