News Release

Starr Site and Shubenacadie Canal Archaeological Work

(Thursday, July 12/07)-- Halifax Regional Municipality, Shubenacadie Canal Commission and Cultural Resource Management Group are undertaking a two-week archaeological dig at the former Starr Manufacturing site in downtown Dartmouth.

The dig is aimed at locating and uncovering key elements of the Shubenacadie Canal and the Starr Manufacturing plant, which had occupied the site beginning in 1826 and ending with the structure fire and demolition of the plant in 2000.

The Starr property was purchased by HRM in 1998 and last year plans were completed to make the site a public park, which will allow for interpretation of both the early and later workings of the canal and the Starr Manufacturing plant. The canal connected Halifax Harbour to the Minas Basin at Maitland and figured prominently in the history of Nova Scotia.

The Starr Manufacturing plant is viewed as one of the most important historic industrial stories in Canada. The plant was the site of innovation in a number of ways, the most prominent being the production of the Starr Skate and hockey sticks, which led to the popularization and growth of hockey in Canada.

Locating and uncovering these features is important in order to determine the location of the future planned park features, as well as assess the condition and archaeological benefit to leaving certain elements, such as canal walls and structures, exposed for interpretation. The area will also be surveyed to ensure that no future works damage any valuable cultural assets.

HRM plans to hold an Open House at the end of the dig.

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Councillor Gloria McCluskey
476 1667

Peter Bigelow
Manager, Real Property Planning, HRM
490-6047

Bernie Hart
Executive Director, Shubenacadie Canal Commission
462-1826

Bruce Stewart
President & Sr Consultant, Cultural Resource Management Group
453-4972