News release

Province to Honour Mining Heritage

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)
Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

Nova Scotia's mining heritage was honoured today, Sept. 8, at a ceremony in Springhill.

Highway 104 between the New Brunswick border and the Canso Causeway was designated Miners Memorial Highway. Funding was also announced for events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Springhill Mine Disaster.

Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and Bill Dooks, Tourism Culture and Heritage Minister, made the announcement at the Springhill Miners Hall.

"This highway designation will remind all Nova Scotians and visitors of the sacrifice generations of miners and their families have made across the province," said Mr. Scott.

This tribute joins other highway designations including Peacekeepers Way, announced in August, and Veterans Memorial Highway. In the interest of safety, the highway will continue to be referred to as Highway 104 by emergency personnel.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1958 Springhill Mine Disaster and is a significant milestone in the history of Nova Scotia and Canada.

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage will provide funding of $25,000 for the upcoming events on the anniversary of the disaster.

"This investment will continue to raise awareness of the importance of Springhill and its mining history and to educate present and future generations so that it is never forgotten," said Mr. Dooks.

The department will also provide $15,000 for the Miners Lamp Cabin, the last remaining period building located on the mine site.