News release

Harbourside Park Improvements Create New Possibilities

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

With a new recreational park, improved water supply and a new road, the former Sydney Steel plant site continues to be transformed into an economic hub.

"Habourside Park's recent infrastructure milestones will continue to attract businesses to the area, creating good jobs and growing the economy," said MLA Gordie Gosse, on behalf of Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "The revitalization of this former industrial site will have a lasting impact on the community."

With funding from the federal-provincial Tar Ponds Agreement, the Ferry Street extension to the Spar Road was recently completed, improving access to downtown Sydney. The $4 million project includes traffic lights, a groundwater collection system, a sidewalk and greening of the site.

Nova Scotia Lands Incorporated recently constructed a new water supply system from Grand Lake, replacing the century old Sydney River pumping station. The $8 million process water system will supply water to Harbourside Commercial Park, the former Sysco pier, the Tar Ponds project and for dust control of coal supplies.

Another new addition to the park is a regulation size soccer field and running track. Basketball and tennis courts with lighting have also been built and a former gate connecting Whitney Pier to the park has reopened, allowing sports enthusiasts to enjoy the new amenities.

Office space at Harbourside Commercial Park is at full capacity. The 14 businesses employ 136 full-time and 20 part-time employees.

Nova Scotia Lands Incorporated is the provincial Crown corporation established to manage the environmental cleanup of the former steel plant site. The province is working with its federal partner to plan the future land use of the adjacent Sydney Tar Ponds and former Coke Ovens site.