Nova Scotia has been selected to build Canada's next fleet of combat ships

October 19, 2011 ~ Irving Shipbuilding Inc. has been chosen to negotiate the right to build Canada's new combat vessel fleet, as part of the federal government's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.

"Congratulations to Irving Shipbuilding and all of its employees for proving that Nova Scotia is ready to build the best ships," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "This is a defining moment in Nova Scotia's history. The future starts here."

"This is tremendous news!" said Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding. "On behalf of the men and women of Irving Shipbuilding, we are honoured to have been chosen by Canada to build the Navy's new combat vessel fleet for those who serve and we look forward to successful negotiations in the coming months."

"To every Nova Scotian and Canadian who put up a lawn sign, put a pin on the electronic map or sent us words of encouragement, we can't thank you enough. And to Premier Darrell Dexter, the province of Nova Scotia, and every member of the Ships Start Here partnership, you have made this a true community effort and demonstrated the power of a community with confidence, pride and a clear objective - thank you for your belief and your support."

The contract, estimated at $25 billion, will help the province turn a corner on 20 years of slow economic growth in Atlantic Canada. It will mean an additional 11,500 jobs for Nova Scotians and will increase the province's GDP by almost $900 million during peak production years. The Canadian economy is expected to grow by $1.5 billion, and 4,500 jobs will be created outside of Nova Scotia.  Read more ...

Seven NS wineries create Tidal Bay brand

July 11, 2011 ~ Halifax Herald

Seven of Nova Scotia’s wineries have banded together to create the Tidal Bay brand, each creating one wine within guidelines set by an independent committee.  "It’s the first appellation wine for Nova Scotia," said Jurg Stutz, winemaker at Domaine de Grand Pre. "Basically, what that means is the wine comes with a set of standards.  "Within the winery association, there was a technical committee that put the standards together, the overall style of the product. What we were looking for was lower alcohol, a little bit off-dry, aromatic, good, crisp acidity and things like that."  Seven wineries — Benjamin Bridge, Blomidon Estate, Jost, Gaspereau, Domaine de Grand Pre, Petite Riviere and Avondale Sky — are taking part in the Tidal Bay program. Some have already launched the wines, others are about to do so. The standards for the wines include what varieties of grapes can be used.  More ...

Public Gardens bandstand restored:  Workers found more original 1887 parts than they expected

May 23, 2011 ~ Halifax Herald 

The bandstand at the historic Halifax Public Gardens is considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of the peaceful downtown oasis.  After a winter under wraps to undergo an extensive facelift, the work on the decorative structure was unveiled when the gardens reopened this spring. More ... 

Hector restored to ship shape

May 18, 2011 ~ Halifax Herald

A crew of steelworkers wearing hard hats, with help from a tugboat, guided the tall ship Hector backwards up Pictou Harbour to its home wharf on Tuesday. The 33-metre ship was only returned to the water after a massive effort by the community and local industry.  More ...

Cape Breton to host the ultimate kitchen party

May 18, 2011 ~ Halifax Herald

It’s sort of like Cape Breton’s popular Celtic Colours Festival, only the emphasis is on food.  Chefs and students from around the world and those who love good eating will gather in Cape Breton at the end of August for what is being dubbed the ultimate culinary experience for foodie adventurers.  Right Some Good: Ten World-Class International Chefs, One Extraordinary Foodie Adventure will take place across Cape Breton from Aug. 25 to Sept. 4. More ...

Reincarnating A Legend:  Bluenose II rebuild marks milestone

May 10, 2011 ~ Halifax Herald

The first of 10,000 spikes was driven into the hull of the Bluenose II on Monday as the first plank was attached to the outside of the sailing ambassador, which is being rebuilt in Lunenburg ... The province has said it expects the new Bluenose II to sail at least another 20 years without the need for any extensive maintenance, given the combination of durable rot-resistant wood and modern laminating techniques that will prevent the keel from sagging toward the waterline. More ...

The public can watch the $14.8-million restoration unfold at www.novascotiawebcams.com/south-shore/bluenose-ii.html or get a guided tour from the on-site visitors centre. 

"Jumping the Broom" from Lunenburg to Theatres Everywhere!

May 6, 2011 ~ seaandbescene.com

Last summer was a busy season for Nova Scotia when it came to TV and Film productions. Whether it was series stuff like Haven, or made for TV movies like November Christmas – the province made a marvelous backdrop for many.  Another shining example hitting theatres today is Jumping the Broom with Blue Rocks, NS in the role of 'Martha’s Vineyard'. "I came to Nova Scotia not knowing what to expect and left eager to find my way back here for another project - I have been singing the praises of Nova Scotia to anyone who will listen." Salim Akil, Director.  Halifax based Magic Rock Productions made the movie that stars Angela Bassett (Malcom X), Paula Patton (Precious), Loretta Devine (Crash), Julie Bowen (Moden Family) and Laz Alonso (Fast and Furious). Directed by Salim Akil (The Game) - the movie tells the tale of two very different families coming together for one very big event – a wedding. Mothers, matrimony, mayhem…what more do you need?  Be sure to check it out – and get a load of that Lunenburg County loveliness – locals included!

NS church floats on water toward winery

May 4, 2011 ~ CBC News

A rare sight occurred in Walton, NS, on Wednesday as a century-old church was ferried down the Minas Basin on a vessel captained by a man named Lord.
The building — formerly St. Matthew's Anglican Church — is being moved to Avondale to become part of the new Avondale Sky Winery, owned by Stewart Creaser and his wife, Lorraine Vassalo.  More ...

Note: Most PDF files available for download can be viewed with Acrobat Reader 4.0. However, you may wish to update to a more recent version, Acrobat Reader 5.0. Click on the button below to get this free plug-in.