Official Sydney and Area Projects Thread

[q12]

• Video Link


Found this ABC News Good Morning America piece on Cape Breton Island.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/A...te-solution-for-kitchens-and-bathrooms/1

A concrete solution for kitchens and bathrooms

Ken MacLeod


COXHEATH — A new business hopes to show Cape Bretoners that concrete can add beauty to their kitchens and baths just as well as it adds strength to their walkways and foundations.

In February, Darren Adams opened Stone Image Studio at 364 Keltic Dr., where he uses concrete to create countertops and bathroom vanities that rival more traditional materials in both beauty and design.

Some of the more common items at Stone Studio Image include countertops, vanity tops, floor tiles, fireplace surrounds and coffee tables.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...deck-at-Louisbourg-to-be-reconstructed/1

Wharf deck at Louisbourg to be reconstructed

Published on June 14, 2012

SYDNEY — A reconstruction project will start Monday on the wharf deck in Louisbourg that was damaged during 2010 storms.

The project will continue until the end of August under the direction of contractor Joneljim Construction.

...

Alexander said commercial fisherman and the local fish plant owners are fully aware the wharf will be closed until the end of August during the construction period, but said pedestrians should also stay away from the work site.

...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...mpany-specializing-in-renewable-energy/1

Submitted photo

Chief Leroy Denny of Eskasoni and Vicki Marks, vice-president for eastern Canada of Valard Construction Ltd., have signed off on an agreement that will enable the Eskasoni corporate division to participate in renewable energy projects.

Eskasoni signs off on deal with company specializing in renewable energy


Published on June 14, 2012

ESKASONI — Eskasoni’s newly established corporate division has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Halifax-based Valard Construction Ltd.

The agreement has been in the works for several months and brings the corporate arm of the Eskasoni band into a close working relationship with Canada’s largest power line and energy transmission contractor. The agreement enables the Eskasoni corporate division to participate in renewable energy projects.

Under the deal, Eskasoni residents will be able to participate in training and apprenticeship programs throughout Canada and be an equal partner in business ventures throughout Nova Scotia.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...arket-manager-shares-vision-for-growth/1

New market manager shares vision for growth

Published on June 15, 2012
Greg McNeil

SYDNEY — The new manager of the Cape Breton Farmer’s Market hopes her experience as a market vendor will translate into new levels of success for the popular Saturday morning destination.

...

A larger aspect of her energetic agenda will be a major fundraising campaign to add money to a recent $600,000 contribution from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for a new building.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...4363%2C000-for-Sydney-airport-upgrades/1

Chris Shannon — Cape Breton Post

Tory MP Scott Armstrong, who stood in for Transport Minister Denis Lebel, announced Sunday the federal government would spend $363,000 on safety improvements to the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport.

Feds provide $363,000 for Sydney airport upgrades


Published on June 17, 2012
Chris Shannon RSS Feed

SYDNEY — Aging safety infrastructure at the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport will be replaced now that funding has been secured from Transport Canada, said Doug Peach, chairman of the airport authority’s board of directors.

At an announcement at the airport Sunday, the federal government will give the facility $363,000 through its Airports Capital Assistance Program to purchase a runway condition reporting system and to replace the airport’s emergency power system.

...

The airport authority plans to spend more than $5 million in capital improvements over the next year, including up to $1.2 million that will be spent this summer to improve services at the facility.

Among the upgrades will be the construction of washroom facilities for travellers who have cleared security.

The size of the airport will also be increased to allow for the addition of a second security table to make processing passengers more efficient.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...Energy-project-discussed-at-open-house/1

Jack Wall of Bras d’Or, standing, Alex Gilchrist of North Sydney, left, and Victoria-The Lakes MLA Keith Bain watch a presentation on the proposed Maritime Transmission Link at the Millville Community Centre on Tuesday. Erin Pottie - Cape Breton Post

Energy project discussed at open house
Jack Wall of Bras d’Or, standing, Alex Gilchrist of North Sydney, left, and Victoria-The Lakes MLA Keith Bain watch a presentation on the proposed Maritime Transmission Link at the Millville Community Centre on Tuesday. Erin Pottie - Cape Breton Post

Jack Wall of Bras d’Or, standing, Alex Gilchrist of North Sydney, left, and Victoria-The Lakes MLA Keith Bain watch a presentation on the proposed Maritime Transmission Link at the Millville Community Centre on Tuesday. Erin Pottie - Cape Breton Post

Published on June 19, 2012
Erin Pottie RSS Feed

MILLVILLE — Members of the public were given a glimpse into an energy project that will link Point Aconi to Newfoundland by way of a 180-kilometre subsea cable.


...

The transmission will land at Point Aconi and travel overhead roughly 50 kilometres to Woodbine, near Lingan.

The electricity will be converted in Newfoundland to high-voltage, direct current for energy efficiency and then converted back to high-voltage, alternating current at a station at Woodbine.

...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...mpany-looking-for-local-subcontractors/1

Submitted by Canadian Coast Guard

The MV Miner is seen in this file photo.

Salvage company looking for local subcontractors


Published on June 19, 2012

SYDNEY — The New York-based salvage company in charge of dismantling the shipwrecked MV Miner continues looking for local contractors willing to take part in the massive project.

Bennington Group’s chief operating officer Abe Shah said the company will be interviewing potential subcontractors next week.

...

He said he promised the provincial government to search for interested local firms before extending the offer to companies off-island. The expected revenue generated from the project is estimated at $500,000.

...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...62/Greenfield-site-attracting-interest/1

Greenfield site attracting interest
NEW developing story

NEW developing story

Published on June 19, 2012
Chris Shannon RSS Feed

Click here to find out more!

SYDNEY — An update on port development at Cape Breton regional council Tuesday raised the possibility of four potential bidders competing to transform the greenfield site into an international container terminal.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality chief administrative officer Jerry Ryan said the two consultants pegged by council at a cost of $10,000 a month to market the greenfield property — Edward Zimney and Gordon Forsyth lV — had spoken with an interested party in Vancouver last week.

John Whalley, the municipality’s economic development manager, also spoke briefly, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if an announcement came at some point during the summer.

...

With CBRM now in control of the greenfield site, Whalley indicated in an issue paper earlier this month that the municipality should seek to purchase adjacent properties on the harbour bottom, as well as a water lot property that separates the greenfield site from the water.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local.../Regional-development-agencies-merging/1

Regional development agencies merging

Published on June 20, 2012
Chris Shannon



SYDNEY — A planned merger of the island’s two regional development agencies is expected to be complete next month, according to one Cape Breton Regional Municipality councillor

Dist. 13 Coun. Mae Rowe made the announcement at Tuesday’s meeting of council, noting both the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority and the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency are in support of the transition to one economic development body for Cape Breton by July 26.

...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2012-06-20/article-3013527/Oh%2C-the-irony/1

Remediation work takes place at the former steel plant site in this file photo.

Oh, the irony
Company interested in making iron ore pellets on former steel plant site


Published on June 20, 2012
Erin Pottie


SYDNEY — The mask has been lifted from an international firm interested in setting up an iron ore pelletization plant at Sydney’s former steel plant site.

According to media reports, Severstal North America is considering a Sydney location that could one day employ as many as 700 people.

...

On Wednesday, Cape Breton Regional Municipality economic development manager John Whalley was quoted in a Halifax Chronicle-Herald article as saying that Severstal is considering investing several hundred million dollars in Sydney.

Whalley also said the municipality was considering a significant reduction in the proposed developer’s annual tax burden if the company sets up shop locally.

...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/A...i-Corporate-Division-open-for-business/1

Eskasoni Corporate Division general manager Steve Parsons, from left, business development manager Alyssia Jeddore, Eskasoni Chief Leroy Denny, along with band councillors John F. Toney and Barry Francis stand outside the Sarah Denny Cultural Centre. Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

Eskasoni Corporate Division open for business


Published on June 20, 2012
Ken MacLeod


ESKASONI — The newly minted Eskasoni Corporate Division is quickly gaining momentum in the few short weeks since it opened its doors to the business world.

Last week, Eskasoni Corporate Division signed a memorandum of understanding with Halifax-based Valard Construction Ltd., Canada’s largest power line and energy transmission contractor.

But that’s just the beginning, said Eskasoni Corporate Division general manager Steve Parsons, who has headed up the entity since it opened for business on May 1. Next up is a major project involving renewable, wind-generated power.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...d-impressed-with-tar-ponds-remediation/1

Oversight board impressed with tar ponds remediation

Published on June 22, 2012

By Nancy King Cape Breton Post


SYDNEY — An external board that oversees the provincial Department of Environment’s regulation of the Sydney tar ponds remediation says it is doing so effectively, adding the work is probably more monitored than any other project in Canada.

The Remediation Monitoring Oversight Board presented its fourth annual report to Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau, Thursday.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2012-06-25/article-3016751/Dominion-beach-plan-unveiled-/1

Philip Finck, a geologist in environmental mapping with the Department of Natural Resources, explains part of the plan to stabilize Dominion beach during an open house meeting in the community on Monday. Erin Pottie - Cape Breton Post

Dominion beach plan unveiled


Published on June 25, 2012
Erin Pottie RSS Feed

DOMINION — A plan to stabilize Dominion beach from years of continued erosion was unveiled to community residents Monday.

Armour rock, a connected and extended walking trail, viewpoint stations for birdwatching and replacing a facilities building that often floods are some of the key components of the draft plan, said Harold Carroll, a parks and recreation director with the Department of Natural Resources.

...

[Smevo]

Jun 26, 2012
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...-getting-new-place-to-test-their-metal/1

Joint Apprenticeship Training committee members with the Sheet Metal Workers' and Roofers International Association Local 56 are excited to break ground for a new training facility in Sydport. Committee members, from left, are John Harrington, Gerald Phillippo, Bill Barrington, Jack Wall, Jeff Ellis and Jim Wilkie. Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

Workers getting new place to test their metal


Published on June 26, 2012
Ken MacLeod RSS Feed

SYDNEY — Cape Breton sheet metal workers, siders and roofers are about to get a local training facility, with construction on the project planned for next month at Sydport.

The land sale process is nearing completion with the owners of Sydport Industrial Park and is expected to be wrapped up next week, said Jack Wall, business manager and financial secretary for the Sheet Metal Workers' and Roofers International Association Local 56. No details of the sale were made available, but tenders for construction of the new building, a joint venture between the union and the Joint Apprenticeship Training committee, are slated to go out the week after next.

Construction of the 8,000-square-foot building is expected to start by late July and the training facility is expected to open its doors in November or December.


...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...1/Expansion-of-LIngan-Wind-Farm-sought/1

Expansion of LIngan Wind Farm sought

Published on June 27, 2012

The Cape Breton Post Staff

LINGAN — An environmental assessment will be the first step in a proposed 9.2 megawatt expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm.

A report by Dillon Consulting of Halifax says the expansion will consist of four, 2.3 megawatt wind turbines, each of which will be 78 metres high at the hub with an 82-metre rotor diameter. The report also says the turbines would be located at least 550 metres from the nearest house, as an internal company policy of the company that owns the turbines.

Pending approval of the environmental assessment, construction on the project is expected to start in mid-winter of 2013, with commissioning in the fall of 2013.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...ty-of-roadwork-planned-for-Cape-Breton/1

Plenty of roadwork planned for Cape Breton

Published on July 2, 2012
Ryan Van Horne RSS Feed

HALIFAX — It will be a busy summer for construction crews in Cape Breton as the province continues upgrades to roads on the island.

...

Some of the major projects on Cape Breton this summer include awarding the construction of the sub-grade for twinning an 8.5-kilometre section of Highway 125 from Sydney River to Grand Lake Road.

...

There are two overpasses associated with this project: the George Street overpass is complete and the one at Alexandra Street is still under construction but is expected to be completed by early fall.

Chisholm said another major project wrapping up this year is the work on the two Little Bras d’Or bridges, including the channel bridge and the railway bridge on the 105.

...

Chisholm also said the department wants to replace the Sydney River bridge, but there is still quite a bit of planning that needs to be done before a tender goes out, Chisholm said.


...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...f-%26lsquoheritage-marketplace%26rsquo/1

Steel museum could be cornerstone of ‘heritage marketplace’

Published on July 3, 2012
Chris Shannon RSS Feed

SYDNEY — Eric Parsons is betting his vision of a “heritage marketplace” will be realized once private-sector and government partnerships are formed.

...

At a recent Cape Breton Regional Municipality council meeting, the society presented its plans to the municipality, and suggested the possibility of having the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame, which currently has no home, to set up in the building, along with the Old Sydney Society, the downtown farmers’ market, the Whitney Pier Historical Museum, as well as the Cape Breton Regional Library.

...

The society has a good idea of how much it will cost to transform the site, however Parsons said that figure isn’t being released publicly until discussions begin with potential funding partners.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...eviewing-proposals-for-greenfield-site/1

Consultants reviewing proposals for greenfield site


Published on July 10, 2012
Chris Shannon RSS Feed

SYDNEY — Two New Jersey-based consultants hired by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to market the greenfield site as a future container terminal pier will be reviewing at least four proposals from parties interested in developing the Sydney harbour property, the Cape Breton Post learned Tuesday.

Marine consultant Ed Zimny and Gordon Forsyth, managing partner of marketing firm BSY Associates Inc., are being paid $10,000 a month by CBRM, with a total budget of $150,000, to find one or more investors interested in transforming the site into a container terminal able to accommodate the largest ocean-going vessels.

Zimny said talks remain in the preliminary stage.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...group-interested-in-container-terminal/1

Texas-based group interested in container terminal

Published on July 17, 2012

By Erin Pottie - Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is entertaining discussions with a Texas-based business group interested in developing a Sydney container terminal.

John Morgan, mayor of the CBRM, travelled to Galveston,Texas, in late June to discuss the development of a container terminal at the municipality’s newly-purchased greenfield site at Sydport.

...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...3596/Liaison-committee-backs-fishermen/1

Sharon Montgomery-Dupe - Cape Breton Post
Joel May (left), environment and community co-ordinator for Xstrata coal, answers questions from Sean Jewells, 15, (centre) and Michael Hooper, 16, both of Donkin, during an open house at the Donkin fire hall Tuesday to update the community on the project.

Liaison committee backs fishermen


Published on July 17, 2012

By Sharon Montgomery-Dupe - Cape Breton Post

DONKIN — Coal mining company Xstrata raised some concerns at an open house Tuesday when it released an environment assessment that lists ocean-going barges as the proposed way of transporting coal from a local mine project.

...

Kennedy said many people still support a rail option.

...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...ut-sought-on-hydro-electricity-project/1

Input sought on hydro-electricity project

Published on July 17, 2012

SYDNEY — Nova Scotians are being asked for their input on Maritime Link, a subsea cable project that will bring hydro-electricity into the province from Newfoundland and Labrador.

The public is asked for feedback on draft regulations have been developed as part of a review of the project by the province’s Utility and Review Board.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...3Bdelicate-process%26rsquo%3B%3A-mayor/1

Changing Donkin shipping plans a ‘delicate process’: mayor

Published on July 18, 2012

By Erin Pottie - Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Championing a rail plan without jeopardizing the Donkin coal mine requires kid gloves, says John Morgan, mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

This week, outgoing Donkin project partner Xstrata submitted plans to transship coal by barge in its 85-page environmental impact statement submitted to the federal Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

Project partners, including Dartmouth-based Erdene Resources, are planning the construction, operation and decommissioning of a 25-30 year underground mine at an existing mine on the Donkin peninsula.

...

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...-cream-shop-opening-in-downtown-Sydney/1

Ice cream shop opening in downtown Sydney

Published on July 18, 2012

SYDNEY — Fans of hard ice cream will have a new place to find their favourite treat when Luscious Licks opens its doors at 270 George St. next week.

The new business will start with 10 flavours of hard ice cream and two flavours of yogurt. Customers will have the option of rolling their ice cream in a number of toppings such as toasted coconut and candy sprinkles, referred to as “lickers” by owner Nadine Sampson.

As well, she said, Luscious Licks will be offering hot chocolate, tea, pop, water and other treats such as jumbo cinnamon rolls and muffins.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...rove-economy%2C-says-mayoral-candidate/1

Nancy King - Cape Breton Post

Owen Fitzgerald, who is running for mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, speaks to some local business leaders during a roundtable discussion in Sydney Thursday.

CBRM needs to focus on positives to improve economy, says mayoral candidate


Published on July 19, 2012


By Nancy King - Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The Cape Breton Regional Municipality needs to revise its self-image, focus on positive developments in the local business community and work to diversify the economy.

And those things need to be done under the leadership of the region’s mayor, mayoral candidate Owen Fitzgerald heard Thursday as he held a roundtable discussion with about a dozen local business people at the Sydney Marine Terminal.

Fitzgerald said that while potential development of the port — including a much-hoped-for container terminal — is important, the region can’t put all of its eggs in that basket and should actively pursue and support other ventures.

...

While I agree with the sentiment that Mr. Fitzgerald is expressing, and while I'm not a huge fan of Mr. Morgan, I have a hard time being confident in Mr. Fitzgerald as a mayor for the region.


http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...035364/Port-governance-quest-continues/1

Port governance quest continues
'There’s nobody in Sydney you can call to get information’

Published on July 19, 2012
Erin Pottie RSS Feed


SYDNEY — There’s a sense of urgency in adopting a governance model say players involved in the Sydney ports, but John Morgan, the mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, disagrees.

According to Morgan, in order to roll out a new, community-centred governing body for the port of Sydney, that body must be financially independent.

...

This I agree with Morgan on. The area needs to gain control of the harbour bottom so it can start keeping the $500,000/yr current fees collected (and growing if we see development of the port) instead of sending those fees to the government in Ottawa.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...2/Bottom%26rsquos-future-up-for-debate/1

Bottom’s future up for debate

Published on July 20, 2012

SYDNEY — The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is still waiting to hear about future plans the federal government may have for the Sydney harbour bottom.

Economic development manager John Whalley noted they sent a letter to Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on the issue about a month ago.

...

Whalley said he believes obtaining control over the harbour bottom is “the natural evolution.”

....

Control over the asset currently rests with Transport Canada.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local...ngthens-bonds-with-Chinese-researchers/1

In a screen capture from Chinese television, Cape Breton University president John Harker speaks to an audience at Henan Agricultural University in Zhengzhou, China, earlier this month. Harker promoted CBU’s renewable energy research agenda during the weeklong visit. Submitted by Cape Breton University

CBU strengthens bonds with Chinese researchers


Published on July 25, 2012
Chris Shannon RSS Feed

SYDNEY — Cape Breton University is working to form closer ties with Chinese researchers in developing new methods to extract biofuels and maximize the potential benefits of renewable energy in both countries.

...

One of Henan Agricultural University’s scientists will arrive next year at CBU’s Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment to share his research in renewable energy.

And just last month CBU awarded its first Needham Fellowship to a Chinese professor working at Heilongjiang Institute of Science and Technology. Kang Wenze, whose background is in mining and technology research, will spend several weeks working at the Verschuren Centre.

...

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Business/2...EO-at-Cape-Breton-Partnership-luncheon/1

Emera CEO at Cape Breton Partnership luncheon

Published on July 26, 2012

SYDNEY — Cape Bretoners can receive an update Tuesday on development projects planned by Emera, — including the Lower Churchill hydroelectric project and the Maritime link — during a Cape Breton Partnership luncheon with company CEO Chris Huskilson.

...