2021 Guided Tours Wrap up

Lock 2 - Shubie Park (photo R.Walsh)

Dartmouth Marine Railway site - Starr Park

The Shubenacadie Canal Commission historical guided tours program was a hit once again this summer and fall.   Capturing the interest of young and old, volunteer Richard MacMichael lead groups through two unique tours. The first were scheduled historical hikes at Shubie Park which gave folks a glimpse into how the canal operated and the construction of the deep cut.  The second tour was onsite at the Marine Railway in Starr Park, Downtown Dartmouth. Richard welcomed the community to see the inside of the full-scale replica of the Flume House and explained the mechanics that controlled the Marine Railway.

Thanks to the support we received from the Canada Summer Jobs program we were able to hire Braden McLaughlin for 8 weeks to help with guided tours. He and Richard led groups on scheduled informative tours at both sites and then spent the rest of his time onsite at the Fairbanks Centre, providing historic interpretation of the canal and other project related assistance.

With over 200 people visiting the Flume House site and over 60 people enjoying history hikes at Shubie Park, the 2021 programs were a resounding success! Thank you to all who signed up, we loved hearing all of the positve comments! The weekly scheduled History Hikes and Flume House tours wrapped up on October 30.  However, History Hikes in November may be available upon request, please contact the SCC office. A big thanks to Richard for showing locals and tourists one reason why the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway is Yours To Explore.

oPENING OF THE PORTOBELLO BRIDGE

Shubenacadie Canal Commission and the Shubenacadie Watershed Environmental Protection Society-Trails officially open the Portobello Bridge and the Trans Canada Trail Extension

On September 17, 2021, at 2:00 pm, the new Portobello Bridge and Trans Canada Trail extension was officially opened to the public. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Tim Halman, and Shubenacadie Canal Commission Chair, Sylvain Allaire were onsite to cut the ribbon and invite guests to cross the bridge and walk the new trail. The PortoBello Inclined Plane has remained a relatively undeveloped historic site. With the new bridge and the completion of this section of the Trans Canada Trail, this Portobello Incline Plane is now a destination for all and truly yours to explore.

 The bridge would not be possible without the help of our funders.  The SCC thanks the Province of Nova Scotia for their funding through the Regional Trail Expansion program, Councillor Deagle-Gammon and Councillor Mancini for funding from the Capital District Funds and BJH Management for their generous donation. 

 The SCC is also very grateful for their partnership with SWEPS-Trails.  Working together, the two organizations were able to accomplish a major park improvement to a previously underdeveloped site. The Shubenacadie Canal Commission and the Shubenacadie Watershed Environmental Protection Society have a history of working in collaboration.  These types of partnerships are essential for improving community outreach, pursuing a heritage river designation, and enhancing and developing trail networks.

 Quick Facts

• Completed in 1858, Portobello was the first marine railway to be built as part of a canal in British North America.

• The Portobello marine railway carried vessels over approximately 600 feet horizontally, while lowering and raising them approximately 33 feet. It replaced two locks that had been partially finished in the 1820s, the remnants of which are still visible today.

• The Shubenacadie Canal Commission (SCC) was established through an Act of the Legislature in 1986. The objective and purpose of the Commission is to oversee and further promote the Shubenacadie Canal System including the operation of any information or interpretative centres.

Media Contact
Claire Halpern, Executive Director
(902) 462 -1826 or (902) 223-4790
claire@shubenacadiecanal.ca
www.shubenacadiecanal.ca

Open Street Dartmouth September 19

The Shubenacadie Canal Commission will once again be participating in Open Street Dartmouth to promote the rich history of the Shubenacadie Canal, specifically the Dartmouth Marine Railway. Join volunteers, Richard MacMichael and Mike Hughes, on September 19 from 12-4 as they deliver tours and answer questions from the Dartmouth Marine Railway (Starr Park, 58 Prince Albert Rd.). They will have the Flume House building open for visitors. This event is free, but donations are always welcome. https://www.shubenacadiecanal.ca/starr-park-dartmouth-marine-railway

Henry Findlay Lock Keeper of the Year Award 2020

The Shubenacadie Canal Commission was pleased to award Barry Hurndall with the 2021 Henry Findlay Lock Keeper Award at our AGM in June.  This award is presented annually to a friend of the Shubenacadie Canal and Waterway who dedicate their time and effort towards improving this provincial heritage resource and its parklands for the enjoyment of all residents and tourists. 

The commission recognized Barry Hurndall for his work over the past three years in leading the Waterways and Locks Committee through a number of vital tasks that further this objective. 

Under Barry’s leadership, the Committee was reconstituted beyond the previous scope as the Greenway Committee to include the full waterway.  Work was completed on initial engineering assessments of the conditions of our locks and canal infrastructure. Barry visited each of our Lock locations to complete this initial assessment and briefed the Commission on his findings.  This important work initiates the asset management plan that will guide the Commission’s future board members and staff to identifying the most needed work and structural priorities.

 Barry also oversaw the work of repairing the mitre gate and identifying the potential risks involved with the structural integrity of both Lock 2 and 3. During this last year, Barry and his Committee took considerable time to study the planned utility corridor proposed for the Deep Cut by Halifax Water and a local developer to support a major residential development in Port Wallace.

Barry has been a great volunteer whose efforts have made a big impact on the SCC. Congratulations Barry!