Federal government, Marine Atlantic mark building of new North Sydney terminal

NORTH SYDNEY, NS–The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, joined Marine Atlantic’s President and CEO Paul Griffin, and Cecil Clarke, Mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality Monday to tour Marine Atlantic’s new terminal building as it enters its final phase of construction in North Sydney, Nova Scotia.

The new terminal building is funded through this government’s five-year investment in 2010 of $521 million for the revitalization of Marine Atlantic’s fleet and shore facilities. It is scheduled to be operational by spring 2015, said a release.

The new North Sydney Terminal, estimated to cost$20 million, including design, site preparation and construction, will be modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly. It will offer amenities such as a commercial driver seating lounge area and provide closer access to downtown North Sydney

Other improvements atNorth Sydney include a recently completed new building for stevedores (dock workers), renovations to the docks, an upgraded and expanded marshalling yard, and new Marine Atlantic administration and warehouse facilities.

“This government continues to invest in Marine Atlantic’s fleet and shore facilities, such as the new North Sydney Terminal, because we recognize the importance of connecting the communities, businesses and economies of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport.

“We are very excited with the progress being made at our new terminal building. The Government of Canada’ssignificant investment has allowed us to make these enhancements into our vessel fleet, shore-based infrastructure and business processes, strengthening the service experienced by our customers. The opening of our new terminal building this spring will be another step towards our goal of becoming a modern and efficient corporation with a strong focus on customer service,” said  Paul Griffin, Marine Atlantic’s President and CEO.