The Causeway

The talk of a causeway all began in 1945 when the provincial government started surveys in June 1946. Premier Angus L. MacDonald announced an appropriation of $400,000 for its construction. On August 29, 1948 the first load of rocks were dumped and the construction began. It was thought because of the strong tides, the work would be long and difficult. However, with the use of modern machinery, the fill was made much sooner than expected, and on April 29, 1949 the North East Point shore was reached. On Sunday May 1, 1949, over one hundred cars crossed the 3,100 foot causeway which had been built at a cost of approximately $600,000.

The official opening of the Causeway on August 5, 1949 was a warm and sunny day as hundreds of people gathered for the ceremony. Premier Angus L. MacDonald delivered the main address and cut a white ribbon to symbolize the beginning of a new era of travel to the island. The stretch of water, known as Barrington Passage, is no more, and instead there is Barrington Bay on the eastern side of the causeway, and on the western side a bay which is, as yet, officially unnamed. On August 5, 1999 the causeway celebrated it's 50th year and is still holding it's keep in Shelburne County as a useful way of transportation to and from the island.