Sydney Mines to Share The Riches of Carboniferous Fossils

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--Sydney Mines to Share The Riches of Carboniferous Fossils

Cape Breton's coal fields continue to yield riches as Sydney Mines prepares to develop a new fossil interpretive centre.

Nova Scotia Economic Development is providing $50,000 to the Sydney Mines Community Heritage Society towards the Fossil Interpretive Centre project, which is scheduled to be constructed in Sydney Mines later this spring.

Sydney Mines is one of eight important fossil sites in Nova Scotia, and is known internationally for good examples of plant fossils. The shales and sandstone of the coal fields yield fossils of ferns, bamboo-like plants and trees from 300 million years ago in the Carboniferous Period, or coal-forming age when Cape Breton was close to the equator.

"The province is pleased to be a funding partner in this project," said Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke. "These fossils have been attracting attention from geologists for many years. The new centre will be the result of a dedicated community effort and will offer visitors and residents a hands-on learning experience."

The new centre is sponsored by the Sydney Mines Community Heritage Society. The society has operated a heritage museum and small fossil display for the past three years on Legatto Street. The volunteers are committed to preserving the history of the community and the proud traditions of coal mining.

Jim Tobin, chair of the Heritage Society, is pleased that the project is coming together, with all levels of government participating. "It has been a dream to have the fossils housed in a proper facility where we can receive visitors and students in an appropriate fashion," he said.

In addition to the province, the project will be cost shared by partners from Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Cape Breton Regional Municipality and by local fund-raising efforts. The total estimated cost of the project is more than $1.5 million.

The project is expected to create four seasonal jobs and attract an estimated 15,000 visitors to the region.