Bridgewater Bulletin

The secret of what lays buried beneath the ground of the world-famous Oak Island is one of the greatest mysteries in the country, if not the world. However, the more intriguing mystery these days is what lies in the future for the island that, over the years, has attracted treasure hunters from far and wide, and spawned countless legends and stories.

The mystery of Oak Island has been a prominent fixture in Nova Scotia folklore for centuries. Stories of ghosts, mysterious lights, creepy sounds and buried treasure hidden somewhere beneath the picturesque island have been at the heart of fable for the past three centuries. The search for its rumoured treasure has claimed both lives and dollars, but without success. Many theories exist about the elusive treasure and include everything from the Holy Grail, to ancient Inca treasure, to a rich pirate booty, to lost manuscripts of English playwright William Shakespeare.

Although there have been clues discovered over the years to support these and various other theories, the secret of whatever was or is buried on the island remains hidden away. However, even if the mystery is never solved, the real treasure of Oak Island is its potential to be a driving force in the South Shore tourism industry. Certainly, as an economic device, the legend of Oak Island could be the catalyst in a multi-million dollar industry that would benefit the neighbouring communities and the entire region. The real value of Oak Island is its untapped potential to attract tourists which would lead to many residual developments.

The treasure of Oak Island can draw visitors to the region. It already has a proven track record. Although the island is no longer open to the public because it is privately owned, requests still come from all over the world for an opportunity to see the location of the longest running treasure hunt in history. If that level of interest exists for a property that’s presently off limits, just imagine the interest it could generate if the island was in the public domain.

The closed public access of Oak Island has been the subject of much discourse over the years. Particularly concerned are those people who recognize the island’s tourism potential.

However, it was recently learned that most of the mysterious island is soon going to be up for grabs. Oak Island Tours Inc. has filed a notice of liquidation and the company is looking to sell its 78 per cent of the island. The company, which is owned by long-time treasure hunters Dan Blankenship and David Tobias, is being dissolved. The process of liquidating its assets, which include the famed island, is being done in accordance with government regulations.

Much of the treasure hunting over the years has taken place on the land owned by Oak Island Tours Inc. Mr. Blankenship and Mr. Tobias also own the treasure-hunting company Triton Alliance. The island has yet to be officially listed, which makes this the opportune time to strike. This is a unique property with a lot of history that has played an interesting role in the province’s past. The real mystery today, however, is what role can it play in Nova Scotia’s future.

Although there is yet to be a set asking price, there is speculation that the entire 78 per cent block of real estate could sell for around $7 million. Considering the economic potential that lies on the shores of that island and considering the province’s total budget, the price is a mere pittance. Such an expenditure would be a valuable and worthwhile investment by the provincial government. Oak Island Tourism Society member Danny Hennigar says their group is working on building an interpretive centre for the island. Since access has been blocked to them as well, a future sale may be the best thing for the society, but only if the island is picked up by the government and opened to the public.

If Oak Island goes on the open market and falls into the hands of a private developer, Nova Scotians could miss a golden opportunity to do something creative and positive to help develop the tourism industry. It would be a darned shame for this government to miss such an opportunity. In truth, it would be a crime. God knows the
government spends more than this on other less important things.

The mystery of Oak Island is a proven quantity. It has attracted visitors and captivated our imaginations for centuries. Imagine the potential that awaits there. Public access with an interpretive centre complete with guided tours and other developments would be a hit. The real bonus here, of course, is that much of the promotion is already done through the countless books, articles and television programs that have promoted the mystery of Oak Island. Buying the island and turning it back to the public would be one of the smartest things any government has done in recent memory.

VERNON OICKLE
Editor’s Diary