Sydney Developments [Archive]

Smevo

December 8th, 2005, 07:00 AM

http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/91974722.jpg
CBRM Meetings Weekly Schedule (http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/cbrm-meetings.html)
CBRM Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw (including North End Sydney Secondary Planning Strategy and North End Viewplanes) (http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/municipal-planning-strategy.html)
CBRM Active Transportation Plan (http://laserfiche.cbrm.ns.ca/weblink7/Browse.aspx?dbid=18&startid=6754)
CBRM Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (http://laserfiche.cbrm.ns.ca/weblink7/DocView.aspx?id=10601&dbid=19)

Sydney (Central CBRM) Projects Map (http://www.marketingsociety.ca/maps/sydneycentre/index.php#)
North Sydney-Sydney Mines (Northside) Projects Map (http://www.marketingsociety.ca/maps/sydneynorth/index.php)
*Thanks to myles_malley for hosting them.

2006 CENSUS
Cape Breton Economic Region: 142,298

CBRM CA: 105,928

CBRM CSD: 102,250

CBRM Urban Areas:
Sydney - 33,012
Glace Bay - 19,968
Sydney Mines (Northside) - 15,500
New Waterford - 9,661

Photos by myself unless credited. Satellite photos created by myself using Google Satellite Imagery.

URBAN CBRM
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418730.jpg
Red = old city/town limits (except Sydney Mines and Dominion = Green)
Blue = Suburban spillover

RESIDENTIAL

Harbourstone Residence
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892436.jpg
Bing.com Maps (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=46.10663787545348~-60.215102195146&lvl=16&sty=h)
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892424.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=46.105539,-60.214348&spn=0,0.021973&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=46.105491,-60.214069&panoid=g3gIczOKaaAjRuYwZsX2Xg&cbp=12,43.67,,0,5&msid=103381556606783862860.000484f411877dc09ea21)
I can't make out the rendering on the sign, but the new building is likely to be very similar to the existing ones.

Vista Heights Senior Complex Renovations
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418733.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/image/123891638.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&ll=46.137203,-60.195465&spn=0,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.137477,-60.195576&panoid=JCu8x-JuDu2vzwSSMBFdxg&cbp=12,304.13,,0,-17.5)

Northside Guest Home Expansion
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418635.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/image/123891660.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&ll=46.194032,-60.265245&spn=0,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.194237,-60.264923&panoid=3ksPdqXYKeBgpyBFFFBkSQ&cbp=12,79.17,,0,5)

Affordable Housing, Sydney Mines
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418503.jpg
New Deal Development
20 units
Not sure where on Pitt St it's going.

Spanish Gates
Proposed
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418721.jpg
Harbour Royale Developments
Trifos Consulting
7 storeys
44 - Condo Units
124 - Hotel Rooms
Rumoured Parking Garage
Currently awaiting approval (since 2006) and facing opposition from the Northend residents. Also has to negotiate around newly imposed viewplanes.

Whitney Pier Affordable Housing
Proposed
http://www.pbase.com/image/123891688.jpg
New Dawn Development
Remediation Underway

COMMERCIAL

Membertou Hotel - Hampton by Hilton
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892410.jpg
Bing.com Maps (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=46.121074110953046~-60.19300079286329&lvl=17&sty=h)
Membertou Developments
Size currently unknown.

YMCA Renovations
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418739.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115710860.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115710864.jpg
Trifos Consulting

Chandler's Renovations
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418509.jpg
purpose unknown, possibly offices

Mayflower Mall Renovations
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418610.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115710851.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115710851/original)
High Peak Development
Mall Website (http://mayflowermall.com/)
Since Spring 2007
Expanded:
Music World (closed after Christmas 2007)
Rolling Phones (Aliant)
Mark's Work Wearhouse
Smart Set
Tip Top Tailors
City Streets

New Stores:
Ricki's
Sport Chek
Winners
Future Shop
Fairweather
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Michael's
Urban Planet
East Side Mario's
Telus Mobility
Alia N TanJay
Laura Canada
Olsen Europe
Samuel & Co.
Sports Fanatic
Stokes (coming soon)
Jacob (coming soon)
(locals, if there's an error or I'm missing something, please let me know)

SPAR Rd Power Centre
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418722.jpg
High Peak Development
Unshaded Building = Home Depot completed 2005
Purple = Wal Mart completed 2006
Red = Canadian Tire completed 2006
Blue = future expansion, second phase under construction
Large area recently cleared in next phase. Costco rumours continue to circulate, however, nothing official announced yet.
Grand Plan for Phase 1 (ie- "Near Future" Plan) (http://mayflowermall.com/pdfs/aerial-view.pdf)
Garth Wilson Ave (main road for Phase 2)
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115710849.jpg

Microtel Inns
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418613.jpg

Mayflower Mall Annex
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418608.jpg
High Peak Development

Northside Downs Renovations
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418630.jpg

Fitness Centre
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418720.jpg
Formerly rumored to be site of new Shoppers Drug Mart

Sydney Shopping Centre Renovations
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/126421238.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=sydney,+ns&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=NFk5TIrCH4yWsgPtgpxR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.139582,-60.184758&spn=0,0.021973&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=46.139689,-60.184053&panoid=RDGp0wKeNw3YThkrkmmA_w&cbp=12,215.2,,0,5)

Centre 200 Renovations
Under Construction
Press Boxes, Video Scoreboard, and Expanded Capacity to 5,000 among renovation projects. Many of these are expected to be ready for the new QMJHL season.

Planet Space Launch Pad
Proposed
Recent article suggests project is still alive and kicking, and that the site in Alder Point was chosen.

The Keg Steakhouse
Rumoured
Rumours have it opening in the old Joe's Warehouse location, however, building is not officially for sale so this remains nothing more than a rumour at this point in time.

INSTITUTIONAL AND GOVERNMENT

Membertou Health Centre
Proposed
Would go somewhere on newly completed access road.

Membertou Band Office
Proposed
Would go somewhere on newly completed access road.

NSCC Marconi Campus Addition
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892378.jpg
Bing.com Maps (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=46.164568187765845~-60.09461736619703&lvl=16&sty=h)
$6M two story LEED certified addition.

Boardwalk Extension
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115718387.jpg
CBRM
Part of plan to connect Boardwalk to Wentworth Park and potentially Rotary Park and the Baille Ard Trail.

Northside Elementary
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418632.jpg

Northside Public Works Building, Northside Industrial Park
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418637.jpg
CBRM

Cape Breton Regional Hospital Renovations
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418648.jpg
Renal Dialysis Unit Expansion (completed 2009)
Cancer Unit (completed 2010)
Pain, Heart, and Respiratory Therapy Clinics and Sleep Lab (completed 2010)

Wentworth Park Renovations
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418738.jpg
CBRM
Blue = Phase 1, completed 2007
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/86229991.jpg
Red = Phase 2, Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115710868.jpg

Munro Park Renovations
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418616.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892004.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=46.19326,-60.266876&spn=0,0.175781&t=h&z=13&layer=c&cbll=46.19342,-60.266516&panoid=NNyvnekehaCO6Y1YV31dXw&cbp=12,131.78,,0,5&msid=103381556606783862860.000484f411877dc09ea21)
CBRM

Renwick Brook Park Renovations
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418651.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/96261371.jpg
CBRM

CBU Residence and Dining Hall
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418508.jpg

Sydney Airport Improvements
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418504.jpg
New apron panels and upgraded runway lighting

Oceanview Jr. High, Glace Bay
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/111718184.jpg

Route 4 upgrades
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418719.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115718402.jpg
(Don't worry, we were stopped and waiting for the pilot vehicle)
When upgraded or replaced, Route 4 will become Hwy 104 and replace 105 as the Trans Canada Highway on Cape Breton Island.

Sydney Harbour Dredging Project
Proposed
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418521.jpg
Sydney Marine Group
Part of Atlantic Gateway Initiative. Would create a channel 9km long and 17m deep. Tender awarded and funding committed by NSPC ($1M), CBRM ($2M), Provincial Government ($15.2M). Waiting for decision from Federal Government which is being asked to commit $19M to the project because it is a federal harbour. Aside from the container terminal proposal, other major rumoured developments with publicly stated interest in the area can only go ahead with a dredged access channel.

Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal Renovations
Approved
Renovations to existing facilities and a new terminal in North Sydney beside Commercial Street which will have access to downtown North Sydney.

Port to Port Highway and Corridor
Proposed
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418642.jpg
CBRM
Proposal to link Sydney Sea Port facilities with Sydney Airport. Would be controlled access highway. Master plan is to create a business corridor along highway and open up new development land.

Highway 125 (Sydney By-Pass) twinning
Under Construction
- Coxheath to Balls Creek announced 2006
Approved
- Sydney River to Grand Lake Road announced 2007, expected design phase 2010.
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/93184180.jpg
- blue, already twinned
- green, Coxheath to Balls Creek, relatively light traffic compared to rest of highway
- red, Sydney River to Grand Lake Road, busiest two-lane highway in province

Highway 125 sections awaiting twinning (Video from July 2008):
rqIkkcv-W4o
Driver: Smevo
Video: S.B.
Photos from July 2009
Phase 1:
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115718398.jpg
Phase 2:
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115721339.jpg

Louisbourg to Gabarus Highway
Proposed
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/94998503.jpg
Would follow route of old dirt road, land annexed in 1960's by Parks Canada for Louisbourg National Historic Site.

INDUSTRIAL

Harbourside Commercial and Light Industrial Park
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418523.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892077.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=46.147978,-60.17895&spn=0,0.351562&t=h&z=12&layer=c&cbll=46.147978,-60.17895&panoid=pUZu2kh58v1LLUO7yFVzdg&cbp=12,292.05,,0,5&msid=103381556606783862860.000484f411877dc09ea21)
New Sports Facility Approved on site
Overpass Removal and new Surface Street Network Rumoured

Donkin Mine
Proposed
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418513.jpg
XStrata
Erdene Gold
Undergoing Environmental and Sustainability Assessments.

Sydport Container Terminal
Proposed
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/97217774.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/115719082.jpg
Sydney Marine Group
Capacity of 500,000 TECUs
$200M proposal, fully private money.

Fertilizer Manufacturing Plant
Rumoured
Bankok Company
Site unknown, but interested in "Sydney area".

Shipbuilding Facility
Rumoured
Daewoo Shipping
Interesting in locating facility on Sydney Harbour, though nothing concrete yet. Would need at least 14m depth in harbour, so dredging is a prerequisite.

POWER PROJECTS

Lingan Power Plant Environmental Refit
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418604.jpg

Lake Uist Wind and Hydro Generating Project
Proposed
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418528.jpg
Luciano Lisi
44-Wind Turbines
Pump water from Lake Uist to holding tank to be released during peak demand times.
Undergoing environmental assessment. Facing lots of opposition from locals and Fish and Game association.

WATER PROJECTS

Northside Water Supply Treatment Facility
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418640.jpg
CBRM

Louisbourg Water Supply Treatment Facility
Approved
CBRM
Site unknown

REMEDIATION PROJECTS

Princess Mine Remediation
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418644.jpg

Tar Ponds Cleanup and Solidification
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418726.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892095.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=46.142913,-60.17993&spn=0,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.139034,-60.188195&panoid=TAr5WqeKlS6CgU1NwKqsNw&cbp=12,320.37,,0,5&msid=103381556606783862860.000484f411877dc09ea21)

Coke Ovens Site Remediation
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892303.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=46.146719,-60.177698&spn=0,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.1471,-60.178093&panoid=UGj2OLCa2PBqfXh5tsbjMQ&cbp=12,14.36,,0,5&msid=103381556606783862860.000484f411877dc09ea21)

Victoria Junction Wash Plant Remediation
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418732.jpg

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Northside Civic Centre
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418628.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892189.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=46.21506,-60.267391&spn=0,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.215077,-60.267372&panoid=m02A2NBfoM-gt79TpPmhqA&cbp=12,335.84,,0,5&msid=103381556606783862860.000484f411877dc09ea21)

North Sydney Historical Society
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418625.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/image/123892248.jpg
Google Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=46.209977,-60.247955&spn=0,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.209868,-60.248035&panoid=hlegcmtyokDuMJKQjOt2iA&cbp=12,195.39,,0,-12.84&msid=103381556606783862860.000484f411877dc09ea21)

Donkin Community Centre
Approved
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418512.jpg

GOLF AND RESORT PROJECTS

Louisbourg Golf Resort, Spa and Upscale Subdivision
Under Construction
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418607.jpg
2-18 hole courses (Architect - Nick Faldo)
400 home subdivision prices ranging $400,000 to $1,000,000
Cape Breton Island Developments

MIXED USE

The Village by CBU
Proposed
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/109418729.jpg
Site Plan (http://www.sydneyareachamber.ca/member_documents/bb_9_Site_Plan_June_2008_Model_(1).pdf)
Signs are down and no news from this development in over a year. Likely a dead proposal, so I will remove it if there is no news in 6 months or at the time of the next main page update, whichever comes later.

Completed projects in last 5 years
arranged by year (note- completed projects relating to the CBRH, SPAR Rd Power Centre and Mayflower Mall appear in their own section).
2006
The Wentworth Condos, Kings Rd - 4 floors (2006) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.131489,-60.195113&spn=0.003138,0.021973&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=46.131489,-60.195113&panoid=Jwv_F4TABfKkcYOXvwfOaQ&cbp=12,47.3,,0,-17.5)
Coxheath Interchange Hwy 125 (Exit 5A - 2006) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.115149,-60.238295&spn=0.003139,0.021973&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=46.114429,-60.246785&panoid=lb5G64SSX9rkPc8YJOLjFg&cbp=11,142.3,,0,5)
2007
Membertou Trade and Convention Centre (~2007)
DFO Westmount (2007) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.145812,-60.228896&spn=0.003137,0.021973&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=46.145647,-60.23059&panoid=QetMty51vXtBH10BO4aGeQ&cbp=12,359.32,,0,5)
Health Park at CBRH - 5 floors (2007) (http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/86232014)
Lingan Wind Farm (2007) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.246885,-60.053759&spn=0.012524,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.246885,-60.053716&cbp=11,0,,0,5&photoid=po-17229678)
Sydney Waste Water Treatment Facility (2007) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.147551,-60.203276&spn=0.012547,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.147553,-60.203238&panoid=tbgeqQzMZBxsoi00df5eLw&cbp=11,0,,0,5)
2008
Atlantic CAT Rentals, Balls Creek (2008) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.145232,-60.304728&spn=0.012547,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.145229,-60.304718&panoid=9-BfyVK-9pM-TViSNRjPDw&cbp=11,264.64,,0,-0.71)
Kia Auto Mall, Grand Lake Rd (2008) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.146778,-60.150146&spn=0.012547,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.146792,-60.150178&panoid=a0vnPqrsnBAcIZ9bs8EwFA&cbp=11,49.04,,0,-3.09)
Flavors Restaurant (2008)
Delta Exterior Renovations (2008) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.139166,-60.196066&spn=0.012549,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.139147,-60.196066&panoid=aGdBzST6xfJekQQoH7kG5Q&cbp=12,222.8,,0,-9.41)
Protocase, Harbourside (2008)
Stirling Pharma (formerly Keata), Northside Industrial Park (2008)
New Waterford Water Supply Treatment Facility (2008)
Glace Bay Skate Park (2008) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.193557,-59.956427&spn=0.012536,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.192853,-59.963014&panoid=6bG1Gn66T5nromfh1DdLfQ&cbp=11,48.34,,0,2.45)
2009
The Lakes Golf Course, Ben Eion (2009) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=45.976029,-60.437508&spn=0.012586,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=45.976046,-60.4375&panoid=Fw0dtJkPv6tETW6s7ojkUQ&cbp=12,154.51,,0,0.43)
EHS Headquarters, George St (2009) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.115907,-60.169029&spn=0.012554,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.115893,-60.169048&panoid=dohUQHctDmss-xZE_0g52g&cbp=11,242.84,,0,2.45)
Kenny's Pizza DT Location, Townsend St (2009) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.134646,-60.193319&spn=0.01255,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.134669,-60.193303&panoid=FZhMgbD_LsE3cjNLv_vZGA&cbp=11,351.12,,0,2.36)
Lawton's and Medical Centre, George St - 2 floors (2009) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.134897,-60.191708&spn=0.01255,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.134879,-60.191856&panoid=ZwqUNY6ZZ_MqdthlrU1pfg&cbp=12,355.25,,0,-0.98)
Riverview Rural High School Renovations (2009?)
Sydney Academy Renovations (2009?)
2010
Vogue Office Building, Charlotte St - 3 floors (2010) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=sydney,+ns&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sydney,+Cape+Breton+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&ei=i0g5TMi2OY7WtQOU0chR&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=46.135831,-60.194981&spn=0.01255,0.087891&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=46.135961,-60.195021&panoid=Vc14ncTilviePCtXd28frw&cbp=12,25.83,,0,-10.82)
CB Health and Recreation Complex, CBU (2010)
Membertou Access Rd (2010)
Membertou Business Centre (2010)
Alexadra Street Roundabout (2010)
Dominion Waste Water Treatment Facility (2010)

If anyone notices any errors in location or info, let me know and I'll fix it.

I'll post more updates as they come.

♣628.finst

December 31st, 2005, 07:01 AM

Looks nice. Sydney needs these kind of new projects.

Smevo

June 9th, 2006, 08:06 AM

Surprising to me, Harbour Tower Apts is still a go. They're in the lease signing stage now before construction, so hopefully it's just a matter of time. It's going to be a mixed use retail/apartments/condos building, with the condos being a steal and a great investment opportunity if I had the money. I'll keep you posted as I hear about it.

There's more small projects (the new SPAR Rd has seen the third box store completion since it's opening only about a year ago, a new fire staion for Grand Lake Rd, church on Inglis St, plans for the old Steel Plant grounds are in place so the demolision of the old mills is still going on...there was a lot to demolish), but for slight larger projects, Health Park was near completion in May, so should be completed this summer, and The Wentworth is completed and occupied (not sure of the occupancy rate, but those condos were a steal as well).

As usual, I'll keep you posted as I hear.

HaliGuy

July 1st, 2006, 05:43 PM

Good to see stuff like this gong on in Sydney.

skyscraper_1

July 1st, 2006, 06:02 PM

Good to see...anything...happen in Sydney.

Black Slacks

July 5th, 2006, 10:53 PM

Thanks a lot for the info, I find this all really interesting. For a city and surrounding area of its size, I'd like to see Sydney assert itself even more as a city and realise more of its potential beauty.

That's disappointing about the Silicon Valley II; they looked awesome. Phase I looks great - this is actually the first I've heard of this community college but it's very intriguing.

I'm impressed with Trifos' interest in the community.

Smevo

October 25th, 2006, 10:23 AM

Finally found the website for the new condo on Sydney's waterfront. 50 unit, 12 storey building at the end of Dorchester St on the Esplanade. This would make it the second tallest building downtown, with the tallest remaining Vista Heights at 13 storeys 3 buildings over which was built by the same developer as this building.
You'll find it's website here:
http://www.thedorchester.ca
Here's the rendering from the website:
http://www.thedorchester.ca/pics/Dorchester_Building_Picture.jpg

Here are some (very) rough ideas of what it will look like on the skyline from different angles.
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/69143816.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/69143816/original.html)
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/69143819.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/69143819/original.html)
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/69143821.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/69143821/original.html)

That's all for now. I can't wait for this thing to start, sounds like it will be soon! Here's hoping.

Black Slacks

October 26th, 2006, 12:59 AM

Very cool, thanks for the info. Looks especially great in the last picture (well, it will look great).

Any word on the Harbour Tower Apartments? It would be awesome for the skyline to see these both going ahead.

Smevo

October 26th, 2006, 04:19 AM

The Dorchester is the replacement of the Harbour Tower Apartments, though I wouldn't be surprised if this developer revives them on another site in 5 to 10 years time. There's an empty lot beside Cambridge suites that would look great with a 12-15 storey building on it. I actually have a concept design of my own, but it's going to be a long time before I can do anything with it, and the site will probably be developed by then.

skyscraper_1

October 26th, 2006, 08:47 PM

Does downtown Sydney have a lot of NIMBYism like Halifax?

Smevo

October 27th, 2006, 12:43 AM

^very much so, there are many opponents to this, but most of the supporters are vocal enough that this is on its way to getting built. The first argument against The Dorchester was that it would block the view of the harbour down Dorchester St (which nobody drives down with the purpose of seeing "the view" which is just the suburb of Westmount across the harbour). After the developer changed the proposal to protect the historic properties along the north end of the Esplanade, and do a couple more revitalizations around the immediate area of the project, the main opposition became "that's too much development for Sydney." People are very foolish here, they want the city to grow and people to stay, but they don't want anything to be built bigger than a Burger King or Boston Pizza. :|
That being said, most of these larger projects end up being built anyway, because there is a large enough group that do want to see visible progress in Sydney. Most of our larger buildings downtown were built after 1980, which is impressive for a city that's been losing people since then.
In more news, Sydney experienced it's first (single-year) population increase since 1996, and the real-estate market in the area is heating up (though prices are still fairly cheap, they're just not sitting on the market anymore like they used to, and prices are expected to start noticably rising very soon). The difference with this year as opposed to 1996 is that the city's expected to continue growing this time...something I expected to wait 10-15 years to see. I also expected to wait another 10 years for this project to be started, and I thought I was being optimistic. :)

skyscraper_1

October 27th, 2006, 01:23 AM

Smevo

November 2nd, 2006, 06:24 AM

All indications are that this will be the case again possibly in the next 5 years. Sydney is quickly re-establishing itself as the second growth centre of the province again. It's already happening, but probably won't be visible until the 2011 census.

skyscraper_1

January 25th, 2007, 05:32 PM

Here is an article that appeared in the chronical herald at the end of 2006.

CAPE BRETON MYSTERY PROJECT

Rick Beaton, vice-president of Enterprise Cape Breton, says there will be an announcement of "major, major importance to Nova Scotia" in the new year.

Mr. Beaton said the backers of the privately funded megaproject have not yet picked a site on the Island, but are returning for the fifth time to "talk to people and doing tours." He earmarked February as the potential date.

"These people are very real. I’m very happy. I think we are going to have good things happening early in the new year," he said, hinting the project was bigger than the Louisbourg announcement and will require skilled labour during the construction phase and offer jobs that would pay in the $70,000 range once completed.
--------------------------
So keep on the lookout for this announcement everyone!

HaliGuy

January 25th, 2007, 06:46 PM

Black Slacks

January 25th, 2007, 06:52 PM

Bigger than a $300m resort!? Holy smokes!

Well, I like terms like "privately funded megaproject", "major, major importance" and "very real" and also "early in the new year".

The fact that they're touring the whole island makes it sound like something more touristy, but the skilled labour for construction and high paying jobs makes it sound like it could be something else?

Could this be the PlanetSpace centre? I mean, they've announced that they want to build the facility but I don't think they've announced many of the details, like where it will be?

Another possibility would be some sort of LNG processing plant or something along those lines.

skyscraper_1

January 25th, 2007, 08:30 PM

Here is the whole article - well just the Cape Breton news bits.

http://capebreton.com/gabZone/index.aro?ForumInfoID=10&VID=1256888

The spaceport was mentioned in the article so i do not think that is it. Refinery or LNG is certainly possible.

Yank in exile

January 25th, 2007, 09:25 PM

I've heard reports of some of the Sydney-area mineral extraction companies exploring the reopening of old mines. Is this something that could factor into an economic renaissance in the area?

If expansion plans are to be tourism-based, I honestly hope that better signage and road design will be a factor. I spent a couple of hours going around in circles, hopelessly lost, trying to find my hotel one night. Those quaint country roads are picturesque, but they do outsiders no favour—neither does having five municipalities within a small area bearing the name Sydney!

skyscraper_1

January 25th, 2007, 10:05 PM

Would a tourism-based project really pay $70,000 a year? Generally tourism is seasonally based and has low pay.

Perhaps it will be in the manufacturing sector?

...anyway it think we are all stabing in the dark right now :D

Rhino

January 26th, 2007, 03:16 AM

http://www.trifos.com/Unbuilt/harbour_tower/images/Harbour_Tower.jpg

Looks like what was just built here in Kamloops .

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d85/rhino8484/GALEA059.jpg

Smevo

January 26th, 2007, 04:25 AM

^Thanks for posting it skyscraper1. You're right about the tourism based industry, so I highly doubt it's that. As for the Planet Space center, they already have the land for that in Alder Point (NW of Sydney Mines). It would be doubtful to be a mining operation as well, since the re-opening of some of those with private ownership (notably Donkin and whatever stripmines opened before the moratorium) is no secret.

I'd say a refinery or LNG terminal is the best guess so far, and they are both operations that have had rumoured interest in the island in the past.

PS- I don't know why the site for The Dorchester is down. It was advertising occupancy in 12-24 months last time I looked at it, and it was very close to breaking ground on the last update (ie-had all the financing and enough leases signed as well as the full go-ahead from council). I'll keep an eye on it or try to find out if there's a new website.

Black Slacks

January 31st, 2007, 06:45 PM

Ray of hope shines on North Sydney centre
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | 10:26 AM AT
CBC News

The push is on to raise $1.5 million the community needs to build a new civic centre in Sydney's northside.

More than 700 people packed into the North Sydney Firemen’s Club Tuesday night to hear the latest news from the Northside Civic Centre Society.

Last week, the federal and provincial governments withdrew their offer of $3 million, saying the society had not met its deadline to raise funds to contribute toward the $9-million project.

Since then, project organizers have been scrambling to secure money and government support.

Now there is a ray of hope.

Cecil Clarke, the MLA for the area, said government funding would be available if the community can secure $1.5 million by the end of April.

"The only way that the infrastructure can be triggered right now is with a letter of guarantee or guarantees to do that," he told the crowd.

The community has already raised more than $900,000 and many people at the meeting urged others to continue to donate.

Civic centre society chair Leo Steele was handed several cheques after the meeting. He said he's confident the community can meet its requirement and predicted they'll break ground within three or four months.

Hugh Toner of George's River said he's pleased the community is working together.

"It's looking like it's going to work itself out the way it should," he said. "We needed you guys to stand forward and say I'm on board and I'm hearing that tonight."

Smevo

January 31st, 2007, 11:08 PM

good stuff, thanks for posting it Black Slacks. I do have one pet peeve with the article, stop calling North Sydney "Sydney's northside". Grrrr....they're two completely different towns with 20 minutes of forest in between. :bash:

Yank in exile

January 31st, 2007, 11:35 PM

How about introducing a little more variety into the names of the various townships that make up the Sydney area? Lessee: you've got Sydney, North Sydney, Upper North Sydney, Sydney River, Sydney Mines and Sydport, all in a relatively small area—but heaven help the auslander who's looking for an address in one of those municipalities who has been given the wrong town name (it happens a lot, I've discovered, thanks to mistakes on web sites, Mapquest, etc)!

After my experience of getting lost in the area one night, I'm still trying to figure out who this Sydney guy is (I know he's not the hockey player) and how he managed to name half the Island after himself.:)

Smevo

January 31st, 2007, 11:51 PM

Yes, it does get a little ridiculous with the "Sydney" name being in a lot around here (add Sydney Forks to your list). Being from Sydney (city), it just frustrates me when people assume that where they get the ferry from North Sydney is actually Sydney.

Anyway, knowing that was all in jest, Sydney (and the other Sydneys...except the hockey player) were named after Lord Sydney when they were founded (same as the one in Australia). Lord Sydney commisioned JFW DesBarres to settle an area in the new British colony of Cape Breton, and DesBarres chose the Sydney area, founding Sydney and North Sydney, one on River Denys (now Sydney Harbour) the other on Spanish Bay (now North Sydney Harbour). Just a little history. :)

Sydney River and Sydney Forks got their names by being suburbs and by their geographic location. Sydney River is obviously on the Sydney River and Sydney Forks is located where the Sydney River and Spanish River meet. Sydney Mines got the name from its proximity to North Sydney and the amount of mining activity in the community.

Black Slacks

February 2nd, 2007, 02:02 AM

NASA signs agreement to share information with Canadian spacecraft project

Published: Thursday, February 1, 2007 | 5:34 PM ET
Canadian Press: MICHAEL TUTTON

HALIFAX (CP) - NASA is acknowledging that a Canadian-designed spacecraft is a "potentially viable idea" to carry passengers and cargo from a Cape Breton launch pad to its international space station.

The space agency issued a release Thursday saying it has signed an agreement with PlanetSpace Inc. to share some technical information as the firm attempts to develop a rocketship in the next three years.

The agreement provides no cash to PlanetSpace, unlike an arrangement with two U.S.-based companies that have access to $500 million in funding.

However, the news release states the space agency "will share information that will help the companies understand projected requirements for space station crew and cargo transportation vehicles."

....

The designer said he's expecting the first milestone in the project would come next year, when the Silver Dart will take off from a Nova Scotia launch pad and fly through the atmosphere at an altitude of about 6,500 metres.

"By the end of 2008 we will put the Silver Dart on top of our rocket booster and fly it 4,000 miles," said Sheerin.

By the end of 2009, the goal is to send the spacecraft, named after an early airplane tested in Cape Breton, into orbit.

Eventually, the company says it wants to launch commercial customers into space and expects to create 5,000 "space tourists" over five years.

....

Kathuria said the firm is going to request land be contributed by Nova Scotia Business Inc., the province's economic development agency.

"We're in discussions for a signficant piece of land in the Cape Breton area," said Kathuria.

"We haven't bought any land. I think that would be part of the contribution of Nova Scotia to the project."

Neither executive was able to provide a precise location for the launch pad site.

A spokeswoman for the Nova Scotia agency, Sarah Levy, said she has no comment on whether the land will be provided.

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Atlantic/070201/t020115A.html

Smevo

February 2nd, 2007, 05:13 AM

^great news Black Slacks, the NASA issue was one of the main stumbling blocks of the project. Now that it's out of the way, they can focus on getting the land they need. :)

Smevo

February 4th, 2007, 03:44 AM

Today's CB Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=1642&sc=13):

Saturday, February 3, 2007

More land destined for business park

By Wes Stewart
the Cape Breton Post

“There is a lot going on but it’s in the planning and doing the inside work,” said Sysco president John Traves, as they gear up for the long-term hunt for tenants and people to purchase the land on the site of the former steel plant.

Traves said the province has had a lot of interest in the property.

“Our focus is to complete the wind up of Sydney Environmental Resources Ltd. and the reorganization of the two companies for the Department of Transportation and Public Works.

“We’ve got to dispose of SERL’s assets, wind up its operations and at the same these two companies — Nova Scotia Lands Inc. and Harbourside Business Park — are being started up by the Department of Transportation and Public Works.”

At the moment officials are surveying and transferring land that is ready for the commercial tenants in Harbourside Business Park which should be up and running April 1, he said.

“We are always open to expressions of interest, we have people here who will show what we have to offer in the way of the site.”

Most of the older buildings on the former steel plant site are essentially leased to tenants.

“The next step is to show people the advantages of the site and its location to see if we can spark some interest in new construction,” Traves added.

Nova Scotia Lands Inc., a subsidiary of Harbourside Business Park, has a pool of remediation expertise in place to manage other cleanup projects at other sites. As the site is remediated it will be absorbed into the business park to be sold and developed, he said.

Smevo

February 7th, 2007, 04:42 AM

Today's CB Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=1663&sc=1)

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Bed time for nursing home
Northside Guest Home can acquire acre of land from Munro Park in exchange for funding improvements

By By Chris Shannon
the Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The Northside Guest Home will be able to acquire one acre of land from Munro Park in exchange for funding some improvements to the North Sydney green space, including a revamped boardwalk.

Monday’s decision by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s corporate services committee came as a relief to the nursing home board’s vice-chair Karen Ralph.

“We’re very happy with the way the process has gone and we look to move forward with the additional beds,” she said, following the committee’s unanimous vote to allow a piece of the 11-acre park to be used in its proposed expansion of 39 beds.

The request for the long-term-care beds by the Northside Guest Home came as part of an announcement by the Department of Health in early 2006. The nursing home’s expansion is not related to the provincial government’s decision last Thursday to add another 832 long-term-care beds into the health-care system.

It was an allotment of 100 beds, in which 64 of the beds were designated as Level 2 nursing home and respite care for facilities in Sydney, Glace Bay or North Sydney.

Although the municipality is onboard with the estimated $7-9-million project, it’s far from a done deal, Ralph said.

“We’re going through the criteria of that process to add 39 beds to our guest home. We’re waiting for a decision from the Department of Health.”

It’s unclear when the province will arrive at a decision of which facilities receive the beds but Ralph expects it could come within the next two months. It would allow the nursing home to break ground this year.

Monday’s vote to permit the project to go ahead came after weeks of attempting to reach a compromise between the Northside Guest Home and the Friends of the Waterfront Society committee.

At a corporate services committee meeting Jan. 8, Friends of the Waterfront spokesperson Mike MacNeil said there was no room to negotiate because they feared the atmosphere of the park would be lost if the development went ahead on municipally owned park land.

“It’s designed just to suit themselves and it shouldn’t happen,” MacNeil said at the time of the volunteer nursing home board.

The issue created a controversy in the community and resulted in people writing about 20 letters to the editor of this newspaper, both for and against the proposal.

North Sydney Coun. Gordon MacLeod was initially against the plan to expand because of a deal made with the former town of North Sydney in 1995 to stop the nursing home from encroaching on Munro Park.

However, shortly after the Jan. 8 meeting MacLeod developed a plan in partnership with the Friends of the Waterfront and municipal staff.

He said there were two compelling reasons to allow the expansion to proceed — one being the Northside Guest Home is the only facility on the Northside to qualify for an expansion in this phase of the province’s plan for more long-term-care beds; and the second is the plan will make Munro Park a better recreation space.

The two-storey complex, with 43,000 square feet of space, could also create 72 permanent full-time positions.

During Monday’s meeting, MacLeod said his plan received a “strong consensus” from both groups.

“I think we developed a plan that meets both needs (of Munro Park and the Northside Guest Home),” he told the committee.

The property, which is appraised at $50,000, will be deemed as surplus to the CBRM and sold to the nursing home as long as several conditions are met.

Those include the relocation of a portion of the boardwalk, rebuilding a mini soccer field in a new location, paving Munro Park’s parking lot and council passing an amendment to the municipal planning strategy that will allow for this development on park land.

Council will also instruct the CBRM planning advisory committee to carry out the necessary public participation process.

Smevo

February 9th, 2007, 11:19 AM

From Today's Cape Breton Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=1694&sc=1)

Friday, February 9, 2007

Wasted space
Engineering firm studying what can be done with Sydney tar ponds and coke ovens sites

By By Tanya Collier MacDonald
the Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Ways to utilize the city’s waste sites once they’re capped is part of a $200,000 study analysing future uses of the properties and what role they’ll play in other plans.

The engineering firm CBCL is conducting the study on behalf of five stakeholders, which includes the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The goal is to forward recommendations by early summer.

“In its simplest form, it’s about how do we improve the transportation network,” said John Whalley, the municipality’s economic development manager. “In a more complicated form, it’s about trying to figure out if we can achieve a phased business park connecting the waterfront to the airport and university.”

The vision for the corridor starts at Harbourside Business Park built on the former Sysco site, flows to an area for light industrial use and ends with a technology park near Cape Breton University and Sydney airport. The study will determine if there is merit in developing infrastructure needed to support such an initiative. If there is merit, the next step would be to identify the role a remediated Sydney tar ponds and coke ovens sites will play, said Whalley.

“This is why it was so important for us to understand what could be done on the remediated properties,” said Whalley. “Do we have to avoid the remediated properties, or can they be used? If they can be used, to what standard can they be used? Can you put buildings on them? Could you put a road near the properties or through the properties?”

The answers to those questions won’t be available until further testing is conducted on the solidification and stabilization technology picked to manage the contaminated waste.

“We’re hoping CBCL will provide those answers,” said Whalley.

CBCL, in partnership with Earth Tech, is also working on a detailed engineering design for the cleanup. As well, it’s working with Xstrata Coal to determine the feasibility of opening Donkin mine.

“(CBCL) has to understand what (Sydney harbour) can do and understand the remediation work, not only on the tar ponds and coke ovens sites, but also the Devco sites located within the corridor,” he said.

Once CBCL collects data, a steering committee heading the future site use plan will start envisioning workshops and other exercises to help formulate recommendations. Then a feasibility study will be done on the proposed business corridor.

Whalley said the study is in advance of any funding commitments from government. The municipality is hoping a portion of the $400 million the province and Ottawa allocated for the project will be directed to future site use.

“It’s not quite clear how much money, if any, is dedicated to future site use,” he said.

A recommendation from a joint review panel assessing the remediation project called for government to fund a plan but not to finance that plan.

Whalley said once a feasibility study is complete, the committee will work to determine where the money will come from.

“A big part of that will have to come from the municipal capital budget, but hopefully the provincial and federal governments will also be willing to contribute.”

He’s also hoping the Atlantic Gateway Strategy, which is focused on the Port of Halifax and the Strait of Canso Superport, will make room for the Port of Sydney.

The Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, Nova Scotia Lands Corp., Public Works and Government Services of Canada, Cape Breton Development Corp. and the municipality shared the study’s cost.

I wanted to see just how much land it would cover, so here's a rough idea with an explanation below the pic.
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/74149577/original.jpg

Top of the picture is North.
Alright, the yellow lines outline Downtown Sydney (DT), Cape Breton University (CBU) and the Sydney Airport (cleverly labeled Airport :tongue2: ).
The red is Muggah Creek, also known as the Tar Ponds. That is the area to be capped.
The green area to the West of Victoria Rd (Hwy 28) is what is currently being developed into Harbourside Commercial Park, with the green area to the East of Victoria Rd being the old Coke Ovens site which is undergoing remediation and will be turned over to the commercial park afterwards.
Here's where it gets tricky. When I read they wanted to connect it to CBU and the airport, I got curious what route they'd take and here's what I came up with.
There are two possible routes, (1) the blue area and (2) the yellow area. Each one runs into its own problems.

Route 1:
Between the lakes is dense forest which is a wildlife haven. Using this route would force a lot of wildlife including foxes, coyotes, etc to compete with the expanding park. The area outlined in white is where you'd possibly run into NIMBY problems as it would almost literally be in their backyards.

Route 2:
Limited room and possible conflict with Victoria Jct Coal Processing facility (area in between routes 1 and 2, East of the lake). Again with this route, the area outlined in white would be NIMBY problems.

The areas outlined in black are golf courses, so the park would have to go around these.
The area outlined in red is the correctional centre, so you don't want to move too close to that.

The third option would be to cross Grand Lake Rd beside the Mayflower Mall and go around growing subdivisions and an active (expanding) cemetery. Crossing Grand Lake Rd beside the Mayflower Mall would be quite difficult, however, because Burnac (owners of the mall and Spar Rd shopping district) plan to connect the shopping district (read: power centre) to the mall in that area, and possibly acquire the vacant land near the mall if they don't own it already for future expansion of the shopping district.

Any way you cut it, it's an ambitious plan that will take many years to reach CBU and the airport, unless they decide to grow in "nodes" and start a "node" soon between CBU and the airport.

Smevo

February 17th, 2007, 08:46 PM

Monday's CB Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=1713&sc=13)

Monday, February 12, 2007

Lake Ainslie area could be site for oil drilling program

By By Wes Stewart
the Cape Breton Post

By Wes Stewart

Cape Breton Post

LAKE AINSLIE — Soil tests and seismic exploration to be conducted this year will determine the best locations for an oil drilling program in the Lake Ainslie area.

PetroWorth Resources Inc., Calgary, has commissioned consulting geoscientists W.G. Shaw and Associates of Antigonish to do an evaluation of the geological and geophysical components on 383,000 acres of land it holds exploration and development rights near Lake Ainslie.

Shaw and Associates surveyed the area in 2004 and concluded it has geology similar to the McCully and Stoney Creek fields near Moncton, N.B.

PetroWorth Resources is a junior oil exploration company with extensive onshore properties in eastern Canada.

President Neil Mednick said Shaw’s previous work came to the conclusion this could very well be a hydrocarbon-bearing area.

“They believe at this stage the geological structure is very similar to the structure at Stoney Creek.”

That field that has produced about 800,000 barrels of oil and about 30 billion cubic feet of gas to date, he said.

The Ainslie block has a whole number of oil seeps on the property.

“It’s an indication of hydrocarbons and oil, the question is how is it sitting — in reservoirs or inordinately fractured and hard to produce, and those are the kinds of things we need to find out,” Mednick said.

Shaw will do follow-up work to their earlier study.

“We expect those results to be pretty positive,” and will follow with an extensive 2-D seismic project on the property.

“Depending on the seismic results we would expect and hope to engage in an exploration drilling program.

“If we hit we will be very happy,” Mednick said.

The area has been explored for years but modern exploration methods will allow them to more accurately pinpoint where the pools might be, he said.

Not sure whether I like it or not, mostly depends on where it sits.

Smevo

February 17th, 2007, 08:49 PM

From Tuesday's CB Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=1729&sc=1)

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

A bottle of Glen Breton Ice
A bottle of Glen Breton Ice
Glenora thinks twice about Glen Breton Ice
Demand forces Cape Breton distillery to release second limited bottling of world’s first single malt whisky aged in an ice wine barrel

By By Nancy King
the Cape Breton Post

GLENVILLE — The Glenora Distillery is releasing a second limited bottling of its Glen Breton Ice, after an initial release virtually sold out within two weeks.

The product, the world’s first single malt whisky aged in an ice wine barrel, will be available at selected Nova Scotia Liquor Commission retail outlets.

Glenora president Lauchie MacLean said 60 cases have been set aside for sale in Nova Scotia. Some will also be shipped to Poland and Belgium, initially, with orders pending for the United States and Sweden. The Inverness County company also expects to be shipping to Asia by April.

“It’s been phenomenal, we haven’t been able to keep up to it,” MacLean said, of the demand inspired by the initial release at the end of last year. “Jost Wineries, who we’re dealing with, is trying to age more product so we can have access to more casks.”

The strong favourable response within the province caught MacLean a bit off guard. He noted it is an expensive product, retailing for $49.95 for a 250-millimetre bottle.

“The price point is not for the faint of heart,” he said. “It’s expensive but it’s extremely rare . . . The proof will be in the pudding if the buyers who bought it once will buy it a second or third time, then we’ll really know if we have a winning product.”

Once Glen Breton Ice is introduced into a market, the intention is to be able to continue to regularly offer the product in that market, MacLean noted.

While its flagship product Glen Breton Rare is already a unique product by virtue of being the only single malt whisky distilled in the country, Glenora was encouraged to try something uniquely Canadian by an Asian client. Canada is world-renowned for its ice wines.

“The people over there were saying we should come up with something maybe even more unique because Canadian single malt whisky is not known on its own. But what else is Canada known for? We’re known for ice wine, so we said ‘Hey, we’ll try some of this product,’” MacLean said.
“Lo and behold, local markets are soaking it up even before we can get it to overseas markets.”

Glenora is also working on other new products, but isn’t prepared to release any details, he said.

The distillery also recently won the first battle in a trademark dispute, when the Canadian Trademark Commission rejected a challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association of Glasgow, Scotland, against its right to use the term glen in the name of its Glen Breton Rare. The Scotch association has indicated it will appeal the ruling.

The Glenora Distillery is located in Glenville, Inverness County, along Route 19, between the communities of Inverness and Mabou. It also operates an inn and chalets, pub and restaurant and runs tours during the tourism season.

Since price was brought up in the article, for those who don't know, Glen Breton Rare (which is quite successful and very good "on the rocks" :cheers: ) sells for roughly $80/750ml and is available in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick at least, not sure where else it's shipped (it's relatively new to New Brunswick). Anyway, not trying to sell product, just thought the article might be worth posting since it's business related to Cape Breton. :drunk:

Yank in exile

February 17th, 2007, 09:19 PM

Re the industrial park/transportation infrastructure plans:

I've hesitated to post anything on this thread about the issue as, after all, I'm a total outsider who has spent very little time on CB—but then, you can probably say much the same of outside interests that might look to investing in the area, no?

One of the things that struck me about the Sydney area is the sorry state of the transportation infrastructure in the region, and I remember thinking that an expressway/parkway-type of commercial/industrial strip would be of advantage to the area. I know that that type of development has the potential to be extremely unattractive, to say the least (one needs only drive through areas like that in Kingston or other towns that have chosen that route), but they have evolved for a reason—they are attractive to business (and at the very least, they concentrate the uglier aspects of commercial sprawl to a well-defined area when properly administered).

I'm reminded of a fairly well-to-do hillside neighbourhood in a smaller West Coast US city where a friend of mine used to live. One street in particular was in such horrendous repair that people would go 1/2k out of the way to avoid driving it. The residents along the street strenuously resisted city efforts to fill potholes or bolster the crumbling road bed because it discouraged noisy traffic and "outsiders" trundling through (evidently it must have been worth the cost of replacing their dented oil pans on a regular basis as well).

However, these same residents had one heck of a time finding contractors to work on their houses (I knew a few contractors in this town and they routinely placed a 20% surcharge on their bids on this one street to cover wear and tear to their vehicles and the general "pain in the a**" factor of working there), and delivery rates to this street were doubled and sometimes tripled by local merchants, restaurants, florists, caterers, etc.

There is something to be said for making it easier to do business in your area (without having to offer tax or economic incentives) merely by improving accessibility—hopefully in a way that doesn't compromise too much the way of life in the area. NIMBYists are going to have to get it through their heads that there are always going to be trade-offs if they want the region to be economically sustainable.

Smevo

February 17th, 2007, 09:39 PM

The city is actually looking at what to do with Hwy4 (Sydney-Glace Bay Highway) because of how congested it is and the impossibility of making the current highway controlled access. The engineering firm doing the study suggested closing some access points, but pointed out the best solution would be a new highway, and this new commercial corridor would definitely be the best place for a new controlled access expressway between Sydney and Glace Bay.

Yank in exile

February 17th, 2007, 09:53 PM

That sounds like a solution that would make both commercial drivers and operators of private vehicles equally happy.

Reddog794

February 19th, 2007, 12:45 AM

I'm still kinda floored with the idea of pouring concrete over the tar ponds... I'm still waiting for them to jump out and say, GOTCHA! Nah we're really not going to do that.

Smevo

February 19th, 2007, 12:58 AM

Smevo

February 19th, 2007, 01:02 AM

That sounds like a solution that would make both commercial drivers and operators of private vehicles equally happy.

Indeed, it would also be the perfect corridor to continue an expressway over to North Sydney and the TCH, though putting a bridge high enough to allow ships to reach the wharves at Sydport and the Sydney Government wharf and Irving Marine Terminal might be tricky, and bridge or tunnel either way would be expensive. It would be a worthy investment though, and a bridge to North Sydney has been talked about unofficially off and on for decades.

Reddog794

February 19th, 2007, 03:09 PM

Having not seen any of the technical information on the procedure, in principal it actually seems pretty sound assuming the sludge-concrete mixture will harden. If it won't harden, there's going to be huge problems. The capping procedure after the concrete mixture sounds like the standard and acceptable procedure for landfills and environmental hazard sites. The creekwater most likely will still have to be treated unless they intercepted the stormsewers running into it with the new sewer line they put in a few years ago to the new sewage treatment plant at the mouth of the creek. Guess we'll have to wait and see, and hope that the mixture hardens.

Creekwater? My good man, the tarponds are only the source of the problem. The real issue here, is the entire surrounding area. To get the gunk out, and clean up the conaminate, which has had well over a hundred years of build up, and time to work it's way into the soil and then ecosystem. There's more problems there than most think. Look at the cancer rates in the area. The government preaches healthcare, well start from the source of the need, and go about the best way to get the tar ponds out. You can't just cover it up, it's criminal, in its ignorant bliss. It has to be romved, cleaned, and treated, and then put back into the ground.

I don't see it hardening. God willing I'm wrong, but we need a plan for if it doesn't. Always be aware of the worst possibility aswell, and plan for it. The Government is going at this pretty half hearted, really. Mind you that's just IMO, how many holes in that bucket? well....

Reddog794

February 19th, 2007, 03:19 PM

Smevo

February 19th, 2007, 08:57 PM

Creekwater? My good man, the tarponds are only the source of the problem. The real issue here, is the entire surrounding area. To get the gunk out, and clean up the conaminate, which has had well over a hundred years of build up, and time to work it's way into the soil and then ecosystem. There's more problems there than most think. Look at the cancer rates in the area. The government preaches healthcare, well start from the source of the need, and go about the best way to get the tar ponds out. You can't just cover it up, it's criminal, in its ignorant bliss. It has to be romved, cleaned, and treated, and then put back into the ground.

I don't see it hardening. God willing I'm wrong, but we need a plan for if it doesn't. Always be aware of the worst possibility aswell, and plan for it. The Government is going at this pretty half hearted, really. Mind you that's just IMO, how many holes in that bucket? well....

You've got a point, and it's been brought up several times by citizen and environmental action groups. It is, imo, unlikely that it would get into the groundwater aquifer under the city because there is a solid layer of impermeable rock between the contaminated soil and the aquifer, and the water pressure of the aquifer itself wouldn't allow the contamination to work its way down (the artesian well that was being used as a water source for "Crystal Springs" was capped, but any new opening in that area of the aquifer would also experience the artesian phenomenon). As far as the contaminated soil and the ooze that was going into people's basements on Frederick St, that was happening as the city was capping the landfill (which wasn't capped on the bottom and was built on a marsh that feeds the coke-ovens brook). It was leachate from the landfill and all such seeping has stopped since they capped the associated brooks in the area.

The cancer rates are probably more associated with the ore dust that used to fly over the city before 1989 when the steel plant converted to the electric arc furnace. The failed attempts at incinerating didn't help either, and they put the incinerator on SYSCO property right in the middle of town. It didn't burn hot enough to destroy the PCB's, leaving them to be released into the air (brilliant). If the tarponds are to blame in any part, it's the slow release of chemicals into the air, which a successful capping should fix. As it is, the slag is still open to the air, and is constantly reacting with the creekwater.

I'm not a huge fan of capping, I'd rather see it leave, be shipped away to an incinerator or to an area where they can properly cap on bottom and on top. The problem there is it requires digging it up which would release chemicals into the air as different parts of the sludge became exposed to the air. What they're proposing could be environmentally sound if it's done right and they have a plan b ready incase anything goes wrong. It's that last part I'm most nervous about, knowing the history of the two Tar Ponds cleanup agencies. :(

The government's always been going at it pretty half-hearted, unfortunately. Maybe they're just hoping the cap collapses with everyone in Sydney on top of it so they can stop hearing about the tar ponds.
Elizabeth May's proposed method is downright out to lunch. She said this was a bad plan that wasn't thought out, but proposed that the soil be washed and returned to the ground. This isn't your kitchen counter Ms. May, you can't just bleach the problem away.

Smevo

February 22nd, 2007, 06:49 AM

Planet Space update. From Thursday's CBPost (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=12828&sc=145).

Last updated at 11:52 PM on 21/02/07

PlanetSpace chair says deal is imminent print this article

BY TANYA COLLIER MACDONALD
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — PlanetSpace expects to sign a deal with the provincial government by June, giving them Crown land to build an orbital launch pad in Cape Breton.

“I think we’re 60 to 90 days before we come to a final agreement,” said Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, chairman of PlanetSpace, based in Chicago, Ill.

The space company is considering three parcels of land and has its engineering teams analysing the properties to identify one that offers the best trajectory, launch capabilities and is most suitable for Canada’s first manned-space program.

“They’re going to spend the next 45 days looking at the different pieces of land and try to evaluate them and come to some objective criteria,” he said.

Kathuria was in Toronto on Wednesday to meet with PlanetSpace board members, partner Geoff Sheerin from Canadian Arrow, and staff from Nova Scotia Business Inc.

“We spent the whole day together going through the details,” he said. “It was to ensure that everyone is on the same page.”

PlanetSpace announced in early February it signed a space-act agreement with NASA giving the company the ability to move forward with its orbital and sub-orbital plan. Now they’re working to meet criteria outlined in that agreement.

“There are several milestones,” said Kathuria. “We’re about 90 per cent done with our first milestone and (it’s) not due for another quarter.”

The agreement has NASA helping PlanetSpace become a better competitor in the agency’s upcoming Commercial Crew and Cargo program.

The agreement to share information helps the company better understand the agency’s requirements for space station crew, cargo transportation, launch vehicles and spacecraft and NASA human rating criteria.

PlanetSpace will work to develop and demonstrate its vehicle capabilities as well as systems and operations needed to transport crews and cargo to and from a low-Earth orbit destination. As the demonstration unfolds, NASA will acknowledge the company’s accomplishments.

The rocket to be launched is PlanetSpace’s Silver Dart.

The first demonstration flight is planned for December 2009.

skyscraper_1

February 22nd, 2007, 05:01 PM

PlanetSpace chair says deal is imminent print this article! hehe

anyway, awesome news!

Smevo

February 22nd, 2007, 09:39 PM

Yeah, he's been making sure people don't forget about him. Guess he knows the people in the area and wants everyone to know he's not taking this developments elsewhere. It's actually refreshing to see, since most developments, even of significant size, get little news coverage. I might have to subscribe to the full e-version of the post to see if there's any news I'm missing.

Smevo

February 27th, 2007, 05:34 AM

Doubtful to be a large project, but still government construction.

Monday's CBPost.
Fisheries and Oceans starts construction of new building

Section: Cape Breton

Column: Briefly

Fisheries and Oceans has started construction of a new fisheries building on Rudderham Road.

Eastern Nova Scotia area director Gus van Helvoort said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearne will be announcing details of the expansion soon.

Fisheries and Oceans now occupies space in the Canadian Coast Guard College and the new building is being constructed on the corner of their property.

Van Helvoort pointed out the college will require more training space as the department ramps up to meet a growing demand for skilled staff as more and more people retire.

Just basic highway twinning, but it's a step in a larger highway project that will mean better access to and from the island.

Also from Monday's CBPost.
Highway 125 getting twinned

Section: Cape Breton

Five years after it was first announced, a project to twin a five-kilometre section of Highway 125 got the green light Saturday.

Angus MacIsaac, provincial Minister of Transportation and Public Works, and MP Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, were in New Glasgow to announce that the two levels of government will provide a total of $32 million for three highway twinning projects in Nova Scotia.

The province will contribute $17 million while the federal government will provide $15 million to twin sections of Highway 104 on the mainland and a section of Highway 125 in Cape Breton, from Balls Creek to Sydney River.

The twinning of the section of Highway 125 was first announced in 2002. Some work - including new lanes around the new Coxheath interchange, widening the Sydney River Bridge and the construction of ramps - has been completed but the actual twinning had been delayed until a funding arrangement could be worked out.

At Saturday's announcement, MacIsaac said work on the projects should move forward quickly.

"With much of the planning work already completed for these sections of highways 104 and 125, the province will be ready to call tenders to begin the improvements as early as fall 2007," he said, adding, "This substantial investment in our roads will mean safer and faster travel for many Nova Scotians."

MacKay described highways 104 and 125 as key transportation corridors that connect Nova Scotians to the rest of Canada.

"Canada's government is committed to ensuring the safety of Canadians and the efficient movement of goods along this important highway system," he said.

The investment will also see a 3.6-kilometre section of Highway 104 twinned from east of New Glasgow to east of Sutherlands River. Work has also begun to twin an eight-kilometre section of Highway 104 between New Glasgow and Pine Tree Road.

Smevo

February 28th, 2007, 11:25 PM

I'll edit this when the full story comes out, but for now, this is from the CBPost website (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=13967&sc=145).

Last updated at 3:42 PM on 28/02/07

More economic activity planned for Membertou Breaking News print this article

The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Membertou First Nation plans to construct a mini-mall and incubation centre to provide badly needed retail space for new aboriginal businesses.

Membertou’s commercial district is poised for further growth because of an anticipated increase in traffic following the opening of a new access road through to Mira Road, according to a release Monday from the Membertou-YMCA Entrepreneur Centre.

The new Membertou Mini-Mall will help address this demand, said the release. Details in Thursday's Cape Breton Post.

Edit: I checked through the electronic edition for today and couldn't find the story. I'll check again later to see if it comes online, but for now, I'll leave what's posted here.

Smevo

March 1st, 2007, 06:54 AM

Donkin Mine update. From Thursday's CBPost (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=14058&sc=152).

Last updated at 11:22 PM on 28/02/07

Erdene Gold officials tour Donkin mine print this article

BY WES STEWART
The Cape Breton Post

By Wes Stewart

Cape Breton Post

DONKIN — The Nova Scotia partner in the study to determine the feasibility of the Donkin mine development is pleased with progress to date.

“We are at the 1,500-metre level and things are going well,” said Peter Akerley, president and CEO of Erdene Gold Inc., Xstrata’s Dartmouth-based partner.

Xstrata continues to pump water from the Donkin tunnels to get to the coal face. They expect to be at the coal face in the second quarter, at which time the feasibility study will begin, Akerley said.

The $300-million mine is headed by Donkin Alliance, a consortium headed by Xstrata Coal with 75 per cent of the shares. Nova Scotia’s Erdene Gold Inc. owns the remaining 25 per cent.

Mine production is expected by 2009-10 and officials hope to mine four to five million tonnes of coal a year.

Erdene Gold has gold and copper mineral interests in Mongolia and kaolin clay and aggregate mines in Georgia.

Akerley said Tuesday a lot of people are not aware Xstrata has a Nova Scotia partner.

Last July, the company raised $6 million toward the project, a sizable chunk in Nova Scotia.

Their investment offer was oversubscribed by $21 million and “we made a point of making sure Nova Scotians were given priority on that development,” he said.

For local investors, there is the advantage of a tax incentive through shares, a 100 per cent tax write-off, Akerley said.

The companies are spending $15 million over two years in feasibility studies on developing the mine which will be made by the middle of 2008.

Akerley said he created Erdene to pursue mining interests in Mongolia. Just over a year ago the company acquired another Nova Scotia company, Kaoclay Resources, and with it an interest in Donkin Resources. Xstrata also acquired a 10 per cent interest in Erdene’s mining developments in Mongolia.

“Erdene is more involved in coal in Mongolia because we manage that side of it for Xstrata,” Akerley said.

“It brought us production in the United States; we have kaolin clay which is used as a paper coating, and a crushed stone quarry.”

Thought this was interesting. Also from CBPost, Wednesday's.
Second to one: Homefocus

Strait of Canso Superport quietly maintains its position as the second-busiest port in Canada

Section: Front

By Nancy King,
The Strait of Canso Superport is quietly maintaining its position as the second-busiest port in Canada in terms of the amount of cargo it handles annually.

"It's a secret that's been a little too well-kept over the years," CEO Tim Gilfoy said.

Last year, the port handled 32.8 million tonnes of cargo, second only to the Port of Vancouver at 79.3 million tonnes. It was up slightly from 32.5 million in 2005, which was up substantially from 24.8 million tonnes a year before, due to increased traffic at Statia Terminals, the opening of Nova Scotia Power's coal-handling terminal and an expansion at Martin Marietta.

"It's certainly encouraging that that's not a blip, that it's maintained that increased tonnage," Gilfoy said. "We're hoping to continue to grow."

The largest single cargo handler is Statia Terminals' Point Tupper transshipment facility, which has grown over the last few years. It is followed by Martin Marietta, which ships aggregate from its Auld's Cove quarry.

The increase also came while Stora Enso's Point Tupper mill was idled for most of the year due to a labour dispute.

While the mill doesn't ship any of its finished product by water, it does receive some of its papermaking materials by ship.

There is room to grow at the Superport, Gilfoy said. There has been some discussion that Trident Holdings may construct a container terminal at the provincially owned 14,500-acre Melford industrial land reserve, which lies on the western side of the Strait of Canso.

"There's thousands of acres of land adjacent to the port that's ready and looking for industrial tenants," Gilfoy said. "I think (a container terminal) is a very significant project, not only from a tonnage perspective, but also from a manpower perspective."

The Strait of Canso Superport Corp. is a non-profit body responsible for operating marine facilities at the Mulgrave Marine Terminal and Port Hawkesbury wharf, which it acquired from Transport Canada in 2000 through the federal divestiture program. Since that time, the Port Hawkesbury wharf has been rebuilt and there has been a major refurbishing of about 900 feet of the wharf face in Mulgrave.

I'll update the Membertou story when it comes online.

Smevo

March 1st, 2007, 08:29 PM

From Thursday's Cape Breton Post.

N.S. premier floats idea of container terminal in C.B.

Would be built on the Strait of Canso

Section: Business

By James Keller, The Canadian Press
A shipping container terminal could be built on the Strait of Canso if the Atlantic Gateway concept is embraced to funnel international trade through Nova Scotia, Premier Rodney MacDonald said Wednesday.

While MacDonald wouldn't say whether he was referring to any specific proposal, his comments follow speculation that Halifax-based Trident Holdings Inc., is in talks to build a terminal on the western side of the Strait.

"It (the Atlantic Gateway) could mean, I believe, a new container terminal at some point in the Strait," MacDonald told the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce in Halifax.

"It will mean more jobs and more opportunity for importing and exporting."

A spokesman for Trident Holdings wasn't available for comment, and the company has said little about its potential plans.

Several local officials confirmed that Trident was looking at the possibility of building a container terminal at the provincially owned Melford industrial land reserve.

"For us, it's the sort of development that we have been pursuing for several years," said Gordon MacDonald of the Guysborough County Regional Development Authority.

The strait that separates Cape Breton from mainland Nova Scotia is deeper than Halifax harbour and could potentially handle larger post-Panamax ships that the Nova Scotia capital cannot.

The premier has been lobbying Ottawa to create an Atlantic Gateway, investing millions of dollars in infrastructure to increase trade from Asia and Europe.

MacDonald has called on Ottawa to back his $400-million plan, but hasn't received a commitment.

The concept is modeled after the Western Gateway, a $591-million plan announced last October that would upgrade ports, roads and rails in British Columbia to improve trading access to Asia-Pacific markets.

On Wednesday, MacDonald said the federal government needs to make a decision when it tables its budget on March 19.

"We're doing our part on the gateway," he told reporters. "My conversations with the prime minister have gone extremely well. I'm quite hopeful that we'll see that recognition in the budget."

MacDonald said a terminal would require infrastructure improvements, including highway upgrades, to transport the containers

Good news that the turnaround is real
Home sweet home

Housing market on the rise in Cape Breton

Section: Cape Breton

By Wes Stewart,
A healthy Cape Breton housing market continues to grow stronger as empty nesters move into smaller accommodations and confident young families put down permanent roots instead of renting, realtor Doug Phillips said Wednesday.

"When you look at the average price across the province, which is $169,000, compared to the average price of $89,000 (Cape Breton Highland region) it is still cheaper to buy a house and to live here which is kind of terrific," said Philips, a realtor with Coldwell Banker David Butts Realty.

Buyers are selling larger two-storey homes as they approach retirement and downsizing to a bungalow.

"We are seeing young people who are deciding to stay here, they are saying this is where we want to be and raise our family."

That young buyer is willing to pay a higher price for a home that they don't have to upgrade, he said.

Phillips is president of the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors, which released January sales through the multiple listing service showing a 24 per cent increase provincially compared to a year ago.

"The market has been terrific for this time of the year," when it is generally slow after Christmas.

In Cape Breton, realtors sold 42 in January compared to 21 a year ago.

Phillips attributed the buoyant market to the mild weather, low interest rates and the positive signs in the Cape Breton economy.

"There are people who are buying who normally would say we are not sure we are going to be here forever so we are going to rent."

They are saying they like the lifestyle, the housing prices and things are happening in Cape Breton so they are deciding to invest in a home, Phillips said.

Cape Breton region covers Cape Breton and Victoria counties; the Highland region is Richmond, Inverness, Guysborough and Antigonish counties.

Phillips said the Cape Breton market is strong and prices are rising.

"Over the past few years we are seeing a good 20-25 per cent increase in residential prices. A three-bedroom bungalow that would have sold in the $80,000 range four or five years ago is selling between $110,000 and $130,000."

Phillips said in Cape Breton the market at the moment is being driven by demand for three bedroom homes in the $150,000-$160,000 range.

Yank in exile

March 3rd, 2007, 05:00 AM

Smevo

March 7th, 2007, 02:40 AM

From Saturday's CBPost.

Membertou taking care of business

Mini-mall planned

Section: Cape Breton

By Tanya Collier MacDonald, Cape Breton Post

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A proposed mini-mall for Membertou could open new possibilities for entrepreneurs eager to share in the community's growing business success.

"This mini-mall will provide badly needed retail space for new aboriginal businesses in the middle of Cape Breton's population base," said Owen Fitzgerald, director of Membertou Entrepreneur Centre. He made the comments during a business workshop held in Membertou Thursday. The workshop attracted about 25 representatives from five First Nation communities across the island.

Developing the commercial property in the First Nation community aids small business ventures often hampered by land ownership issues, said Fitzgerald. Having the community fund the project will lighten that financial load.

Although aboriginal entrepreneurs are the main focus, Fitzgerald added that Membertou is welcoming non-aboriginal business owners as well.

Plans for the $3-million, two-storey structure spanning about 20,000 square feet are still being developed but the community plans to open the mall in 2008.

Fitzgerald said the opening will coincide with the completion of a new access road that will stretch from Towerview Road to Mira Road.

"There will be a dramatic change in traffic flow," he said.

The proposed mini-mall builds on significant investments already planned for this region. There is the $400-million tar ponds cleanup, $300 million for Xstrata Coal in Donkin and a $300-million resort in Louisbourg area.

Those projects will require additional supports, services, and supplies and could mean many spinoffs for the region, said Fitzgerald.

From Friday's CBPost
Civic centre project fundraising drive surpasses $1M in public money

Section: Northside/Victoria

By Julie Collins,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pledges continue to pour in for the proposed Northside Civic Centre.

"We've surpassed $1 million of the $1.5 in public funds needed to trigger additional provincial and federal funding," said Leo Steele, chairman of the Northside Civic Centre Society. "This is without the large chain stores, banks or the mail-out campaign. People realize the urgency of this and are coming forward in leaps and bounds; it's so encouraging."

The society is working to get the infrastructure money needed to build the new rink reinstated. The Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat pulled the funding for the proposed civic centre in late January.

"We have until April 1 to pull this together and get the project back on the rails," he said. "The Northside needs the civic centre, the people want it and are proving their resolve by coming forward with their pledges."

Approximately 20 acres of land located off King Street, North Sydney, has been set aside for recreational use, which includes a site for a new arena. A skateboard park and soccer field are also planned for the complex.

Along with high school hockey, the society has lined up a major tenant for the civic centre that would bring teams from outside the area to the Northside every second weekend.

"Since the public meeting earlier this month, people have come forward from every corner of the community, not just the Northside, but beyond," Steele said. "For the next 50 years, visitors to the civic centre will look at the donor wall and see the names of the people who contributed. What a legacy to leave the community, our children and our children's children."

Board members have been receiving calls from people out west who are looking for pledge packages.

Along with the public fundraising, the board is continuing to work on other aspects of the project, including the design of the building.

"The regional municipality is helping in areas like the environmental assessment," Steele said. "In the meantime, people have really stepped up to the plate. We're confident we are going to go over the top when it comes to fundraising."

He added that whether people pledge $10 or $1,000, every cent counts.

For further information on the project, visit the Northside Civic Centre office at Archibald Wharf or call 794-3839.

Smevo

March 7th, 2007, 02:49 AM

Thanks for the update on the Donkin mine project. I've got a cousin who's still looking to return to the pit, and mining coal has evidently become a hard sell to the kids in their 20s—so I look forward to passing on this info to him.

Re the proposed Canso container terminal: what sort of rail infrastructure is available to that area?

I still have fond memories of rounding that last curve of the TCH before descending to the bridge at the Strait of Canso and being confronted with an enormous blood red full moon just above the horizon that illuminated the whole scene. It was breathtaking, I tell you.

There's still rail that goes by the Canso Causeway, and connects to the gravel quarry on the mainland side of the strait. How easily it would connect to a new terminal, I'm not sure. It's funny that the day after that story ran, an independent think tank said Halifax was the best option, and had little arguments against Canso other than the fact Halifax was not operating at capacity. Though I'd like to see Halifax get more container traffic, it's reports like this that causes the animosity towards the city from outside. It's like dangling a piece of steak in front of a starving labrador retriever, than throwing it in the mouth of a rotweiler. :bash:

I think the two ports can co-exist, with Canso handling the traffic that can't go to Halifax (since Canso can handle larger ships than Halifax Harbour).

As per the scene you describe coming down the hill to the causeway, wow, I hope I get to see that sometime. I'm usually passing through in mid-afternoon though when I do go by there.

PS- thanks to whoever made this a sticky! :cheers:

Smevo

March 8th, 2007, 08:26 PM

Story and associated image from Thursday, March 8th, 2007 Cape Breton Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=15410&sc=145) online.
NEWS
Last updated at 10:56 PM on 07/03/07

http://www.capebretonpost.com/photos/TheCapeBretonPost/stories/DFO.jpg
The new Fisheries and Oceans headquarters is seen in this conceptual drawing.
Fisheries and Oceans will soon have new home

BY WES STEWART
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Fisheries and Oceans Canada will open a new $4.7-million Eastern Nova Scotia operational headquarters on Westmount Road in September.

The 1,113-square-metre (10,000-square-foot) building on a corner lot adjacent to the Canadian Coast Guard College was designed to complement the surrounding landscape and accommodate all 32 office and conservation and protection staff in its operational headquarters.

Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley MP Bill Casey presided over Wednesday’s announcement at the college, noting the headquarters is responsible for a large area of the province.

“This regional office will manage the fishery in half of my riding in the Bay of Fundy,” Casey said.

Joneljim Construction of Sydney is doing the work.

For more than a decade, the area office was housed at the college, but growth at both the college and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans increased the demand for space.

The officer cadet training program and the transfer of courses from the NavCan Training Institute in Ontario also increased the demand for space.

Casey said the new facility will enhance DFO’s ability to deliver programs related to the fisheries and aquaculture management, aboriginal fisheries, oceans and habitat, small craft harbours and fisheries enforcement.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality Deputy Mayor Gordon MacLeod said council is pleased with the announcement and noted there is space in Sydney harbour to accommodate more coast guard ships.

“I see the Terry Fox is here, if we could get a few more here permanently (it) would do marvelous things for our economy.”

Area director Gus van Helvoort said the real significance of the building is that it’s freeing up space in the college.

“That is really where the growth is going to be in terms for needed space for recruitment.”

College director Line Champagne said the college has expanded to train people for the growing number of staff requirements occurring in the fisheries and the coast guard fleet.

Smevo

March 20th, 2007, 10:31 AM

Tuesday's CBPost (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=17939&sc=152)

BUSINESS NEWS Business News RSS Feed
Last updated at 11:40 PM on 19/03/07

Port of Sydney master plan gets $50,000 from province print this article

BY WES STEWART
The Cape Breton Post

By Wes Stewart

Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The province has come up with $50,000 toward funding the cost of a Port of Sydney master plan.

Cape Breton West MLA Alfie MacLeod made the announcement Monday on behalf of the Office of Economic Development.

The master plan is a vital part of the future direction of the port which includes the full harbour, what’s available and what’s possible here, the MLA said.

“With the Atlantic Gateway on the horizon, it’s important we know all the benefits of Sydney harbour and what is can offer to Atlantic Canada as part of the gateway,” he said.

“If there are any additional things that need to be done we will be looking at that as well,” he added.

The preparation of a master port plan includes partners Logistec Stevedoring, operators of the former international coal pier, Provincial Energy Ventures, which operates the transshipment terminal at the former Sysco dock, Laurentian Energy Ventures at Sydport Marine Industrial Park and the Sydney Ports Corp.

“I think there is enough for everybody in this Atlantic Gateway and on the merits of what the harbour has to offer we will be a formidable player here,” he said.

Sydney Ports Corp. has done much groundwork to promote Sydney harbour as a vital link in the transportation framework for the island, he added.

The province is shopping a $400-million Atlantic Gateway concept to funnel international trade through Nova Scotia and the premier has already proposed the idea of a shipping container terminal on the west side of the Strait of Canso to handle post-Panamax ships.

Premier Rodney MacDonald has been lobbying Ottawa to include funding in its budget to create an Atlantic Gateway, investing millions of dollars in infrastructure to increase trade from Asia and Europe.

It’s modelled after the Western Gateway, a $591-million plan announced last October that would upgrade ports, roads and rails in British Columbia to improve trading access to Asia-Pacific markets.

Rhino

March 20th, 2007, 05:47 PM

why dont you guys post any pics to livin things up?

Smevo

March 21st, 2007, 05:09 AM

If you're referring to construction pics or renderings, they are very hard to get for Sydney. You can only find renderings if you happen to stumble onto either the development's website or sometimes the contracted architectural firm. Since all Sydney's info has to come from local news stories that don't include the information on who got the contract nor include the development's website most times, it's practically impossible to find renderings. Current pics also seem to depend on myself. I haven't been able to convince anyone else from home to join up yet, despite my best efforts. :(

Anyway, thanks for the interest Rhino. I'll keep looking for renderings and more info than just the news stories, but like I said, it's next to impossible to come by.

Dorchester Update

Apparently I was wrong, it didn't have council approval yet. Everything else is all set and it's scheduled to go before council soon. That could partially explain why the website has been down. From what my source told me, occupancy is near full. Luckily, though there are opponents in Sydney, it's not likely to get as crazy as the Halifax situation. It's expected it will get full council approval and have the go-ahead for a spring/summer start, likely (and hopefully) without appeals. I'll continue to post updates as I get them.

Cuotita_PY

March 21st, 2007, 07:29 PM

Hey!
Take a look at this thread, a small town lost in time...
Kisses for everyone!
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=454244

Smevo

March 21st, 2007, 09:54 PM

This is a city's projects thread. Please don't hijack it, it's very annoying. Nice photos though.

Smevo

March 23rd, 2007, 07:50 PM

Friday, March 23, 2007 Cape Breton Post.

Acadian Gold looking to develop Lake Ainslie mineral deposit

Section: Business

Acadian Gold is looking into the feasibility of developing the Lake Ainslie barite-fluorite deposit, believed to the largest in Atlantic Canada.

The company announced it has acquired the 52 claims covering 842 hectares.

Based on historic information, the Acadian Gold release says the deposits contain an uncategorized resource of 4.25 million tonnes - 34 per cent barite and 17.3 per cent fluorite or about 1.6 million tonnes contained barite.

Barite is used by drilling companies in the oil and gas industry as the principle component in drilling mud to prevent blowouts and gushers.

It presently sells for US$275-$325 per tonne and acid grade fluorspar is priced at US$240 per tonne.

Control of the deposits represents another step forward in the growth of Acadian Gold, said company president and CEO Will Felderhof in the release.

"These deposits are strategically located with respect to infrastructure and proximity to tidewater and are an obvious fit for our Atlantic Canada focus."

Acadian Gold is a Halifax-based, resource-based company focused on exploring and developing gold and zinc deposits in Atlantic Canada.

Things looking up for ski hill

Section: Northside/Victoria

By Julie Collins,
The winter season was a lost cause, but not so the summer season at Ski Cape Smokey.

Aiming for a July 1 opening, workers are busy getting the chairlift ready for inspection.

Ski Cape Smokey Society is using $100,000 from Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. to do the capital improvements.

In order to have a better chance at making the ski hill a sustainable operation, the plan is to turn the facility into a community centre.

In order to accomplish this, the community is in the process of forming a new group. The Cape Smokey Community Centre Society will work with Ski Cape Smokey Society in the operation of the facility.

Perry MacKinnon, chair of the Ski Cape Smokey Society, said it will continue to operate the ski hill.

The province has given the society about $20,000 to take care of a number of small, outstanding debts to allow the new community centre society to begin with a clean slate.

"The goal is to try to find more use for the facility, which in turn would generate more income," MacKinnon said. "We are going to explore all options and to that end have discussed a number of potential ventures. A possibility would be a fitness centre, which doesn't exist in the communities North of Smokey, and another would be a hostel."

MacKinnon said they plan to check with other community centres to see what is offered.

"We'll give strong consideration to anything that may work," he said. "The province has offered (to sell) the hill at a nominal fee. We are looking at the finer points of that offer, trying to make sure it is a feasible thing for the community to do, to take over full ownership of the hill. It's pretty exciting."

He said having complete ownership of the facility presents the opportunity to seriously look at bringing investors into the fold. This in turn could result in significant developments on site, such as condominiums and a hotel.

The ski hill is critical in terms of what the community has to offer with respect to tourism.

"This facility makes us unique in the province. We've been struggling to make it sustainable and we're optimistic this is the way to go," MacKinnon said. "We'll be working closely with the Ingonish Development Society and their efforts with the waterfront project."

Destination Cape Breton still hoping for levy

Section: Cape Breton

The general manager of Destination Cape Breton says because it doesn't have the support of all island municipalities it can't move ahead with a proposed levy to raise funds to market the island as a tourism destination.

Sandra MacDonald noted Inverness council has withheld support for the proposal, after some county operators raised concerns.

"We're still working toward it," MacDonald said. "It's not dead, it's within the municipalities now."

At a rate of between 1.5 and two per cent, it was estimated as much as $700,000 could be raised annually for an island-driven tourism marketing campaign, and it may also be able to leverage additional funds from other sources. Similar levies are in place in other regions, including Halifax.

"We desperately need to have some marketing dollars," MacDonald said.

While much of the industry is supportive, some operators don't see the advantages the association believes would come with the levy, she said.

Legislation enabling the levy proposed by Destination Cape Breton was expected to be proclaimed by the province last April, but royal assent was postponed when some municipalities withdrew their support amid growing complaints by small operators. Since then, the proposal has been reviewed and would now exempt operators with fewer than 10 units.

Some bed and breakfast owners also disagreed with how the level of support from operators was gauged - votes were weighted by the number of rooms in operation.

To implement the levy, Destination Cape Breton needs the support of at least 51 per cent of rooms on-island, the support of all five island municipalities, and provincial legislation.

Operators would collect the levy and remit it to municipalities, who in turn would turn it over, minus administrative costs.

Smevo

March 24th, 2007, 09:25 PM

These are all from the Cape Breton Post archives. (I had to pay for these, but it's worth it to get up to date on the city's newest highrise(s)).

Cape Breton Post
Cape Breton, Friday, March 10, 2006, p. A3

Councillors have difficulty dealing with waterfront views

CHRIS SHANNON

SYDNEY - The view from the waterfront is so valuable and controversial that councillors at Thursday's planning advisory committee meeting had to table discussion on a proposed $46 million condominium and hotel development - still in its preliminary stages - for at least a month.

At the heart of the debate is the view of the harbour from six different vantage points in the north end Sydney neighbourhood.

Coun. Tom Wilson put forward a motion to strike down two of those view planes closest to the development, which would be located across the street from Commerce Tower.

It would allow businessman Marty Chernin to proceed with the Spanish Gates Mixed-Use complex that could reach 10 storeys and include retail and commercial space along an extended boardwalk.

But after nearly an hour of discussion the Cape Breton Regional Municipality councillors started backing away from the motion.

Municipal planner Rick McCready said that those six view planes, if adopted, would prevent any commercial development from blocking the harbour view no matter how beneficial to the economy.

"The view planes would be permanent," McCready said.

Economic development officer John Whalley spoke out against any obstruction to the view of the harbour.

"It (Chernin's development) obliterates about one-third of the view planes on the Esplanade," he said, adding it was awkward for him to say so considering the economic benefit the development could bring to the downtown.

Mayor John Morgan suggested more information was needed on the proposed complex, which is only a conceptual drawing at this point, before the committee could vote on how many view planes should be protected.

It was tabled in a 5-4 vote in order to give staff at least a month to further review the proposal with developers.

Cape Breton Post
News, Tuesday, March 21, 2006, p. A1

Proposed $46M condo/hotel project clears municipality's planning committee

Chris Shannon

Sydney - A proposed $46 million condo and hotel complex cleared another municipal hurdle as businessman Marty Chernin looks to develop the north end of the city's waterfront.

The development received unanimous approval at a special planning advisory committee meeting Monday, and it will now be subjected to debate by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality council at its monthly meeting tonight.

At the heart of the debate is the view of the harbour from six different vantage points in the north end neighbourhood.

The planning advisory committee submitted a plan to council that eliminates two of the view planes closest to the downtown in order to accommodate the Spanish Gates Mixed-Use complex.

Residents in the historic north end neighbourhood have said a project of this scale would negatively impact the ambiance of the area.

Chernin was delighted, however, that his project could move beyond conceptual drawings and now secure financial backing for the complex that could include as many as 43 condominium units and 124 hotel rooms.

"I have some interest already from outside investors, but as many businessmen do, they don't pursue anything until the green lights are flashing," Chernin said after the meeting.

"But right now we're on the right path of city council (and) in their wisdom (if they) decide to accept the planning commission's recommendation, then we'll move forward on that."

He said the complex isn't expected to rise above seven storeys in height.

There were about 50 tradespeople packed into the council chamber gallery Monday to watch the committee with great interest.

Cliff Murphy, president of the 3,600-member Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council, said his members have a lot to gain if the project is approved by the municipality.

It's expected it'll mean 200 construction jobs to the local economy, and as many as 150 permanent jobs at the facility, once built.

"Sometimes people have to take a little stand for progress," Murphy said.

Chernin said a project of this magnitude can be used as the catalyst for future development.

"It will probably create lots of confidence in other people to go ahead with their projects and the redevelopment of the downtown core and this is another step in making this happen."

Tom Wilson, councillor for downtown Sydney, said it has been a balancing act all the way through the numerous public meetings held on the issue.

He said he has weighed the economic benefits the project may bring versus complaints from some constituents who say the complex will intrude on the neighbourhood's historical integrity as well as ruin views of Sydney harbour.

"To turn our backs on (this project) because of a view plane from the Esplanade, when we're going to open a whole vista of view planes from the boardwalk, it shouldn't even be a consideration in my eyes," Wilson said.

If councillors vote to advertise the development proposal tonight, a public hearing will be held at council's April 18 meeting.

Cape Breton Post
Cape Breton, Wednesday, March 22, 2006, p. A5

In brief

Sydney
CBRM votes to advertise northend planning strategy

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality voted to advertise the northend Sydney secondary planning strategy at council's monthly meeting, Tuesday.

A public hearing will be heard likely in the first week of May on the planning strategy and land use bylaw, which has drawn much attention because of a $46-million waterfront development attached to it.

A condo and hotel complex is proposed by businessman Marty Chernin for a site between the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club and the Sydney Marine Terminal.

Preliminary plans for the project include 43 condominium units and 124 hotel rooms, with space for retail and restaurants.

Many residents in the northend neighbourhood don't like the development because they say it will intrude on the area's historical integrity.

Cape Breton Post
Comment, Saturday, March 25, 2006, p. A8

Good project deserves OK
Proposed condos and hotel fit in with the surroundings
the issue: View planes would be scaled back

Regional council moved this week to throw open to the public the question of how restrictive commercial development rules should be in a key area along the upper end of the Esplanade in Sydney. This is how the issue should be resolved, in a forum inviting the views of all interested citizens of Sydney and the region.

True, there has been extensive public consultation opportunities on this already in the development of what's now a final draft of the North End Sydney Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw. Anyone could have attended, but this was done in the context of neighbourhood planning with a heritage twist and the target audience was the people living north of Dorchester Street.

The strategy is called "secondary" not because it's unimportant but because it's an adjunct to the Municipal Planning Strategy for the whole of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, adopted in September 2004. The strategy for the North End goes into almost block-by-block detail about what may be done in this unique district that includes everything from a militia base and heavy industrial sites to stately old homes and historically significant buildings dating from early colonial days.

The North End strategy and accompanying land use bylaw might have been adopted by now with little fuss but for one outstanding issue: view planes. It's an idea that got added during development of the strategy - the idea that views of Sydney Harbour from key points in the North End should not be obstructed in future by the construction of high buildings near the water. The original proposal was for six view planes, but two of these in particular became contentious because, if adopted, they would prevent construction of a high-rise proposed more than two years ago by Sydney's leading commercial property developer, Marty Chernin.

Chernin's project, which would be built between the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club and Sydney Marine Terminal, has undergone several conceptual adjustments. He first unveiled plans in February 2004 for a 52-unit, $13 million luxury condominium tower 10 stories high. Now the project is described as a $46 million complex of 43 condos and a 124-room hotel, with retail spaces and restaurants, and probably no higher than seven stories.

Seven is too high, of course, for a view plane, but council's Planning Advisory Committee has accepted what it regards as a compromise - dropping the two view planes that would kill the Chernin project, while proceeding to adopt a regime that would retain council's close control over design. This is the solution that council has agreed to put to a public hearing in May.

It is a sensible approach. While the Chernin project does fall within the North End planning area as defined, it is right on the border. This is really part of Sydney's downtown commercial waterfront where there are several high buildings on the harbour side of the Esplanade, including the administrative headquarters for the regional municipality itself. In fact, the exclusion of the Chernin property from the North End planning district was one of the options staff presented to council's advisory committee.

The view plane objection alone is not nearly enough in this case to stop a project that would be a key contributor to revitalizing Sydney's downtown. Take away the view plane argument and there isn't much left to object to because this isn't really part of the North End neighbourhood, and high buildings are already the norm on the lower side of the Esplanade from the Dorchester Street area south towards Wentworth Park.

Citizens of Sydney should cheer on the solution now on the table and applaud the business faith of Chernin and his partners in an old steel city that is still struggling to find its new identity.

What the hell is with these viewplanes? They were never in the planning strategy before. This is in the DWZ (Downtown Waterfront Zone) where there's supposed to be no height restrictions, there was no need to redraw the zones to include this into the Northend Secondary Planning Strategy. This project goes no further into the Northend than the Commerce Tower and Harbour Place, is on an empty lot and is not in the immediate neighbourhood of historic properties, but instead, in the neighbourhood of 7, 10, and 13 storey buildings. Grrr.....first it was 13, then it was 10, now it's 7? Way to kill development in an already struggling area. The downtown area between the Esplanade and the waterfront is the unofficial "highrise district", it's not encroaching on anyone. If you want to protect your view of the harbour, live on a hill outside downtown, you'll even get some views of the highlands too. Even better, buy one of the condo units, you'll get much better views from 10 storeys up than you will from your living room on the Esplanade! Stupid NIMBYs.

I'm glad the project expanded, but I can't stand that the height had to be cut down in this area of town, which should be promoted as the highrise district instead of trying to protect non-existant views which are destroyed as soon as a building passes 3 storeys in height. Seriously, there's not that much elevation difference between anywhere in downtown and the harbour shore. I think the maximum difference in that area between Wentworth Park and Battery Point is maybe 30ft, max 40ft.

In all reality, the only views from that area are in the NW direction to the mouth of the harbour, in the W direction over to Westmount, and to the SW which is the view down towards Sydney River which is the view of the skyline, which would be enhanced with this project. I drive down there all the time and I'll get a picture next time I'm home. Sorry, I'm just emotional about my city, and having this being constantly changed is not a good message to send to prospective developers in this zone. The worst part about it aside from the introduction of the viewplanes which didn't previously exist (and are not justified compared to almost every other view in the city) is the introduction of a height limit in this area which was formerly in the DWZ but now in the NSPS of 8 stories for this site and another site (the old government wharf) waiting for a developer to come up with a redevelopment proposal. This type of NIMBYism is more harmful to Sydney's downtown than the NIMBYism Halifax faces, which is saying a lot.

Wishblade

March 25th, 2007, 09:26 PM

Boy, if that doesnt sound like the same issues with Halifax, I dont know what does. It's bad enough that we have these petty problems coming up, but for both Halifax and Sydney, thats just sad.

Smevo

March 26th, 2007, 03:29 AM

Yeah, and what's even more sad is that if X-proposal gets cut down to 10 stories in Halifax, which wouldn't even be noticed on the skyline (depending on placement), it would still be taller than the Spanish Gates complex. He was planning the hotel/mixed use anyway and probably would have waited until after the condos were done to seek council approval, but I guess he figured his best bet was to get them both done now with a "compromise". Oh well, maybe he'll plan something tall for beside Cambridge Suites as the city picks up. There shouldn't be much NIMBYism at all for that lot. It's too bad he didn't save his hotel for there.

Smevo

March 28th, 2007, 05:53 AM

Couldn't get onto the forum last night, but I posted this on SSP last night so I'm going to copy it here as well for those few not on both forums.

Forgot to add a rumoured piece of the Spanish Gates (the Dorcester) proposal. Apparently it's also going to include a parking garage, which isn't surprising considering the extra parking the development itself will need along with the fact that it's taking up parking spaces for workers in two of Chernin's office buildings across the street.

Here are a couple more letters to the editor about it. I'm strongly considering writing one of my own within the next week.
Cape Breton Post
Comment, Saturday, March 25, 2006, p. A8

Letters

Proposed high-rise would merely add to ugly streetscape

I am concerned that Councillor Tom Wilson and landowner Mary Chernin are attempting to strike down two of the six sight lines that the municipal planning department has proposed to protect the waterview and streetscapes in Sydney's North End.

If Coun. Wilson and Mr. Chernin have their way, we will lose yet another large chunk of waterfront that rightfully belongs to all of Sydney, and in this case is part of the integrity of our North End.

The six sight lines are excellent city planning. They must be protected through bylaw to stop developers from filling their pockets on the backs of all us.

I urge regional council to look closely at this proposal for a high-rise on our waterfront. This project would block two of the sight lines and look like an ugly blob sticking out of the North End. The North End is an underprotected and priceless area of Sydney that continues to suffer from a lack of tender loving care from council.

The addition of a high rise on the water will serve to further ghettoize the battered North End.

The award for ugliest streetscape in Sydney goes to that part of the Esplanade between Cambridge Suites and the Delta Hotel. Don't let Mr. Chernin produce more of the same because he is unwilling to produce a plan that leaves the sight lines intact.

I challenge Coun. Wilson and Mr. Chernin to ensure that this land becomes the site of a development that enhances the North End and invites us all to the waterfront. It's doable.

Cape Breton Post
Comment, Saturday, March 11, 2006, p. A8

Letter from the editor

Proposed waterfront project provokes differing viewpoints

Fred Jackson

This is not New York City or Toronto, but the potential of Cape Breton ports, particularly Sydney's, could open the gate to economic prosperity in a community that has depended on waterways for centuries. However, the view of the Sydney waterfront is so valuable it has spun controversy among developers and historic preservation buffs that has landed in the hands of regional council.

Those interested in preserving the character of Sydney's north end are concerned about a proposed $46 million development that would accommodate condominiums, a hotel, commercial and retail space.

One stumbling block is the view of the harbour from six vantage points. The project would be located across the street from Commerce Tower, between the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club and the Sydney Pavilion.

Adoption of six view planes would prevent any commercial development from blocking the harbour view no matter how beneficial to the economy, says municipal planner Rick McCready. Economic development manager John Whalley spoke out against obstructing the view of the harbour.

Mayor John Morgan suggested more information is needed on the proposal, which is only a conceptual drawing at this point, before the committee could vote on how many view planes should be protected.

It amazes me that an economic development officer would make the statement Whalley did.

On Friday I had a phone chat with Philip Lopate, a prominent New York author who has written a fascinating book about waterfront development. In his book, Waterfront: A Journey Around Manhattan, Lopate looks at how New York's waterfront developed.

He calls the waterfront "the key to New York's destiny" and suggests some ideas for future waterfront development.

During our conversation he made it clear that he is not against waterfront development. "There has to be mixed uses," he said. "Sure we have to pay tribute to heritage but ports are valuable and [a port] just can't be defined as purely recreation."

When I finished the telephone conversation with Lopate I looked out my office window and my first glimpse was the Commerce office tower, blocking my view of the harbour. It's all about your vantage point, but let's use common sense. Sydney is mostly on a flat plane near the harbour; this is not like Halifax Harbour, with the view from Citadel Hill.

Many community leaders across North America point out the potential economic benefits of developing waterways. The potential is almost limitless.

There's no question that developer Marty Chernin and other business people have made a statement with their proposal about the future of the city.

Also at stake are short- and long-range employment opportunities and taxes our municipality can use.

An attractive development that can showcase Sydney's historic north end will put added value on the homes and businesses in the area. It will also engage further development downtown, especially near the fire station, which has plenty of potential and space, complementing the beautiful Wentworth condos that were just constructed.

Let's have the best of both worlds.

Smallest population

This week I received plenty of responses about last week's column. Although some enjoyed my views there were a couple of buddies who pointed out an error.

Last week, while making a couple of points and using analogies, I praised the gold medal efforts of the Brad Gushue's rink from Newfoundland and Labrador.

With a population of only 500,000 people, Newfoundland has enjoyed a lot of success on the national and world stage in many sports.

I also said that now that Premier Rodney MacDonald is in the driver's seat in Nova Scotia and that his government should take a close look at Canada's gold medal performance by this country's smallest population. Folks, I certainly know that Newfoundland is not the province with the smallest population (Prince Edward Island is), and many times I have preached to colleagues never to box yourself in on such a claim but instead say "one of" when describing individuals, places and things in superlatives. Shame on me.

In fact, Prince Edward Island has also enjoyed enormous success on the Olympic stage.

P.E.I. had two islanders competing in the 2006 Olympic Games: bobsledder Heather Moyse and NHL star Brad Richards represented our sister province. That says a lot about Atlantic Canada.

Farside of me

A person's character will always reach town before the person arrives. And do not judge the book by the cover.

Famous quotation

Charity and personal force are the only investments worth anything.

Another thing of note about the "viewplanes", the two "viewplanes" that would be destroyed by this project are 1) from Commerce Tower and 2) from behind Harbour Place...both buildings developed by Mr. Chernin, one being home to his own office.

Smevo

March 29th, 2007, 04:08 AM

Figured I might as well take a page out of JoeyV's book and post an updated breakdown for the CBRM CA from the 2006 census.

CA
Population - 105,928
Area - 2,470.57
Density - 42.9

Urban Population - 78,131
Area Covered by Urban Areas - 135.88
Average Density in Urban Areas - 575
% Urban by Population - 73.8
% Urban by Area - 5.5

Former City and Towns
Had to use the UA stats for this.
Sydney
Population - 33,012
Area - 51.45
Density - 641.63
Glace Bay
Population - 19,968
Area - 35.15
Density - 568.08
North Sydney/Sydney Mines
Population - 15,500
Area - 28.47
Density - 544.43
New Waterford
Population - 9,661
Area - 20.81
Density - 464.25

Smevo

March 29th, 2007, 08:46 PM

I'll edit this when the full story comes out. Another hurdle cleared for the Donkin mine.

This is from CBPost Online's Latest News section (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=19807&sc=145), and should appear in tomorrow's CBPost.

NEWS News RSS Feed
Last updated at 1:52 PM on 29/03/07

Development of the Donkin coal mine has passed another hurdle

The Cape Breton Post

Legislation was introduced today that will establish a legal framework for the opening of the Donkin mine. It will also provide project developers with predictability from regulators.

“This act provides certainty to workers, Nova Scotians, Xstrata Donkin Coal Development Alliance, and our federal colleagues that we are committed to operating a safe and efficient mine,” said Labour Minister Mark Parent. “It provides clarity and consistency when dealing with regulators. That's good for safety and good for economic development.”

Nova Scotia and the federal government both claim jurisdiction over the coal at Donkin, but Parent said the two sides have put that question aside and focused on what’s required to operate a safe and efficient mine.

Two shafts were dug at Donkin by in the 1980s but they were never opened.

Consultations will be held in April to seek comments on the specifics of the changes and how to best regulate the mine. Changes will be made through regulation or, if necessary, by amending the legislation in the fall.

Details in Friday's Cape Breton Post.

Here's the full story from the Friday, March 30 edition of the Cape Breton Post.
Proposed legislation examines undersea coal mining

Donkin project manager calls it a 'positive step'

Section: Front

By Wes Stewart, Cape Breton Post
Federal and provincial departments will hold consultation sessions here in mid-April on a proposed act to regulate undersea coal mining.

The provincial department of Environment and Labour and Natural Resources Canada will accept presentations from Xstrata Donkin Coal Development Alliance and selected groups on the specifics of the proposed Act to Facilitate the Effective Regulation of an Undersea Coal Mine, introduced in the Legislature, Thursday.

Environment and Labour Minister Mark Parent said both governments have put aside the ownership question and focused on what's required for a safe and efficient mine.

The legislation must be passed by both levels of government.

"It's a positive step forward, certainly it will only help to promote our own strong health and safety performance on site," Donkin mine project manager Darren Nicholls said. "We will be working with one regulator and that removes any confusion and gives us good regulatory certainty."

Both the federal and provincial governments claim ownership of offshore resources and that's been the behind-the-scenes debate since the interest in developing the Donkin mine began, said Bob Burchell, the United Mineworkers District 26 administrator.

New health and safety regulations introduced by the province and any legislation in the federal guidelines that improve mining practices and safety will be mirrored in the new legislation, said Burchell.

"We are comfortable with it being under Nova Scotia regulations as long as the department is staffed with people who are competent to oversee that those regulations," he added.

Burchell said representatives of the four unions that represented the former Devco workers along with representatives from First Nations, Xstrata Coal, the chamber of commerce and local fishermen's groups have been invited to comment at the public consultation sessions, April 17-18 at the Cape Breton Miners' Museum. It will be presided over by Environment and Labour Department and Natural Resources Canada officials.

The new act addresses union demands for training and functions of joint occupational health and safety committees as well as an improved appeal process, Burchell said.

The proposed act mirrors existing federal and provincial laws, to the extent possible, in the areas of labour, occupational health and safety, mineral and petroleum development. These will be incorporated into federal law in place of the Canada Labour Code for the purpose of the mine and be administered by the province.

Licensing of coal and coal-gas operations would be as described in the province's Mineral Resources Act and the Petroleum Resources Act. Royalties for coal and coal gas will flow to the province.

The Canadian Human Rights Act will apply to the Donkin project. Xstrata is spending $15 million studying the feasibility of opening a four- to five-million -tonne a year coal mine.

Smevo

April 11th, 2007, 08:24 AM

I've got a couple of new things for this update, all on the small side of things. However, there have been some recommendations by the Planning Advisory Committee for CBD zones that, if accepted and adopted by the CBRM, would make the area more attractive for developers. Unfortunately, it was posted in an ad for the public hearings, so if an actual story comes out about it, I'll post it then, but it involved the potential to waive some guidelines such as traffic-impact studies and the like on a case-by-case basis.

From Wednesday, April 4th Cape Breton Post.

CBRM to lease property in bid to move garbage

Section: Cape Breton

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality's corporate services committee has given its approval to an agreement to lease Sysco's rail hardening building to be used as a transfer station to send trash by rail to a Guysborough County landfill.

At its meeting Monday, the committee authorized Mayor John Morgan and the municipal clerk to execute the lease as soon as possible.

Under the 10-year lease, the CBRM will pay annual rent of $133,045 - monthly installments of $11,087.

"I think they're ripping us off," said Coun. Wes Stubbert.

In December 2005, council gave final approval to a plan to transport 40,000 tonnes of solid waste a year by rail.

At that time, the total operating costs to ship the garbage by rail to Havre Boucher, Antigonish County, and then have it transported by truck the rest of the way - 40 kilometres - to the second generation landfill in Lincolnville, Guysborough County, was estimated at $2.3 million a year.

Craft, design centre officials expect new home to lead to success

Section: Cape Breton

By Nancy King,
A new larger location should allow the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design to boost its profile among visitors to the island and better serve artists and craftspeople, its executive director says.

The centre is planning to move into its new digs - with entrances on the Esplanade and Charlotte Street - possibly by the end of the month.

Carol Beaton has been visiting island municipalities updating them on the project, and appeared Monday in front of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality's corporate services committee. While the centre is physically located in Sydney, its mandate is to serve all of Cape Breton Island and it offers some of its programming in communities such as Port Hawkesbury and Inverness.

Its current location, on the second floor of the Lyceum, is not optimal, Beaton noted. It's inaccessible, is away from the downtown core, has no permanent gallery space and inadequate program space. There are also lighting, heating and ventilation issues.

"We are literally bursting at the seams," she said.

About eight years ago, the centre's board of directors decided it was important to relocate, and establish a properly equipped studio, meeting space and expanded library.

The more central location will allow it to be a vital addition to the cultural infrastructure within the CBRM and Cape Breton as a whole, Beaton said.

The Esplanade section of the building will house much of the centre's programming, while the Charlotte Street level will house the permanent gallery space, administration and meeting rooms.

Beaton noted they hope to increasingly involve more youth in programming and work more closely with local fine arts teachers. They also have a goal of offering ongoing programming and increasing offerings in services and programs.

The centre works closely with the tourism sector, including Destination Cape Breton and the Sydney Ports Corp. Beaton said they have attempted to lure visitors to the Lyceum through measures including distributing a walking map, but the more visible location will make that task easier.

"When visitors are coming to our island, they are looking for that cultural component," she said.

The project was announced in November 1995. At that time Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. indicated it would contribute $1.25 million.

The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design is a satellite of the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design. It has both recreational and professional members.

Double take for school board

Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board members told that Glace Bay and Northside will get new schools at same time

Section: News

By Sharon Montgomery,
Two new schools will now be built in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality at the same time.

Members of the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board were told during a meeting Monday night that a junior high school in Glace Bay and a Primary-Grade 6 school on the Northside will both be built in 2009.

"It's a compromise and a good one," said board member Myrtle Campbell.

Board superintendent Ed Davis went to Halifax on the board's behalf, said Campbell.

The provincial government budget released last month made no mention of funding for the Glace Bay school, which was at the top of the board's priority list, while money was set aside for the Northside facility.

"He spoke to the Department of Education staff and anyone else he could speak to, including politicians."

Campbell said it was decided money in this year's budget will now be used to buy the Northside site and fund the design for both schools.

Subsidence has been an issue in Glace Bay as officials seek a location for the new school. Provincial officials said earlier the Glace Bay school wasn't in this year's budget because a site hadn't been chosen.

Glace Bay MLA Dave Wilson said as a result of an agreement between the school board and the Department of Education, the design work and site selection will be done by the end of the 2008 school year and tenders for both projects will be called in the spring of 2009.

"Construction of both schools will be completed by the end of 2009."

The Liberal MLA wanted construction to begin this year.

"I am not going to stand in the way of two schools being built in Cape Breton, though," he said. "If the school board is happy with this, that is fine with me. My goal was to get the Glace Bay school back on the construction list. The minister (Karen Casey) has agreed and I will hold her to that.

"I'm not disappointed, but I am going to keep an eye on it."

Kevin Finch, spokesperson for the Department of Education, would only say a proposal is on the table regarding the two Cape Breton schools.

"We are waiting for correspondence from the board. On all our projects, we take our lead from the board."

Finch said the board originally asked for the two schools to be built at the same time so this restriction was placed on the project.

When a suitable site had not been found for the Glace Bay school, the restriction was lifted and preliminary work began on the Northside school.

"If they are looking to have this (restriction) put back on, it is something we can look at honouring."

An announcement for the building of two new schools to open in 2007 was made four years ago. The project was delayed and the opening date was pushed back to 2009.

CBRM moves step closer to helping museum project

Request for funding will be considered

Section: Northside/Victoria

By Nancy King,
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality's corporate services committee has referred a request to support a proposed museum development here to budget deliberations.

The North Sydney Historical Society, a non-profit organization, wants to construct a museum in downtown North Sydney at an estimated cost of $500,000.

The proposed site is the former town hall location. The North Sydney Credit Union purchased the land from the former town and it is now surplus to its needs.

The province has indicated it will provide a $100,000 contribution. Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. indicated it wouldn't commit to the project until a feasibility study was completed, something it agreed to fund. In order to move that process forward, the society was asking the CBRM to come onboard.

Deputy Mayor Gordon MacLeod had proposed the CBRM commit $45,000 to the project, which could be used to purchase the land, conditional on the museum being viable and that both other levels of government commit to the project.

"It's an enhancement to the downtown . . . it's something good for all of the CBRM," MacLeod said.

The project proposal drafted in 2005 notes the building could also house a satellite tourism information centre, providing a necessary service to visitors, and the museum would also benefit from increased traffic as a result.

Committee chair Kevin Saccary suggested referring the matter to budget talks, which is the normal process for such requests, but MacLeod responded "there's a timeline here" and the group wanted to see the feasibility study proceed as quickly as possible.

"I see a floodgates issue if we open the door," Mayor John Morgan said.

The committee agreed to follow the standard process.

CBRM council approves deal to sell Balls Creek school property to New Deal Development

Non-profit organization pays $1 for site

Section: Northside/Victoria

By Nancy King,
Cape Breton Regional Municipality council will be asked to give final approval to a plan to sell the former Balls Creek school property to New Deal Development, after the proposal was approved by its corporate services committee Monday.

The committee agreed to sell the property, located at 167 Campbell Rd., for a dollar following a public hearing. The non-profit organization plans to operate a multi-use facility there, which would include a child-care facility, seniors day program and a community and recreation meeting facility.

The assessed value of the property is listed as $545,500.

The property went through the municipality's community-based property procedure and the only letter of interest was received from New Deal.

Gordon Sampson of North Sydney, a new member of the New Deal board, told the hearing the group has a proven track record in these sorts of projects.

"I have every confidence when New Deal takes over this project . . . that it will be a very successful venture," he said.

In a report to the committee, planner Ken Smith noted a report on the demolition of the school in Catalone - a building only about half as big as Balls Creek - indicated it cost $68,000 to tear down. It suggested a cost of $80,000 to demolish the Balls Creek school is not an unreasonable estimate.

Smith's report also indicated it is questionable a profit could be made if the building is demolished and the land sold on the open market.

"Very often we end up tearing down these buildings because no one wants them," Coun. Wes Stubbert noted.

Incorporated in 1983, New Deal's mission as a non-profit organization is to contribute to the life of the greater Northside community in the creation of initiatives and enhance people's capacity to bring about productive social, cultural, economic and environmental change.

Smevo

April 11th, 2007, 08:41 AM

From Thursday, April 5th Cape Breton Post

Island to get more nursing home beds

Provincial health minister makes announcement in North Sydney

Section: Northside/Victoria

By Julie Collins, Cape Breton Post
Seniors in Cape Breton will have access to 64 more nursing home beds.

Nova Scotia Health Minister Chris d'Entremont made the announcement to a packed house at the Clansman in North Sydney, Wednesday.

The Northside Community Guest Home Society was awarded 39 nursing home beds. My Cape Breton Home for Seniors was awarded 13 residential care facility beds for Sydney and 12 for North Sydney.

These 64 beds are part of 125 new beds previously planned for Cape Breton.

"Many seniors want to live in their homes as long as possible," d'Entremont said. "But should they need additional help, they want to know it's there and they want to find it in a place that they can call home. We are building a long-term care system that meets the needs and reflects the values of Nova Scotians.

"As part of Continuing Care, we are also doing more home care and more training for continuing-care assistants because we know we are going to need a lot of those workers."

Through the Continuing Care Strategy, Cape Breton will also receive another 88 new beds from a total of 832 that will be built by 2010. This brings the total of new long-term care beds for Cape Breton to 213.

"Work around where these new beds will be located is now complete. Our decision-making process is based on evidence and on the ground information from the District Health Authorities," he said. "The department looked at critical data including the number of people waiting for long-term beds at home and in hospital, population trends, the health of our seniors and the current demand for and supply of services."

Cape Breton North MLA Cecil Clarke said the number of new beds for the Northside with Wednesday's announcement is 64.

"This is significant when you consider a care facility can proceed with 36 beds," Clarke said. "This is about quality care for our citizens at a time in their lives when they need it the most."

Cape Breton Regional Municipality council is expected to make a final decision later this month on the sale of a parcel of land for the expansion of the Northside Community Guest Home to accommodate the 39 additional beds.

The Continuing Care Strategy is a 10-year plan to enhance and expand Nova Scotia's continuing-care system.

"This is certainly a great day for seniors," said Sherry MacNeil of My Cape Breton Home for Seniors. "We will be placing 13 beds in Sydney and 12 in North Sydney and will be able to provide quality care in a home-like setting."

Rev. Karen Ralph, vice-chair of the Northside Community Guest Home Society, said the society looks forward to bringing new elements to health care.

"We are looking at expanding our role in the community, which includes a unit for younger members of the community who have debilitating illnesses," Ralph said. "We're grateful to the staff for their support, the board for years of hard work and government for recognizing the need."

From Saturday, April 7th Cape Breton Post
Financing in place for new school in Waycobah

Section: Cape Breton

By Laura Jean Grant, cape breton post
Construction of a new school for the Waycobah First Nation is expected to begin this spring.

The federal government, through Indian and Northern Affairs Development, announced a $7.5 million contribution over two years to the Mi'kmaw Kina'matenewey for the construction of two new First Nations schools - one in Shubenacadie and one in Waycobah.

The Mi'kmaw Kina'matenewey is an organization that oversees education in 10 Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia and over the last several years all member communities have pooled money to raise about $9 million for the two new schools. That, combined with the federal government's contribution, will pay for the bulk of the construction costs and any additional costs will be the responsibility of the individual communities.

In making the announcement, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Affairs Development Jim Prentice said the $7.5 million is part of a national $50 million investment in school infrastructure projects across Canada. He said the government is committed to addressing education needs in First Nations communities.

"We will continue to work in partnership with First Nations and provinces to ensure an effective education system in which First Nations people can excel," he said in a release.

The new school in Waycobah will accommodate Grades Primary to 12 and will provide modern facilities and learning technologies to the approximately 400 students in the community. It will also have space for community services and gatherings.

Waycobah Chief Morley Googoo is thrilled the project is moving ahead.

"We are very encouraged and excited with the movement that has taken place on the new school which will be located within the heart of our community," he said. "The new school will provide a great learning environment for our future leaders."

Googoo said the new school also demonstrates what can be accomplished when First Nations communities partner with one another and with other levels of government.

This is a comment from the editor placed in the Saturday, April 7th Cape Breton Post

School tinkering strikes nerves

Section: Comment

The governing Tories warned in advance of the spring provincial budget that finances were tight and some promises and commitments would have to be deferred. But when the budget came down on March 23 it wasn't immediately apparent where all the trimming had been done.

Pharmacare coverage for working families was one obvious deferral, and the finance department came out with a list that named some others, such as a healthy living tax incentive and a new disability allowance. This things rarely grab attention, however. Some are of interest only to small groups, while in other cases the government is not taking away something that was eagerly anticipated or generally known.

An obvious exception is the deferral of school projects, which came to light only some days later within the affected jurisdictions. The government should ask itself whether this piecemeal trickle of bad news and negative reaction in the wake of a budget makes good politics. It would be smarter to spell out explicitly everything that's being deferred and why.

The two flashpoints have been Middleton, which sent six busloads of students to Halifax to protest against the delay in construction of a promised gym, and Cape Breton where government intentions on both new school construction and renovation projects have the affected communities stirred up.

In both Middleton and Glace Bay, what got people rattled was not simply that the projects weren't funded but that the omissions seemed to say there was no longer any firm commitment. Education Minister Karen Casey tried to mollify Middleton by committing in writing to tender that project in February 2008.

The department did somewhat the same thing by agreeing to recouple the Northside Elementary School and Glace Bay junior high - two promised new schools that the school board has been trying to move in tandem. Only the Northside school was named in the $58.5 million capital plan for the province but now they're rejoined with a renewed commitment that students will be in the new schools in fall 2009.

In such a controversy, people look to riding maps for a political explanation and very often they think they see it. Cape Breton North is held by a Tory and Glace Bay by a Liberal. The government's explanation is that the Glace Bay school was left aside because of difficulties finding a suitable site. Whatever the truth, people are apt to conclude that while being on the right side of politics may not guarantee a school when you want it, it can't hurt.

The tinkering with the capital list is no cause to man the barricades but it does reinforce the caution that while a government announcement is a step up from a political promise, multi-year announcements in particular have to be taken with a grain of salt as well. And in some instances, such as the second consecutive deferral in completion of the Riverview Rural High School entrance project, government seems to be perversely flaunting some sort of wonky element in its own way of doing things.

Our front-page photo last Saturday of Riverview principal Betty Crosby looking down from the walkway to nowhere serves as a satiric comment about how government plans and builds. We're wondering how she got up there and whether she ever got down.

Hole on Dominion Street has been filled

Section: Glace Bay/New Waterford

By Sharon Montgomery, Cape Breton Post
A bootleg mine under Dominion Street is now a part of history.

Sean MacLellan, engineer technologist with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, said the hole has been filled in and the road was reopened Wednesday evening.

He said minor cleanups were done Thursday, but the road remained open.

Over the next while - as the weather and ground conditions permit - workers will continue with minor repairs to homeowners' properties, such as driveway and yard work.

He said as well the road will be maintained with gravel until asphalt is available later this spring.

MacLellan said the bootleg mine under the road was bigger than they had initially believed. It was about 25 feet deep.

"We found a small tunnel and two rooms (where coal was dug out)."

He said the road right-a-way is about 66 feet. About 60 per cent of the bootleg mine was under the pavement section of the road. It is estimated there was anywhere from 15-18 feet of ground cover above the mine.

"We really appreciate the patience of the public," said MacLellan, adding they received no complaints while the work was being done.

The sinkhole was discovered on Bernie Burt's property at 123 Dominion St., March 7. After the top was lifted by an excavator March 14, it was discovered to be 15 feet deep and part of an old bootleg mine that continued into several 'rooms' under the road.

Burt has since had the hole on his property filled and CBRM public works officials decided for safety reasons to begin road repair work immediately.

From Monday, April 9th Cape Breton Post
Province preparing for tourism season

Section: Our community

By Matthew Daye,
Spring is starting to make itself known which is a sign this year's tourist season will soon be upon the many businesses and attractions around the island.

Debbie MacKinnon from Knotty Pine Cottages located on Smokey's Mountain, which was hit hard this passing winter by the closing of the Cape Smokey ski hill, is worried for this summer as well.

"We've been a little slow getting our reservations for the summer so far," she said. "I don't know if it has to do with the gas prices or whatever it is. I really don't know."

Adele Poirier from Nova Scotia Tourism said the province has been holding its own the last few years, but the way tourism works is changing.

More and more people are making reservations at the last minute and using the Internet to plan their trips and because of this the province is changing its procedures.

"We have a new tourism plan that takes us in some new directions. It's called new realities, new directions," she said.

It involves three strategies.

The first is called Gateway, which involves focusing on areas that have direct flights to Nova Scotia. It's to appeal to travellers who want to spend their time at the destination, not just getting to it.

"People don't pack up the station wagon with the family dog and drive for two weeks anymore," she said.

The second is called Core Experiences, which is to build up the locations that exist.

The third strategy, called Courtship, is to take advantage of the Internet. Part of this strategy uses Google Earth with special plaid place markers.

This way prospective tourists can see possible destinations, with the bird's-eye view the program offers, but also with pictures and possibly video in the near future.

"As far as we know and as far as Google knows, we're the first to use Google Earth in this way," she said.

That strategy will also continue to update and explore new uses for the website, including letting people buy their whole vacation online.

Despite these new initiatives there may still be some problems with the upcoming season.

Gas prices, competition with other destinations, and the new passport regulations involving the United States, are the main concerns this year.

Donny MacLellan, a travel agent with Maritime Travel, says the determining factor for this tourism season is simple.

"If the weather stays nice, the people stay longer," MacLellan said. "If the weather gets bad they pack up and go."

This is from Wednesday, April 11th CBPost online (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=22003&sc=149).

Work about to resume on multi-use trail
BY NANCY KING
The Cape Breton Post

By Nancy King

Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The effort to develop a multi-use trail between Port Hastings and Inverness is about to resume.

The 92-kilometre project — a venture of the Cape Breton Island Pathways Association and Inverness County Trails Federation — began last fall is part of the TransCanada Trail project. The intention is to bring it up to a multi-use, four-season standard. The second phase of the project will involve identifying a route for the trail from Inverness to North Sydney.

To date, more than 7.4 kilometres of ditching and 4.7 kilometres of grubbing have been completed from Troy Beach to Dunmore Road, 22 culverts have been installed, 57 kilometres of right-of-way has been cut and 40 kilometres chipped.

“Everything is going as planned and on schedule so far, we’d like to see the snow disappear so we can get some frost out of the ground and resume some construction work,” noted CBIPA co-ordinator Darrell Taylor.

As the season for increased trail use approaches, officials are warning users that heavy equipment will be performing work on it and sections may be closed at any time, without notice. Bridges may also be closed from time to time to allow for maintenance and upgrades. Users are asked to use extra caution, remain on the trail and adhere to safety signage.

“There will be a considerable amount of heavy equipment on the trail,” Taylor said. “There will also be materials being spread on the trail because some of these sections are low and they have to be built up to alleviate water problems.”

There will also be more chipping and right-of-way cutting over the next four months, he added.

Taylor said the group may have a report completed on the Inverness to North Sydney route over the next few weeks, and then it can begin to look at construction requirements and funding partners.

CBIPA and Inverness County Trails Federation have partnered with 28 corporations, organizations and government agencies on the project. To date, about $1.2 million of the $1.9 million project cost has been raised, and Taylor said the groups are still looking for additional partners to fund the remainder.

“We still have some partners to find to come onboard, but we’re in the process of trying to look at partners and avenues,” he said.

The trail is expected to be an attraction for not only Cape Bretoners but visitors to the island.

“In rural Cape Breton, we don’t have a lot of recreational assets to use, this one is definitely significant because it’s a multi-use trail that we can use all four seasons,” he said.

As well as this (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=22006&sc=152).
It really is an eyesore that should've been torn down long ago, but as long as it's torn down soon, with the current upswing in interest in the Sydney area, this land will be prime for a hotel or apartment development, and is directly beside Cabot House, Sydney's tallest building at 18 stories and a mixed use of commercial/office (first 3 floors) and apartments (other 15 floors).

No firm date set for demolition of former Keddy’s Motor Inn
CAPE BRETON POST STAFF
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — A firm date to knock down the former Keddy’s Motor Inn on Kings Road hasn’t been pinned down, but the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s bylaws and buildings manager said it’ll likely happen later this spring.

Rick Fraser said the municipality has been working with a representative of the property’s owner, businessman Hugh Lynch, on dismantling the building.

“We’ve met with the contractor and we’ve gone over his criteria for demolishing the property and what we would expect to see as part of that demolition,” Fraser said Tuesday.

He said some final details have to be reviewed before the building is torn down.

“But it looks like the owner is taking steps to do the demolition on his own.

“It would be prudent on us to watch what the owner is going to do to ensure that the property is (demolished) correctly.”

About three-quarters of the building has structural problems and is full of mould, Fraser said.

The asking price for the former motel, seen as an eyesore by some residents over the years, is $495,000. It’s been vacant for the last 10 years.

Smevo

April 16th, 2007, 02:55 AM

From Saturday, April 14th, 2007 edition of the Cape Breton Post.

Cape Breton Casting getting some interest from local business

Section: Business

By Wes Stewart,
Cape Breton business interests are assessing the feasibility of acquiring the Cape Breton Casting plant in the Northside Industrial Park, the Cape Breton Post has learned.

"We've received no proposals to date," Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation spokesman D.A. Landry said late Friday.

Any proposals received, including those from local interests, if any, will be evaluated by the consultants who will make recommendations to ECBC, Landry said.

Approximately 60 people are employed manufacturing die cast transmission parts for car parts giant Magna International.

Its Magna Powertrain PFC plant is located next door.

Cape Breton Growth Fund took over the operation of the plant in March 2006 when the owners failed to meet the terms and conditions of its contract.

The Crown corporation is committed to operating the plant until July 1.

Ernst & Young has been engaged as outside consultants to formulate an exit strategy.

"We looked for an assessment of the operation and its financial situation and to evaluate the business both as a going concern and as liquidation," he said.

"It has been determined the plant has potential to sell it as a going concern," Landry said.

Ernst & Young is now working on a process to market the plant to people in the automotive industry and investors interested in companies with potential.

It's about time for this, also from Saturday's CBPost.

Councillor pushing for active transportation strategy in CBRM

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Shannon,
When budget deliberations begin next month, Coun. Ray Paruch is hoping to see funding go toward an active transportation strategy in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Wednesday, Paruch touted the need for a detailed plan at the public services committee - one which considers the municipality's geography as well as its main urban communities and the links between them.

"We'd be looking at an emphasis on sidewalks, tying in public transit with bicycle users," said Paruch, who serves as chair of the active transportation committee.

"You might have somebody in Coxheath or Westmount that may drive a bicycle to a certain spot and have a bicycle rack to put the bicycle on, before getting on public transit to come to work or you may have it just the opposite."

But he said active transportation is more than simply targeting bicycle users.

"Active transportation could be as simple as encouraging people to take strollers with their children to go to Wentworth Park in Sydney.

The active transportation committee is comprised of community groups, police, Velo Cape Breton, the Cape Breton District Health Authority, the provincial government and the CBRM, among others.

In order to develop the comprehensive plan, Paruch said a consulting firm with expertise in the field must be hired. The total cost is estimated at $125,000, but Paruch said about half of that cost could be generated by the vested interest groups with the remainder coming from the municipality.

He doesn't expect he'll face much opposition to the plan when budget talks begin.

"I don't foresee any problems at all."

Claire Detheridge, chair of the public services committee, said the municipality has already received 35 e-mails in favour of active transportation which shows there is support for the plan.

Bell museum plagued by leaky roof

Silver Dart display could solve problem

Section: Front

By Chris Hayes,
Parks Canada is still dealing with a leaky roof at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site three years after the problem was noted in an auditor general's report.

Carol Whitfield, a field unit superintendent based in Cape Breton, said plans exist to fix the roof but the roughly $2-million repair job may not be necessary depending on the activities of a group called the Silver Dart Centennial Association.

Those plans could include a Silver Dart display over one of the areas where the roof is leaking.

"I don't want to be in position where I spend a considerable amount of money on that roof and two years later tear the roof off because we are building an addition that makes that roof unnecessary," she said.

Whitfield noted the leaks are not threatening the displays or artifacts in the Baddeck museum.

"We are trying to find if we can plug where the leak is coming in, patch it, whatever until we know for sure what is going to happen."

Leaks that were associated with snow and ice conditions stopped when the snow and ice melted. Parks Canada is prepared to pay for the roof repairs if necessary, Whitfield said.

Aynsley MacFarlane, site manager at the Bell museum, said a waterproof membrane in the museum roof is breaking down in some exhibit areas but the leaks tend to be in public walk areas between artifacts rather than on the displays themselves.

"If it ever came to a point where it was a threat to any artifact, the artifact would be removed - that's for certain," she said.

The Silver Dart Centennial Association is working on plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the airplane's historic flight over Baddeck Bay on Feb, 23, 1909, which was the first controlled power flight of a British subject (John A.D. McCurdy) in the British Empire.

The airplane was developed under Bell's direction.

Shane MacFarlane, the chairman of the association, confirmed Friday it has been negotiating with Parks Canada about a Silver Dart display which could be located in a section of the museum where the roof is leaking.

The association must raise millions of dollars for that project, he noted.

Auditor general Sheila Fraser noted in a February 2004 report on national parks that the Bell museum was only rated in fair condition in a Parks Canada evaluation in 2002-03.

A fair rating means deterioration of the historic site has to be addressed within three to five years to prevent the permanent loss of elements that show its historical significance, closure to the public or rapid deterioration of the site.

The fair rating for the Bell museum was related to the potential for deterioration of a collection of unique photographs, problems with the roof and humidity problems.

MacFarlane said the photographs have been preserved in digital form and the humidity problems have been addressed.

From Friday, April 13, 2007 Cape Breton Post.
Committee discusses tar ponds projects

Section: Business

By Tanya Collier MacDonald, cape breton post
Members of a newly struck environmental management committee met Thursday to discuss upcoming tar ponds projects and ways to track ongoing success.

The full-day event, which was closed to the public, was held in Membertou, said Ken Swain, project director at Public Works and Government Services Canada. It was one of several monthly meetings the committee has held since it was struck in December.

The committee has eight federal representatives, four provincial representatives and a representative from the Cape Breton District Health Authority. The Sydney Tar Ponds Agency and an independent engineer also attend.

"The purpose of the committee is to ensure that the environmental obligations that the project has are met and to ensure that we keep the recommendations of the review panel in view," said Swain.

In the committee's terms of reference, its purpose is described as offering expert advice on the environmental management of the $400-million cleanup and to guide the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency during the development and implementation of a project environmental management plan.

It's also developing a tracking document to keep tabs on ongoing work.

"It methodically lays out the review panel recommendation from number one to number 55 and governments' response," said Swain. "For the rest of it, it's a work in progress."

The committee will also serve as a forum for information exchange between federal and provincial regulatory agencies and project experts.

tcmacdonald@cbpost.com

Members drawn from number of areas

Sitting committee representatives:

Government of Canada:

1. Public Works and Government Services Canada

2. Health Canada

3. Fisheries and Oceans

4. Environment Canada

5. Transport Canada

6. Natural Resources Canada

7. Cape Breton Development Corporation

8. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation

Province of Nova Scotia:

9. Department of Environment and Labour

10. Department of Health Promotion and Protection

11. Department of Transportation and Public Works

12. Department of Natural Resources

13. Cape Breton District Health Authority

Ex-offico members

14. Independent Engineer

15. Sydney Tar Ponds Agency

Historical society waiting for word on land for museum

Section: Northside/Victoria

The North Sydney Historical Society is waiting for a decision from Cape Breton Regional Municipality council to purchase land for a museum site where the town hall once was located.

Jim Walsh, president of the society, indicated an application is being considered by council and will be decided on during the budget session in two weeks.

At present the museum functions from the basement of the old Bank of Nova Scotia building where the library operates.

The proposed museum site is next door and would be in prime location to take advantage of the half-million annual travellers to and from Newfoundland, as well as providing a well recognized service on the Main Street and supplying a cornerstone to the downtown of North Sydney.

In an effort to provide a new building to house artifacts and cultural themes, the historical society has undertaken to provide a new space for the North Sydney Seniors' Club and is negotiating to bring such groups as Northside artists to the building as a site for display and sales.

"A five-year plan to demonstrate fiscal sustainability for the museum is being developed with professional assistance," Walsh said. "Once the site and plan are approved the society will be negotiating further with Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. for federal funding for construction costs."

The provincial government has made a $100,000 contribution to the museum.

Walsh noted there will be office space available for rent in the proposed quarters, such as for tourism, and this would enhance the building as a community centre in the downtown.

Smevo

April 17th, 2007, 09:19 PM

From the Tuesday, April 17, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Spring is here, cruise ships not far behind

Should be another good year for visits

Section: Business

By Matthew Daye,
The ice is almost gone and the weather is starting to improve, which means cruise ships will soon be arriving in Sydney harbour.

Marketing manager Bernadette MacNeil, of Sydney Ports Corp., said Cape Breton is in for another good year for cruise ship visits.

"It's very comparable to 2006 and we're happy with that."

Last year, more than 46,000 cruise ship passengers stopped in Sydney harbour. This year, almost 49,000 passengers will be making the trip.

"A second vessel from Holland America (is coming) which indicates that they're filling their ships to allow for that second vessel to come in," noted MacNeil.

Norwegian Cruise Lines is also returning with Norwegian Dawn.

"We have the Grand Princess, which carries 2,600 passengers, coming in several times to Sydney and we're very pleased about that."

MacNeil said Cape Breton offers something special to cruise ship passengers.

"We have such tremendous choices in the way of excursions with the Fortress of Louisbourg and the Bell museum and the miners' museum."

MacNeil asked that people who want to see the cruise ships when they arrive in port follow safety rules.

"Park your car somewhere else and walk down. The code that's imposed upon us is that we can't allow unauthorized vehicles on our dockside," she said. "But we do try to encourage our public to come down here. We want them to interact with our passengers."

Sobeys closing its Mayflower Mall store

Two retailers expected to occupy building

Section: Cape Breton

By Tanya Collier MacDonald,
Sobeys is closing the doors on its Mayflower Mall location May 5, a decision its landlord knew was imminent.

The Canadian grocery chain began to meet with each of its 63 affected employees Monday to offer them a job at one of its remaining five locations in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality - Sydney, Sydney River, New Waterford, Glace Bay and North Sydney.

"We're working with them to ensure a smooth transition," said Jill Thomas Myrick, director of communications and corporate affairs at Sobeys. "We will be offering an extensive severance package to those employees who would not be accepting positions within the company."

The closure is a "business decision" that follows an extensive and careful review of the company's operations in the local area.

Thomas Myrick declined to give a specific reason for the closure and wouldn't comment on the profitability of the location, which opened in January 1991.

"We don't discuss or disclose details of the profits of any one particular store," she said.

The grocery chain doesn't plan to reopen, she added.

Luc Corneli, vice-president of leasing at the Burnac Corp., said the commercial real estate company was aware Sobeys wasn't going to renew its lease.

"We've been working on a redevelopment strategy," said Corneli.

It's anticipated two major retailers will occupy nearly all of the building's 51,000 square feet of space.

Corneli said the final details are still being worked out but an announcement can be expected as early as the end of May.

Smevo

April 18th, 2007, 10:35 PM

Another step in the Undersea Mining bill, which will affect Donkin.

From Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Cape Breton Post.

New bill will regulate undersea mining

Public given chance to voice opinion in Glace Bay

Section: Business

By Wes Stewart,
The public had the chance Tuesday to voice its opinion on proposed legislation to regulate undersea coal mining as its relates to the Donkin mine.

The consultations at the Cape Breton Miners' Museum, and a final round in Halifax Thursday, will hear from Donkin residents, unions, Xstrata Coal, employee and employer groups and fishermen on proposed legislation that mirrors federal and existing laws in the areas of labour, occupational health and safety, mineral and petroleum development.

It's unlikely the legislation will be presented to Parliament much before the fall at the earliest, said Robert Lomas, director, special projects division, minerals and metals sector, Natural Resources Canada.

The legislation also must be enacted by the provincial government, which will act as regulator and collect the royalties from the mine's coal and coal-gas operations.

Donkin Coal Alliance, a consortium of Xstrata Coal of Australia and Erdene Gold, Dartmouth, is spending $15 million draining the flooded mine tunnels and testing the coal to assess the feasibility of opening the mine over the next year.

Representatives of Environment and Labour and Natural Resources Canada presided over the sessions.

Lomas said once they hear from the community they will discuss with the province whether they need to make any changes to the proposals the governments made to the regulatory regime.

"I think what we will end up with is likely provincial in terms of resource development, tailored a little bit slightly to reflect some of the things in the Canada Labour Code provincial regulations with some amendments," Lomas said.

Xstrata needs that clarity of one regulator in order to go ahead and develop a project plan, he suggested.

The Halifax session will discuss the jurisdictional overlap with the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board in terms of extracting coal bed methane.

"We will make sure that authority is actually removed from the board so there is one regulator in terms of the province and the coal mines," Lomas said.

"We want to make sure everything is covered off and who we go to if we have a problem," said presenter Hugh Kennedy, chair of the Xstrata Donkin community liaison committee.

The community of 1,200 people supports the development of the mine, because "obviously, economically we need it," Kennedy said.

At the same time, people are concerned about the impact the mine will have on the environment, road safety and the fishery, he said.

Riverview student wants minister to explain why renovations have been halted

Section: Cape Breton

By Tanya Collier MacDonald,
A student leader at Riverview Rural High School has a simple question for the province's education minister.

"What happened?"

John MacLellan, student council co-president at the Coxheath school, said students want answers from Education Minister Karen Casey.

"Where did the money go? Was the planning poor? I'd be interested in what she had to say," he continued.

MacLellan said students are frustrated that government funding for a scheduled renovation was put on hold for a second budget year.

"I'm guessing the money was needed somewhere else," said MacLellan

The school started work on a contemporary entranceway to replace its original doorway, which dates back to the 1950s. Along with giving the school a modern twist, the project was supposed to give students space for their music and drama programs and a stage the school currently lacks.

Peter McLaughlin, a department spokesperson, said Casey has two days tentatively set aside the first week in May to tour Cape Breton schools. It's unknown which schools she'll be visiting, he said.

"It's not like (the school) is asking for enough money to build a new school," MacLellan wrote in an open letter to the minister. "We just want enough to finish the part that has already been started. Minister Casey, you could take a lesson from the students at RHS and complete the goals that you and your department set out to achieve."

MacLellan said students have collected more than 3,000 signatures on a petition asking for funding to complete the job.

Scheduled renovations at Sydney Academy were also put on hold this fiscal year.

The provincial government has allocated $58.5 million for improved school infrastructure over the upcoming fiscal year. The money is being shared among 11 schools.

In a small caption underneath a photo, the paper mentioned a moving company taking furniture out of the old Keddy's in preparation for its demolition. Still no official word on when it will happen, but that's definitely a good sign.

Smevo

May 3rd, 2007, 06:31 AM

There's a gap here created by my twice-weekly trips to Saint John, but I'll try to fill in the gap later by browsing the pdf files and reporting on updates. Until then, here's some to catch up.

From Thursday, April 26, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Farmers' markets group wants to grow industry

Section: Business

By Chris Hayes,
Farmers' markets in Nova Scotia are working on a growth strategy for a sector that already contributes almost $63 million to the provincial economy.

A group called the Farmers' Markets of Nova Scotia Co-operative was in Sydney Wednesday for the first of a series of brain-storming sessions with vendors and customers.

Co-ordinator Don Black said that session - which was hosted by the Cape Breton Farmers' Co-operative - was the first of five that will tap into the issues and concerns of all 10 farmers' markets in the Nova Scotia co-operative.

Farmers' markets have seen growing demand for their fresh produce, raising big questions about how to supply that demand, he said.

"The rate of growth of our markets is being driven by hugely increasing consumer demand for healthy food, to know where the food comes from and to get some reconnection with the reality of food as opposed to buying it in packages," he said.

"We have, as far as we know, as many producers as are interested and able to come to farmers' markets, they are already there. We have to find a whole new range of producers."

A study for the provincial co-operative estimated the impact of the farmers' market sector in 2004 was almost $63 million, taking direct sales at the markets and indirect sales at other nearby stores into account, he said.

Black said the goal of the strategy, which will be developed during the remainder of 2007, will be to identify roadblocks, like lack of labour or investment money.

Service Canada has provided funding for a resource person to help develop expansion strategies.

The Cape Breton Farmers' Market has grown in the last five years from a summer-only market attracting some 200 people on Saturdays to a year-round indoor market (at the Sydney Marine Terminal) that had over 1,000 customers on many Saturdays last fall, according to a release.

The market averaged 600 customers during the winter season.

Fifteen vendors take part during the winter months but another 10-15 show up during the summer and fall, said Sharon MacDonald, a director of the co-operative.

Customers like the freshness of the produce, which contributes to its nutritional value, she said.

"We have a lot of regulars and it is a joy to see them every week and it's not the same if they don't show up for some reason."

Products for sale at the Cape Breton market range from fresh produce to eggs, baked goods, jams and jellies and crafts.

Charles MacDonald, the president of the co-operative, said some ideas he heard at Wednesday's get-together included providing entertainment or guest speakers to attract more consumers and greater use of greenhouses to expand the availability of fresh produce throughout the year.

And people complain Cape Breton has too much power in the provincial legislature.

Students want to teach province a lesson

Sydney Academy students march to demand much-needed renovations

Section: Front

By Chris hayes,
Sydney Academy students chanting "broken promises broken school" marched to the Provincial Building Wednesday to protest delays in much-needed renovations at the school.

About 120 students lined up on the sidewalk in front of the building during the noon hour waving protest signs and cheering passing cars that honked their horns in support.

Grade 12 student Liam Gillis, who helped organize the protest, said they wanted to send a message to Education Minister Karen Casey.

"We want to make a statement obviously and some sort of visual statement we think is what's needed in order for the government to completely understand how passionate we are about the situation," he said.

"There is a general feeling in the student body that we need to have government give us these renovations."

Students at both Sydney Academy and Riverview Rural High School in Coxheath were frustrated when the Education Department postponed scheduled renovations at the high schools for the second year in a row.

The province had planned renovations at Sydney Academy that included an addition to the building to house changing rooms, showers and a music room.

"We are a school of almost 800 with no shower and changing facilities for the gym," said Sydney Academy principal Kevin Deveaux in an interview before the protest started. "That's desperate."

"The music room is in an area that is totally inappropriate. The room is too small. It doesn't have the height, it doesn't have the practice area . . . and it is in a venty, drafty damp basement."

Sydney Academy's plumbing, heating and ventilation problems are not being repaired either, he said.

"We had two more plumbing problems just in these past two days," he said.

Casey has agreed to visit Sydney Academy on May 3 to talk to students about the delayed renovations.

The minister has also agreed to visit Riverview High School on May 2.

Riverview students are frustrated by another year of delay in the completion of renovations to their high school.

The school started work on a new entranceway but that project remains unfinished. Along with giving the school a modern twist, the project was supposed to give students space for their music and drama programs and a stage the school currently lacks.

School principal Betty Crosby said renovation requirements for the school also include the library, art classrooms, labs and lockers in the phys-ed room.

Renovations at Riverview and Sydney Academy were omitted from the provincial government's spending plans for the next fiscal year.

Instead, the $58.5 million for school infrastructure will be spent on 11 other schools.

From Friday, April 27, 2007 Cape Breton Post

African Nova Scotians now have access to office in Cape Breton

Section: Business

By Nancy King,
African Nova Scotians in Cape Breton now have local access to services with the official opening of the first regional office of African Nova Scotian Affairs in Sydney Thursday.

Premier Rodney MacDonald and African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Barry Barnet were on hand for an open house at the office, located on the fifth floor of Commerce Tower in Sydney.

The office is staffed by a community development officer, program administration officer and secretary.

"(It) will provide an excellent opportunity for people to have direct access to government services and access to the resources that we have not only in these offices but in Halifax as well," Barnet said.

It will offer an opportunity for people to have their voices reflected in government decisions, he said, adding the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs works with all other government departments.

More than a year of planning went into opening the Cape Breton regional office. Sydney was chosen for the first regional office because of its distance from Halifax, Barnet said.

"It is a move to get more services out to the rural parts of Nova Scotia," MacDonald said. "It's been a long-standing issue here in Sydney and for Cape Breton Island to see more government services."

The province indicated four years ago it would set up a a cabinet level office for African Nova Scotians as a link between government and the community. The Halifax office opened in fall 2005.

"I think it's rather exciting to have an office finally open here that will be of service especially to the black community . . . but also the community at large," said Sydney resident Clotilda Yakimchuk. "I think it's one of the examples of when government decentralizes some of the services."

Discussions with an eye toward establishing additional regional satellite offices are continuing.

The Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs is mandated to assist, support and enhance the delivery of services to African Nova Scotians and serve as a partner in achieving self-reliance and sustainability for African Nova Scotian communities.

On the other extreme of complaints, we have the mayor of the CBRM, though this one is mild.

Province hands out money for recreation facilities

Bulk of $504,000 for Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Shannon,
The province doled out slightly more than a half-million dollars Thursday for upgrades to recreation facilities across Cape Breton.

Known as recreation facility development grants, the $504,000 will be used to build and renovate existing community centres, halls and baseball fields, construction of a skateboard park and equestrian facility as well as money to support trail development.

"We are competing against an increasing obesity rate, high levels of inactivity, chronic disease and many other compelling priorities. It's a competition we must win," the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection Barry Barnet told a group of funding recipients at Silicon Island overlooking Wentworth Park in Sydney, which itself received $96,000 for upgrades.

"These funds will assist 14 different organizations with the goal of helping this community become more physically active."

The funding is part of the annual $3-million provincewide grant program. It provides up to one-third of capital costs to organizations and then those groups are responsible for raising the remainder.

The bulk of the money in Thursday's announcement went to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. It received $389,000 and Mayor John Morgan welcomed the funds.

However he said the provincial funding system isn't fair, noting the Halifax Regional Municipality is given more recreation funding even though its recreational capital budget is 50 times the size of the CBRM's budget.

"I think it's important to keep in mind . . . we really do need fair funding so that we can do the things and make the facilities available for the public to ensure they have an opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle," the mayor said.

Grants through the recreation facility development program are provided based on criteria, such as community need and benefits, the level of planning and preparation, sustainability and other funding commitments.

From Saturday, April 28, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Demolition of Keddy's building will take a few more weeks

Section: Business

By Wes Stewart, Cape Breton Post
It will take another two weeks to complete the demolition and clean up of the accommodations section of Keddy's Motor Inn on Kings Road.

"We have 165- rooms down and about 30- units left" to be demolished in the modular constructed multi-storey building, said site foreman John MacDonald, Paul MacDonald Trucking, Birch Grove.

"It was a big building and it's getting cleaned up pretty good, he said.

The demolished building is being trucked to the municipal landfill.

Handymen got a lot of pink insulation, plywood and two-by-four's, a lot of good lumber salvaged by local people, MacDonald said.

The remaining section marked for demolition will be down in a week and it will take another week to complete the fine clean up.

"We got to go around to the fences, neighbours yards and do hand picking because we have to leave it clean," MacDonald said.

Group seeks UN recognition for Bras d'Or Lakes, watershed

Section: Cape Breton

By Wes Stewart, cape breton post
The inaugural annual public meeting of a volunteer group seeking United Nations recognition for the Bras d'Or Lake and its watershed will be held Monday.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the St. Peter's fire hall.

The Bras d'Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association wants the lake and its watershed to join more than 500 special places designated as world biosphere reserves.

Guest speaker Bob Maher, Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association chairperson, will talk about the UN's world biosphere program, which showcases places where residents promote economic and human development in harmony with nature.

Canada has 13 world biosphere reserves, including one that encompasses most of southwest Nova Scotia.

Many groups already promote more sustainable activities and a greater understanding of the lake's ecosystem, Bras d'Or Lake Biosphere Association interim chairperson Teresa MacNeil said in a release.

This designation will support these initiatives, as well as new ones, enhance tourism and increase the recognition that this place is a good place to live, work and visit, she added.

"World biosphere reserves are places where people try to live in harmony with the natural world, balancing the needs of humans with the needs of the environment," MacNeil said.

Jim Foulds, retired Cape Breton University biology professor who serves as the association's interim secretary, stressed that biosphere reserves are not a new level of bureaucracy, do not involve any new regulations, and do not limit the rights of individuals.

"They focus on three functions - the conservation of natural resources in areas that are already protected; economic development that is ecologically sustainable; and increasing an area's capacity for research, monitoring and education."

The meeting will elect a slate of officers and provide an update on its activities to date. It's a chance for residents to become members and volunteer time and expertise for this important initiative, Foulds said.

Smevo

May 3rd, 2007, 06:53 AM

From Tuesday, May 1, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Cape Breton Castings attracting interest

Local businessmen kicking plant's tires

Section: Business

By Wes Stewart,
A group of local businessmen headed by Jim Kehoe of Joneljim Concrete Construction will make a proposal for the troubled Cape Breton Casting plant.

Kehoe confirmed Monday a proposal is being prepared in time for Friday's deadline for submissions of interest in the die-cast manufacturer.

He declined to say too much about the proposal until it has been submitted, but suffice to say it will involve eight to 10 unnamed local people.

"We don't know how many (people) will be putting a proposal in, we don't know if we will win or not but we have confidence that we have a good bid."

The players involved in this bid have been successful people in the community, he said.

Ernst & Young, the agent for the plant's owner Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. and the plant, has been getting moderate to high interest in the business, said manager Mat Harris.

Casting is in a good position for a sale with the benefit of a sole source customer next door. The company makes aluminum die-cast parts for Tesma PFC, a subsidiary for auto parts giant Magna International.

"With a couple of changes that we have identified, the Casting plant could be financially attractive," Harris said. ECBC has set early July as the deadline to firm up a buyer or failing that to dispose of the assets.

Hope floats

Eyking appeals to minister of transport for help with Sydney harbour 'eyesore'

Section: News

By Greg McNeil,
There is renewed hope something will be done with the derelict vessel in Sydney harbour after the issue was floated in the House of Commons, Monday.

Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking used his members statement prior to question period to address the Cape Ann III which is partially submerged near the Keltic Drive bridge.

"Mr. Speaker, despite all these positive results, Sydney harbour also has an eyesore that has potential danger," Eyking said in Parliament.

"At the end of the harbour is a rusted out derelict vessel named the Cape Ann III. Mr. Speaker, I would encourage the minister of transport to become a friend of Sydney harbour and order the removal of this vessel immediately."

Reached Monday afternoon, Eyking said his statement on the 175-foot derelict stern trawler received a quick response from Minister of Transport Lawrence Cannon.

"He looked over at me and waved me over after (question period). He said 'What can I do to help with this situation?' I said 'You have to order your department to remove it. It is a simple as that.' He said he is going to look into it."

Eyking described his statement as a "polite way" to ask Cannon to "be a friend of Sydney harbour."

"I was fortunate enough to have (the statement) right before question period started, so the prime minister and everybody was in the house."

The local MP also used his floor time to talk about positive developments in the Sydney area - a harbour cleanup, new sewage treatment plant, the Wentworth Park makeover, boardwalks, and the tar ponds cleanup.

The Sydney Port Authority's investment in the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, the Steve Kavanaugh Stage and the giant fiddle were also included in his one-minute statement.

"There were two things I was trying to achieve. One was to recognize what a great job being done in Sydney harbour the last six or seven years. But at the end of the harbour we have this vessel that is a big eyesore and a danger."

Smevo

May 7th, 2007, 07:27 PM

From the Thursday, May 3, 2007 Cape Breton Post.

There's good news at the very end of this article...I'll italicize it to highlight it.

'New' Sysco scrapyard to be environmentally assessed

Section: Cape Breton

By Wes Stewart,
The new scrapyard on the former steel plant property to be remediated is not really new.

Nova Scotia Lands Inc. has called for proposals from companies interested in doing a Phase 2 environmental site assessment of the 'new' scrapyard area, the deadline is Tuesday.

The 'new' scrapyard designation identifies the one located on the west side of the steel plant from the 'old' scrapyard that dates to the early 1900s when the plant was built.

"It was put there in 1989 to support the modernized mill and that is what people reference as the new scrapyard," Nova Scotia Lands Inc. chief operating officer Joel MacLean said this week. The recently established Crown corporation manages the cleanup of provincially owned sites for the provincial Transportation and Public Works Department.

Nova Scotia Lands has been systematically ordering environmental assessments to assess areas that need to be remediated.

"It involves test pits, drilling bore holes and monitoring wells."

About 85 per cent of the former steel plant property has been done, the next step is to do the scrapyard, he said.

"That has to be done prior to opening the site (for development) to find out what contaminants we have."

The scrapyard stored the scrap metal used to charge the electric arc furnace.

"We don't expect any real issues in that area but one never knows," MacLean said.

So far the only significant hydrocarbon contamination is under an old tank farm in the north end of the 455-acre site now being remediated by Hazco. Isolated areas where a tank might have leaked oil have been identified, contaminated soil removed and treated at the Hazco remediation location.

So far 50-acres including some former buildings from the steelmaking operations have been developed into Harbourside Commercial Park.

The fence separating the commercial park from areas of the property yet to be remediated will be relocated to the north as land becomes available for development, he said.

MacLean said two roads located near the Cape Breton Regional Municipality garbage transfer station, the former head hardening building, will be extended this year.

"We plan to extend a road past that building to the west and open a section for commercial and light industrial."

Nova Scotia Lands is getting inquiries almost daily about the availability of space, most of the office space is occupied by a dozen tenants.

"We've had people looking at property, but we haven't signed anybody to a commitment of a new building yet, but we are expecting that to happen."

One eight-bay building adjacent to the head hardening building is available, he said.

Not-so-quick fix back on

Education minister announces upgrades to Sydney Academy and Riverview will proceed this year; sites still needed for new schools in Glace Bay, Northside

Section: Front

By Nancy King,
Before a handful of students, parents and administrators, Education Minister Karen Casey announced upgrades to Sydney Academy and Riverview high schools will proceed this year.

Construction of new schools in Glace Bay and on the Northside will proceed once appropriate sites are found and the design process is completed, she added.

Casey is touring a number of Cape Breton schools and updating them on their capital construction projects. She visited École NDA in Cheticamp Wednesday and will visit Sydney Academy, Glace Bay High and St. Mary's Elementary today.

Tenders have been called for the Riverview Rural High School work, which is expected to cost just over $1 million, Casey said.

When asked whether the dollars for the Riverview project in Coxheath were there all along, the minister responded there is a total capital budget "and there is some flexibility within that budget . . . we looked at the cost of that tender and we have the dollars to cover that cost."

When the Riverview and Sydney Academy projects did not appear to be included in the spring budget, students organized protests and petitions calling for the work to get back on track.

Casey said that did not influence the government's decision.

"That did not drive our decision but it certainly was a good experience for them and if they want to feel that they made a difference, then I hope they do," she said.

Upgrades to Riverview began in 2004, as part of a $7.1 million multi-year project. Now a new entrance will be completed, with a new music room, drama space and air-handling unit added.

Other phases will proceed as money becomes available, Casey said.

"It may not be all you wanted, but it's what we can do at this point in time," she said to her audience at Riverview.

Grade 12 student Hannah Buhariwalla noted 3,500 signatures were quickly collected on a petition in support of the project, which she believes helped gained the minister's attention.

I'm in the school play and I'm part of the music program so it really would have helped for me, but I'm glad that it's going to happen for students coming in the future.

She added she's glad the work will proceed even if she won't be there to enjoy the results.

"I'm in the school play and I'm part of the music program so it really would have helped for me, but I'm glad that it's going to happen for students coming in the future," Buhariwalla said.

Casey noted the school capital construction list was compiled in 2003, listing 12 new schools and 45 renovation projects, many of which were to proceed in phases as funds became available and so that students wouldn't be disrupted.

"You're one of 57 communities," she said. "Having said that, to you, you're the most important community and I understand that."

Riverview principal Betty Crosby said she thinks the students that mobilized to fight for the projects learned an important lesson.

"I think that if people sit quietly and don't enter into the process at all that change doesn't take place," she said.

At Sydney Academy, new change rooms and a music room will be built this year, the final phase of a $8.28-million project.

Touristy, but nonetheless good for the village.
New business opens in Port Morien

Tea room, gift shop, guest suites part of enterprise

Section: Glace Bay/New Waterford

By Sharon Montgomery,
Dock Y'ur Dory and check out a new business in the village.

A century-old house in the village is now home to Dock Y'ur Dory, a new business which includes a tea room, gift shop and guest suites, all reflecting the uniqueness of Port Morien.

The owners of the new business are Port Morien native Calvin Thomas and Debbie Teakles, formerly of Moncton.

"I grew up in Port Morien," said Thomas. "I wanted something that reflected the flavour of the village, something that didn't duplicate anything, something that was our own."

Thomas, who is also a member of the Cape Breton Regional Police/RCMP integrated traffic unit, said the concept for the business originated about three years ago.

They purchased a house built in 1867, on a 64-foot cliff and for the next two and half years, created their dream.

"We basically gutted the house and added on a 44-foot two-floor expansion."

The tea room features old-fashioned tables right out of your grandmother's kitchen as well as theme nooks, including a 6.5-pound lobster preserved inside a glass table.

"My brother caught that last year the last day of lobster season," Thomas added.

Two days before opening they invited friends, community members and business people to taste test the menu which features such goodies as pan-fried potatoes, fish chowder and the catch of the day.

"A man came up to me with a concerned look on his face and said, 'Everything was great, but there was one problem,'" Teakles said. "He said, 'The bowl is too narrow at the bottom, I couldn't get my tongue all the way down to finish licking the dish.'"

Opening day they didn't miss a single Kodak moment.

"We took a picture of the open sign and our first customers, Stan and Carol Munroe."

The gift shop spans four rooms and two floors. Customers can purchase such things as vintage purses and linens, hand-made jewelry and specialty teas.

A fish lamp and a peacock picture made of shells are among the hundreds of yard sale or auction treasures which can be found throughout Dock Y'ur Dory, which already employs eight.

"There are many gift ideas. Although we look forward to tourists, our main focus is the community."

The guest suites, accessible from outside, have private balconies overlooking the ocean and fishing boats.

Business hours are Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday to Sunday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Teakles said word of their business has already spread.

"Someone from Australia e-mailed us the day before we opened, said our place had been recommended and wanted us to send them (information)."

Smevo

May 8th, 2007, 09:14 PM

A couple more small things today.

From Tuesday, May 8, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Glace Bay skateboarders can expect to be using new park next month: official

Section: Glace Bay/New Waterford

By Sharon Montgomery,
If you are anxious to do some fancy skateboarding in this community - dust off your board.

Angus MacDougall, acting chair of the Glace Bay and Area Skateboard Park Society, said the park should open in June.

The blueprints for the skateboard park have been completed and Latimer General Contracting Ltd. of Sydney is the contractor.

"The ground has been tested for the weight of the ramps and everything is a go. Construction will be starting in about two weeks."

The lot, on the corner of Official Row and Union Street, was leased to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality by a local businessman for $1 a year.

"This is a great area, it is open and easy to patrol."

MacDougall, who is also chair of the St. Anne's parish pastoral council, said work on this project has been ongoing for two years.

A recreation development grant of $46,000, announced recently by Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet, provided the last bit of money needed to get the shovel in the ground. This was one of 14 grants announced for recreation facilities across Cape Breton.

MacDougall said about $120,000 was needed for the skateboard park project.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality contributed $30,000, St. Anne's parish $25,000 and the East Cape Breton County Health Board donated $1,800.

MacDougall said they now have about $100,000 of the $120,000 needed.

"We shouldn't have much problem raising the rest. This $46,000 really helped, put us over the top."

The park was designed by Spectrum Skate Park Creations in Vancouver and will include two concrete bowls above ground, one three feet deep, the other five feet deep.

District 3 Coun. Lee McNeil has been working on the project since she was elected in 2004. It was a long process of paperwork and finding funding.

"Kids are even stopping me on the streets asking when their park is coming. I am excited for them. It is going to give them something to do."

As well she said it will get the skateborders out of the corridor of the downtown, where they can interfere with shoppers or be in conflict with traffic.

"One young fellow wanted to know if I wanted to learn how to skateboard. I told him I'd need medical insurance first."

McNeil said a meeting will be called to form a committee which will oversee the park.

"We want a lot of youth on it, it is their park, let them have their hands on it, give them responsibility."

Tenders sought for sewer project

Section: Glace Bay/New Waterford

By Sharon Montgomery,
Anyone wondering when work will begin on the community's sewer project should take a close look at today's edition of the Cape Breton Post.

Coun. Jim MacLeod said things are staring to roll.

"They are calling for tenders - it will be in the Post (today). I am very pleased we are this far in the process."

MacLeod has been receiving numerous calls questioning the status of the project.

Tenders will close May 18.

After a successful bidder is chosen, municipal officials will be able to get a handle on when construction will start and when it will be completed, he added.

The project includes construction of a small diameter sewer for about 60 residences on Brown's Road Extension, Burke's Road and New Waterford Highway, as well as Sydney Street in Reserve Mines.

The cost of the project is estimated at $700,000-$900,000 and all three levels of government are contributing one-third.

MacLeod said he and Donna MacRury, chair of the citizens committee, have been working aggressively toward the sewage treatment project.

"Kevin MacDonald, director of engineering (for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality), has also been very involved," said MacLeod.

The small diameter sewer project focuses on an alternative method of collection, but it is not a new technology, said MacLeod.

"It has been tried, tested and proven very successful. Residents will have no problems, no backups, no blockages."

Smevo

May 9th, 2007, 08:40 PM

These updates are from the Wednesday, May 9, 2007 Cape Breton Post.

This has the potential of becoming problematic.

Plenty of interest in parcel of land

CBRM councillors question value of 25-acre site near Membertou

Section: Business

By Chris Shannon, Cape Breton Post
A 25-acre parcel of land situated between George and Alexandra streets is garnering much attention from regional councillors and the Membertou First Nation.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality owns the land and was expected to declare it surplus to the needs of the municipality at Monday's corporate services committee meeting.

Councillors then began to question the possible value the land may have if Membertou builds a major development on the property.

Membertou has shown interest in acquiring the property and that had Coun. Wes Stubbert seeing red.

"I'm solidly opposed to declaring this land surplus," Stubbert said.

"I have no problem with developments at Membertou but we have to protect CBRM property."

In correspondence sent by Membertou's senior advisor Dan Christmas to the CBRM's planning department in April, Christmas stated the parcel of land would be used as a future commercial site.

Christmas couldn't be immediately reached for further comment, Tuesday.

The land is currently zoned residential and would need an amendment to the municipality's planning strategy before a commercial development could go ahead.

While the exact nature of a future development wasn't disclosed by Membertou, a list was provided that included the possibility of constructing anything from a garment manufacturer, an apartment building, a call centre or an office building, said municipal planner Ken Smith.

He told the committee that if the First Nation bought the property and successfully changed its jurisdiction to federal native reserve land, municipal taxation and development controls would not apply.

That's the worry of several regional councillors. The committee supported a motion that would negotiate the possibility of a lease option with Membertou after consultation with the business community.

"To blindly declare this surplus without knowing what will be put there, that's not moving along carefully," Coun. Tom Wilson said during the meeting.

But Coun. Esmond Marshall, who's Cape Breton's first Mi'kmaq municipal councillor, was appalled at the committee's reluctance to sell land to Membertou.

"How come 25 acres can't be sold to Membertou? They're moving on up," he said.

"I'm tired of hearing, 'These people are taking our land.' I'm tired of it. Who was here first?"

Just let Membertou buy the land, they have more potential of developing it than if the CBRM waited for independent developers.

Closure of St. Peters Canal extended until June 1

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Hayes, Cape Breton Post
St. Peters Canal won't open for boats until June 1 this year while Parks Canada finishes a repair job.

Parks Canada had planned to reopen the canal, which connects the Bras d'Or Lakes and Atlantic Ocean at St. Peters, by May 15.

Tom Meagher, a Parks Canada spokesman, said while St. Peters Canal averages about 1,100 to 1,200 boats a year, few show up between May 15 and June 1.

The agency has issued a notice of the delay through the Canadian Coast Guard.

Meagher said Parks Canada had to repair cracks within the joints of the steel lock gates which had been causing operational problems and threatened to render the lock unable to operate.

"Several times last summer we had difficulty getting gates open and had to be partially operational and at one time non-operational until we had a tide swing and could get a little assistance getting the gates open," Meagher said.

"That was going to get worse so it's something we had to do."

Meagher said while the canal was empty of water, Parks Canada also did some concrete repairs, renewed the corrosion protection system, painted the steel lock gates and switched to an environmental friendly hydraulic fluid.

"The hydraulic system and the gates are all controlled by hydraulics, had a petroleum-based hydraulic fluid in them and of course that has environmental concerns whenever there could be a spill or a leak so we are switching all that to a vegetable-based hydraulic fluid.

"Not that we anticipate any leaks or spills but if they do happen, the environmental impact would be substantially less."

Boats travelling by water have to use entrances at Big Bras d'Or or Little Bras d'Or to travel between the lake and ocean while the canal is closed.

Canal users are encouraged to contact the lock office at 902-535-2118 to get current information.

I'm happy to see this story.

Next phase of Wentworth Park renovation to begin mid-summer

CBRM will spend $700,000 on project

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Hayes, Cape Breton Post
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality will spend about $700,000 on the next phase of renovations at Wentworth Park.

Coun. Ray Paruch, a spokesman for the Wentworth Park Society, said this stage of the project will begin at Bentinck Street and head west to include areas around the two ponds on either sides of the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia rail bridge.

"We are going to totally revamp and renovate that whole rail bridge," he said. "You are going to see a lot of improvements with that."

Paruch said the highlights will include an entranceway on George Street, construction of tranquil areas, internal park walkways, landscaping, lighting and wheelchair accessibility.

He hopes to see this stage of renovations begin by mid-summer although it still awaits a review by federal and provincial authorities.

The project shows teamwork and co-operation involving volunteers on the park society and resource people in the community including some at Cape Breton University, he said.

It also shows co-operation between the three levels of government, said the regional councillor.

"There's not a lot of that around."

During a first phase of the park renovations, there was extensive renovation to the lower pond part of the park including landscaping, new fountains, a gazebo and a tunnel running under Kings Road and eventually to the Sydney boardwalk.

Engineering plans are being developed for the bandshell and area which will be renovated in a final phase of the project although those plans no longer include an earlier proposal for a freshwater interpretive centre called a fluvarium.

The park renovations have been a big hit with Sydney residents, Paruch said.

"People seem to be really pleased."

There'll be more in tomorrow's paper.
Coal company holding open house

Section: Glace Bay/New Waterford

Officials from Xstrata Coal Donkin Management and CBCL Ltd. will hold an open house 2-4 and 6-9 p.m., today at the Donkin fire hall.

This is one of several open houses planned as part of the ongoing consultation with the community on the progress of the proposed Donkin mine.

Different aspects of the project will be discussed and residents will be given a chance to comment or ask questions on the project.

Thursday, another open house will be held from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

Columbus Club working on plans for housing complex

Section: Glace Bay/New Waterford

By Julie Collins, cape breton post
The Columbus Club, under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus in North Sydney, is working on plans for an 18-unit affordable housing complex.

The Nova Scotia Housing Development Corp., in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing, is seeking proposals for the development of new modest rental units.

The program provides a one-time limited capital cost contribution to reduce the development costs of new housing units in the form of a forgivable loan.

The proposed complex would be located on property across the street from the KOC hall owned by the Columbus Club and would include two handicapped-accessible units.

The land for a portion of the building has been surveyed. If the club is successful in obtaining the funding, a request will go to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for an additional piece of land to accommodate the remainder of the building.

A committee has been working for several months with Cape Breton Regional Municipality planning officials on the project. It is believed this is the first venture of its kind for any KOC in the Maritimes.

"We've had excellent co-operation with CBRM officials," said Dave Tobin, a member of the planning committee.

"A key fellow in all of this planning is fellow club member Lawrence Shebib, who has dedicated an enormous amount of time to this project."

The other committee members are Robert Parsons, John Parsons, Alistar MacIsaac and Paul Perry.

Committee member Robert Parsons added the club is waiting for word from Canada Mortgage and Housing on the status of the one-time grant.

"This proposal has received an excellent response from councillors, businesses and private citizens," Parsons said. "If we are successful in obtaining the necessary funding, we could get through the zoning process without too much difficulty and hopefully be under construction by early June. Our tenants could be in their new units by December."

The Columbus Club is a not-for-profit group. The rental proceeds would go to the maintenance of the building.

"Anybody that qualifies for modest housing would be considered, regardless of denomination," Parsons said.

"If we are successful in getting this project off the ground, there could be others in the future."

Smevo

May 11th, 2007, 06:44 AM

These are from Thursday, May 10, 2007 Cape Breton Post

It's not development, but it's good news that shows you can have a successful business headquartered in Sydney.

AG Research named as this year's winner of provincial business award

Section: Business

AG Research Inc. of Sydney has been named this year's recipient of the Export Growth through Partnership Award. Nova Scotia Business Inc. and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency have chosen AG Research as this year's winner in recognition of its outstanding export achievements and contribution to Nova Scotia's economy.

AG Research Inc. was founded in 1991 and has grown to be the largest independent software solution provider in Nova Scotia. With offices in Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Halifax, Bermuda, and the UK, AG Research plans to open another Caribbean office, in Trinidad, within the next year.

The awards ceremony was held at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax and the award was presented to Eric Whyte, CEO.

"AG Research has been blessed with an extraordinary team of professionals who have never shied away from opportunities. I am particularly proud of our international partners, especially ILLUMAT of Trinidad, who are working with us globally," said Whyte, of Boularderie.

AG Research Inc. attained Microsoft gold certification in March 2007, placing it in an elite group of leading software companies in Canada, the only one outside of Metro Halifax.

The company currently employs 40 staff and expects rapid growth in the near future.

Donkin Update!
Moving Donkin coal by truck not acceptable to residents

Company officials listen to various concerns

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Hayes,
Donkin, a small coastal community in eastern Cape Breton, has some big concerns about a $300-million coal mine project that is being explored by its new neighbour, international mining giant Xstrata Coal.

Local residents at an open house in Donkin Wednesday had concerns about how Xstrata and its partner, Erdene Gold Inc. of Dartmouth, would transport up to five million tonnes of coal out of the community to world markets, if the project gets a green light.

Hugh Kennedy, head of a local community liaison committee, said residents are dead set against trucking.

"We don't support trucking whatsoever," Kennedy said firmly. "There is just too much damage to the roads and the community."

Fishermen and other residents in Donkin and nearby Port Morien and Port Caledonia also have some concerns about the environmental impact of two other options, moving the coal by rail or constructing a pier at the mine site to ship it to market.

"Obviously, we have environmental concerns on both and we have community concerns, so we have to work through those," Kennedy said.

Darren Nicholls, the project manager, said Wednesday the company has not yet made up its mind about how it will transport the coal but has definitely heard the community's concerns about trucking.

The company hoped to hear from people at the open house about the issue, he said.

Donkin Coal Alliance, the company formed by Xstrata and Erdene Gold, is spending $15 million draining the flooded mine tunnels and testing the coal to assess the feasibility of opening the mine.

The company is 2,000 metres down into the mine and has about another 1,700 to go to get to the coal face where it can get a close-up look at the coal seam, Nicholls said.

It is close to the feasibility side of the project, he said.

"We are expecting to move and are still on track for a decision point on a yes or no by the middle of 2008."

Kennedy said people in Donkin see the mine project as a rebirth for the community and that so far, the company has been getting it right when it comes to answering their concerns.

Bruce Howie, the local fire chief and a member of the liaison committee, agreed, noting local fishermen were reassured by the answers they received from the company about how it is dealing with some 350 million litres of water being pumped out of the abandoned mine.

Fishermen have lots of questions about construction of a pier, he added.

"They might not be happy over it if they do put the big pier out there," he said. "That is going to be a big issue I would say."

Howie expressed confidence the company will come up with an acceptable solution, however.

Nicholls said their tests show better than required levels of iron, zinc and sediments by the time the water that is being pumped from the mine passes through settling ponds out to the ocean.

Open houses will also be held today from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.
Trucking will destroy the already bad highway, but the other two options shouldn't cause too much trouble.

Smevo

May 30th, 2007, 06:00 AM

Sorry for another gap in posts...there are pertinent stories in this gap too that I have to go back and find, as well as stories from the first gap as well. A result of going to SJ twice a week I'm afraid. Anyway, here's the updates I'm able to give you for now.

From Wednesday, May 23, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Keddy's Motor Inn demolition finishes up

Remaining steel-framed structure may yet face wrecking ball

Section: Business

The company demolishing the former Keddy's Motor Inn has completed its work.

John MacDonald said he understands a decision may be made this week on whether the remaining steel-framed section of the building will face the wrecking ball or remain intact for potential buyers.

"From what I understand there are a couple of prospective buyers that are interested in a development there. I guess the word will be coming Friday whether they will want those units that are standing; if not, they will be going too."

MacDonald's company, John MacDonald Trucking, Birch Grove, was contracted to demolish the modular-constructed 200-room wooden section of the sprawling Kings Road multi-storey motel that closed a decade ago.

MacDonald, who is foreman for the demolition, said they finished cleaning up the three back sections of the building last week. Subsequently, the owner ordered the wings fronting Kings Road and the original motor inn, a 50-foot wide wooden section, removed.

All that is left is a steel structure with metal siding, housing the pool and a ballroom that's on the second floor. If that's to go it will involve the use of a crane, MacDonald noted.

Debris was trucked to the municipal landfill.

Council considering $112.5M budget

Tax rate unchanged; revenues will increase

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Hayes,
Council in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality is poring over a proposed $112.5-million budget that if approved, would include additional tax revenues in spite of a freeze on residential rates.

Finance director Marie Walsh started the day-long budget session Tuesday by walking council through a proposed 2007-08 operating budget in which the total tax revenue rises to $73.9 million.

Taxpayers would contribute another $1.5 million because of assessment increases of 1.8 per cent in the total value of commercial property and 3.8 per cent in the total value of residential property.

If a residential property owner's assessment increases, so will the taxes they pay.

The municipality will also collect about $1.7 million in taxes on new commercial and residential growth and raise commercial rates to shift $2 million of the business occupancy tax which is being phased out in Nova Scotia on to the commercial tax rates.

Coun. Wes Stubbert said assessment increases, which are calculated by the provincial government, have raised the total tax revenues for the municipality by $7.6 million in three years taking 2007-08 into account.

"How long do you think homeowners can absorb that?" he asked.

Stubbert argued council should cut back on money it gives to organizations in the community, like a $1.5-million contribution to the $10-million expansion of the Cape Breton YMCA, as well as community pools, rinks, boardwalks and concerts.

"We can't afford to do it," he said in an interview outside the council chambers.

Coun. Ray Paruch was concerned by the $13 million in new borrowing in a proposed $29.3-million capital budget. Paruch said it contradicts a policy in the municipality to borrow money for projects that are cost-shared with the federal and provincial governments.

"What we are doing here now, and what we are going to continue to do . . . is to saddle the taxpayers, the children, the sons and daughters of the taxpayers of today, we are going to saddle them with huge amounts of debt," he said in an interview.

Chief administrative officer Jerry Ryan said the municipality has to borrow to do capital improvements.

The $29-million capital budget includes dollars for large cost-shared projects, improvements to the Sydney Ports Access Road, rehabilitation of collector and arterial roads and a general capital program for curb and gutter work throughout the municipality.

The budget presentation showed the municipality is receiving $16.7 million from the provincial equalization program.

Walsh told council the municipality's equalization program entitlement increased by $2 million but its actual grant is down by $956,915.

The proposed budget doesn't include money to cover training and education costs for council members. In March, council voted to rescind councillors' use of the professional development fund after a controversy surrounding tuition and hotel bills charged to the fund by Coun. Vince Hall.

Council will get back to its budget deliberations today.

Smevo

May 30th, 2007, 06:13 AM

From Thursday, May 24, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Mayflower Mall welcomes new tenants

Section: News

By Wes Stewart,
The opening of Sport Chek this week signals the roll out of seven additional retail outlets in coming months at an expanded Mayflower Mall.

The 20,000-square-foot sporting goods store is located near the mall entrance in space formerly leased to Wal-Mart.

The mall's owner, Toronto-based Burnac Corp., is spending $10 million to covert the 120,000-square-foot space for retailers Sport Chek, Future Shop, due to open in late July, and the Winners retail outlet, which will be ready Sept. 20.

Five smaller stores - Ricki's (June 11), Fairweather (August), an expanded Music World in July, and The Rolling Phones to open by August - will be located in the renovated space, said mall manager Paul Carrigan.

Burnac is also sectioning off the former Sobeys store, located next to the main mall to meet demand from retailers interested in locating in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

The work will begin in September to divide the 51,000 square feet to be used by three unnamed retailers.

"The way things are going now I would say it's quite possible in the future there could be a link or at least another building in between (the mall and the former Sobeys store)," Carrigan said.

Those clothing and other retail outlets will open in the spring of 2008, he said.

Sobeys, an anchor tenant, closed its store next to the mall earlier in the month.

Burnac carried out a major retail expansion over the past two years by opening land on the new Sydney Ports Access Road for its "big box" concept that includes Home Depot, Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart.

Carrigan said the Mayflower Mall has become a model to those malls that are losing their Wal-Mart store.

"Our leasing department is talking to developers all the time about how we did it.

"We are very proactive and were well aware eventually Wal-Mart would be leaving," he said.

The mall has been in Sydney for 26 years and employs 800 people.

Smevo

May 31st, 2007, 07:29 PM

From Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Council approves funding for active transportation plan

Greener spaces, healthier population among benefits

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Hayes, Cape Breton Post
Council has given the green light to an active transportation plan for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Cyclist Andre Gallant says a $75,000 contribution approved by council last week will pay off in a lot of ways.

"Greener spaces, cleaner air, reduced motor vehicle traffic, which will lead to reduced road maintenance costs, a healthier population (and) friendlier neighbourhoods," he said.

Gallant, vice-president of the cycling group Velo Cape Breton and a member of the municipality's active transportation committee, said the plan will also mean more recreational opportunities and make the area a nicer place to live.

"We want to attract people," he said. "We want to keep people. We are losing population."

The provincial government is also kicking in $15,000 and other agencies have been asked to contribute, he said. Velo Cape Breton is contributing $250.

Malcolm Gillis, of the municipality's planning department, hopes to issue a request for proposals for the plan this summer, looking for a consultant to hold a series of wide-ranging public sessions and to write the plan.

"This is a daunting task and nobody here at the CBRM has either the time or the expertise to do a bang-up job on this," he said.

Gillis noted the plan has to be a regional strategy taking in a number of communities unlike active transportation plans for areas like Moncton.

Council will be asked to adopt the plan, he said.

Gallant congratulated council for finding the $75,000 contribution in what was a tough budget year.

"It just demonstrates great leadership that they are looking long-term because the benefits are going to take years to accrue," he said.

"It is going to take time to do the plan and it is going to take multiple years to implement the plan fully.

"Some of the stuff is many years off."

The plan in a general way will identify active transportation (walking, running, cycling, skateboarding) opportunities and needs and a way of connecting neighbourhoods for the activities. Gallant suggested there could be some kind of park or public area on the former Sydney steel plant site eventually.

"How do we make that accessible to people from Whitney Pier without having to drive a car there?" he asked. "How do we make it accessible to the people from downtown Sydney? How do we connect that to the Green Link plan that is going on for Rotary Park?"

The plan could find its way into municipal bylaws, zoning permits and public works budgets with recommendations, for example, about improving sidewalks, he said.

Smevo

June 2nd, 2007, 02:28 AM

This will be in tomorrow's post, but I'll be away, so here's what's out so far from the Cape Breton Post Online (http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=33955&sc=145).

News RSS Feed
Last updated at 11:03 AM on 01/06/07

Port Hastings candy shop on track for June opening: owner
Breaking News
The Cape Breton Post

PORT HASTINGS - The owners of a shop being billed as Canada’s largest confectionery store are hoping it will open its doors this month.

The Candy Shop is planning a grand reopening at its new location at the former Smitty’s restaurant in Port Hastings, overlooking the Canso Causeway at the entrance to Cape Breton.

“We don’t own the building yet, and so we have to wait for the people who are fixing the thing to finish putting the roof on before we can actually start, and we don’t have a date for that,” said Charles Bosdet, who owns the business along with his wife, Peggy Ann.

The shop will be located just above the Port Hastings visitor information centre, the busiest site of its kind in the province.

Read the full story in Saturday’s Cape Breton Post.

These are from the Friday, June 1, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Cambridge Suites earns tourism award

Section: Business

By Chris Hayes,
Cambridge Suites Hotel has received a tourism award recognizing the professionalism of its employees.

Cathy Burt, the Sydney hotel's human resources manager, said the Cambridge Suites was one of only six hotel properties in Nova Scotia to have received the National Business Recognition Award for Professional Certification.

The award is presented by the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council which is the human resources division of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia.

It recognizes that the Cambridge Suites has met national criteria for implementing professional certification for employees, including front desk clerks, room attendants, food and beverage servers and other positions. The award signifies 86 per cent of employees have achieved national certification, the highest tourism credential available for employees in Canada, Burt said.

Burt noted the hotel has received the award for four years in a row.

Hotel employees must pass exams to receive the certifications that are based on study guides provided by the tourism industry group. They are also evaluated by tourism officials acting as mystery guests.

Burt said employee expertise is an important part of the hotel and tourism industry.

"When people hear that your hotel is investing that amount of time and money in the employees so they can give the best service they can, I think that speaks high volumes to the guests. I am hoping it does,"

Hotel guests filling out comment cards consistently rate service standards at over 94 per cent, Burt noted.

Lisa Dahr, manager of professional development for the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council, said the award was created about five years ago for operators who were obviously investing in their workforce.

Dahr said she would like to see more Cape Breton employers receive the award.

"You could do some good marketing around that if you have good creative marketing," she said.

The hotel also noted employees including line cooks in Goody's Café, the sales manager, human resource manager, assistant general manager, maintenance manager and evening manager have also received other certifications within their professions.

While many tourism businesses are struggling with high turnover rates, the hotel maintains a higher than average industry rate of staff retention, Burt noted.

In December, 2006, Cambridge Suites Hotel, Sydney was also presented the Tourism Industry of Nova Scotia's Crystal Award - Human Resources Leadership Award.

CBRM getting greener with construction of water treatment plants

Deadline for completion is April of 2008

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Shannon,
The construction of the community's water treatment plant is just one piece of the puzzle that's being developed to make the Cape Breton Regional Municipality a greener place.

Under provincial legislation, municipalities across the province are required to meet the guidelines of the Nova Scotia Water Protection Strategy by April, 2008.

Louisbourg is one of three remaining facilities which must be built to ensure the CBRM has fully treated water supplies, which meet the highest standards.

The other two facilities are in New Waterford, which is about one-third complete, and North Sydney which won't be tendered for construction until the fall.

CBRM utilities manager Mike MacKeigan said the municipality is not only keen to improve the quality of its water, but how much of it residents use.

"We're trying to do things like water conservation," MacKeigan said.

"We've got a fairly aggressive leak detection program in place and we're always tightening the system up so we can get as low as we possibly can in terms of the demand."

He said the Louisbourg plant is estimated to cost $7.5 million and service about 500 of the village's residents. The New Waterford facility, at a cost of $11 million, will be ready for commissioning by next spring, and the Northside plant based in North Sydney, has an estimated cost of $14 million, servicing as many as 18,000 residents.

In Sydney, there were $1.5 million in upgrades to the water treatment facility to accommodate residents from Sydney River, Westmount and Coxheath, who were connected to the Sydney wellfields water supply.

On average, 3.2 million gallons of water are used each day by about 28,000 customers in the Sydney area. At peak periods 3.6 million gallons are used.

"It was minor upgrades to the filtration system . . . so the filters can run for longer periods of time before they need backwashing. It was all done as a means to economize the amount of water that's being used."

The Department of Environment and Labour is fully aware of the CBRM's construction schedule for these facilities and MacKeigan acknowledges the municipality won't make next April's deadline.

"They don't appear to be concerned that we're not going to meet the April, 2008 timetable. They've indicated their support for what we're doing. They're pleased that we are moving forward with all of our plants and everything on our go-forward plan."

Municipalities such as Halifax have asked the department for an extension to the deadline because more work needs to be completed.

The new guidelines were released back in 2002, giving municipalities six years to comply with the regulations. The legislation was developed after seven people died in Walkerton, Ont., in 2000 after drinking water contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

And the biggie is back again...

PlanetSpace evaluating two launch sites

Chairman says talks with province going well; project on schedule

Section: Front

By Tanya Collier MacDonald,
PlanetSpace will pick the site for its orbital launch pad by the end of July, says the company chairman.

"Everything is going really well with our discussions with the province of Nova Scotia," said Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria. "We've settled on two launch sites and we're evaluating them."

Kathuria declined to identify where the sites are but did confirm both are located on the island. Original reports had the launch site near Alder Point, a small rural community outside Bras d'Or. The final decision must be made soon so the company can meet milestones set out in a Space Act agreement it signed with NASA in February.

Kathuria said the U.S.-based company, which has its corporate offices in Chicago, Ill., is gearing up for operations. Its sub-orbital manufacturing facilities are running in Ohio and it has nearly completed a full-scale engineering mock-up of its rocket ship, the Silver Dart.

As soon as the location is finalized, PlanetSpace will open an office here within 60 days, he said.

"We'll be spending a lot of time between Cape Breton and Chicago," he said.

The proposed site will be similar to the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska, he continued.

"If you actually look at Kodiak launch sites and see launches, you probably can't tell if it's Cape Breton or Alaska."

In an economic impact document prepared for the Alaska centre, it's reported the complex produces 45 direct and 72 indirect jobs in Kodiak. Its employees are among the highest paid workers in the community, with average monthly earnings of $5,120.

The centre used local vendors for about 25 per cent of its purchases of goods and services, spreading about $6.7 million among 82 Kodiak-area businesses in 2005.

It spent another $7 million with other Alaska vendors that year, with portions flowing to the Kodiak economy. Its launch customers spent about $1.9 million on travel and hospitality during launch operations, including 480 trips to Kodiak and 7,000 room nights. Overall, the impact on Kodiak was about $24 million.

Kathuria said PlanetSpace is working to launch a demonstration cargo spacecraft to low-earth orbit from Cape Breton by December 2009.

"The entire spacecraft needs to be completed, tested and flown, but from Cape Breton's point of view, we have to complete an entire launch site well before then," said Kathuria. The launch site will take under one year to complete.

"You'd probably see orbital launches out of Cape Breton, sub-orbital space tourism, manufacturing and (research and development) of some core parts of the space craft," he said.

"It'll be fascinating."

That's all for now...I have a brief vacation from my SJ trips, so hopefully I'll be able to catch up and fill in the gaps within the next 2 weeks.

KevD

June 2nd, 2007, 09:06 AM

Smevo, you sure provide a lot of information. I'm not even sure if it all has anything to do with development, but whatever. I would never have time to read all of this. Holy shit haha.

Smevo

June 4th, 2007, 08:40 PM

I like to throw in a couple of stories that are just "good news" especially if they're business related to try and dispell some of the myths about the area. Anyway, thanks for the interest, and chime in on whatever you get to read and have an opinion about. :cheers:

Smevo

June 5th, 2007, 05:15 PM

Saturday, June 2, 2007 issue of the Cape Breton Post

Stakeholders to meet on proposed civic centre

Section: Northside/Victoria

By Julie Collins, Cape Breton Post
Dozers could be on the site of the proposed Northside Civic Centre within weeks.

Regional Councillor Gordon MacLeod is hosting a stakeholders meeting Thursday and hopes to bring the final proposal to regional council the following week.

"We'll meet to go over the specifics," MacLeod said. "These are people who are interested in seeing the project become a reality. Once we see where we are with the plan, we'll take it to council for approval."

MacLeod said the regional municipality has to take the lead if the project is to move forward.

"Once that happens and people see machines on the site, the support will grow for the project. We have to spend the money we have now in order to get more money to complete the project."

Infrastructure money earmarked for the project has to be spent prior to March 2008.

MacLeod said the Northside Civic Centre Society will continue to be the proponents for the project.

"The municipality's role is to lead this project, similar to what was done in communities like Port Hawkesbury and Springhill," he said. "The provincial and federal government are onside and I'm sure will be there when this project is ready to go."

Northside Civic Centre Society chairman Leo Steele is excited about Thursday's meeting.

"The mayor and council have always supported the project," Steele said. "It's imperative that we get this project underway. We feel the community has done everything asked of it and we have to move forward. We are hoping the society will get this project moving prior to our annual general meeting June 19. The project has to go now."

Since November the society has raised $1.3 million in pledges and has $250,000 in the bank. This portion of fundraising doesn't include banks and grocery stores.

Steele said the society is anxious to break ground for the building.

Approximately 20 acres of land located off King Street, North Sydney, has been set aside for recreation use, which includes a site for a new arena. A skateboard park and soccer field are also planned for the complex.

For further information on the project visit the Northside Civic Centre Office at Archibald Wharf or call 794-3839.

Candy Shop owners sweet on Port Hastings location

Section: Business

By Nancy King,
The owners of a shop being billed as Canada's largest confectionery store are hoping it will open its doors this month.

The Candy Shop is planning a grand reopening at its new location at the former Smitty's restaurant in Port Hastings, overlooking the Canso Causeway at the entrance to Cape Breton.

"We don't own the building yet, and so we have to wait for the people who are fixing the thing to finish putting the roof on before we can actually start, and we don't have a date for that," said Charles Bosdet, who owns the business along with his wife, Peggy Ann.

"We're looking forward to it, there's just a lot of work to do between now and then."

The shop will be located just above the Port Hastings visitor information centre, the busiest site of its kind in the province.

"I think that it will be a great thing for Cape Breton, I can't think of too many things you could put at the entrance to Cape Breton that would say welcome better," Bosdet said.

The location is expected to offer hundreds of varieties of handmade fine chocolates, retro candies, hard to find specialties, and other candies. There are also plans for a chocolate bar, which will offer a selection of chocolate-based beverages, both hot and cold.

The original Candy Shop opened on Isle Madame in 2004.

The Candy Shop's parent company, Isle Madame Confections, has relocated its chocolate manufacturing into the Creamery building on the Port Hawkesbury waterfront.

Smevo

June 5th, 2007, 05:27 PM

Monday, June 4, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Sydport well placed to gain advantage from container terminal

Section: Business

By Wes Stewart,
Direct access to road and rail infrastructure, a modern fabrication yard and plenty of backup land put the 450-acre Sydport Marine Industrial Park in a good position for a container terminal, says the park's chief executive.

"Frankly, we still very much like Sydney's odds," said CEO Jim Wooder, following the announcement this week of a $300-million container terminal for Melford on the western side of the Strait of Canso.

"We have an existing rail line servicing our site, infrastructure that is paid for and competent to be able to do what we want it to do."

BCA Investment Co-operative, Membertou First Nation, New Dawn Development, Sydney Airport Authority and Grow Cape Breton are shareholders, as well as such business leaders as Jim Kehoe, Marty Chernin, Brian Shebib and Hugh Tweedie.

Sydney businessman Chernin said the Melford announcement has not deterred the group from its path to build a terminal on Sydney harbour.

"It doesn't change anything for us; we've known for some time there are promoters for the Strait of Canso. I guess our focus is not the Strait or Halifax, but Virginia (terminal plan), and making sure we are able to create something in Sydney that is internationally competitive and economic."

Wooder noted he was glad to the hear the Melford proponents seem to have accepted that the project's economics need to include the supporting infrastructure of road and rail.

He feels road, rail and land services are second to none at Sydport.

"We believe on a dollar-per-TEU (container unit) basis you will not find a better place to do business than at Sydport if we are going to succeed and grow capacity in Nova Scotia and capture the biggest piece of this opportunity, whatever it is."

Wooder added that Sydney Ports Corp. has a master port plan and a group of companies working together to try to put Sydney back on the Maritime map.

"Our project is a very strong contender and we are going to keep working it."

Site chosen for new heritage museum

Section: Northside/Victoria

By Julie Collins,
The new heritage museum will be located adjacent to its present location, the Wilfred Oram Memorial Library.

North Sydney Historical Society president Jim Walsh is confident construction of the new building will begin within the next few months.

"Now that we have approval of the purchase of land from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, we're ready to move forward with the assistance of the three levels of government," Walsh said. "Our architect, Ken MacNeil, is working on plans for the two-storey building."

The building will also be home for the North Sydney Senior Citizens and Pensioners and the Northside Artist Association's art gallery. There will also be an information centre on the corner of the building.

"In the front of the building, we are going to have an area to display North Sydney's 1919 fire truck."

The historical society was formed in 1980. The museum, which opened in 1995, is located in the lower level of the library building across from Archibald Wharf.

"Our present location doesn't allow for any expansion," Walsh said. "We don't really have enough space to display our artifacts to their best advantage."

The present location will be maintained as a workshop and also used for storage.

"The fact that other organizations are coming in with us is going to be good. Between the three, there will be about 175 people involved with the building," he said. "The seniors and pensioners are so active, this bodes well for this new development."

The North Sydney Heritage Museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the month of June. The museum will be staffed by Cynthia Gallop, a student from Memorial University in Newfoundland, who is on a provincial summer grant. A federal grant will allow for a second student to be added for the months of July and August.

The museum features various theme rooms, such as the communications room, the Rice gallery, Dutch Heritage area, library and fire department display. There are also areas dedicated to the war years and the focus on the North Sydney community.

Walsh said North Sydney and surrounding communities have a deep history, adding part of the mandate of the historical society is to keep that history alive through its museum.

Smevo

June 5th, 2007, 05:33 PM

Tuesday, June 5, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Pharmaceutical plant set to open in August

Keata Pharma plans to employ 65-75 workers

Section: Business

By Wes Stewart,
The pharmaceutical plant nearing completion in the Northside Industrial Park will have upwards of 75 staff when it begins commercial production before year-end.

Keata Pharma, a division of Ontario-based PharmEng International Inc., a full-service consulting and contract manufacturing company, has tendered for the completion of the interior of the 46,500-square-foot building.

"We are actually looking at producing commercial product at that plant sometime in the last quarter of this year," said Bernie Boudreau.

Keata Pharma will be hiring in August, "to work up to the opening workforce number (75) before the end of the year."

The company president said the plant will be training local hires, about one-third of the staff, to work on the packaging line and to do maintenance work.

When the plant opens in August, following permitting by Health Canada, there will be between 65-75 people working, about 20 of whom (mostly Cape Bretoners) are graduates of the Cape Breton University pharmaceutical program now working at the company's plant in Perth, Ont.

"They will form a lot of the core of the workforce, (and) senior management team will move in as well in August," he said.

The senior managers will be recruited from across North America.

The Northside plant encountered a fairly significant delay of about a year when it redesigned some of the building.

"We made something like 72 design changes in the building, but that is past us now," Boudreau said.

They are awaiting the arrival of a couple of pieces of machinery needed by the firm's mechanical subcontractor.

PharmEng, in its first quarter outlook released this week, reported revenues of $2.8 million on a consolidated basis. But it showed net losses after taxes for the same period of $700,000.

Company CEO and chairman Alan Kwong blamed a slowdown with procuring new U.S. contracts and an increase in business development costs associated with its expansion into Asia.

He also noted the "build-out of the new Cape Breton facility are challenging our bottom line."

Boudreau said if the plant in Northside Industrial Park had been up and running it would have contributed to the situation.

"The losses this quarter particularly had to do with some situations in the U.S., but it does not impact on our construction schedule at all.

"That money is already budgeted and it is going forward as fast as they can do it."

The plant will manufacture two types of products - solid dose (tablets) of various kinds and over the counter private-label products once they get the establishment licence from Health Canada.

In addition, they will make generic products - drugs that have come off patent - for a company that may be interested in marketing them.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. contributed $6.25 million in repayable loans to the business and Nova Scotia Business Inc. is helping in new job creation with a $3.6 million payroll rebate to be paid over five years toward the project.

Smevo

June 14th, 2007, 01:44 AM

From Wednesday, June 6, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Businesses must separate organics: CBRM

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Hayes,

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is reminding businesses that organics must be separated from their garbage.

Solid waste manager Donnie Burke said many businesses and facilities are already separating their organics so an ad in Saturday's Cape Breton Post was mostly meant as a reminder to those that aren't on stream.

"The big target right now is the restaurants because there are a lot of them that kind of haven't been doing it yet, so this will be their . . . 20-minute warning or whatever."

Burke said it appears some smaller "mom and pop" grocery stores are also not separating out their organics yet for delivery to the regional municipality's new composting facility.

The ad said that starting July 1, all organic wastes must be separated from regular mixed garbage.

"As of July 1, there should be no more organics," he said. "You are going to get your little residual left but from a Department of Environment perspective and our perspective, everybody has been dully notified and have to comply now."

Burke said some larger supermarket chains have already been separating out organics that were being shipped out before the regional municipality opened its own composting facility this year.

Schools and hospitals were also already separating out organics, he said.

The municipality will probably start rejecting haulers showing up with organics mixed in with the rest of the garbage, requiring it to be sorted before it is returned, he said.

Burke said the municipality has distributed almost 20,000 of the 35,000 green carts that are being distributed to hold household organic waste material. The organics are picked up at the curb and delivered to the municipality's composting facility

The first finished compost will be ready Wednesday, he said.

The municipality also plans an open house Saturday when residents can bag their own compost to take home.

"We are hoping that at least twice a year we will have a public pickup where they can come in and take some home."

The compost will be used in the municipality's parks and hopefully marketed to sites like the Sydney tar ponds or former Devco sites, he said.

Smevo

June 14th, 2007, 01:45 AM

Thursday, June 7, 2007 Cape Breton Post

New tenant in wings for vacant call centre

Province hopes to make announcement 'very soon'

Section: Business

By Nancy King,

A new tenant for a vacant call centre building is expected to be made "very soon," a spokesperson for the provincial agency that's been leading the search said Wednesday.

Sarah Levy of Nova Scotia Business Inc. added she couldn't provide a more specific time frame or give other details of the negotiations until they are completed.

"We're confident that we will be in a position to announce a new client very soon," she said.

EDS Canada recently wound up operations at its Port Hawkesbury call centre, after announcing last November it would shut it down, to concentrate on operations at its Sydney centre.

Bob MacEachern, president of the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday he is hopeful an announcement could come by the end of June.

"There's a lot of hope, especially for those who had worked at EDS and they're finding themselves without work right now," he said. "We have great concern for them that they get employed sooner rather than later; we don't want to see them leave the area, obviously."

The area's retailers have been affected by the loss of the payroll provided by EDS, MacEachern added.

In March, the chamber put out a call to people in the area with experience in the sector to develop a database of people qualified and available to do that sort or work. They also urged them to be patient and remain in the area.

Having a skilled, experienced, ready workforce was one reason why the chamber was confident a new tenant would be found, MacEachern said.

"We now have a track record based on the knowledge of the employees," he said.

The body wasn't worried that EDS's decision to leave the centre would hinder interest by other clients, MacEachern said.

The marketing effort for the location has also included the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency, Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. and the Nova Scotia Office of Economic Development.

The Port Hawkesbury call centre opened in November 2002, a year later than was originally expected. An expansion of the centre was announced in 2004.

Smevo

June 15th, 2007, 07:32 AM

Monday, June 11, 2007 Cape Breton Post

CBRM residents hit pay dirt

New compost facility opens to the public

Section: Front

By Laura Jean Grant,

With a green cart program now in full swing, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality opened the doors to its new compost facility Saturday.

Throughout the afternoon the public was invited to tour the facility, pick up information about composting and recycling and even take home some compost to use in their backyards and gardens.

The CBRM started dropping off about 35,000 green carts May 7 to all residents of single-family dwellings or duplexes in urban and suburban areas of the regional municipality. Green carts are designed to store organic waste materials from the home and yard, like table scraps, food waste, used paper towels, napkins, fish, bones, meat, shellfish and leaf and yard waste like grass and leaves. The material is then picked up and delivered to the compost facility.

And Saturday residents got a chance to see what happens to all that organic waste once it leaves their curb - an important step in raising awareness according to Donnie Burke, manager of the CBRM's solid waste department.

"The big thing is to showcase our facility," he said. "Hopefully it'll increase participation and help the whole process."

Burke noted officials are really encouraged by the initial response to the program.

"We expected 60-65 per cent participation and we're seeing about 80 per cent," he said.

Those who took part in the public tours Saturday got a chance to see the equipment used in the mixing and shredding process and how the material is fed into the tunnels where it composts at set temperatures and conditions for a specific period of time.

Burke said the whole composting process takes about 30 days and, in fact, the first batch of compost from the facility was available for people to take home free of charge.

Among those taking advantage were Rod and Ann Marie Fraser, of Victoria Mines, who planned to use it in their vegetable and flower gardens.

The two said they were impressed with the facility.

"It's super. It's the right way to go," said Rod.

"To think what we can do with the waste off our table," added Ann Marie.

Burke said they plan to continue offering compost to the public for free several times each year. He also expects the compost produced at the facility will be used in several remediation projects in the local area and landscaping companies may purchase the compost for their use.

Henk Roeven, technical manager of Christiaens Controls B.V, who designed the CBRM composting facility, was on hand Saturday and said he's pleased with the finished product.

"It's practical and not too complex," he said, of the state-of-the-art facility.

"A lot of the organic material can be treated in a short time and stabilized," he explained.

Roeven added that in walking through the facility people will notice there's no strong smells as odours associated with the composting process are confined to sealed areas.

Smevo

June 15th, 2007, 07:35 AM

Tuesday, June 12, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Health of fish will be used to determine condition of Sydney tar ponds

Mummichog will play pivotal role, says professor

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Shannon, cape breton post

Time will tell if the cleanup of the tar ponds is successful in removing toxins from Muggah Creek and a biology professor is hopeful the mummichog fish will play a pivotal role in determining the degree to which aquatic life can survive in the area.

The mummichog, a silver-and-black killifish of saltwater marshes along the Atlantic coast, is the main source of research for Martha Jones and her team of students looking at how the tar ponds has affected varying species of fish, eels and crab.

"They're not deformed overall in terms of their bodies," Jones said.

"They show fin deformities and fin erosions but they do appear to be complete fish and they actually have nice colouration during the spawning season and the females do bear eggs."

The information gathered in a lab at Cape Breton University will be a bio-indicator for the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, which is overseeing the $400-million cleanup of one of the country's worst toxic waste sites created from a century of steelmaking.

Up until now Jones and her team have been collecting specimens from the tar ponds once a month. The process of tagging fish could begin as early as this week.

The invasive green crab, which first appeared in Cape Breton in the Bras d'Or Lakes more than a decade ago, has found its way into estuaries such as the tar ponds and due to its bountiful number could be included in the tagging process as well, she noted.

Jones is comparing findings from the tar ponds with a handful of other estuaries in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, looking at the health of the different ecosystems by using minnow traps and seines to see what is and isn't present, parasites and the health of fish and their growth rates.

"Fish are a better dipstick (than other marine life) I guess, in terms of how well is the ecosystem improving."

Sod-turning ceremony takes place today

Construction set to begin on Alzheimer's unit

Section: Our community

By Julie Collins, Cape Breton Post

The sod will be turned today to begin construction of the new 15-bed Alzheimer's unit at the Northside Community Guest Home.

The unit will be located at the back of the guest home facing the harbour.

"It has always been our dream to have a specialized unit for Alzheimer's residents," said Donnie Brown, chairman of the home's board of directors. "The unit will have private rooms and living areas creating a home-like atmosphere."

Over the past 10 years the guest home board met and worked on proposals for an Alzheimer's unit. Something that became a reality in the fall of 2006 when the Department of Health approved its proposal for the 15-bed unit.

"This unit is going to fill a real need in the community," Brown said. "We're proud of the staff who have taken special training in Alzheimer's patient care. They are excited about putting their training to work."

Brown expects construction to begin within days with the removal of the carport in front of the building. The driveway will also be widened to allow the trucks to make their way to the back of the building.

Once construction begins, there will be absolutely no parking for staff.

"The parking lot at Munro Park is a possibility and it is just a block away," he said. "We've encouraged the staff to car pool as much as possible. We realize this is very inconvenient, but it is something we are going to have to live with while construction is ongoing."

He added that once construction is finished for the day, there could be limited parking available for visitors.

"There will also be changes made to the interior of the home as we prepare for further expansion. We have to increase our kitchen area to plan for the 39 additional beds," Brown said. "This is going to be an extremely busy place over the next few years, but I'm sure everyone realizes the need and what these additional beds will mean for our community. I'm sure this will offset any inconvenience."

The rooms on the lower level now occupied by Alzheimer's patients will be reverted to regular rooms once the new unit opens.

Provincial Health Minister Chris d'Entremont and Cape Breton North MLA Cecil Clarke will be on hand for today's sod-turning ceremony.

Smevo

June 15th, 2007, 07:35 AM

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Deadline coming up fast for Cape Breton Casting buyer

Section: Business

Less than three weeks remain for Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. to find a buyer for a troubled automotive die-cast plant.

The Cape Breton Growth Fund sunk more than $25 million to get the Northside plant up and running before taking over the Cape Breton Casting plant.

ECBC spokesman D.A. Landry said consultants Ernst & Young, the agent hired to find a buyer, "has a number of expressions of interest and is working toward the July 1 deadline."

They are now evaluating those expressions of interest, meeting with the prospective buyers, with a view to making a recommendation to ECBC before the deadline, he said.

The Cape Breton Growth Fund lost its quorum on the board of directors in January and its duties were assumed by ECBC.

The formalizing of that process to reconstitute the growth fund board to be fully functional is now underway, Landry said.

The plant is operating with a staff of 64, making die-cast parts for its single customer, automotive giant Magna International.

New client found for former EDS building: sources

Section: Front

An announcement of a new client for the former EDS call centre building here is expected to come Friday, sources tell the Cape Breton Post.

A spokesperson for Nova Scotia Business Inc., the provincial government agency that has been leading the effort to find a new operator for the centre, said Tuesday she could not confirm or deny that an announcement would take place Friday morning, but indicated that word was expected very soon.

Premier Rodney MacDonald is expected to be on hand for the event.

The effort to find a new client has been underway for a number of months, since EDS Canada said earlier this year it would shut down its operation in the Strait area, focusing on its business in other regions.

Local business officials have urged former call centre workers to be patient and remain in the area, hopeful that a new operator would be found.

Ground broken for Alzheimer's unit

Section: Northside/Victoria

By Julie Collins, Cape Breton Post

People suffering from Alzheimer's disease will soon have their own private rooms and living areas in an expanded Northside Community Guest Home.

Provincial Health Minister Chris d'Entremont and Cape Breton North MLA Cecil Clarke attended the official sod-turning Tuesday, along with board members and guest home staff. Also in attendance were Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor John Morgan, Deputy Mayor Gordon MacLeod and councillors Wes Stubbert and Clarence Prince, who also serve as board members.

Along with the new 15-bed Alzheimer unit, the home will also see major renovations to the kitchen and lounge areas and new treatment rooms where medical professionals can meet with their patients. Changes will include a new staff room, offices, hairdressing shop and canteen.

"Nothing pleases me more than seeing happy seniors living in places that they can call home and where they can be comfortable," said d'Entremont. "It's my personal commitment as minister of health and that of our government to make sure we have the correct number of beds across the province; to ensure seniors are getting the care they so well deserve."

The minister noted that government can build buildings, but it wouldn't work without a dedicated staff and the work they do each day to provide quality care for seniors.

Cape Breton North MLA Cecil Clarke commended the board and staff for recognizing the needs and special circumstances of those people who are experiencing Alzheimer's disease.

"They knew the level of care and environment required was different and the board and staff worked tirelessly through various cycles and cleared every hurdle with success," Clarke said. "This is about turning the sod for this new unit, but also for work put into the application for additional beds that were awarded to this home."

Clarke added that when government was ready to move forward with a large number of beds, the guest home was able to receive those beds through the hard work of staff, management and the board.

"Without people, the rest is walls and infrastructure."

Guest home administrator Joanne MacNeil said the next 10 months will have its share of challenges as the home endeavours to expand and improve and at the same time care for the 90 residents in its charge.

"This is a dream come true for us," MacNeil said. "We've studied the needs of Alzheimer's residents. Contractors and architects have helped us with our proposal. It's a great day because now our Alzheimer's patients will be in a facility that best meets their needs."

Initially, there was some concern about noise levels, but a week into construction, MacNeil said the residents seem to be enjoying watching the work progress.

"We plan to keep the residents busy over the summer and offer more day trips. We'll take it day by day; the support from everyone concerned has been terrific."

Patsy LeBlanc, co-ordinator community initiatives (Cape Breton) with the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, said safety and security are important in the care of those people with Alzheimer's.

"A lot of people with Alzheimer's disease tend to roam. This type of unit will ensure the safety of people who live there," she said. "Because of the unit's circular system, you don't walk to the end of a hallway and not know where you are, you will end up back at your room."

The unit will have additional staff with expertise in Alzheimer's disease.

"Families will feel their loved ones are in a safe, comfortable environment."

Remediation underway at former Princess mine site

Section: Northside/Victoria

By Julie Collins, Cape Breton Post

Tenders will go out this month for remediation of the washplant area of the former Princess mine site.

Work on the 11-hectare site is expected to begin in early July, part of Devco's remediation of the Sydney coalfield.

Richard Crowe, client service director with Public Works and Government Services Canada, said the work will include grading, bringing in new soil, hydroseeding areas that don't have vegetation and development of walking trails.

The site will be remediated to light industrial and recreational use.

"We divided the property into two sections, the area south of Ocean Street, which is referred to as the washplant site, and about 40 hectares northeast of Ocean Street which is referred to as the waste rock area."

Later in the summer, work will begin on the waste rock area to address drainage issues. The work will include ditching and grading work and is expected to take about two years to complete.

"That's probably as much as will get done this construction season on the waste rock area," he said. "We'll return the following year to put in walking trails, cap the site, do some hydroseeding and plant some trees."

Devco owns approximately 600 properties covering about 1,000 square kilometres in 35 different communities within Cape Breton. These range from urban lots, forest fields, wetlands and ponds to ocean frontage.

When Devco ceased operation, it turned to Public Works, a federal department with experience in environmental clean ups and project management.

"We still have major projects to do and the one on our radar at present is Princess mine site," Crowe said. "We've had a number of open houses in Sydney Mines to explain the progress and answer any questions. We take it in stages, easing ourselves into the work so there aren't any surprises for the residents living close by."

Once the work is complete on these two sites, Public Works will move on to nearby Edward's Pond.

"We will be able to observe the effects of the ground water to determine the best way to manage Edward's Pond."

Public Works spent the past year on the Princess mine site taking samples and trying to determine the environmental condition of the property.

The goal of the remediation program is to leave former mining sites in a stable, safe condition and return it to its former land use or an acceptable alternative.

Crowe said one of the key things Devco wants to do is leave a positive legacy for future generations.

"Devco is serious in their efforts to have these concerns addressed," he said. "We've been at this now for about five or six years and have about 50 per cent of the work completed," he said.

The majority of the demolition work is done and the majority of sites have been assessed to determine their environmental condition.

Smevo

June 15th, 2007, 07:44 AM

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Keddy's structure to be assessed by CBRM for safety

Section: Business

By Wes Stewart,
Two steel-frame structures remaining on the site of the former Keddy's motor inn will be assessed by municipal officials.

The structures enclose the pool area, the lobby and ballroom of the original building.

A demolition company removed the sprawling wooden two- and three-storey sections on orders from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to the owner of the building.

Rick Fraser, CBRM manager of building services, said the contractor, John MacDonald Trucking, which demolished the wooden structures has been advised by the owner he is finished whatever he is going to do right now.

The Birch Grove contractor said last month he has completed what he has been contracted to do on the site - demolition of the modular-constructed 200-room section.

CBRM officials will inspect the site today to determine the condition of what is left of the building and if it is safe.

"We still have an outstanding order approved by council to demolish the property," said Fraser, adding, based on the evaluation and discussions with legal counsel, a decision on how council will approach it will be made.

Originally, the prospective buyer was interested in the steel-framed segments of the building for future development, he pointed out.

Fraser wants an inspection done, to contact the real estate developer and the property owner, businessman Hugh Lynch, before making a final decision.

"If we see something we feel is unsafe when we are there that requires immediate attention, then we will deal with it," Fraser said. "If it's structurally stable but poses a hazard to children or trespassers in the area, we will board it up."

Independent board to oversee tar ponds cleanup

Section: Cape Breton

An independent board is being created to help oversee the cleanup of the tar ponds and coke ovens site.

Applications to join the remediation monitoring oversight board will be accepted until June 28.

Environment and Labour Minister Mark Parent committed in January to create the board, when he approved the environmental assessment for the project.

The independent board will monitor the progress of the Department of Environment and Labour in ensuring provincial environmental regulations are followed during the cleanup.

The board will also monitor the department's procedures for reviewing applications, granting permits and responding to public concerns.

The cleanup project is entering the permit stage.

Board applicants should have skills and qualifications that relate to environmental remediation and contaminated sites management and experience with Nova Scotia's environmental legislation and permit procedures.

More information is available on the Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ea/tarponds.asp.

Mining society to focus on demand for minerals

Section: Cape Breton

By Wes Stewart,
The increasing world demand for minerals is driving the resurgence in mining, now a $400-million GDP (gross domestic product) industry in the province.

The Mining Society of Nova Scotia is holding its 125th annual general meeting today and Friday at Dundee Resort in Richmond County, showcasing mining activity.

"The industry employs over 5,200 people," said society outgoing president Paul Smith, a liaison geologist with the Department of Natural Resources.

"If the Xstrata Donkin mine comes on line that will probably double that GDP to $800 million, that's the significance of just one project."

He said world demand is driving exploration.

"We have virtually every gold deposit in the province staked and there is some degree of work going on at those (sites). Companies like Acadian Gold are doing a lot of work on gold deposits, Atlantic Gold is in the process of developing a deposit at Moose River and have other projects on the go," including the Jubilee deposit in Cape Breton, he said.

"We have companies in from Australia who are taking a hard look at doing real serious expenditures here," looking for copper, gold and silver.

Smith said the industry fluctuates with the base price of metals and minerals, "if the metal prices are good, people will come in an spend $40 million, but if it is not good then they won't do that."

The 125 to 150 delegates will hear presentations from companies doing work in the province.

Smith said Natural Resources geologist John Calder will present a mineral resource map for Nova Scotia that will identify old mine sites and claims and areas of interest.

A topic that is bound to draw a lot of debate is a review of uranium deposits. The province has a ban on exploration on the mineral used in nuclear generation, he said.

"There is uranium here, but we don't know where it is all located."

One of the reasons Smith would like to see the ban lifted and exploration take place would be to delineate where it occurs.

Smevo

June 20th, 2007, 02:20 AM

Friday, June 15, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Accommodation numbers up in Cape Breton

Conventions, sporting events credited with boost to industry

Section: Cape Breton

By Nancy King, cape breton post
The occupancy rate for Cape Breton accommodations was up for the first quarter of the year over the same period last year, which one tourism official is attributing to more conventions and events.

The province released its key tourism indicators for the month of April this week.

Provincially, the total number of visitors was down two per cent year-to-date over the same period last year, and down seven per cent for the month of April, although room nights sold were up four per cent in April and two per cent for the quarter.

In Cape Breton, the occupancy rate is up 30 per cent year-to-date and 32 per cent for the month of April. The number of room nights sold on the island is up 14 per cent year-to-date, and 29 per cent for the month of April.

Sandra MacDonald, general manager of Destination Cape Breton, noted the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and Victoria County, in particular, saw a boost.

"You have to attribute that to events and sporting activities and meetings and conventions at that time of year, because most of the accommodations aren't even open," she said.

Those events include the annual Vince Ryan tournament, the Grand Slam of Curling hosted at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, and other sports tournaments.

"All of those things are key and vital to growing the shoulder season and helping out the economy in Cape Breton," she said.

Investments made in improved facilities such the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre and the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney are paying off, MacDonald believes.

"We have to have the infrastructure in order to have the buy-in by the bodies," she said. "It all helps to make a better product for the island."

How island tourism operators are faring in early bookings for the summer season depends on who you speak to, MacDonald said. Not much road traffic is currently being seen around the Cabot Trail or in areas such as Louisbourg which likely has a lot to do with poor weather, she added.

"It's always too early to make a prediction at this time, but some of the operators have reported that they have 70 per cent of their bookings on their books now," MacDonald said.

"We're hopeful . . . We've done a lot of promotion as far as what we can do with limited dollars and so we just hope it pays off for the industry because it is so key to the economics of Cape Breton."

Generally speaking, it's businesses which have invested in marketing campaigns that seem to be doing the best, she noted.

Municipality asked to support health, wellness complex

Staff to examine funding possibility

Section: Cape Breton

By Chris Shannon, cape breton post
A local pediatrician and senior official with Cape Breton University boasted about the benefits of a health and wellness complex in the area during a presentation to municipal politicians Thursday.

The Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex project, estimated at a cost of $12 million, would be built at Cape Breton University and include outdoor and indoor soccer facilities, a synthetic multi-lane track and a community fitness and wellness centre.

It's expected to cater to the needs of the entire community - from primary school students to the working age population, seniors, as well as those who are at risk or suffering from cardiovascular disease.

The group is encouraging the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to contribute $1 million to the project over two years, beginning in the fiscal year 2008-09.

From there, the committee set up to oversee its development will be pushing for $4 million each from the provincial and federal governments. The community will raise the remainder.

Gordon MacInnis, vice-president of finance and operations at Cape Breton University, said money first has to be secured at the municipal level before other governments come on board.

"They have demonstrated leadership on the issue of the smoking bylaw several years ago and we believe that this is very much the parallel of that," MacInnis said.

Councillors at Thursday's corporate services committee were largely in favour of the project. A motion passed unanimously for staff to look at funding the centre, which would be included in next year's budget.

Dr. Andrew Lynk, a pediatrician and member of the project's executive committee, admitted it won't be an easy task convincing people to get off the couch and turn automatically to an active lifestyle.

"With an indoor soccer facility, not only can you play soccer there but for older people, there's lawn bowling and they can walk," said Lynk, who's also a member of the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board.

He noted it won't happen overnight, but it will start a process of changing unhealthy attitudes toward diet and exercise.

The project could begin as early as the start of the 2008 construction season.

Smevo

June 20th, 2007, 02:31 AM

Saturday, June 16, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Federal money for harbour development in Grand Etang

Section: Cape Breton

The harbour in this community will soon be opening its doors to more than just fishermen, following an investment of more than $1 million from the federal government.

The funding was announced Friday by Peter MacKay, minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The funding will allow the harbour authority to move forward with its diversification plan, which involves building a major home base for fishermen in the region, a wind turbine, an interpretive centre, retail kiosks, a multi-tenant building, a lighthouse and other improvements to surrounding lands.

The total cost of the project is $1.5 million. The federal government, through ACOA, the Department of Human Resources and Social Development and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, contributed $1,065,000 toward the cost of the project.

The Grand Etang Harbour Authority is a not-for-profit organization, established in 1995, with a goal of contributing to the overall development and strategic direction of the Grand Etang area of Cape Breton.

Minacs opening call centre in Strait

Total of 350 people to be employed by in-bound business

Section: Front

By Laura Jean Grant,
In less than two weeks the first Cape Breton employees of Minacs will be on the job.

"If you're looking for work, we're open for business," declared Jeff Williams, executive vice-president of sales and marketing with Minacs, during an announcement Friday morning that the international business outsourcing company will set up shop at the former EDS building in Port Hawkesbury.

The in-bound call centre is expected to employ 250 people by the end of this year and another 100 within five years for a total of 350 jobs. Minacs will receive a payroll rebate from Nova Scotia Business Inc. to a maximum of $2.68 million over the next five years.

Williams said the company's experience at its Halifax location coupled with the understanding they've gained about the Cape Breton workforce is what drew them to Port Hawkesbury.

"It really boils down . . . to people. We have to get the people part right," he said, adding, "We are very proud of our expansion here and are committed to being a productive member of the community."

Employees of the Port Hawkesbury centre will field calls for a financial services sector client, which Williams declined to name citing confidentiality agreements. He did say the client has been with the company for five years.

Williams was joined by Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald, NSBI board member Larry Evans, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce president Bob MacEachern and Port Hawkesbury Deputy Mayor Hughie MacDougall for the announcement, Friday morning.

Minacs employs 600 people at its Halifax location and MacDonald said the province is excited to provide assistance to the company, through NSBI, in establishing a second home in Nova Scotia.

"It's about making strategic investments . . . and clearly I believe this is a smart investment," he said, adding, "Three hundred and fifty jobs is going to have a significant impact on the economy here in Port Hawkesbury and the Strait region. It's going to mean more dollars in the local economy, more opportunities for other business."

MacEachern agreed the jobs will be a big boost.

"We really have found the retail sector hurting in the Port Hawkesbury region since EDS announced its closure," said the chamber of commerce president. "So . . . this type of business and these types of jobs, with the level of employment and the kind of incomes they provide to the employees, really do help to support the economy in a huge way."

Describing Minacs as much more than a call centre company, Williams said there will be a range of positions at the Port Hawkesbury contact centre in the fields of human resources, information technology and administration.

Prospective employees can drop in at the centre, located at 24 Queen St. Extension, for a career event 11 a.m.-4 p.m., today or at the Minacs recruitment office which will be open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning next week. People can also apply online at www.minacs.com.

Work is scheduled to start June 25 and the centre will begin full operations by the end of July.

Smevo

June 20th, 2007, 02:38 AM

Monday, June 18, 2007 Cape Breton Post

OK, it's not development, but it is a big part of the city's history.

Moxham Castle didn't have a knight in shining armour to come to the rescue

Section: Northside/Victoria

Column: Breton Rannie Gillis

By Breton Rannie Gillis,
Both Moxham Castle in Sydney and Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rhum were among the last structures of their kind in the world. However, although both are fondly remembered, more than 100 years later their final fate could not have been more different.

The derelict ruin that was Moxham Castle was destroyed by fire back in 1966 and there is still some dispute as to whether or not the fire was accidental or deliberately set. Kinloch Castle, however, is still going strong, although its future prospects are still very much up in the air.

When Sir George Bullough died in 1937, while playing golf in France, his wealthy widow continued to return to the Isle of Rhum each summer for the next 20 years. However, in 1957, at the advanced age of 88, Lady Monica decided to sell the island to the Scottish Natural Heritage Society, with the stipulation that it would be preserved forever as the Scottish equivalent of a Canadian National Park. She and her family would retain visitation rights. When Lady Monica died in 1967, at the grand old age of 98, her body was returned to the Isle of Rhum and buried next to her husband and father-in-law, in a lonely glen on the west side of the island.

Today, the Isle of Rhum is a National Park and Nature Reserve. However, the last 100 years have taken their physical toll on Kinloch Castle and the ongoing cost of maintenance and repair is proving to be too much for the National Park System. At the present time the castle is used as a hostel, for tourists and mountain climbers, and the historic building also functions as a living Victorian era museum.

Kinloch Castle is now 105 years old and major repair work is urgently needed, especially on the plumbing and electrical systems. The estimated cost to bring the castle up to today's standards is in the vicinity of $10 million. Where will the money come from?

Four years ago BBC television had a very successful program called The Restoration Series. These shows profiled historic buildings in the United Kingdom that were in need of renovation and repair. The public was invited to nominate their choice to receive the top prize of $6 million, provided by the national lottery corporation.

Unfortunately, Kinloch Castle came in second and did not receive any funds. However, the plight of this magnificent building and its remote location on an island in the Hebrides, struck a responsive chord with members of the public in both England and Scotland.

One such person, who was intrigued by the castle story, was his Royal Highness, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales! He has since taken an active interest in the future of Kinloch Castle and has lent his name and prestige to a special trust fund that has been set up to look at ways of preserving the castle.

Our own Moxham Castle, however, had no royal prince to come to the rescue. Thanks to a monumental lack of interest and foresight, our community allowed a very unique building to fall into decay and burn to the ground. It was a sad and humiliating end to one of the most remarkable examples of 19th century Canadian architecture!

Smevo

July 4th, 2007, 07:19 PM

From the Thursday, June 28, 2007 Cape Breton Post

Cape Breton Casting gets a reprieve

Sydney group expected to take over

Section: Business

By Wes Stewart, Cape Breton Post

The process is now in place to allow the divestiture of Cape Breton Casting, a die-cast manufacturing plant in the Northside Industrial Park.

Speculation has a business group headed by Sydney businessman Jim Kehoe as the new owners.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. spokesman D.A. Landry said Wednesday a new Cape Breton Growth Fund board comprising management and board members of ECBC was appointed this week to facilitate the sale of the die-cast plant and wind up the fund.

The growth fund, in a release, said it is in the final stages of negotiation for the sale of the assets of Cape Breton Casting Inc. as a going concern. A letter of intent has been agreed upon, however an announcement of the details of the transaction cannot be made until a formal agreement of purchase and sale has been signed. This should happen in the near future.

Given an agreement is pending, the growth fund board has agreed to continue operating the Casting plant beyond the July 1 deadline it previously imposed, to facilitate a smooth transition to the new owners. Upon completion of the agreement of purchase and sale, a detailed announcement will be made.

CBCI, located in the Northside Industrial Park, was established in 2004 to provide die-casting services to the automotive industry. The project received $24.7 million of repayable assistance from the growth fund, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and ECBC.

The growth fund took control of the plant in March 2006, when the project proponents encountered difficulty and surrendered their shares.

In December 2006, the growth fund board committed to operate Cape Breton Castings until July 1 while efforts were put in place to sell the plant. A public call for proposals was made in May 2007, for the sale of the assets. A total of five proposals were received and each was evaluated by Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc., who acted as agents for the sale.

The plant employs approximately 60 people.

The Cape Breton Growth Fund is a wholly owned subsidiary of ECBC. Established in 2000 to administer incremental economic development funds provided by the federal and provincial governments in the wake of the decision to discontinue the operations of Island's coal mines, the growth fund has a mandate to assist in the transition of the Cape Breton economy.

Landry said the growth fund when it was set up, while legally viewed as a subsidiary of ECBC, it was treated as a separate Crown corporation with a separate board appointed by order-in-council.

As of this week, the growth fund is now a normal subsidiary of ECBC and as the parent Crown corporation appointed a new board of directors - ECBC board members Frank MacInnis and Bob Munroe, and ECBC management personnel Marlene Usher, Lori Marenick and D.A. Landry.

The boards work together to ratify the decision of the growth fund board leading to the divestiture of the Casting plant and as the remaining funds are committed the growth fund will be dissolved and rolled into ECBC, he said.

There is approximately $4 million remaining in the growth fund.

Rhino

March 15th, 2008, 09:13 PM

:deadthrea
wow lots going on here , why is there stcky far eastern threads anyways ?

Joev

March 16th, 2008, 05:41 AM

:deadthrea
wow lots going on here , why is there stcky far eastern threads anyways ?
Most of the action is on SSP, partly because Halifax has it's own local section. Cape Breton Municpality has a larger population than Kamloops by the way.

tanyaacatherine

October 22nd, 2008, 05:41 AM

Wishblade

October 23rd, 2008, 03:05 AM

boyfromoz

June 3rd, 2009, 12:10 PM

Sydney have launched a new campaign to announce the arrival of two Virgin Active Health Clubs in Sydney and Melbourne. Big things are happening in Sydney. First Earth Hour, which began in Sydney, went global last month.The project is a milestone for Sydney, and it is the first project in Australia for recent Pritzker Prize winner Jean Nouvel.
-----------------
Tanyaa
real estate

Forgive my ignorance but what is this Pritzker Prize? Have I been living in a time warp? The guy is obviously French so did we aussies recruit him for the project or was it his baby all along?

One thing's for certain the earth hour has been an amazing success. Now we just have to train and educate people that one hour a year alone won't cut it.
Real Estate (http://www.propertynow.com.au)

Anyway thanks for the heads up Tanyaa

boyfromoz

June 3rd, 2009, 12:14 PM

So can anyone tell me whether earth hour has measurably succeed in ways beyong just being motivational. Is anything measurable on such a scale?

houses for sale (http://www.propertynow.com.au)

Joev

June 6th, 2009, 06:38 AM

Which part of Cape Breton is Melbourne in again?

RoloTony

August 16th, 2009, 09:06 PM

I'm from Sydney too, I was amazed to see all the new ideas for here. I was making 3d renderings of buildings in Google earth for Sydney.
is there any for sure plans for any of these buildings? by the way they should really build something on the other side of the Cambridge suites.

RoloTony

August 16th, 2009, 09:07 PM

I'm from sydney too, I was amazed to see all the new ideas for sydney. I was making 3d renderings for buildings in google earth for sydney.
is there any for sure plans for any of these buildings?

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 06:07 AM

Rather than try to catch up from where I left off, I'll just work on updating from the past month over the weekend. To catch up on the stuff in the middle, visit the SSP thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=124727) or check out the newly edited first post to this one.

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 06:08 AM

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-21/article-1401950/Regional-hospital-continues-to-expand/1

Regional hospital continues to expand

Published on June 21st, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The Cape Breton Regional Hospital continues to expand, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week for new space to accommodate various clinics.

The $2.9-million expansion on level three includes renovations in the former renal dialysis area and new construction over the roof of the hospital’s main entrance.

The expansion provides additional space for clinics — including chronic pain, acute pain, heart function, anti-coagulation, sleep labs and respiratory therapy clinics — and medical education and support services such as the family medicine residency program.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-21/article-1401950/Regional-hospital-continues-to-expand/1)

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 06:12 AM

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-22/article-1408210/Clipper-stopover-helped-boost-local-economy/1

Clipper stopover helped boost local economy

Published on June 22nd, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The stopover of participants in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in Sydney last week is estimated to have added $1 million to the island economy, according to an initial assessment by Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation.

In addition, there is a commitment to create a trade corridor with the United Kingdom which represents a multimillion-dollar opportunity for Cape Breton seafood companies to help meet demand from processors in the U.K.

John Lynn, CEO of Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC), said he is encouraged by early indications of a significant economic impact.

As one example, Lynn points to Governor's Pub and Eatery, which did unprecedented business over the 10-day Clipper port stopover.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-22/article-1408210/Clipper-stopover-helped-boost-local-economy/1)

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 06:16 AM

I had suspected this started construction, but hadn't heard anything official, and now it's finished. It also mentions the Hampton by Hilton starting construction soon (I'm assuming 3-4 storeys on this one considering what the other Hampton by Hiltons look like) and several other new developments in Membertou.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-23/article-1411026/Membertou%26rsquo%3Bs-road-to-success/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/23/photo_978959_resize_article.jpg
roadMembertou Chief Terry Paul drives a Mustang convertible with Premier Darrell Dexter in the passenger seat during the official opening of the Membertou Connector Road on Wednesday. Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-23/article-1411026/Membertou%26rsquo%3Bs-road-to-success/1)

Membertou’s road to success
New connector road linking Kings Road to George Street expected to pave way for new business and development opportunities

Published on June 23rd, 2010
Chris Shannon

MEMBERTOU — A road linking Kings Road to George Street through Membertou First Nation will bring with it endless economic possibilities, says Chief Terry Paul.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-23/article-1411026/Membertou%26rsquo%3Bs-road-to-success/1)

Constructing the 2.2-kilometre road, which is an extension of the intersection at Churchill Drive and Alexandra Street, allowed for the building of the Membertou Business Centre — the first new development on what’s being called the Membertou Connector Road.

But as people settled into their seats beneath a reception tent for the announcement, a program and package laid out on guests’ seats described Membertou’s current business operations and its future developments.

They contained detailed descriptions of the Membertou Arena, Membertou Insurance Brokers, and the $15-million Membertou Hampton Inn and Suites, which will break ground next week across from the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

A map of Membertou also shows spaces along the new connector road where a future health centre is planned and a site for the future band office.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-23/article-1411026/Membertou%26rsquo%3Bs-road-to-success/1)

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 06:28 AM

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-24/article-1412268/New-Dawn-Enterprises-receives-%247.3-million-settlement-from-DND/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/24/photo_979254_resize_article.jpg
Tom Ayers - Cape Breton Post

Workers with EnviroBate Environmental Remediation Services continue to dismantle 40 housing units on the former radar base in Whitney Pier on Thursday, the same day officials with New Dawn Enterprises announced a $7.3-million settlement with the Departmen (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-24/article-1412268/New-Dawn-Enterprises-receives-%247.3-million-settlement-from-DND/1)

New Dawn Enterprises receives $7.3-million settlement from DND
Former radar base in Whitney Pier being cleaned up, owner compensated

Published on June 24th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Officials with New Dawn Enterprises were all smiles Thursday as they announced receipt of a $7.3-million settlement with the Department of National Defence over demolition work at the former radar base in Whitney Pier.

The compensation agreement comes six years after the community economic development agency discovered its Pine Tree Park property formerly owned by DND was contaminated with home heating oil.

The government is currently conducting an $11.2-million cleanup on the site that includes demolition of 40 housing units and soil remediation.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-24/article-1412268/New-Dawn-Enterprises-receives-%247.3-million-settlement-from-DND/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-24/article-1412028/Agency-ordered-to-better-manage-odours-emitting-from-tar-ponds/1

Agency ordered to better manage odours emitting from tar ponds

Published on June 24th, 2010
Tom Ayers

SYDNEY — The agency in charge of the tar ponds cleanup is working on its odour management plan and will meet the June 30 deadline set by the provincial Environment Department to better manage smells emanating from the site.

The department began receiving increased calls in April from area residents about strong odours coming from the work site, peaking at 10 calls in 10 days near the end of May.

The government regulator issued a three-part directive June 3 requiring the agency to enhance its odour management plan, upgrade air monitoring, which could include mobile equipment that can take air samples around civic addresses where complaints are made, and hold weekly meetings with the department and the contractor to address odour issues.

Sydney Tar Ponds Agency spokesperson Tanya Collier MacDonald said Wednesday that contractors working on the stabilization and solidification of the south tar pond are now using two kinds of foam to dampen odours as they mix tar pond sludge with cement.

One foam is applied during mixing and the other creates a foam crust over top of the mixture to contain further smells.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-24/article-1412028/Agency-ordered-to-better-manage-odours-emitting-from-tar-ponds/1)

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 06:49 AM

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-25/article-1415726/CBU-v-p-named-first-Purdy-Crawford-Chair/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/25/photo_980062_resize_article.jpg
Greg McNeil - Cape Breton Post

In honour of Don Arseneau and Elmer Britten, the former A-Wing and home of the School of Science and Technology was renamed the Arseneau-Britten Science Building. Mary Britten, far right, represented the late Elmer Britten at the ceremony. Also shown, fro (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-25/article-1415726/CBU-v-p-named-first-Purdy-Crawford-Chair/1)

CBU v-p named first Purdy Crawford Chair
Cape Breton University creates three new chairs in aboriginal studies, accounting and social justice

Published on June 25th, 2010
Greg McNeil

SYDNEY — Taking the Membertou success story from coast to coast will be one of the immediate goals of the Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies at Cape Breton University.

The chair was created to promote interest among Canada’s First Nations people in the study of business.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-25/article-1415726/CBU-v-p-named-first-Purdy-Crawford-Chair/1)

Brown said the program will incorporate what First Nations leaders have told CBU officials about their belief in self-reliance as the next step in economic growth for their communities.

This goal can be achieved through the education of the next generation of business leaders.

A second goal will be to combine information obtained from communities with CBU’s aboriginal studies and its Centre for Sustainability and Energy in the Environment to enhance the university’s business curriculum.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-25/article-1415726/CBU-v-p-named-first-Purdy-Crawford-Chair/1)

When I first saw the headline and some of the accusations, I rolled my eyes a bit, but it raises a valid point.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-25/article-1415636/Cape-Breton-needs-to-push-immigration/1

Cape Breton needs to push immigration
With no help from province, community must make effort

Published on June 25th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[ Greg MacLeod
director,
Tompkins Institute,
Cape Breton University]

There is something seriously wrong with government policy on immigration in Cape Breton. We are simply forgotten. The statistics tell an alarming story.

In 2009, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality had only five immigrants; Halifax had 2,077 .

Even Yarmouth had more than CBRM – 17. Guysborough also had more. In fact, of all the counties in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton County had the lowest intake of immigrants.

Prince Edward Island, which has a smaller population than Cape Breton Island, had 1,941 immigrants during that year.

Provincial government officials say the explanation is that Cape Breton is small and Halifax is big, but Prince Edward Island is smaller than Cape Breton.

We have evidence of at least one immigrant who applied to come to Cape Breton but was met with shock by immigration officials in Halifax. They suggested there was not much future in Cape Breton.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-25/article-1415636/Cape-Breton-needs-to-push-immigration/1)

It is shocking to many of us that there are no government officials charged with immigration recruitment in Cape Breton.

It is true that Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority has hired a person to help new immigrants navigate through the local systems if immigrants happen to arrive, but CBCEDA does not recruit. If I were paranoid I would suspect that CBCEDA was told not to recruit.

Fortunately, regional council along with CBRM staff have made immigration a priority. The Tompkins Institute at Cape Breton University is now committed to working with CBRM to recruit immigrants.

At CBU, we have more than 400 foreign students. Many want to stay in Cape Breton.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-25/article-1415636/Cape-Breton-needs-to-push-immigration/1)

Since 1975, when the provincial government declared Halifax a growth centre, the story has been the same. Statistics speak for themselves.

It is strange that we have so many elected representatives and so many government-funded institutions in Cape Breton responsible for economic development and not one has recognized the recruitment of immigrants as an important strategy.

Are the government-supported institutions asleep or are we, the population, asleep?

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-25/article-1415636/Cape-Breton-needs-to-push-immigration/1)

I'm a little wary of some of the implied accusations above, but again the point is valid that something has to be done.

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 06:51 AM

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-06-27/article-1417920/New-look-museum-offers-a-little-something-for-everyone/1

New-look museum offers a little something for everyone

Published on June 27th, 2010
Julie Collins

NORTH SYDNEY — The North Sydney Heritage Museum, which is open for the season, is a welcome retreat into the past for locals and visitors to the area.

The museum will move from its present location on the bottom floor of the former Bank of Nova Scotia building on Commercial Street, to the Cultural and Heritage Centre presently under construction next door. The venue is expected to be completed in the fall.

Along with the museum, the cultural centre will house the North Sydney branch of the Cape Breton Regional Library, North Sydney Senior Citizens Club and a number of other offices including that of the local MLA.

The museum is home to a myriad of artifacts dealing with North Sydney's past, including the history of the harbour in pictures and print, the Western Union Office, politicians, police and fire departments, families and the contribution of the town's citizens to the First World War and Second World War.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-06-27/article-1417920/New-look-museum-offers-a-little-something-for-everyone/1)

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 06:58 AM

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-28/article-1425174/New-Membertou-Business-Centre-open/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/28/photo_985360_resize_article.jpg
Submitted by Owen Fitzgerald
membertou (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-28/article-1425174/New-Membertou-Business-Centre-open/1)

New Membertou Business Centre open

Published on June 28th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

MEMBERTOU — The Membertou Entrepreneur Centre and the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office are now located under one roof in the new Membertou Business Centre.

Both facilities were officially opened by Premier Darrell Dexter and Sarah Filbee, assistant deputy minister with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, who were joined by Membertou Chief Terry Paul.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-28/article-1425174/New-Membertou-Business-Centre-open/1)

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 07:02 AM

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-01/article-1462150/Mi%26rsquo%3Bkmaq-language-website-launched/1

Mi’kmaq language website launched

Published on July 1st, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Organizers of a new website hope their creation can leave lasting footprints on the Mi’kmaq education process.

Started three years ago, www.jilaptoq.ca is an interactive, web based learning tool for the Grade 7 provincial Mi’kmaq curriculum.

Named for a Mi’kmaw verb meaning making or leaving footprints, the site’s purpose is to help to keep the Mi’kmaq language alive.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-01/article-1462150/Mi%26rsquo%3Bkmaq-language-website-launched/1)

Among other features, the 6,000 plus word dictionary helps learners develop the skill of distinguishing individual words when they are spoken in a phrase.

The Mi’kmaq and English site also includes talking posters, story books, videos and curriculum material.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-01/article-1462150/Mi%26rsquo%3Bkmaq-language-website-launched/1)

Although the site was initially designed to assist Grade 7 students, it will be of use to all Mi’kmaw and non-Mi’kmaw educators teaching Mi’kmaw language and culture.

A second component, a Mi’kmaq language lab, developed by CBU and the Mi’kmaq College Institute will open this fall.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-01/article-1462150/Mi%26rsquo%3Bkmaq-language-website-launched/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-01/article-1462515/Dominion-beach-welcomes-swimmers/1

Dominion beach welcomes swimmers

Published on July 1st, 2010
Sharon Montgomery-Dupe

DOMINION — After a four-year wait, Dominion beach has officially reopened.

District 5 Coun. Darren Bruckschwaiger said at about 3 p.m., Wednesday he received official word that the ban on swimming at Dominion beach was lifted.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-01/article-1462515/Dominion-beach-welcomes-swimmers/1)

Feldman received a letter from Dr. Maureen Baikie, acting medical officer of health, confirming water quality results for samples collected at the beach June 21 and June 29 were assessed against Health Canada recreational water quality guidelines and determined satisfactory for recreational water use, including swimming.

Bruckschwaiger expects the beach will soon be packed.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-01/article-1462515/Dominion-beach-welcomes-swimmers/1)

Dominion beach has been closed since July 2004 because of elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the water. A $20-million sewage treatment plant which opened about 10 weeks ago treats the sewage for 1,300 homes, that sewage had previously been dumped into the ocean.

Bruckschwaiger said although the beach has been closed completely for four years, for two to three years prior it was temporarily closed off and on, due to unsatisfactory water test results.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-01/article-1462515/Dominion-beach-welcomes-swimmers/1)

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 07:08 AM

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-05/article-1491005/North-Sydney-to-get-new-ferry-terminal%3A-Marine-Atlantic/1

North Sydney to get new ferry terminal: Marine Atlantic

Published on July 5th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

NORTH SYDNEY — The federal government is investing $521 million over the next five years to revitalize Marine Atlantic and renew its fleet and shore facilities at North Sydney, and Port aux Basques and Argentia, N.L.

As part of the investment, North Sydney will get a new ferry terminal.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-05/article-1491005/North-Sydney-to-get-new-ferry-terminal%3A-Marine-Atlantic/1)

Will edit in the story with more details if it comes online. :cheers:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Edit below:

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-05/article-1495295/Feds-announce-new-Marine-Atlantic-ferry-terminal-for-North-Sydney/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/07/05/photo_1016877_resize_article.jpg
From left, Rob Crosbie, board of directors chair for Marine Atlantic, Cecil Clarke, MLA for Cape Breton North, and Rob Merrifield, minister of State for Transport, spoke at the ferry terminal in North Sydney after a funding announcement, Monday. Steve Wad (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-05/article-1495295/Feds-announce-new-Marine-Atlantic-ferry-terminal-for-North-Sydney/1)

Feds announce new Marine Atlantic ferry terminal for North Sydney

Published on July 5th, 2010
Julie Collins

NORTH SYDNEY — The federal government is investing $521 million over the next five years to renew Marine Atlantic’s fleet and improve shore facilities at the ports of North Sydney, and Port aux Basques and Argentia in Newfoundland.

North Sydney will get a new terminal building, upgrades to the dock area and new terminal equipment. The design work is underway for the North Sydney site. Although it hasn’t been decided, the area being looked at for the terminal is next to Commercial Street, which would provide access to the downtown.

The terminals and the dock facilities in Port aux Basques and Argentia will receive upgrades and new terminal equipment.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-05/article-1495295/Feds-announce-new-Marine-Atlantic-ferry-terminal-for-North-Sydney/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-05/article-1496740/Staff-staying-on-top-of-harbour-dredging-project%3A-Corbett/1

Staff staying on top of harbour dredging project: Corbett

Published on July 5th, 2010
Chris Hayes

SYDNEY — Nova Scotia Deputy Premier Frank Corbett says his staff is working to keep a proposed dredging project for Sydney harbour on the front burner for the federal cabinet ministers who were approached for funding.

Corbett said Monday staff members in his office are staying in close contact with officials in the offices of National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield, who is also the minister for ACOA and the Atlantic Gateway, and Defence Minister Peter MacKay, who is also the minister responsible for Nova Scotia.

“It’s really a staff to staff level,” he said Monday. “We are on standby and if things start to move, then it will move more to elected official to elected official. I think it’s almost somewhere on a line between being persistent and being obstinate is what it is. We keep reminding our federal partners of the importance of this to the CBRM and indeed, for all of the province, and we have to say we are still in this. Is there any help we can (offer)?”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-05/article-1496740/Staff-staying-on-top-of-harbour-dredging-project%3A-Corbett/1)

Smevo

July 24th, 2010, 07:15 AM

I think Wal Mart and Sobeys leaving the mall have turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to Mayflower, which is complete opposite to what's happened to other malls these retailers have left.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-08/article-1525105/New-mall-annex-looking-to-attract-new-tenants/1

New mall annex looking to attract new tenants

Published on July 8th, 2010
Greg McNeil

SYDNEY — Strides are being made to woo one of the most recognizable retailers in running paraphernalia to Cape Breton.

The people behind the yet to open and only recently named Grand Lake Crossings, a strip mall annex to the Mayflower Mall, are actively campaigning to have the Running Room as one of the new mall’s tenants.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-08/article-1525105/New-mall-annex-looking-to-attract-new-tenants/1)

No date has been set for the strip mall’s opening, but some stores are expected to open in November.

In the coming weeks details on construction schedules, tenancies and a projected opening will be released.

The strip mall will be located at the corner of Grand Lake Road and Sydney Port Access Road on lands facing Mayflower Mall.

Its construction relates to capacity issues at the Mayflower Mall, where several new clothing retailers and shops have recently opened.

Stokes, considered the country’s largest tabletop and giftware chain retailer, is the latest to commit to Mayflower Mall. It’s expected to open this fall.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-08/article-1525105/New-mall-annex-looking-to-attract-new-tenants/1)

Dominion Beach just re-opened, and it's already busy from the sounds of it.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-08/article-1525089/Hot-enough-for-ya%3F/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/07/08/photo_1035875_resize_article.jpg
People trying to beat the heat flocked to beaches across Cape Breton on Thursday as temperatures soared above 30 C. A lifeguard scanned Dominion beach as hundreds of people soaked up the sun and cooled off in the ocean. Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-08/article-1525089/Hot-enough-for-ya%3F/1)

Hot enough for ya?
Mercury soaring in Cape Breton as hot, sunny weather arrive

Published on July 8th, 2010
Laura Jean Grant

SYDNEY — The hot, sunny summer weather you dreamt of in mid-February has arrived.

Beaching, barbecuing and finding ways to beat the balmy heat have all been popular activities over the last few days as daytime highs hover around the 30 C, and even higher when factoring in the humidity.

The mercury soared Thursday to 30 C in Sydney and 31 C in Port Hawkesbury. In both locations it felt like 36 C with the humidity.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-08/article-1525089/Hot-enough-for-ya%3F/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-07-08/article-1525111/Nova-Scotia-doctors-leading-by-example-%26mdash%3B-bringing-bike-tour-to-Sydney/1

Nova Scotia doctors leading by example — bringing bike tour to Sydney

Published on July 8th, 2010
Greg McNeil

SYDNEY — Leading by example, a group of provincial health-care professionals will take their bicycle tour to Cape Breton this month to promote heart health.

The fourth annual Heartland Tour will see cardiologist and tour founder Dr. Nicholas Giacomantonio take to the streets and highways of Nova Scotia with 30 like-minded cyclists.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-07-08/article-1525111/Nova-Scotia-doctors-leading-by-example-%26mdash%3B-bringing-bike-tour-to-Sydney/1)

The tour begins Saturday in Halifax and arrives in Sydney Wednesday.

The longest Cape Breton ride is a 50 km spin that leaves the Archibald Wharf in North Sydney at 9 a.m. The Cape Breton stop also includes rides modified to be kid and family friendly.

If riders don’t wish to partake in the main ride, a 20 km trek leaves North Sydney later in the morning to meet the main group at the old co-op store at the lights in Bras d’Or around 11:10 a.m.

A 44 km option sees riders leave Sydney for North Sydney to meet the group for a 12:15 p.m. departure back to Sydney.

An 11 km ride departs the Civic Centre in Sydney to meet the main group at the Superstore in Sydney River at 1:15 p.m., while a 10 km family ride departs the Civic Centre in Sydney at 2 p.m.

The final ride of the day is a kids event at 5 p.m. at Wentworth Park.

Visit www.heartlandtour.ca (http://www.heartlandtour.ca) for more ride details.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-07-08/article-1525111/Nova-Scotia-doctors-leading-by-example-%26mdash%3B-bringing-bike-tour-to-Sydney/1)