Mira Road, a community in Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. With a population of 1,578 as of 2001, this community is located immediately east of Sydney and is now part of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Mira Road was originally constructed by French military forces from Fortress Louisbourg in the 18th century. The road, known as the "Grande Chemin de Mire," was used for commercial purposes to transport goods between Louisbourg and Spanish Bay, which includes present-day Sydney Harbour. Remarkably, the road was wide enough for two carriages to pass, a significant achievement in colonial France. However, after the French military forces were defeated and expelled from the area, Britain moved to consolidate it with the colony of Nova Scotia.
The settlement in the outlying areas of Sydney, including Mira Road, only began after the American Revolution. New England Loyalists, seeking refuge, moved to southern Cape Breton Island and populated the area along Mira Road. They began farming and eventually established a community named "Mira Road."
In the 1970s, Mira Road underwent significant changes as much of the farmland was subdivided into housing lots. The area transformed into a bedroom community of the City of Sydney, marking a new era in its history.
In 1995, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital was opened in Mira Road. With major expansions over the years, it has become the major referral centre for Cape Breton Island, further enhancing the importance of Mira Road within the region.
In conclusion, Mira Road, Nova Scotia, is a community with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a French military road to its current status as a residential community and home to a major hospital, Mira Road continues to be an integral part of Cape Breton County.
