[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-04-22/article-1035047/Waiting-for-the-dredge-pledge/1

Waiting for the dredge pledge
Ports corp. hopes Ports Day will be buoyed by funding announcement

Published on April 22nd, 2010
Chris Hayes


SYDNEY — The Sydney Ports Corporation hopes an annual Ports Day conference will be buoyed this year by confirmed funding for a $38-million project to dredge the harbour.

Capt. Terence Pittman, chairman of the corporation’s board of directors, says the Netherlands-based company chosen as the preferred bidder for the contract needs a response by mid-May — before Ports Day (May 20 at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney).

The Sydney Marine Group is hoping the federal and provincial governments, Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the private sector will cost-share the $38-million cost of dredging the nine-kilometre access channel to the port, a project that is seen as crucial to the economic future of the region. Dredging is also a first step in plans for the development of a $200-million container terminal at the port of Sydney.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-04-22/article-1035047/Waiting-for-the-dredge-pledge/1)



http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-22/article-1035051/Partnership-between-ski-hill-and-golf-course-will-help-local-employment/1

Partnership between ski hill and golf course will help local employment

Published on April 22nd, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

BEN EOIN — A partnership between and a ski hill and a golf course has resulted in an employment opportunity for 35 workers.

The link between the Lakes Golf Club and Ski Ben Eoin means 35 people will be hired in such positions as golf professional, operations professionals, food and beverage service people and maintenance staff.

"We are pleased that we can work together to offer year-round employment, where appropriate, for Cape Bretoners," said Jason Sweeney, director of golf for The Lakes.

"It just made sense for us to co-operate and share employees."

It is expected that during peak season, nearly $500,000 will be generated through payroll alone.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-22/article-1035051/Partnership-between-ski-hill-and-golf-course-will-help-local-employment/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-04-23/article-1036316/CBU-governors-approve-%26lsquo%3Bgood-news%26rsquo%3B-budget/1

CBU governors approve ‘good news’ budget

Published on April 23rd, 2010
Nancy King

SYDNEY — Cape Breton University’s board of governors has approved what’s being branded as a good news $40.9-million budget.

The budget was tabled as the board met Friday morning. About $24.2 million in the university’s revenues will come from the province, with about $15.3 million from student tuition and fees. The balance will come from other sources, primarily endowment fund earnings, noted vice-president of finance and operations Gordon MacInnis.

There is no increase in tuition, under a three-year memorandum of understanding Nova Scotia universities signed with the province in 2008. The province has also increased the rebate available through its bursary program, MacInnis said, in an effort to make post-secondary education in Nova Scotia more affordable.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-04-23/article-1036316/CBU-governors-approve-%26lsquo%3Bgood-news%26rsquo%3B-budget/1)

The new residence and dining hall is mentioned to be under construction near the end of the article. Best guess is 4 storeys in keeping with the other residences, so now our tallest under construction. :D


Not good at all.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-04-23/article-1035784/Items-stolen-from-construction-site/1

Items stolen from construction site

Published on April 23rd, 2010
The Canadian Press

SYDNEY — Cape Breton Regional Police are investigating after several pieces of equipment were stolen earlier this week from the work site of the Sydney River Bridge on Keltic Drive.

Police responded to the report of the stolen items early Thursday morning. The site manager informed them that a theft had occurred and items worth in excess of $5,000 were missing.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-04-23/article-1035784/Items-stolen-from-construction-site/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-23/article-1036280/Liberal-MP-pushing-Tories-on-harbour-dredging-project/1

Liberal MP pushing Tories on harbour dredging project

Published on April 23rd, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

OTTAWA — Cape Breton MP Mark Eyking is keeping the pressure on the federal government for a commitment to funding the dredging of Sydney harbour.

Eyking, Liberal MP for Sydney-Victoria, asked the Harper government for a firm commitment to the project, which is an economic development priority for Cape Breton.

Eyking asked the minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, Keith Ashfield, when funding for the project would be announced. Ashfield declined to answer the question and instead referred to other projects in the region which his government has funded.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-23/article-1036280/Liberal-MP-pushing-Tories-on-harbour-dredging-project/1)

[Smevo]

Main page updated. :cheers:

[Smevo]

Had the time to browse some other websites, so here's what I'm coming up with.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/04/22/ns-devco-rail-coal.html

Devco rail recreation trail stalled

Last Updated: Thursday, April 22, 2010 | 2:49 PM AT
CBC News

Plans to turn a part of Cape Breton's coal mining legacy into a recreational trail have been put on hold.

The Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation wanted to convert the old Devco rail corridor into a trail.

The rail line runs from Gardiner Mines to Louisbourg.

But now, the company that wants to open the Donkin mine says it may need to press that old rail corridor back into service.

... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/04/22/ns-devco-rail-coal.html)


This one has some info the CB Post article didn't. If you click the link for the full story, you'll see it.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/04/21/ns-sydney-river-bridge.html

Sydney River Bridge closed for repairs

Last Updated: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 | 11:44 AM AT
CBC News

The Sydney River Bridge is closed to vehicles as repairs continue on the 50-year-old structure.

The bridge, a main route to the Westmount and Coxheath areas, was down to one lane of traffic until Tuesday evening, when the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal said it needed "further assessment."

Lloyd Hall, a project engineer, said banning cars from the bridge will take the stress off the one lane and speed up repairs, which are already behind schedule.


... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/04/21/ns-sydney-river-bridge.html)

Unfortunately, the radio stations don't have their news excerpts in print that I can find. :shrug:

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-26/article-1039779/Sydney-River-Bridge-now-open-to-traffic/1

Sydney River Bridge now open to traffic

Published on April 26th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY RIVER — After three days of closure, the Sydney River Bridge has been reopened to vehicle traffic.

The opening of one lane of the bridge was announced late Monday by the Department of Transportation.

Work has been underway on the Keltic Drive bridge for the past four months as crews prepare for a full-scale repair job.

For the most part, the northbound lane of the bridge was closed during these repairs, limiting traffic across to one lane.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-26/article-1039779/Sydney-River-Bridge-now-open-to-traffic/1)

[Smevo]

Even though I can probably guess what the redevelopment will look like, I still wish Crombie would come out with the details and get a start on it. Sydney Shooping Centre is in dire need, and has lost a lot of tenants recently (looking at their floorplan pdf).

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-04-27/article-1041139/Travel-agency-blames-mall-rumours-for-closure/1

Travel agency blames mall rumours for closure

Published on April 27th, 2010
Chris Hayes

SYDNEY — Fourteen years after opening its doors at the Sydney Shopping Centre, Travel Universal Vacations shut down Friday, saying it lost customers because of rumours and uncertainty about the future of the mall.

Business at the travel agency began to decline as rumours swirled about the mall’s future, which is located on Prince Street in downtown Sydney, and plunged by 95 per cent in April, which is usually the busiest month of the year, says company owner Mary Canova.

Canova said Nova Scotia-based Crombie REIT, which owns and manages the mall, should have gone public with a response to rumours that it was going to be torn down and replaced by a strip mall.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-04-27/article-1041139/Travel-agency-blames-mall-rumours-for-closure/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-27/article-1041175/Cape-Breton-tourism-industry-showcased-in-three-day-Halifax-event-/1

Cape Breton tourism industry showcased in three-day Halifax event

Published on April 27th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Destination Cape Breton, along with partners from across the island, will be in Halifax this week to attend the Saltscapes East Coast Expo.

This year’s partners include Parks Canada, Highland Village and The Celtic Heart of North America.

From crafters to fly tying exhibits, there will be something for everyone at this year’s expo.


... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-27/article-1041175/Cape-Breton-tourism-industry-showcased-in-three-day-Halifax-event-/1)

[Smevo]

Since this letter is written by Jim Wooder, it will probably get a lot of the "he just wants to advertise his port proposal" reaction (a symptom of "that will never happen here" syndrome). However, I encourage you to read through the entire thing, because he brings up many valid points.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-04-29/article-1044813/Ports-plan-the-only-proposition-on-the-table-with-transformative-potential/1

Ports plan the only proposition on the table with transformative potential

Published on April 29th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)


Economic development has been and continues to be a provincial priority. Nowhere is it more a priority than in Cape Breton.

Varied and complex challenges confront this economy, fairly characterized as being in steady decline, plagued with unfavourable demographics, a shrinking tax base and an unemployment rate hovering at 17 per cent. These enormous challenges require strong leadership and calculated risk-taking targeted at the clear potential inherent in the Ports of Sydney.

Economic development is not a task that falls exclusively to any particular group or entity. It is a matter best addressed collaboratively. In the Sydney ports project, we have an undertaking with a pronounced sense of community ownership, supported by a rich body of empirical research and market outreach that demonstrate its viability and potentially immense economic impact.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-04-29/article-1044813/Ports-plan-the-only-proposition-on-the-table-with-transformative-potential/1)

As I see it from the government perspective:
Cons:
$12-13M investment in dredging from each level (provincial and federal)

Pros:
No more rail subsidy (pays for itself provincially in 6 years)
$200M privately funded container terminal
Viable backup transportation plan for Donkin coal
Transporation benefits for NSP
Potential Shipbuilding facility (Daewoo known to be interested)
Opportunity for countless spinoff jobs in an economically depressed area.

Basically this has probably the highest total return (and definitely the highest % return) of any government investment in the area ever. Seems like a no-brainer to me. :cheers:


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-29/article-1045040/Local-success-topic-of-discussion-at-national-aboriginal-conference-/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/04/29/photo_687565_resize_article.jpg
Submitted by Owen Fitzgerald

Representatives of the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office in Membertou made presentations at Inclusion 10, a National Aboriginal Human Resource Council conference in Toronto. From the left are Owen Fitzgerald, executive director, Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office in Membertou, former Canadian prime minister Paul Martin, Alex Paul, director of the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office, and Kelly Lendsay, president and CEO of the Aboriginal Human Resource Council. Martin was the keynote speaker at the conference. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-29/article-1045040/Local-success-topic-of-discussion-at-national-aboriginal-conference-/1)


Local success topic of discussion at national aboriginal conference

Published on April 29th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — A local success story was shared with the country as part of a national aboriginal conference this week.

Details of the business-like approach to economic development by the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office were detailed during Inclusion Works 10, a National Aboriginal Human Resource Council conference in Toronto.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-04-29/article-1045040/Local-success-topic-of-discussion-at-national-aboriginal-conference-/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-04-29/article-1045038/Louisbourg-makeover-starts-with-spring-cleaning-on-Saturday/1

Louisbourg makeover starts with spring cleaning on Saturday

Published on April 29th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


LOUISBOURG — Louisbourg is getting a makeover that will start with a spring cleaning on Saturday.

The coastal community is preparing for its participation in the national Communities in Bloom program to be judged later this summer.

The cleanup starts at 10 a.m. at the Louisbourg fire hall, with gloves and garbage bags provided. The volunteer event will end back at the fire hall with a barbecue.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-04-29/article-1045038/Louisbourg-makeover-starts-with-spring-cleaning-on-Saturday/1)

[David1gray]

i have supported the idea of the port in sydney since the plans were released. i dont understand why people wont support something that can have a great impact on the local economy. maybe they are just afraid that it will fail and that the money will have been wasted. that is a risk, but that risk is there in every investment. if the rail line subsidy does not get renewed, you can say goodbye to your rail connections to sydney and area. losing the rail line would be a very bad thing for the area. this port would increase traffic flow, and pay for infrastructure renewal on the line. i know the CB&CNS has been repairing the line between port hawkesbury and new glasgow, this is most likely because there is an expect increase in traffic from the melford terminal which has alot more going for it right now then the sydport. anyways, thats just my thoughts.

p.s. sorry for any bad grammar. lol im too lazy to go back and fix it atm

[Smevo]

That's the thing though, it's not really a risky investment when you look at it. $12-13M is all it is, then NSP can save transportation costs by using larger coal ships, even larger cruise ships can come into the port in the future, Donkin can use the rail line and Sydney harbour to move its coal, and then the container terminal is 100% privately funded, so the government doesn't have to kick in any more money for that. I'm also behind the Melford terminal because its privately funded. Lets be honest, if businessmen in this area are going to kick around that much of their own money, they've done their homework. It's not unreasonable to ask the governments to pitch in on the dredging when that part of the project benefits them directly.

The feds seem to be dodging the question when its brought up these days, which makes me suspicious that they're not going to pitch in, afaik the province is on board. I hope the feds prove me wrong though with an announcement in the very near future.

[Smevo]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/04/28/ns-sydney-heritage-house.html

Hope for damaged Sydney heritage house

Last Updated: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 | 8:41 AM AT
CBC News

A heritage building on Charlotte Street in Sydney could have a new lease on life after it was badly damaged in a fire last year.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has announced that it's considering demolishing the building, but the Old Sydney Society is hoping the house, believed to be the oldest in the city, can be saved.

Lab tests have confirmed that the house was constructed in the 1780s, according to Peyton Chisholm, the director of the Old Sydney Society.


... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/04/28/ns-sydney-heritage-house.html)

[Smevo]

Editorial from Fred Jackson on the dredging situation.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-04-30/article-1046909/Harbour-dredging-demands-vision/1

Harbour dredging demands vision

Published on April 30th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post



Here’s what would be ideal for proponents of dredging the channel into Sydney harbour.

Some international shipping company with deep pockets would be champing at the bit to pour a nine-figure investment into terminal development the moment the dredging project was secured.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-04-30/article-1046909/Harbour-dredging-demands-vision/1)

What is the point in praising such local initiative among disparate and even at times mutually suspicious interests if at the end of the day big government will not support the outcome to the tune of a few kilometres of twinned highway or a few years of railway subsidy?

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-04-30/article-1046909/Harbour-dredging-demands-vision/1)

Pictou County has its strategic project, the Daewoo windmill manufacturing plant, supported by some $70 million in government financing. Government will soon be asked for as much as $100 million to help build a convention centre in Halifax, a region seldom wanting for public investment. Where is the strategic commitment to the future of Cape Breton County?

As chief ports promoter Jim Wooder states it in the form of a question to Darrell Dexter, if commercial development of the harbour, enabled by channel dredging, isn’t the way forward, what is premier’s plan for this region?

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-04-30/article-1046909/Harbour-dredging-demands-vision/1)


Kinda makes our request look like the drop in the bucket that it is, eh? :cheers:

[David1gray]

yes, halifax and new glasgow have each got there provincial investments, its time to support CB.:tup:

[Smevo]

Don't get me wrong, there's been a lot of investment in CB as well, just not any with this level of payoff. Given the amount of money sunk into ECBC and ACOA, you'd think the governments would be chomping at the bit to get in on this, especially considering it pays for itself shortly after investing.

There's been some other important investments in the area as well, like twinning Hwy-125 (the busiest two-lane highway in the province, and by far the busiest two-lane with 100km/h or higher speed limit), upgrades to Rte 4 (which was crumbling and had no shoulders, so badly so that people would avoid it for safety concerns even though it's the shorter route to much of the more heavily populated areas), and the remediation of the tar ponds and related projects (an issue that each government if partly responsible for creating during their time of ownership of DOSCO and SYSCO), and the rail subsidy (which will become unnecessary and pay for itself shortly after the terminal is complete...something that won't happen without the dredging project). Comparing the payoffs of these projects to the payoff of this one, it again becomes a "no-brainer".

I hate to get into the "well they're getting $X million so we want $(1/Y)X million", but there's the rare case of high payoff for investment where a comparison sometimes helps shed some light on the subject. It's a tactic that grossly over-used, but I think it's warranted in this case.

Also, I realize you're agreeing David1gray, I'm moreso posting this for those against it, but especially for those who are on the fence. We really can't afford to wait another couple of decades for an opportunity like this to come along again.

[Smevo]

For those interested in attending some committee meetings...

Corporate Services Committee, Monday, May 3, 1:30 PM (the time of day really sucks for those that want to come out to these, but if you're able to, the meetings are open to the public).
http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/images/stories/agendas/Corporate%20Services%20Agenda%20May%203%202010.pdf
Item 3: Funding Request - Dredging of Sydney Harbour.
Item 4: Property Matters
a) land located behind strip mall in Sydney River (Mr. Mahfouz Al-Khouri)
b) land interest by Membertou Development Corporation (probably for their Hilton hotel)
c) land on corner of Coxheath Rd and Keltic Dr (Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)


Planning Advisory Committee, Thursday, May 6, 1:30 PM
http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/images/stories/agendas/Planning%20agenda%20May%206%202010.pdf
Item 2a: Nova Scotia Lands - Presentation by Ekistics on the future use of the SYSCO/Tar Ponds/Coke Ovens land.
Item 3a: Final approval of MPS and Land Use Bylaw Winter Review.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-02/article-1047018/Replica-seaplane-lands-in-North-Sydney/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/02/photo_688615_resize_article.jpg
Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

Carl Wall, president of Armstrong Memorial Branch 19 Royal Canadian Legion in North Sydney, salutes during the unveiling of a PBY-5A Canso Seaplane monument at Munro Park in North Sydney, Sunday. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-02/article-1047018/Replica-seaplane-lands-in-North-Sydney/1)

Replica seaplane lands in North Sydney
Monument of Canso aircraft unveiled during Battle of the Atlantic ceremony

Published on May 2nd, 2010
Erin Pottie




NORTH SYDNEY — High above the centre of a community park, a scaled-down replica of a seaplane now stands as a reminder of the area’s former landscape.

Munro Park, once known as Kelly Beach, was much different in 1918, said Halifax author and historian Peter Lawson during the unveiling of a PBY-5A Canso Seaplane monument Sunday.

Six panels depicting the Northside’s military history were also revealed during ceremonies to honour the 67th anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-02/article-1047018/Replica-seaplane-lands-in-North-Sydney/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-02/article-1047020/Freedom-of-the-City-organizers-ready-for-military-event/1

Freedom of the City organizers ready for military event

Published on May 2nd, 2010
Greg McNeil


SYDNEY — A full slate of activities are ready for inspection well in advance of Saturday’s Freedom of the City ceremonies in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

The military tradition will see the municipality grant the crew of the Canadian naval destroyer Athabaskan permission to march through the community.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-02/article-1047020/Freedom-of-the-City-organizers-ready-for-military-event/1)



A bit of wartime history...
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Columns/2010-05-02/article-1046980/Photographs-show-important-role-Sydney-harbour-played-during-Second-World-War/1

Photographs show important role Sydney harbour played during Second World War

Published on May 2nd, 2010
Rannie Gillis



During the Second World War (1939-45) the main convoy assembly points in Canada were Halifax and Sydney, and the defences of these two harbours were quickly upgraded to provide secure gathering places for civilian ships preparing to cross the Atlantic Ocean. (St. John’s, N.L., was, for the most part, an assembly and refuelling point for naval escort vessels.)

By 1940 the convoy system was split into two distinct components. The ‘fast’ convoys, containing ships that could maintain a speed of at least 10 knots, sailed from Halifax. The ‘slow’ convoys, with ships that travelled at a slower speed, left from Sydney.

Canso seaplanes flying from the naval air station at Kelly’s Beach (Munro Park) took many aerial photos of Sydney harbour during the Second World War. I have several in my collection and they provide a vivid illustration of just how important a role this port played in the Allied war effort.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Columns/2010-05-02/article-1046980/Photographs-show-important-role-Sydney-harbour-played-during-Second-World-War/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-03/article-1050862/CBRM-votes-%242M-for-harbour-dredging/1

CBRM votes $2M for harbour dredging

Published on May 3rd, 2010
Erin Pottie

SYDNEY — The Cape Breton Regional Municipality corporate services committee has approved a $2-million contribution to dredge Sydney harbour, provided the project receives capital support from Nova Scotia and Ottawa.

During a regular committee meeting Monday, chief administrative officer Jerry Ryan said while there is no defined budget for the $38-million dredging, staff anticipate a surplus of approximately $2 million for the last fiscal year, mostly attributed to the reduction of interest on short-term capital borrowing.

“It’s an easy recommendation from my point of view, because we have identified the source of funding,” said Ryan.

Deputy Mayor Darren Bruckschwaiger said the Sydney Marine Group’s venture has seen widespread support throughout the municipality.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-03/article-1050862/CBRM-votes-%242M-for-harbour-dredging/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-04/article-1052889/Chamber-supports-CBRM-contribution-to-dredging/1

Chamber supports CBRM contribution to dredging


Published on May 4th, 2010
Tom Ayers


SYDNEY — The chamber of commerce is pleased that a Cape Breton Regional Municipality committee has recommended council approve a $2-million contribution toward the dredging of Sydney harbour.

The corporate services committee recommendation received unanimous approval Monday and goes to a special council meeting Thursday at 1 p.m. for ratification.

“Every organization that represents business in any of its facets ... understands that the dredging project would be a benefit to our community,” Joyce MacDougall, president of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce, said Tuesday.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-04/article-1052889/Chamber-supports-CBRM-contribution-to-dredging/1)



http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-04/article-1052787/E-triage-system-goes-online-at-regional-hospital%26rsquo%3Bs-ER/1 (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-04/article-1052787/E-triage-system-goes-online-at-regional-hospital%26rsquo%3Bs-
ER/1)

E-triage system goes online at regional hospital’s ER

Published on May 4th, 2010
Greg McNeil


SYDNEY — An enhanced electronic registration system is helping hospital officials take a swipe at reducing emergency room wait times.

Unveiled Tuesday at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, e-triage provides instant health information when a patient’s health card is swiped through a computer system.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-04/article-1052787/E-triage-system-goes-online-at-regional-hospital%26rsquo%3Bs-ER/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-05/article-1055786/Locally-designed-gaming-technology-approved/1

Locally designed gaming technology approved

Published on May 5th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — A local technology manufacturer has received approval from one of the gaming industry’s largest international trade associations.

Techlink Entertainment said Wednesday the California-based Gaming Standards Association has approved a powerful new informed player protocol class created by Techlink.

Known as the Game-to-System (G2S) protocol extension, the technology gives players information on how much money they spend and how long they gamble, and allows players to set money and time limits while gambling.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-05/article-1055786/Locally-designed-gaming-technology-approved/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-05/article-1055785/Travellers-rate-Cambridge-Suites-as-top-hotel-in-Canada%2C-ninth-in-world/1

Travellers rate Cambridge Suites as top hotel in Canada, ninth in world

Published on May 5th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — Cambridge Suites Sydney is the No. 1 hotel in Canada and ninth in the world in a new ranking of top hotels for value and quality based on reviews from the popular travel website Expedia.

The Expedia 2010 Insiders’ Select results, an annual ranking of the world’s best hotels for quality and value as determined primarily by traveller reviews, was released Tuesday.

Cambridge Suites Sydney was the top ranked of any hotel in Canada. Only two others made the top 20. They are considered to have routinely exceeded customer expectations in customer service, amenities, competitive pricing and more.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-05/article-1055785/Travellers-rate-Cambridge-Suites-as-top-hotel-in-Canada%2C-ninth-in-world/1)



Not really a fan of the levy, even though the extra publicity will help if it reaches the right people.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-05/article-1055678/Levy-bill-one-step-away-from-being-law/1

Levy bill one step away from being law

Published on May 5th, 2010
Nancy King

SYDNEY — The act that would allow for a levy on most accommodations in Cape Breton to fund a marketing campaign has passed third reading in the provincial legislature.

The only remaining obstacle is obtaining royal assent, which Destination Cape Breton CEO Mary Tulle said Wednesday could come at any time.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-05/article-1055678/Levy-bill-one-step-away-from-being-law/1)

[Smevo]

I really don't want to post this, but I can't say I didn't expect it to happen.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/05/ns-sydney-tar-ponds-smell.html

Sydney tar ponds cleanup raises stink

Last Updated: Wednesday, May 5, 2010 | 9:06 AM AT
CBC News

Hold your nose: It could be a smelly few months in downtown Sydney, N.S.

The cleanup of the Sydney tar ponds is stirring up stinky odours. And residents are being warned that it could get even worse as heavy machines continue to dig up the sludge and add cement.


... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/05/ns-sydney-tar-ponds-smell.html)

These odors would probably be stirred up under any cleanup method. While I'm a bit skeptical still of the overall success at the end of this project, I'll be glad when it's done and we don't have to smell this stuff anymore. And the hot days of summer will most definitely be worse, so stay upwind if you're visiting the area.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-06/article-1057459/CBRM-%26lsquo%3Ball-in%26rsquo%3B-with-harbour-dredging/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/06/photo_692961_resize_article.jpg
Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

Coun. Kevin Saccary of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality put forward a motion to approve a $2-million contribution to the overall cost of dredging Sydney harbour on Thursday. Council voted unanimously in favour of funding the project, contingent on additional investments from the provincial and federal governments. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-06/article-1057459/CBRM-%26lsquo%3Ball-in%26rsquo%3B-with-harbour-dredging/1)


CBRM ‘all-in’ with harbour dredging
Council approves $2M contribution to project


Published on May 6th, 2010
Erin Pottie



SYDNEY — If the dredging of Sydney harbour was a game of poker, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality just put its cards on the table.

As the first government to fully back its share of the $38-million project, proponents say it’s now up to the feds and the province to ante up.

“If you want to call it a Texas hold ’em term — we’re all-in,” said District 2 Coun. Kevin Saccary. “We can’t afford any more than $2 million, and if it takes that gamble to hope that the federal and provincial governments will give us a breath of life, then so be it.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-06/article-1057459/CBRM-%26lsquo%3Ball-in%26rsquo%3B-with-harbour-dredging/1)



http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-06/article-1057458/Vision-for-tar-ponds-unveiled/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/06/photo_692959_resize_article.jpg
Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

Rob LeBlanc of Ekistics Planning and Design delivered a presentation regarding the possible future usage of the Sydney tar ponds and coke ovens site to members of the CBRM’s planning advisory committee, Thursday. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-06/article-1057458/Vision-for-tar-ponds-unveiled/1)


Vision for tar ponds unveiled

Published on May 6th, 2010
Nancy King


SYDNEY — Bleak post-industrial landscapes could be transformed to lush recreation and wildlife areas and a modern business campus to support commercial development under the vision for the future use of the Sydney tar pond and coke ovens sites.

The blueprint developed by Ekistics Planning and Design for what the sites could look like following the $400-million cleanup effort was unveiled for the first time Thursday for members of the CBRM’s planning advisory committee.

Ekistics’ work began nine months ago, and after doing consultation, they determined the work had to be transformative, look beyond boundaries of the site and scheduling, and be able to be achieved in phases.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-06/article-1057458/Vision-for-tar-ponds-unveiled/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-06/article-1057460/Police-warn-of-traffic-delays-during-naval-ceremony/1

Police warn of traffic delays during naval ceremony

Published on May 6th, 2010
Greg McNeil


SYDNEY — Motorists should prepare for minor inconveniences in the midst of a major downtown naval ceremony Saturday.

The ceremony will see Freedom of the City rights granted to the crew of the destroyer HMCS Athabaskan as part of 100th anniversary celebrations of the Canadian navy.

To accommodate the parade that kicks off the ceremony, traffic will be rerouted around several downtown streets.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-06/article-1057460/Police-warn-of-traffic-delays-during-naval-ceremony/1)

The parade starts near the Joan Harriss Pavilion at 10 a.m. Saturday. It then turns right on the Esplanade, left to Dorchester, right to Charlotte, right at Falmouth, and right back to the Esplanade as it proceeds to the civic centre.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-06/article-1057460/Police-warn-of-traffic-delays-during-naval-ceremony/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Arts/Entertainment/2010-05-06/article-1057451/Simon-Gillis-will-be-featured-artist-of-13th-annual-PierScape/1

Simon Gillis will be featured artist of 13th annual PierScape
Event begins Monday and runs until Saturday, May 15 at various locations throughout Whitney Pier

Published on May 6th, 2010
Laura Jean Grant



WHITNEY PIER — PierScape has grown as a festival just as Simon Gillis has grown as an artist.

And next week the two will come together in a fitting way with Gillis being named the featured artist for the 13th edition of PierScape, which gets underway Monday. The festival is organized by the Whitney Pier Society for the Arts.

Gillis, a resident of Whitney Pier and a longtime member of the Whitney Pier Society for the Arts board, has been showcasing his paintings at PierScape throughout the event’s 13-year history.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Arts/Entertainment/2010-05-06/article-1057451/Simon-Gillis-will-be-featured-artist-of-13th-annual-PierScape/1)


Everyone's been piping in on the dredging situation, Jim Wooder with Sydney Marine Group, Rankin MacSween of New Dawn and Chief Terry Paul of Membertou (both groups stakeholders in Laurentian Energy Corporation), and the editorial by Fred Jackson. Here's Chief Paul's letter.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-07/article-1058044/Harbour-dredging-inspires-unprecedented-level-of-regional-support/2

Harbour dredging inspires unprecedented level of regional support

Published on May 7th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[Chief Terry Paul]


I follow in the footsteps of some very eloquent advocates for federal-provincial support for the dredging of Sydney harbour.

Of late, these pages have been graced with the views and insights of community and business leaders and engaged citizens who understand the fundamental economic importance of this pursuit and the threshold on which we find ourselves.

The commitment of municipal funding by Mayor John Morgan and regional council further solidifies the high level of support that this important undertaking enjoys in our community.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-07/article-1058044/Harbour-dredging-inspires-unprecedented-level-of-regional-support/2)

[Smevo]

There's some information in this one that wasn't in the other, and vice versa.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/07/ns-sydney-tar-ponds-park.html

Sydney tar ponds' green future takes shape

Last Updated: Friday, May 7, 2010 | 9:22 AM AT
CBC News

One of Canada's most notorious contaminated sites may be transformed into a park, playground and concert space.

Municipal politicians in Sydney, N.S., got a glimpse of the future without the Cape Breton Island city's tar ponds and coke ovens Thursday.

Consulting firm Ekistics Planning and Design showed off its plans for the site once the contaminated sludge is mixed with cement and covered by 2014.

"What we're trying to create is a long-term legacy for the community in much the same way that 100 years ago this parcel of land created the growth and optimism for Sydney," Rob LeBlanc, president of Ekistics, told Cape Breton regional councillors.


... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/07/ns-sydney-tar-ponds-park.html)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-07/article-1058622/Work-beginning-to-prepare-for-possible-dredging/1

Work beginning to prepare for possible dredging

Published on May 7th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — The Sydney Marine Group has announced that work will begin immediately to prepare for construction of an access road in anticipation that dredging of the outer channel of Sydney harbour will go ahead.

They plan to remove trees from a section of land in Edwardsville owned by Laurentian Energy Corporation. The land is designated as the construction access road to the proposed site for a confined disposal facility that is an integral part of the planned dredging of the access channel. The group announced that tenders will be called within the next ten days for actual construction of the access road.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-07/article-1058622/Work-beginning-to-prepare-for-possible-dredging/1)

[Smevo]

The full article on the access road for the dredging proposal. Hopefully some announcements come out this week so we can all stop holding our breath...seriously, I'm getting dizzy.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-07/article-1063430/Preparation-work-on-harbour-dredging-project-set-to-begin-immediately/1

Preparation work on harbour dredging project set to begin immediately

Published on May 7th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The Sydney Marine Group has announced that work will begin immediately to prepare for construction of an access road in anticipation that dredging of the outer channel of Sydney harbour will go ahead.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-07/article-1063430/Preparation-work-on-harbour-dredging-project-set-to-begin-immediately/1)

On Thursday, CBRM approved a $2-million contribution as part of $3.8 million required from the community and business interests to complete the project. Nova Scotia Power earlier agreed to contribute $1 million.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-07/article-1063430/Preparation-work-on-harbour-dredging-project-set-to-begin-immediately/1)

A deepened access channel to the port is a key piece of public infrastructure that opens the door to a range of business opportunities, including bulk cargo, shipbuilding, offshore fabrication/services and containers. The deepened channel infrastructure will facilitate the commercialization of the Donkin Mine at optimum production levels. The cumulative economic impact of the commercialization of the Ports of Sydney is viewed as transformative for the local economy with substantial benefits accruing to the entire province.



http://www.capebretonpost.com/Sports/Soccer/2010-05-07/article-1063499/Soccer-season-kicks-off/1

Soccer season kicks off
Selects begin this weekend, local clubs still registering players

Published on May 7th, 2010
T.J. Colello


SYDNEY — The Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex dome has been a welcome addition to the local soccer community, something Soccer Cape Breton technical director Dean Morley has seen first-hand.

“Watching the kids’ eyes when they walk in, they’re just mesmerised and they love it,” he said of the dome. “You can feel the energy in there when all these kids are in there. They’re just absolutely buzzing.

“The dome is doing well. It’s got baseball, football and everything in there. From a soccer point of view, just seeing these kids faces light up, for the future, it’s just unbelievable.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Sports/Soccer/2010-05-07/article-1063499/Soccer-season-kicks-off/1)


This club belongs right where it is, so I'm glad it's just a rumour.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-07/article-1063468/Historic-yacht-club%26rsquo%3Bs-relocation-just-a-rumour-officials-say/1

Historic yacht club’s relocation just a rumour officials say

Published on May 7th, 2010
Tom Ayers

SYDNEY — Amendments to provincial legislation governing the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club would allow the historic club to move out of Sydney harbour, but any plans to relocate are only a rumour, club officers say.

“Not likely after over 100 years,” said Don Rowe, commodore of the yacht club and general manager of the local port authority. “No, that’s not going to happen.”

Rowe said those who are saying the club plans to move to property on the Bras d’Or Lake are misinformed, unless he’s being kept in the dark.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-07/article-1063468/Historic-yacht-club%26rsquo%3Bs-relocation-just-a-rumour-officials-say/1)



I need to find a way to get home during the summer to play this course, if only for the views. I need to improve my game, and I won't be getting home this summer anyway, so that gives me time right (my best round ever was 7 over par). :haha:

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Sports/Golf/2010-05-07/article-1063485/First-ball-hit-to-open-The-Lakes-golf-course/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/07/photo_697294_resize_article.jpg
Greg McNeil - Cape Breton Post

As shareholders and members look on, Jason Sweeney, director of golf operations for the Lakes Golf Club in Ben Eoin, prepares to hit the ceremonial first ball on the opening day for the course. The club officially opened for business Friday morning. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Sports/Golf/2010-05-07/article-1063485/First-ball-hit-to-open-The-Lakes-golf-course/1)


First ball hit to open The Lakes golf course


Published on May 7th, 2010
Greg McNeil



BEN EOIN — A ceremonial first ball screamed down the centre of the No. 1 fairway of the Lakes Golf Club Friday morning to begin a new golfing tradition in Cape Breton.

Hitting off the tee was Jason Sweeney, who considered the drive the successful culmination of years of hard work for many people.

Sweeney, the club’s director of golf operations, said he has seen the quality work paid staff put into the project.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Sports/Golf/2010-05-07/article-1063485/First-ball-hit-to-open-The-Lakes-golf-course/1)

[Smevo]

Stumbled across the yahoo maps for the first time in a while, and wow are they out of date. Some examples (play around with others for more if you want).

SPAR Rd Yahoo
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/124314939.jpg (http://ca.beta.maps.yahoo.com/?ard=1&mvt=h&lat=46.14714&lon=-60.142907&zoom=17&tab=dd)

SPAR Rd Bing
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/124314940.jpg (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=46.14881902256531~-60.1518385300441&lvl=15&sty=h)

Kings Rd Yahoo
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/124314941.jpg (http://ca.beta.maps.yahoo.com/?ard=1&mvt=h&lat=46.132086&lon=-60.192657&zoom=18&tab=dd)

Kings Rd Bing
http://www.pbase.com/smevo/image/124314943.jpg (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=46.131728351611~-60.19388483856156&lvl=17&sty=h)

I figure the Yahoo ones are from 2002 to 2003 at the latest, as the Wentworth, Health Park, and SPAR Rd hadn't even started construction. Just thought it was interesting as a comparison. :cheers:

Edit: just noticed that Harbourstone hadn't started construction either, so this is making me really wonder when Yahoo's pictures are from. I don't remember what year Harbourstone started/finished, though I think it might have been 2000 or slightly later. Some of the subdivision differences are fairly notable too, such as Oland Heights and Heathview Dr in Coxheath, and Newlands Ave and Terrace St (near Sherwood Park Jr. High) in Sydney. The differences in Membertou are easily noticeable too. Obviously, Hampton Estates, Mariner Estates, and the South Bar subdivision don't show up on Yahoo either.

[Smevo]

They're all coming out of the woodwork now...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-08/article-1064280/Cost-of-failure-more-than-money/1

Cost of failure more than money

Published on May 8th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post
[Fred Jackson]

Today is Day 6 in our countdown to the dredging decision for Sydney harbour.

Day 0 is next Friday, May 14, the date by which the preferred bidder, an unnamed company based in The Netherlands, needs to know whether a contract for the $38-million project can be signed.

What happens if May 14 comes and goes with no definite word from senior governments on funding the project this year? Or what if the word is no? Is that the end?

Well, not necessarily. Some proponents of the project, a broad consensus of companies, institutions, agencies and individuals led by Sydney Marine Group, would try to regroup, reload, and think of what to do next. But as Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce executive vice-president Aubrey Rogers remarked this week, failure to advance the dredging project would undermine the motivation of the whole coalition that has formed around it.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-08/article-1064280/Cost-of-failure-more-than-money/1)

The inevitable pessimist...
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-08/article-1064273/Dredging-drumbeat-falling-on-deaf-ears/1

Dredging drumbeat falling on deaf ears

Published on May 8th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[Jim Peers]

The articles this week listing the unkeepable promises about the benefits of dredging Sydney harbour are falling on deaf ears. But this is how people with entrenched incumbency behave when, after living off others, their funding can no longer be sustained politically.

Dredging the harbour is an intellectual proposal on its way to financial bankruptcy so there is little interest shown among Cape Breton Post readers.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-08/article-1064273/Dredging-drumbeat-falling-on-deaf-ears/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-08/article-1064270/World-shipping-fits-right-into-CBU-role/2

World shipping fits right into CBU role
China, Suez and Cape Breton a partnership demanding to be realized

Published on May 8th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[John Harker]

Four years ago, I convened a gathering of community leaders in the boardroom of Cape Breton University to brainstorm about ways the university – seen by all to be very much a community university, albeit one with a growing global reach – could better reflect the undeniable fact that we live in a harbour-side community.

Or communities: the wonderful sense of particular identity on the island of Cape Breton must owe much to the importance of its maritime location and character.

Our meeting clearly showed us that, from widely varying perspectives and positions, the complex of ports, wharfages, and harbours known collectively as Sydney harbour, or the Port of Sydney, remains essential to any hopes this island has and must have of securing sustainable futures for its people.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-08/article-1064270/World-shipping-fits-right-into-CBU-role/2)

Had a bit of extra time and decided to figure out the impact to both CB and NS this would have from an employment standpoint. Estimates have suggested upwards of 6,000 permanent jobs being created as a result of dredging (direct and spinoff jobs associated with the container terminal), so I'll use that figure. Using last month's figures, and assuming no changes in participation or population (simplistic, I know, but I just wanted a visual example), here's what the differences would have been:
CB:
Employed - increase from 50,500 to 56,500
Unemployed - decrease from 10,500 to 4,500
Employment Rate - increase from 44.1% to 49.4%
Unemployment Rate - decrease from 17.2% to 7.4%

NS:
Employment Rate - increase from 56.9% to 57.6%
Unemployment Rate - decrease from 9.8% to 8.6%

So, we've already considered the elimination of the rail subsidy and the savings to NSP as benefits which, alone, make this proposition worthwhile for the province. Add to that now the increased tax revenue to all 3 levels of government, and I can't understand the hesitation behind this. That employment figure doesn't even take into account a possible shipbuilding facility from Daewoo I don't think, and they're on record (earlier in this thread) as being interested in the harbour and former SYSCO land, but can't establish the facility unless the channel is dredged. I know I'm oversimplifying things on the employment figures front, the numbers aren't exact, but still, the point is there.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-09/article-1065795/Freedom-of-the-City-bestowed-upon-visiting-HMCS-Athabaskan/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/09/photo_697791_resize_article.jpg
T.J. Colello - Cape Breton Post

Cmdr. Peter Crain of the HMCS Athabaskan, right, shows his ceremonial sword to Zacchary Paul of Membertou, middle, and Jordan Thomas of Westmount, members of the 29th Sydney Kiwanis Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. Paul and Thomas were among the sea and air cadets taking part in the Freedom of the City ceremony. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-09/article-1065795/Freedom-of-the-City-bestowed-upon-visiting-HMCS-Athabaskan/1)

Freedom of the City bestowed upon visiting HMCS Athabaskan


Published on May 9th, 2010
T.J. Colello

SYDNEY — Although the threat of marauding military vessels isn’t the same as it was 500 years ago, that didn’t stop the Freedom of the City ceremony at the civic centre from going ahead as planned Saturday.

According to the Canadian navy, the military tradition dates back to the 15th century during the Wars of the Roses in England, when military units from each side in the civil war harassed cities. As a safety measure, the unit’s commander would meet with city council. If trusted, they were granted Freedom of the City — the highest honour a city can bestow upon a unit.

Cmdr. Peter Crain of the HMCS Athabaskan, the ship docked at Sydney harbour this weekend, knocked on the door of the civic centre and was welcomed by Mayor John Morgan. Morgan granted the commander and his sailors the Freedom of the City, allowing them freedom to march through the city with “drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-09/article-1065795/Freedom-of-the-City-bestowed-upon-visiting-HMCS-Athabaskan/1)



http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-09/article-1065787/Cape-Breton-University-graduates-nearly-600-students-at-spring-convocation/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/09/photo_697790_resize_article.jpg
Cape Breton University graduates march to the Canada Games Complex during the institution’s spring convocation, Saturday.

T.J. Colello - Cape Breton Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-09/article-1065787/Cape-Breton-University-graduates-nearly-600-students-at-spring-convocation/1)

Cape Breton University graduates nearly 600 students at spring convocation


Published on May 9th, 2010
T.J. Colello



SYDNEY — Lesley Sudworth considers Cape Breton University a second home.

This year’s valedictorian for spring convocation and vice-president academic with the CBU Students’ Union, the 24-year-old from Glace Bay graduated with her second degree from the institution on Saturday, a bachelor of arts community studies. She completed a political science degree in 2008.

Sudworth was one of 591 students from 38 programs celebrated, as proud family members and friends looked on as the now former students received their degrees, diplomas and certificates on stage Canada Games Complex.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-09/article-1065787/Cape-Breton-University-graduates-nearly-600-students-at-spring-convocation/1)

The students hailed from 15 different countries, including Canada, United States, Australia, Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Japan, Hong Kong, India, Angola, Kazakhstan and Nepal.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-09/article-1065787/Cape-Breton-University-graduates-nearly-600-students-at-spring-convocation/1)


The upcoming generation of (hopefully) working islanders is piping in now (good for you guys! :tup: )

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-08/article-1064284/Approve-dredging-or-graduating-class-should-start-packing/1

Approve dredging or graduating class should start packing

Published on May 8th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[The Grade 12 political science class at Sydney Academy:
Celine Cooke, Heather MacDonald, Justin Crane, Tim MacEachern, Michael Dunn, Kathleen MacLeod, Shara Furey, Rory MacNeil, Jennifer Laur, Leanne Martell, Melanie MacAulay, Alex Walsh, Nadine Yates, Kayla Yhard]


As young community builders and eligible voters, we feel that our voices need to be heard loudly and clearly.

Our future is dependent on the next few days as the deadline for a decision on harbour dredge rapidly approaches.

In our political science class at Sydney Academy, we have had the opportunity to learn about what port development could bring to Sydney. We invited Tanya Andrews of the Sydney Marine Group to our classroom because we wanted to become more informed about the benefits that a harbour dredge might bring as the issue is front and centre in the local media of late.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-08/article-1064284/Approve-dredging-or-graduating-class-should-start-packing/1)


:cheers:

[Smevo]

I don't know how many people have seen the latest update yet, but this is still relevant nonetheless.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-10/article-1071198/Port-development-plan-deserves-federal-support/1

Port development plan deserves federal support

Published on May 10th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[Michael Dan MacNeil, ONS]

When Cape Breton’s workforce and jobs were disappearing as the coal mines and the steel plant were phased out, Stephen Harper had some advice for us.

In opposition at the time, he was quoted as saying Atlantic Canada, including Cape Breton, had to change its way of doing things. We had to be less dependent on government money and should move to other provinces where jobs were available.

While many young people had to take his advice and move to other provinces to find jobs and raise their families, business leaders and community groups who were able to remain home took up his challenge to find new ways to create jobs and give Cape Breton some hope for economic opportunity.

This new opportunity is ready to proceed but there are only a few days left before it could be completely dead if there is no federal funding to support the dredging of Sydney harbour.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-10/article-1071198/Port-development-plan-deserves-federal-support/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-10/article-1072216/Cancer-centre-best-in-Canada-for-patient-satisfaction/1

Cancer centre best in Canada for patient satisfaction

Published on May 10th, 2010
Chris Shannon

SYDNEY — A survey commissioned by Cancer Care Nova Scotia has ranked the Cape Breton Cancer Centre in first place nationally for patient satisfaction.

It’s the fourth time in six years the cancer centre, based at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, has gained that distinction.

Of the six categories in the national patient satisfaction survey, the cancer centre rated the highest in performance in five of those categories.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-10/article-1072216/Cancer-centre-best-in-Canada-for-patient-satisfaction/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-11/article-1080714/Harbour-project-completes-triple-play/1

Harbour project completes triple play

Published on May 11th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[John Malcom]

In baseball, one of the rarest events is a triple play.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has an opportunity to achieve a triple play with the events that have happened over the past month.

The first thing was the creation of a sustainability plan for our municipality, followed shortly thereafter by the plans for the future use of the tar ponds and the coke ovens site that largely focus on turning the area into an asset that will promote healthy living.

The final and third component of this is the dredging of the harbour to create a port facility that would allow Sydney to focus on enhancing and expanding the use of this important asset.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-11/article-1080714/Harbour-project-completes-triple-play/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-12/article-1086881/Dredge-deadline-looming/1

Dredge deadline looming

Published on May 12th, 2010
Chris Hayes

SYDNEY — Deadline day is looming for a $38-million proposal to dredge Sydney harbour but Jim Wooder of the Sydney Marine Group remains hopeful the federal and provincial governments will come through with the money.

The Sydney Marine Group, which is the main proponent of the dredging plan, wants commitments from Ottawa and Halifax by Friday, the day when the preferred bidder, an unnamed company based in the Netherlands, needs to know whether a contract can be signed.

Wooder hadn’t received that confirmation Wednesday afternoon but was still hoping for good news, perhaps today.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-12/article-1086881/Dredge-deadline-looming/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-12/article-1086882/Fatima-Drive-residents-asked-to-pay-for-waterline-extension/1

Fatima Drive residents asked to pay for waterline extension

Published on May 12th, 2010
Chris Shannon

SYDNEY RIVER — Residents of Fatima Drive will have to shell out one-third of the capital cost to extend a waterline on to their street if they want municipal water service.

For the first time the Cape Breton Regional Municipality has sent out a survey to homeowners asking them if they are willing to incur part of the estimated $1.06 million to extend municipal water infrastructure into the residential subdivision.

The CBRM would request both the federal and provincial governments to each cover one-third of the projected cost, which has been standard practice in most large-scale cost-shared infrastructure projects among the three levels of government.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-12/article-1086882/Fatima-Drive-residents-asked-to-pay-for-waterline-extension/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-12/article-1086844/Preparations-underway-to-reopen-pharmaceutical-plant/1

Preparations underway to reopen pharmaceutical plant

Published on May 12th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

NORTH SYDNEY — There are a few more cars in the parking lot as staff of StirlingPharma in the Northside Industrial Park get ready to reopen the plant.

Alex Della Mora, vice-president of operations, said getting the plant ready will be a lengthy process.

“We are putting together a game plan that will determine what clientele we go after and what changes, if any, we need to make to the plant in order for officials with Health Canada to do an inspection.”

The sale of the former Keata plant to Stirling Products Limited of Australia was finalized in February and the deed registered two weeks ago.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-12/article-1086844/Preparations-underway-to-reopen-pharmaceutical-plant/1)


Just so you know, I'll be keeping this up until we hear definitively one way or the other (just in case some MP's or high ranking civil servants are reading). The scary part is I'm actually leaving a lot of these out. :cheers:
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-12/article-1086384/Dredging-proposal-aims-to-tap-vibrant-potential-of-Sydney-harbour-ports/1

Dredging proposal aims to tap vibrant potential of Sydney harbour ports

Published on May 12th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[Peter Gillis]

I’ve always been proud to be a Cape Bretoner, to raise a family in a special place, to live among friends, and to work with dedicated, proud men and women.

Cape Bretoners share a special bond; we embrace common values and we are determined to enrich the lives of our people and make the future a better place for the next generation.

Over the past few years my affection for this place has grown. The precipitating reason has been the Ports of Sydney.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-12/article-1086384/Dredging-proposal-aims-to-tap-vibrant-potential-of-Sydney-harbour-ports/1)

[Smevo]

The estimates seem to constantly vary, but that always happens when comparing articles and letters to the editor, you'll see another one later that mentions the 6,000 figure again.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-13/article-1089696/Port-commercialization-a-big-opportunity/1

Port commercialization a big opportunity

Published on May 13th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[Dan Christmas]

The dredging of the Sydney Harbour has become an increasingly topical project since the launch of the Ports of Sydney Master Plan.

The plan demonstrated that the Ports of Sydney have a large economic footprint and support approximately 2,400 jobs. The document also clearly articulates the potential for further commercialization in a variety of forms once the Sydney harbour channel is dredged.

Commercialization opportunities range from shipbuilding and ship repair, to the manufacturing and servicing of the offshore oil and gas sector, to increases in bulk cargo.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-13/article-1089696/Port-commercialization-a-big-opportunity/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-13/article-1089803/Promotion-aims-to-highlight-Sydney%26rsquo%3Bs-eateries/1

Promotion aims to highlight Sydney’s eateries

Published on May 13th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Beginning Saturday for a two-week period, the Sydney Downtown Development Association will highlight its eateries with many of them featuring specials on everything from a quick snack to a full course dinner.

The promotion, called Eat: Take a bite out of downtown Sydney, will begin with the creation of a huge food court on Charlotte Street between Pitt and Prince streets on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Traffic will be rerouted during that time.

The two-hour event will mix live entertainment with more than a dozen food vendors, with all proceeds going toward the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-13/article-1089803/Promotion-aims-to-highlight-Sydney%26rsquo%3Bs-eateries/1)


I'm going to take the liberty of highlighting some lines in this one...
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-05-13/article-1089873/Deadline-is-today-for-dredging-project-/1

Deadline is today for dredging project

Published on May 13th, 2010
Erin Pottie

SYDNEY — Today is deadline day for Nova Scotia and Ottawa to help fund a $38-million plan to dredge Sydney harbour.

Two years have passed since a marine stakeholders group unveiled its ports master plan, which examines the economic viability of expanding Cape Breton’s role in international shipping.

According to the plan, port development has the potential to grow over 6,000 jobs in the region and $105 million in annual tax revenues.

The project’s main proponent, the Sydney Marine Group, said it appears a line of communication has opened between themselves and the higher levels of government.

Group chair Jim Wooder said by Thursday afternoon, he’d received provincial and federal requests for additional information related to dredging Sydney’s outer harbour channel.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-05-13/article-1089873/Deadline-is-today-for-dredging-project-/1)

[Smevo]

I had a feeling in the past few days that this would happen, though it's a dangerous thing to gamble on economically.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-14/article-1093303/Dredging-deadline-extended/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/14/photo_716677_resize_article.jpg
Jim Wooder (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-14/article-1093303/Dredging-deadline-extended/1)

Dredging deadline extended
Sydney Marine Group given two-week reprieve on bid

Published on May 14th, 2010
Chris Shannon


SYDNEY — Two more weeks. That’s the negotiated extension the Sydney Marine Group was able to come away with after speaking with the contractor chosen to dredge Sydney harbour, and the provincial and federal governments, which requested additional time to consider the funding request for the $38-million project.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-14/article-1093303/Dredging-deadline-extended/1)

“(The Netherlands-based) bid is open for us to accept now on the terms and conditions he has tendered until the 28th of May, and after that we have no further right to hold him to anything,” Wooder said in an interview with the Cape Breton Post.

Late Thursday the federal government requested technical information on the project.

He said there has been some “catch up” on the file on the part of government, but Wooder said he’s more pleased with the progress of the talks than he was a week ago.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-14/article-1093303/Dredging-deadline-extended/1)

Ratcheting up the rhetoric on the critical economic impact dredging could have in establishing a $200-million container terminal in Sydney, CBRM Mayor John Morgan said this is the type of development that could alter Cape Breton’s declining population and high unemployment.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-14/article-1093303/Dredging-deadline-extended/1)

With this latest extension, the project will be a month behind schedule, said Wooder, adding there can be no more delays, otherwise the dredging, scheduled to begin in the fall, will be put at risk.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-14/article-1093303/Dredging-deadline-extended/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-14/article-1095121/Countdown-clock-reset/1

Countdown clock reset

Published on May 14th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post
[Fred Jackson]

The rocket failed to light.

For the past week, to lend some sense of urgency to the campaign to secure the Sydney harbour dredging project, the Cape Breton Post ran a countdown on the front page, ticking down to May 14, the date project proponents had set for an answer from senior governments on funding.


... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-14/article-1095121/Countdown-clock-reset/1)

This was not a big surprise. The closer the deadline came, the more improbable it seemed that there could be a hard pronouncement from senior governments by the end of this week on the $38-million project. On Thursday, Premier Darrell Dexter appeared to go further than he had before publicly by saying the province was ready to negotiate a contribution, but from his comments there appeared to be no substantive discussions going on between the province and the federal government, at least at the political level.

After a meeting with John Morgan, mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Dexter confessed that the two were “both wondering what’s going on.” These were not the words of a government leader who was about to commit $15.2 million to something within 24 hours. That speculative number is based on 50 per cent federal funding ($19 million), 40 per cent provincial ($15.2 million), and 10 per cent local ($3.8 million, of which CBRM has committed $2 million and Nova Scotia Power $1 million).

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-14/article-1095121/Countdown-clock-reset/1)

Sydney Marine Group chair Jim Wooder says the dredging company consented to the two-week extension because it has “accepted that all three levels of government are actively involved in the process and that everyone is acting in good faith.” Watching from the outside, one could easily jump to a different conclusion but if the more optimistic view is right then the frantic push of the last few days has finally achieved the necessary focus for the project within governments.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-14/article-1095121/Countdown-clock-reset/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-15/article-1096191/Downtown-on-the-menu/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/15/photo_716779_resize_article.jpg
T.J. Colello - Cape Breton Post

Downtown food (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-15/article-1096191/Downtown-on-the-menu/1)


Downtown on the menu


Published on May 15th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

Local food vendors sell their eats for charity

SYDNEY — People formed a long line to get tickets and sample some local eats on Charlotte Street Saturday afternoon during the Take a Bite out of Downtown Sydney promotion.

The block was closed off to host a stage for entertainment and a food court that included about a dozen vendors located downtown. Everything from meats to sweets were served to the hungry patrons.
... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-15/article-1096191/Downtown-on-the-menu/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-19/article-1130395/Federal-Liberals-urge-Tories-to-support-harbour-dredging/1

Federal Liberals urge Tories to support harbour dredging

Published on May 19th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — As Sydney port officials and others meet today for their annual Ports Day event, federal Liberals have issued a call to the governing Conservatives for investment in the dredging of Sydney harbour.

“Sydney has the potential to become a major international trading port, but it first requires a one-time dredge to accommodate larger vessels,” said Liberal transportation critic Joe Volpe.

“This is clearly a transportation priority for the community and it is time for the federal government to support the economic aspirations of the region.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-19/article-1130395/Federal-Liberals-urge-Tories-to-support-harbour-dredging/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-19/article-1130398/Annual-Glace-Bay-Summerfest-adopts-new-name/1

Annual Glace Bay Summerfest adopts new name

Published on May 19th, 2010
Sharon Montgomery-Dupe



GLACE BAY — Where organizers are gearing summer festivities to the good ol’ days this year, it was decided the name should reflect that.

“It will no longer be called Glace Bay Summerfest,” said Dave MacKeigan. “We are going back to the old festival name, Bay Days.”

MacKeigan, co-chair of Bay Days along with Donnie Vaters, said local residents have commented wanting the festival name to reflect a more personal tone.

As well where the committee is reviving a lot of the old activities held at one time, it was felt the name change would reflect that.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-19/article-1130398/Annual-Glace-Bay-Summerfest-adopts-new-name/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-20/article-1137880/No-Ports-Day-dredge-pledge/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/20/photo_751644_resize_article.jpg
Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post
(http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-20/article-1137880/No-Ports-Day-dredge-pledge/1)

No Ports Day dredge pledge

Published on May 20th, 2010
Nancy King



SYDNEY — Sydney’s annual Ports Day did not bring what many in the region may have hoped —an announcement that the federal and provincial governments had committed their requested shares toward the $38-million dredging of Sydney harbour.

It did bring a forceful statement from Sydney Marine Group chair Jim Wooder arguing that the dredging is not only about attracting a container terminal development, as some have suggested.

The opportunities to commercialize the harbour are defined, he said.

“The transformative potential is real and it’s now widely understood by anyone who cares to take even a cursory look at and educate themselves,” Wooder said.


... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-20/article-1137880/No-Ports-Day-dredge-pledge/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-20/article-1137652/Ground-will-be-broken-for-new-civic-centre-within-two-weeks%2C-says-society-chair/1

Ground will be broken for new civic centre within two weeks, says society chair

Published on May 20th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


NORTH SYDNEY — The company hired to build the Northside Civic Centre could be ready to break ground within two weeks, says the chair of the society.

Leo Steele, who has been leading the campaign to build a new recreation facility on the Northside for a decade, said the project is “going full speed ahead” with few complications on the horizon.

Brimming with confidence, Steele said the construction timetable remains on schedule for a March 1, 2011 opening of the facility.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-20/article-1137652/Ground-will-be-broken-for-new-civic-centre-within-two-weeks%2C-says-society-chair/1)



http://www.capebretonpost.com/Arts/Entertainment/2010-05-20/article-1137856/Drum-roll%2C-please%3A-Festival%26rsquo%3Bs-10th-anniversary-celebration-begins-today/1

Drum roll, please: Festival’s 10th anniversary celebration begins today


Published on May 20th, 2010
Laura Jean Grant


SYDNEY — They’ve played with Chicago, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Santana, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Pink Floyd, and April Wine.

And this weekend some of the biggest names in the drumming world will descend on the island for the 10th annual Cape Breton International Drum Festival. The festival gets underway tonight with a couple of master classes at the Cambridge Suites in Sydney, with the performance side of things set to get started Saturday morning at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, and continue through until Sunday night.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Arts/Entertainment/2010-05-20/article-1137856/Drum-roll%2C-please%3A-Festival%26rsquo%3Bs-10th-anniversary-celebration-begins-today/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-21/article-1144176/Donkin-mine-not-likely-to-produce-coal-before-2014%2C-says-project-manager/1

Donkin mine not likely to produce coal before 2014, says project manager

Published on May 21st, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

DONKIN — Federal environmental approvals will likely push back the production phase of Xstrata’s Donkin coal mine to 2014.

Val Istomin, Xstrata’s project manager for Donkin coal, said it’s part of the regulatory process the company must adhere to since switching its business model to producing a coking coal for industrial uses.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-21/article-1144176/Donkin-mine-not-likely-to-produce-coal-before-2014%2C-says-project-manager/1)

In late 2009 the provincial power utility announced it wouldn’t buy unwashed Donkin coal due to its heavy mercury and sulphur content that’s incompatible with its existing environmental regulations set out by the provincial government.

Xstrata remains unsure whether the federal assessment process will include a lengthy federal comprehensive review of the project.

If that’s the case, Istomin said it could take two years to complete, followed by another 12 months of installing infrastructure, building facilities and buying equipment for the mine site.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-21/article-1144176/Donkin-mine-not-likely-to-produce-coal-before-2014%2C-says-project-manager/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-23/article-1146555/Lets-get-active/1

Let's get active
CBRM to launch Active Transportation Plan this week

Published on May 23rd, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — Holy Angels students will march through downtown Sydney, Thursday, to celebrate the official launch of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s Active Transportation Plan.

The CBRM initiated its Active Transportation (AT) Plan in the fall of 2007, after recognizing a growing awareness on auto-dependent lifestyles that affect both the environment and individual health.

With the assistance of an AT committee and input from stakeholder consultations, a vision to improve the health of CBRM citizens was made by creating opportunities to connect communities through walking, rolling and cycling in a manner that will sustain social, economic and environmental benefits.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-23/article-1146555/Lets-get-active/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-24/article-1148485/Sydney-set-to-host-volkssport-convention/1

Sydney set to host volkssport convention

Published on May 24th, 2010
Nancy King

SYDNEY — The Sydney area is about to play host to the annual convention of a national organization that encourages non-competitive participation in walking and other recreational activities.

The Canadian Volkssport Federation’s convention will be hosted by the Cape Breton Island Hoppers from Friday to Sunday at Victoria Park in Sydney. The group has members from across the island and plans organized walks in all four counties.

Up to 160 people are expected to come from across Canada, several from the United States and even some from England, noted Elsie Buck, the club’s vice-president and convention co-ordinator.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-24/article-1148485/Sydney-set-to-host-volkssport-convention/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-25/article-1156348/Glace-Bay-Heritage-Museum-to-host-grand-opening-of-second-floor/1

Glace Bay Heritage Museum to host grand opening of second floor


Published on May 25th, 2010
Sharon Montgomery

GLACE BAY — The old Glace Bay town hall is not just being restored, it is being brought back to life.

The grand opening of the second-floor museum is being celebrated next Tuesday, June 1, from 2-4 p.m.

“There will be a piper, refreshments and dignitaries will be on hand,” said Elke Ibrahim, vice-chair of the Glace Bay Heritage Museum Society and museum curator.

A painting of the former Miner’s Forum by artist Kenny Boone will be unveiled. Jim McNeil will be performing a short concert on the piano formerly owned by the late Marguerite MacDougall, who received the instrument from the town of Glace Bay on Jan. 21, 1970.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-25/article-1156348/Glace-Bay-Heritage-Museum-to-host-grand-opening-of-second-floor/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-26/article-1166672/Friday-is-new-deadline-for-government-money-in-Sydney-harbour-dredging/1

Friday is new deadline for government money in Sydney harbour dredging
Chamber of Commerce says people will be disappointed if deadline passes without funding commitments

Published on May 26th, 2010
Chris Hayes


SYDNEY — A lot of Cape Bretoners will be disappointed if Friday’s deadline passes by without a promise from the federal and provincial governments to fund a dredging project for Sydney harbour, says the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce.

Joyce MacDougall, president of the business group, said Wednesday the $38-million proposal has galvanized the community.
... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-26/article-1166672/Friday-is-new-deadline-for-government-money-in-Sydney-harbour-dredging/1)


The Sydney Marine Group, the main proponent of the dredging plan, is asking for commitments by Friday for the federal government to contribute $19 million and the province $15.2 million towards the $38-million project, which has already received a promise of $2 million from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Nova Scotia Power will provide $1 million.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-26/article-1166672/Friday-is-new-deadline-for-government-money-in-Sydney-harbour-dredging/1)

Dredging the access channel to the port has been called the kind of project that is crucial to the economic future of the region generally and that will benefit a number of specific companies, including the Xstrata coal mine in Donkin, Nova Scotia Power and Harbourside Commercial Park.

Dredging is also seen as a first step in plans for the development of a $200-million container terminal at the port of Sydney.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-26/article-1166672/Friday-is-new-deadline-for-government-money-in-Sydney-harbour-dredging/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-26/article-1166722/Delegates-by-the-dozen/1

Delegates by the dozen
CBRM sending 12-member delegation to Toronto conference

Published on May 26th, 2010
Chris Shannon


SYDNEY — The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is sending a 12-member delegation to the annual gathering of Canadian municipalities in Toronto this weekend.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual conference, which begins Friday, will cost the CBRM approximately $24,000 to send the officials — nine councillors and two staff members — to the four days of workshops and sessions on issues of importance to municipalities across the country.

As president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, Sydney Mines Coun. Clarence Prince is one of the 12 from the CBRM attending, but his tab is covered by the UNSM.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-26/article-1166722/Delegates-by-the-dozen/1)


Strong words from a local businessman (without a direct interest in the harbour this time).
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-26/article-1164657/Dredging-important-enough-to-warrant-street-marches/1

Dredging important enough to warrant street marches

Published on May 26th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[John Morrison
chief executive officer,
Quality Cameras & Computers Limited, Sydney]


If ever there was a time to march for something, this would be it. We marched to try to save an industry. Where are the people to organize and lead us to the development of our port for our youth and our grandchildren?

The Japanese plan for their grandchildren while we protest the present situation.

We should all be in the streets wailing and hollering for the dredging of Sydney harbour, or are we all complacent enough to believe it would just be a fruitless effort?

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-05-26/article-1164657/Dredging-important-enough-to-warrant-street-marches/1)


You know, if all these shows were combined into one big show, we'd have a single art show that would be the envy of most cities our size (although the current shows are still good in their current form). On another note, it's good to hear (in a roundabout way) that the culture centre in North Sydney is finally under construction.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-26/article-1166695/Annual-art-show-begins-final-session-at-St.-John%2C-Saturday/1

Annual art show begins final session at St. John, Saturday
Show will have new venue next year

Published on May 26th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


NORTH SYDNEY — After a quarter of a century, the Northside Artist’s Association will host its final art show in the lower level of St. John the Baptist Anglican Church on King Street, beginning Saturday.

Artists will have the opportunity to display their work year round with the completion of North Sydney’s new culture centre under construction on Commercial Street.

Over the years, featured work has included an Inuit sculpture collection, hand-crafted musical instruments, Mi’kmaq art, woodcarving and needlework.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-26/article-1166695/Annual-art-show-begins-final-session-at-St.-John%2C-Saturday/1)

[Smevo]

This is the kind of stuff I wish I still lived in the area for. Oh well, in due time...
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-27/article-1178357/Open-streets-festival-Saturday-in-Glace-Bay%2C-Sydney/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/27/photo_781813_resize_article.jpg
Vaughan Poirier (left) and Darryl McNeil, employees with Cape Breton Regional Municipality east division public works, install bicycle racks on Commercial Street, Glace Bay. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-27/article-1178357/Open-streets-festival-Saturday-in-Glace-Bay%2C-Sydney/1)

Open streets festival Saturday in Glace Bay, Sydney
Cape Breton Regional Municipality's active transportation plan highlighted

Published on May 27th, 2010
Sharon Montgomery

GLACE BAY — An open streets festival will be held in the community Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in celebration of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s active transportation plan.

“We encourage people to come downtown Saturday,” said Cecil Saccary, chairman of the Glace Bay and Area Business Association.

“We are hoping to make our communities healthier, happier and more vibrant.”

Saccary said sections of Commercial Street will be closed to traffic.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-05-27/article-1178357/Open-streets-festival-Saturday-in-Glace-Bay%2C-Sydney/1)

[Smevo]

I wish I could say I was surprised...
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-28/article-1179646/Harbour-dredging-clock-hits-zero%2C-again/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/03/22/photo_635778_resize_article.jpg
The Canadian Press

Premier Darrell Dexter says the province has received no word from Ottawa on proposed Sydney harbour dredging. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-28/article-1179646/Harbour-dredging-clock-hits-zero%2C-again/1)

Harbour dredging clock hits zero, again


Published on May 28th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The harbour-dredging waiting game continues

Without any formal communication between the Sydney Marine Group and the federal government Friday, it remains an unknown whether a request for $19 million will be secured in time to meet the tight timetable set out by the Dutch firm chosen to dredge an access channel in Sydney harbour.

Boskalis International won the contract as the preferred company to dredge the harbour. Director Harry Sanders told the Cape Breton Post during the Ports Day event earlier this month that the May 28 deadline for the $38-million project was “quite firm.”

Now the Sydney Marine Group and its chair, Jim Wooder, will have to wait until Boskalis decides its next move. It could pull out of the project altogether.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-28/article-1179646/Harbour-dredging-clock-hits-zero%2C-again/1)

Sydney-Victoria Liberal MP Mark Eyking took up the cause in Friday’s question period in the House of Commons. He asked the minister responsible for Nova Scotia, Defence Minister Peter MacKay, the status of the federal government’s commitment, but he didn’t receive a direct response.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-28/article-1179646/Harbour-dredging-clock-hits-zero%2C-again/1)

In a brief email Thursday, a spokesperson for Transport Canada said the federal government is engaged in discussions with the province about the harbour dredging, but no decisions have been made.

But that was contradicted by Premier Darrell Dexter, who said the province has had no further word from the federal government on the file.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-28/article-1179646/Harbour-dredging-clock-hits-zero%2C-again/1)

Dexter said the project will still be on the table even if funding isn’t committed right away.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-28/article-1179646/Harbour-dredging-clock-hits-zero%2C-again/1)
I encourage you to take a gander at the full article.


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-28/article-1187656/Dexter-scraped-on-dredging/1

Dexter scraped on dredging

Published on May 28th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post
[Fred Jackson]

Darrell Dexter sounded a little irritated Friday as he was grilled by reporters about the fate of the proposed dredging project for Sydney harbour.

His frustration is understandable on two counts.

First, he, the premier of Nova Scotia, was unable to advance the story at all beyond where it was the last time he was questioned about it around the time of the previous deadline, May 14. In fact, “nothing has changed,” he said, and “we have not heard anything from the federal government with respect to this project.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-28/article-1187656/Dexter-scraped-on-dredging/1)

“If you believe in the project then you say you’re prepared to fund it or you’re committed to negotiations,” said Dexter. “That’s where we are on it.” And that’s as close as Dexter comes to saying he actually believes in the project and thinks it’s the right priority for Sydney at this time.

In fact, when pressed further, suggested that the timing’s not as urgent as it’s been made out to be. “The project’s not going to disappear,” he said. “There is always the opportunity for this to go forward....”

Well, actually, the project as currently constituted – with a preferred contractor selected and a price agreed upon – will disappear, possibly within days. What won’t disappear is the harbour, but if the trajectory of the project, aimed at this season, fails now, the whole enterprise could very easily revert to dormancy for another two decades – or permanently.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-28/article-1187656/Dexter-scraped-on-dredging/1)

The premier’s other reason for annoyance was that the dredging issue threatened to overshadow his good-news announcement about the province’s partnership with Bell Aliant to bring fibre-optic technology to homes and businesses in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-28/article-1187656/Dexter-scraped-on-dredging/1)

It’s the government and Bell Aliant that chose to make the announcement on the second deadline that dredging promoters had set for an answer on government participation. The premier walked right into it, which again raises a question about how top-of-mind the dredging issue really is for decision-makers beyond this region.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-05-28/article-1187656/Dexter-scraped-on-dredging/1)
The bolded quote by Dexter really annoys me, he obviously doesn't have a grasp on what effect these delays have on costs and timelines.


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-28/article-1179552/Cape-Breton-Regional-Municipality-to-be-first-in-line-for-Bell-Aliant-fibre-optic-service/1

Cape Breton Regional Municipality to be first in line for Bell Aliant fibre optic service
Province contributes $2 million


Published on May 28th, 2010
Nancy King

SYDNEY — A $2-million forgivable loan from the province will help the Cape Breton Regional Municipality become the first part of the province where homes and businesses will have access to television and Internet via fibre optic technology.

Premier Darrell Dexter and Bell Aliant CEO Karen Sheriff were in Sydney on Friday to make the announcement.

In all, the project will cost $15 million. The network will allow for download speeds of 170 megabits per second and uploads of 30 megabits per second.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-28/article-1179552/Cape-Breton-Regional-Municipality-to-be-first-in-line-for-Bell-Aliant-fibre-optic-service/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-29/article-1192314/Open-street-festivals-held-in-Sydney%2C-Glace-Bay/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/29/photo_794422_resize_article.jpg
T.J. Colello - Cape Breton Post

Skateboarder Mitch Gray of Sydney rides a rail set up on Charlotte Street in Sydney, Saturday. The demonstration was part of an open street festival, open to pedestrian and non-motorized traffic. The festival was held in conjunction with the Cape Breton R (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-29/article-1192314/Open-street-festivals-held-in-Sydney%2C-Glace-Bay/1)

Open street festivals held in Sydney, Glace Bay


Published on May 29th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — A pair of open street festivals were held in both Sydney and Glace Bay Saturday to promote the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s active transportation plan, which launched this month.

The festivals were open to pedestrian and non-motorized traffic and included entertainment, food, children’s games and activities, as well as active transportation demonstrations.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-29/article-1192314/Open-street-festivals-held-in-Sydney%2C-Glace-Bay/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/29/ns-sydney-harbour-dredging-deadline.html

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2010/05/29/ns-sydneyharbour-1.jpg
A dredged Sydney harbour would allow giant cargo ships too big for most other North American ports.
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/29/ns-sydney-harbour-dredging-deadline.html)


Dexter presses Ottawa to fund harbour dredging

Last Updated: Saturday, May 29, 2010 | 4:55 PM AT Comments13Recommend10
CBC News


Nova Scotia's premier is putting pressure on the federal government to decide whether it will provide funding to dredge Sydney harbour.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has already agreed to contribute $2 million, but the Nova Scotia government has not yet committed any funds.

Premier Darrell Dexter has repeatedly said he is waiting to hear from Ottawa, since Sydney harbour is a federal responsibility.

Transport Canada told CBC News the federal government is in discussions with the province, but Dexter denies that.

... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/29/ns-sydney-harbour-dredging-deadline.html)

In the House of Commons on Friday, a local member of Parliament joined the call for the federal government to fund the project.

"Will the prime minister commit his government to funding the dredging of Sydney harbour so the community has an opportunity to grow and prosper," said Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria.

Eyking pointed a finger at Peter MacKay, the senior federal minister for the Atlantic Region,

"This minister who is responsible for Nova Scotia doesn't come across the causeway enough," Eyking said. "He should be there today announcing this much-needed money."

MacKay responded by saying the government has invested millions of dollars in Cape Breton.

... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/29/ns-sydney-harbour-dredging-deadline.html)

Again, see my list of projects these millions of dollars were invested in and how overdue they are, and compare the economic impacts of those to this.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-30/article-1193492/Membertou-400-festivities-continue/1

Membertou 400 festivities continue
Membertou students and elders head to site of baptism today

Published on May 30th, 2010
Greg McNeil


SYDNEY — Large celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Grand Chief Membertou are planned across the province.

In Cape Breton a variety of cultural activities join other events in Halifax and Port Royal, N.S., to celebrate the first aboriginal person to be baptized in Canada.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-30/article-1193492/Membertou-400-festivities-continue/1)

They include a four-day journey to the site of the baptism beginning today for Grade 5-6 students from Membertou and their community elders.

The trip will take the group to Kejimkujik National Park in Port Royal where Membertou was baptized.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-30/article-1193492/Membertou-400-festivities-continue/1)

On National Aboriginal Day, June 21, there will be a celebration on the boardwalk behind the civic centre in Sydney. Live entertainment, children’s activities and a free barbecue are planned.

“It is a time to break out of the borders and share National Aboriginal Day with everybody. It is interesting too because that area is the site of the original reserve.”

The following day, a youth leadership gathering for people from all five of Cape Breton’s First Nation communities will take place.

Membertou Corporate Day, set for June 23, will feature the official opening of the community’s new business centre and the ribbon cutting on a new road.

A mass and community feast highlight the anniversary day, June 24, followed by a daylong festival, June 25, that includes 10 hours of entertainment and fireworks.

Artists scheduled to perform include Buffy Sainte-Marie and Lenny Gallant.


... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-30/article-1193492/Membertou-400-festivities-continue/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-30/article-1193471/Three-day-conference-will-focus-on-women-in-business/1

Three-day conference will focus on women in business

Published on May 30th, 2010
Nancy King


MEMBERTOU — Women are leading new small business development in Canada, and rates of entrepreneurship among aboriginal women are even higher.

That is why a conference focused on empowering those women and helping them balance their busy work and home lives is needed, says Maureen Carroll, co-ordinator for the Balance 2010 Aboriginal Women in Business Conference, which will take place at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre today through Wednesday.

Approximately 110 First Nation delegates from about 36 communities across the Atlantic provinces are expected to take part.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-05-30/article-1193471/Three-day-conference-will-focus-on-women-in-business/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-31/article-1204149/Louisbourg-to-be-spruced-up-for-summer/1

Louisbourg to be spruced up for summer

Published on May 31st, 2010
Greg McNeil


LOUISBOURG — A beautification and revitalization partnership is in the midst of shining up one of Cape Breton’s historic towns in time for the tourist season.

Much more than a fresh coat of paint for Louisbourg, the partnership is translating into flower displays, welcome signage, street banners and a taste of the 18th century throughout the town.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-31/article-1204149/Louisbourg-to-be-spruced-up-for-summer/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-01/article-1215512/Rally-for-harbour-dredging-planned/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/05/14/photo_716677_resize_article.jpg
Sydney Marine Group chair Jim Wooder, seen in this file photo, sees dredging of the harbour as the first step in an economic development plan for the region. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-01/article-1215512/Rally-for-harbour-dredging-planned/1)

Rally for harbour dredging planned

Published on June 1st, 2010
Erin Pottie

SYDNEY — Cape Bretoners are shovel-ready and the Nova Scotia and federal governments are late.

That’s the message of an upcoming rally to support the dredging of Sydney harbour, a project that has missed its contract deadline three timers after failing to secure financial support from Halifax and Ottawa.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-01/article-1215512/Rally-for-harbour-dredging-planned/1)

The rally is set for Thursday from 6-7 p.m. at the Big Fiddle in Sydney, and will feature a performance by the Men of the Deeps.

MacNeil said the rally will include remarks from community, business and labour representatives. Its purpose is to send a message to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Darrell Dexter that Cape Breton is still waiting.

People are encouraged to bring a shovel to show that the community is ready to work.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-01/article-1215512/Rally-for-harbour-dredging-planned/1)

Love the sarcasm at the end of this, but I've always loved sarcasm anyway. :haha:
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-06-01/article-1215023/Political-itch-costly-to-scratch/1

Political itch costly to scratch

Published on June 1st, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post
[Fred Jackson]


Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking showed off his arithmetic skills in the Commons this week, berating the federal government for not responding to a request for $19 million to help fund the dredging of Sydney harbour.

That works out, Eyking suggested, to just 15 minutes of G8 and G20 summit time later this month – events that will cost Canada roughly a billion bucks to host.

We’ve seen such comparisons before and they can get a little silly. One could go on about the affordable housing units that could be built or the drugs that could be funded if, say, public servants stopped eating in restaurants or hired fewer consultants. But occasionally such comparisons are useful for pointing out how casual government can be about spending boodles of tax dollars for little public benefit while refusing to meet worthy needs.

In that spirit, here’s another comparison. The roughly $16 million spent on the Oliphant inquiry – $14.1 million for the commission and $1.8 million to cover legal fees for former prime minister Brian Mulroney – would very nearly cover the federal cost of dredging. And for that we got virtually nothing except perhaps the thin satisfaction of seeing Mulroney and one or two other players in the dodgy Mulroney-Schreiber circle squirm under the TV lights and wrestle with conveniently spotty memories.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-06-01/article-1215023/Political-itch-costly-to-scratch/1)

Prime Minister Stephen Harper changed his mind and launched the inquiry once it was alleged that his government was trying to hustle Schreiber out of Canada to Germany (where he’s now in prison for tax evasion) to shut him up. Calling the inquiry was Harper’s panicky effort to inoculate his government against the threat of Mulroney-era sleaze when there was no need to do so. Harper was under no serious risk.

But, hey, what’s $16 million to scratch a political itch and make it go away? It’s not as though the government needed it to dredge a harbour or something.

I really don't want this to turn into another Uptown Centre (formerly Fredericton Mall), but this is all eerily familiar.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-01/article-1215492/Owner%26rsquo%3Bs-plan-to-redo-Sydney-Shopping-Centre-short-on-details/1

Owner’s plan to redo Sydney Shopping Centre short on details

Published on June 1st, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The company that owns the Sydney Shopping Centre has announced plans to redevelop the mall.

Crombie REIT issued a press release late Tuesday afternoon saying it will embark on a phased redevelopment plan for the shopping centre that will maintain anchor stores such as Sobeys, Zellers, and Shoppers Drug Mart, “while also blending future development opportunities into the mix.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-01/article-1215492/Owner%26rsquo%3Bs-plan-to-redo-Sydney-Shopping-Centre-short-on-details/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-01/article-1215513/Fatima-Drive-residents-not-interested-in-paying-to-hook-up-to-waterline/1

Fatima Drive residents not interested in paying to hook up to waterline

Published on June 1st, 2010
Chris Shannon

SYDNEY RIVER — Residents living on Fatima Drive have shown little interest in paying the construction costs associated with hooking up homes on the street to the municipal water supply.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s water utility sent a survey to 56 homeowners on the street in early May to gauge their interest in extending the waterline to their street, but have the residents pick up one-third of the costs for the capital project.

“An overwhelming number of people didn’t respond (to the survey), which is taken as a ‘No’ vote, and so at this point ... there is certainly very clear indication that the majority of residents on Fatima Drive are not supportive of paying for a water system expansion,” CBRM utility manager Mike MacKeigan said Tuesday.

Of the 29 homeowners who did respond, 11 wanted to move ahead with the water line extension. The deadline to submit surveys to the municipality was Monday.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-01/article-1215513/Fatima-Drive-residents-not-interested-in-paying-to-hook-up-to-waterline/1)

[-Harlington-]

N.S. commits $15.2m to Sydney harbour project

By LAURA FRASER Cape Breton Bureau and The Canadian Press
Tue. Jun 8 - 9:43 AM
SYDNEY — The Nova Scotia government says it will contribute $15.2 million towards a proposed project to dredge Sydney harbour, deputy premier Frank Corbett said this morning.


The announcement comes more than a week after a deadline set by the dredging contractor expired, at which point Premier Darrell Dexter said the province would follow Ottawa's lead on the project.

"It's better to do something imperfectly, than to do nothing perfectly," Corbett said when asked about the province's shift in position.

"All too often... we have had to watch our families and our loved ones leave to search employment elsewhere. It's not often that a project comes along that offers the opportunity to change the economic direction of this region.”

Provincial funding is contingent on Ottawa paying the majority of the bill for the deepening of the harbour channel, which will cost a total of $38 million.

The project has already received a promise of $2 million from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and $1 million from Nova Scotia Power.

Corbett says he will lead a delegation to Ottawa in an attempt to secure the federal portion of the funding. Both the provincial Liberals and Tories have said they want to be included in the group.

The Sydney Marine Group, the lead proponent in developing the harbour, has said deepening the channel would allow the largest container ships in the world to dock in the port. It's hoped the dredging project could pave the way for a $200-million container terminal to accommodate those ships.

[Smevo]

^Thanks for posting that Harlington. I'll get to the catch-up when I have more time (hopefully this weekend), and hopefully the feds will have announced their portion by then. Good on the province for putting the heat on, especially considering the letter to the editor from someone in the ECBC department claiming the timelines were too tight, while in the same breath talking up the departments contribution to the ports plan that outlined all this two years ago with the dredging and terminal initially supposed to be completed this year (that letter will be in the catch-up update).

[-Harlington-]

another big project for the sydney area if this and the dredging goes through it might really help the overall economy in cape breton and nova scotia:tup:



Shooting for stars in space tourism on Cape Breton
A private launch site is chosen and the province is on board, SHAWNA RICHER writes
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Don’t show this again Article Comments (1) SHAWNA RICHER

HALIFAX — From Thursday's Globe and Mail
Published on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006 12:00AM EDT

Last updated on Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2009 12:39PM EDT


On the unseasonably mild winter day of Jan. 18, Mark James set out from Halifax on a morning's drive to Sydney on Cape Breton Island, laughing under his breath most of the way.

The former Air Force pilot, now an executive with the economic development agency Nova Scotia Business Inc., was meeting with a pair of rocket scientists -- Chirinjeev Kathuria of Chicago and Geoff Sheerin of London, Ont.

The men are partners and chairman and president respectively of the futuristic sounding Chicago-based company PlanetSpace, which hopes to sell space trips as tourism as well as shuttle astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station for the U.S. space agency NASA from a launch pad on the Cape.

That's Cape Breton, not Cape Canaveral.

"They just came in and said here's our vision; would you like to work with us?" Mr. James said yesterday. "I admit it sounded far-fetched at first and pretty far out. But I stopped chuckling 10 minutes into the meeting. I have no doubts now that this is the real deal."

Mr. Sheerin, who has been developing the Canadian Arrow rocket for space tourism, and Mr. Kathuria had already chosen quiet little Cape Breton as the site for an enormous, privately funded launch facility. All they wanted to know was whether the province of Nova Scotia was on board.

It took about two months to hammer out an agreement between the province and the company. The biggest hurdle was settling on a piece of land. It had to be on the coast, a wide-open space essentially in the middle of nowhere.

"Cape Breton was perfect. We knew geographically it made sense," Mr. Sheerin said. "But we had to make sure there was going to be a spot available we could use."

Cape Breton has the same latitude as the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a launch facility in Kazakhstan. The northern location means big savings in fuel costs and the Atlantic Ocean is a good place for falling space junk.

The company estimated it will cost about $150-million to build a launch pad and rocket on the site, which is northwest of Sydney Mines.

Mr. Kathuria said in an interview yesterday he believes the facility could mean 4,000 jobs and as much as $400-million (U.S.) a year in economic spinoff for the region. So far, the province's only involvement has been to pledge 120 hectares of Crown land.

Although it may sound somewhat fanciful, Mr. Kathuria said the facility would see orbital flights similar to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., which brings about $1.4-billion a year and 14,000 jobs to the Sunshine State.

The facility and spacecraft would function as a taxi of sorts for the international space station. NASA could also purchase services from the facility, but the big dream is space tourism.

"We're very enthusiastic," Mr. James said. "The future of space is getting the price per kilo down under $1,000. Once that happens, the opportunities for commercialization are going to be huge."

PlanetSpace has been testing rockets in Ontario and hopes to be ready to launch by late in 2009 or early in 2010.

"Space tourism is heating up across the globe," Mr. Sheerin said. "Orbital flight is going to be very interesting in the future. You could go from Halifax to Vancouver in 40 minutes. It's about time Canada had a domestic launch site."

Mr. James said there are a half-dozen principal investors from the United States, whom he would not name. Mr. Kathuria said he expects more investors from Canada and Europe to join the group in the coming months.

The company was created in response to NASA's requests for bids to shuttle supplies and crews to the space station. NASA is expected to announce a short list of bidders later this week. The project will go ahead even if PlanetSpace isn't chosen, Mr. James said.

Mr. Sheerin began working on the Canadian Arrow for an American competition called X Prize, aimed at building a spacecraft capable of taking people on suborbital flights. He didn't win, but he did make the largest liquid propellant rocket engine ever built in Canada. Mr. Kathuria was a founding director of MirCorp, the first company to send a private citizen into space six years ago.

Mr. Sheerin named his arrowhead shaped craft the Silver Dart after the aircraft Alexander Graham Bell designed and built and flew in 1909 from a site nearby in Cape Breton.

"I never thought I'd be launching mine 30 miles from where they launched the first one," he said. "There's a terrific historical symmetry there."

[Smevo]

Starting the catch-up. I might not finish it tonight, but I didn't want to lose the letter from the ECBC CEO.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-02/article-1218133/Timeline-too-tight-for-dredging-decision/1

Timeline too tight for dredging decision

Published on June 2nd, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)
[ John K. Lynn
chief executive officer, ECBC]

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-02/article-1218133/Timeline-too-tight-for-dredging-decision/1)

The process leading to a financial commitment of this magnitude must be expedited within a timeframe that allows for related issues to be properly addressed. It requires close study and the goodwill and commitment of a host of key stakeholders.

By way of background, ECBC has taken a leadership role on the regional economic development benefits of the commercialization of Sydney harbour. Specifically, ECBC has financially supported the development of the Sydney Harbour Ports Master Plan which originally outlined the business case for the commercialization of Sydney harbour.

In addition, ECBC has helped to fund the environmental assessment process and the permitting and approval process for the dredge of the access channel and the development of an ocean container terminal as well as the creation of a transportation corporation.

ECBC has also worked with the Government of Nova Scotia in offsetting all the technical costs associated with the development of the request for proposals for the dredge of the access channel, including related activities.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-02/article-1218133/Timeline-too-tight-for-dredging-decision/1)

The project being an unbudgeted item, the federal government is not in a position to work within the timeline of the tendering process that is currently on the table, but that certainly does not close the door for future possibilities to fund this worthwhile project.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-02/article-1218133/Timeline-too-tight-for-dredging-decision/1)


So, basically, they knew about it two years ago (when it was expected the dredging and terminal would both be complete this year), but the timelines are "too tight" to commit funding. :rolleyes:

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-02/article-1218377/ECBC-shuts-door-on-dredging/1

ECBC shuts door on dredging

Published on June 2nd, 2010
Chris Shannon


SYDNEY — Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. has shut the door on any chance the federal government will provide funding for the Sydney harbour dredging project anytime soon.

In an open letter in today’s Cape Breton Post, ECBC chief executive officer John Lynn said the $38-million project is an “unbudgeted item” in the federal budget, which prevents Ottawa from working “within the timeline of the tendering process that is currently on the table.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-02/article-1218377/ECBC-shuts-door-on-dredging/1)

The federal Crown corporation supported the ports master plan for Sydney harbour, and since then has provided financing for the environmental assessment process, permit approvals and technical costs associated with the request for proposals for the dredging of the access channel, he argued in his letter.

A rally today from 6-7 p.m. next to the Big Fiddle at the Sydney Marine Terminal will bring attention to the importance of dredging to the local economy.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-02/article-1218377/ECBC-shuts-door-on-dredging/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-02/article-1218420/Licence-approved-for-new-lounge-in-Sydney/1

Licence approved for new lounge in Sydney

Published on June 2nd, 2010
Nancy King

SYDNEY — The province’s Utility and Review Board has approved a provisional liquor licence for a new lounge.

Club 418 Lounge Ltd. had applied to the Alcohol and Gaming Division for a licence at 418 George St. in April 2009, and the file was submitted to the UARB in March.

The licence was issued to Patrick Thomas Iannetti and Lawrence Edward Leyte, and Iannetti will serve as manager.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-02/article-1218420/Licence-approved-for-new-lounge-in-Sydney/1)

Among the conditions of the licence are that the 911-square-foot dining room have a maximum capacity of 75 patrons. It also allows for a 629-square-foot lounge with capacity of 52 patrons and a games room with 26 patrons.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-02/article-1218420/Licence-approved-for-new-lounge-in-Sydney/1)

The company also applied for background music and amplified entertainment, with dancing for the lounge, which was approved on a probationary basis providing the Alcohol and Gaming Division is satisfied measures to ensure compliance with regulations are in place.

The approval will be reviewed after a year to determine whether it should be approved on a permanent basis.

Any change in entertainment offered must be approved by the UARB. The UARB also approved conversion of the dining room to a lounge after 9 p.m., with a maximum capacity of 153 patrons in the converted lounge area after that time.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-02/article-1218420/Licence-approved-for-new-lounge-in-Sydney/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-03/article-1223944/Lure-of-living-in-Cape-Breton-discussed/1

Lure of living in Cape Breton discussed

Published on June 3rd, 2010
Chris Shannon

MEMBERTOU — The next generation of young professionals ready to tackle the world of business sat in plush white and black leather chairs discussing the lure of Cape Breton living.

Jude Long, a 19-year-old student at the Nova Scotia Community College Strait campus, was one of seven panellists debating the reasons why young people have stayed or returned to Cape Breton.

Speaking outside the Next Gen 2010 conference at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre as lunch was coming to a close, the Port Hawkesbury resident revealed that being taken seriously by elders in his community was the most difficult point in having his voice heard.

“I think we need to broaden our horizons, opening our minds to the new generation that’s coming in,” Long said. “I think opening the doors to youth is important instead of saying, ‘No, that’s too risky,’ or, ‘You’re out to lunch.’

The one-day conference targeting 16-40-year-old professionals, entrepreneurs and students was hosted by the Cape Breton Partnership. It focused specifically on the downward population trend of young people choosing to leave the island for better opportunities elsewhere.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-03/article-1223944/Lure-of-living-in-Cape-Breton-discussed/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-04/article-1225689/Hundreds-gather-at-Sydney-harbour-to-call-for-dredging/1

Hundreds gather at Sydney harbour to call for dredging

Published on June 4th, 2010
Erin Pottie


SYDNEY - Support for a project to deepen the Sydney harbour channel was almost as big as the ships that are expected to dock at port if the venture becomes a reality.

With the harbour as the backdrop, about 300 people gathered in the cold rain near the Big Fiddle at the Sydney Marine Terminal in downtown Sydney on Thursday to push for harbour development beginning with dredging.

Many people carried shovels, representing a readiness to work, as part of a message rally organizers hope will reach Halifax and Ottawa.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-04/article-1225689/Hundreds-gather-at-Sydney-harbour-to-call-for-dredging/1)


Why must you (mis)use the word "hub".
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-04/article-1226260/Cape-Breton-in-line-to-be-energy-hub/1

Cape Breton in line to be energy hub


Published on June 4th, 2010
Letters to the Editor (The Cape Breton Post)


Transmitting power from Lower Churchill in Newfoundland and Labrador to Nova Scotia could make Cape Breton a major energy hub in the not too distant future.

Recent media coverage gave the mistaken impression that government somehow favoured an alternate route.

This is incorrect, both technically and strategically.

We are in active discussions right now with our Atlantic partners to share the potential clean hydro power from Lower Churchill. That power could come via Quebec and New Brunswick, or through Newfoundland to Nova Scotia and beyond.

In either situation, Cape Breton and Nova Scotia would share a subsea cable.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-Editor/2010-06-04/article-1226260/Cape-Breton-in-line-to-be-energy-hub/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-06-04/article-1226269/Deadlines-dissolve-but-game-goes-on/1

[B]Deadlines dissolve but game goes on

Published on June 4th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post
[Fred Jackson]

So let’s exhale slowly and take a reading on where the Sydney harbour dredging project stands.

Credit must go this week to John Lynn, chief executive officer of Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, for moving along the story, if not the project.

Whether on his own volition alone or with prompting from federal political masters, Lynn issued a letter to the Cape Breton Post timed for publication Thursday, the day of the public rally at the Big Fiddle on the Sydney waterfront in support of the dredging plan. His contentious statement is that because dredging is an “unbudgeted item” and a complex one for Ottawa, “the federal government is not in a position to work within the timeline of the tendering process that is currently on the table, but that certainly does not close the door for future possibilities to fund this worthwhile project.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-06-04/article-1226269/Deadlines-dissolve-but-game-goes-on/1)

What Lynn terms the “artificial timeline” was running out, and whether or not there was any new official termination date this was the timeline Ottawa was unable to meet. In a subsequent interview on CBC Radio, however, Lynn insisted a federal decision could come in an hour, a day, a week, a month, and there was still a chance the project could go ahead this season.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-06-04/article-1226269/Deadlines-dissolve-but-game-goes-on/1)

Further to deadlines, it is presumed that in a formal call for proposals the companies spending money to respond will get an answer at the end. Prices and undertakings don’t stand forever in any business, and certainly not from one year to the next. ECBC, as Lynn is at pains to point out, has been an advocate for the commercialization of Sydney harbour and a substantive supporter of the process to plan that out, which has brought us to this moment. ECBC, as the liaison link to the federal government, had to know where this was going. It was never unreasonable, and it isn’t now, to expect an answer from government on whether dredging can go ahead in 2010.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-06-04/article-1226269/Deadlines-dissolve-but-game-goes-on/1)

[Smevo]

The Post's story on the dredging announcement posted earlier by Harlington. (posted for timeline purposes)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-08/article-1236576/Province-contributes-%2415M-to-harbour-dredging/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/08/photo_822905_resize_article.jpg
Deputy Premier Frank Corbett announced the province will contribute a maximum of $15.2 million toward the dredging of Sydney harbour in a Delta Sydney hotel conference room Tuesday. Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-08/article-1236576/Province-contributes-%2415M-to-harbour-dredging/1)

Province contributes $15M to harbour dredging


Published on June 8th, 2010
Nancy King



SYDNEY — The province will contribute a maximum of $15.2 million toward the dredging of Sydney harbour, Deputy Premier Frank Corbett announced Tuesday.

The commitment is contingent on the federal government contributing its requested $19 million to the project.

The move came after a second deadline set by the Dutch contractor to come up with the $38 million the work will cost. It also came after Premier Darrell Dexter repeatedly said the province had no intention of backing Ottawa into a corner on the file.

“It’s not often that a project comes along that offers the opportunity to change the economic direction of this region. Today, here in Cape Breton, we believe we have that opportunity,” Corbett told an overflow crowd to a Delta Sydney hotel conference room, which gave him a standing ovation after he shared the news.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-08/article-1236576/Province-contributes-%2415M-to-harbour-dredging/1)

As for the apparent change in direction from the province, Corbett said they saw the momentum the project was gathering and were afraid it would be lost.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-08/article-1236576/Province-contributes-%2415M-to-harbour-dredging/1)

The funds will come out of general revenues, probably mostly from Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

Corbett said the Sydney Marine Group’s business case for the project includes not only the development of a container terminal, but also a shipbuilding and repair facility, an increase in offshore oil- and gas-related manufacturing and fabrication work and attracting other marine-related business to the area.

“Can anyone in this room remember a time when opposition members of the provincial legislature, federal members of the federal Parliament, CBRM, the business community, labour have all agreed on what project we should have to move forward?” he asked.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-08/article-1236576/Province-contributes-%2415M-to-harbour-dredging/1)

Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking raised the dredging project in the House of Commons Tuesday afternoon, calling on Ottawa to commit its portion of the funding. He said dredging the harbour would expand the port’s ability to act as an engine of economic development for the entire region.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-08/article-1236576/Province-contributes-%2415M-to-harbour-dredging/1)

[Smevo]

This is happening today (16th)? I'll have to be sure to check for updates later tonight.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1244155/Dredging-meetings-set-for-next-week/1

Dredging meetings set for next week

Published on June 9th, 2010
Nancy King

SYDNEY — A delegation from the province will be in Ottawa a week from today to meet with federal ministers to seek funding for the dredging of Sydney harbour.

Deputy Premier Frank Corbett said Wednesday he’s received confirmation from Keith Ashfield, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, for a meeting that afternoon. Following that session, Peter MacKay, Nova Scotia’s representative in federal cabinet, will try to fit them into his schedule. Corbett is waiting for confirmation from Transport Minister John Baird’s office.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1244155/Dredging-meetings-set-for-next-week/1)

The Liberal caucus has agreed to send a delegate and Corbett said he had a call in to the Progressive Conservative caucus and he thinks it will likely send Cape Breton North MLA Cecil Clarke. He said CBRM Mayor John Morgan could hopefully accompany them, as he is very supportive of the project.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1244155/Dredging-meetings-set-for-next-week/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1246484/CBRM-will-become-applicant-for-federal-money-to-dredge-harbour/1

CBRM will become applicant for federal money to dredge harbour

Published on June 9th, 2010
Nancy King

SYDNEY — The Cape Breton Regional Municipality will serve as the applicant for federal funds to dredge the access channel to Sydney harbour on behalf of the Sydney Marine Group, Mayor John Morgan says.

Morgan said there are a number of different federal programs under which the dredging project could obtain funding, some of which wouldn’t be able to offer funds to a private sector organization like the marine group.

The proponents of the dredging are seeking $19 million from the federal government. On Tuesday, the province announced its $15.2-million stake in the $38-million project, contingent on the federal money.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1246484/CBRM-will-become-applicant-for-federal-money-to-dredge-harbour/1)

Morgan said he’s not concerned at this point that the arrangement could expose the CBRM to any responsibility for any cost overruns associated with the dredging.

He noted it’s likely that if the federal government does agree to fund the project, it will want an assurance that the work will be completed within the funding envelope. Once funding is secured, Morgan said the marine group and CBRM will have to go back to preferred bidder the Dutch-based Boskalis to confirm the contract cost. Boskalis and marine group CEO Jim Wooder have warned that the later into the winter the work runs, the more costly it could become.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1246484/CBRM-will-become-applicant-for-federal-money-to-dredge-harbour/1)

He noted the municipality entered into a similar arrangement with the community group behind the construction of the new Northside civic centre. The community group retained the lead on the project while the CBRM facilitated the flow of funding.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1246484/CBRM-will-become-applicant-for-federal-money-to-dredge-harbour/1)

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-09/article-1246511/Legwork-continues-on-potential-graphite-mine-in-Frenchvale-area/1

Legwork continues on potential graphite mine in Frenchvale area

Published on June 9th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


FRENCHVALE — Mount Cameron Minerals, a Sydney-based mineral exploration company, will continue research this summer on a potential graphite mine for the Frenchvale area.

Mount Cameron Minerals president John Wightman and chief process engineer Dr. Ian Flint met with residents of Frenchvale and surrounding area Tuesday at the Frenchvale fire hall.

“The community has concerns and we are trying to address those concerns,” Wightman said. “People are mainly concerned about traffic on Frenchvale Road and it will take time to address that issue. The chances that this project will go full scale to a mine are still fairly low, but we are hopeful it will happen.”

Wightman said it wouldn’t be just mining that would take place on site, but the actual processing of the material and refining and manufacturing of end use projects.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-09/article-1246511/Legwork-continues-on-potential-graphite-mine-in-Frenchvale-area/1)

According to Wightman, his company is leading edge with respect to the type of technology the it hopes to get involved with in providing materials for the manufacturing of lithium iron batteries for hybrid and electric cars.

“Although most of the talk has been the fact that we are looking at lithium iron batteries, there is as much ultra-grade graphite in a lithium iron battery as there is lithium, but the world sources of this grade of graphite are very limited,” he said. “We will be going into an area that has great market demand with very limited supply, and that augers well for the success of the project and is why it is important to have the community behind it.”

Mount Cameron Mineral’s focus over the next few months will be research into the removal of graphite from the host rock.

In August, the company will be doing some standard mineral exploration, doing diamond drill holes to find out where the better grade graphite material is and whether there is enough to warrant going further.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-09/article-1246511/Legwork-continues-on-potential-graphite-mine-in-Frenchvale-area/1)

One of the things I miss about being back east is how easy it was to find this stuff. Glenfiddich is a good substitute, Glen Breton is ever so slightly better imho, and Glen Breton Ice is just unique in a very good way. I'm going to have to stock up on this stuff next time I get home.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1246483/Triumph-of-the-spirit/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/09/photo_830937_resize_article.jpg
Bob Scott, Glenora Distillery vice-president, David Copp, barrister, Lauchie MacLean, Glenora president, and Ryan Joseph of Famous Folks marketing toast Battle of the Glen single-malt whisky. Greg McNeil – Cape Breton Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1246483/Triumph-of-the-spirit/1)


Triumph of the spirit
Glenora toasts legal victory with Battle of the Glen single-malt whisky

Published on June 9th, 2010
Greg McNeil


GLENVILLE — Nine years of fight can be found in every bottle and detailed on the special commemorative packaging of the latest product from Glenora Distillery.

Launched Wednesday with the help of a rousing ceilidh, the 15-year-old single-malt whisky Battle of the Glen was called a tribute to victory at the end of a nearly decade-long naming rights battle between the small Cape Breton company and the multi-national Scotch Whisky Association.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-09/article-1246483/Triumph-of-the-spirit/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-10/article-1257209/Police-forensic-ident-unit-must-be-moved-for-efficiency-purposes%3A-chief/1

Police forensic ident unit must be moved for efficiency purposes: chief

Published on June 10th, 2010
Chris Shannon


SYDNEY — Moving the forensic identification unit closer to headquarters has become a necessity rather than just a problem of “workflow and function” for the Cape Breton Regional Police Service.

Chief Myles Burke said his officers spend too much time on the road travelling from office to office creating an “extremely inefficient” way of operating a modern police force.

The forensic ident unit was moved to the Civic Centre in downtown Sydney from its East Division office in Glace Bay several years ago because of unsuitable working conditions in the aging facility.

Now, Burke said it’s time to move the unit closer to police headquarters on Grand Lake Road so officers can collaborate with their counterparts in the major crime unit. The vast majority of police exhibits remain at East Division, however.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-10/article-1257209/Police-forensic-ident-unit-must-be-moved-for-efficiency-purposes%3A-chief/1)

Burke said moving the forensic unit to the emergency centre is a short-term, three- to five-year “fix.” It must be the first step in tackling problems with other buildings, he added.

A more permanent solution remains centralizing most police units under one roof, he said.

CBRM engineering staff will examine the force’s buildings and its needs looking into the future, and report back to the police commission in the fall.

Last November Burke presented a detailed plan to build a $21-million police headquarters and close the existing stations in North Sydney, Glace Bay and Sydney.

However, the large-scale plan came too late to apply for the last of the federal stimulus cash available and needed more discussion beyond the CBRM budget presented to council in April.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-10/article-1257209/Police-forensic-ident-unit-must-be-moved-for-efficiency-purposes%3A-chief/1)

[Smevo]

Apparently the delegation goes tomorrow, oops.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-06-11/article-1272367/Patience-needed-on-port-future/1

Patience needed on port future

Published on June 11th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post
[Fred Jackson]


No one should count Sydney harbour’s chickens before an official hatching but the omens are looking more favourable that the federal government will approve its contribution to the $38-million project.

The all-party provincial delegation scheduled to storm Ottawa on Thursday will underline the consensus behind this project at the Nova Scotia end, and a reciprocal gesture would be for the Conservative government to make the relevant senior ministers available to meet the group.

Other encouraging news accompanying the provincial government’s commitment Tuesday of its $15.2-million of dredging money is that the Cape Breton Regional Municipality has agreed to be the official applicant for the project. That suggests the federal process has reached the stage of assembling a prospective financing package and working through the legal and bureaucratic details of how it would be delivered.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-06-11/article-1272367/Patience-needed-on-port-future/1)

No one promised a container terminal but people can’t be blamed for remembering it as a promise, going back to the unveiling of the Sydney ports master plan in January 2008 which conjured just such a vision. The “commercialization of Sydney harbour,” while a safer promise because success is undefined, is too vague to focus people’s imagination.

This is not to suggest that a container terminal is off the table. Any such proposition is exceedingly complex, and if there’s one thing the public should be skeptical of it’s one-dimensional prognostications, whether from armchair commodores or even recognized shipping industry experts. We’ve all heard something of the sort: Sydney will never get a container terminal because... [fill in the blank] – because it’s prone to seasonal drift ice, because the railway’s not up to snuff, because the recession knocked back growth in world shipping, because Halifax has unused capacity, and so on.

Some of these factors may be relevant but it’s idle conjecture to pluck one or two and declare those to be deal-breakers without plunging into the hard-headed analysis that any investor would have to do before committing hundreds of millions of dollars to such a scheme. Right now, the only sure deal-breaker is too shallow a channel.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-06-11/article-1272367/Patience-needed-on-port-future/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-11/article-1273033/Celtic-Court-provides-new-approach-to-caring-for-seniors/1

Celtic Court provides new approach to caring for seniors

Published on June 11th, 2010
Nancy King

SYDNEY — Residents and staff at Celtic Court opened its doors to the community Friday to celebrate its official opening.

The home, located on St. Anthony Drive, is one of nine new Shannex nursing homes across the province to have opened over the past year or so to hold opening ceremonies on the same day, linked via webcast.

The first residents of Celtic Court moved in Sept. 16. It’s now home to 36 seniors. In all, the nine new homes have 431 new beds.

The homes were all constructed under a new approach, involving smaller buildings with a more homey atmosphere.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-11/article-1273033/Celtic-Court-provides-new-approach-to-caring-for-seniors/1)

The province’s new design standards call for one-storey buildings. They have private rooms and bathrooms and there are rooms available for couples. They also have other features, such as hair salons.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-11/article-1273033/Celtic-Court-provides-new-approach-to-caring-for-seniors/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-11/article-1273035/Davis-Day-celebration-tackles-issues-of-today/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/11/photo_856084_resize_article.jpg
Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

Evelyn MacLeod, a granddaughter of William Davis, and two of his great-great-grandchildren, Katie and Brandon MacDonald, lay a wreath during Davis Day ceremonies Friday at Miner’s Memorial Park in Sydney Mines. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-11/article-1273035/Davis-Day-celebration-tackles-issues-of-today/1)

Davis Day celebration tackles issues of today


Published on June 11th, 2010
Nancy King


SYDNEY MINES — An event that took place 85 years ago still has strong connections today.

Davis Day ceremonies in Sydney Mines, Friday were more political than in years past with numerous mentions of the proposed dredging of Sydney harbour by union officials, politicians and the clergy.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-11/article-1273035/Davis-Day-celebration-tackles-issues-of-today/1)

Coal mining in Cape Breton ended officially in 2001, with the closure of Prince in Point Aconi. Since that time, a partnership of Erdene Gold Inc. and Xstrata Coal Donkin Ltd., known as the Donkin Coal Alliance, is researching production at the Donkin site.

The annual Davis Day observance, with an ecumenical church service and wreath-laying at Miner’s Memorial Park, marked the 85th anniversary of the death of William Davis on June 11, 1925, when he was shot and killed near New Waterford, during a strike over wages.

Davis Day also honours miners who have lost their lives in area coal mines over the years.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-11/article-1273035/Davis-Day-celebration-tackles-issues-of-today/1)

Burchell said any platform that people have today that has a conscience, use that platform to send messages to Ottawa and Halifax that things have to change.

“The money they are spending in Ottawa is ridiculous and yet we’re fighting to get $17 million to help the economic development of Cape Breton Island. It’s time people took back their country.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-11/article-1273035/Davis-Day-celebration-tackles-issues-of-today/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-06-11/article-1273036/Regional-municipality-to-fund-washrooms-at-Glace-Bay-ballfield/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/11/photo_856772_resize_article.jpg
Sharon Montgomery-Dupe - Cape Breton Post

Kevin Saccary (left), vice-chair of the Glace Bay Recreation Association, Mary Lynn MacPhee, senior engineering technologist for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and Nick Bonnar, chair of the association, go over plans for two washrooms the municipa (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-06-11/article-1273036/Regional-municipality-to-fund-washrooms-at-Glace-Bay-ballfield/1)

Regional municipality to fund washrooms at Glace Bay ballfield

Published on June 11th, 2010
Sharon Montgomery-Dupe

GLACE BAY — Things are about to get more comfortable at a local ball park.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is providing funding for washrooms at the Moosehead Commons South Street Ball Park on Seaview Street.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-06-11/article-1273036/Regional-municipality-to-fund-washrooms-at-Glace-Bay-ballfield/1)

Saccary, who is also vice-chair of the Glace Bay Recreation Association formed to oversee the park, said throughout the years there have been major tournaments here, however there were no washroom facilities to accommodate the large number of people.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-06-11/article-1273036/Regional-municipality-to-fund-washrooms-at-Glace-Bay-ballfield/1)

He said the project was approved and washrooms will be built on each side of the building at a cost of $40,000-$50,000.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-06-11/article-1273036/Regional-municipality-to-fund-washrooms-at-Glace-Bay-ballfield/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-12/article-1273803/Multicultural-festival-part-of-clipper-festivities/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/12/photo_856895_resize_article.jpg
T.J. Colello - Cape Breton Post

Joe Gillis of Sydney is shown dressed in traditional polish folk costume between two mannequins at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney, Saturday. Gillis, a member of the Pagoria Polish Folk Ensemble, was taking part in a multicultural festival mark (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-12/article-1273803/Multicultural-festival-part-of-clipper-festivities/1)

Multicultural festival part of clipper festivities


Published on June 12th, 2010
T.J. Colello

SYDNEY — A multicultural festival is being held at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney today (Saturday) as part of the 09-10 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race stop over.

The event includes live music and dance, arts and crafts, food sales and displays.

There will also be day-long dockside events and activities, featuring animators from the Fortress of Louisbourg firing cannons, Mi’kmaq dancers and displays, children’s activities and viewing of the clipper yachts.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-12/article-1273803/Multicultural-festival-part-of-clipper-festivities/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-14/article-1285469/Membertou-chief-honours-clippers-with-eagle-awards%2C-feather/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/14/photo_861155_resize_article.jpg
Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

Membertou First Nation Chief Terry Paul, left, presented Jan Ridd, captain of the clipper ship Cape Breton Island: Nova Scotia’s Masterpiece, with an eagle feather during trophy presentations for Race 11 in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race i (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-14/article-1285469/Membertou-chief-honours-clippers-with-eagle-awards%2C-feather/1)

Membertou chief honours clippers with eagle awards, feather


Published on June 14th, 2010
Erin Pottie

SYDNEY — Less than a year ago, Membertou Chief Terry Paul gave Cape Breton Island: Nova Scotia’s Masterpiece a ceremonial sendoff in La Rochelle, France, as it set out on its second trial in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race.

And on Monday, skipper Jan Ridd of England, and 17 crew members were welcomed to their ship’s namesake by the First Nations leader, who presented the Cape Breton team with an eagle feather — one of the highest honours bestowed by the Mi’kmaq people.

Canada’s only entry in the world yacht competition was also given a key to the city by Mayor John Morgan of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and a clipper trophy for finishing third on a short leg from New York to Sydney.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-14/article-1285469/Membertou-chief-honours-clippers-with-eagle-awards%2C-feather/1)



http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-14/article-1285520/Consultant-recommends-12-councillors-and-a-mayor-for-CBRM/1

Consultant recommends 12 councillors and a mayor for CBRM

Published on June 14th, 2010
Chris Shannon

SYDNEY — A consultant hired by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality is recommending council reduce its size to 12 councillors and a mayor.

Stantec Inc. is also calling for council to draw the boundaries of new municipal districts to incorporate rural and suburban areas, and in some cases, urban areas.

Using complex mathematical formulas and public opinion through a telephone survey, the consulting firm determined 12.5 members should make up the next council following the October 2012 municipal election.

The cost savings will be “extremely modest,” the report stated.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-14/article-1285520/Consultant-recommends-12-councillors-and-a-mayor-for-CBRM/1)

CBRM councillors are the second highest paid in the province, making approximately $40,000 a year.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-14/article-1285520/Consultant-recommends-12-councillors-and-a-mayor-for-CBRM/1)

Sydney area Coun. Derek Mombourquette suggested an entirely different format that could possibly ease workload while having concerns properly addressed.

“Let’s break it up into divisions. Let’s say central, north, east, and rural components, with two or three councillors that are elected at-large in those divisions.

“A lot of the discussion you hear in the community about parochialism is that it’s there and it has always been there. In looking at some sort of at-large system, which we’re not allowed to have right now, but it’s a good debate to have, it forces the politicians to work together.”

The province doesn’t allow regional municipalities to elect councillors at-large.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-14/article-1285520/Consultant-recommends-12-councillors-and-a-mayor-for-CBRM/1)

In terms of representation per capita, CBRM ranks fairly high.

CBRM, on average, has one councillor for about 6,000 residents, which ranks it in 23rd place for most representation.

By area though, the municipality has relatively low representation in terms of geographic area with its councillors serving the seventh largest municipality in Canada.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-14/article-1285520/Consultant-recommends-12-councillors-and-a-mayor-for-CBRM/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-14/article-1285981/New-centre-takes-aim-at-Cape-Breton%26rsquo%3Bs-obese%2C-inactive-residents/1

New centre takes aim at Cape Breton’s obese, inactive residents

Published on June 14th, 2010
Greg McNeil

SYDNEY — The newest battle ground against alarming trends of obesity and inactive people in Cape Breton has officially opened.

While children played outside on a synthetic track and with soccer matches simultaneously underway under the dome covered pitch, officials cut the ribbon on the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex, Monday.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-14/article-1285981/New-centre-takes-aim-at-Cape-Breton%26rsquo%3Bs-obese%2C-inactive-residents/1)

The $10-million complex on the Cape Breton University Campus includes a 57,780-square-foot air supported dome, a full size soccer turf field, an all-weather eight-lane track, beach volleyball courts and a community fitness centre.

Lynk said the new piece of infrastructure could help attract families as well as high-end sporting events to Cape Breton.

It also includes a population health centre where experts from around the island will work with others from across the country to understand and overcome barriers to improving health.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-14/article-1285981/New-centre-takes-aim-at-Cape-Breton%26rsquo%3Bs-obese%2C-inactive-residents/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-14/article-1285753/Clipper-race-is-also-about-trade%2C-commerce/1

Clipper race is also about trade, commerce
Seafood conference set for Thursday at MTCC

Published on June 14th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — Cape Breton’s involvement in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race could provide trade opportunities for local companies, and some of those channels will be explored during a seafood conference at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre Thursday.

A 20-person delegation from the United Kingdom is in Cape Breton to take part in the conference, looking to build on a memorandum of understanding between Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and similar agencies in the U.K.’s Hull and Humber region and Qingdao in China. The three regions are represented in the Clipper race.

Throughout the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, there have been a number of Cape Breton companies that have travelled to Singapore and China to explore trade opportunities in those markets, noted spokesperson Jonathan Levy.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-06-14/article-1285753/Clipper-race-is-also-about-trade%2C-commerce/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-15/article-1302900/MP-suggests-Cape-Bretoners-make-their-voices-heard/1

MP suggests Cape Bretoners make their voices heard

Published on June 15th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking is asking people to contact the Ottawa offices of Conservative cabinet ministers in order to support a delegation of provincial and municipal representatives going to Ottawa, Thursday.

Deputy Premier Frank Corbett, Mayor John Morgan and MLAs Manning MacDonald, Gordie Gosse and Cecil Clarke will arrive in Ottawa, Thursday for meetings with Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Minister Keith Ashfield and possibly other ministers to lobby for federal funding for dredging of Sydney harbour.

Prior to that session, they will be meeting with Eyking and Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-15/article-1302900/MP-suggests-Cape-Bretoners-make-their-voices-heard/1)

Eyking is encouraging people to contact any of the following:

‰ Prime Minister Stephen Harper: 613-992-4211, pm@pm.gc.ca

‰ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield: 613-992-1067, Ashfik9@parl.gc.ca

‰Nova Scotia Minister Peter MacKay: 613-992-6022, Mackap8@parl.gc.ca

‰Infrastructure Minister John Baird: 613-996-0984, bairdj@parl.gc.ca

The Sydney harbour initiative also has a Facebook site at www.facebook

.com/group.php?gid=127643290600899.


... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-15/article-1302900/MP-suggests-Cape-Bretoners-make-their-voices-heard/1)

Personal Note: If you're using e-mail, send a cc to Eyking and/or Cuzner if possible so they know just how many people are trying to contact the Conservatives.


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-16/article-1306901/CBRM-council-rejects-downsizing-report/1

CBRM council rejects downsizing report
Must now decide whether to tinker with district boundary lines

Published on June 16th, 2010
Chris Shannon


The Cape Breton Regional Municipality will submit a council of 16 members, plus a mayor, to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board following its rejection of a consultant's report Tuesday night calling for the reduction of council size by four councillors.

The vote held after midnight produced a 11-6 vote against the report. Only Mayor John Morgan, and councillors Derek Mombourquette, Kim Desveaux, Dave LeBlanc, George MacDonald, and Ray Paruch supported the recommended option of 12 councillors, plus a mayor.

The debate lasted for about three hours. Several councillors slammed consultant John Heseltine for a report that stated there was “no statistical consensus” on what’s the correct size for a municipal body.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-16/article-1306901/CBRM-council-rejects-downsizing-report/1)

With council deciding to keep the status quo, it must now be decided whether municipal district boundaries should be changed at all.


... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-16/article-1306901/CBRM-council-rejects-downsizing-report/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-17/article-1353705/Dredging-delegation-gets-hearing-but-no-money-from-feds/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/06/17/photo_927178_resize_article.jpg
The Canadian Press

Rodger Cuzner, the MP for Cape Breton Canso, lashes out at the Conservative government as the issue of funding to dredge Sydney harbour is raised during question period in the House of Common, Thursday. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-17/article-1353705/Dredging-delegation-gets-hearing-but-no-money-from-feds/1)

Dredging delegation gets hearing but no money from feds


Published on June 17th, 2010
Nancy King


OTTAWA — A delegation of Cape Breton politicians seeking funding from Ottawa for the dredging of Sydney harbour came away from a meeting with federal ministers with a promise to stay in touch but no commitments of money.

The group, led by Nova Scotia Deputy Premier Frank Corbett, which included local MLAs from all three parties and Mayor John Morgan, of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, spent about an hour Thursday afternoon meeting with National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield, who is also the minister for ACOA, and Defence Minister Peter MacKay, who is also the minister responsible for Nova Scotia.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-17/article-1353705/Dredging-delegation-gets-hearing-but-no-money-from-feds/1)

MacKay was quite knowledgeable about the project, Corbett said. Ashfield was to a lesser degree, but he had been fully briefed, he added.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-17/article-1353705/Dredging-delegation-gets-hearing-but-no-money-from-feds/1)

The contractor has said the project’s price tag could rise, the farther into the winter the work is pushed.

Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking raised the issue again in question period Thursday.

“Time is of the essence,” he said. “If the federal government continues to delay, the contractor’s going to pull anchor and move on. So I’m asking the minister, once again, when will this government commit to dredging Sydney harbour?”

Ashfield said it was important to note that in the past year $43 million in federal funds have been spent in Cape Breton.

“I’m very pleased to meet with the committee this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, after a request two weeks (ago), we have them here this afternoon,” he said.

Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner rose and said there’s been no voice in the federal government on the file.

“Where’s it tied up, either the prime minister’s not listening or you’re not speaking, one or the other. He (Eyking) did his job, you do yours,” Cuzner said.

In a phone interview from Ottawa, Cuzner said there has been no willingness shown by the Harper government to play its role on the file.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-06-17/article-1353705/Dredging-delegation-gets-hearing-but-no-money-from-feds/1)

And this $43M was spent on....nevermind, beating a dead horse.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-18/article-1363423/Acadian-told-to-maintain-bus-routes/1

Acadian told to maintain bus routes
Company lacks knowledge of area it serves: board

Published on June 18th, 2010
Chris Shannon


SYDNEY — A lack of understanding of Cape Breton’s geography and demographics has sunk a request by Acadian Intercity Coaches to reduce the number of runs it services between Sydney and Halifax.

In a Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board decision released Friday, evidence provided by Acadian Bus Lines executives also showed there was a concerted effort to bolster routes between Halifax and New Brunswick’s three main urban centres at Sydney’s expense.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-18/article-1363423/Acadian-told-to-maintain-bus-routes/1)

In an exchange between one of the three utility and review board members hearing the case, and Manon Piché, vice-president of marketing and strategic development for Groupe Orléans Express Inc. and the Acadian Bus Group, it was clear Piché didn’t know her company’s coverage area in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, or the island as a whole.

“Sydney has 24,000 and we don’t cover the 102,000 customers in the whole island of Cape Breton. I showed you a chart yesterday. The 102,000, it’s the whole island and it’s a very large in square kilometre territory,” Piché told the board during its Feb. 25 hearing in Digby.

“You know it’s not the whole island, right? You know there’s four counties and there’s — it’s not the whole island, right?” the unidentified UARB member asked.

“(The)102,000 is the whole Cape Breton area, and Sydney is only 24,000,” she said.

The actual population of Cape Breton Island, according to 2006 census data from Statistics Canada, is about 142,300.

Piché also confirmed for the board the decision to reduce the Sydney service from three to two round trip runs daily was connected to Acadian Bus Lines increasing its runs in New Brunswick, without having to add extra buses to the system.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-18/article-1363423/Acadian-told-to-maintain-bus-routes/1)

In its decision, the board found no evidence that this route is unprofitable.

Based on its misconception of the size of the CBRM, the board called Acadian Lines’s exclusion of the greater Sydney area from its “core network” planned for centres in Halifax, Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton “inexcusable.”

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-18/article-1363423/Acadian-told-to-maintain-bus-routes/1)

Bruckschwaiger testified that CBRM is anything but a rural community, and with a population of 102,250, it’s larger when compared to cities in New Brunswick, specifically Fredericton, that would see an increase in service.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-06-18/article-1363423/Acadian-told-to-maintain-bus-routes/1)

Wow...I'm speechless. 24,000 in Greater Sydney (Try 33,000, or over 90,000 in urban/interurban Cape Breton), and 102,000 on the whole island (as mentioned, over 142,000)? Wow....just wow...:rolleyes:

[Davey Boy Smith]

Some constructing has begun:

- The new gym at the old Ron May site has been started with the foundation on its way.

- The new strip mall at the SPAR road intersection has been started with earth being moved. There has been a lot of trees cut down in other places as well and the rumours of the Costco continue to swirl.

- Earth moving has also started at the Harbourstone expansion.

- The YMCA is progressing nicely with exteriors and glass currently going in.

- C200 roof is currently being done and framing is started on the inside suite/ club seating.

- The conversion of the Sydney Shopping Centre to a strip mall seemingly has begun. The part of the mall closest to Sobeys will remain a mall for now. There is rumour that Sobey's is going to expand and that the NSLC will move there.

Additional rumours:

- Rumour that there is a movement afoot to put The Keg in where Joe's Warehouse was. It should be noted that there are no for sale or for lease signs on the building.

[Smevo]

^Thanks for the updates Davey_Boy_Smith. I'm going to try a new concept for the first page...keep it updated. Hopefully I'll be able to get that done this weekend, but first, I'm going to try to catch up on the post stories.

I thought I responded to the Planet Space article posted by Harlington, but I guess not. I can't remember if I took it off the first page or not, but I thought about it because I figured this was dead in the water after not hearing about it in a long time. I'm not sure if I'm glad to hear it's still on the table or not, but at least the Alder Pt site will get the ship out over the water right away and not threaten the populated areas.

[Smevo]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

This is something I'll be checking out. It's a part of my ancestry that I didn't even know about until a few years ago, and even though it's a distant part of my ancestry (Acadian expulsion era), I would like to add this as the 5th language I plan to know conversationally, the others being English (obvioulsy), French (rusty), Haitian Kreyol (rusty), and Punjabi (learning).
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)


Another project to update on the main page, which I hope to get around to tomorrow. The slightly different layout will probably end up being time consuming, but it will make it easier to keep updated (hopefully). We're supposed to get a similar announcement about Sydney Harbour a few years after the Tar Ponds solidification is completed...here's hoping anyway.
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]

Part of me is thinking that all these historical societies would work better and be healthier financially if they combined into one large museum encompassing the history of all of Urban CBRM, especially since a lot of the history in interconnected through the mines/steel, railway, and tram lines.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-07-02/article-1486019/Travel-back-in-time-with-historical-society/1

Travel back in time with historical society


Published on July 2nd, 2010
Sharon Montgomery-Dupe

NEW WATERFORD — Anyone wishing to step back in time can do so at Colliery Lands Park.

The New Waterford and District Historical Society’s museum officially opened for the season July 1 and is now open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., through to the end of August.

The society will open extended hours during special events.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-07-02/article-1486019/Travel-back-in-time-with-historical-society/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/06/30/ns-flying-school-sydney.html

ECBC sues failed Sydney flight school
Same company proposes Yarmouth school

Last Updated: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 | 1:07 PM AT
CBC News

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is taking legal action against the Cape Breton Flight Institute for not following through on promises to set up a pilot training school — even as its proponents launch a new venture in Yarmouth.

In 2008, the flight institute announced plans to train 250 Chinese pilots at the Sydney airport, create 70 jobs and obtain 25 airplanes by 2010. The $2.3-million flight school was started with $2.2 million in government loans and payroll rebates.

But the Chinese government then froze its international training. So far, nothing has happened in Sydney —the offices are bare, the doors are locked and the hangar is filled mostly with stored boats and cars.


... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/06/30/ns-flying-school-sydney.html)

Bill Gardiner, director of the flight institute, said he still plans to operate in Sydney.

"Sydney is our main base of operations, will always be the main base of operations, but we will have a secondary base in Yarmouth," Gardiner said Tuesday.

Gardiner said his company has a contract to train Chinese students that doesn't need government accreditation.

In March, the ECBC called in a $109,000 loan of the $750,000 it had promised the Sydney project. No repayments have been made, and so the ECBC is holding the company plane as collateral, and has applied for receivership.

Gardiner said it's all being worked out.

... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/06/30/ns-flying-school-sydney.html)


http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/01/ns-sydney-harbour-dredging.html

Sydney harbour dredging talks to restart: Corbett
"Good things don't just happen': N.S. deputy premier

Last Updated: Thursday, July 1, 2010 | 5:12 PM AT
CBC News

Discussions on the dredging of Sydney harbour will continue next week between the Nova Scotia government and federal politicians.

Talks were put on hold for two weeks as both levels of government were focused on the Queen's visit, and the G8 and G20 summits, a spokesperson for Premier Darrell Dexter said.

Deputy Premier Frank Corbett said he will make a call to Ottawa on Monday.

... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/01/ns-sydney-harbour-dredging.html)

[Smevo]

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:

[Smevo]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/05/nl-ferry-money-705.html

Marine Atlantic gets $84M more for upgrades

Last Updated: Monday, July 5, 2010 | 5:59 PM AT
CBC News

The federal government promised Monday that it will spend an additional $84 million — on top of the more than $400 million it has already announced — to improve the ferry service between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland over the next five years.

Government officials in North Sydney, N.S., where the ferries dock, said the newly announced money will be spent primarily on improving Marine Atlantic's port facilities.

The docking facilities in Port-aux-Basques, southwestern Newfoundland, are slated for a $31-million upgrade and the company's Argentia docking facility in southeastern Newfoundland is expected to receive $4 million for renovations.

North Sydney's facility is slated to receive $36 million to redevelop its ferry terminal site.

... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/05/nl-ferry-money-705.html)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
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)

[JustinMacD]

Additional rumours:

- Rumour that there is a movement afoot to put The Keg in where Joe's Warehouse was. It should be noted that there are no for sale or for lease signs on the building.

The Keg? Do you guys realize how expensive The Keg is?

I really doubt that a restaurant like this could be sustainable in a suffering economy like CB.

[Smevo]

The Keg? Do you guys realize how expensive The Keg is?

I really doubt that a restaurant like this could be sustainable in a suffering economy like CB.

If it's overpriced, it will never survive (I've never eaten there, so I don't know the prices nor the quality). If the food is worth the price, however, you'd be surprised what can survive in the Sydney area. There are well-populated pockets of well off people in suburbia (and parts of the old city proper) and the more rural areas that could support it, but again, only if the food was worth it.

[Smevo]

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)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-07-09/article-1530978/First-and-likely-smelliest-phase-of-tar-ponds-project-nears-completion/1

First and likely smelliest phase of tar ponds project nears completion

Published on July 9th, 2010
Greg McNeil

SYDNEY — The first and likely smelliest phase of the tar ponds remediation project is nearing completion.

The Sydney Tar Ponds Agency told media Friday the south pond solidification and stabilization project had reached the 70 per cent completion mark.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-07-09/article-1530978/First-and-likely-smelliest-phase-of-tar-ponds-project-nears-completion/1)

Burke said 836 of the 1,200 anticipated cells in the south pond are now solidified and stabilized. Each of those cells encompasses about 200-250 cubic metres of material.

Although pleased with that number, he said 12 of 90 cells in the pond’s northeast corner did not pass performance criteria.

Because all cells must pass, those 12 must be reworked over the next few weeks.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-07-09/article-1530978/First-and-likely-smelliest-phase-of-tar-ponds-project-nears-completion/1)

Contractors will excavate the 12 cells that need to be reworked and crush them before remixing the material with water and cement to meet performance criteria.

Diane Ingraham, quality contracts manager for the STPA, said performance criteria includes such things as unconfined compressive strength.

“The second is for permeability or hydraulic conductivity,” she said. “That tells us how fast water will move through the material once it has been solidified and that is very slow.”

A third criteria, known as leachate, has fluid flow through the material to see what chemicals come out the other side.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2010-07-09/article-1530978/First-and-likely-smelliest-phase-of-tar-ponds-project-nears-completion/1)

[Smevo]

Main page has been updated! :D :cheers:

I've tried to remove some of the clutter by listing completed projects at the end rather than leaving things the way I had them before. The rest of the format is the same...for now. I may decide to incorporate spoiler tags in the future, but I'm still unsure at the moment whether I actually want to do that or not.

June Labour Force
I'm assuming the post will run its story on this on Monday, though it may be in the subscriber online edition from yesterday or today which I haven't had a chance to look at yet.

Category...............Raw Numbers...Change from May...Change from June 2009
Labour Force..........66,600............+2,600......................+2,500
Employed...............56,200............+3,200......................+2,200
Unemployed............10,500............-500..........................+400
Participation Rate......58.3..............+2.3..........................+2.6
Employment Rate.......49.2..............+2.8..........................+2.3
Unemployment Rate....15.8..............-1.4...........................n/c

We're moving in the right direction. We had the second largest year over year employment increase in the province (next to Halifax +2,300) with the North Shore being the only other ER in Nova Scotia to show an employment increase year over year (+2,000). :cheers:

I may create a new thread for the Atlantic Provinces with monthly updates when I get a chance, so everyone can see how each Economic Region in the area is doing. I already have the spreadsheet created for it, so it's just a matter of sitting down and doing it.

[Smevo]

Mayflower gets another new tenant!
http://www.mayflowermall.com/view_event.asp?id=454
JACOB Opening in Fall 2010
Brands include: JACOB, JACOB Connexion, JACOB Lingerie, JOSEF and DANZ.

Jacob offers clothing, lingerie, accessories and beauty products for women.

Jacob, recognized as a leader on the Canadian women’s apparel market for the past 30 years, will operate in a 3,500-square-foot unit.

... (http://www.mayflowermall.com/view_event.asp?id=454)

I'm still waiting to hear who the tenants will be in the newly named Grand Lake Crossings. There's one that if they don't show up there, I would be very surprised since I heard from a representative of the company that they would be locating in Sydney "fairly soon".

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-11/article-1533131/Cape-Breton-based-company-to-aid-in-oil-spill-cleanup/1

Cape Breton-based company to aid in oil spill cleanup

Published on July 11th, 2010
Erin Pottie

SYDNEY — A private company that recently set up shop in Cape Breton is sending technology products to the United States to be used in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill effort.

Analytical testing equipment manufactured by J&K Scientific in the Sydport Industrial Park is being used by a U.S. federal agency involved in the Gulf spill containment efforts.

J&K is founded by former Cape Breton University professor, Krishnat Naikwadi, who relocated the company’s headquarters to Sydney from Milton, Ont., two months ago.

J&K manufactures advanced gas chromatograph (GC) columns that are sold internationally for use in analyzing liquid samples to detect the presence of certain families of chemicals.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-11/article-1533131/Cape-Breton-based-company-to-aid-in-oil-spill-cleanup/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/12/ns-sydney-new-library.html

Funding needed to build new Sydney library

Last Updated: Monday, July 12, 2010 | 8:05 AM AT
CBC News

A committee working to build a new library in Sydney is planning to meet with possible funding partners soon to drum up support.

The new building would replace the 40-year-old James McConnell Memorial Library at the corner of Falmouth and Charlotte streets.

Claire Dethridge, committee chairwoman and a Cape Breton Regional Municipality councillor, said the aging facility no longer meets the needs of its patrons.

... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/12/ns-sydney-new-library.html)

"Even though we have a declining population in CBRM, the usage in that library is high. We get anywhere from 485 to 500 patrons come through that library on a daily basis," she said.

Rosalie Gillis, the library's co-ordinator of community support, is conducting a survey, asking patrons what services they would like to see in a new library.

... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/07/12/ns-sydney-new-library.html)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-07-14/article-1567603/Historical-society-planning-its-move-into-new-home/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/07/14/photo_1066262_resize_article.jpg
Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

Matthew Lovell, left, and Danny MacNeil of Armour Concrete Sawing & Drilling didn’t run into any problems drilling for the connection to the main water and sewer for North Sydney’s new cultural and heritage centre. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-07-14/article-1567603/Historical-society-planning-its-move-into-new-home/1)

Historical society planning its move into new home


Published on July 14th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

NORTH SYDNEY — The North Sydney Historical Society is working on plans for the move into its new quarters in North Sydney’s new cultural and heritage centre, now under construction on Commercial Street.

Contractor Joneljim Concrete Construction Ltd. began construction of the $2-million building on the site of the former town hall in March. The cultural centre will house the North Sydney branch of the Cape Breton Regional Library, the heritage museum, local senior citizens club, BIDA and the office of Cape Breton North MLA Cecil Clarke.

The library will take up about 27,000 sq. ft., while the museum and seniors club will have 25,000 sq. ft. each. The seniors will be on ground level at the back of the building.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-07-14/article-1567603/Historical-society-planning-its-move-into-new-home/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-15/article-1570950/Cove-chapel-one-step-closer-to-reality/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/07/15/photo_1067408_resize_article.jpg
Greg McNeil - Cape Breton Post

Cranes placed four of nine pieces of the new chapel for the Cove Guest Home on a foundation, Thursday. The 150-year-old church was donated by the Congregation of St. Mark’s Church to the Cove Guest Home Foundation. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-15/article-1570950/Cove-chapel-one-step-closer-to-reality/1)

Cove chapel one step closer to reality


Published on July 15th, 2010
Greg McNeil

SYDNEY — Piece by piece, a place of worship for guests of the Cove Guest Home are moving into place.

Large cranes placed four of nine pieces of St. Mark’s Church, which was formerly located in Coxheath, on a foundation adjacent to the guest home in Sydney, Thursday.

The 150-year-old church was donated by the congregation of St. Mark’s to the Cove Guest Home Foundation.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-15/article-1570950/Cove-chapel-one-step-closer-to-reality/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-15/article-1570927/Membertou-partners-with-Spanish--company-on-renewable-energy-venture/1

Membertou partners with Spanish company on renewable energy venture

Published on July 15th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post



HALIFAX — Membertou is continuing to expand its business interests, this time by entering into a partnership with a Spanish company in a renewable energy venture.

The First Nation community announced this week it has entered into a partnership with GrupoGuascor, to market renewable energy solutions in North America. GrupoGuascor is a global player in renewable energy technologies, specifically solar, wind, bio-energy equipment and applications. The partnership will market a range of renewable energy technologies including equipment designed specifically for small rural communities and remote parts of the continent.

In Canada, the initial focus will be on Nova Scotia, where the province has unveiled its renewable electricity plan to encourage development of renewable energy projects by First Nations and local municipalities. The province’s goal is to increase renewables by 25 per cent by 2015.


... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-15/article-1570927/Membertou-partners-with-Spanish--company-on-renewable-energy-venture/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-19/article-1593501/Terry-Paul-back-as-chief-of-Membertou/1

Terry Paul back as chief of Membertou

Published on July 19th, 2010
Erin Pottie

MEMBERTOU — History repeated itself for the 14th time as Terry Paul was re-elected as chief of Membertou.

The 58-year-old was welcomed to the reserve’s top post in 1984, and has since returned for 13 consecutive terms.

Ballots were cast Saturday at Membertou Elementary School and counted for just over 15 hours Sunday.

“We’re doing good stuff, I think we need to improve a bit more, you know, so we have more people happy about us,” said Paul.

Paul received 389 votes out of 515 votes cast, which is 75 per cent of the total vote.

Actor, musician, director and writer Glen Gould received 120 votes, and six ballots were rejected.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-19/article-1593501/Terry-Paul-back-as-chief-of-Membertou/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-20/article-1597469/Tar-ponds-remediation-moving-to-next-phase-with-tender-call/1

Tar ponds remediation moving to next phase with tender call

Published on July 20th, 2010
Greg McNeil


SYDNEY — Tenders have been requested for the latest portion of a project designed to take the tar ponds from an environmental disaster to a green space.

The next stop in the $400-million cleanup of the tar ponds and coke ovens will see the creation of a protective cap over treated tar ponds sediment.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-20/article-1597469/Tar-ponds-remediation-moving-to-next-phase-with-tender-call/1)

The project will allow the reclamation of 97 hectares of land for future green space development.

More than 70 per cent of the south pond, located between Prince Street and the Ferry Street Bridge, has already been solidified and stabilized.

Treatment of the entire pond is expected to be completed in August, followed by the construction of a channel to allow brook water and groundwater to flow through the site and into Sydney harbour.

“The cap can follow along with the channel because the channel doesn’t have to be complete for the cap to begin.”

The cap project, valued between $15-20 million, will include a grading/bedding layer, a geosynthetic clay layer, a geocomposit drainage layer, protective fill, topsoil and hydro seed.

Also designed to direct rain and groundwater into the engineered channel, the cap is considered the third step in a series of projects leading to the future development of the remediated site.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-21/article-1600334/Diverse-list-of-business-leaders-to-be-inducted-into-Cape-Breton-Business-Hall-of-Fame-this-year/1

Diverse list of business leaders to be inducted into Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame this year

Published on July 21st, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post



SYDNEY — A list of the 2010 Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame inductees includes a hockey tournament organizer, an insurance broker, a funeral home director and an accountant.

Richie Warren of Glace Bay, Sharon Salter of Sydney Mines, and Wayne Weatherbee and George Unsworth, both from Sydney, will be entered into the hall, established in 2002 by the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cape Breton University.

The foursome was selected from a list of nominees.

“This event is a means to recognize the attributes and generosity of longstanding citizens who have grown successful enterprises but have never lost sight of responding to community needs,” said hall committee chair John Nash in a press release. “Equally as important is the fact that these individuals are role models for young men and women currently attending university in our community.”

The funds generated from the business hall of fame dinner will be used to create student awards in honour of the inductees.

Scholarships and bursaries will be awarded to students continuing program studies in the Shannon School of Business at CBU.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-21/article-1600334/Diverse-list-of-business-leaders-to-be-inducted-into-Cape-Breton-Business-Hall-of-Fame-this-year/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-25/article-1609343/Centre-200-renovations-proceeding-on-schedule/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/07/25/photo_1092378_resize_article.jpg
Renovations to Centre 200 are continuing throughout this summer in line for a completion date near the middle or the end of September. From left, Paul Forget and John Forget are shown installing new signage in private boxes, while George MacLeod solders p (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-25/article-1609343/Centre-200-renovations-proceeding-on-schedule/1)

Centre 200 renovations proceeding on schedule


Published on July 25th, 2010
Greg McNeil


SYDNEY — Action inside and out has replaced concert and sporting event activities as a $1.5-million facelift for Centre 200 continue toward a September completion date.

The improvements, cost-shared by all three levels of government, began last year and will increase seating and update the look of the 23-year old facility when completed.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-25/article-1609343/Centre-200-renovations-proceeding-on-schedule/1)

The project began in 2009 when a new video scoring system was installed and washroom facilities modernized.

Private boxes and club seating are the main focus of the current round of renovations.

From the rear parking lot large holes cut for new windows can be seen. Brewer said they’ll allow for natural light to filter into the 13 new private boxes.

A large recently constructed concrete pillar can also be seen from the parking lot. It’s part of a new stair system to allow for a second exit from the private boxes.

Those stairs are scheduled to be installed next week.

Inside the building, new club seating is being created at the location of the old private boxes.

“They are just a premium tiered seating as opposed to being in an individual box, which are 10-12 seats and sold corporately. The club seating is sold on an individual seat basis.”

The new private boxes and club seating combined with a section of seats returned to the lower bowl of the facility will bring seating capacity to 5,000 for hockey games.


... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-25/article-1609343/Centre-200-renovations-proceeding-on-schedule/1)

[Smevo]

Cape Breton Post website is down right now. :(

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/08/05/ns-sydney-cic-jobs.html

C.B. immigration centre to hire 160
New jobs come months after 147 positions eliminated

Last Updated: Thursday, August 5, 2010 | 2:40 PM AT
CBC News

A Citizenship and Immigration Canada centre in Sydney, N.S., is hiring up to 160 new staff five months after it eliminated 147 jobs.

CIC said it has come up with funding for 160 positions at the Sydney Case Processing Centre until March 2011.

It cut the 147 jobs in March when funding ran out. That sparked a demonstration in downtown Sydney.

It was not clear if the new jobs would be offered to the former employees.

Union officials and government critics welcomed the jobs, but said they should be permanent positions.

The Cape Breton centre handles thousands of applications each week for citizenship and permanent resident cards.

... (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/08/05/ns-sydney-cic-jobs.html)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-27/article-1626570/Rescue-excavation-project-attempting-to-secure-three-sites-at-fortress/1

Rescue excavation project attempting to secure three sites at fortress

Published on July 27th, 2010
Nancy King

LOUISBOURG — There’s a rescue mission underway at the Fortress of Louisbourg national historic site.

As erosion continues to claim the coastline, work is underway on a rescue excavation archaeology project at three sites at the fortress.

Archaeologist Rebecca Duggan said Tuesday they are working on an 18th century French powder magazine built in 1756 and a New Englander powder magazine dating back to 1746. They are also looking for a French domestic property called the Carrerot, named for the man who once owned the property.

Excavation started at the beginning of July and will continue for another month.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-07-27/article-1626570/Rescue-excavation-project-attempting-to-secure-three-sites-at-fortress/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-30/article-1638774/Sydney-based-North-Air-expands-plant%2C-increases-workforce-with-help-from-province/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/07/30/photo_1118602_resize_article.jpg
Steve MacInnis - Cape Breton Post

Sydney-based North-Air Window and Door Ltd. has secured a five-year, $253,500 payroll rebate from the province which is expected to add another 20 staff positions. The announcement was made Friday in Sydney. Plant manager Gordon Campbell, left, gave a tou (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-30/article-1638774/Sydney-based-North-Air-expands-plant%2C-increases-workforce-with-help-from-province/1)

Sydney-based North-Air expands plant, increases workforce with help from province

Published on July 30th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post



SYDNEY — A Sydney-based company is ready to secure its place in the competitive market of windows and doors, thanks to a recent plant expansion and the securing of a five-year payroll rebate of up to $253,500.

As a result, North-Air Window and Door Ltd. is expected to hire an additional 20 workers to its current staff of 25.

“These events are going to make us much more efficient and right now it’s all about optimizing and computerizing,” said company president Alan Stewart.

The payroll rebate was announced Friday by Premier Darrell Dexter who was joined by Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris and Nova Scotia Business Inc. CEO Stephen Lund, who all toured the Keltic Drive plant to see first-hand just how the products are made.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-30/article-1638774/Sydney-based-North-Air-expands-plant%2C-increases-workforce-with-help-from-province/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-30/article-1638775/CBCNS-request-to-continue-subsidy-now-under-review/1

CBCNS request to continue subsidy now under review

Published on July 30th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post



SYDNEY — A request by the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway to continue its provincial subsidy is currently under review by bureaucrats before being submitted to the provincial cabinet.

Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris said Friday in Sydney he remains optimistic the item could be on cabinet’s agenda within the next few weeks. Cabinet meets once a week.

Talks between the province and Rail America, the parent company for rail service, have been ongoing for months. The subsidy, which has provided the railway with $10 million over five years, expired March 31.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-30/article-1638775/CBCNS-request-to-continue-subsidy-now-under-review/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-30/article-1638778/Province-helping-Polysteel-Atlantic-with-payroll-rebate/1

Province helping Polysteel Atlantic with payroll rebate

Published on July 30th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — The province’s private-sector-led business development agency will provide a five-year payroll rebate to Sydney-based manufacturer Polysteel Atlantic Ltd.

In an announcement Friday, Nova Scotia Business Inc. will give the company a maximum of $332,288 to meet its job creation targets.

The company plans to create up to 20 new jobs over the next five years.

Polysteel Atlantic manufactures high tensile strength three-strand synthetic rope products which are sold around the world.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-07-30/article-1638778/Province-helping-Polysteel-Atlantic-with-payroll-rebate/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-03/article-1649849/Sydney-harbour-dredging-project-still-under-consideration/1

Sydney harbour dredging project still under consideration

Published on August 3rd, 2010
Chris Hayes


SYDNEY — Federal government officials are still considering a request for $19 million to help cover the cost of dredging Sydney harbour, according to the Nova Scotia government’s current point man on the proposed project.

Jamie MacNeil, an aide to Premier Darrell Dexter, said Tuesday he has been speaking to senior staff members mainly in the office of National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield, who is also the minister for ACOA and the Atlantic Gateway. Officials in the office of Defence Minister Peter MacKay, who is also the minister responsible for Nova Scotia, would also be involved in considerations of the dredging project, MacNeil said.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-03/article-1649849/Sydney-harbour-dredging-project-still-under-consideration/1)

The federal government has already said it has not budgeted for the $19-million request for funding so that consideration of where any funding would come from is a major factor, he said.

Spokespersons for both Ashfield and MacKay were noncommittal Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Ashfield said meetings with an all-party delegation in June were productive.

The federal government will continue to work with the province’s representatives and any stakeholders involved in the proposal, a statement released by the spokesperson said, adding the dredging of Sydney harbour is a costly undertaking that will require the involvement of all levels of government and the private sector.

A spokesperson for MacKay made similar comments Tuesday.

MacNeil noted that the Nova Scotia government which is also undergoing a belt-tightening process has agreed to provide $15.2 million for the dredging proposal although that money wasn’t set aside in the provincial budget.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-03/article-1649849/Sydney-harbour-dredging-project-still-under-consideration/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-03/article-1649834/New-retail-outlet-on-Sydney-Port-Access-Road-expected-to-open-mid-November/1

New retail outlet on Sydney Port Access Road expected to open mid-November

Published on August 3rd, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — A new retail outlet boasting some 12 stores could be opened in Sydney by mid-November.

Luc Corneli, president of High Peak Group of Companies, announced Tuesday that the 24,000 square-foot strip mall, Grand Lake Crossings, will open its doors sooner than expected.

Located at the corner of Grand Lake Road and Sydney Port Access Road, this new development will house up to 12 retailers and with construction already underway the location is now expected to open by November.

“Most of the new tenants currently do not have an outlet in Sydney. We’re pleased to announce that the plaza will host a variety of retailers, including a 4,000 square-foot The Children’s Place; Sally Beauty Supply, the world’s largest retailer of professional beauty supplies along with a 2,100 square-foot GlobalPets store. A few units are still available in this location and we are currently under negotiations with several other national and regional retailers,” said Corneli.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-03/article-1649834/New-retail-outlet-on-Sydney-Port-Access-Road-expected-to-open-mid-November/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-03/article-1649605/Protesters-want-company-to-use-union-workers-at-former-mine-site/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/08/03/photo_1124984_resize_article.jpg
James Yetman, right, spokesperson for a group of protesters from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 721, participated in an information picket with about 20 union brothers near the entrance to the Franklyn mine remediation site in Floren (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-03/article-1649605/Protesters-want-company-to-use-union-workers-at-former-mine-site/1)

Protesters want company to use union workers at former mine site


Published on August 3rd, 2010
Chris Shannon


FLORENCE — Protesters angry at a Calgary-based company’s use of non-unionized workers to remediate an old mine site plan to continue pressuring the contractor until it agrees to hire union labourers.

About 10 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers set up an information picket at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday outside the gate at the old Franklyn mine site in Florence.

James Yetman, who spoke on behalf of the union protesters, said the group wasn’t preventing truck traffic from moving entering the mine site.

However, he said that may change if Hazco Environmental Services, the company in charge of this final phase of the remediation project, isn’t willing to work with the unionized workers.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-03/article-1649605/Protesters-want-company-to-use-union-workers-at-former-mine-site/1)

[David1gray]

quite a bit going on here.

i believe that CBCNS should be allowed to keep its subsidy to remain operating the CB half of the line. atleast renew it for 2-3 years. what i think the provincial government is waiting for to make its decision on the line is if the federal government fund the dredging of sydney harbour. if sydport where to go ahead, the line would see considerable increase in traffic. just my thoughts

[Smevo]

^Yeah, it was mentioned in an earlier news story (that I think I posted) that the rail line has already seen an increase in traffic without any major Sydport/Donkin/large tenant at Harbourside development, just not to profitable levels yet. Given the rumoured developments waiting on the dredging project, I think it would be only logical to continue the subsidy for at least a couple of years until we know whether the dredging will go ahead or not and what effect that announcement will have on development, and whether the traffic continues to increase on the line regardless of the dredging project.

[Smevo]

I agree whole-heartedly with Dexter on this one, but in the meantime with the development rumours circulating around the harbour, the subsidies do have to continue in the short term, or Rail American needs to decide to keep the line open without the subsidy, but I doubt the latter would happen.
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-06/article-1658992/Premier-wants-railway-to-end-dependence-on-subsidies/1

Premier wants railway to end dependence on subsidies

Published on August 6th, 2010
The Canadian Press

HALIFAX (CP) — Nova Scotia’s premier wants the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway to find a way to end its dependency on subsidies from the heavily indebted province.

Darrell Dexter’s government is in talks with Rail America Inc. about providing additional cash to keep the service running to Cape Breton.

The U.S.-owned railway had a five-year, $10-million deal with the previous Conservative government, which expired on March 31.

The government has already stated if there is another deal it will be for less money and for a shorter time period.

The premier said discussions are going well, but if another subsidy is given the railway must find a way to eventually get taxpayers out of the rail business.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-06/article-1658992/Premier-wants-railway-to-end-dependence-on-subsidies/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-08/article-1662447/Fate-of-Holy-Angels-High-School-still-unclear/1

Fate of Holy Angels High School still unclear
Board hoping province will buy building so it can remain all-girls high school

Published on August 8th, 2010
Chris Shannon




SYDNEY — The status of Holy Angels High School remains unclear following the upcoming 2010-11 school year.

The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board will meet in late August — a month earlier than normal — to deal with early hires and other housekeeping issues, before discussing the future of the only all-girls public high school east of Montreal.

The fate of Holy Angels has been a question mark since the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame announced plans to close their downtown Sydney convent in the summer of 2011.

The high school is in a building attached to the convent and is also owned by the sisters, who rent it out to be used as a school.

The congregation has said in a letter to the school board that the plan is to sell the property.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-08/article-1662447/Fate-of-Holy-Angels-High-School-still-unclear/1)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-09/article-1664131/New-businesses-in-industrial-park-creating-hope-for-brighter-future/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/08/09/photo_1130989_resize_article.jpg
Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

CBRM public works operator Brian Drake begins work for the water and sewer line that will go to the building that will house Sketchline Design in the Northside Business Park. (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-09/article-1664131/New-businesses-in-industrial-park-creating-hope-for-brighter-future/1)

New businesses in industrial park creating hope for brighter future


Published on August 9th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

NORTH SYDNEY — Bill Capstick says he’ll be glad once he’s able to move his business to the spacious Northside Business Park.

He said the business park, which lost several industrial companies over the last two years, is an ideal location for his graphic design and printing company, Sketchline Design Ltd., which caters mostly to commercial clients with trucks and other large vehicles.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-09/article-1664131/New-businesses-in-industrial-park-creating-hope-for-brighter-future/1)

At the new location on Memorial Drive, Capstick’s business will neighbour another newcomer to the park, North Sydney Recycling.

North Sydney Coun. Gordon MacLeod said the outlook for the Northside Business Park was bleak in 2009 following the closure of the Keata Pharma pharmaceutical manufacturing plant.

But with two new small businesses taking up residence, there is optimism the business park could see better days ahead, he said.

The change in the park’s fortunes have to do with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s decision to change the zoning bylaw in 2007, allowing the park to open up to an expanded list of uses and eliminate a ban on business developments setting up shop along Memorial Drive.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-09/article-1664131/New-businesses-in-industrial-park-creating-hope-for-brighter-future/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-08-09/article-1664129/Garden-club-spearheads-effort-to-bring-serenity-garden-to-hospital-grounds/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/08/09/photo_1130986_resize_article.jpg
Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

From left, Sarah Cartwright with the Northside Hospital Foundation, North Sydney Garden Club member Dona Benac, Earl MacPherson of Earl’s Greenhouses and garden club members June Robertson and Patsy MacKenzie admire the newly completed serenity garden o (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-08-09/article-1664129/Garden-club-spearheads-effort-to-bring-serenity-garden-to-hospital-grounds/1)

Garden club spearheads effort to bring serenity garden to hospital grounds


Published on August 9th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

NORTH SYDNEY — Patients, families and visitors to the Northside General Hospital can now enjoy the serenity garden at the northeast corner of the hospital, overlooking the harbour.

The project was a partnership between the North Sydney Garden Club, Democracy 250 and the Northside General Hospital Foundation, with the support of a number of local businesses.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-08-09/article-1664129/Garden-club-spearheads-effort-to-bring-serenity-garden-to-hospital-grounds/1)

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-11/article-1666968/Not-ready-to-part-company/1

http://www.capebretonpost.com/media/photos/unis/2010/08/11/photo_1132386_resize_article.jpg
A man cycles past a long row of company houses along Victoria Road between Whitney Pier and Sydney on Wednesday. Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-11/article-1666968/Not-ready-to-part-company/1)

Not ready to part company
Heritage Canada Foundation lists iconic company house among top 10 endangered places


Published on August 11th, 2010
Nancy King


SYDNEY — The Cape Breton company house is an iconic image of the island’s industrial and cultural heritage that is in danger of being lost, a national heritage group says.

The houses are among the top 10 endangered places compiled annually by the Heritage Canada Foundation. The foundation determines the list based on nominations it receives and news items.

The list was launched about five years ago to raise awareness of historically significant sites that are threatened with demolition, said Carolyn Quinn, the non-profit foundation’s director of communications.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-11/article-1666968/Not-ready-to-part-company/1)

The goal is to help prevent the places from ultimately landing on another list that the foundation also compiles — a list of the worst heritage losses in Canada.

Built by mining and steel companies to house workers between 1850 and 1920, the foundation says the houses form part of the island’s distinctive visual identity. They can be found in communities including Sydney, Glace Bay, Dominion, New Waterford, North Sydney, Donkin, Sydney Mines and Inverness.

The houses don’t have municipal or provincial heritage designation.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-11/article-1666968/Not-ready-to-part-company/1)

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-12/article-1672162/Deadline-extended-on-tenders-for-tar-ponds-surface-cap/1

Deadline extended on tenders for tar ponds surface cap

Published on August 12th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — The deadline for the tender call for the Sydney tar ponds surface cap has been extended.

The tender was originally due to close Aug. 10, but it was extended by a week at the bidders’ request.

The next stop in the $400-million cleanup of the tar ponds and coke ovens will see the creation of a protective cap over treated tar ponds sediment. The project will allow the reclamation of 97 hectares of land for future green space development.

Treatment of the entire pond was due to be completed this month, followed by the construction of a channel to allow brook water and groundwater to flow through the site and into Sydney harbour.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-12/article-1672162/Deadline-extended-on-tenders-for-tar-ponds-surface-cap/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-12/article-1672164/Parent-company-issues-update-on-Donkin-mine-project/1

Parent company issues update on Donkin mine project

Published on August 12th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — Halifax-based Erdene Resource Development Corp. updated its key projects in conjunction with the release of its second quarter financial results, Thursday.

Erdene, which holds a 25 per cent stake in Xstrata Coal’s Donkin mine development, stated the project is undergoing pre-feasibility engineering and marketing studies to gauge the coking coal market. The study is expected to be finalized by the end of the third quarter in September.

Under the revised development plan, the Donkin mine development is projected to produce approximately 2.75 million tonnes per year of washed, export-grade coking coal at full production, pending receipt of all approvals.

Xstrata Coal has begun engineering studies to add a wash plant to the coal handling facility and to prepare pre-feasibility level studies on transporting the coal.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-12/article-1672164/Parent-company-issues-update-on-Donkin-mine-project/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-12/article-1672169/Former-premier-promoting-island-to-German-investors-/1

Former premier promoting island to German investors

Published on August 12th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


PORT HAWKESBURY — Former premier Rodney MacDonald will explain to potential German investors why Cape Breton is the right place to buy real estate during a seminar today.

MacDonald, who resigned his Inverness seat in the legislature last fall following the defeat of his Progressive Conservative government in June 2009, has formed his own consulting business.

He will make the presentation at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre today at 2:30 p.m. on behalf of real estate companies Canadian Pioneer Estates and CANEC Land Developments Inc.’s owner Rolf Bouman.

The presentation will be the final pitch to two separate groups of European investors who have spent the last week touring the province and, in particular, Cape Breton.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2010-08-12/article-1672169/Former-premier-promoting-island-to-German-investors-/1)

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-19/article-1686222/Tourism-numbers-holding-steady/1

Tourism numbers holding steady

Published on August 19th, 2010
Nancy King



SYDNEY — The number of room nights sold in Cape Breton was up seven per cent in June from the same month a year ago, kicking off a season some operators are describing as being about on par with last year.

The provincial government released tourism indicators for June on Thursday. Provincially, there was a four per cent increase in the number of visitors compared to the same time last year. The number of room nights sold in the province in June was up six per cent compared to last year.

Cape Breton’s occupancy rate was up three per cent in June from the same month a year earlier.

While traffic at the Fortress of Louisbourg was up by seven per cent from a year earlier, attendance at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park was listed as being down by 22 per cent. The Alexander Graham Bell site was down by 28 per cent, although the provincial release noted there was a significant increase in traffic to the Bell Museum in 2009 due to Silver Dart centennial celebrations, which had an impact on the percentage change seen this year.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-08-19/article-1686222/Tourism-numbers-holding-steady/1)


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-08-19/article-1686487/Development-group-wants-company-houses-remembered/1

Development group wants company houses remembered

Published on August 19th, 2010
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post

DONKIN — A local community group is making its bid to ensure that the iconic company houses in the area are not forgotten.

Fresh on the heels of a federal report on such structures, members of the Donkin-Port Caledonia Rural Development Association will be putting together a 2011 calendar featuring the homes in their area.

... (http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2010-08-19/article-1686487/Development-group-wants-company-houses-remembered/1)