$1.48 Million Future-use Design Contract Awarded

The Sydney Tar Ponds Agency announced today, Nov. 22, that Stantec Consulting Ltd. will provide engineering designs plans for future projects that use the remediated tar ponds and coke ovens sites.

The $1.48-million contract is for detailed designs of a plan by Ekistics Planning and Design in May 2010. The plan includes a commons area with an outdoor concert venue and a trail network with bridges and boardwalks connecting downtown Sydney, Whitney Pier and Ashby communities.

"The government of Canada is working with its partner to ensure that the remediated land enhances the quality of life for members of surrounding communities," said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "This contract also continues to build on the project's economic benefits locally and builds a foundation for future economic growth."

The contract represents an important next step in Sydney's future, and the final construction phase of the remediation of the former tar ponds and coke ovens sites.

"After decades of hard work and determination, it is gratifying to see the future-use contract awarded," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "This is an opportunity to strengthen Sydney and connect communities once separated by their industrial past."

The community liaison committee for the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Oven Remediation had an important role in developing the plan to use the land and will continue to provide input during design.

"Green grass is already growing on the former tar ponds site," said Alastair MacLeod, committee chair. "We anticipate that the transformation of the tar ponds area will benefit Sydney like Central Park benefits New York."

The first priority remains to complete the remediation of the tar ponds and coke ovens sites on time and on budget. Future construction included in the design plan will be subject to remaining budget and schedule. A $400-million cost-share agreement by the government of Canada and Nova Scotia expires March 31, 2014.