News release

Province Supports Sydney Harbour Dredging Design

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

The province is providing up to $300,000 to develop a detailed design for the Sydney harbour dredging project.

"Dredging the harbour presents a tremendous opportunity to create good jobs and grow the economy in Cape Breton," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks. "We recognize that the timing is critical and this initial funding will ensure an early start to the design work."

The funding will be counted against the province's commitment to provide to up to $15.2 million, or 40 per cent of the projected cost. Cape Breton Regional Municipality has agreed to provide $2 million for the dredging project, and the federal government has been approached to provide the remaining 50 per cent. In June, Deputy Premier Frank Corbett led a delegation to Ottawa to encourage federal participation in the project.

Dredging and deepening the harbour will allow it to receive larger container vessels, giving the Port of Sydney a competitive advantage to receive more international business.