Shubie Bridge on Dartmouth Waterfront Officially Opens
Nova Scotia's historic Shubenacadie Canal will be celebrated Saturday, Sept. 12, with the official opening of the Shubie Bridge on the Dartmouth waterfront.
Starting at 10 a.m., the opening will include a paddle under, to show how the canal was used historically, and an inaugural walk over the bridge.
As part of the Discover Your Dartmouth Waterfront event which runs until noon, the community is also invited to enjoy short tours of the harbourwalk and mural project, a one hour Dartmouth time-travel tour, Alderney Landing's Apple Crisp Harvest Festival, face painters, clowns, theatre performers, free cake and free admission to the 1867 Evergreen House.
"There are a multitude of ways to experience the Dartmouth waterfront," says Colin MacLean, president and CEO, Waterfront Development Corporation Limited (WDCL). "This trail opens up the history, views and attractions of the waterfront for everyone to enjoy."
Started last fall, the 30-metre galvanized steel bridge and wooden deck is a partnership project between WDCL and Halifax Regional Municipality. The 115-kilometre canal is a popular recreation and heritage corridor.
"The Shubenacadie Canal Commission is very pleased with the partners' decision to base the design of the bridge on one of Thomas Telford's," said Jake O'Connor, chair of the commission. "Mr. Telford was a well-known 19th-century Scottish civil engineer who advised on the original Shubenacadie Canal structures."
Another harbourwalk highlight is the new Dartmouth Cove mural project. A partnership of WDCL, Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission and HRM, the murals are designed to reduce graffiti and give local youth a positive community art experience. NSCAD student Lucas Ridgeway, the project lead, will be on hand to add the final touches.
Officially opened in 2004, the three-kilometre trail extends from the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal to the Woodside Ferry Terminal. WDCL oversees two sections; HRM and the Dartmouth Harbourfront Trails Association oversee the middle section and are working on a trail alignment through the Maplehurst apartment site, from Old Ferry Road to Tupper Street.
The trail will connect to the Trans Canada Trail, HRM's park system, biking and walking trails, and complement continued development of downtown Dartmouth.