2017 - Data Points by Date/Period

The Cross-Harbour Tunnel (CHT or XHT) is Hong Kong's first underwater tunnel, consisting of two steel road tunnels with two lanes each, constructed using the single shell immersed tube method. Opened in 1972, it was the first of three vehicular harbour crossings in Hong Kong. Initially built under a 30-year private-sector franchise, the tunnel’s title passed to the Hong Kong government in 1999 when the franchise ended.The tunnel, one of the most congested roads in Hong Kong, saw 116,753 vehicles passing through daily in 2013. The project followed a build–operate–transfer (BOT) model, with a private company responsible for financing, construction, operation, and toll collection for 30 years. The original concession was granted to Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Limited (now Cross-Harbour Holdings Limited), which was founded in 1965. The Hong Kong government held a 20% stake to maintain influence. Designed with two lanes in each direction, the tunnel was intended to accommodate 80,000 vehicles daily. The project was jointly engineered by Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick & Partners and Freeman Fox & Partners.Linking Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, the tunnel connects Kellett Island (now part of Hong Kong Island due to reclamation) to a reclaimed area near Hung Hom Bay in Kowloon, near the former Hong Kong Technical College. The tunnel's toll plaza, located at the Hung Hom end, has 14 toll booths. Before its construction, cross-harbour vehicular traffic relied on ferries, while passengers used the Star Ferry.Construction began in September 1969 and was completed a year ahead of schedule, opening on 2 August 1972. Initially charging HK$5 per car, the operator recouped the construction costs in just three and a half years. In 1984, the Hong Kong government introduced an additional tax to address overcrowding, raising the toll to HK$10 per car.In 1993, an electronic toll collection system was installed, increasing vehicle capacity by better managing traffic flow. The tunnel was operated by Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Ltd until 1999, after which the government took over. From November 2010, Serco managed the tunnel under contract, later replaced by Chun Wo Tunnel Management Limited in 2016. In November 2022, Serco resumed management.The tunnel gained cultural significance in 2017 when it was featured in the Hong Kong action film 'Shock Wave', starring Andy Lau. In November 2019, during the Hong Kong protests, demonstrators set up roadblocks and set fire to tollbooths, leading to the tunnel's closure for several days.In 2023, manual toll collectors were replaced by HKeToll, an electronic toll collection system. Cash and Octopus Cards are no longer accepted, and toll booths have been removed. The tunnel now generates approximately HK$700 million in annual toll revenue.

Briercrest College and Seminary is a private evangelical post-secondary institution located in Caronport, Saskatchewan, Canada. It includes a college, a seminary, and operates Briercrest Christian Academy. Originally founded as Briercrest Bible Institute on October 19, 1935, by Henry Hildebrand and Sinclair Whittaker, the school began with just 11 students. A rented house served as the dormitory, classroom, and office, with Hildebrand as principal, assisted by Annie Hillson, Isabel and Jean Whittaker, and Margaret Rusk. Donald McMillan later joined as assistant principal.By 1946, the school had outgrown its space, and Whittaker arranged the purchase of the RCAF Station Caron, a former World War II aircrew training facility, for $50,000. This new campus was dedicated on July 1, 1946, and repurposed into dormitories, classrooms, offices, and staff housing.The college's enrolment grew significantly, from 285 students in 1970 to 775 in 1985, peaking in 2002 with 869 students in the College and 247 in the Seminary. The institution was renamed Briercrest College in 2003. However, recent years have seen a decline in enrolment. As of 2019, Briercrest Christian Academy had 141 students, Briercrest College had 489, and Briercrest Seminary had 286.This decline in enrolment has contributed to financial challenges, with budget deficits of $2.17 million in 2019, $2.26 million in 2018, and $1.18 million in 2017.

McIntosh, Alabama, is a small, predominantly Black community in southern Alabama with a rich history dating back to the Reconstruction era (1865-1877). Initially known for its lush woods and abundant wildlife, McIntosh transformed dramatically with the arrival of chemical companies in the 1950s, including Olin Corporation and Ciba-Geigy (now BASF McIntosh). These companies exploited the area's natural resources and labor force, contributing to significant industrial development but also causing severe environmental and health issues. Residents recount how their ancestors were often deceived into selling their land for minimal compensation, paving the way for the establishment of multiple chemical plants along Highway 43. Over the decades, these plants released harmful substances, including DDT and mercury, leading to the area's designation as a Superfund site in the 1980s. The community has faced numerous chemical leaks, the most notable being a chlorine spill in 2017. These incidents, coupled with long-term exposure to pollutants, have resulted in high rates of cancer, respiratory illnesses, and other chronic health conditions among residents. Efforts to hold the companies accountable have been ongoing, with lawsuits and a federal cleanup order still under dispute. Today, McIntosh is characterized by its proximity to chemical plants and the resulting economic and environmental challenges. Despite this, the community continues to fight for justice and better living conditions, embodying resilience in the face of adversity.

Opera Grand is a skyscraper located in Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was developed by Emaar Properties and designed by DP Architects. The tower is part of the new Opera District and was initially planned to have 65 to 70 floors, with 56 dedicated to residential use. Construction began in 2017 and was completed in 2021. With a height of 288 meters (945 feet) and 71 floors, Opera Grand adds to the city's skyline. DP Architects, Emaar Properties, and WME Consultants collaborated on its design and construction.

The Marina Torch, also known as Dubai Torch, is a prominent residential skyscraper located in Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates. Standing at 352 meters (1,155 feet) tall, it boasts 86 floors above ground and 4 below ground level. Originally conceptualized with 74 floors, the tower's design evolved over time, resulting in a structure with 676 apartments and six retail units. The tower's design includes amenities such as swimming pools, health clubs, gyms, cafeterias, aerobic rooms, and outdoor terraces. Its architecture aims to provide luxurious living spaces for residents, with apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms, as well as duplex suites. Despite its status as a residential landmark in Dubai, the Marina Torch has faced challenges, particularly concerning fire incidents. The most notable fires occurred in 2015, 2017, and 2019, resulting in varying degrees of damage. However, the building has undergone repairs and renovations, overseen by the National Engineering Bureau, the building's architect. The structure's resilience and ability to withstand these incidents, coupled with ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures, demonstrate its significance within Dubai's skyline.

Dubai Opera, located in The Opera District in Downtown Dubai, is a 2,000-seat performing arts center developed by Emaar Properties. It hosts various events including theater, opera, ballet, concerts, conferences, and exhibitions. Plans were announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in March 2012, and it was completed in 2016, opening on 31 August 2016 with a performance by Plácido Domingo. The venue has a flat floor capacity of 1,800 m2 and has hosted weddings, gala dinners, fashion shows, and exhibitions. Emaar appointed Jasper Hope as the Chief Executive in January 2015. The venue was built by Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), the same company that built the Dubai Mall. Dubai Opera was preceded by an earlier proposal to build a cultural center on an island in Dubai Creek, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, announced in 2008 but shelved during the property crash. The first Emirati singer to perform at Dubai Opera was Hussain Al Jassmi on 10 October 2016. In 2017, the venue hosted the inaugural BBC Proms Dubai. Dubai Opera's longest-running show was the Phantom of the Opera in late 2019. Paolo Petrocelli serves as the Head of Dubai Opera as of 2023. Designed by Janus Rostock of Atkins, Dubai Opera can be converted into various formats and is designed to resemble a dhow, a traditional sailing vessel. The Opera District, launched by Emaar Properties in 2013, includes art galleries, museums, design studios, and other cultural venues, along with hotels, retail plaza, recreational spaces, and residential towers.

Previously known as the Address Boulevard, Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai is a towering hotel standing at 73 storeys and reaching a height of 370 meters (1,214 ft) in Downtown Dubai, UAE. Featuring 196 five-star hotel rooms and 523 serviced residences, it graces both Dubai's skyline and the global list of tallest buildings. Offering panoramic views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, this establishment boasts a restaurant and three pools among its amenities. Notably, the hotel is adorned with 251 specially-commissioned original artworks by 48 internationally renowned artists, enhancing its luxurious ambiance. Originally part of the Address Hotels & Resorts chain owned by Emirati real estate giant Emaar, it underwent a significant transformation. Originally developed by Emaar Properties in 2012, the serviced residences within the hotel were swiftly sold out upon their launch in September of the same year. Following its development, the hotel opened its doors to guests in 2017. In a notable transaction in 2018, Emaar sold its Dubai hotels, including Address Boulevard, to Abu Dhabi National Hotels for $598 million, signaling a shift in ownership. Fast forward to 2024, and Abu Dhabi National Hotels announced a rebranding initiative, renaming the esteemed establishment to Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai, thereby concluding Emaar's tenure as its manager.

Marina 101, situated in Dubai's vibrant Dubai Marina district, stands as a striking skyscraper, soaring 101 stories high and reaching a height of 425 meters (1,394 feet). It ranks as the second tallest building in the United Arab Emirates, second only to the iconic Burj Khalifa, and holds the 32nd position among the world's tallest buildings as of 2022. Primarily a residential and hotel complex, Marina 101 offers a blend of luxurious apartments and a 5-star Hard Rock hotel. Construction of Marina 101 commenced in 2007, with an initial completion target set for 2014. However, due to financial constraints faced by the original developer, Sheffield Holdings Limited, the building remained unfinished until its eventual completion in December 2017. The architectural design was crafted by the National Engineering Bureau, with construction overseen by the Turkish conglomerate TAV Construction. The skyscraper's layout features the first 33 floors dedicated to the opulent 5-star Hard Rock hotel, boasting 281 lavish rooms. From the 34th to the 100th floor, Marina 101 offers a range of residential apartments. These include 252 one-bedroom, 204 two-bedroom, and 42 three-bedroom units, alongside six duplex penthouses spanning the 97th to the 100th floor. The crowning jewel of Marina 101 is its 101st floor, housing a sophisticated club lounge, restaurant, and a Rock Shop merchandise store, offering residents and guests unparalleled views and luxury amenities.

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant (Hungarian: Paksi atomerőmű) is situated 5 kilometers from the small town of Paks, central Hungary, on the Danube river. As Hungary's sole nuclear power station, it played a crucial role in generating over 50% of the country's electricity in 2019. Technical details include VVER-440 reactors, representing the Soviet pressurized water reactor design. These reactors, specifically the VVER-440 Model V213, adhere to stringent safety standards, featuring emergency core cooling and auxiliary feedwater systems. Each reactor accommodates 42 tons of lightly enriched uranium dioxide fuel, taking around three years to be utilized before being stored for five years in a cooling pond. The power plant is predominantly state-owned by Magyar Villamos Művek, with the Hungarian government holding a voting preference share. The plant underwent a feasibility study in 2000, extending its operational life by 20 years. Despite public surveys reflecting around 70% support, the government decided to conduct a stress test after the Fukushima I nuclear accidents in 2011. License extensions were granted to all units, with Unit 4 extended till 2037 in 2017. Through optimizations and upgrades, the Unit 4 reactor's output power increased to 500 MWe in 2006, contributing to the plant's overall generation of 2000 MWe in 2009. Plans for expansion involved the Hungarian government approving the preparation works in 2009, with Rosatom financing 80% of the project cost. European Commission approval was secured in 2017, and as of August 2022, construction is set to commence, aiming for completion in 2032.

The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, Bulgaria's sole nuclear facility, sits 180 km north of Sofia and 5 km east of Kozloduy town by the Danube river. The construction of the first reactor at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant began on April 6, 1970. It houses two pressurized water reactors, Units 5 and 6, operating at a gross output of 2000 MWe. Unit 5 underwent upgrades aiming for 1,100 MWe capacity extension till 2017. Plans for a seventh 1,000 MW unit, using parts from the halted Belene project, and an eighth unit are underway. Units 1 to 4, smaller and older, were decommissioned by 2007. The plant includes two spent fuel storage facilities.

2017 (44)

Other Dates/Periods

28-06-1941

1995 - 2001

1815

14-12-0771

26-11-1939

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