Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a former city and urban community nestled on the east coast of Cape Breton Island in Canada. Founded by the British in 1785, Sydney was incorporated as a city in 1904. Today, it forms part of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, following its amalgamation on 1 August 1995.
Before Sydney, Nova Scotia, became a permanent settlement, it was a hub of significant activity along the shore. During the American Revolution, John Paul Jones set sail to free American prisoners working in the coal mines in eastern Cape Breton.
Sydney was founded post-war by Colonel Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres and named in honour of Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney. The new colony of Cape Breton Island was established, with DesBarres as its lieutenant-governor. The settlement site chosen was along the Southwest Arm of Sydney Harbour, a drowned valley of the Sydney River. Between 1784 and 1820, Sydney served as the capital of the British colony of Cape Breton Island. Sydney was incorporated as a town in 1885.
By the early 20th century, Sydney, Nova Scotia, became home to one of the world's largest steel plants, fed by the numerous coal mines in the area. The city's economy was a significant part of Industrial Cape Breton, with its steel plant, harbour, and railway connections adjoining the coal mining towns. The city's growth continued until the 1930s, with the Great Depression causing a slowdown in production and growth.
During World War II, Sydney Harbour played a crucial role, staging supply convoys bound for Europe. Sydney's coal shipping and steel manufacturing made a significant contribution to the Allied war effort.
By the late 1960s, the coal and steel industries in Sydney, Nova Scotia, had fallen on hard times. The provincial and federal government were involved in negotiating with the steel plant's owners, leading to the plant's takeover in 1968. Both the steel and coal industries continued under government ownership for the rest of the 20th century.
After the closures of the steel plant and coal industries, Sydney had to diversify its economy, focusing on tourism and culture, light manufacturing, and information technology. The cleanup of the former steel plant and the toxic Sydney Tar Ponds provided some employment since SYSCO closed.
Sydney, Nova Scotia, is located on the east bank of the Sydney River where it discharges into South Arm of Sydney Harbour. The central business district is located on a peninsula extending into South Arm formed by Sydney River on the west side and Muggah Creek on the east side. The largest park within the former city limits is Open Hearth Park.
Sydney, Nova Scotia, experiences a cool summer, and windy, wet, and stormy winter, a version of a humid continental climate significantly moderated by the community's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Statistics Canada classifies Sydney as a medium population centre, which for census purposes includes the neighbouring communities of Westmount, a significant portion of Sydney River, and other portions of the former Cape Breton County.
The annual Celtic Colours International Festival is held throughout Cape Breton Island in October, with some of the concerts taking place in Sydney. Sydney was selected to host the 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2016 ECMA Galas.
Sydney is served by Highway 125 which connects to Highway 105 and encircles the former city limits to its eastern terminus. Trunk 4 forms an important secondary road in Sydney running along the Sydney River, connecting to Glace Bay. Trunk 22, connecting to Louisbourg, and Trunk 28, connecting Whitney Pier through to New Waterford, form minor secondary roads.
