WHAT TO EXPECT ON WEST IRONBOUND ISLAND

Before applying for a residency on West Ironbound Island, please read over the following information to determine your personal suitability for the conditions of the residency. Please note that “Residents” in the following text refers to individuals who have been awarded a week-long stay (residency) on the island. Once you are accepted for a residency, ICR will appoint a contact person to help you prepare for a comfortable and productive stay on West Ironbound Island.

Island location

• West Ironbound Island and its cabin are protected, maintained, and owned by the Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy.
• The island can be viewed from adjacent Gaff Point or from Hirtles Beach on the mainland of Nova Scotia.
• The island is approximately 53 Hectares (130 Acres) and has about 3 kilometres of coastline.
• Each area of the island is accessible within a 15–30-minute walk from the cabin.
• Terrain includes open meadows, windswept forests, wet lowlands, bedrock/shale cliffs, & sandy/rocky beaches.

Transportation

• West Ironbound Island is only accessible by private boat (no government ferries).
• Residents will need to provide their own transportation to meet the boat at the government wharf on nearby Bush Island (part of the LaHave Islands).
• The boat is a rigid-style, open-cockpit zodiac that makes beach landings.
• Residents transfer their own belongings to/from the boat and to/from the cabin to the beach.
• Departure time is typically 9am on Saturday morning from the Bush Island location to the island.
• Return from West Ironbound to Bush Island is typically the following Saturday in the morning.
• Due to inclement weather (high swell or winds), departure or return times/days may change.
• Because of possible unforeseen weather, residents need to consider that return to the mainland may need to be made early, or could be delayed; to accommodate this please pack accordingly (especially food and important items such as medication) and avoid making any strict plans/deadlines for the days after their residency week.

Amenities

• Cabin is well constructed with open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas, and 2 bedrooms upstairs.
• Bedrooms contain 2 single beds in each room.
• Lights are powered by solar battery bank; there is no heat.
• Kitchen is equipped with propane stovetop, fridge/freezer, pots/pans, dish sets and cutlery.
• There is no running water; water will be provided in 20-litre countertop jugs for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and dishes (via water boiled on stove).
• No indoor bathroom; an outhouse is located near the cabin.
• Shower is provided by a solar heated bag and currently is hung in an outdoor area.
• No internet connection but cell phones and personal data plans work on the island.
• Residents are asked to leave the cabin in the same condition and cleanliness as when they arrived.
•  A professional Covid cleaning will be carried out between each residency.
• ICR provides a St. John’s Standard First Aid Kit, a fire extinguisher, and fire alarms inside the cabin.

Workspace

• Compatibility of the residents is essential since the cabin contains no formal, private studio space.
• Residents may work in their bedrooms or in the communal spaces.
• Other workspace includes the outside deck overlooking the ocean, or elsewhere on the island (which some residents may consider their outdoor studio).
• Personal belongings
• Residents need to plan their creative supplies, clothing, and food to accommodate the carrying to/from the boat and to/from the beach to the cabin (think of what you truly need).
• Residents are responsible for their own bedding, pillow, towels, and toiletries.
• Residents should plan meals for accommodating potential delays (at ~ 3 days extra, so 10 days = 30 meals).
• ICR reminds Residents to bring medications, supplements, & other personal needs (a 14-day supply suggested).
• Residents should bring sturdy footwear (and rainboots), rain gear, swimming attire, and decent selection of clothing (including a warm sweater) to change if it gets wet.

Resident Sheep

• A flock of approximately 40 ‘wild’ sheep inhabit the island with no fencing.
• Residents may interact with the flock but must remember to be respectful of their nervous nature.
• Please do not feed the sheep.
• A sheep herder visits the island from time to time to feed grain and monitor their health.
• Be careful of leaving personal items outside or creating obstacles near the cabin or elsewhere.

Safety

• A designated fire pit and firewood is provided nearby the cabin (no collection of wood on the island is allowed); keep water nearby to extinguish the fire quickly if needed.
• Pets are not allowed on the island.
• Illegal substances and firearms are prohibited on the island.
• Smoking or vaping is not allowed inside the cabin.
• Do not consume plant or animal material found on the island, because there is a high probability of contamination from sheep feces.
• Residents must always carry cell phones in case of injury or other potential safety concerns.
• Residents will be given the contact cell number for their appointed ICR person and the designated boat operator.
• Residents can explore the island independently but must communicate with their fellow Resident about where they are going and when they may return to the cabin.
• Residents will ‘check-in’ with their appointed person from the ICR committee each day at a designated time.

Island Trails, Terrain, Seashore

• Natural paths have been created all over the island, by people and sheep.
• The paths may or may not be clear of debris or obstacles.
• The foreshore consists of gently sloping sand/gravel beaches and steep rocky cliffs of bedrock or loose material.
• The whole island is accessible, but ICR advises caution in more difficult terrain, especially in wet conditions.
• SHARKS! West Ironbound is known to be on ‘shark alley.’ This area is between the island and mainland. Swimming is recommended at the beach adjacent to the cabin and protected by Foggy Islands.
• Never turn your back on the ocean; unexpected rip currents and rogue waves can occur quickly.

Emergencies

• The island is remote and unoccupied, the nearest medical assistance and facilities are on the mainland.
• The RCMP and Coast Guard have been notified of the residencies and will respond when Residents call 911.
• Transportation to the nearest hospital (Bridgewater) may take 2-3 hours or possibly longer dependent on response time, boat travel to/from the island, ground transportation, and inclement weather.
• It is not a certainty that medical air transport will be dispatched to the island.
• Residents should contact the ICR boat operator and liaison person only after calling 911 and after they have received assistance.
• Paying attention to and adhering to your ICR liaison’s advice regarding your stay will greatly reduce the potential for serious emergencies.

Residents take sole responsibility for their own safety and well-being. You will be required to sign a liability waiver. Once you are selected by the committee, ICR will send detailed descriptions and requirements to help you prepare for a comfortable, productive, and inspiring residency.