Nurturing the Shubenacadie Canal: A Landscape Expert's Journey as Commissioner

Sylvain Allaire, chair (L) recognized Doug Conrad (R) winner of the 2023 Lock Keeper Award at the Fairbanks Interpretive Centre re-opening event on Sunday. Previous Lock Keeper Award winners and donors are listed on the new With Gratitude wall in the Centre. Check it out!

The Shubenacadie Canal, a historic marvel with many recreational and tourist opportunities is a tale of big dreams and dashed hopes. The story of the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway is what led Doug Conrad to apply as a provincial commissioner in 2012.

Doug Conrad began his professional journey as the owner and operator of a landscape company, where his deep understanding of outdoor public spaces grew and flourished. This experience paved the way for his roles as a designer and project manager. His passion for the Canadian landscape industry was further evidenced through his active involvement in various volunteer roles within the commission.

Assuming the role of Chair for the Greenway Committee (now Waterway and Locks), he made contributions to the enhancement of the interpretive aspects of the Flume House by engaging in design, project management, and fundraising initiatives. As a key member of the executive committee, he played a pivotal role in securing funding for staff, a vital step in strengthening the Commission's operations. His involvement extended to acquiring and overseeing an ACOA grant, which led to a comprehensive rebranding effort, the integration of interpretive elements, and the enhancement of various assets, including the Avery Room, the canoe rental building, and the patio area in Shubie Park. Additionally, he secured funding, provided the design expertise, and managed the construction of the iconic Lock 6 boardwalk.

 It is for those reasons and many more that Doug Conrad was awarded the 2023 Lock Keeper Award. His love for the Shubenacadie Canal and his commitment to its preservation and development have left an important mark on this historic waterway. Congratulations Doug!

a new (improved) Interpretation Centre

[Dartmouth, NS] On November 5 at 1:00pm, the Shubenacadie Canal Commission will open their new exhibits at the Fairbanks Interpretive Centre at Shubie Park.  The public is invited to come celebrate this milestone.

Since its opening in 1987, the Centre has welcomed visitors from all over the world to learn about the Shubenacadie Canal. As part of the Transitions project, the Shubenacadie Canal Commission has redeveloped the Fairbanks Interpretive Centre in Shubie Park to share the stories of the waterway in a modern, engaging, and inclusive space. This redevelopment project presents a cultural and geographical history of the waterway, and offer new opportunities for interactive, hands-on engagement and learning.

The waters, shores, and communities of the Shubenacadie Waterway are home to thousands of years of cultural and natural history. The new exhibits are a dynamic shift from the singular story of the Canal to a shared stewardship of the Shubenacadie Waterway through the flow of connection.  The Shubenacadie Waterway is the site of connection between communities and culture from Kjipuktuk (Halifax Harbour) to Pekwitapa’qek (Bay of Fundy).  The exhibits are divided into the following subthemes: Lifeways on the Shubenacadie (Cultural Heritage), Building Change (Built Heritage) and Natural Shubenacadie (Ecology).

"The new artifacts and bilingual displays will foster a deeper understanding of our shared heritage," said Sylvain Allaire, Chair, Shubenacadie Canal Commission. "Our goal is to provide a space where the past meets the present, where culture and nature intersect, and where visitors can explore, learn, and appreciate the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway."

The new exhibits are funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Province of Nova Scotia, Halifax Foundation, and the Shubenacadie Canal Commission.

Quick Facts

·         The Shubenacadie Canal Waterway system spans 114 km, connecting the Halifax Harbour to the Bay of Fundy and consisting of seven lakes and one river.

·         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.

Associated Link
www.shubenacadiecanal.ca/transitions

Stay Connected
Follow the SCC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

July 21 & 22, 2023 Flood Update

SCC maintained sites have sustained major damage during the flooding on July 21 and 22, 2023.  At this time, please avoid recreating on lakes and rivers, as safety is still a concern and shorelines remain extremely susceptible to further damage.

Specific damage at sites include:

Dock at Picnic Landing at Shubie Park.

 All SCC sites are use at your own risk.

 

Cart (0)