A Year of Change in North Canaan: Farm Fires, Fundraisers and Musical Storefronts


NORTH CANAAN — It was a year of changes, and plans for more change. Whether it was the result of foresight, circumstance or a deep-seated concern by residents for the town’s future, what appeared initially as a surrender to development could turn out to be the beginning of good things.

Old Times and New at NCES

Never was town loyalty more in evidence than in April, when North Canaan Elementary School celebrated its 50th anniversary.

There was some debate over the actual anniversary year (which was not completely settled by the unearthing of a 30-year-old time capsule). And there was a day full of old friends and reminiscences.

The new school year began with Canaan native and veteran NCES teacher Rosemary Keilty taking over as principal. She replaced Thomas Gaisford, who is now the regional assistant superintendent.

Plans for an expansion to the school, including a new, indoor town pool, took shape over the course of the year. In December, architect Ray Sevigny confirmed his original estimate for the proposal at just under $40 million.

And the boys and girls soccer teams both wrapped up the fall season undefeated. Changes in the Center of Town

Rebuilding of the historic depot made marked progress, while the streetscape committee continued to wrestle with plans for a $500,000 grant for town center improvements.

Residents approved a budget footing bills for town, school and regional spending that topped $9 million.

The business landscape changed dramatically on several fronts. The corner of East Main and North Elm streets was cleared of trees to make way for the new Super Stop & Shop. The mega-grocery opened in June and is considered by most folks in town to be an attractive building, and a great improvement over the old store.

And thanks to the diligence of the Town Beautification Committee, the caliber of a relandscaping plan there was bumped up during the project’s permitting process.

The controversial Canaan Log Yard closed and was the cause of considerable angst on the part of residents and the Planning and Zoning Commission. After great debate over whether the log yard should be allowed on that part of Route 7, right next to several residences, the business abruptly shut down. The parent company said a drop in business prompted the closing.

A controversial zone change on Route 44 and Furnace Hall Road is bringing new business and tax dollars, but some continue to object to the loss of a notable view and the addition of a very industrial-style building.

Several businesses shut down, opened, reopened or changed locations.

S.J. Masters expanded back into its original Church Street storefront. The Phoenix Café was sold and reopened on Main Street. The Maine Caboose changed hands (its former owners took over the Irving Farm coffee shop in Millerton). NewMil Bank became Webster Bank.

The Subway shop has a new owner. The bicycle shop next door closed, down, to be replaced by the Great Wall Chinese restaurant, which will leave its spot beside the gas station, creating a mini restaurant row in the center of town.

New condominiums were approved for North Elm Street, but have yet to be started.

Developers of an active adult community off West Main Street broke ground just before the end of the year.

An independent pharmacy was welcomed back to Canaan in the form of Canaan Apothecary. The former Brooks Pharmacy will now become a Rite Aid.

Canaan Market, in the wake of a July fire, announced it was closing.

Yet another attempt was made to open a Dunkin’ Donuts here. If a new shop ever opens, it could be just in time to be impacted by a proposed statewide transfats ban. Fun and Fundraisers

Summer brought the much-anticipated fun of the annual firemen’s carnival and Railroad Days, as well as the return of weekly bingo, courtesy of St. Joseph’s Church.

The Canaan Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary celebrated its 30th anniversary with a car show.

In East Canaan, farmers rallied twice to help their peers. Two barns were destroyed by fire at Ford’s Farm in April. In early October, the almost new milking parlor at Elm Knoll Farm burned, along with the landmark, "Got Milk" time and temperature sign.

The intrepid farmers quickly pulled themselves up by their bootstraps.

Autumn leaves were accompanied by the return of Steve Blass and the dedication of the refurbished — thanks to volunteers and donations — Steve Blass Little League Field.

Summed up, it was heartening to see a town work not to oppose change out of hand, but to work to control its own destiny.

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