Sydney Mines

Sydney Mines Gaelic: Mèinnean Shidhi
Community
Naval Battle off Sydney Mines
Sydney Mines Location of Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia
Coordinates: 46°14′15″N 60°13′10″W / 46.23750°N 60.21944°W / 46.23750; -60.21944Coordinates: 46°14′15″N 60°13′10″W / 46.23750°N 60.21944°W / 46.23750; -60.21944
Country	Canada
Provinces of Canada	Nova Scotia
Regional Municipality	Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Incorporated Town	1889
Dissolved	August 1, 1995
Population (2001) From Statistics Canada
• Total	7,312
Time zone	AST (UTC-4)
• Summer (DST)	ADT (UTC-3)
Canadian Postal code	B1V
Area code(s)	902

Sydney Mines (2011population: 14,135 ) is a former town Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Founded in 1784 and incorporated as a town in 1889, Sydney Mines has a rich history in coal production, although mining activity has now ceased. Prior to a permanent settlement being established, there was significant activity along the shore. Sydney Mines was also home to a large steel company that was named SCOTIA it was the modern to its day between the Sydney Steel Plant (DISCO) and the Sydney Mines Steel Plant (SCOTIA) they produced 50% of Canada's steel during World War I.

History

During the American Revolution, on November 1, 1776, John Paul Jones - the father of the American Navy - set sail in command of Alfred to free hundreds of American prisoners working in the area's coal mines. Although winter conditions prevented the freeing of the prisoners, the mission did result in the capture of the Mellish, a vessel carrying a vital supply of winter clothing intended for John Burgoyne's troops in Canada. A few years into the war there was also a naval engagement between French ships and a British convoy off Sydney, Nova Scotia, near Spanish River (1781), Cape Breton.^[1] French ships (fighting with the Americans) were re-coaling and defeated a British convoy. Six French sailors were killed and 17 British, with many more wounded.

Sydney Mines lies immediately northeast of North Sydney and faces Sydney across Sydney Harbour. Sydney Mines was once a major coal-producing community. Mining began locally in 1766, and in 1830 systematic operations were undertaken. One of the area mines extended about 5 miles (8 km) out under the sea. The last mine was closed in 1975.

Sydney Mines is on the northern side of Sydney Harbor, near the mouth. It was earlier known as the Mines due to the coal mines abundant nearby. Although mining has been carried on since 1724, the first shaft for the General Mining Association in Sydney Mines was sunk in 1830. Manufacturing enterprises included corrugated steel culverts and the British Canadian Co-operative Society Limited, operating a dairy and a bakery.

Sydney Mines was the filming location for the 1981 horror movie My Bloody Valentine.

Climate

Sydney Mines Climate is a basic Canadian climate during the winter months the average temperature is about minus 3-7 during the summer months the average temperature is plus 20-25 the yearly snowfall totals are 250 cm while the rainfall total are around 1500 mm of rain. The weather is measured and forecasted by "Environment Canada" and The Weather Network.

Education

Sydney Mines has two elementary schools, Jubilee Elementary (home to the Johnny Miles Gym) and St. Joseph's Elementary, one junior high school, Sydney Mines Junior High, one high school, Memorial Composite High School

Landmarks

In front of Jubilee Elementary on Main Street, there is a bronze statue of Johnny Miles in a running pose. There is a script on it with a small quote and the dates Johnny Miles won the Boston Marathon.

In front of the John J. Nugent Firemen's Centre on Elliot Street (across from the fire station), there is a firefighter statue which resembles all the past fire chiefs of the Sydney Mines Volunteer Fire Department.

References

1. ↑ Thomas B. Akins. (1895) History of Halifax. Dartmouth: Brook House Press.p. 82