Sydney | |
|---|---|
 Aerial view of the waterfront | |
| Nickname: The Steel City | |
  Sydney Location of Sydney in Nova Scotia | |
| Coordinates:46°08′11″N60°11′44″W / 46.13639°N 60.19556°W /46.13639; -60.19556 | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Nova Scotia |
| County | Cape Breton |
| Municipality | Cape Breton Regional Municipality |
| Founded | 1785 |
| Incorporated City | 1904 |
| Amalgamated | 1 August 1995 |
| Named after | Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney |
| Area | |
• Total | 30.91 km2 (11.93 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 66 m (217 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2021)[citation needed] | |
• Total | 30,960 |
| • Density | 1,002/km2 (2,594/sq mi) |
| • Metro density | 718.5/km2 (1,861/sq mi) |
| "Metro" population based on a 43 km2 or 17 sq mi sample that is larger than the old boundaries for the former City of Sydney, pre-1995. | |
| Time zone | UTC– 04:00 (AST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC– 03:00 (ADT) |
| Canadian Postal code | B1L – S |
| Area code(s) | 902 &782 |
| Telephone Exchange | 202, 217, 270, 284, 304, 317, 322, 371, 408, 509, 537, 539, 549 560–5, 567, 574, 577, 578, 595, 979 |
| Highways |  Hwy 125 Trunk 4 Trunk 22 Trunk 28 Route 305 Route 327 |
| Website | sydney |
Sydney is a former city and urban community on the east coast ofCape Breton Island inNova Scotia, Canada within theCape Breton Regional Municipality. Sydney was founded in 1785 by the British, incorporated as a city in 1904, and dissolved on 1 August 1995, when it was amalgamated into the regional municipality.
Sydney served as Cape Breton Island's colonial capital until 1820, when the colony was annexed to Nova Scotia.
A rapid population expansion occurred just after the turn of the 20th century, when Sydney became home to one of North America's main steel mills. During both the First and Second World Wars, it was a major staging area for England-boundconvoys. The post-war period witnessed a major decline in the number of people employed at theDominion Steel and Coal Corporation steel mill, and the Nova Scotia and Canadian governments had tonationalize it in 1967 to save the region's biggest employer, forming the new crown corporation called theSydney Steel Corporation.[1] The city's population has steadily decreased since the early 1970s due to the plant's fortunes, and SYSCO was finally closed in 2001. Today, the main industries are in customer support call centres and tourism. Together withSydney Mines,North Sydney,New Waterford, andGlace Bay, Sydney forms the region traditionally referred to asIndustrial Cape Breton.
Prior to a permanent settlement being established, there was significant activity along the shore. During theAmerican Revolution, on 1 November 1776,John Paul Jones – the father of theAmerican Navy – set sail in command ofAlfred to free hundreds of American prisoners working in the coal mines in eastern Cape Breton. Although winter conditions prevented the freeing of the prisoners, the mission did result in the capture of theMellish, a vessel carrying a vital supply of winter clothing intended forJohn Burgoyne's troops in Canada.
A few years into the war (1781) there wasa naval engagement between two French ships and a British convoy off Sydney, Nova Scotia, near Spanish River, Cape Breton.[2] The convoy, which consisted of 18 merchant vessels, including ninecolliers and four supply ships, was bound for Spanish River on Cape Breton Island to pick upcoal for delivery to Halifax.[3][4] The British convoy escorts suffered considerable damage with one ship,Jack captured. The French ships also suffered damage. In the end the convoy was still able to load coal and transport it to Halifax. Six French sailors were killed and 17 British, with many more wounded.
Sydney was founded after the war by ColonelJoseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres, and named in honour ofThomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney,[5][6] who was serving as theHome Secretary in the British cabinet.[7] Lord Sydney appointed Col. DesBarres lieutenant-governor of the new colony of Cape Breton Island.[8] In November 1784 the 600-ton shipBlenheim landed a group that consisted primarily of English citizens and disbanded soldiers. A group ofLoyalists from the state ofNew York (which includedDavid Mathews, the former mayor of New York City under the British), fleeing the aftermath of theAmerican Revolution, were added to the immigrants upon their arrival in the neighbouring colony of Nova Scotia. DesBarres arrived at Sydney on 7 January 1785. He held the first meeting of his executive council on 21 February 1785, where he was proclaimed lieutenant-governor in a formal manner and the first minutes of the new colony were taken.[9] The site DesBarres chose for the new settlement was along the Southwest Arm of Sydney Harbour,[9] a drowned valley of theSydney River, which forms part ofSpanish Bay. Between 1784 and 1820, Sydney was the capital of the British colony of Cape Breton Island.[10] The vice regal residence was located to the east of military grounds along DesBarres Street (and since re-developed as a residential area). The colony was disbanded and merged with neighbouring Nova Scotia as part of the British government's desire to develop the abundant coal fields surrounding Sydney Harbour; the leases being held by theDuke of York.[11] In 1826, the leases were transferred to the General Mining Association[12] and industrial development around Sydney began to take shape.
Sydney was incorporated as a town in 1885.[13]
By the early 20th century Sydney became home to one of the world's largest steel plants, fed by the numerous coal mines in the area under the ownership of theDominion Steel and Coal Corporation. Sydney's economy was a significant part of Industrial Cape Breton with its steel plant and harbour and railway connections adjoining the coal mining towns of Glace Bay, New Waterford, Sydney Mines andReserve Mines. The economic boom brought about by industrialization saw the community incorporate as a city in 1904.[13] The growth continued until the 1930s, with theGreat Depression causing a slowdown in production and growth. World War II brought prosperity again for the plant, and the coal mines.
Sydney Harbour played an important role during World War II. Once aRoyal Canadian Navy base,HMCS Protector, was established to stage supplyconvoys bound for Europe. These convoys tended to be slower and had the prefix SC for Slow Convoy.[14]Convoy SC 7 typified the dangers inherent with theNaziU-boats off the coast of Cape Breton and Newfoundland during theBattle of the Atlantic, when 20 of the 35 merchant cargo vessels were sunk on their journey to England. Sydney Harbour was one of the hotspots of theBattle of the St. Lawrence. Two notable shipping attacks occurred during this battle: the sinking of the train ferrySS Caribou in October 1942 on its way from North Sydney toPort aux Basques, Newfoundland;[15] and the sinking of the Sydney-based HMCSShawinigan on 24 November 1944 in the Cabot Strait, near Cape North, on Cape Breton Island.[16] Sydney's coal shipping and steel manufacturing made a significant contribution to theAllied war effort, however federal Minister of Industry,C. D. Howe favoured Central Canada's steel industry given its proximity to a larger workforce and less exposure to coastal attack.
By the late 1960s the coal and steel industries had fallen on hard times.[17] Friday, 13 October 1967, became known as "Black Friday", so named afterHawker Siddeley Canada, the plant's owners, announced they were closing it in April 1968.[18] Both the provincial and federal government were involved in negotiating with the steel plant's owners, when Cape Breton's citizens held the largest protest in the city's history on 19 November 1967: "The Parade of Concern."[19] Around 20,000 people marched about a mile from the plant's gates to a horse racetrack to show their support for the steel plant.[19] Newly appointed Nova Scotia premierG.I. Smith and federal Health Minister, and Cape Breton MP,Allan J. MacEachen spoke to the crowd and assured them that their respective governments were going to help.[19] Four days later the Smith government announced that they were taking over the plant starting in 1968.[20]
Both the steel and coal industries continued under government ownership for the rest of the 20th century. By the early 1990s, both industries were in trouble again, and were permanently closed by the end of 2001.Forced to diversify its economy after the closures of the steel plant and coal industries, Sydney has examined a variety of economic development possibilities including tourism and culture, light manufacturing and information technology. Cleaning up the former steel plant, and the toxicSydney Tar Ponds it left behind in Muggah's Creek, were a source of controversy due to its health effects on residents, although it has provided some employment since SYSCO closed.[21][22][23][24] The tar pond cleanup was completed in 2013 with the opening of Open Hearth Park, which sits on the direct site of the former steel plant and has hosted events such as anAerosmith concert in September 2014.
 | This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Sydney is on the east bank of the Sydney River where it discharges into South Arm of Sydney Harbour. Elevation ranges fromsea level to 66 m (217 ft) above sea level.
The majority of properties within the former city limits have been impacted by development and an extensive urban road network. The central business district is located on a peninsula extending into South Arm formed by Sydney River on the west side and Muggah Creek on the east side. The largest park within the former city limits is Open Hearth Park.
Distinctive neighbourhoods includeWhitney Pier in the north east end next to the former steel plant site, Ashby in the east end, Hardwood Hill in the south end and the "North End" located on the peninsula which contains the Holy Angels convent and the Sydney Garrison known as Victoria Park, headquarters of the Cape Breton Highlanders reserve infantry regiment. The former city completely encircles theMembertou First Nation (First Nations Reserve 28A and 28B).
Sydney experiences a cool summer, and windy, wet and stormy winter, version of ahumid continental climate (KöppenDfb) that is significantly moderated by the community's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.[25] The highest temperature ever recorded in Sydney was 36.7 °C (98 °F) on 18 August 1935.[26] The lowest temperature ever recorded was −31.7 °C (−25 °F) on 31 January 1873, 29 January 1877 and 15 February 1916.[27][28][29]
Due to the relatively strong influence from large bodies of water, Sydney experiences strongseasonal lag, meaning February is the year's coldest month on average, and August is the year's warmest month on average. By contrast, in most continental climates in the Northern Hemisphere, January is the coldest month, July the warmest.
In other respects, too, Sydney's climate varies significantly from that of other areas with humid continental climates. The most significant variations are that Sydney experiences unusually cool summers, and relatively windy, wet and stormy winters, relative to other humid-continental areas such as in the interior of North America. Annual temperatures are instead rather similar to areas around theBaltic Sea in north-eastern Europe at much higher latitudes, although Sydney's seasonal lag is stronger. Although Sydney has some maritime influence, similar latitudes on the other side of the Atlantic have significantly milder climates in all seasons except summer. Sydney is in the direct path of fall and winter storms (in the U.S., called nor'easters) migrating from the U.S. Northeastern and New England states; these storms can attain tremendous intensity by the time they approach Sydney, with high winds, heavy snow, ice and/or rain events common, primarily from October to February. Summer thunderstorms are rare in Sydney, because nearby bodies of cool water sharply inhibit the combination of heat and humidity that fuels summer-season thunderstorms elsewhere (for example, the United States' central and southeastern states, and east-central and northern China). In recent years, possibly due to a warming climate, this has changed. In 2013 and 2016 Sydney was under a tornado watch as a result of unusually powerful thunderstorms. On 8 August 2014, a funnel cloud appeared near the Sydney Airport although no tornado warning or tornado watch was issued and the funnel did not actually touch down.[30][31][32]
While occasional thunderstorms and other rains can occur in summer, June through August are Sydney's driest months on average. Sydney's average annual precipitation cycle reflects these realities; the year's driest month, on average, is July; its wettest month, on average, is December. Average annual precipitation in Sydney is 1481.4 mm, virtually the highest found anywhere in Canada outside coastal British Columbia. Snowfall is heavy, averaging 281.1 cm per winter season. However, winter-season storms are variable, and can bring changing precipitation types, commonly from ice/snow to rain and possibly back to ice/snow. As such, actual snow accumulation is variable. A winter storm can bring accumulating snow, followed by heavy rain, then a brief return to snow or ice, resulting in no or minimal additional snow accumulation. Overall, Sydney's climate is moderately cold and strikingly variable, wet, stormy and windy from fall to early spring (October to March), and more stable and drier in summer (June to August).
| Climate data forSydney Airport, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1870–present[Note 1] | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 16.9 (62.4) | 18.0 (64.4) | 24.0 (75.2) | 27.2 (81.0) | 31.1 (88.0) | 34.4 (93.9) | 33.9 (93.0) | 36.7 (98.1) | 32.3 (90.1) | 27.4 (81.3) | 23.0 (73.4) | 16.7 (62.1) | 36.7 (98.1) |
| Mean maximum °C (°F) | 9.4 (48.9) | 8.1 (46.6) | 11.5 (52.7) | 17.2 (63.0) | 23.9 (75.0) | 28.0 (82.4) | 30.1 (86.2) | 29.9 (85.8) | 27.2 (81.0) | 21.3 (70.3) | 16.6 (61.9) | 12.1 (53.8) | 31.5 (88.7) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | −0.8 (30.6) | −1.1 (30.0) | 1.8 (35.2) | 6.8 (44.2) | 13.2 (55.8) | 18.6 (65.5) | 23.4 (74.1) | 23.4 (74.1) | 19.4 (66.9) | 13.1 (55.6) | 7.7 (45.9) | 2.6 (36.7) | 10.7 (51.3) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −5.0 (23.0) | −5.5 (22.1) | −2.3 (27.9) | 2.5 (36.5) | 7.9 (46.2) | 13.2 (55.8) | 18.2 (64.8) | 18.4 (65.1) | 14.5 (58.1) | 8.9 (48.0) | 4.0 (39.2) | −0.9 (30.4) | 6.2 (43.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −9.1 (15.6) | −9.9 (14.2) | −6.4 (20.5) | −1.7 (28.9) | 2.7 (36.9) | 7.8 (46.0) | 12.9 (55.2) | 13.4 (56.1) | 9.5 (49.1) | 4.6 (40.3) | 0.4 (32.7) | −4.4 (24.1) | 1.6 (34.9) |
| Mean minimum °C (°F) | −18.5 (−1.3) | −19.3 (−2.7) | −16.4 (2.5) | −8.0 (17.6) | −3.2 (26.2) | 1.5 (34.7) | 6.9 (44.4) | 7.2 (45.0) | 2.1 (35.8) | −2.0 (28.4) | −7.0 (19.4) | −13.0 (8.6) | −20.5 (−4.9) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −31.7 (−25.1) | −31.7 (−25.1) | −31.1 (−24.0) | −17.8 (0.0) | −7.8 (18.0) | −3.9 (25.0) | 0.6 (33.1) | 2.2 (36.0) | −2.2 (28.0) | −5.6 (21.9) | −13.9 (7.0) | −23.3 (−9.9) | −31.7 (−25.1) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 139.1 (5.48) | 131.0 (5.16) | 121.3 (4.78) | 119.8 (4.72) | 98.9 (3.89) | 100.8 (3.97) | 87.3 (3.44) | 99.2 (3.91) | 118.2 (4.65) | 144.0 (5.67) | 149.2 (5.87) | 169.8 (6.69) | 1,481.4 (58.32) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 73.9 (2.91) | 65.3 (2.57) | 87.4 (3.44) | 97.3 (3.83) | 100.8 (3.97) | 97.4 (3.83) | 88.6 (3.49) | 97.4 (3.83) | 121.3 (4.78) | 149.2 (5.87) | 151.0 (5.94) | 117.0 (4.61) | 1,246.5 (49.07) |
| Average snowfall cm (inches) | 77.6 (30.6) | 68.0 (26.8) | 44.7 (17.6) | 22.9 (9.0) | 1.5 (0.6) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.4 (0.2) | 9.2 (3.6) | 56.8 (22.4) | 281.1 (110.7) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.2 mm) | 20.4 | 16.3 | 16.9 | 15.5 | 14.9 | 14.3 | 12.2 | 12.8 | 13.7 | 16.5 | 17.7 | 21.0 | 192.2 |
| Average rainy days(≥ 0.2 mm) | 8.8 | 7.1 | 10.2 | 13.0 | 14.8 | 13.8 | 12.3 | 12.6 | 13.3 | 16.8 | 15.7 | 12.2 | 150.3 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.2 cm) | 16.9 | 13.3 | 11.0 | 5.8 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 4.9 | 14.3 | 67.4 |
| Averagerelative humidity (%)(at 15:00 LST) | 73.4 | 70.3 | 69.0 | 67.9 | 64.8 | 65.1 | 64.6 | 64.7 | 67.2 | 69.9 | 73.7 | 76.5 | 68.9 |
| Averagedew point °C (°F) | −7.6 (18.3) | −8.4 (16.9) | −5.5 (22.1) | −1.3 (29.7) | 3.4 (38.1) | 8.8 (47.8) | 13.8 (56.8) | 14.5 (58.1) | 11.2 (52.2) | 5.9 (42.6) | 1.2 (34.2) | −3.4 (25.9) | 2.8 (37.0) |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 91.0 | 111.6 | 132.9 | 141.0 | 198.0 | 224.6 | 246.9 | 228.4 | 167.1 | 130.1 | 77.0 | 68.2 | 1,816.7 |
| Percentagepossible sunshine | 32.4 | 38.3 | 36.1 | 34.7 | 42.7 | 47.7 | 51.8 | 52.0 | 44.3 | 38.3 | 27.1 | 25.3 | 39.2 |
| Source 1:Environment Canada[35][33][26][27][29][36][37][38][39] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: weatherstats.ca (for dewpoint and monthly&yearly average absolute maximum&minimum temperature)[40] | |||||||||||||
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 32,496 | — |
| 2011 | 31,597 | −2.8% |
| 2016 | 30,170 | −4.5% |
| 2021 | 30,960 | +2.6% |
| Census Profile – Population Centre 2006 population figure adjusted to boundary changes made between 2006 and 2011.[41] | ||
Former city | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2006 population is estimated due to boundary changes.[42][43][44][45] Sources:[46][47]2011, 2016 and 2021 populations are from Dissemination Areas. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statistics Canada classifies Sydney as a medium population centre, which for census purposes includes the neighbouring communities of Westmount, a significant portion of Sydney River, and other portions of the former Cape Breton County.[48] The 2011 population of the Sydney census area, was 31,597,[41] making it the largest population centre onCape Breton Island.
| This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Sydney suffered an economic decline for several decades in the later part of the 20th century as local coal andsteel industries underwent significant changes. The closure of the Sydney Steel Corporation's steel mill and theCape Breton Development Corporation's coal mines in 2000–2001 have resulted in attempts by the municipal, provincial and federal governments to diversify the area economy.
At the start of the 21st century, Sydney faced a significant challenge in the cleanup of theSydney Tar Ponds, a tidal estuary contaminated with a variety of coal-based wastes from coke ovens that supplied the steel industry. After extensive public consultation and technical study, a $400 millionCAD cleanup plan jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments has been completed and the Open Hearth Park opened in its place.
In one part of Whitney Pier, residents of Frederick St. discovered contamination within several homes and in surrounding soil, including a toxic orange substance oozing into local basements. Testing of the substance lasted over a year and many were outraged by delays, although some residents were subsequently relocated to a safer residential area nearby.
High unemployment and lack of opportunities have resulted in many educated young people leaving the community for jobs in other parts of Canada and the US. Demographic changes, including an aging population and decrease in the birth rate, have affected the area's economic outlook. Specifically, many residents have opted to seek work inAlberta andOntario.
Sydney's economy was buoyed by the 2011 announcement of funding for the Sydney Harbour dredging project, which was completed in 2012. The dredge, which is expected to lead to commercialization of the port, is purported to create hundreds of jobs in the area, and position Sydney as a world-class harbour facility. Other important investments that have helped position Sydney as an eastern hub of Nova Scotia include the twinning ofHighway 125 and the creation of the Centre for Sustainability in the Environment at nearbyCape Breton University, which draws hundreds of international students each year.
| This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Cape Breton Island has become home to a significant tourism industry, with Sydney (as the island's largest urban centre) being a prime beneficiary. With its economy being dominated by the steel industry until the early 2000s, Sydney had been overlooked as a tourist destination, with the more centrally located scenic village ofBaddeck being a preferred location for tourists transiting theCabot Trail. However, Sydney has witnessed a revival as a result of significant government investment incruise ship facilities and a waterfront revitalization plan which has seen a boardwalk and marinas constructed, and the world's largest fiddle. This funding is part of the post-industrial adjustment package offered by the federal and provincial governments.
Sydney's tourism draw is increasingly linked to its cultural asset as being the urban heart of Cape Breton Island. Its population is a diverse mixture of nationalities which contributes to various Scottish, Acadian, African Canadian and eastern European cultural events being held throughout the year. Sydney's accommodation sector is centrally located to attractions inLouisbourg (home of theFortress of Louisbourg), Glace Bay (home of the Glace Bay Miners Museum), Baddeck (home of the Alexander Graham Bell Museum), as well as popular touring destinations such as the Cabot Trail,Cape Breton Highlands National Park, andBras d'Or Lake.
The annualCeltic Colours International Festival is held throughout Cape Breton Island in October, with some of the concerts taking place in Sydney.[49]
Sydney was selected to host the 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2016ECMA Galas.
Semi-professional hockey has a long tradition in Sydney. In December 1912, a group formed a professional hockey club to challenge for theStanley Cup.[50] The short-lived Sydney Millionaires, who received that nickname because the players were the highest paid in the Maritimes, won the 1913Maritime Professional Hockey League championship.[50] Their victory allowed them to challenge the Quebec Bulldogs, the then current cup holder, in Quebec City.[50] On 10 March 1913, the Millionaires lost the second and final game of the Stanley Cup, and folded shortly thereafter.[50]
From 1988 to 1996, Sydney was home to theCape Breton Oilers of theAmerican Hockey League, the primary farm team of theNational Hockey League'sEdmonton Oilers. They won that league's championship, theCalder Cup, in 1993. The franchise moved toHamilton, Ontario, after the 1995–96 season, becoming theHamilton Bulldogs.[51][52]
Founded in 1997, theCape Breton Eagles of theQMJHL play their home games atCentre 200.[53] Eagles alumni include three-time Stanley Cup championMarc-André Fleury.
TheCape Breton Highlanders of theNational Basketball League of Canada played from 2016 to 2019.[54][55]
Sydney hosted events for the 1987Canada Winter Games, held throughoutCape Breton County.
The2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships were co-hosted by Sydney andHalifax.
Tennis has a long history in Sydney. The Sydney Lawn Tennis Club (now theCromarty Tennis Club) was incorporated by an Act of theNova Scotia Legislature on 28 April 1893.[56] The Cape Breton Junior Regionals, Masters Championships, and the Cape Breton Open tennis tournaments are held annually.[57]
| This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Sydney is served by Highway 125 which connects toHighway 105 and encircles the former city limits to its eastern terminus.Trunk 4 forms an important secondary road in Sydney running along the Sydney River, connecting to Glace Bay.Trunk 22, connecting to Louisbourg, andTrunk 28, connectingWhitney Pier through to New Waterford, form minor secondary roads.
Transit Cape Breton is owned and operated by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and provides bus services in the eastern part of the municipality, which includes Sydney.
Transit Cape Breton also operates "Handi-Trans" for passengers whose disabilities restrict them from using regular bus services.
Transit fares are $1.25 per zone travelled, or $1.00 for seniors 55 & up and children 5–12. Depending on the number of zones travelled, the cost of riding the bus can range from $1.00 to $5.00.[58]
Sydney is home to two private freight railway companies. TheCape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway makes Sydney its eastern terminus and provides rail connections toCN inTruro viaPort Hawkesbury. TheSydney Coal Railway connects a bulk coal unloading pier in Whitney Pier with theLingan Generating Station inLingan. Daily passenger rail service was provided byVia Rail Canada until budget cuts on 15 January 1990. A weekly tourist train, theBras d'Or was operated by Via Rail Canada from 2000 to 2004 until being discontinued.
Sydney's port facilities include the privately owned bulk coal unloading pier in Whitney Pier as well as the publicly owned Sydney Marine Terminal at the northern edge of the central business district. A recently opened cruise ship pavilion welcomes several dozen cruise ships every year, with the majority visiting in late summer or early fall to take infall foliage tours. Other port facilities on Sydney Harbour are located outside the former city limits inPoint Edward (Sydport) and North Sydney (Marine Atlantic ferry terminal).
TheJA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport is located several kilometres outside the former city limits in the neighbouring community of Reserve Mines. The regional airport is served byAir Canada andPascan Aviation.
Occasionally, travellers intending to go toSydney, Australia mistakenly arrived in Sydney, Nova Scotia. This mistake is usually due to confusion of the two destinations in flight ticket bookings.[59][60]
TheCape Breton Regional Hospital is located in Sydney.
Sydney is part of theCape Breton – Victoria Regional School Board and is home to one public English language secondary school:Sydney Academy, which is linked to several elementary and intermediate schools. Holy Angels, a female-only Catholic high school founded in the late 1800s, closed at the end of the 2011 school year.[61] A French language school, Étoile de l'Acadie, is also located in Sydney and is part of theConseil scolaire acadien provincial school board.
In 1951, the original campus of what becameCape Breton University was founded as the Xavier Junior College, affiliated withSt. Francis Xavier University and was located in Sydney.[62]Sydney also has other post secondary and private career colleges, including the Cape Breton Business College founded in 1958 and theCanadian Coast Guard College founded in 1965.
In 2024,Nova Scotia Community College opened a 305,000 sq. ft. waterfront campus.[63]
Sydney is the island's largest commercial centre and home to theCape Breton Post daily newspaper, as well as one television station,CJCB-TV, a member of theCTV Television Network.[Note 2] CJCB was the first television station in Nova Scotia, going on air on 9 October 1954.[65] It was also the eastern terminus of the original country-wide microwave network that went live on 1 July 1958, with the Canada's first coast to coast television broadcast.[66] From its beginnings until 1972, CJCB-TV was the area's CBC affiliate.[65]
Sydney's first radio station wasCJCB-AM, founded by Nate Nathanson, and went on the air on 14 February 1929.[67] The Nathanson family would go on to open an FM radio station in 1957,CJCB-FM, and the above-mentioned television station.[68] CBC began operating its own station,CBI (AM), in November 1948.[69] It was part of the CBC'sTrans-Canada Network, while CJCB became a CBC affiliate for itsDominion Network.[69] In 1962, the CBC combined the two networks, making CBI the only CBC station, and CJCB became an independent.[69] In 1978, the CBC openedCBI-FM, which belonged to the CBC Stereo network.[70] Since 1997, CBI-AM belongs toCBC Radio One and CBI-FM belongs toCBC Music.[69][70] In addition to the CBC and CJCB stations, there are other FM radio stations serving the area, most coming into the market in the early 21st century.
 | This list of residentsmay not follow Wikipedia'sverifiability policy. Please helpimprove it by addingreliable sources for existing names which prove they are residents. Unsourced names may be challenged and removed.(December 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
An Act to incorporate the Sydney Lawn Tennis Club.
Media related toSydney, Nova Scotia at Wikimedia Commons
Guardian of the Gulf : Sydney, Cape Breton, and the Atlantic wars.
| Government | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | |||||||
| Neighbourhoods & communities | |||||||
| Education |
| ||||||
| Culture, sport, and recreation |
| ||||||
| Buildings and structures | |||||||
| Regional municipalities |  | |
|---|---|---|
| First Nations | ||
| Indian reserves | ||
| Former municipalities | ||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
.svg)
