Province Protects Historic Lunenburg Waterfront

The province is stepping in to help protect a large part of the historic working waterfront in the Town of Lunenburg.

The province will purchase a block of 17 waterfront properties in the town in order to preserve the 22 buildings and ensure the continuation of a working waterfront in Lunenburg, Premier John Hamm announced today, Aug. 24. At a later date, the land is to be transferred to the Lunenburg Waterfront Association Inc., a non-profit community group formed to preserve and then guide development of these commercial properties.

"Securing this working waterfront helps spur growth and prosperity for future generations," said Premier Hamm. "The waterfront is a key feature of the Town of Lunenburg's UNESCO designation as a World Heritage Site. Unless we acted, these properties could have been divided and sold off one by one and there would have been a risk of losing unique historic structures and businesses."

"Investing in this block of buildings now is critical, given the central nature of Lunenburg's working waterfront to its marine and heritage industries," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Economic Development. "Our involvement will help keep the property intact until the waterfront association takes over. We are pleased to be able to help the community."

"This is an exciting day," said Justice Minister Michael Baker. "Government and community groups have worked to preserve this waterfront, which is a testimonial to the hard work that is undertaken in Lunenburg."

"The province understands that timing is the important thing in preserving the integrity of our waterfront. By moving now, it is making a smart investment in a vibrant community and an international tourism destination recognized around the world," said Town of Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney. "The waterfront is crucial to the economy and social future of our town."

A purchase and sale agreement has been signed for the waterfront properties by the province and Clearwater Seafoods, the current owner. The purchase price is $5.5 million.

"By having the foresight to take this interim measure for the community, the province is enhancing commercial opportunities in Lunenburg, securing community jobs, and meeting the goals of both the Lunenburg Waterfront Association and the Town of Lunenburg," said Jim Eisenhauer, president of the waterfront association.

The waterfront area includes a sail loft, dory shop, machine shop, brokerage and retail outlets, an iron forge, marine service operators and building spaces used by vessel owner/operators.