The process of expropriation of the land on which Cape Breton Regional Municipality intends to construct a 2nd cruise ship berth in Sydney NS is currently underway.
According to Jillian Moore, spokesperson for CBRM, the expropriation of the land had started and would be completed before the contract was awarded for building. Council had already passed a motion to negotiate with the owner of the property for the land and to proceed with expropriation in case it is necessary.
The tender for the 2nd berth contract is still open. It is not due to close until April 26, 2018.
The site identified as the preferred location for the 2nd berth is a 6.8-hectare property owned by North Sydney businessman Jerry Nickerson, former Sydney Engineering and Dry Dock property. It's situated to the north of the current cruise ship terminal.
Cape Breton Regional Municipality has been in negotiations for the land and have reportedly budgeted US$2 million while a report indicated Nickerson wanted US$6 million.
The new terminal is to be operational by 2019 spring. The federal, provincial and municipal governments are funding the US$20-million project equally, with CBRM responsible for cost overruns.