Work is progressing on the Starr Park site. The concrete slab is in place, timber decking is next #historic #shubiecanal #dartmouth
Shubie park bridge update
The bridge in Shubie Park is back in place. Work on approaches should be completed by the end of next week.
Excursion on the canal
The text below suggests the prominent role the Marine Railway played - not just for commercial purposes.
-Bernie Hart
EXCURSION ON THE CANAL
The inland Navigation Company's Inclined Plane from the Harbour to First Dartmouth Lake being now in working order, an opportunity of witnessing its operation was given on Friday last (Aug 23rd ) when some of the proprietors, with their friends, leaving the Dockyard in three well-filled man-of-war launches sailed to the Cove, and floating in the Cradle were quickly and easily transferred to the waters on the Lake, thence they proceeded through the first and second Dartmouth Lakes to the Locks and Cuts as far as Marshall's; well know as Porto Bello, without the necessity of once leaving the boats from the time of embarking.
Amongst the party mentioned were Lieutenant Phillips, of the Nile, Commander D'Arcy, of the Nimble, Mr. Bell RN, GAS Crichton, Esq. and the Lady, Misses Creighton, the Misses Harvey, Miss Stewart, Dr. Avery and Lady, Mr. and Mrs McLeay, Mr. Sargent, F. Passow, Esq. and Lady. After partaking of a rural lunch, and viewing the beauties of the country about Porto Bello, the party returned through the Lakes and down the Plane into the Harbour, being greeted, during their progress, with three cheers from a large assemblage of Dartmouth's inhabitants, who gathered round to witness the novel sight, which was rendered more picturesque by the moon just rising on the hills, and reflecting its rays over the dark and placid water of lake and harbour.
Atlantic Weekly, Dec 9th, 1899
…..there is only one instance where water power is used on a great scale. The founders of …..Starr Manufacturing Co. Ltd., when they commenced to manufacture the famous self-fastening skates, now called the Acme, over thirty years ago, realized that money could be saved by using the water that flowed down through Dartmouth Lakes, through the town of Dartmouth and into Halifax Harbour. They accordingly decided to forsake the idea of using steam power for driving their machinery and instead of purchasing a costly boiler and engine, installed a turbine water wheel. They then made arrangements for the control of the water which came to them by way of the Shubenacadie Canal.
