Official Sydney and Area Projects Thread

[Smevo]

Here's the (very few) pictures I managed to get while on vacation. We're supposed to be going back in June, so hopefully I can get more updates, including the additions to CBU and Marconi. Just want to note that the snow on the ground was the first snowfall to actually stay on the ground this winter, and these pictures were taken January 19th.

Hampton Inn (Membertou Hotel)




YMCA




Two days earlier, my wife and I went looking at some land. We're starting to plan our return to the Maritimes, though there's no firm plans yet. She took some pictures of the signs to see which lots were taken, which coincidentally lets me update the progress of the new subdivisions here.
Hampton Estates
This sign is Phase 2 only (only 6 lots left, and phase 2 just opened up in 2008 iirc).


Mariner Estates
First phase only (11 of 25 sold since summer 2009).


We also noticed another new subdivision in Westmount called Westmount Heights that's literally just starting.

I also want to mention that I have never seen the Sydney area that busy, both in terms of pedestrian traffic downtown and car traffic everywhere. On the section of Hwy 125 that's just starting twinning now, we were down to 50km/hr if we travelled it during the day at all (100km/hr posted speed limit), not just during rush hour, and construction isn't even impeding flow yet, only the abutments for the George St overpass are being done at this point. In fact, after experiencing that between the peaks, I avoided it completely in rush hour. We were there Sunday, Jan 16 to Wednesday, Jan 19, which is not a typical time for people to take vacation to visit family, and is definitely not one of the higher traffic times of the year.

Some other observations:
-The overpass demolition rumour is still floating around (formerly the only connection into Whitney Pier prior to SPAR Rd's opening in 2005).

- Where Garth Wilson Ave meets the E-W road connecting to SPAR Rd, they've made a 4-legged intersection for future growth of the power centre behind the existing Grand Lake Rd businesses and the CBRPS headquarters.

- I was in error when I mentioned the equipment at the George St exit of Hwy 125 was for the roundabout, it's actually beginning construction on the new overpass for the divided highway.

-Mayflower Mall is effectively full. I think there may be two storefront locations available, and unlike previous years, there are no "temporary storefronts" in operation (you know the ones I mean, the stores that show up once or twice a year to take advantage of peak shopping seasons and those that stay there basically as a space filler but never invest on making the store feel permanent).

- Sydney Shopping Centre Reno's are underway. The whole interior mall is closed, and the part they've nearly completed looks suspiciously like Uptown Centre in Fredericton. Zellers, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Sobeys are the only stores still operating during the construction phase.

That's all for now, I hope to get around to more if we get there in June, and to take more pictures, hopefully enough for a photothread. For those that may be wondering if I got any pictures in Fredericton, unfortunately my lack of mobility there prevented me from doing that, and we won't be back there for a while, probably summer 2012.

[-Harlington-]

is there a cape breton projects map kickin around ??

[Smevo]

I had one that was in my signature a while back that Myles was hosting (one of the interactive ones he set up). I never got around to updating it so I took it out of my signature. I might start an updated one if I get some time to do so.

I don't remember the link to the old one either.

[-Harlington-]

yeah i remember seeing the old one but never really got a chance to check it out
oh well,
if you make the new one post er up

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/201...-increase-seniors-housing-on-Northside/1

Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

Atlantic Baptist Seniors Homes Inc. is hoping to build a three-storey apartment complex on what is now the Percy Leyte ball field in North Sydney and have the ball field’s assets moved to the ball field next to Thompson Junior High School.

Proposed project would increase seniors housing on Northside


Published on February 4, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed



NORTH SYDNEY — Atlantic Baptist Senior Citizens Homes Inc., is looking to build a second apartment complex on the corner of High and Peppett streets, on what is now the Percy Leyte ball field.

Atlantic Baptist Senior Citizens’ Homes operates 14 seniors facilities in Atlantic Canada, including Central Court in North Sydney.

A delegation from the not-for-profit organization made a presentation to Cape Breton Regional Council committee of the whole this week, requesting council declare the field surplus to the needs of the regional municipality.

They asked that the assets from the ball field be transferred to the Dave Rose ball field next to Thompson Junior High School.

Phase one of the proposed project would be a three-storey apartment complex containing four one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom units. The project will have the capability of expansion for two future phases with 20 to 30 apartment units in each phase.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...e-tourists-cruised-into-Sydney-in-2010/1

More tourists cruised into Sydney in 2010


Published on February 6, 2011
Nancy King RSS Feed

SYDNEY — Sydney saw an 11 per cent increase in cruise ship passenger traffic in 2010, but a local port official notes the figure would have been even higher if the region hadn’t encountered some bad luck on the weather front.

The figure was among data released by the province for the province’s 2010 tourism season.

Overall, Nova Scotia welcomed 2,123,100 visitors in 2010, an increase of more than 30,000 compared to 2009. There were 69 cruise ship visits to Sydney. Cruise ship passenger visitors to Halifax increased by 16 per cent.

Bernadette MacNeil, manager of cruise marketing and development with the Sydney Ports Corp., noted that throughout the season, eight cruise ships were forced to cancel their scheduled calls to Sydney due to inclement weather.

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[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...mpact-on-harbour-dredging-project-ECBC/1

Federal election will have no impact on harbour dredging project: ECBC


Published on February 7, 2011
Chris Hayes RSS Feed

SYDNEY — A general election in Canada may be imminent if a recent round of heated speculation by political pundits is correct, but it would have no impact on funding for the Sydney harbour dredging project.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper put the final piece of the funding puzzle in place for the dredging project in December when he announced the federal government will commit $19 million to the $38-million project. Nova Scotia committed $15.2 million to the project in June, contingent on Ottawa coming in with its requested contribution, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality is in for $2 million on the same basis and Nova Scotia Power will contribute $1 million.

Federal dollars will be provided through Enterprise Cape Breton Corp.

Spokesman D.A. Landry said in an email reply to the Cape Breton Post, that an election would have no impact on the federal contribution to the dredging project.

“While it is a longstanding practice for federal institutions not to ‘announce’ projects during a federal election, this does not impact ECBC’s normal course of business,” Landry said. “The funding for the dredge is already committed.”

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...would-allow-for-extension-of-boardwalk/1

Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

This building in the foreground, commonly known as the Robin Hood flour warehouse on the Esplanade in Sydney, is being purchased by the CBRM and ECBC to further develop the waterfront surrounding the Sydney Marine Terminal.

CBRM planning to purchase land that would allow for extension of boardwalk




Published on February 7, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed

SYDNEY — The Cape Breton Regional Municipality will partner with Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. to purchase a waterfront property in Sydney that could expand the area where cruise ships dock and allow for the extension of the boardwalk.

The property, owned by Jerry Nickerson, includes a building commonly referred to as the Robin Hood flour warehouse. The warehouse, which is located next to the Sydney Marine Terminal, hasn’t been used for a number of years.

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A segment of the land could be used for economic development purposes, he added.

“ECBC will have the right to buy our share of that remaining land, should they wish to do so, and they’re going to look at trying to market that piece of property, but initially for us, the big thing is giving the port corporation the opportunity to have the land acquired to extend their wharfage and also for us as a municipality to extend the boardwalk,” Ryan said.

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This was the warehouse that the group in the Northend tried to get protected as a heritage building. It was an added piece to the attempt to block Spanish Gates from being developed (which would have gone where the cars are parked in the picture), and while they didn't get heritage protection on the warehouse, they seem to have been able to block Spanish Gates with the viewplanes they lobbied for. It's too bad, because then a private developer would have increased the number of hotel rooms in the downtown core (in addition to the condo) and would have extended the boardwalk to this point as part of the development. Oh well, now the taxpayers have to do it. (I actually like this purchase and the plan involved, I just want to see if the Northend lobby group tries to protect the warehouse from this, though my suspicion is that they won't and this will confirm that they are merely NIMBYs being NIMBYs).

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Sports/201...s-support-Cape-Breton-Memorial-Cup-bid/1

Submitted photo

Marc-Andre Fleury has been selected as one the honorary co-chairs of the 2012 Memorial Cup, provided the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles win the bid.

Pro hockey players support Cape Breton Memorial Cup bid
Selection committee will make its final decision on undetermined date in April


Published on February 8, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed



SYDNEY — Professional hockey players from Cape Breton’s past have pledged their support for the area’s 2012 Memorial Cup bid.

Should that bid to host the Canadian Hockey League championship prove successful, retired National Hockey League player and Port Hood native Al MacInnis and former Cape Breton Screaming Eagle and current Pittsburgh Penguin, Marc-Andre Fleury, will serve as honourary co-chairs of the tournament.

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The honorary chairs were announced as part of the presentation to the Memorial Cup selection committee in town Tuesday to evaluate the region and to gather information to help with their decision.

Also added to the lineup of supporters are former Screaming Eagles players James Sheppard and Ondrej Pavelec, who will serve as honorary co-captains.

Cape Bretoners with significant hockey experience — Mike McPhee, Norm Ferguson, Kevin Morrison, Paul (Jigger) Andrea and Dr. Carl (Bucky) Buchanan — will serve as special ambassadors to the tournament.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...-bid-has-passion%2C-heart%3A-Janneteau/1

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League commissioner Gilles Courteau, left, and Gerald Janneteau, chair of the 2012 Memorial Cup bid selection committee, speak to members of the media on Tuesday. Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

Cape Breton Memorial Cup bid has passion, heart: Janneteau
Final decision on host city expected in April


Published on February 8, 2011
T.J. Colello RSS Feed



SYDNEY — Words like memorable and emotional, passion and heart were used by the chair of the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup selection committee to describe Cape Breton’s bid to host the junior hockey championship.

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Janneteau heads the five-member, independent committee that also included Michel Cote, Vincent Damphousse, Robert Basque and Bernard Valcourt. The delegation was also accompanied by Quebec Major Junior Hockey League commissioner Gilles Courteau.

Cape Breton was the second stop on the evaluation tour, with Halifax already put under the microscope. The committee was scheduled to leave Tuesday night for their next tour stop in Saint John, N.B., where they’ll have today to view those facilities. They’ll then leave for Shawinigan, Que., Thursday afternoon and complete that tour on Friday.

The committee arrived in Sydney on Monday night and was given a tour of the local facilities and shown hockey presentations while being transported around town in a giant bus adorned with the CB2012 logo.

Janneteau wouldn’t go into specifics about certain aspects of the Cape Breton bid and the committee’s impression.

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When asked if the Cape Breton bid had anything to strengthen, Janneteau said he didn’t think so, but wouldn’t divulge that information even if they did.

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Courteau said the Cape Breton committee followed everything according to the Canadian Hockey League bid guidelines.

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The final decision as to who will host the 2012 tournament will be announced at a press conference in Montreal on April 7.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...ECBCs-port-proposal-eclipses-New-Dawns/1

ECBC’s port proposal eclipses New Dawn’s


Published on February 8, 2011
Chris Hayes RSS Feed

SYDNEY — Laurentian Energy Corporation is dealing with opposing bids and different visions for a piece of real estate — a greenfield site — that is a crucial part of a $38-million Sydney port dredging project and of ambitious plans for a new $200-million container terminal.

Greg MacLeod of BCA Investment Co-operative, which is on the Laurentian board, said after seeing bids from federal Crown corporation Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. and New Dawn Enterprises, a not-for-profit community development corporation that is also a member, the board voted 73 per cent in favour of the ECBC proposal. MacLeod said when the board next meets it will probably consider a proposal by New Dawn to get an arbitrator involved in dealing with the issue of whether the board’s decision should be binding or whether it would require 75 per cent support.

A 72 per cent majority is a big enough show of support for ECBC as far as MacLeod is concerned.

Dredging a 7.5-kilometre lane in the harbour’s outer channel of Sydney harbour will allow the largest containers ships to use the port. The plan includes depositing dredged materials in near water lots at the greenfield site to help lay the groundwork for a large container terminal to be located there.

While the Sydney Ports Corporation is the proponent responsible for the dredging project, ECBC and the other funding partners are setting up a project management oversight committee.

If ECBC doesn’t own the greenfield site, it would have to negotiate permission to use it during the dredging project, MacLeod said.

He said he and other board members would like to see ECBC take possession of the greenfield site during a transition period but then hand it off to a proposed transportation corporation. The corporation would include the federal, provincial and municipal governments in a prominent role, as well as the business sector and others like the Sydney Ports Corporation and Cape Breton University.

A corporation reposnsible for the port will have to find investors, and any companies that may be approached would want to be assured they have government approval and collaboration, he said.

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Many of Laurentian’s board members also feel that three local industrial parks — Harbourside Commercial Park, Sydport and the Northside Business Park — should go along with the greenfield site as part of one larger industrial strategy but that was not part of New Dawn’s proposal, said MacLeod.

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MacSween confirmed that he wants to call in an arbitrator. He said for the sale of an asset like the Laurentian greenfield site, a vote of 75 per cent by the board would be required.

He said New Dawn would like to see establishment of a community business company for the greenfield site and to further port development. He would like to see the community come together to decide the future of the port, while at the same time having access to government resources and support.

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New Dawn has also talked about creating a community foundation that would be able to receive royalties paid on container traffic that would be reinvested in the community and in diversifying the economy, he added.

MacSween said he has been puzzled by an aggressive approach taken by ECBC. He said ECBC, for instance, wrote to all of the shareholders of Laurentian indicating that if it doesn’t get ownership of the greenfield site and water leases associated with it, the dredging project would be in jeopardy.

ECBC should be working to enable the community to do more for itself, he argued.

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For 40 years, the community has looked to the federal bureaucracy for leadership, he argued

“That hasn’t worked. It has never worked here, it’s never worked anywhere else. This is the 21st century and it’s time to do things differently. Does that mean there’s no role for ECBC? Of course there is a role for ECBC.”

ECBC spokesman D.A. Landry confirmed that it has made a proposal for the greenfield site but declined further comment.

Laurentian Energy Corporation acquired the Sydport Industrial Park and surrounding real estate including the greenfield site from ECBC in 1999. The final purchase price was $1.25 million. Laurentian Energy Corporation currently owes ECBC approximately $590,000, Landry has said in an earlier email.

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[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...ings-port-proposal-before-CBRM-council/1

New Dawn official brings port proposal before CBRM council

Published on February 15, 2011
Erin Pottie RSS Feed

SYDNEY — New Dawn Enterprises has asked the Cape Breton Regional Municipality council to wield its influence by creating a new governance structure to help shape port development.

New Dawn president Rankin MacSween made a presentation before council at Tuesday’s regular meeting outlining the current situation in acquiring a strategically located greenfield site at Sydport.

In his submission, MacSween asked council to consider establishing a committee to help the non-profit community development corporation in its pursuit of furthering port development and having the greenfield site held by New Dawn for the community.

New Dawn recently competed with Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. in acquiring the greenfield site — which is a crucial part of a $38-million Sydney port dredging project and plans for a new $200-million container terminal.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...l-board-to-negotiate-Holy-Angels-lease/1

Province says it will work with school board to negotiate Holy Angels lease


Published on February 15, 2011
Erin Pottie RSS Feed

SYDNEY — A joint committee struck to investigate options for keeping Holy Angels open is recommending the pursuit of a lease with the school building’s prospective new owner.

The province announced Tuesday it will work with Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board to help negotiate a lease agreement so Holy Angels can remain in its current Sydney location.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...m-builds-construction-industry-leaders/1

Blair MacVicar, left, a lab manager with Stantec Consulting Ltd., shows student Billy Paul of Membertou some different types of soils and sediments taken in a sample as part of an environmental drilling workshop in Membertou, Tuesday. Steve Wadden -...

Program builds construction industry leaders
Aboriginal students being trained in all aspects of civil construction industry


Published on February 15, 2011
Chris Hayes RSS Feed



MEMBERTOU —Aboriginal students in Cape Breton are learning to take leadership roles in the construction industry in a unique program that is a partnership between the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office and industry partners.

Fifteen students in the new construction technical support program got some hands-on experience Tuesday on how to use a drill rig that was supplied by one of the industry partners, Stantec Consulting Ltd., and that would typically be used to collect samples and to assess soil, groundwater and bedrock conditions.

The goal of the program is to put aboriginals into leadership roles and meaningful careers in the construction industry, said Alex Paul, director of the Aboriginal Skills Employment Partnership with the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...growing-over-idle-pharmaceutical-plant/1

Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

The parking lot at Stirling Pharma in the Northside Business Park is empty and the doors are locked.

Concerns growing over idle pharmaceutical plant


Published on February 15, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed

NORTH SYDNEY — Concern is mounting regarding the future of Stirling Pharma Inc. in the Northside Business Park.

When he first heard it was shut down, regional Coun. Gordon MacLeod went to visit the plant.

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Stirling acquired the plant in March 2010 as a result of Keata’s bankruptcy.

Stirling put its successful offer for the former Keata plant through a bankruptcy proceeding and, according to Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., the company is up to date on its monthly payments.

Stirling Pharma’s goal is to manufacture neutraceuticals (a food or food product that provides health and medical benefits) and pharmaceuticals, which are over-the-counter drugs and prescribed medicines that are governed by Heath Canada and have a unique drug identification number.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...h-CBRMs-proposed-development-standards/1

Land developers not happy with CBRM’s proposed development standards


Published on February 16, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed

SYDNEY — Public outcry was heard during a meeting to consider the implementation of Cape Breton Regional Municipality development standards. During a regular council meeting on Tuesday, a public hearing was held to discuss amendments to the CBRM’s municipal planning strategy, land-use bylaw and subdivision bylaw.

As a result, two components of the new development standards were rejected by council, putting them back up for debate and allowing development to proceed under the status quo.

One feature of the new standards is a proposed recreation fee that could amount to five per cent of the total assessed value of subdivision developments.

The money collected would be used for the development or improvement of recreational facilities, parks, pathways or trails that will benefit the entire region.

Members of CBRM council were provided options of lowering the fee, requesting a flat fee, rejecting the fee altogether or deferring the decision pending further research.

For new subdivisions, staff is advocating streets to be conveyed to the CBRM to maintain must be paved, while flag-shaped lots are to be significantly curtailed in areas serviced by the municipality’s sanitary sewer mains by doubling the width of the so-called pole.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...s-funding-for-geothermal-arena-project/1

Defence Minister Peter MacKay wears a Cape Breton Screaming Eagles jersey and baseball cap during an announcement at Centre 200 in Sydney on Wednesday. Chris Shannon – Cape Breton Post

MacKay announces funding for geothermal arena project



Published on February 16, 2011
Chris Shannon RSS Feed

SYDNEY — A Glace Bay community group is getting assistance from the federal government to move forward with its $997,000 energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system pilot project at the Bayplex.

The energy for the system will come from mine water from the community’s former coal mines for heating and cooling purposes, the arena’s general manager Clarence Routledge said during Wednesday’s funding announcement at Centre 200 in Sydney.

“It’s a tremendous, tremendous project,” Routledge said.

“What it will do for the environment, in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is equal to taking 200 vehicles off the road.”

Defence Minister Peter MacKay said the federal government would contribute $272,498 to the project through its local economic development agency Enterprise Cape Breton Corp.

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Membertou was also the recipient of federal investment dollars with $2.3 million to support the First Nation’s hotel construction project that’s currently being built. The money acts as a loan to the joint venture company Charlottetown-based DP Murphy Inc., which is building the Hilton-brand 124-room hotel.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...ponds-wastewater-was-dumped-in-harbour/1

Workers continue the remediation effort at the Sydney tar ponds site Thursday. Provincial environment officials are investigating a claim that a company involved in the cleanup had improperly disposed of wastewater from the site by dumping it into Sydney harbour last year. Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

Environment Department investigating claim tar ponds wastewater was dumped in harbour


Published on February 17, 2011
Chris Shannon RSS Feed

SYDNEY — An industrial cleaning company is under investigation by the Department of Environment following a report of wastewater from the Sydney tar ponds being dumped into the harbour in September.

A former employee of AIC Sullivan’s Environmental Services is alleging at least 34,000 litres of wastewater transferred to the company’s sewage lagoon in Sydport was quickly absorbed into Sydney harbour.

The wastewater was supposed to be sent to a treatment plant at Atlantic Industrial Services in Debert, located outside Truro.

Tim Sullivan, a former vice-president of the company, said he was only made aware of the situation Sept. 21 by a supervisor after the dumping had occurred.

He said he reported the incident to the chief executive officer of Envirosystems, which owns AIC Sullivan’s Environmental, Mike Ryan.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...td.-out-to--promote-bioenergy-industry/1

Atlantic Council for Bioenergy Cooperative Ltd. out to promote bioenergy industry


Published on February 20, 2011
Chris Hayes RSS Feed



EAST BAY — The bioenergy industry in Atlantic Canada has a new voice and it is based in Cape Breton.

Ken Magnus, the East Bay-based executive director, says the new Atlantic Council for Bioenergy Cooperative Ltd. will promote the development of a sustainable bioenergy industry in the region.

Founding members include representatives of Co-op Atlantic, the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural and Biotechnical Sciences at the New Brunswick Community College and Atlantec Bioenergy Corporation, which produces ethanol from energy beets in Milford, N.S.

Magnus says ACBC will represent businesses and entrepreneurs who are already working or plan to get involved in the biofuels, biomass and biogas energy fields. Considering the small number of bioenergy businesses in all of Canada right now, he doesn’t expect the Atlantic Canada organization to include a large number of members.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local.../Wind-turbine-policy-issue-goes-public/1

Wind turbine policy issue goes public
Public meeting to be held in early March


Published on February 20, 2011
Erin Pottie RSS Feed



SYDNEY —A public meeting will be held in early March to consider changes to municipal land-use bylaws used to regulate the construction of wind turbines.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality council passed a motion Tuesday to adopt a public participation program to offer the public a forum to comment on and critique the current regulatory provisions and various alternatives, which were made in a recent CBRM staff issue paper.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2011-...old-neighbourhood-with-money-for-trail/1

Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt takes in one of the heritage panels that will be part of the Whitney Pier Community Heritage Trail. Raitt received a Cape Breton Screaming Eagles jersey as a gift after announcing funding for an active transportation plan that includes the project. Chris Hayes - Cape Breton Post Chris Hayes - Cape Breton Post

Lisa Raitt returns to old neighbourhood with money for trail


Published on February 21, 2011
Chris Hayes RSS Feed



SYDNEY — Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt hit close to home Monday when she announced a $290,000 contribution to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s active transportation plan.

Most of the funding will go toward a heritage trail which will take in a 1.5 km stretch of Raitt’s old neighbourhood.

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Heritage panels along the walking and cycling trail will tell the history of Whitney Pier neighbourhood and of the former Sydney Steel plant which attracted job-seeking immigrants.

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The plan was later taken on as a signature project of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s active transportation plan which encourages activities like walking and cycling. The $728,250 second phase of the plan also includes planning for the Grand Lake Road multi-use trail and additional walking and cycling paths which will also receive some of the funding announced Monday.

Mayor John Morgan who also spoke at the event said the rest of the funding for the second phase has already been contributed by the regional and provincial governments.

He expected the Whitney Pier Community Heritage Trail to be finished in the spring.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local.../New-Dawn-president-bypassing-ECBC-CEO/1

New Dawn president bypassing ECBC CEO


Published on February 21, 2011
Chris Hayes RSS Feed

SYDNEY — A Cape Breton community economic development group is going over the head of the CEO of Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. by asking for a meeting with the board of directors to discuss the future of the port of Sydney.

Rankin MacSween, president of New Dawn Enterprises Ltd., says he has written to Paul LeBlanc, the chairperson of the board of ECBC, and to the directors to express frustration at not being able to engage the CEO of ECBC in discussions.

MacSween wrote the letter Thursday after a request to ECBC CEO John Lynn for a meeting earlier that day was unsuccessful. The letter to LeBlanc follows failed efforts by New Dawn over several months to secure a meeting with Lynn, MacSween says.

When contacted by the Cape Breton Post last week, Lynn declined to comment on New Dawn’s request for that Thursday meeting but did say he would be travelling.

New Dawn and ECBC have put forward opposing bids and different visions to the board of Laurentian Energy Corp. for a piece of real estate — a greenfield site — that is a crucial part of a $38-million Sydney port dredging project and of ambitious plans for a new $200-million container terminal. The Laurentian board voted 73 per cent in favour of the ECBC proposal but will be using the services of an arbitrator to decide if that vote is binding.

MacSween said Monday that New Dawn wants to establish a community business entity that would take control over the greenfield site and by extension play a leading role in the future of the port.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...-secure-loan--for-undersea-power-cable/1

Lobbying efforts heating up to secure loan for undersea power cable


Published on February 22, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed

SYDNEY — Lobbying efforts have been ratcheted up in order to secure a $375-million loan guarantee from the federal government to develop the Lower Churchill Falls hydroelectric project, says a Cape Breton Liberal MP who is predicting an economic boost to the island as a result.

Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking said it’s important to secure the loan for the $6.2-billion project early on in the Commons sitting to avoid the issue becoming “too political” as speculation of a federal election this spring continues to simmer.

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Both Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador made a joint request last June asking for the $375 million in federal funding to build the undersea power cable.

The undersea cable would likely come ashore in the Lingan area near the Nova Scotia Power generating station, Eyking said.

Quebec has opposed federal subsidies for the construction of transmission lines, including an underwater cable, for the joint Newfoundland-Nova Scotia hydro project, on the grounds federal help could distort the price and market for electricity.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest warned Ottawa any financial involvement in the construction of the transportation line would violate international trade agreements.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...rt%26rsquo%3Bs-future%2C-says-ECBC-CEO/1

Transportation corp. keys to port’s future, says ECBC CEO


Published on February 24, 2011
Chris Hayes RSS Feed

SYDNEY — CEO John Lynn gave his take on Enterprise Cape Breton Corp.’s role in the future of the port of Sydney, Thursday during a far-reaching interview with the Cape Breton Post.

Lynn said a key to the port’s future will be a proposed transportation corporation that will be created to regulate, commercialize and market the port. The corporation will be able to talk for the port in a way that none of the individual players now can, from the Sydney Ports Corp. to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, he said.

ECBC has given its views to the officials guiding the development of the proposed new transportation committee but will not in the driver’s seat, he said.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...ouraged-to-invest-in-New-Dawn-Holdings/1

Cape Bretoners encouraged to invest in New Dawn Holdings


Published on February 24, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed

SYDNEY — New Dawn Holdings is encouraging Cape Bretoners to invest their money close to home.

The organization issued a news release noting that while Cape Breton residents spend millions on investment contributions, less than two per cent of that money remains on the island. Instead, it goes to other regions where it creates wealth, prosperity and employment.

The province of Nova Scotia provides the means for people to invest in their own community through the community economic development investment fund (CEDIF). New Dawn Holdings CEDIF enables Cape Breton investors to participate in the rebuilding of the community with their own investment dollars. All money invested in New Dawn Holdings is then invested its companies to create, support and sustain present and future economic gain in Cape Breton.

Investing in CEDIFs makes someone eligible for a 35 per cent non-refundable provincial income tax credit. With an investment of $10,000, someone would be eligible to receive a $3,500 provincial tax credit. CEDIF contributions are also RRSP eligible.

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I won't comment on specific companies, but I do encourage those able to invest in CEDIFs.

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What former governments didn't realize, the problem with a call centre economy is...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...-call-centre-to-lay-off-175-employees-/1

Hewlett-Packard call centre to lay off 175 employees

Published on February 25, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed

SYDNEY — The Hewlett-Packard call centre on Welton Street is laying off about 175 employees.

It was first reported last week that the staff cuts are a result of the company securing fewer corporate contracts.

In a brief statement by email Friday, HP Canada’s media analyst relations manager Sandra Benjamin said the company “is hoping to move employees onto other accounts where possible.”

It’s been reported the cuts will begin in March.


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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...duces-public-to-26-potential-employers/1

Chris Shannon - Cape Breton Post

Membertou resident Jeff Ward speaks with Joanna Muise of the Canadian Red Cross at a job fair hosted by EnCana Native Council Opportunities Fund at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, Monday.

Membertou career fair introduces public to 26 potential employers


Published on February 28, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed



MEMBERTOU — A career fair organized by the EnCana Native Council Opportunities Fund provided employers in both the public and private sectors a chance to potentially recruit new employees.

The target group was the aboriginal population, but people of all cultures were invited to meet informally with 26 employers including Nova Scotia Power Inc., the Nova Scotia Community College, the Canadian Forces and the Canadian Red Cross, said Andrea Burlica, community promotions officer with the native council.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/201...ney-should-be-ready-for-spring-opening/1

Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

Once spring arrives, landscaping will begin in ernest at My Cape Breton Home for Seniors located at the top of Campbell Street Ext., in North Sydney.

Seniors home in North Sydney should be ready for spring opening


Published on February 28, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed



NORTH SYDNEY — My Cape Breton Home For Seniors, presently under construction on Campbell Street Extension, is expected to be completed by the spring.

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Both My Cape Breton Home For Seniors facilities in North Sydney and New Waterford are being built by J. A. Borden Enterprises of New Waterford.

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The new facility features 16 private bedrooms with private bathrooms, laundry facilities, spa with whirlpool tub, a beauty shop and a family suite for families who live away and would enjoy spending a night with their loved ones.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...licies%2C-sells-former-school-for-%241/1

CBRM bypasses own policies, sells former school for $1

Published on March 1, 2011
Chris Shannon RSS Feed

SYDNEY — The Cape Breton regional council skirted its own policies to sell the former Morrison Junior High School property in Glace Bay to an English preparatory school for $1.

Ken Smith, a planner with property services in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, recommended the committee of the whole ask the International Centre for English Academic Preparation to submit a “more reasonable offer” to purchase the former junior high and an adjacent parking lot.

The international school would invest $250,000 to $300,000 in upgrades to the building if bought.

In his report, Smith said as a company, the school’s offer was inconsistent with past sales of surplus municipal property, which is required at market value, under the Municipal Government Act and regional council’s property management policies adopted in 2000.

Under the regulations only non-profit organizations could submit bids to buy surplus property for less than market value.

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At its presentation in December, the spokesperson for the International Centre for English Academic Preparation, said the school has a current enrolment of 300 students with a likelihood an additional 200 or more will be enrolled when it opens its campus in Glace Bay.

The school currently operates out of rented space at CBU, the Sydney airport and other locations.

Gordon Power confirmed to the committee Tuesday that his group would be prepared to take over the building within a week.

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Bruckschwaiger said it was important to close a deal on the property, instead of leaving a large institutional building vacant with no other interested parties wanting to buy it.

The estimated cost to demolish the building is a minimum of $100,000, said CBRM chief administrative officer Jerry Ryan.

Ryan said there are instances when a bylaw doesn’t fit the set of circumstances council is left to face.

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The committee voted in favour of a sale to Power’s group for $1 on the condition the Glace Bay Boys and Girls Club and other community groups have free access to the school’s facilities.

The international centre was also looking to buy the former Central School property on nearby York Street for $1 to develop a sports field and as the site of a future student residence.

However, the municipality turned down that request because the property hasn’t been deemed surplus and it will only do so when adequate sanitary and storm water servicing problems are rectified.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...ion-before-making-decision-on-fluoride/1

Council wants more information before making decision on fluoride

Published on March 1, 2011
Chris Shannon RSS Feed

SYDNEY — A decision on whether to continue using fluoride in water systems in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality has been put on hold for 60 days.

After more than an hour of debate Tuesday, the CBRM committee of the whole opted to hear from proponents of water fluoridation, as well as opinions from the local medical community.

It was the second time since 2009 that community activist Marlene Kane has brought the issue before the CBRM, in an attempt to reverse a decades’ old policy of injecting the municipal water systems in Sydney, North Sydney, Glace Bay and New Waterford with fluoride as a medicating ingredient against tooth decay.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...ling-yard-to-accommodate-ferry-traffic/1

Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

Commercial traffic waits at Marine Atlantic’s North Sydney terminal to make the trip to Newfoundland.

Study underway into marshalling yard to accommodate ferry traffic


Published on March 2, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post RSS Feed


NORTH SYDNEY — Recent years have seen significant lineups of commercial ferry traffic along Highway 105 at various times of the year, raising concerns about public safety.

That prompted Northside Victoria Community Business Development Corporation to commission a study on the possibility of a marshalling yard to handle Marine Atlantic’s commercial traffic, which could offer security fencing, cameras and lighting.

Aside from getting traffic off the highway, which has been at times hazardous, the marshalling yard could provide services to the trucking industry and support North Sydney as a transportation centre.

CBCL Consulting was selected out of six tenders to conduct the study, which is expected to take from 16 to 18 weeks to complete.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/2011-...hip-season-buoyed-by-passenger-numbers/1

Cruise ship season buoyed by passenger numbers
First ship of 2011 season arrives on April 18


Published on March 4, 2011
Laura Jean Grant RSS Feed



SYDNEY — The Sydney Ports Corporation has April 18 circled on its calendar. That’s the first cruise ship visit of the 2011 season, with the Princess Danae set to make its inaugural call to Sydney and stay overnight in port.

A total of 52 cruise ship visits are expected in Sydney this year. There were 46 cruise ship calls in 2010 — another eight had been scheduled but had to be cancelled due to weather conditions.

With less than two months to go until cruise ship season, Bernadette MacNeil, manager of cruise marketing and development with the Sydney Ports Corporation, said Friday that the most exciting indicator for 2011 is passenger numbers.

“We’re anticipating a 30 per cent increase in our passenger count in 2011 over 2010,” she said, noting that when passenger and crew numbers are combined, a total of 126,261 cruise ship visitors are expected to land in Cape Breton this year.

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Looking ahead, MacNeil said a priority for the port will be to move forward on a recommendation made in the 2008 port master plan for a second berth in Sydney.

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