Two Decembers ago a group of friends sat in a corner booth of the Knot Pub on a Wednesday night and debated the merits of Lunenburg County living. For one person, it was the chance to work in their field that brought them here, for another, the possibility of owning a house in a neighbourly town.
It was obvious to all the faces around the table — there was something special about this little slice of Nova Scotia.
Little did they know, it was after that night that the idea for the Lunenburg Barnacle would be born. An ex-journalist, a high school English teacher, a graphic designer, a heritage worker and a textile artist would band together to make an accessible print-based publication so that their friends, families and neighbours could feel the same way they did about Lunenburg County.
This is where we all started. We knew there were people and organizations working hard to make Lunenburg County inviting, accessible and exciting. We weren’t convinced where we live is perfect but it is filled with people trying to make it the best it can be.
Coupled with the knowledge that the county is in a news desert, with diminishing access to quality independent news and information, we knew that the Barnacle could become an important voice to promote the work of these individuals and organizations.
I don’t think we ever thought we would be where we are now, just two years on.
Since February 2023, we’ve published 22 print editions of the Barnacle, posted over 400 articles on our website and amassed an online following beyond our wildest dreams. We’ve also covered two major elections and one special election, supported and mentored the work of over 40 volunteer writers and illustrators, and even started selling merch.
As the editor-in-chief I have one thing to say: thank you.
I could write about how the Canadian media landscape is bleak; how the corporate takeover of community journalism is hollowing out local, independent voices; and how shrinking newsrooms are a major threat to democracy, because I truly believe that what this little paper is doing is trying to combat these trends.
But, the Barnacle isn’t just a newspaper; it’s a movement, one that reminds us that our stories, our people, and our values are worth celebrating. Our readers, writers, illustrators and donors are all a part of an ecosystem that loves Lunenburg County and wants to see it thrive.
So, thank you. For believing in what we’re doing. For standing with us. And for helping to make sure that Lunenburg County isn’t just a place on the map — but a community that thrives because it has a voice.
–Sal Falk, editor-in-chief
