Cape Breton Regional Council has effectively reversed an earlier decision concerning a controversial port development company. Back in January, CBRM council voted to discontinue talks with Sydney Harbour Investment Partners – or SHIP – after more than ten years and what some councillors felt was little progress in the way of port development. On Tuesday, Councillor Steve Parons put forth a motion to resume that relationship. The motion passed, seven to six, with the deciding vote cast by Mayor Cecil Clarke. “I believe it’s important to continue on a path where we have known entities that have put forward a very clear plan for our community and have worked within the regulatory framework of the federal and provincial offshore regulator but also have invested millions of dollars into the process over the last 12, 13 years,” Clarke told reporters following the council meeting. Some who voted against the motion argued the municipality is already working with a consultant towards a request for proposals for other companies who might want to pursue port development in Sydney. Clarke said that can still go ahead as a concurrent process with any renewed talks with SHIP. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
