And the winners are . . .

The votes are in and Sackville residents have named their top seven most valuable treasures in the community.

Sackville's Waterfowl Park, Mount Allison University, the Tantramar Marshes, Mel's Tea Room, the swan pond, the Wheaton covered bridge, and Silver Lake were the top vote-getters in the 7 Wonders of Sackville campaign.

These seven 'wonders' were chosen among a list of more than 15 nominations that came in from the public throughout January and February, a list that showcased much of what Sackville has to offer.

"The purpose of this was to get people talking about their town and to get them to start realizing that there's value in the community . . . things for the community to be proud of," said Tracey Wade, who helped spearhead the 7 Wonders contest, an initiative of the town's Sustainable Sackville plan.

Wade said she believes the contest achieved its goal, noting that 215 people in the community took the time to vote for their favourites earlier this month.

"We were pleased with the results," she said.

As the Sustainable Sackville committee works towards developing and implementing a sustainability plan for the town, Wade said it's essential to first look at the community's assets and then consider what actions need to be taken to ensure those assets are maintained.

"Some may think long-term preservation is key, others may see our community as adaptable where we can build on our assets. In any case, the key is understanding why we value these things. If we can agree on the fundamental principles, then we are well on our way to creating a sustainable community," she said.

She also pointed out that it's interesting to note that the top three vote-getters - the Waterfowl Park, Mount Allison University and the Tantramar Marshes - all illustrate aspects of the three pillars of sustainability (economy, environment, and social).

The Waterfowl Park, for instance, has obvious environmental benefits as a reclaimed wetland, providing a habitat for an assortment of wildlife and a natural filtration system. Economic benefits of the park are reflected in the tourism stats, usually the highlight for many visitors coming to Sackville. Social benefits include recreational and educational opportunities for all ages, and the park serves as a canvas for many artists.

Mount Allison University offers huge economic benefits for the town as the single biggest employer and economic driver in the community. Social benefits are derived from all the arts, culture and volunteer efforts that result from being tied to this impressive institution and there are opportunities for learning for all members of the community, said Wade.

Mount Allison has also proven its leadership on various environmental initiatives, and has encouraged the learnings and actions of the students and professors to improve the environment.

The Tantramar Marshes have a long history of economic and social implications, which inspired permanent settlement more than 350 years ago.

From an environmental perspective, while the dyking of the marsh resulted in a massive destruction of natural habitat (it would have never been allowed under modern society), the dykes created new opportunities for the settlers, opportunities which are still used today, Wade explained.

And now the marsh is habitat to many waterfowl and other flora and fauna. As well, there are many social and cultural benefits through fine art, poetry, and songs, and the marsh is an ongoing inspiration to many.

Sackville Mayor Pat Estabrooks admitted she wasn't surprised by the people's top choices in the 7 Wonders contest but she said she's encouraged that the community sees the true value in the places and items that make the town what it is.

"It speaks to me of the history and the heritage of the town and that the people here are proud of what we've got," she said.

Estabrooks said each one of the winning wonders are considered "drawing cards" for the town and will continue to be maintained and further developed.

Other nominations included the farmers' market, Bridge Street bridge, Sackville music hall, the railway, the antique store, the quarry, the town's central location, and the people of Sackville.