CBRM, Membertou and Eskasoni meet
Tri-council meeting updated by Port of Sydney officials
The third tri-council meeting between the councils of Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Membertou and Eskasoni took place this week.
The councils were updated by Port of Sydney officials on the importance of the proposed $20-million cruise terminal expansion project. The port is currently awaiting federal and provincial funding. An agreement has already been put in place for five per cent aboriginal participation.
Port of Sydney’s Bernadette MacNeil raised concerns about the port of Sydney’s difficulties in handling the larger cruise ships that are currently in the market. Without a second berth, port’s growth potential is limited and unable to sustain the current level of activity. MacNeil also noted the importance of Eskasoni’s Goat Island as a cruise excursion for passengers and tourists.
Port of Sydney CEO Marlene Usher provided an update on the proposed Novaporte container terminal project.
Municipal planner Malcolm Gillis discussed Eskasoni, one of Nova Scotia’s largest towns based on population size and area. The tri-council leaders discussed the possibility of going to Ottawa as a team to put forward local priorities to the federal government. The council is in favour of an inter-community planning strategy, working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Cando, the national aboriginal organization, on a new initiative between municipalities and First Nations communities on joint planning strategies.
Membertou Chief Terry Paul spoke about the importance of twinning Cape Breton’s 100-series highways. The councils are in agreement that a twinning strategy is needed that will ensure the twinning of Cape Breton highways along with others in the province.
Eskasoni Chief Leroy Denny expressed concerns about the economic future of young aboriginal men and women. The majority of aboriginal men and women age 18-30 are university or trade school educated and hungry for opportunity and jobs, he said.
The tri-council discussed the importance of working together through local police services, particularly relating to social issues. The tri-council also discussed land transfers and support for new housing.