Noteworthy: Greg Nix

A Hello Oxford series on the movers and shakers, sometimes loud but often quiet, who contribute to our community. If you think someone in our community deserves to be recognized, drop us a line at info@hellooxford.ca

If parents could design the ideal child, many would choose someone healthy, kind, intelligent, honest, and happy. Of course, they’d also want them to be outgoing, respectful, and well-liked; but when a child is shy, there’s no magic switch. Sometimes, those kids need a bit of encouragement, and that was what Greg Nix’s parents in Collingwood, Nova Scotia, gave him. With their help, Greg got involved in activities that eventually led him to become a respected teacher and community leader. From his first teaching job in Labrador to coming back to work in Cumberland County, the lessons he learned about giving back have guided many of his life choices.

A Community of “Influencers”

From his own parents to basketball coaches Randy Rector, Al Hart, and Dave Bushen; and army cadet corps majors Bruce Hunter, Jean Dickson alongside Al Clarke, Greg observed and learned what it meant to take on leadership roles. Throughout his years in high school as a student and then as a teacher to his post-retirement time, he has continuously put those skills to use. For him, it is “just a way of being” that people give of their time. From scouts to cadets, orienteering, cross-country skiing, computer clubs, boating, coaching basketball, and now trail management, fundraising, and occasional pothole filler, Greg has taken on these and many other challenges so that others can benefit in the same way he did.

Why Not Us?

Now established in Pugwash, Greg and his wife, Alvina, avid outdoorspeople, came to a moment of realization 7 years ago while hiking on a Nova Scotia’s Celtic Shore Coastal Destination Trail that the Cumberland/Colchester region was missing out on a key opportunity to bring healthy living and tourism dollars to Northeastern Nova Scotia. After all, there are plenty of beautiful waterfalls, scenic views, and old railway lines that folks could enjoy if only someone could get the ball rolling. Once again, Greg relied on his extensive experience and took on the task. The major project is one that requires plenty of coordination and hands-on work. While Greg himself is not out with a chainsaw, he is busy with jobs that in one day might involve grant writing, shovelling and filling potholes, negotiating with landowners, or fundraising. His tractor-driving skills have drastically improved, he jokes.

The goal is to build and find a way to maintain a Destination Trail between Oxford and Pictou. As more and more communities allow ATVs and other off-highway vehicles onto the main roads, the region will be able to attract more tourists during the shoulder season. This means that local businesses – restaurants, shops, and motels – will benefit. In Oxford, off-road vehicles are already part of the landscape (Oxford allowing off-highway vehicles on some streets in bid to boost local economy,” Luke Ettinger, CBC, 28 June 2024). Since 90% of the contractors working on the trails are locals, those employees will spend their earnings in the region. More importantly, it means that people will be able to get out and enjoy nature on well-maintained, safe trails, and that is a true benefit for society. 

Mishaps Along the Way

Greg’s dedication has never wavered. And of course, not every day goes as smoothly as others. Just last year, Greg overloaded a trailer lent to him by Cunningham Construction and busted the axles as he hit a bump on the road. No problem. But this year, he managed to do it again and this time busted the springs! If the third time is a charm, he might find himself out of luck.

Worse than that, out on the job one day, he took a major tumble down a steep, slippery incline leading to a culvert that needed some checking and found himself checking into a hospital with a fractured knee. Though he chuckles about it now, he acknowledges that sometimes there are “a series of unfortunate events, but at the end of the day, we get the work done.”

Recognizing Others

Greg is constantly surprised by “just how amazing people are.” Their “come togetherness” shows itself in so many ways. After Hurricane Fiona, Greg put out a call and people showed up for 31 days straight to clear the trail between Oxford and Wallace. More surprisingly, following Hurricane Dorian, he got a call from the Atlantic Brewing Company, located in Maine, who said they had heard about him and the help he needed. They came through. The Bragg family has helped with generous support for the Destination Trail project.

Finding Joy

Despite the smile that lights his face as he speaks about the trails, other projects, and the numerous people who have stepped up to contribute, Greg, his wife, Alvina, and their son Jarred live with the grief of having lost a precious family member. Greg and Alvina’s daughter, Dr. Kim Nix, lost her life at 31 to a rare form of sarcoma in 2024. Kim, who was living with her husband, Michael McIsaac, in Calgary, shone a bright light and shared her enthusiasm for life. The past year has been one of coping and contemplation, but recently, Greg noticed that as he hiked a trail, the healing powers of nature took hold. In that quiet moment, Greg found a sense of peace – and even joy. He and his wife are out in nature every day. Like so many others, they understand that the force of nature has a way of recharging our inner batteries (“The Healing Power of Nature,” Vanessa Lancaster, Psychology Today, 4 November 2021).

Common Theme

If there is one noticeable trait among the volunteers who are working the trails and the citizens who are using them, it is that they cannot stand sitting around. This exemplifies Greg’s way of thinking. That said, he is looking for sustainable ways to keep the trails running for the times when he can’t. He wants to “make the work less work” and it is through the efforts that he and his many partners are making now that will bring others in to lend their time. His hope for the upcoming years is for people to “get out and enjoy the trails and support the local businesses” who have been so great at financially supporting the trails. In the meantime, if you want to find him, you can head out onto a trail and call his name. He might just be there.

Related Links:

Cumberland Trails Association <https://www.facebook.com/groups/933121780095660>

Nova Scotia Trails <https://nstrails.com/>

Trans Canada Trail <https://tctrail.ca/>

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Joy Blake is a former Oxford resident with an interest in community life. She now lives in Quebec but heads back to the rivers and shores of Cumberland County throughout the year. She teaches and produces educational films at the Cegep de Granby: Virtual Reality.