Media Advisory

Starr Site and Shubenacadie Canal Archaeological Work

(Wednesday, July 18/07)-- The media will be given the opportunity to visit the site this Thursday of a two-week archaeological dig at the former Starr Manufacturing site in downtown Dartmouth.

The purpose of the dig, sponsored by HRM, Shubenacadie Canal Commission and Cultural Resource Management Group, was to locate and uncover 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 way; the most prominent being the production of the Starr Skate and hockey sticks, which led to the popularization and growth of hockey in Canada.

The media tour is being held in advance of an Open House for the public on Friday (July 20) from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Media Tour:

When:      Thursday, July 19, 2007
Time:        11 AM
Where:      Former site of Starr Manufacturing, Prince Albert Road   (near Portland Street)

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John O’Brien
Manager, Corporate Communications
490-6531

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