Nova Scotia

Archibald's Wharf sale to Canadian Maritime Engineering finalized

Cape Breton regional councillors voted Friday to approve the final sale agreement for Archibald’s Wharf on the North Sydney waterfront. The buyer is Canadian Maritime Engineering Ltd., which wants the public space to expand its operations.

Group of area residents fought to keep the space public

Cape Breton regional council finalized the sale of Archibald's Wharf on North Sydney's waterfront to Canadian Maritime Engineering Ltd. on Friday. (CBC)

Cape Breton regional councillors voted Friday to approve the final sale agreement for Archibald's Wharf on the North Sydney waterfront.

The vote ends a battle that pitted a group of area residents against council and Canadian Maritime Engineering Ltd., which made a bid to buy the property to expand its operations.

The firm said expansion onto Archibald's Wharf would allow it to add another boat lift and a rail system to move ships around the yard, making room at the dock for more ships.

One of the biggest proponents of the deal was Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke.

The wharf has a field, restaurant and boardwalk. Some residents wanted to keep the space public and came out against the proposal in council meetings.

The engineering firm offered $200,000 for the land as well as an additional $50,000 for municipal recreation.

The land is assessed at $501,300, but only $11,400 of that is taxable.