Rural Atlantic Canadian Development Thread - Page 2

MonctonRad · #21 Posted **Sep 15, 2008, 4:02 AM**

New indoor pool for Sussex NB

SUSSEX - After years of planning, the Fundy Civic Centre indoor pool seems on the verge of becoming reality. A campaign to raise part of the $6 million construction cost will be launched Sept. 30, after planners secured about $3.5 million in federal-provincial-municipal funding and land was donated by Bethany Bible College.

The hoped-for completion date for the centre is late 2009.

-- The King's County Record

MonctonRad · #22 Posted **Sep 26, 2008, 8:39 PM**

New bridge to clear path for completion of N.B. tourist attraction
The Canadian Press

ST. MARTINS, N.B. - For now it's a bridge to nowhere, but New Brunswick officials say a new span near the Bay of Fundy coast clears the last hurdle toward completion of a massive tourism project that has been more than two decades in the making.
The bridge over Big Salmon River officially opens Saturday, launching the second phase of the Fundy Trail Parkway - a road and trail system that winds its way along the scenic Bay of Fundy coastline.

The $11-million bridge allows for work to begin on the remaining roadway to link St. Martins with Fundy National Park and the Hopewell Rocks.

Tourism and Parks Minister Stuart Jamieson says completing the huge project is like trying to eat an elephant, one bite at a time.

The current 11 kilometres of Fundy Trail attracts visitors from around the world, and Jamieson says he expects the number of tourists will increase dramatically once the parkway is completed in another five or six years.

The trail is expected to generate about $25 million in tourism revenue annually once it's completed.

theshark · #23 Posted **Oct 2, 2008, 2:14 PM**

Passenger traffic continues to be on the upswing at the Bathurst Regional Airport, according to figures presented at last week's annual meeting of the local airport commission.

"To meet the growing demand, we have been operating flights with aircraft that carry 50 passengers instead of the usual 37," he said, speaking at the meeting that was held Thursday at the Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club.

The airport commission wants to continue to increase its terminal traffic, as well as the airport's profitability, according to executive director Jennifer Henry.

"Our short-term goal is to increase the number of daily flights to three by the year 2009," she said in her annual report. "We have also developed a marketing plan that concentrates on the support of larger regional-based organizations, both private and paragovernmental."

The airport presently offers two daily flights to and from Montreal via Air Canada Jazz.

Efforts to improve the airport have included modernizing the terminal, via the "installation of surveillance cameras inside and outside the facilities for a security system upgrade," said Ms. Henry.

"We have renovated the public washrooms, and work is under way to improve and expand the departure lounge and interial space at the terminal," she said. "We are also looking at improving the parking space in the near future."

Meanwhile, after all the numbers were crunched, the airport commission finished 2007 with a surplus of $204,072, despite the fact they receive no financial support from the government.

Mr. Losier said that money is earmarked for the reserve fund, which is going towards the effort to build a new airport. This amount will bring the fund up to $400,000 with the goal being to reach a total of $2 million.

By Greg Mulock
The Northern Light

theshark · #24 Posted **Oct 2, 2008, 2:18 PM**

Green technologies company in midst of expansion in Belledune

Expansion by the Atcon Group into Belledune is still in it's initial stages.

Envirem Technologies, a waste recycling company which is part of the Atcon group, has had a small-scale operation based out of Belledune since 1994. The company indicated to The Northern Light earlier this summer that it is entering into considerable expansion in the near future in Belledune.

Bob Kiely, general manager of Envirem, said things have been moving slowly and the group has not added any infrastructure or workforce to this point.

"We've been pretty busy with some issues but nothing to really update on at this time," he said.

Envirem is an export-based environmental manufacturing company that specializes in green technologies. It has eight facilities in Atlantic Canada including a headquarters in Miramichi. They manufacture, market and export various organic products including: composts, organic soils, bark mulches, growing medias, potting soils and fertilizers under their trade names of Greenhouse GoldTM Organics and Nutri-WaveTM.

Mr. Kiely noted that Envirem exports a variety of products into the United States and they're increasing shipments by ocean. He said Envirem secured a long term contract with a company called Cemex for exporting aggregate into the markets and that a Panamax vessel with 50,000 tonnes left on July 1 from the Port of Belledune. He said that shipment was the first of many to come from the Port of Belledune, which is a year-round deep sea port.

"We sent the ship out July 1st and another ship tentatively coming in sometime in September. This is kind of year zero so it's kind of a year understanding, getting approvals in place and next year we ramp up to big quantities," said Mr. Kiely.

Mr. Kiely said Envirem's expansion in Belledune requires a larger building to work out of. It just so happens that on July 3, Bennett Environmental Inc. announced that it was entering into an agreement to sell it's idle Belledune plant for $2.9 million.

Neither Bennett officials or Mr. Kiely would confirm if Envirem is the buyer.

As for additional workforce, Mr. Kiely said that may come in early 2009.

"We're going to hire crews over the winter time from the local area and most of the crew next year will be local guys. So we're busy on that front and on the offices and trying to get a location for some of that stuff, it's just been at a standstill."

Mr. Kiely said Envirem in Belledune will be an eight month a year operation with a five-year ramp-up to reach their desired volume peak.

He noted that as many as 100 jobs could be created from the expansion.

By James Mallory
The Northern Light

theshark · #25 Posted **Oct 2, 2008, 2:19 PM**

BATHURST - Le propriétaire du Pizza Delight de Bathurst, Serge D'Astous, a confirmé la semaine dernière que les travaux de construction d'un nouvel édifice pour le restaurant de l'avenue St-Pierre vont commencer en septembre.

«Je suis confiant, nous sommes établis à Bathurst depuis 1981 et nous avons bâti une clientèle», explique M. D'Astous.

Le nouvel édifice va être construit à l'arrière de l'actuel et occupera un espace d'environ 4700 pieds carrés, soit 1500 de plus que le présent restaurant.

Les portes devraient ouvrir vers Noël.

Jminforme.ca
nouvelles@jminforme.ca

theshark · #26 Posted **Oct 2, 2008, 2:26 PM**

EDMUNDSTON - Une filiale de Bell Aliant basée à Saint-Jean, Innovatia, est à la recherche de 30 rédacteurs techniques pour rédiger des documents d'instruction dans un nouveau bureau qui sera ouvert à Edmundston. Les dirigeants de l'entreprise rencontreront les personnes intéressées par ce genre de travail, aujourd'hui, lors de deux séances publiques d'information tenues au Palais des congrès. La directrice générale adjointe d'Entreprise Madawaska, Isabelle Laplante, a dit que la rencontre d'aujourd'hui n'est pas juste une occasion de tâter le pouls afin de savoir si la compagnie sera en mesure d'identifier du personnel pour les emplois offerts. "L'entreprise a l'intention de s'établir à Edmundston", a-t-elle indiqué. Une campagne médiatique, autant dans les journaux locaux qu'à la radio, a aussi été lancée avec l'annonce de la venue de cette entreprise à Edmundston. Les postes offerts sont uniquement en anglais. Dans ces annonces, Innovatia dit offrir à ses clients des solutions en matière de documentation technique, d'apprentissage électronique, de soutien technique, de vérification de l'information et de consultation. L'entreprise regroupe plus de 150 rédacteurs techniques au Canada, aux États-Unis et en Inde. - GD

PostModernPrometheus · #27 Posted **Oct 18, 2008, 2:22 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

New bridge to clear path for completion of N.B. tourist attraction
The Canadian Press

ST. MARTINS, N.B. - For now it's a bridge to nowhere, but New Brunswick officials say a new span near the Bay of Fundy coast clears the last hurdle toward completion of a massive tourism project that has been more than two decades in the making.
The bridge over Big Salmon River officially opens Saturday, launching the second phase of the Fundy Trail Parkway - a road and trail system that winds its way along the scenic Bay of Fundy coastline.

The $11-million bridge allows for work to begin on the remaining roadway to link St. Martins with Fundy National Park and the Hopewell Rocks.

Tourism and Parks Minister Stuart Jamieson says completing the huge project is like trying to eat an elephant, one bite at a time.

The current 11 kilometres of Fundy Trail attracts visitors from around the world, and Jamieson says he expects the number of tourists will increase dramatically once the parkway is completed in another five or six years.

The trail is expected to generate about $25 million in tourism revenue annually once it's completed.

Holy crap...I hadn't heard anything about this...quite a substantial $$ investment....thanks for the link...anyone have any photos?????

Dmajackson · #28 Posted **Oct 18, 2008, 9:26 PM**

I've also posted this in the Halifax Local page:

Quote:

Route 333 bike lanes nearing completion
DEVIN STEVENS, METRO HALIFAX
October 17, 2008 05:00

New bike lanes covering stretches of Route 333 between Beechville and Tantallon are nearing completion.

Construction has been underway since the summer on the busy roadway, where the installation of bike lanes covering a distance of 16 kilometres is being done to accommodate the growing number of cyclists.

The new lanes are expected to be fully complete by this fall and will cost the government about
$1 million, or $65,000 per kilometre.

Cathy Guest, co-owner of Freewheeling Adventures near Hubbards, is excited to hear of the new bike lanes. Freewheeling Adventures offers bike rentals and organizes road tours to cycle enthusiasts. Those tours used to include parts of Route 333, but were stopped because of the danger cyclists faced with the increasing amounts of traffic on the stretch of road.

“It’s pretty sweet there is a bike path,” Guest said. “Seeing bike paths in Halifax, and seeing them on Route 333, I feel there is a wave of action coming favouring cyclists.

“It’s very helpful for many people.”

Route 333 was chosen for the new bike lanes because of its ability to connect with HRM bike lanes on St. Margarets Bay Road. The government is using a modified chip seal and recycled asphalt for the lane surface, which costs $60,000 less per kilometre than traditional asphalt lanes.

This section of road is one of two in the province installing new lanes for cyclists. About 60 kilometres of road on the Cabot Trail is also scheduled for widening, with work currently taking place between St. Ann’s and Cape Smokey. Those bike lanes should be complete later this fall also.

If both projects prove successful, the province plans to continue making bike-friendly improvements until both stretches of road are complete.

For anyone who might not know both roads are popular tourist roads. Mind you I dont think many people bike on the 333.

Dmajackson · #29 Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 7:21 PM**

Quote:

N.S. container terminal gets environmental OK

By The Canadian Press
Thu. Oct 23 - 2:44 PM
PORT HAWKESBURY — A proposal to build a $300-million container terminal along Nova Scotia's Strait of Canso has received federal and provincial environmental approvals.

Melford International Terminal Inc. announced the approvals today, saying it clears the way to continue developing the terminal and rail facility.

The company is now able to formally purchase the land at the site, secure a building permit and finalize rail agreements.

A news release from the company says ``while the current state of upheaval in world financial markets has created uncertainty, it has not changed the viability of the project.''

The company is proposing to develop a 126 -hectare terminal and an adjacent logistics park at the town of Melford.

The firm is billing the facility as the ``closest mainland port'' to Europe, Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

This is the container port in the Strait of Canso metioned frequently lately.

Its nice to see it being one step closer.

mylesmalley · #30 Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 7:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bedford_DJ

This is the container port in the Strait of Canso metioned frequently lately.

Its nice to see it being one step closer.

I'm not really sure I understand why they want to build this where they do. Is it supposed to service industry in Cape Breton? Because if it isn't, wouldn't it be a lot cheaper to just continue down to halifax, which already has container facilities and rail links to the rest of the country?

kwajo · #31 Posted **Oct 23, 2008, 9:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mylesmalley

I'm not really sure I understand why they want to build this where they do. Is it supposed to service industry in Cape Breton? Because if it isn't, wouldn't it be a lot cheaper to just continue down to halifax, which already has container facilities and rail links to the rest of the country?

I agree, especially when existing ports like Saint John and Sydney are badly in need of wharf upgrades. Instead of building whole new shipping centres, we should be strengthening the ones we already have, and which already have all the proper customs & navigation infrastructure in place. Three hundred million could go a long, long way toward modernizing all of these existing maritime ports.

Dmajackson · #32 Posted **Oct 29, 2008, 7:22 PM**

From the Herald today:

Quote:

New golf club on course to open next summer

By TOM PETERS Business Reporter
Wed. Oct 29 - 4:46 AM
A new upscale golf course at Ben Eoin near Sydney, scheduled to open next summer, is expected to boost the local economy and attract golfers.

It is also a place where people may want to invest money.

The Lakes Golf Club is scheduled to open for play Aug. 1.

Construction of the $5.5-million course, being built on both sides of Ski Ben Eoin, began in June 2007 and by mid-October of this year all but two holes had been fully shaped and seeded, with significant growth on the majority of greens and fairways.

The course has been designed by Canadian architect Graham Cooke and is being touted as championship calibre.

The club raised $3.6 million through a share offering and has opened the share offering again and is looking to raise $600,000 to $1.2 million. An information session will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Ski Ben Eoin chalet for anyone seeking further investment information.

The entire project is expected to cost about $8.8 million.

The new course, which will further enhance Cape Breton as a golf and vacation destination, has the potential to create 38 jobs.

Two jobs will be full time and 36 positions will be part time but will have the opportunity to be full-time employment because of the golf club’s close working association with the ski area.

There has been some concern the present financial crunch will have an impact on golf club revenues when it opens, but the club isn’t pinning all its hope on golf tourism.

Club spokesman Sandy Macneill said Tuesday the venture is looking at four main sources of revenue — shareholders, annual members, local green-fee players and visiting green-fee players.

The state of the economy may affect visiting green-fee players, but to what extent it is too early to say.

A great deal of work is going on behind the scenes to ensure the course is marketed and promoted at home and for tourists.

"With the pending construction of two more world-class courses around Cape Breton, we anticipate the Lakes playing a major role in making this island an even more attractive golf destination than it already is," Glen Brann, president of the Lakes, said in a news release.

"We’ve already had several calls from people looking to book tee times for vacations."

Two other courses expected to be built in Cape Breton are Cabot Links in Inverness and a Nick Faldo-designed course in Louisbourg, part of a golf course/housing development.

When those two courses will be completed is uncertain.

Dmajackson · #33 Posted **Nov 6, 2008, 2:33 PM**

From the Herald today:

Quote:

Shubenacadie development breaks ground

By MARY ELLEN MacINTYRE Truro Bureau
Thu. Nov 6 - 4:47 AM
SHUBENACADIE — If a major residential development goes ahead as planned, this rural area could become Halifax’s newest bedroom community.

The development has the potential to more than double the number of homes in Shubenacadie within 15 years.

"I’ve lived here for years and I travel to Halifax for work," said developer Bruce Collins, who is also manager of the Nova Scotia Construction Association.

"With the double highway straight into Burnside, I get there quicker than I did when I actually lived in Halifax."

Ground has been broken on the three-phase project known as Heights at Shubenacadie. Partnering with Mr. Collins are Agate Development Ltd. and Summit Rock Developments.

Aside from the quick commute, Mr. Collins figures what attracted him to the area will have the same impact on others.

"People are looking to bring their families up in an area that is more peaceful, safer, with the clean air of the country."

Views of the meandering Shubenacadie River and farmers’ fields are enticing to those weary of cityscapes, he said. "It’s a 394-acre property and we’re offering 500 equivalent lots."

The group of developers first considered offering big lots for sale because the costs associated with development are huge.

"You need millions of dollars in up-front money and you need all sorts of approvals from government," he said.

The development includes three components: single-family homes, an apartment complex for active seniors and residences for retired people over 55 who want to downsize. There are also plans for an acute care facility.

There will also be a small commercial area, walking paths, a conservation area developed with Ducks Unlimited and a large play area for children.

Mr. Collins said he expects many seniors who have lived in Shubenacadie and surrounding areas all their lives will welcome an option like Heights at Shubenacadie.

"We’re developing 80 lots in the first phase and so far they’ve been selling very well to developers," he said.

Development's website: Shubenacadie Heights

Dmajackson · #34 Posted **Nov 13, 2008, 9:25 PM**

Quote:

Tidal energy project delayed
Delay caused by powerful Fundy currents that destroyed expensive equipment
By JUDY MYRDEN Business Reporter
Thu. Nov 13 - 11:26 AM

NOVA SCOTIA’S $59-million effort to generate electricity from the Bay of Fundy tides has fallen behind schedule and will miss its targeted startup in the spring, The Chronicle Herald has learned.

When the project was announced at a packed Parrsboro Community Centre last January, it was heralded as a dramatic step forward in the province’s drive to find renewable energy sources.

But the project has been buffeted by the same turbulent tides that engineers, environmentalists and politicians hope to harness with three underwater turbines.

Sources confirm that the powerful Bay of Fundy currents destroyed expensive tidal monitoring equipment this past summer.

As a result, determining a demonstration site has taken longer than anticipated and the cost is approaching $1 million, says John Woods of Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. of Hantsport.

"We weren’t surprised that we got the surprises," said Mr. Woods, a veteran of the energy industry. "It’s the Bay of Fundy — it’s the best site in the world."

Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. is among three groups of companies involved in the pilot project to test tidal power technologies in the Bay of Fundy. Minas Basin has teamed up with UEK Hydrokinetic of Maryland, while the other successful bidders were Clean Current of British Columbia, and Nova Scotia Power, which has joined forces with Ireland’s OpenHydro.

The group led by OpenHydro and Nova Scotia Power has clammed up about its project, declining to return several calls from this newspaper.

Nova Scotia government officials have also gone to ground.

Glen Darou, president and CEO of Clean Current, did agree to speak about his project, admitting it is behind schedule.

"We’ve pretty well missed the original date of the fall of 2009," he said in a phone interview from Vancouver.

Mr. Darou was emphatic that his company is actively pursuing the Minas project, noting environmental approvals are being sought and engineering work is underway for the installation of his Mark III turbine at the test location.

"The potential of the Bay of Fundy is a 300-megawatt farm, assuming environmental and economic concerns are satisfied," he said.

Clean Current, however, has its own shoals to navigate.

Each of the three test turbine projects is expected to cost $10 million to $15 million.

Clean Current got one-third of its stake from the federal government and is still looking for other backers.

Mr. Woods,

meanwhile, said the Minas Basin group is plowing ahead despite the challenges. The group has chosen the Minas Passage area of the Minas Channel west of Parrsboro as the best spot for the demonstration site.

He said a formal announcement on the site will be made later this month after Minas meets with the other two groups participating in the pilot project.

That will clear the way for his group to apply for environmental permits, Mr. Woods said.

It will also allow Minas Basin to order the specialized heavy cable that will carry electricity to shore. The cable could not be ordered until it was clear how much would be required. It’s expected to cost about $600,000 to buy and install but it will take a year to arrive, pushing the startup date to 2010.

"We want everything to be successful; we describe it as a ‘hurry slowly,’ " said Mr. Woods. "Because we’ve taken so long to get the site, the official opening is now 2010."

With the site selection comes the real test: the competition for the most effective technology.

Mr. Woods was cryptic when asked how his technology is progressing.

"We’re still working with our technology provider," is all he would say.

Mr. Darou of Clean Current said his technology works but a turbine the size of his Mark III has never been connected to an electricity grid. He said it’s the largest and most powerful tidal turbine in the world.

He is optimistic about the huge potential of the Bay of Fundy and the opportunity for setting up a commercial farm of turbines to generate electricity.

Over the past two weeks, the province’s Environment and Energy departments have put off interviews about the status of the tidal project, with a public relations staffer telling The Chronicle Herald: "It’s a big government."

While it is disappointing to see this behind schedule it is an excellent project and i guess something on the scale has to work perfectly and have the kinks worked out.

Dmajackson · #35 Posted **Nov 24, 2008, 9:06 PM**

Heres something intersting. These are long overdue for the highway. You never know what weather your going to get leaving Oxford/Truro. To be completely honest i use the old highway occasionally because of the continuous bad weather on the Pass:

Electronic warning signs coming to toll highway
By TOM McCOAG Amherst Bureau
Mon. Nov 24 - 4:39 PM

OXFORD — Electronic warning signs are being installed at both ends of the Cobequid Pass to prevent another mass stranding of motorists on the toll highway between Thompson Station and Glenholme.

The signs will be able to tell motorists the condition of the pass, Transportation Minister Murray Scott said this afternoon following a meeting with various provincial departments and emergency responders in Oxford on Monday.

The Transportation Department has decided to appoint a permanent co-ordinator to make sure quick decisions concerning the road are made. It is hiring a road safety consultant to examine other ways to make the highway safer, the minister said.

The department is installing CB radios in snow plows that work the highway so truckers and others can be informed about current road conditions and the 511system, which monitors provincial highways and provides information to motorists, is also being upgraded.

The department is working on a plan involving fire, police and other emergency assistance groups to ensure that motorists can be reached if they become stranded in bad weather

kwajo · #36 Posted **Nov 24, 2008, 10:19 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bedford_DJ

Heres something intersting. These are long overdue for the highway. You never know what weather your going to get leaving Oxford/Truro. To be completely honest i use the old highway occasionally because of the continuous bad weather on the Pass:

Electronic warning signs coming to toll highway
By TOM McCOAG Amherst Bureau
Mon. Nov 24 - 4:39 PM

OXFORD — Electronic warning signs are being installed at both ends of the Cobequid Pass to prevent another mass stranding of motorists on the toll highway between Thompson Station and Glenholme.

The signs will be able to tell motorists the condition of the pass, Transportation Minister Murray Scott said this afternoon following a meeting with various provincial departments and emergency responders in Oxford on Monday.

The Transportation Department has decided to appoint a permanent co-ordinator to make sure quick decisions concerning the road are made. It is hiring a road safety consultant to examine other ways to make the highway safer, the minister said.

The department is installing CB radios in snow plows that work the highway so truckers and others can be informed about current road conditions and the 511system, which monitors provincial highways and provides information to motorists, is also being upgraded.

The department is working on a plan involving fire, police and other emergency assistance groups to ensure that motorists can be reached if they become stranded in bad weather

I haven't driven the Wentworth Valley in years, how's it compare to the Pass in travel time these days?

Dmajackson · #37 Posted **Nov 24, 2008, 10:36 PM**

From Truro to Oxford via the Pass its 45 minutes approximately on good days.

Via the Wentworth Valley its slightly longer (probably no longer than an hour).

I use the pass for one of two reasons; one, the pass is snow-covered or its bad weather, and two, I frequently visit friends in Pugwash and using the Valley-307-368-6 is slightly quicker and cheaper (no tolls) than using the Pass-Oxford-301-6

MonctonRad · #38 Posted **Nov 24, 2008, 11:40 PM**

Did I also hear that the NS government was going to look at possibly setting up private rest stops near the toll booths?

If it was something like what they have on the 401 in Ontario, I think it would be an excellent idea. It can be a very lonely drive between Glenholme and Oxford with no services on the road. Rest stops with gas stations and fast food restaurants could come in very handy during emergencies like what happened last Wednesday night.

kirjtc2 · #39 Posted **Nov 25, 2008, 1:53 AM**

The story that I heard was that a rest stop at the Collingwood exit was opened with public money a few years ago, but has recently gone out of business. The province is now looking for investors to re-open it. I was only half paying attention when it was on TV, so I could be wrong.

I recall being stuck in traffic for a couple of hours on the highway between Miramichi and Bathurst a couple of years ago due to an accident. Thankfully there was a truck stop right there...probably the busiest day in that place's history. Ideally there should be one at least every 20-30 km along major highways, but I'm concerned there isn't the market for them around here.

Dmajackson · #40 Posted **Nov 25, 2008, 4:42 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirjtc2

The story that I heard was that a rest stop at the Collingwood exit was opened with public money a few years ago, but has recently gone out of business. The province is now looking for investors to re-open it. I was only half paying attention when it was on TV, so I could be wrong.

I recall being stuck in traffic for a couple of hours on the highway between Miramichi and Bathurst a couple of years ago due to an accident. Thankfully there was a truck stop right there...probably the busiest day in that place's history. Ideally there should be one at least every 20-30 km along major highways, but I'm concerned there isn't the market for them around here.

There was a truck stop (Shell i believe) with a big restaurant at Exit 7 near my aunt's house. They had some good food. I believe the story was that the restaurant encountered financial problems and had to shut down which caused the entire station to go under. If they were still open they could of fed many people stuck on the highway and well the nearby town of Oxford has some good food as well. It was nice place for the short while it was open. Everytime my family would go up we'd get some of the extended family together and have a big breakfast together before heading back to Halifax.

I don't know how it went under though, it seemed busy everytime i was there. And there were always trucks around...