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Here is a Series of Video clips of Parrsboro from the 1950's - 1990's
for you to watch.. Please Enjoy!!
There are now 8 & more video's available."
Also there is:
"Amazing" Bay of Fundy Tide Video's from Parrsboro.. just below on this page..
Also see the new video at bottom of this page on: Citizens of Parrsboro are passionate about saving an historic building & the Town..
What a great presentation of our town and area & what we have to offer!!!
And many more...
** I have added "new" info & pics & videos.. At the bottom of this page..
"New" - Nova Scotia Power - Open Hydro Bay of Fundy power turbine project. **
Please make sure you also check out all the other "New" Videos & great information on Parrsboro right to the bottom of page...Lots to see & know!
This was brought to you by the Parrsboro Website - Hey! Check them out too from the main page!
First human occupation of area by native Americans. 10,500 B.P. (Before/Present)
Prince Henry Sinclair believed to have visited here in 1397.
Samuel De Champlain was first officially recognized European visitor in 1607. He found an iron cross covered in moss, thus proving he was not the first Christian here.
Acadian settlement occurred in the 1670's.
In 1730 two Acadian boatmen, John Bourg and Francis Arseneau, operated a ferry service across the Bay of Fundy from Partridge Island.
Acadians expelled in 1755.
New England Planters arrived in the area between 1760 and 1766.
In 1764 an inn, tavern, store, blockhouse, school and church were built at Partridge Island.
Jonathan Crane and James Noble Shannon first permanent residents of Partridge Island in 1770.
-- correction to the Crane part. quoting from" Ëarly Parrsborough and its First Families"By Edward Gilbert, new research shows the first settlers on Partridge Lsland were actually Silas and Mary Crane arrived April 16th 1778.
Partridge Island Settlement raided in 1780 by Machais Privateers. Three of the raiders killed and remainder captured.
Governor Parr visited area in 1784; township named in his honour.
Mill Village (former name of Parrsboro townsite) began after a grist mill was built there by Josiah Davidson in 1800.
First run of the Springhill and Parrsboro Railway was on July 1st, 1877.
First year railroad came to Parrsboro there were 900 ships loaded with coal.
1878 skating rink built at a cost of $1,500.
Inner Harbour with railway track going towards Whitehall Road and train turn-around, loading ships with coal from Springhill. A very busy Sea Port, in years gone by!
1887 Parrsboro represents one third of the deals shipped from Nova Scotia.
1887 first Fire Department.
First telegraph from Parrsboro sent on March 28th, 1879.
Town of Parrsboro incorporated on July 15th, 1889.
First Town Council meeting on September 7th, 1889.
First telephone service in Parrsboro came in 1891.
In 1892 Parrsboro's census was 1909 with 347 families, birth rate was astonishing.
1892 Parrsboro claimed the three largest tern schooners ever launched in N.S.
The first Parrsboro Brass Band was formed in 1892.
In 1897, Parrsboro was first town in N.S. to operate its own electric light plant. Population was 2,000 people.
In 1898 Parrsboro was then considered a tourist area.
In 1913, Post Office moved from Howard Lane building to new brick building on Main Street.
1916, schooner Minas Queen was launched.
July 5th, 1919, Handley-Page aircraft made forced landing at Parrsboro. Was repaired and left for New York on Oct. 9th, 1919 but due to weather, force landed on Long Island at Greenport, NY. Many aviation records set during these flights, example, first airmail between Canada and USA. For complete story click on this LINK. Due to the crash of the Handley Page, Parrsboro is now a sister community to Greenport, NY. Check out the LINK to this sister community!
1920, the Whitebelle is the last large sailing vessel launched in Parrsboro.
1921, Masonic Hall burns. Following year new Masonic Lodge built of brick on Main Street.
1926, April 1st., M.V. Kipawo first arrived in Parrsboro to begin her long career as ferry boat between Parrsboro and Annapolis Valley.
1947, April 8th, South Cumberland Memorial Hospital opens on Western Avenue. ( A major contribution and project of the new Parrsboro Lions Club).
Picture is of original building with Tucker family outside on a Sunday afternoon. Home after 1975 became a private residence, and later sold and became a Country Inn.
1952, present Town Hall opens.
1958, June 14th, Parrsboro train makes last trip.
1962, October 28th, Wheaton Block burns.
1969, March 25th, 8 buildings on Lower Main Street burned.
1972, July, old school buildings torn down.
1973, new Elementary School opens.
1974, RCMP take over policing of the town.
1975, October 15th, new Hospital opens on Jenks Avenue.
1980, Molly Morwick, former Town Clerk, named Citizen of the Year.
1981, Parrsborough Shore Historical Society opens Ottawa House as a museum.
1982, M.V. Kipawo comes home after a nearly 40 year absence.
1984, M.V. Kipawo moved to present site at Lower Main Street and becomes a permanent theatre.
1986, World's smallest dinosaur fossils found near Parrsboro.
1989, Town celebrates 100th Anniversary of Incorporation.
1993, December, Fundy Geological Museum opens.
1995, South Cumberland Memorial Hospital becomes South Cumberland Community Care Centre.
1999, Medical Clinic opens.
2004, Ship's Company Theatre opens new theatre facility.
Stop Motion (Bay of Fundy "TIDE" - Parrsboro, NS)
"What a excellent video showing our tides here"
chuckwag0n created this video as par of a self project (just for fun) of the famous Bay of Fundy tide. He took 1 picture every 30 seconds for 6 hours straight. This is only a video from low tide (12:53PM) to high tide (6:44PM).
Video from: chuckwag0n
Just click on the picture viewer to the right to see this amazing video...
These are videos added: Dec. 2009.
"Bay of Fundy - Nova Scotia, Canada - The Highest Tides In The World"
Every day the equivalent of the outflow of every river in the world passes in and out of the Bay of Fundy.
Video From: phredmac
Just click on the picture viewer to the right to see this amazing video...
This is a Video of the tides & etc. in Parrsboro on the Bay Of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world. Also, a short clip of the lighthouse at Spencer's Island ...Just click on this movie screen...
Where Parrsboro is located.
Main Street Parrsboro.
Parrsboro, Nova Scotia
Main Street Parrsboro.
Parrsboro is a town located in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, Canada, at 45.40N, 64.77W.
The town had a population of 1,529 in 2001. It is known for its Ship's Company Theatre productions and the Fundy Geological Museum.
The first settlement was by the Acadians in the 17th century. After they were forced out in 1755, they were replaced by settlers from New England. The name Parrsboro, after Gov. John Parr, was applied in 1784, and the town was incorporated in 1889.
The Springhill and Parrsboro Railway began service to the town from the coal mining town of Springhill on July 1, 1877; Parrsboro became a coal shipping port for the Springhill mines. The railway to Parrsboro was abandoned following the 1958 Springhill Mining Disaster.
Throughout the late 19th century and first 4 decades of the 20th century, Parrsboro saw daily ferry service across the Minas Basin to the Annapolis Valley ports of Kingsport and Wolfville. The 13th and final vessel in this service, operated by the Dominion Atlantic Railway, was the MV Kipawo, which is now permanently beached at Parrsboro and incorporated into the Ship's Company Theatre performance centre.
Town Features
Parrsboro is known for its Theatre Productions, its fossil and rockhounding attractions, and its high tides, but there are other places around the town worth looking at. The local churches are rich with town history, and welcome all visitors, and the local library has many records of life in Parrsboro, past and present.
New Development
Recently, Parrsboro was announced as the new base for Headz Gamez International, a board game production company becoming popular on the market. In a few years, HGI wants to be third in the world(behind Milton Bradley and Hasbro) in board games. Factory production will begin sometime in late 2007...Not now as of Dec.5th,2006 as H.G.I. has pulled out of Parrsboro..."Was To good to be true".
Here is two "New" Videos for you to enjoy!
1.)Winter arrives in the Bay of Fundy...
2.)Same Bay of Fundy beach at low tide...
Just click on the movie screen to play the clip.
Winter arrives in the Bay of Fundy...
These video clips have been brought to you by:
Terri McCulloch at: Bay of Fundy Blog - http://bayoffundy.blogspot.com
Just click on the movie screen to play the clip.
Same Bay of Fundy beach at low tide...
There is a great aerial map of the Minas Passage between Parrsboro and Cape Blomidon, the narrowest channel in the Bay of Fundy (approx. 4.5 to 6.5 km wide). It's not hard to imagine why this site was identified in a recent tidal energy study as having great tidal in-stream energy potential! (photo borrowed from the Maritime Tidal Energy website).
- Check it out.. Terri McCulloch at: Bay of Fundy Blog - http://bayoffundy.blogspot.com
The world's highest tides are located in Canada's Maritime Provinces. The tidal range exceeds 15 metres near the head of the Bay of Fundy and is accompanied by enormous currents. When the tide is flowing through the 6-kilometre wide narrows between Cape Split and Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, it moves at speeds of up to 14 kilometers per hour. Fourteen billion tonnes of water move through this area every 6 1/4 hours.
"At mid-tide, the flow in Minas Channel north of Blomidon equals the combined flow of all the rivers and streams on Earth " - Dr. Roy Bishop
"NEW" News
Actual Tidal Project as announced by Nova Scotia Power...
As of January 15th,2007.
See more on this at bottom of page...
Hey! Check them out by clicking on their logo to the right to go to their website.
January 15 , 2007
Nova Scotia Power Takes Another Step
Towards Tidal Power Pilot Project
Halifax , NS - Nova Scotia Power is taking another step towards establishing a tidal demonstration project in the Bay of Fundy with the selection of OpenHydro as the provider of new, in-stream tidal technology. Nova Scotia Power selected OpenHydro, of Ireland , after a recent Request for Proposals.
“The in-stream, tidal project we are developing will demonstrate this emerging technology with a machine that can be deployed in large farms," said James Taylor, Nova Scotia Power's General Manager of Environmental Planning and Monitoring. “ By selecting OpenHydro, Nova Scotia Power has chosen a company who has been most successful in demonstrating their design in ever increasing sizes. They offer a simple and environmentally friendly unit which we believe will allow our demonstration project to be successful. When completed, this will be the largest in-stream tidal generating unit integrated into an electricity grid in the world.”
The major advantages OpenHydro brought to the selection process include:
Proven experience designing, constructing, installing and operating tidal turbines,
A simple, robust design for harsh ocean marine environments ,
Low impact on the environment.
“Nova Scotia Power's customers want more electricity from renewables. That's why we're adding more energy from cleaner, greener sources. Our company is again demonstrating its commitment to new kinds of renewable energy, including tidal power,” said Mr. Taylor. “We have selected OpenHydro as our provider and now our focus is on obtaining federal funding to support the project.”
Last fall, Nova Scotia Power submitted an application for funding for the tidal power demonstration project to Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). The company is working to accomplish o ther milestones including successfully following through on an environmental assessment of the project.
James Ives, OpenHydro CEO , said , “ OpenHydro is delighted to have been selected by NSPI for the deployment of a demonstration tidal installation in the Bay of Fundy , one of the world's best tidal sites. This project further validates OpenHydro's vision of farms of tidal turbines, silently and invisibly generating renewable energy under the world's oceans.”
More information can be obtained from the company's website, www.openhydro.com .
Nova Scotia Power operates one of only three tidal power facilities in the world at Annapolis Royal . Nova Scotia Power provides more than 97 percent of the electricity generation, transmission, and distribution to more than 460,000 customers across Nova Scotia .
CASCAR & NASCAR
IN THE BIG TOWN OF PARRSBORO
IN THE FALL OF 2006...
Just click on the movie viewer to the right and it will show you a once in a lifetime event that happened in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia on main street in September 2006.
There are more clips as you will see when you view this video.
This is Allan Taylor's Fishing Weir down at Partridge Island...
April 2009 - Darrell Wood (Fish) and co-worker working the weir catching lots of fish.. This is still on-going as of April 2009.. Go take a see!!!
A must see if you are in Parrsboro...
Just click on the viewer below to see video...
Here is an extraordinary sight on the Bay of Fundy on the east coast of Canada: historic weir fishing! Fish have been harvested here for several hundred years using this low-tech but quite effective method. It is fascinating, dare I say biblical, to watch. The fish are scooped from the weir at low tide because, of course, this weir would be under 45 feet of water at high tide. This particular weir is near Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.
Allan Taylor's Fishing Weir...
A must see if you are in Parrsboro...
Just click on the viewer to the right to see video...
Parrsboro Fishing Wier
A bunch of guys I know put up the fishing wier in Parrsboro....
"New"
Tide In...Predictable...Beautiful...Tide Out...Sustainable...Powerful....
"The Bay of Fundy"
The world's largest tidal energy resource!
The powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy are formidable Nova Scotian assets. They hold the promise that green tidal power generation will become a viable alternative to unsustainable fuels such as coal, oil, gas and uranium.
Alternative tidal energy will give Nova Scotian homes, communities, businesses and industries an impressive competitive advantage in Canada and the world through stable, lower energy costs.
By reducing pollution, tidal energy will improve our health and reduce our health costs.
"The available tidal energy potential for the Minas Passage, Nova Scotia is over 1 GW. Harnessing just 15% of the available tidal energy resource base would generate enough electricity to power about 120,000 Canadian homes (assuming an average of 1.3 kW per home)" - Electric Power Research Institute Feasibility Study of In Stream Tidal Energy Conversion Technology in North America
Harnessing the Bay of Fundy tides will enable Maritime Canada to participate in a significant way to minimizing global warming.
Objectives:
Early in 2008, MTEC will select the most appropriate technology for the Bay of Fundy
By 2009, MTEC and its partners will purchase and install a pilot marine turbine in the Bay of Fundy.
MTEC will then proceed to develop a tidal farm capable of generating 10-15 MW from Fundy's powerful currents.
Note: In January 2007, Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) announced that they had selected OpenHydro’s technology for their trial tidal turbine. The following month, NSPI indicated that they are looking to have other tidal energy technologies tested by other tidal energy developers in the Bay of Fundy.
HMS PARRSBORO J117 in service during the Second World War picture taken in 1942.
It may have been spelt HMS Parrsborough J117 at that time...
"Nova Scotia & Parrsboro to get tidal energy centre"
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 19th, 2008.
"Nova Scotia & Parrsboro to get tidal energy centre"
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 19th, 2008.
Premier Rodney MacDonald made the announcement Tuesday January 8th, 2008 in Parrsboro.
Nova Scotia is setting up a $10-million research facility to test underwater turbines to convert tidal energy into electricity.
Three Canadian companies have been selected to field test their experimental technologies in the Bay of Fundy, home of the highest tides in the world.
"It's said that harnessing this made-in-Nova Scotia green energy source could power a minimum of 100,000 homes," he said.
That's about 10 per cent of the electrical grid. However, that vision will only become a reality if these demonstration projects are followed by a commercial development of 200 turbines.
The first step — a strategic environmental assessment of the Minas Channel — is underway.
Energy Minister Richard Hurlburt said ice, fishing activity and sediment could all affect companies investing in underwater turbines.
"We need to understand the possible effects these machines may have on the environment. We may not find the best design for some time, but we must move quickly to meet the challenges of climate change," Hurlburt said.
The three companies chosen for the project are Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Nova Scotia Power and B.C.-based Clean Current.
Minas Basin Pulp and Paper is partnering with UEK Hydrokinetic Turbine, while Nova Scotia Power is aligned with OpenHydro Turbine of Ireland.
The companies will spend between $10 million and $15 million on their test turbines, the first three of which are expected to hit the water in the fall of 2009.
Positive results from one design could create jobs in Cumberland County in maintaining and even manufacturing components of underwater turbines.
The province has earmarked $4.7 million for the tidal energy centre, while EnCana is putting forward a $3-million interest-free loan.
"Minas Basin Pulp and Power embraces tidal energy"
Last updated on: Jan.19th/08.
Premier Rodney MacDonald’s January 8 tidal energy announcement in Parrsboro has generated lots of excitement. Hantsport’s Minas Basin Pulp and Power’s success in winning not just one of three spots for testing tidal power but the contract to build and manage the onshore part of the project is a big part of local enthusiasm.
Nova Scotia will provide $5 million for the project and Encana Corporation will contribute $3 million in a no-interest loan from its Environmental Innovation fund. Each of the three companies will be investing millions of their own dollars to put their test devices in action by 2010. Minas Basin Pulp and Power will test its chosen turbine alongside those of Nova Scotia Power and British Columbia’s Clean Current. Onshore, Minas Basin will manage the Fundy Institute for Tidal Energy on behalf of an independent body.
Founded in Hantsport by Roy Jodrey in 1927, Minas Basin Pulp and Power has been involved in power generation since 1938. Already an environmental leader with its recycled paper operations, Minas Basin already uses hydroelectricity generated on the St. Croix River to power its operations.
Minas Basin’s proposal is a joint venture with UEK, an American company. UEK’s turbine design is different in a number of ways from the other two to be tested. Most importantly, it does not need to be directly connected to the ocean floor, but is tethered to two mooring lines. Called the ‘Underwater Electric Kite,’ it can move to different depths to catch the best tidal current. If the mooring lines are released, it floats to the surface for retrieval.
The design obviously impressed the experts. Provincial Energy Department communications advisor Matt Lumley said, “the final decisions were made by a technical review panel that involved experts both near and far. For this project they were looking for the devices that were most suitable for the Bay of Fundy, with most appropriate technology and most suitable proposals for the first go around. We were looking for devices that had some degree of commercial readiness.”
Minas Basin’s vice president for Energy Development John Woods credits a “great scientific and engineering team” for the company’s successful bid. Plans for the on-shore facility -- where the turbines will be monitored and their electricity gathered, measured, evaluated and sold to Nova Scotia Power Inc -- will also be a venue for education.
“It will be visited from around the world, any country with ocean frontage will be interested,” Woods said. Nova Scotian students -- from elementary to university -- will also be visitors. Although the project won’t be generating commercial energy, nothing will go to waste. “The energy that comes in will be sold to NSPI and the revenue will go back to defer operating costs of the institute.”
Although there are three companies involved, Minas Basin’s host role gives them a long-term advantage, Woods said. “Building the demonstration facility and later operating the institute will provide Minas Basin Pulp and Power with first hand experience in extracting in-stream energy from the most impressive tidal resource in the world. In the event tidal energy evolves to a commercial state, we will be better prepared to participate in the industry. If it’s at all possible, which we think it is.”
Local employment is important to the project, Woods noted. Not only will turbine equipment be built in Nova Scotia, he hopes to employ many local scientists and engineers. In the longer term, the expansion into tidal energy should keep Minas Basin employing local residents for years to come.
A Strategic Environmental Assessment, to be completed by this spring, will determine a general location for the under water site. Site selection and further environmental assessments will proceed from there. Then, a location for the institute will be selected, most likely in Cumberland County. Woods said that Minas Basin hopes to submit a site for approval by August 2008.
Hantsport Mayor Wayne Folker is “very pleased that a hometown industry was awarded this phase of the project. “I was very honoured to be invited with the Minas Basin to go to Parrsboro and take part in the announcement. It is an honour for me to be part of history,” the mayor noted. “There was a big turnout in Parrsboro and people were very receptive and warm. They’re very excited as well.” Folker pointed out that Parrsboro and Hantsport have historic ties because of shipping routes.
Hants West Warden Richard Dauphinee is equally thrilled. “It’s a fantastic project. Anything that we can do that we’re not burning fossil fuels and putting pollution in the air is good news. I can’t say enough good about the company,” Dauphinee said. “They have always been part of our community and employed our residents. Everything like (this development) creates employment and is an attraction for industry.
"Parrsboro mayor hopes to turn tide in Parrsboro"
**Area may host trial tidal power project**
January 18th,2008.
PARRSBORO — Mayor Doug Robinson hopes Premier Rodney MacDonald will be in Parrsboro today to announce that the Cape Sharp area has been selected as the site for a trial tidal power project.
"What I’m hearing is that the premier and (Energy Minister Richard) Hurlburt won’t be here to announce which company will be doing the project but that they will be announcing the project site," the mayor said Monday.
"Since they’re holding the meeting, I’m assuming and hoping they’ll be telling us that the site we’ve been supporting for about two years, which is just off Cape Sharp, has been selected."
Cape Sharp is a spit of land that juts out into the Minas Channel 10 to 20 kilometres west of Parrsboro opposite Cape Split at the narrowest part of the Bay of Fundy.
"I certainly hope it is being located at Cape Sharp because having it there would mean more activity for our harbour," the mayor said.
"The town could also benefit because the location for where the electricity comes ashore could be built here, as well as buildings required to support the operation of the project."
The president of the Heavy Current Fishing Association of Halls Harbour, which represents about 30 fishermen, wasn’t quite as enthused.
"Cape Sharp is a very important fishing area for us," Mark Taylor said. "I’ve fished lobster there for 30 years. It’s an important migratory route for them as well. We just don’t know what impact having these (tidal energy) machines in the water will have on that fishery.
"If it is there, we will lose some important fishing area that can’t be replaced unless you moved in on someone else’s territory, which wouldn’t be a good idea."
Mr. Taylor’s association has had three of six promised meetings with proponents of the project, which he said include the province and Nova Scotia Power. But many questions still have to be answered, he said.
"We’d like to see the science for it. We’d like to know what impact it will have on the migration of lobster. We’d even like to know how close we can set our pots to these machines. Until they can answer questions like those, we really don’t know what we could lose."
Mr. Taylor admitted the answers may not be known until the test site is built. But if the tests prove the project is viable, then "200 machines in that area could mean that fishery is lost to us," he said. "And if it isn’t viable, we wonder if they will be required to clean up the site so that it remains a good spot to fish."
An American group, the Electric Power Research Institute, has indicated that the Bay of Fundy in the Cape Split area has the potential to be the best site in North America for large-scale, grid-connected tidal energy generation.
Last year, the province called for a pilot tidal power project for the Bay of Fundy, and in November the government shortlisted seven bidders. They include Maritime Tidal Energy Corp. of Halifax and partner Marine Current Turbines of Britain, Arnold Systems LLC of New York, Clean Current Power Systems Inc. of Vancouver, Lucid Energy Technologies of Indiana and Nova Tidal Power Inc. of Tatamagouche.
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. of Hantsport and Nova Scotia Power, owned by Emera Inc., have submitted bids to build a tidal energy test facility, a part of the project that includes designing and operating a structure to collect electricity from the turbines and processing scientific data.
No device is expected to go into the bay before next year.
"Tide turns on turbine timing"
- The Group: Environmental review should be completed before tidal power projects get government go-ahead...
January 21st,2008.
No pilot tidal projects should be set up in the Bay of Fundy until a strategic environmental assessment is completed, the head of the association conducting the environmental review said Friday.
Lesley Griffiths, with the Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association, said she is concerned about the provincial government’s announcement Jan. 8 in Parrsboro about creating a tidal centre and giving the green light to two pilot projects.
"I think we were surprised that they chose to make it a fairly large event," said Ms. Griffiths, an environmental planner. "We were not surprised they were going to announce what they announced. . . . I am guessing some people probably thought it was a done deal."
Since the announcement, the government has "repeatedly" assured the association no "irreversible decisions" are going to be made about the demonstration projects until the environmental report is completed.
Energy Department spokesman Matt Lumley said the announcement of the tidal test projects will be helpful to the environmental assessment.
"It gives people a clearer picture of what we are talking about," Mr. Lumley said. "What we are doing is clarifying the potential technology."
Ms. Griffiths said the government had to make an announcement because several of the developers were lobbying the MacDonald government to move ahead on tidal power.
"They were under pressure and they decided this would be an efficient use of time to move ahead in some ways," she said. "But as for the details as to why they decided to do that, you should speak to them. Nova Scotia Power is very keen to move ahead because they know they’ve got a big task ahead of them to meet those renewable standards."
Nova Scotia Power was one of three companies announced by the government to push ahead with harnessing the tides of the Bay of Fundy and turn the energy into electricity.
NSP is teaming up with Ireland’s OpenHydro on its turbine project, while Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. is joining with UEK Hydrokinetic. The third company to test in the area is Clean Current of British Columbia.
Premier Rodney MacDonald announced the government would provide $4.7 million in funding, and EnCana Corp. gave an interest-free loan of $3 million toward the test centre.
The three companies will spend $10 million to $15 million to put turbines on the floor of the Bay of Fundy. The companies hope to test turbines in the water by early 2009 and one day supply power to the provincial electricity grid.
The not-for-profit Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association received $2.85 million in funding from the Energy Department.
The association’s members are Acadia University, St. Francis Xavier University, Cape Breton University and the Energy Department. Its environmental assessment includes looking at the impact of tidal power. The association expects to release a background report conducted by consultants Jacques Whitford next week on a broad technical overview of the Bay of Fundy.
NSP operates the only tidal power facility in the Bay of Fundy, at the Annapolis Tidal Generating Station at Annapolis Royal. That station produces enough electricity for 3,000 homes and has been in operation for more than 20 years.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
•Operates 11 dealerships
•Sells 15 makes of vehicles, including Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, Lexus and Infiniti, as well as operating the only Mercedes-Benz dealership in Nova Scotia
•Employs 570 staff.
•Annual sales of about $300 million
•4,000 to 5,000 cars sold annually
Family in the business include:
Paul O’Regan, 63, chairman, O’Regan Automotive Group
Stephen O’Regan, 67, chairman, South Shore operations, vice-chairman metro operations
Sean O’Regan, 38, president and CEO O’Regan Automotive Group
Patrick O’Regan, 37, president of metro operations
Tim O’Regan, 34, president, South Shore operations
Kathleen O’Regan, 33, director of human resources
Mary Ellen O’Regan, 29, sales manager at O’Regan’s Mercedes-Benz & Smart Centre
"Auto motivated"
O’Regan Automotive Group, with five family members under 40 in management, is poised to move forward with confidence...
Sun. Feb 17th,2008.
IF THE ROUTING of the Trans-Canada Highway had been slightly different when it was opened through northern Nova Scotia in 1956, it’s possible the O’Regan name, now emblazoned on 11 car dealerships from Yarmouth to Halifax, could have been limited to a small corner of Cumberland County.
"I guess that’s a real possibility," says Sean O’Regan, the 38-year-old freshly minted president and chief executive officer of O’Regan Automotive Group. "If the business had stayed bustling, it’s possible the family would have remained there, and no one would have gone looking for opportunities elsewhere."
How that might have changed the auto sales landscape in the province is hard to imagine. With $300 million in annual sales and 570 employees, O’Regan’s shares top spot in the Nova Scotia market with Steele Group, controlled by the father and son team of Harry and Rob Steele.
With five family members under 40 holding senior management positions, the third generation of O’Regan’s is firmly in control of the business’s future. But the family involvement in car sales began in Parrsboro in 1915 when family patriarch and mechanic Stephen Ernest O’Regan opened a Ford dealership.
It was a humble beginning, but the wiry car buff proved to be an able salesman, and the business grew as he tried his hand operating Chrysler, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealerships. His sons, Stephen and Paul, worked at the dealerships while growing up, but when the highway bypassed the Cumberland County town, they left to pursue their futures elsewhere. Stephen went on to obtain a degree in engineering and Paul a degree in education.
In time, S.E., as he was known to friends and family, sold the retail side of the business but kept his used-car sales licence, buying and selling cars when he saw an opportunity to make a buck. Paul, when he wasn’t in class, was frequently at his side, earning money to help pay his tuition at St. Francis Xavier University.
Paul continued to buy and sell cars on the side for the first eight years of his teaching career. But in 1973, he wanted greater flexibility so he could spend more time with his son, Danny, who later died. So he took a leave of absence, rented a gas station at corner of Thistle and Maple Street in Dartmouth, and started selling used cars. He never went back to the classroom.
Now chairman of the company with an advisory role rather than day-to-day control, the 63-year-old recalls things were lean in the beginning. There were just two employees and no phone. If there was a business call to be made, someone had to walk to a nearby pay phone.
But by mid-1980s, he was selling over 700 cars a year. It was so good, in fact, he enlisted the help of his brother Stephen who was ready to make a career change after 19 years with General Electric and then Nova Scotia Power.
His arrival, unfortunately, coincided with interest rates reaching 22 per cent. Although sales were actually up, the company lost money, forcing both men to forgo their salaries to keep the business afloat.
"At the end of the year, there was a meeting with our accountant, and he said it was time to make some tough decisions," Stephen, 67, recalled recently. "He advised that Paul should go back to the classroom, and I should return to engineering. We thought about it but we were so sure we could make a go of it, we did the only thing possible. We fired the accountant."
Interest rates did fall fairly quickly, and things got easier. In 1985, the pair bought Scotia Chev Olds, now O’Regan’s Chev Olds Cadillac on Robie Street in Halifax and two years later, they started a Halifax Toyota dealership.
Stephen, now vice-chairman of metro operations, said the business was motoring along nicely until the federal government introduced the GST in the early ’90s, and people stopped buying cars. It was an especially rough time for the GM section of the operation because there were other GM dealers in Halifax at the time. "We were hanging on by not too many threads in 1992," he said. "We were only able to breathe a little easier after two of the local GM dealers closed out."
Stephen said he and his brother recognized early that attracting and retaining top talent would be crucial to their success, so they became one of the first dealership owners in Atlantic Canada to run their own human resources department. Kathleen O’Regan, Paul’s 33-year-old daughter, is now in charge of that part of the business.
"Whether it’s dealing with staff, or dealing with my father or brother on a business decision, it’s about respect," she said in an interview. "It’s about listening, understanding and remembering this is not just our family business; it’s our employees’ family business, too."
A teacher for eight years before joining the family business, Kathleen said one of the reasons her brothers and cousins can work alongside one another effectively is because everyone has had experience outside the company.
"I know what it’s like in other workplaces, so when my dad asks me to do something, I know it’s not personal. It’s business. Unfortunately, that is not a frame of reference that’s available in some family-owned businesses."
Sitting in his Dartmouth office surrounded by his own sales awards, family pictures and automotive and golf memorabilia, Sean says although the third generation didn’t officially began working in the business in the early to mid 1990s, all worked part time for their fathers. He fondly recalls pumping gas at the station along side his brother Patrick, now president of the company’s metro operations, and his cousin Tim, now president of South Shore operations.
"We started pumping gas into the family cars when we were about eight but we had to be 10 before we could start working at the station. We had to be able to do the math to take the money from the customer."
Occupational health and safety laws will likely prevent his son Danny from repeating his father’s initiation into the business, but Sean hopes the toddler and his cousins will eventually have the chance to work in the business.
In fact, the family has spent a lot of time thinking about the dynamics of running a family business and spent the last eight years working with John Fast, one of the leading authorities on family businesses, to ensure the transition from second-generation to third-generation control went smoothly.
It seems to have worked. Not only is business thriving, with a $20-million auto mall project for Dartmouth underway, the firm continues to bring in honours ranging from recognition as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies to various awards for philanthropy and the Better Business Bureau ethics award.
In January, it was named the Nova Scotia family enterprise of the year by the Nova Scotia Association of Family Enterprises.
’At the end of the year, there was a meeting with our accountant . . . He advised that Paul should go back to the classroom and I should return to engineering. . . . but we were so sure we could make a go of it, we did the only thing possible. We fired the accountant.’
STEPHEN O’REGANdiscussing the early ‘80s
Citizens of Parrsboro are passionate about saving an historic building & the Town....
So please watch video below.. What a great presentation of our town and area & what we have to offer!!!
"Newest Bay of Fundy Tidal Project News"
"Reps visit possible tidal power site"
July,2008.
PARRSBORO: Tidal power developments came closer to Parrsboro last week – literally.
Mayor Doug Robinson was among those who welcomed representatives from Minas Basin Pulp and Power on Tuesday, June 24 and joined them on a boat trip to waters off Parrsboro expected to be used as a test site for in stream tidal energy equipment.
“I don’t think I’m breaking any secrets by saying it is down by Black Rock,” said Robinson, who returned from the excursion just in time to join the monthly council session in progress. “It happens to be where they got the best steady current that they could tell, and the type of current that they need. It was a very good trip.”
Minas Basin Pulp and Power was given conditional approval by the province earlier this year to build North America’s first in-stream tidal technology centre, and is one of three companies negotiating for first occupancy in the proposed facility.
About 35 people participated in the recent boat trip, including representatives from the provincial departments of economic development and natural resources, as well as Nova Scotia Power Inc.
“I think what they want them to see is it’s very, very impressive to be on the water by Black Rock, when you actually see the turbulence and the situation they’re going to be put in, in putting that turbine in the water,” said Robinson, who said instruments aboard the boat showed incredible currents in the area.
The group also traveled across the Minas Basin to Cape Split, where more incredible currents were witnessed, according to the mayor.
"Tidal Energy Project Delayed"
-- Delay caused by powerful Fundy currents that destroyed expensive equipment...
November, 2008.
NOVA SCOTIA’S - $59-million effort to generate electricity from the Bay of Fundy tides has fallen behind schedule and will miss its targeted startup in the spring, The Chronicle Herald has learned.
When the project was announced at a packed Parrsboro Community Centre last January, it was heralded as a dramatic step forward in the province’s drive to find renewable energy sources.
But the project has been buffeted by the same turbulent tides that engineers, environmentalists and politicians hope to harness with three underwater turbines.
Sources confirm that the powerful Bay of Fundy currents destroyed expensive tidal monitoring equipment this past summer.
As a result, determining a demonstration site has taken longer than anticipated and the cost is approaching $1 million, says John Woods of Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. of Hantsport.
"We weren’t surprised that we got the surprises," said Mr. Woods, a veteran of the energy industry. "It’s the Bay of Fundy — it’s the best site in the world."
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. is among three groups of companies involved in the pilot project to test tidal power technologies in the Bay of Fundy. Minas Basin has teamed up with UEK Hydrokinetic of Maryland, while the other successful bidders were Clean Current of British Columbia, and Nova Scotia Power, which has joined forces with Ireland’s OpenHydro.
The group led by OpenHydro and Nova Scotia Power has clammed up about its project, declining to return several calls from this newspaper.
Nova Scotia government officials have also gone to ground.
Glen Darou, president and CEO of Clean Current, did agree to speak about his project, admitting it is behind schedule.
"We’ve pretty well missed the original date of the fall of 2009," he said in a phone interview from Vancouver.
Mr. Darou was emphatic that his company is actively pursuing the Minas project, noting environmental approvals are being sought and engineering work is underway for the installation of his Mark III turbine at the test location.
"The potential of the Bay of Fundy is a 300-megawatt farm, assuming environmental and economic concerns are satisfied," he said.
Clean Current, however, has its own shoals to navigate.
Each of the three test turbine projects is expected to cost $10 million to $15 million.
Clean Current got one-third of its stake from the federal government and is still looking for other backers.
Mr. Woods,
meanwhile, said the Minas Basin group is plowing ahead despite the challenges. The group has chosen the Minas Passage area of the Minas Channel west of Parrsboro as the best spot for the demonstration site.
He said a formal announcement on the site will be made later this month after Minas meets with the other two groups participating in the pilot project.
That will clear the way for his group to apply for environmental permits, Mr. Woods said.
It will also allow Minas Basin to order the specialized heavy cable that will carry electricity to shore. The cable could not be ordered until it was clear how much would be required. It’s expected to cost about $600,000 to buy and install but it will take a year to arrive, pushing the startup date to 2010.
"We want everything to be successful; we describe it as a ‘hurry slowly,’ " said Mr. Woods. "Because we’ve taken so long to get the site, the official opening is now 2010."
With the site selection comes the real test: the competition for the most effective technology.
Mr. Woods was cryptic when asked how his technology is progressing.
"We’re still working with our technology provider," is all he would say.
Mr. Darou of Clean Current said his technology works but a turbine the size of his Mark III has never been connected to an electricity grid. He said it’s the largest and most powerful tidal turbine in the world.
He is optimistic about the huge potential of the Bay of Fundy and the opportunity for setting up a commercial farm of turbines to generate electricity.
Over the past two weeks, the province’s Environment and Energy departments have put off interviews about the status of the tidal project, with a public relations staffer telling The Chronicle Herald: "It’s a big government."
"Testing the tidal Bay of Fundy waters - NSP & Open Hydro now vow to launch the undersea power turbine next year"
November, 2008.
Nova Scotia Power says it will be in the water next year with its test program to produce electricity from the Bay of Fundy.
NSP president Rob Bennett told The Chronicle Herald in an exclusive interview Tuesday that the utility still intends to launch its underwater turbine in 2009.
Last week this newspaper reported that the companies involved in the $59-million tidal test project have fallen behind schedule in their effort to get started in the spring.
But NSP and its Irish partner, OpenHydro, say they have come up with a way to launch a turbine next year, despite the delays.
"Our dream is to be in the water in 2009," said Mr. Bennett. "We’ve developed thinking and plans to execute on that dream, even in the event of other complications that might arise."
Mr. Bennett said the utility cannot wait to start testing its turbine until an underwater cable is installed to carry the electricity to shore in 2010.
"The key to our thinking is: ‘Do you really need to be connected to shore base power? The answer is, No, you don’t.’ There are ways to build machines and allow them to generate electricity," he said.
NSP and OpenHydro’s turbine will be secured to the ocean floor by a tripod-shaped gravity base weighing more than 200 tonnes, he said.
"The key is to get the machine deployed and learn how it is going to work in the water. We believe we can get that done in a reasonable period of time," said Mr. Bennett.
"The faster we can get there and learn, the faster that we can redevelop the machine and make it better and perfect it, so that we move that much quicker to potential of a commercial development."
NSP and OpenHydro are one of three groups of companies involved in a pilot project announced by the provincial government last year to test tidal power technology in the bay. Each turbine is expected to cost $10 million to $15 million.
The other successful bidders were Clean Current of British Columbia and Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. of Hantsport.
Minas Basin won the contract to build a tidal energy test facility worth $12 million to $14 million, a large part of the project that includes designing and operating a structure to receive electricity from the turbines and process data. But delays occurred in selecting an ideal test spot, and underwater cable will not be installed until 2010.
The Hantsport firm also won the right to test a turbine in the Bay of Fundy, but its plan has run into trouble.
Minas Basin president Scott Travers confirmed in an email Wednesday that the company’s original plan to launch an underwater electric kite has been scrapped.
Mr. Travers said that in the next few weeks Minas Basin and a new partner will announce a substitute for the underwater electric kite, which uses turbines that move like kites that are anchored to the bottom by a cable and controlled by computer.
Minas Basin decided to dump the underwater electric kite mainly because of "the requirement to be sufficiently confident of technical development to meet demonstration facility target dates," Mr. Travers said in his email.
The group has chosen the Minas Passage area of the Minas Channel west of Parrsboro as the best spot for the demonstration site.
"Tidal energy interest cresting worldwide"
December, 2008.
The world’s leading tidal energy technology companies continue to develop, build, test and improve their new in-stream tidal turbines. Six tidal energy development companies have plans to install commercial tidal farms in the next two to three years.
For example, Marine Current Turbines, a U.K. company, will install a 10.5 MW tidal farm in Wales. Hammerfest Strom, a Norweigan company, is planning a project in the 15 to 60 MW range in Scotland and Ireland. Open Hydro, an Irish company, has signed initial agreements to install a four to 10 MW plant in France.
Partnerships are forming between tidal developers and large energy companies like ScottishPower, EDF Energy and Emera. Governments, particularly in the U.K., are providing incentives to help developers get to the other side of high start-up costs.
We are drawing closer to the time when we will be generating energy from our oceans in a major way – energy that does not produce carbon dioxide, that is available virtually forever, and at a cost that is predicted eventually to be similar to the cost of wind energy.
The Atlantic region is playing a significant role on the international tidal energy stage.
Important values and goals have been established as a result of the recently completed Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Bay of Fundy.
Nova Scotia Power will demonstrate a one MW OpenHydro tidal turbine and Clean Current will demonstrate a 2.2 MW turbine near Black Rock, west of Parrsboro, by 2010.
Minas Basin Pulp & Power will lead in the development of the $12-million common test facility so the demonstrators can deliver their electricity to the grid.
If all goes well with the demonstrations in the Bay of Fundy, commercial in-stream turbine installations are the next major step.
If we act boldly, co-operatively and quickly, Atlantic Canada can leverage the good start we have made and become the centre of an international renewable ocean energy industry.
Atlantic Canada is ideally located to become the gateway to North America and beyond for the new, largely U.K.-based, tidal technologies. The region’s capabilities in marine research, engineering, services and industry could be used to add value and undertake further innovation and development on this side of the Atlantic.
There is no shortage of potential opportunity, with in excess of 15,000 MW of free flow capacity in Canada and 10,000 MW in the U.S. The jurisdiction that is first and best at facilitating the ocean energy industry will win the industry. This has been borne out by countries such as Denmark, Germany and the U.K., which have built, or are building, huge industries around wind, solar and ocean resources respectively.
These countries began with a vision of what could be, and then capitalized on the opportunities they identified. Building an attractive investment environment was key to their success. As a result, new green industries developed and prospered.
Atlantic Canada should do no less.
Ron Scott is president, Maritime Tidal Energy Corporation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Commercial tidal power won't be on stream for years"
December, 2008.
Harnessing the Bay of Fundy tides to generate electricity on a commercial basis is at least seven years away and the project may need an influx of taxpayer money to proceed, Nova Scotia’s deputy energy minister admitted Tuesday.
"The earliest possible date (of being commercial) is 2015," Alison Scott told members of a legislative committee. "These are early days."
Ms. Scott was presenting an update on the province’s $45-million effort to test three underwater turbines in the Bay of Fundy starting next year.
The project was announced last January at the Parrsboro Community Centre and heralded as a dramatic step forward in the province’s drive to find renewable energy sources.
"Right now, (tidal power) is not competitive with other sources of renewable energy," Ms. Scott said Tuesday. "If I can leave you with one message, it ought to be this: (tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy) is an emerging technology and it is pre-commercial."
She said wind farm developers selling electricity to Nova Scotia Power are being paid eight to nine cents per kilowatt hour and tidal power is more expensive to produce than wind at this time.
Nova Scotia Power and its partner, OpenHydro of Ireland, intend to put an underwater turbine in the water next year.
The other two developers, Clean Current of British Columbia and Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. of Hantsport, are planning to install their underwater devices in the spring of 2010 after an underwater cable is installed to carry the electricity back to shore.
Each of the turbines will cost an estimated $10 million to $15 million to design and construct for the harsh environment of the Bay of Fundy.
Minas Basin Pulp and Power has had to scrap its proposed underwater kite technology and is trying to find a replacement device. Queens MLA Vicki Conrad asked Tuesday whether Nova Scotia Power and its partner might hit some "snags" because of the ailing economy that might prevent them from connecting their turbine to the power grid for testing in 2010.
"It’s difficult to anticipate what the economic climate may be like," Ms. Scott responded. "Our focus is to get it to be commercial."
Minas Basin was also awarded the contract to build a $14-million common test site. That facility, to be constructed with public and private money, will receive electricity from the turbines and process data.
Ms. Scott said Minas Basin has applied to ACOA for tidal project funding.
"It’s possible we may need to help them out, not necessarily with provincial money, but other sources of funding as we go forward," she said.
"It’s really a question of uncharted territory. Only one other entity has built one of the demonstration facilities in the world to date," she told reporters after the meeting.
Minas Basin was supposed to make an announcement by the end of November on where the turbines will be installed but that has yet to come.
The company told The Chronicle Herald last month it has chosen the Minas Passage area of the Minas Channel west of Parrsboro as the best spot for the demonstration site.
"PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT"
Made on January 24th, 2009.
The Minas Basin Pulp & Power invites the public to a Enviroment Assessment on Thursday January, 29th, 2009.
This is to do with the Fundy Tidal Energy Demostration Project at 4pm - 9pm at the Parrsboro Legion Branch #45.
Schedule of Events:
- 4pm - 6:30pm - Opportunity for one on one interaction with the members of the techinal team.
- 6:30pm - 7:30pm - Project Overview Presentation.
- 7:30pm - 9pm - Discussion of issues of interest to the community with comments and questions & a answer forum.
You can visit them online at: http://www.minas.ns.ca/tidal
Check out their flyer above...
FINAL DRAFT RELEASE:
FOR Public ISSUED on: JANUARY 23rd, 2009.
FROM: Minas Basin Pulp & Power Company Limited and Marine Current Turbines Ltd.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"UK / NOVA SCOTIA FIRMS FORM TIDAL POWER PARTNERSHIP"
HALIFAX, N.S.(January 22 2009)--- A Canadian-British partnership, to demonstrate and develop tidal
power technology and facilities in the Bay of Fundy, has been formed between a leading Nova Scotia
sustainable energy and resources company and a UK based tidal power generation firm.
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company Limited (MBPP) of Hantsport, Nova Scotia and the UK’s Marine
Current Turbines Ltd today jointly announced their plans to join two other technology developers to
actively participate in the tidal power demonstration centre established by the Province of Nova
Scotia.
Marine Current Turbines (MCT) is one of the world’s leading tidal technology developers. The company
installed the world’s first offshore tidal current device in 2003 off the south west coast of England (the
300kW SeaFlow) and during 2008, MCT, installed and commissioned its 1.2MW SeaGen commercial
prototype tidal current turbine in Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland. SeaGen generated at its full
output of 1.2MW onto the local grid in December 2008, becoming the most powerful marine energy
device in the world. It has the capacity to generate power for approximately 1000 homes.
"We are very excited to combine our extensive experience in resource and energy development with
MCT's leading UK tidal power technology;" says Scott Travers, President and COO of MBPP. "We were
one of the original developers of power generation, transmission and distribution in Nova Scotia, and
we still operate a major renewable hydro generating facility. Tidal power has significant potential
benefits for all Nova Scotians." he concluded.
Martin Wright, Managing Director of MCT welcomed the development. "This is an excellent opportunity
to work together with a substantial local partner in MBPP and expand our activities into Canada. It
builds on the development of our technology in Northern Ireland and will complement our first 10MW
farm development in the UK, planned for off the North Wales coast. MBPP will make an excellent fit
because both our organizations bring complementary experience and important resources to the
table.”
He added: “Given the growing need for new and alternative forms of power generation, there is a
sizeable and exciting opportunity for both our firms to work together to harness the power of the tides
on a commercial basis.”
The MBPP and MCT plans call for deployment of a new 1.5 MW generator when the in-stream tidal
energy centre plans to be in full operation and connected to the Nova Scotia grid. By meeting the
challenges inherent in operating in the rigorous environment of the Bay of Fundy the partners believe
they will prove they can operate anywhere else in the world.
"We hope first to be in a position to address the potential investment and job creation prize for Nova
Scotians when tidal power commercial development moves to the next step. There is a potential new
industry here employing hundreds of people in operations and manufacturing and deployment of tidal
power technology, here and globally." concluded Mr. Travers.
-end-
For follow-up contact:
Minas Basin Pulp and Power
Beth Caldwell
Tel: 902-684-1700
Email: bcaldwell@minas.ns.ca
www.minas.ns.ca
Or
Kristin Harris
Tel: 902-832-6610
Email: kharris@scotiainvestments.ca
Marine Current Turbines
Paul Taylor (Taylor Keogh Communications)
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3170 8465 / +44 (0) 7966 782611
Email: paul@taylorkeogh.com
Or
Martin Wright, Managing Director
Tel: +44 (0) 117 979 1888
www.marineturbines.com
Notes to Editors
1. Marine Current Turbines Ltd (www.marineturbines.com) is based in Bristol, England. The company
was established in 2000 and its principal corporate shareholders include BankInvest, ESB International,
EDF Energy, Guernsey Electricity and Triodos Bank. In September 2008, MCT was ranked in The
Guardian/Library House Top 10 of European clean-tech firms.
2. SeaGen works by generating power from sea currents, using a pair of axial flow turbines driving
generators through gearboxes using similar principles to wind generator technology. The main
difference is that the high density of seawater compared to wind allows a much smaller system;
SeaGen has twin 600kW turbines each of 16m diameter. The capture of kinetic energy from a water
current, much like with wind energy or solar energy, depends on how many square meters of flow
cross-section can be addressed by the system. With water current turbines it is rotor swept area that
dictates energy capture capability, because it is the cross section of flow that is intercepted which
matters. SeaGen has over 400 square meters of rotor area which is why it can develop its full rated
power of 1.2MW in a flow of 2.4m/s (5 knots).
"Local firm inks $1.7m deal for tidal turbine supports"
May 14th, 2009.
** See picture & more in Picture Section of this Group. **
A Dartmouth fabrication company has been awarded a $1.7-million contract to build the anchor for the first tidal turbine to be tested in the Minas Passage of the Bay of Fundy.
Cherubini Metal Works will build a tripod-shaped gravity base weighing 200 tonnes to secure an underwater turbine on the ocean floor, Irish developer OpenHydro and partner Nova Scotia Power announced Thursday in Dartmouth.
"The timing of the contract award is important, not only in creating new jobs here in Nova Scotia, but also in preserving existing jobs during these uncertain economic times," said Stephen Ross, Cherubini general manager, at a news conference at the company’s offices in Dartmouth.
"Even more important is the development of this technology and the very real potential for many more of these structures in the future."
The contract will employ 25 people over the next four months, with work expected to be complete by August. Pending environmental approvals, the turbine is expected to go in the water in October.
Nick Murphy, OpenHydro commercial manager, said awarding the contract moves the tidal project closer to deploying the underwater turbine.
"It’s a very challenging site. In essence, this is going to be one of the toughest sites we will have worked in," said Mr. Murphy of Belfast.
He said the Irish company envisions an array of tidal turbines in the Bay of Fundy generating renewable energy from the waves.
NSP President Rob Bennett said the new technology of using an underwater turbine could provide huge opportunities for Nova Scotians.
"People have looked at the tides here in Nova Scotia for 100 years and imagined opportunities for energy production. The key here is to understand how they work, what impact they have on the environment, and what impact the environment has on the machine," said Mr. Bennett.
NSP and OpenHydro are one of three groups of companies involved in a pilot project announced by the provincial government in 2007 to test tidal power technology in the bay. Each turbine is expected to cost $10 million to $15 million.
The other successful bidders were Clean Current of British Columbia and Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. of Hantsport. Pending environmental approvals, the other two projects are scheduled to launch their turbines in 2010.
The proposed site for all three turbines is in the Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy, about 10 kilometres west of Parrsboro.
Minas Basin also won the contract to build a tidal energy test facility worth $12 million to $14 million, a large part of the project that includes designing and operating a structure to receive electricity from the turbines and process data.
The Hantsport company had to dump its original proposal to use an underwater electric kite last August and has since teamed up with Marine Current Turbines of Bristol, England, which last year installed the world’s first commercial underwater turbine in Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland.
John Woods, of Minas Basin Pulp and Power, said the company is on schedule and still plans to deploy its turbine next year.
Mr. Woods said the awarding of this contract is a "tangible sign" of this tidal test project going ahead.
The timing of the contract award is important, not only in creating new jobs here in Nova Scotia, but also in preserving existing jobs.
Also:
"Ship’s Company Theatre celebrating 25th anniversary with two new plays"
May 14th, 2009.
PARRSBORO – Two new Atlantic Canadian plays, will receive their world premieres on the Ship’s Company Theatre stage in 2009.
The plays were commissioned in honour of the theatre company’s 25-year anniversary of presenting live theatre in Parrsboro.
Ivor Johnson’s Neighbours, by playwright Charlie Rhindress, adapted from the novel by Bruce Graham, will launch the Ship’s Company season on July 1. Quirky and familiar, touching and humourous, this story, set in Parrsboro’s Whitehall in the 1950s, peeks around corners, through windows, and into the lives of its myriad colourful characters.
Ferry Tales, book and music by playwright Carol Sinclair, with composition and additional lyrics by David Sereda, is a charming play that will enchant audiences with the lore of the beloved MV Kipawo, last of the Minas Basin ferries. This musical production will open on the mainstage on Aug. 5.
Ship’s Company artistic producer and director of the two plays, Pamela Halstead, has engaged a stellar cast and an unparalleled creative team to bring to life these very special productions.
Onelight Theatre’s The Veil, by Shahin Sayadi, based on the novel Khanoom by Masoud Behnoud, will appear on the mainstage from Sept. 11 to 20. Winner of the 2008 Merritt Award for Best New Play, and nominated for five additional awards, the production will begin its autumn Canadian tour in Parrsboro.
Brooke Johnson will bring her acclaimed Trudeau Stories on July 29 and 30, and Lorne Elliott will deliver his special brand of comedy on July 31.
Visit www.shipscompany.com to learn about the summer reunion weekend, concert series, reading series, kids’ stage, drama camps, and mainstage special event
Updated as of: September 25th, 2009.
1.) "N.S. government approves Fundy tidal project -
Firms hurry to get test projects in water"
September 25th, 2009.
A tidal power turbine up to 10 metres in diameter will be installed in the Bay of Fundy this fall, as companies begin testing methods of harnessing some of the earth's mightiest water flows.
The Nova Scotia government and the federal Fisheries Department announced environmental approval Tuesday for test projects for three companies to place their turbines in the inner bay, where the world's highest tides rush in and out each day.
There is one small existing tidal power station at the mouth of the Annapolis River, providing sufficient power for 6,000 homes.
However, the test projects would be the first step towards installing multiple, undersea turbines in the bay, with the goal of eventually creating an array of generators to collect a portion of the tidal energy in the inner bay, along the Minas Passage.
The Nova Scotia Power turbine — which looks somewhat like an underwater jet-engine turbine set on a large tripod — will be the first to go in the waters off Parrsboro, with installation plans set for late October.
That will be followed by the installation of a turbine by Clean Current Power Systems Inc., a British Columbia-based firm.
Scott Travers, the president of Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. Ltd., said during a speech in Saint John, N.B., that his firm's turbine is expected to go in the water next summer.
He told the audience, which included the premiers of Canada's eastern provinces and New England governors, that the potential source of energy is immense in an area where the tides fall so dramatically twice a day that vessels are left perched on the mud.
``The shift of the current, and its predictability, you can bank on it,'' he said.
The three companies are spending a total of $60 million to $70 million to build the test system.
Nova Scotia's Energy Department said the test system will be linked together next year, with the possibility of creating enough energy to power 4,000 homes, or about 3.5 megawatts. Nova Scotia Power said the test system will not be hooked up to province's electrical grid.
Travers said the tidal projects are currently at the ``Kitty Hawk stage'' of development, comparing them to the earliest days of flying machines, and it will be several years before commercial scale production is achieved — estimated to be enough power for 100,000 homes.
He said results of the test phase would take one year to 18 months, and at that point proposals could go forward for commercial developments, and a new round of environmental assessments.
``The first multi-unit system will be right in our backyard. It's going to put us on the map, and from there it will grow ... and then we target Newfoundland's coast, Prince Edward Island,'' Travers said.
Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau said the reduction in greenhouse gases would benefit Nova Scotia, which is heavily dependent on coal-fired generators.
But he said the province could close down the test system quickly if there are signs it is damaging the endangered Atlantic salmon or the lobster fishery.
``I have the authority to stop that (project) as simply as walking over and turning off that light switch, and I wouldn't hesitate if the science and adverse effects are there,'' said Belliveau.
The studies will also include a look at potential impact on plankton, the microscopic plant life that flows through the bay.
In its July submission to the province's Environment Department, the Ecology Action Centre said the impact of undersea tidal projects ``have been consistently underestimated, and in some cases, ignored.''
A group of inshore fishermen also sent in their concerns to the department, saying plans to eventually put hundreds of turbines in the bay must not proceed.
``To consider putting hundreds of these units out into the Bay of Fundy doesn't make sense to us. It will ruin the fisheries of not only this area, but many others as well,'' wrote the Heavy Current Fishers Association in a July 17 submission.
``Millions upon millions of fish, of different species, migrate through the northern shore of the Minas Channel and Passage on their way to spawning grounds all around the basin.''
Canada has enough tidal energy to power most of the country's homes and the lion's share of it lies in this bay, according to Natural Resources Canada.
Nova Scotia wants 25 per cent of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, and it sees tidal power as a means to get there.
2.) "Turbine safe for all in sea - Technology won’t harm marine environment, Irish company insists"
September 25th, 2009.
THE DEVELOPERS of a demonstration tidal turbine to be launched in the Bay of Fundy next month are fiercely defending the technology against accusations it may harm the marine environment.
For the past three years, OpenHydro of Ireland has been testing a similar turbine in the waters off northern Scotland, and underwater video has shown no marine mammals or fish have been harmed, company CEO James Ives told reporters Wednesday in Dartmouth.
"Environmentally, it’s very important to design something that has no impact on the marine environment," said Mr. Ives at a fabrication yard where the turbine is being attached to a 400-tonne tripod-shaped subsea base.
OpenHydro and its partner, Nova Scotia Power, unveiled the open-centred turbine before it makes a journey to the Bay of Fundy, where it will be launched in late October. Testing will last up to two years.
Mr. Ives was responding to criticisms by Acadia University biology professor Michael Dadswell, who argues that a large-scale development of tidal power in the Bay of Fundy will do "immense damage" to the fisheries and whale watching business in the Maritimes.
Mr. Dadswell wrote an opinion article Wednesday in The Chronicle Herald stating the blades of the turbine, which will rotate in both directions, will harm marine mammals, including seals and whales.
Mr. Ives said the large centre of the turbine allows marine life to pass through safely and most animals do not go near the turbine. Also, there are no oils, greases or lubricants used.
"We’ve never seen a marine mammal pass through the device, never seen fish pass through the device," said Mr. Ives. "There’s been absolutely no recorded incident of marine mammals in three years."
Mr. Ives said tidal power is the next generation of renewable power.
"I think there is no question in our mind that tidal can generate power. . . . We have to tread carefully into each site we go into."
The demonstration turbine and subsea base are 16 metres in diameter, almost as high as a six-storey building. As proposed, it could produce one megawatt of electricity, enough to power 300 households.
NSP president Rob Bennett said harnessing the immense power of the Bay of Fundy tides for electricity is important for the utility.
"It’s a big step forward for tidal energy development in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Bennett at the Cherubini Metal Works Ltd. yard, which was awarded a $1.7-million contract in April to provide fabrication and support services to the project.
"For Nova Scotia Power, it’s another component of solving the energy needs of Nova Scotians — the renewable energy needs — and that’s what we’ve been focused on and that’s what this project is all about."
The turbine cost $10 million, with NSP investing the lion’s share and $4.6 million coming from Sustainable Development Technology Canada, a non-profit green energy foundation.
Next spring, two other turbines will be deployed in the bay.
The other two developers — Clean Current Power Systems Inc., of British Columbia, and Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. Ltd., of Hantsport — are planning to install their underwater devices after a cable is in place to carry the electricity to shore.
Patrice Breton, Sustainable Development Technology Canada spokesman, said the agency has also given $5.5 million to Clean Current’s project, but has not given any funding to Minas Basin’s project.
"We’re not involved in that (Minas Basin) project and I’m not aware whether they’ve applied or not. We’re not a participant in that one," said Mr. Breton.
NSP vice-president Mark Savoury said the Bay of Fundy project could be commercially viable in five years, depending on the turbine test results over the next two years.
NSP currently operates one small tidal power station at the mouth of the Annapolis River, providing power sufficient for 6,000 homes.
3.) "Parrsboro to have byelection to fill seat of long-time mayor now battling acute leukemia as Robinson steps down"
September 25th, 2009.
PARRSBORO – After 12 years serving as Mayor of Parrsboro, Doug Robinson stepped down as the head of the town due to health reasons.
Robinson submitted a letter of resignation during Tuesday’s council meeting.
After being diagnosed with acute leukemia last spring, Robinson decided that it was time to step down passing over the reigns to deputy mayor David Harrison until a by-election is held.
“I feel good, however, I do get tired easily which is the main reason why I have decided to step down,” Robinson said, adding that he didn’t want to be in a position where he was making decisions for the town while being tired.
“Another reason I decided to step down now rather than wait is if my condition became worse I didn’t want to put people in a position where an election would be called this winter,” Robinson said.
Parrsboro’s CAO, Ray Hickey, said council has four weeks to decide when the by-election will occur.
“With council’s goal to hold the election as soon as possible they will probably decide before the four-week deadline when to hold the election,” Hickey said.
Explaining the by-election has to be held 11 weeks following the announcement, with deadlines for mayor candidates being the fifth Thursday before the election.
“If a councilor should choose to run for mayor they would have to step down as councillor when submitting as a candidate for the mayoral position at which time making a council seat open for anyone choosing to run for the position of councillor.
The deadline for candidates for a council position is the fourth Tuesday before the election date,” Hickey explained.
Having four weeks to decide when the by-election will be held, Hickey anticipates council will hold a special council meeting before the four-week deadline which the CAO said will be announced to the public for anyone wishing to attend this meeting.
During Tuesday’s council meeting he added thanks to past and present councils along with staff at the town hall, staff of the public works department, present CAO Ray Hickey and to past CAO Ashley Brown for the many years he dedicated to the town.
As his last act as mayor Robinson thanked the residents of Parrsboro for allowing him the opportunity to serve them along with the many generous offerings in the form of cards, letters, gifts and visits which Robinson said means a great deal to himself, his wife Shirley and family.
** New **
Updated News:
As of: October 7th, 2009.
Nova Scotia Power – Environment – Renewable Energy - Tidal
Source: www.nspower.ca
We own and operate one of just three tidal power plants in the world and the only one in the western hemisphere. Our Annapolis Tidal Power Plant came online in 1984. It has a capacity of 20 megawatts and a daily output of roughly 80-100 megawatt hours, depending on the tides.
In-stream Tidal Turbine Nova Scotia Power is partnering with Irish firm OpenHydro to bring a new source of tidal generation to Nova Scotia. A 1MW test generation turbine will be deployed this fall in the Minas Passage of the Bay of Fundy – home to the world’s most powerful tides.
Once deployed, the turbine will be tested for up to two years. During this time, data will be collected and shared by Nova Scotia Power and OpenHydro to determine the environmental performance and future feasibility of tidal power in the Bay of Fundy.
Here are a series of videos showcasing how this technology works and how it can bring a silent, invisible and predictable source of renewable energy to Nova Scotians.
** Please just click on one of the new pictures below to view new video's & info...
Enjoy!!! & Feel Proud to be one of the first provinces & areas in the World to be Green... :-)
The turbine being loaded in Greenore, Scotland enroute for Nova Scotia
The OpenHydro Installer will be heading to the site for it's first successful deployment in the Bay of Fundy in Nova scotia soon... :-)
This is of a pic of it during it's.. first successful deployment.
This is the tidal power turbine that was lowerd today in the Bay of Fundy by Black Rock down by West Bay off of Parrsboro N.S. on Nov. the 12th around 1pm.. The video will be uploaded as soon as I can...
I will also have more pictures to upload as well & more information.
This turbine project is Nova Scotia Power's & Open Hydro's.
As of: December 1st, 2009.
Click on the picture below to view the "new" Video's showing the Bay of Fundy - Minas Passage Power Turbine Video's.
1.) Animation Describing Test Project & More.. (With Sound)
2.) Turbine Operating Underwater.. (No Sound)
or
Go to: http://www.nspower.ca/en/home/environment/
renewableenergy/tidal/multimedia.aspx
Below is a small video of the N.S. Power & Open Hydro Turbine in route to Black Rock off of Parrsboro N.S. on November 13th, 2009 from the view point on the Open Hydro Installer... Cool!!!!
As of: December 1st, 2009.
Click on the picture below to view the Video showing the Bay of Fundy - Minas Passage Power Turbine showing Animation Describing the Test Project & More.. (No Sound) "but" larger video on Media Player.
Newest News
OpenHydro successfully deploys 1MW commercial tidal turbine in the Bay of Fundy OpenHydro Press Release (17/11/09)
The world is now witnessing the emergence of a new renewable energy market with the announcement that Irish company OpenHydro, has successfully deployed the first commercial scale in-stream tidal turbine in the Bay of Fundy, Canada, on behalf of its customer, Nova Scotia Power.
Click on the picture below to see the Press Release on November 17th, 2009 by Open Hydro.
Water planes come for a visit to Parrsboro.. :-)
Just click on the movie viewer below to view the video.. Enjoy!!!
Where will the 'tidal' electricity go?
December 1st, 2009.
Pic#1
The electricity generated by the three devices will be sent to the on-shore facility via submerged cables. The on-shore facility will house electrical equipment and continuous monitoring systems. Further details on the remaining parts of the shore facility have not been determined but possibilities include research laboratory spaces and a learning center to accommodate visiting groups, both local and international.
Construction standards will meet or exceed national eco-efficiency requirements. Preliminary conceptual drawings are shown.
West Bay area of Parrsboro is the expected area of construction.
Where will the 'tidal' electricity go?
December 1st, 2009.
Pic #2
The electricity generated by the three devices will be sent to the on-shore facility via submerged cables. The on-shore facility will house electrical equipment and continuous monitoring systems. Further details on the remaining parts of the shore facility have not been determined but possibilities include research laboratory spaces and a learning center to accommodate visiting groups, both local and international.
Construction standards will meet or exceed national eco-efficiency requirements. Preliminary conceptual drawings are shown.
West Bay area of Parrsboro is the expected area of construction.
