Residents in Savage Harbour have voted to rename their community to Wild Harbour following a national initiative to update place names considered outdated or offensive. The process was initiated in 2022 after a request from the Abegweit First Nation, leading to the federal government renaming the local wharf to Crowbush Cove Wharf Small Craft Harbour in 2024.
After a series of meetings with residents, a ranked ballot vote on Monday resulted in Wild Harbour being chosen as the new name over options like Heritage Harbour, Seaside Harbour, Shoal Harbour, and Wild Wind Harbour. The selection will now go to an advisory committee before being submitted to the provincial cabinet for approval in the coming months.
Community resident Stephanie Compton, who has deep family ties to the area, expressed that the chosen name, Wild Harbour, maintains a connection to the original name Savage Harbour, making the transition feel natural. Despite some initial concerns and delays in the voting process, residents are accepting the change and preparing for the upcoming transition.
Compton emphasized the strong sense of community and history in the region, indicating that while the name may change, the essence of Savage Harbour will likely endure for a long time to come.