A controversial deal has been finalized to sell Archibald’s Wharf in North Sydney, N.S., to Canadian Maritime Engineering Ltd.
Cape Breton Regional Council approved the sale Friday in a 9-3 vote, but not without debate. The vote was finalized despite opposition from the community and some members of council.
“You’re asking me to approve this with the life experience I have firsthand with asbestos? I’m not going to put anybody in that kind of jeopardy in my lifetime here around this table,” said councillor Mae Rowe.
With the vote finalized, Canadian Maritime Engineering purchased the wharf for $500,000. The company is planning to expand onto the land, eliminating a children’s playground and a green space in the centre of town.
“I think someday we are going to regret this. This could be another Sydney tar ponds and we’ll have not only the legacy of the Sydney tar ponds, but we’ll be the people that didn’t learn the first time,” said North Sydney resident Jim Clarke.
Despite concerns over the project’s environmental impact, Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke assured council that Canadian Maritime Engineering has a good track record.
“They have a strong environmental record in this province, and they remain committed,” Clarke said.
Councillor Ray Paruch called the process a debacle.
Canadian Maritime Engineering says it hopes the expansion will create between 50 and 100 jobs in the future, which would be a boost for the struggling local economy.
With files from CTV’s Kyle Moore
