A small community on the province’s south shore is in an uproar after a long-time resident passed away following a fall in town.
A well-known reverend, 100-year-old Barbara Minard, was a beloved member of Mahone Bay who died days after falling outside of restaurant Eli + Trix on Main Street during one of her walks.
The patio of Eli + Trix in Mahone Bay. Photo: Evan Taylor.
According to multiple reports, her family says her fall was due to her trying to navigate a new sidewalk patio outside of the restaurant.
Review of bylaws
Since the incident, the community has been pushing for the Town to review its bylaws and remove the patio.
The Town says several meetings have been held on the matter and two motions were passed at council Tuesday, to review the permitting process and safety of sidewalk patios.
Town’s statement
Mahone Bay issued a statement on Facebook last week about Minard’s death, saying she was a “remarkable woman who touched the lives of many”, and they are “deeply saddened” by her passing.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Barbara’s family and friends during this painful time. We have been in touch with her loved ones, and above all we want to respect and support their need for privacy during their time of grief,” says the Town.
“We understand that many members of the community associate her passing with a fall that happened near a newly built sidewalk patio in Town. We know there are questions, and we hear the calls for accountability and transparency.”
The town goes on to say, Minard will be dearly missed, and they will do to their “due diligence” around the circumstances on her death.
Updates will be shared at a council meeting July 31.
Condolences
As the community mourns the loss of Minard, more condolences have started to pour in on social media.
Local business, The Biscuit Eater Books says, they are “saddened” to learn about her death and that she was a regular at their cafe, and they have many wonderful memories of her “kindness and chutzpah”.
Meanwhile, Spill the Tea says she was a “true pillar of grace” and that there will be a celebration of life, July 16.
