Misplaced Pages

#607392

80-572: An integrated steel mill was established on the southeast side of Sydney Harbour in the Whitney Pier neighbourhood of Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1901 by American investors. This entity was named Dominion Iron and Steel Company Limited (DISCO). Coal from the Dominion Coal Company Limited (DOMCO) was used to create coke to fuel the blast furnaces for smelting iron ore which arrived from Bell Island , Newfoundland . In 1920, DISCO,

160-486: A city in 1904. The growth continued until the 1930s, with the Great Depression causing a slowdown in production and growth. World War Two brought prosperity again for the plant, and the coal mines. Sydney Harbour played an important role during World War II . Once a Royal Canadian Navy base, HMCS  Protector , was established to stage supply convoys bound for Europe. These convoys tended to be slower and had

240-481: A larger workforce and less exposure to coastal attack. By the late 1960s the coal and steel industries had fallen on hard times. Friday, 13 October 1967, became known as "Black Friday," so named after Hawker Siddeley Canada , the plant's owners, announced they were closing it in April 1968. Both the provincial and federal government were involved in negotiating with the steel plant's owners, when Cape Breton's citizens held

320-451: A medium population centre, which for census purposes includes the neighbouring communities of Westmount, a significant portion of Sydney River, and other portions of the former Cape Breton County. The 2011 population of the Sydney census area, was 31,597, making it the largest population centre on Cape Breton Island . Sydney suffered an economic decline for several decades in the later part of

400-571: A member of the CTV Television Network . CJCB was the first television station in Nova Scotia, going on air on 9 October 1954. It was also the eastern terminus of the original country-wide microwave network that went live on 1 July 1958, with the Canada's first coast to coast television broadcast. From its beginnings until 1972, CJCB-TV was the area's CBC affiliate. Sydney's first radio station

480-447: A new leader was chosen, however on January 24, 2018, he resigned after the party executive requested his immediate resignation due to "allegations of inappropriate behaviour". Following his resignation, Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane was named interim leader. In 2018, Tim Houston was elected the leader of the PC party after getting a large plurality of the points in the first round. In

560-455: A period of 12 months until the steel mill could be resold to another private operator. On March 30, 1968 DEVCO expropriated DOSCO's coal mines and the Sydney and Louisburg Railway , settling for a payment of $ 12 million. The federal government's plans to gradually shut down coal operations during the 1970s were derailed by rising world energy prices and changes in political priorities. Similarly,

640-627: A playground and soccer field, and has hosted events such as a concert by international recording stars Aerosmith in September 2014. In 2006, Carole Lee Boutilier, founder of the Sydney Steel Plant Museum , contributed a sample of steel rail to the Six String Nation project. Part of that material was inlaid as a fret marker into the 17th fret of Voyageur , the guitar at the heart of the project. Sydney, Nova Scotia Sydney

720-489: A toxic orange substance oozing into local basements. Testing of the substance lasted over a year and many were outraged by delays, although some residents were subsequently relocated to a safer residential area nearby. High unemployment and lack of opportunities have resulted in many educated young people leaving the community for jobs in other parts of Canada and the US. Demographic changes, including an aging population and decrease in

800-460: A variety of economic development possibilities including tourism and culture, light manufacturing and information technology. Cleaning up the former steel plant, and the toxic Sydney Tar Ponds it left behind in Muggah's Creek, were a source of controversy due to its health effects on residents, although it has provided some employment since SYSCO closed. The tar pond cleanup was completed in 2013 with

880-524: A waterfront revitalization plan which has seen a boardwalk and marinas constructed, and the world's largest fiddle. This funding is part of the post-industrial adjustment package offered by the federal and provincial governments. Sydney's tourism draw is increasingly linked to its cultural asset as being the urban heart of Cape Breton Island. Its population is a diverse mixture of nationalities which contributes to various Scottish, Acadian, African Canadian and eastern European cultural events being held throughout

SECTION 10

#1732851389608

960-517: A world-class harbour facility. Other important investments that have helped position Sydney as an eastern hub of Nova Scotia include the twinning of Highway 125 and the creation of the Centre for Sustainability in the Environment at nearby Cape Breton University , which draws hundreds of international students each year. Cape Breton Island has become home to a significant tourism industry, with Sydney (as

1040-675: Is a former city and urban community on the east coast of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia , Canada within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality . Sydney was founded in 1785 by the British, was incorporated as a city in 1904, and dissolved on 1 August 1995, when it was amalgamated into the regional municipality. Sydney served as the Cape Breton Island's colonial capital, until 1820, when the colony merged with Nova Scotia and

1120-506: Is held throughout Cape Breton Island in October, with some of the concerts taking place in Sydney. Sydney was selected to host the 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2016 ECMA Galas. Semi-professional hockey has a long tradition in Sydney. In December 1912, a group formed a professional hockey club to challenge for the Stanley Cup . The short-lived Sydney Millionaires, who received that nickname because

1200-456: Is linked to several elementary and intermediate schools. Holy Angels, a female-only Catholic high school founded in the late 1800s, closed at the end of the 2011 school year. A French language school, Étoile de l'Acadie, is also located in Sydney and is part of the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial school board. In 1951, the original campus of what became Cape Breton University was founded as

1280-420: Is located on a peninsula extending into South Arm formed by Sydney River on the west side and Muggah Creek on the east side. The largest park within the former city limits is Open Hearth Park. Distinctive neighbourhoods include Whitney Pier in the north east end next to the former steel plant site, Ashby in the east end, Hardwood Hill in the south end and the "North End" located on the peninsula which contains

1360-501: Is owned and operated by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and provides bus services in the eastern part of the municipality, which includes Sydney. Transit Cape Breton also operates "Handi-Trans" for passengers whose disabilities restrict them from using regular bus services. Transit fares are $ 1.25 per zone travelled, or $ 1.00 for seniors 55 & up and children 5–12. Depending on the number of zones travelled,

1440-520: Is served by Air Canada and Pascan Aviation . Occasionally, travellers intending to go to Sydney , Australia mistakenly arrived in Sydney, Nova Scotia. This mistake is usually due to confusion of the two destinations in flight ticket bookings. The Cape Breton Regional Hospital is located in Sydney. Sydney is part of the Cape Breton – Victoria Regional School Board and is home to one public English language secondary school: Sydney Academy , which

1520-576: Is the year's coldest month on average, and August is the year's warmest month on average. By contrast, in most continental climates in the Northern Hemisphere, January is the coldest month, July the warmest. In other respects, too, Sydney's climate varies significantly from that of other areas with humid continental climates. The most significant variations are that Sydney experiences unusually cool summers, and relatively windy, wet and stormy winters, relative to other humid-continental areas such as in

1600-410: Is variable. A winter storm can bring accumulating snow, followed by heavy rain, then a brief return to snow or ice, resulting in no or minimal additional snow accumulation. Overall, Sydney's climate is moderately cold and strikingly variable, wet, stormy and windy from fall to early spring (October to March), and more stable and drier in summer (June to August). Statistics Canada classifies Sydney as

1680-506: The 2021 Nova Scotia general election , Tim Houston fought the campaign on a pledge to spend quite a bit to fix healthcare. The Progressive Conservative party won a majority government for the first time since 1999 and formed government for the first time since 2006. According to the PC Party website, their mission is "to form a fiscally responsible, socially progressive government that promotes individual achievement and personal responsibility,

SECTION 20

#1732851389608

1760-829: The American Hockey League , the primary farm team of the National Hockey League 's Edmonton Oilers . They won that league's championship, the Calder Cup , in 1993. The franchise moved to Hamilton, Ontario , after the 1995–96 season, becoming the Hamilton Bulldogs . Founded in 1997, the Cape Breton Eagles of the QMJHL play their home games at Centre 200 . Eagles alumni include three-time Stanley Cup champion Marc-André Fleury . The Cape Breton Highlanders of

1840-491: The Cape Breton Development Corporation , or DEVCO, was established to operate the mines in the interim, while phasing them out throughout the 1970s and, at the same time, develop new economic opportunities for the surrounding communities. On December 1, 1967, the provincial government established Sydney Steel Corporation (SYSCO) under an act of the provincial legislature. to operate DOSCO's steel mill for

1920-681: The Conservative Party of Canada are two separate entities. The Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia, registered under the Nova Scotia Elections Act as the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia, originated from the Confederation Party of Charles Tupper . Tupper united members of the pre- Confederation Conservative Party (who were predominantly United Empire Loyalists and members of

2000-531: The Minority government of Prime Minister Lester Pearson announced J.R. Donald would head a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Cape Breton coal industry, with hearings held in 1965 and 1966. The Donald Commission recommended that a federal Crown corporation be established to acquire and manage DOSCO's coal operations, with the aim being to slowly wean the Sydney area economy off the coal industry. On July 7, 1967

2080-695: The National Basketball League of Canada played from 2016 to 2019. Sydney hosted events for the 1987 Canada Winter Games , held throughout Cape Breton County . The 2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships were co-hosted by Sydney and Halifax . Tennis has a long history in Sydney. The Sydney Lawn Tennis Club (now the Cromarty Tennis Club ) was incorporated by an Act of the Nova Scotia Legislature on 28 April 1893. The Cape Breton Junior Regionals, Masters Championships, and

2160-560: The Progressive Conservative government of John Hamm opted to sever provincial funding for the company entirely upon being elected in 1999. Sydney Steel Corporation's board of directors was disbanded on 25 January 2001. The liquidation of the corporation began soon after. In July 2001, it was announced that SYSCO's mini mill was being sold to an Indian company named Zoom Developers who planned to dismantle it and ship it overseas. Despite worker protests, SYSCO's steel production

2240-694: The Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia , is a political party in Nova Scotia , Canada. Like most conservative parties in Atlantic Canada, it has been historically associated with the Red Tory faction of Canadian conservatism . The party is currently led by Pictou East MLA Tim Houston . The party won a majority government in the 2021 provincial election . He called a snap election in 2024 , increasing his party's majority mandate. The Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia and

2320-482: The Sydney Tar Ponds . Site remediation was carried out by Nova Scotia Lands Incorporated and Harbourside Commercial Park Inc. , a Crown corporation formed to redevelop the site as a commercial and industrial estate. The cleanup was completed in 2013 with the opening of Harbourside Commercial Park and Open Hearth Park, which are situated on the site of the former Sydney Steel Corporation. Open Hearth Park features

2400-466: The 20th century as local coal and steel industries underwent significant changes. The closure of the Sydney Steel Corporation's steel mill and the Cape Breton Development Corporation 's coal mines in 2000–2001 have resulted in attempts by the municipal, provincial and federal governments to diversify the area economy. At the start of the 21st century, Sydney faced a significant challenge in

2480-535: The British government's desire to develop the abundant coal fields surrounding Sydney Harbour; the leases being held by the Duke of York . In 1826, the leases were transferred to the General Mining Association and industrial development around Sydney began to take shape. Sydney was incorporated as a town in 1885. By the early 20th century Sydney became home to one of the world's largest steel plants, fed by

Sydney Steel Corporation - Misplaced Pages Continue

2560-533: The British), fleeing the aftermath of the American Revolution , were added to the immigrants upon their arrival in the neighbouring colony of Nova Scotia. DesBarres arrived at Sydney on 7 January 1785. He held the first meeting of his executive council on 21 February 1785, where he was proclaimed lieutenant-governor in a formal manner and the first minutes of the new colony were taken. The site DesBarres chose for

2640-569: The Cape Breton Open tennis tournaments are held annually. Sydney is served by Highway 125 which connects to Highway 105 and encircles the former city limits to its eastern terminus. Trunk 4 forms an important secondary road in Sydney running along the Sydney River, connecting to Glace Bay. Trunk 22 , connecting to Louisbourg, and Trunk 28 , connecting Whitney Pier through to New Waterford, form minor secondary roads. Transit Cape Breton

2720-650: The Holy Angels convent and the Sydney Garrison known as Victoria Park, headquarters of the Cape Breton Highlanders reserve infantry regiment. The former city completely encircles the Membertou First Nation (First Nations Reserve 28A and 28B). Sydney experiences a cool summer, and windy, wet and stormy winter, version of a humid continental climate ( Köppen Dfb ) that is significantly moderated by

2800-699: The Nova Scotia Steel and Coal Company (SCOTIA) in Sydney Mines , and the Wabana ore mine on Bell Island were acquired by the British Empire Steel Corporation (BESCO). In 1930, BESCO reorganized as Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation (DOSCO). Hawker Siddeley Canada purchased DOSCO in 1957. Hawker Siddeley sought to eliminate money losing operations and in 1965, DOSCO announced that its mines had only 15 years of production left and concluded that

2880-555: The Nova Scotia and Canadian governments had to nationalize it in 1967 to save the region's biggest employer, forming the new crown corporation called the Sydney Steel Corporation . The city's population has steadily decreased since the early 1970s due to the plant's fortunes, and SYSCO was finally closed in 2001. Today, the main industries are in customer support call centres and tourism. Together with Sydney Mines , North Sydney , New Waterford , and Glace Bay , Sydney forms

2960-466: The PC Party on October 30, 2010 after running unopposed. He led the party into the 2013 election , and won eleven seats allowing the PC party form the Official Opposition. In the 2017 election , the party retained official opposition status, and increased their seat count to 17. On November 1, 2017, Baillie announced he was stepping down as leader. Baillie was to remain in the position until

3040-460: The Smith government announced that they were taking over the plant starting in 1968. Both the steel and coal industries continued under government ownership for the rest of the 20th century. By the early 1990s, both industries were in trouble again, and were permanently closed by the end of 2001. Forced to diversify its economy after the closures of the steel plant and coal industries, Sydney has examined

3120-459: The U.S., called nor'easters) migrating from the U.S. Northeastern and New England states; these storms can attain tremendous intensity by the time they approach Sydney, with high winds, heavy snow, ice and/or rain events common, primarily from October to February. Summer thunderstorms are rare in Sydney, because nearby bodies of cool water sharply inhibit the combination of heat and humidity that fuels summer-season thunderstorms elsewhere (for example,

3200-739: The United States' central and southeastern states, and east-central and northern China). In recent years, possibly due to a warming climate, this has changed. In 2013 and 2016 Sydney was under a tornado watch as a result of unusually powerful thunderstorms. On 8 August 2014, a funnel cloud appeared near the Sydney Airport although no tornado warning or tornado watch was issued and the funnel did not actually touch down. While occasional thunderstorms and other rains can occur in summer, June through August are Sydney's driest months on average. Sydney's average annual precipitation cycle reflects these realities;

3280-696: The Xavier Junior College, affiliated with St. Francis Xavier University and was located in Sydney. Sydney also has other post secondary and private career colleges, including the Cape Breton Business College founded in 1958 and the Canadian Coast Guard College founded in 1965. Sydney is the island's largest commercial centre and home to the Cape Breton Post daily newspaper, as well as one television station, CJCB-TV ,

Sydney Steel Corporation - Misplaced Pages Continue

3360-488: The antiquated mill. Over time, the provincial government gave limited capital investments to SYSCO from the late 1970s into the early 1980s. In the mid-1980s the provincial government of premier John Buchanan decided to modernize the steel mill prior to selling it to the private sector. This modernization changed the steel making process from a fully integrated oxygen blast plant using iron ore into an electric arc mini mill using scrap steel. The blast process fuelled by coke

3440-529: The birth rate, have affected the area's economic outlook. Specifically, many residents have opted to seek work in Alberta and Ontario . Sydney's economy was buoyed by the 2011 announcement of funding for the Sydney Harbour dredging project, which was completed in 2012. The dredge, which is expected to lead to commercialization of the port, is purported to create hundreds of jobs in the area, and position Sydney as

3520-459: The business elite) and supporters of Sir John A. Macdonald 's national Conservative coalition. The party supported Macdonald's protectionist National Policy , nation-building, and the unification of British North America . Canadian Confederation was initially unpopular in Nova Scotia , and the party was out of government for most of the late 19th century. It formed government for only six years between 1867 and 1956. It bottomed out in 1945, when

3600-526: The capital moved to Halifax . A rapid population expansion occurred just after the turn of the 20th century, when Sydney became home to one of North America's main steel mills. During both the First and Second World Wars, it was a major staging area for England-bound convoys . The post-war period witnessed a major decline in the number of people employed at the Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation steel mill, and

3680-564: The cleanup of the Sydney Tar Ponds , a tidal estuary contaminated with a variety of coal-based wastes from coke ovens that supplied the steel industry. After extensive public consultation and technical study, a $ 400 million CAD cleanup plan jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments has been completed and the Open Hearth Park opened in its place. In one part of Whitney Pier, residents of Frederick St. discovered contamination within several homes and in surrounding soil, including

3760-462: The community's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The highest temperature ever recorded in Sydney was 36.7 °C (98 °F) on 18 August 1935. The lowest temperature ever recorded was −31.7 °C (−25 °F) on 31 January 1873, 29 January 1877 and 15 February 1916. Due to the relatively strong influence from large bodies of water, Sydney experiences strong seasonal lag , meaning February

3840-494: The cost of opening new underground mines in the Sydney Coal Field would be too expensive. The company made its intentions clear that it would be exiting the coal mining business within months. DOSCO's continued operation of its steel mill, lacking modernization and far removed from the steel markets of the midwest and central Canada, was tentative at best. In response to a vast public outcry in industrial Cape Breton County ,

3920-595: The cost of riding the bus can range from $ 1.00 to $ 5.00. Sydney is home to two private freight railway companies. The Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway makes Sydney its eastern terminus and provides rail connections to CN in Truro via Port Hawkesbury . The Sydney Coal Railway connects a bulk coal unloading pier in Whitney Pier with the Lingan Generating Station in Lingan . Daily passenger rail service

4000-507: The freeing of the prisoners, the mission did result in the capture of the Mellish , a vessel carrying a vital supply of winter clothing intended for John Burgoyne 's troops in Canada. A few years into the war (1781) there was a naval engagement between two French ships and a British convoy off Sydney, Nova Scotia, near Spanish River, Cape Breton. The convoy, which consisted of 18 merchant vessels, including nine colliers and four supply ships,

4080-528: The interior of North America. Annual temperatures are instead rather similar to areas around the Baltic Sea in north-eastern Europe at much higher latitudes, although Sydney's seasonal lag is stronger. Although Sydney has some maritime influence, similar latitudes on the other side of the Atlantic have significantly milder climates in all seasons except summer. Sydney is in the direct path of fall and winter storms (in

SECTION 50

#1732851389608

4160-496: The island's largest urban centre) being a prime beneficiary. With its economy being dominated by the steel industry until the early 2000s, Sydney had been overlooked as a tourist destination, with the more centrally located scenic village of Baddeck being a preferred location for tourists transiting the Cabot Trail . However, Sydney has witnessed a revival as a result of significant government investment in cruise ship facilities and

4240-444: The largest protest in the city's history on 19 November 1967: "The Parade of Concern." Around 20,000 people marched about a mile from the plant's gates to a horse racetrack to show their support for the steel plant. Newly appointed Nova Scotia premier G.I. Smith and federal Health Minister, and Cape Breton MP, Allan J. MacEachen spoke to the crowd and assured them that their respective governments were going to help. Four days later

4320-474: The majority visiting in late summer or early fall to take in fall foliage tours. Other port facilities on Sydney Harbour are located outside the former city limits in Point Edward (Sydport) and North Sydney ( Marine Atlantic ferry terminal). The JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport is located several kilometres outside the former city limits in the neighbouring community of Reserve Mines. The regional airport

4400-560: The new settlement was along the Southwest Arm of Sydney Harbour, a drowned valley of the Sydney River , which forms part of Spanish Bay . Between 1784 and 1820, Sydney was the capital of the British colony of Cape Breton Island. The vice regal residence was located to the east of military grounds along DesBarres Street (and since re-developed as a residential area). The colony was disbanded and merged with neighbouring Nova Scotia as part of

4480-405: The numerous coal mines in the area under the ownership of the Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation . Sydney's economy was a significant part of Industrial Cape Breton with its steel plant and harbour and railway connections adjoining the coal mining towns of Glace Bay, New Waterford, Sydney Mines and Reserve Mines . The economic boom brought about by industrialization saw the community incorporate as

4560-503: The opening of Open Hearth Park, which sits on the direct site of the former steel plant and has hosted events such as an Aerosmith concert in September 2014. Sydney is on the east bank of the Sydney River where it discharges into South Arm of Sydney Harbour. Elevation ranges from sea level to 66 m (217 ft) above sea level. The majority of properties within the former city limits have been impacted by development and an extensive urban road network. The central business district

4640-420: The party was shut out of the legislature altogether. The modern party was built by Robert Stanfield after World War II . Stanfield, the scion of a wealthy textile family, had considered himself socialist in university; though he later moderated his views, he always remained a progressive. Under his leadership, what was by then the "Progressive Conservative Party" became a moderate Red Tory organization. He

4720-743: The players were the highest paid in the Maritimes, won the 1913 Maritime Professional Hockey League championship. Their victory allowed them to challenge the Quebec Bulldogs, the then current cup holder, in Quebec City. On 10 March 1913, the Millionaires lost the second and final game of the Stanley Cup, and folded shortly thereafter. From 1988 to 1996, Sydney was home to the Cape Breton Oilers of

4800-560: The prefix SC for Slow Convoy. Convoy SC 7 typified the dangers inherent with the Nazi U-boats off the coast of Cape Breton and Newfoundland during the Battle of the Atlantic , when 20 of the 35 merchant cargo vessels were sunk on their journey to England. Sydney Harbour was one of the hotspots of the Battle of the St. Lawrence . Two notable shipping attacks occurred during this battle: the sinking of

4880-468: The process. The coke ovens used in Sydney were located across Victoria Road from the steel mill and since 1967 were operated by the federal Crown corporation DEVCO, which also operated the mines that produced the coal supply. The associated run-off from these coke ovens over a period of 85 years ended up in the Muggah Creek tidal estuary downhill from the coke ovens and adjacent to the steel mill, creating

SECTION 60

#1732851389608

4960-431: The province. MacDonald's government moved to help stabilize energy costs, grow the economy and attract new investment to the province. The 2006 election resulted in a reduced minority for MacDonald and the Progressive Conservatives were reduced to third-party status in the 2009 election. On June 24, 2009, MacDonald stepped down as leader and Karen Casey was named the interim leader . Jamie Baillie became leader of

5040-455: The provincial government's 1-year temporary commitment to transitioning ownership of the steel mill from DOSCO turned into a 33-year commitment, adding over $ 1 billion to the cash-strapped province's debt. SYSCO became a political football for economically depressed Industrial Cape Breton and no provincial government dared to shut it down, opting instead to use heavily subsidized federally produced DEVCO coal for coking fuel to continue running

5120-435: The region traditionally referred to as Industrial Cape Breton . Prior to a permanent settlement being established, there was significant activity along the shore. During the American Revolution , on 1 November 1776, John Paul Jones – the father of the American Navy – set sail in command of Alfred to free hundreds of American prisoners working in the coal mines in eastern Cape Breton. Although winter conditions prevented

5200-448: The road system, brought in the first form of Medicare , established the first economic development agency, invested heavily in education at all levels and established the predecessor to the Nova Scotia Community College . After Stanfield left provincial politics to become leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party in 1967, G. I. Smith served as premier until 1970. After being elected party leader in 1971, John Buchanan

5280-476: The train ferry SS  Caribou in October 1942 on its way from North Sydney to Port aux Basques , Newfoundland; and the sinking of the Sydney-based HMCS Shawinigan on 24 November 1944 in the Cabot Strait, near Cape North, on Cape Breton Island. Sydney's coal shipping and steel manufacturing made a significant contribution to the Allied war effort, however federal Minister of Industry, C. D. Howe favoured Central Canada's steel industry given its proximity to

5360-611: The two networks, making CBI the only CBC station, and CJCB became an independent. In 1978, the CBC opened CBI-FM , which belonged to the CBC Stereo network. Since 1997, CBI-AM belongs to CBC Radio One and CBI-FM belongs to CBC Music . In addition to the CBC and CJCB stations, there are other FM radio stations serving the area, most coming into the market in the early 21st century. [REDACTED] Media related to Sydney, Nova Scotia at Wikimedia Commons Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia The Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia , more commonly known as

5440-472: The year's driest month, on average, is July; its wettest month, on average, is December. Average annual precipitation in Sydney is 1481.4 mm, virtually the highest found anywhere in Canada outside coastal British Columbia. Snowfall is heavy, averaging 281.1 cm per winter season. However, winter-season storms are variable, and can bring changing precipitation types, commonly from ice/snow to rain and possibly back to ice/snow. As such, actual snow accumulation

5520-410: The year. Sydney's accommodation sector is centrally located to attractions in Louisbourg (home of the Fortress of Louisbourg ), Glace Bay (home of the Glace Bay Miners Museum), Baddeck (home of the Alexander Graham Bell Museum), as well as popular touring destinations such as the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park , and Bras d'Or Lake . The annual Celtic Colours International Festival

5600-415: Was CJCB-AM , founded by Nate Nathanson, and went on the air on 14 February 1929. The Nathanson family would go on to open an FM radio station in 1957, CJCB-FM , and the above-mentioned television station. CBC began operating its own station, CBI (AM) , in November 1948. It was part of the CBC's Trans-Canada Network , while CJCB became a CBC affiliate for its Dominion Network . In 1962, the CBC combined

5680-473: Was able to get the party back into the House of Assembly soon after taking the leadership. By 1956, he had built it into an organization that was able to sweep to power, winning re-election four times. As premier, he led reforms in human rights , education, municipal government and health care and also created Industrial Estates Limited , a crown corporation that successfully attracted investment from world companies such as Michelin Tire. He worked to modernized

5760-521: Was appointed to the Senate of Canada and until the party selected Donald W. Cameron as party leader and premier. During his term, Cameron reformed government finance practices, promoted anti-discrimination measures, introduced new government accountability measures and established the first non-partisan electoral boundaries revision commission in 1992. After six years of Liberal governments led by John Savage and later Russel MacLellan , PC leader John Hamm

5840-524: Was bound for Spanish River on Cape Breton Island to pick up coal for delivery to Halifax. The British convoy escorts suffered considerable damage with one ship, Jack captured. The French ships also suffered damage. In the end the convoy was still able to load coal and transport it to Halifax. Six French sailors were killed and 17 British, with many more wounded. Sydney was founded after the war by Colonel Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres , and named in honour of Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney , who

5920-456: Was elected premier in 1999 . After taking office, he invested more in education and health care , implemented some tax cuts and sold or closed government-owned industries such as Sydney Steel . His government also passed tough lobbyist registration legislation, introduced smoking cessation initiatives, provided new funding for community college modernization and achieved historically high economic growth and employment numbers. His government

6000-504: Was elected premier in 1978. He was re-elected in 1981, 1984 and 1988. In the 1984 election , voters served his largest majority, capturing 42 of the 52 seats in the legislature. Buchanan's government first succeeded in convincing federal government to give Nova Scotia control over offshore resources such as gas and oil, resulting in future revenue for the province through the Crown Share. Roger Bacon became premier in 1990 after Buchanan

6080-475: Was mothballed in favour of using electricity to smelt the scrap recycled metal brought in by rail. With no purchasers from the private sector and tumultuous steel markets during the 1990s, the provincial government began to seek ways to rid itself of SYSCO. Numerous proposals for sale to foreign and domestic companies came and went, raising and lowering the hopes of Sydney and its surrounding area each time announcements were made and then promises broken. Finally,

6160-532: Was provided by Via Rail Canada until budget cuts on 15 January 1990. A weekly tourist train, the Bras d'Or was operated by Via Rail Canada from 2000 to 2004 until being discontinued. Sydney's port facilities include the privately owned bulk coal unloading pier in Whitney Pier as well as the publicly owned Sydney Marine Terminal at the northern edge of the central business district. A recently opened cruise ship pavilion welcomes several dozen cruise ships every year, with

6240-473: Was serving as the Home Secretary in the British cabinet. Lord Sydney appointed Col. DesBarres lieutenant-governor of the new colony of Cape Breton Island. In November 1784 the 600-ton ship Blenheim landed a group that consisted primarily of English citizens and disbanded soldiers. A group of Loyalists from the state of New York (which included David Mathews , the former mayor of New York City under

6320-400: Was shut down that year with the site remediation talking taking place over the next two decades. The area is now an industrial and sports park. Until the mid-1980s, SYSCO along with its predecessors, Hawker Siddeley , DOSCO, BESCO, and DOMCO/DISCO, was a user of coke as a fuel for the mill's blast furnaces. Coke is produced by slowly baking coal, evaporating or leaching out various liquids in

6400-400: Was the first to truly balance provincial finances in 25 years in 2002. Hamm retired as Premier of Nova Scotia and leader of the PC party in 2006. Rodney MacDonald was elected to replace Hamm as party leader in 2006 and subsequently became Premier of Nova Scotia. Through strategic investments in rural broadband infrastructure, MacDonald continued to expand high-speed internet access throughout

#607392