Work to Begin on Mi’kmaq Section of Novazone

Logistics park planning with private sector partners and municipality

Sept. 13, 2017 – SYDNEY, NS – Design and site work for civic infrastructure is commencing for the first portion of the Novazone logistics park.

Members of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs, government and private sector partners gathered at the 250-acre site to turn the sod at the project location.

The Mi’kmaq-controlled portion of Novazone will be one of the most prominent and significant sections of the 1,250-acre logistics park to be developed.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality, in partnership with Canadian development company, Canderel, has begun infrastructure planning for this parcel of land, including water and wastewater, power, road and rail access.

Chief Terry Paul of Membertou says an important part of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to ensure that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.

“We strongly support the development of a container terminal at the Port of Sydney,” said Chief Paul. “The construction of the Novaporte and Novazone projects will ensure long-term benefits of employment and investment in our communities.”

Chief Leroy Denny of Eskasoni, Nova Scotia’s largest and fastest growing Mi’kmaq community, also expressed his support for the project and the jobs it will create. Eskasoni has rapidly rising graduation rates and trades training among younger residents.

“With the Mi’kmaq as development partners in this important infrastructure project, it will prove to be a valuable opportunity for careers at home, here in Cape Breton, for our youth,” said Chief Denny. 

Albert Barbusci of Sydney Harbour Investment Partners (SHIP) is pleased to be working with Mi’kmaq leadership in the larger Novaporte and Novazone project.  “We have strong, visionary Mi’kmaq partners in this effort to create jobs and grow the economy,” said Barbusci.

Jonathan Wener, CEO of the Canderel Group of Companies, stated that he is enthusiastic that his company’s extensive experience in large scale development across Canada will be able to ensure the execution of this strategic business park.

“We believe Novazone will be the premier logistics hub on the Eastern Seaboard and we are pleased to work with all our partners in bringing this project to the marketplace,” said Wener.

Mayor Cecil Clarke of Cape Breton Regional Municipality noted the municipality’s ongoing commitment to bringing together government, Mi’kmaq and private sector partners to realize this economically transformative opportunity for Cape Breton Regional Municipality and Nova Scotia.

Novaporte will be the first deep-water port on the east coast of North America to be designed specifically to accommodate the largest container ships in the world, (18,000 plus TEUs). The 2,000-acre project is shovel-ready, with all permits in place. Novaporte and Novazone will be directly linked to major North American markets via rail and highway and will operate within an officially designated Canadian Foreign Trade Zone.