The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Importance of the Development of Whitney Pier
News Release
August 10, 2017 Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.
Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, and the Whitney Pier Historical Society, today commemorated the importance of the development of Whitney Pier, as an event of National Historic Significance. A special ceremony was held in Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia, with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, the Whitney Pier Historical Society, and the community.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of immigrants from Europe, the West Indies, the United States, and elsewhere were drawn to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to work in iron and steel production. Many settled in Whitney Pier, a neighbourhood in Sydney, and came to share a deep-seated working-class identity, despite ethnic, racial, and religious differences. They developed a local culture that revolved around the appreciation and nurturing of ethnic traditions and deep respect for the self-sufficiency of working-class people. Strong communal institutions were built by the immigrants themselves, including a strong union, benevolent societies, sports clubs, cultural groups, and businesses, many of which are still present today.
Canada’s national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage of the free admission to the national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada!
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is very pleased to commemorate the development of Whitney Pier as an important event in the 20th century. The many religious, social, and cultural institutions that exist there today, despite differences in culture and class, speaks to the values of respect and cooperation, qualities we can all admire in today’s world. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about this community and the important role Whitney Pier played in our country's history.”
The Honourable Mark Eyking,
Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
"The Whitney Pier Historical Society is pleased that the community of Whitney Pier is being recognized as a place of national historic significance. The Society strives to preserve the diverse and rich culture that makes our community unique, and this commemoration plays an important role as we continue our work to honour Whitney Pier now and in the future."
George Dunn
President of Whitney Pier Historical Society
Quick Facts
-
Whitney Pier was one of the most ethnically diverse neighbourhoods in the Maritimes in the 20th century, with more than fifteen different ethnic and religious groups drawn here to work at the Besco Steel Mill, the largest in Canada at the time.
-
More than a century after steel production began in Sydney, the steel plant location was remediated and is now home to beautiful Open Hearth Park.
-
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada’s history.
Related Products
Associated Links
Contacts
Coady Slaunwhite
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Cape Breton Field Unit
Parks Canada
Coady.Slaunwhite@pc.gc.ca
902-217- 0861
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca