Cape Breton Development Corporation Railway
(DEVCO: 1968 - Present)

by Robert Chant

When the Dominion Coal Company went out of business in 1968 the federal government took over operations of the local coal industry. This resulted in the formation of the Cape Breton Development Corporation. DEVCO’s mandate was to oversee the gradual phase-out of coal production in Cape Breton and to get the area away from its one industry economy.

Along with the mines, DEVCO also gained ownership of the former Sydney and Louisbourg Railway. These tracks were still the best method of transporting coal from the remaining mines in the area.

The line to Louisbourg was in bad shape and was in need of some major upgrading. These tracks had been laid to Louisbourg because it was the only habour in the area that remained ice-free year round. With the introduction of modern ice-breaking ships, there was now no need for this link. The section from Morien Junction to Louisbourg was removed and sold for scrap.

Eventually DEVCO moved it roundhouse and main yard, from their Glace Bay location, to Victoria Junction. Later a large coal preparation plant was also built at this site. DEVCO also modernized the International Coal Piers in Sydney.

At present (1998), DEVCO still operates two mines in the area and several trains a day make the short trip to the shipping piers in Sydney. Nova Scotia Power, DEVCO’s biggest customer, uses Cape Breton coal in its generating stations at Lingan, Point Tupper and Trenton. The last two, receive coal via the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway.

[ ARTICLES ]

©1998 Robert Chant, all rights reserved.