Coastal Consultations

The province wants to hear what Nova Scotians have to say about the future of their coast.

Open houses will be held in eight communities during May to help gather information for a provincial coastal strategy.

"Our coastal areas and resources have played an essential role in making Nova Scotia what it is today," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "A strategy focused on addressing pressing coastal issues will help ensure the sustainability of our coast so we can pass on this legacy to future generations."

The development of the strategy follows the release of the State of Nova Scotia's Coast Report. In this report, the government identified six priority coastal issues including, coastal development, sea levels and storm events, public coastal access, working waterfronts, sensitive coastal ecosystems and habitats and coastal water quality. The strategy will be based on information from the report, input from interested groups and the general public.

"The State of Nova Scotia's Coast Report is a starting point for discussions on the complex issues that are involved with improving management of the coastline. We want to hear from people about the issues raised in the report," said Justin Huston, coastal advisor, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to have a look at the State of Nova Scotia's Coast report at www.gov.ns.ca/coast/state-of-the-coast.htm . The open houses are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

• Bridgewater, May 4, Bridgewater Curling Club, 90 Dominion St.
• Yarmouth, May 5, Rodd Grand Hotel, 415 Main St.
• Digby, May 11, Digby Fire Hall, 163 First Ave.
• Wolfville, May 12, Acadia University, Athletic Complex, Main St. (across from University Ave.)
• Truro, May 18 NS Agricultural College, Cumming Hall, 62 Cumming Drive (off College Rd.)
• Antigonish, May 19, Royal Canadian Legion, 294 Main St.
• Sydney, May 20, Days Inn, 480 Kings Rd.
• Dartmouth, May 26, NSCC Waterfront Campus, 80 Mawiomi Place (off Pleasant St.).

The open houses will be held in English, but bilingual representatives will be available in Digby, Wolfville, and Dartmouth. In addition to the open houses, feedback can also be provided by completing an online questionnaire, or in writing by mail to:

Nova Scotia Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture c/o Coastal Coordinator P.O. Box 2223 Halifax, NS B3J 3C4

or email to <[email protected].>

The deadline to provide input is June 30.