Bridge to be Raised
SCC has learned from Councillor Barry Dalrymple that the bridge replacement at Fall River will include an increase in headroom so that canoeists and kayakers will be able to paddle under it. This will be a major improvement to the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway, eliminating a portage across a busy street.
Do you recognize the names of any of these Navvies?
The lists of men working on the Canal often classified them on the basis of their roles and responsibilities. We have already spoken about Stone Masons, Blacksmiths and Carpenters. One of the most common categories is that of “Navvie”. This is not a term or name presently used in our area. However, during the canal-building era in Great Britain it was common practice to refer to the labourers on Canals as navigators or “navvies” and this was the case on the Shubenacadie Canal during the first construction phase (1826-1831). The Navvies would do much of the heavy lifting and would assist the skilled tradesmen such as the Masons and Carpenters. Do you recognize any of these names all of whom were classed as Navvies and all of whom have the first name John? They are John Dunn, John Fanning, John Orman and John Stacks. Please contact us if any of these family names are familiar to you.
-Bernie Hart
Trans Canada Trail Update
Article taken from the February 2016 Trans Canada Trail Newsletter, Trail Talk.
Trans Canada Trail
The TCT is proud to announce it will provide funding support for the Shubenacadie River Water Route in Nova Scotia which will become a part of the TCT in 2016. In an area known for its natural beauty, there is no better way to enjoy traveling though the Municipality of East Hants than on the historic Shubenacadie River, just as the Mi’kmaq and Acadians did centuries ago. Travelers will be treated to views of rolling farmland, sports fishermen casting their line and eagles perched at the river’s edge waiting for their next meal. This 23.5 km of the Shubenacadie River will complete the gap in the Trans Canada Trail between Carroll’s Corner, Halifax County and Stewiacke, Colchester County. This water route will allow the residents to celebrate a river at the heart of their community and to share it with visitors from around the globe.
Three locations will provide access to the river’s edge, a staging area, a small amount of parking and a non-motorized boat launch / dock and will greatly increase the recreational use on the river. Kiosks will be installed at all three locations with information on local history, river information, and a TCT map. In addition to boat launch compatibilities, there will be picnic and restroom facilities and future development of walking trails. This will provide not just a great starting point on the river, but a rest location for travelers coming down the historic Shubenacadie Canal on their way to the sea.