Nova Scotia Businesses Highlight of Halifax Waterfront Season

Art, food, and experiences by land and sea are highlights of the Nova Scotia businesses on the Halifax waterfront this summer.

Products and services, provided by young entrepreneurs to family-based businesses, will make the most of the new kiosks, renovations, and improvements by the Waterfront Development Corporation.

"We're creating additional opportunities for Nova Scotia business owners to contribute to a quality waterfront experience," said corporation president and CEO Colin MacLean. "These businesses, combined with infrastructure improvements and summer events, will create a vibrant experience for waterfront visitors."

Fifteen businesses are confirmed, with more announcements to come. Six tour boats and an amphibious tour are also in the mix.

For food lovers, BeaverTails returns with The Battered Fish, Waterfront Pizza and Wraps/Seaside Sugar Shack, both developed by young entrepreneurs, and organic, locally made Black Bear Ice Cream, at Queen's Wharf Market. Well-known Bayside Buggy will be on Lower Water Street.

South Shore-based Amos Pewter will open in the renovated Tour Boat Centre, near The Cable Wharf, joined by Murphy's Tour Boat Ticket Outlet.

Canadian and Maritime-made artisan crafts and souvenirs will be featured at Fairwinds, and Choose Canadian–Quality Made Products (a division of Liverpool Adventure Outfitters Ltd.)

The new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia kiosk will add an artistic flavour to the new Cunard lot kiosks, with an exterior painted to look like renowned artist Maud Lewis's house. Back in Time Photos, specializing in historical Maritime photographs dating as far back as 1870, will also be there.

Seaside excursions include Tall Ship Silva, and Murphy's family boats including Mar, Haligonian, Dorothy M, Summer Bay and Harbor Queen.

Visitors can explore the area by land with Ambassatours Gray Line bus tours or by sea on the Harbour Hopper.

Rosie's Face Painting will be on the boardwalk, near the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Vendors are readying themselves for the season with all expected to open in the coming weeks. A grand opening is being planned. Seasonal vendors generally remain open until the end of October.

Vendor licences are for three years, while tour-boat licences run for five.

WDCL recently completed its 16th consecutive year of generating a financial surplus, allowing the corporation to reinvest more than $30 million in public infrastructure. Recent projects include boardwalk improvements at Pilot's Wharf and Cunard Inlet, new floating docks, improved landscaping, lighting, security, parking infrastructure and enhanced public seating areas.

For a location list of waterfront vendors visit www.wdcl.ca .