Whitney Pier

WHITNEY PIER

Whitney Pier is a distinct part of Sydney, Nova Scotia which slopes up from the east side of Sydney Harbour in three successive ridges. It is a triangle-shaped area located on the north east corner of the city, contained in about three square miles. "The Pier", as locals refer to it, has historically been considered the "other side of the tracks". It is separated from the downtown district of the city of Sydney by an overpass and, yes, at one time, actual railroad tracks.

The People Of Whitney Pier

Whitney Pier is a community of distinct neighbourhoods from various ethnic backgrounds. With the construction of the Dominion Steel Company in the early 1900's, the availability of work caused families of Polish, Croation, Carribean, Italian, and African decent to settle in the area. After more than 100 years of "togetherness", the people of Whitney Pier have created what today is a vibrant and varried community living in harmony.

From The Overpass To Deadman's Turn

Victoria Road is Whitney Pier's "Main Street". From the overpass to dead man's turn, Victoria Road has, over the years, been home to a variety of interesting shops, restaurants, and community venues. Fred Tomey's Athletic Club, Archie Nathanson's King Of Lower Prices, the Swan Lunch, the Venus Grill and Mary-Jo's Restaruant were there. Joe Brookes convenience store, the Thistle Tavern, Jack The Jew's (respecfully included), Moraff's Yarns & Crafts, Feder's Jewellery, and the liquor store were there on Victoria Road too. The Star Theatre, the Polish Village, Trinity Hall, Victoria Lunch, and the Eatmore Eat In OrTake Out, whose home-made spaghetti and meatballs were "TO DIE FOR" were there too. Dickey Dye's, Mary Duck's, Maw Morrison's, Tate's Grocery Store. All on Victoria Road.

At one time the stores and restaurants were a going concern. Parents in the Pier bought their children's school clothes at Archie Nathanson's, teenagers hung out at the Swan Lunch, kids bought molasses candy at Dicky Dye's, and at night they would order out from the Eatmore. As time passed, the Steel Plant aged and after more than 80 years of steel making, began it's slow demise through the politics of the day, and disrepair. With the Steel Plant literally falling down around them and with the economy worsened throughout the late 80's and early 90's, businesses began to close in Whitney Pier, and windows were boarded up here and there along Victoria Road. All the way from the over pass to dead man's turn.

The Tarpond - North America's Worst Toxic Waste Site

The Sydney Tar Pond is considered North America's worst toxic waste site. Today it poisons that ground of Whitney Pier which lies closest to it and has caused serious health concerns among the residents. The Tar Pond was created by 100 years of steel making, and of 100 years of releasing it's poisonous by-products into a containment pond in the very heart of Sydney. For a more detailed description of this environmental catastrophy, visit Wikipedia's The Sydney Tar Pond

From The Pier Dear

Whitney Pier Fun Links

Here is a collection of some notable Whitney Pier links created and provided by Whitney Pier's Duncan Wells