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It was then that a causeway to connect the mainland of Nova Scotia and
Cape Breton Island was recommended at a cost of ten million more than
a low level bridge which was first suggested. The causeway was proposed
to cost $22,760,000 in total including a navigation lock and bridge on
the Cape Breton side which would allow ships with a 30 foot draught to
pass through the strait. It provided the strait area with a deep water ice-free port on the Port Hawkesbury and Mulgrave side which allowed large companies to settle in the strait area. The ice free port allowed large vessels to come into the Port Hawkesbury and Mulgrave towns year round. The bulk of industrial activity in Cape Breton Island shifted away from the Sydney area to Port Hawkesbury and nearby Point Tupper, many of which still exist today. The town of Port Hawkesbury grew in population to 5000 citizens mainly due to the industrialization and spinoffs from these large industrial companies moving there since completion of the causeway. The major industrial companies that relocated to the area are Stora Enso, a pulp and paper mill which is the largest employer of the region. Statia Terminals, a gas and oil shipping and refining company moved to the area since they could bring the world's largest vessels to the ice free port year round. Nova Scotia Power built a generating plant to assist the major industrial companies of the area. |
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