A Cruise Port
The Revival Of A Canadian City
The Cape Breton Development Corporation or DEVCO was a federal crown corporation established in 1967 to oversee the coal mining industry in Cape Breton and was the economic heart of the region. Coal and a steel mill provided jobs for a majority of the population along with a number of related businesses. The closure of the Cape Breton Development Corporation (CBDC), also known as DEVCO, in 2001 had a significant impact on the local economy of Sydney, Nova Scotia.
The Big Fiddle at the port
In an effort to help the area survive and with support of the Canadian government, the town has made efforts to further develop its tourism industry through initiatives such as the Sydney Waterfront District revitalization project. Today, tourism is an important contributor to the economy of Sydney, Nova Scotia and includes a new emphasis on attracting cruise ships to the new modern port area.
Where Your Ship Docks
Cruise ships tie up at the newly improved docks that can accommodate two or three cruise ships at a time. The port includes a cruise terminal and information building along with an interesting collection of small shops that connect with Sydney Waterfront District that offers almost a mile of walkways along the city’s waterfront. There are food venues and public facilities.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Disembarking – This port has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. The xxx pier disembarks right into downtown. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with in both locations.
Port City Characteristics – This port has an average wheelchair infrastructure typical of small cities but much energy is being put into improving wheelchair infrastructure. The port area has moderate inclines going up from the waterfront with good sidewalks. Intersection crosswalks outside of downtown may still have some curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Local Currency
The Canadian Dollar is the only currency accepted but most credit cards are welcome. There are also a number of ATMs in town.
Transportation
Sydney is a small town with a nice waterfront and compact downtown perfect for walking. There are no rental car agencies near the cruise port. There is public transportation in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Transit operates buses throughout the area. The schedule for buses can be found on their website HERE along with the fares.
Attractions
The town is becoming a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Cabot Trail, the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, and the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Walking tours are the primary offering. Local attractions draw in a number of visitors each year, which in turn are helping revive the economy by creating job opportunities in the hospitality and service industries. Additionally, tourism generates revenue for local businesses such as restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour operators.
Nova Scotia has also been the main staging area during World Wars I & II for ocean convoys to Europe and the regions history says a lot about this effort. Sydney lost a significant number of its sons in that effort and you will find a number of memorials noting this loss.
The Intentional Travelers 