News release

Accessible Viewing Deck Coming to Peggy’s Cove

Develop Nova Scotia (Dec. 2018 - Nov. 2022)

Peggy’s Cove is a beloved, iconic part of Nova Scotia and one of the province’s most popular tourist areas. To help ensure a safe, accessible and engaging experience for visitors, business operators and residents, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada are investing $3.1 million to support the construction of an accessible viewing deck on the rugged shore.

A comprehensive master plan was created by the community of Peggy’s Cove and Develop Nova Scotia over the last two years. The project announced today, Jan. 15, complements provincial infrastructure investments of $6.2 million already underway in the community which focus on pedestrian safety, traffic management, coastal protection, community sustainability, and resident and visitor experience.

This latest investment by the province of $1.7 million, is through the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program administered by Tourism Nova Scotia. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is providing a contribution of $1.42 million toward the project through its Innovative Communities Fund.

“Peggy’s Cove is one of Nova Scotia’s most visited tourism attractions,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Lena Metlege Diab, on behalf of Minister of Business Geoff MacLellan. “It is crucial that our iconic sites have the infrastructure they need to deliver positive, memorable visitor experiences while ensuring the liveability of the surrounding community. This investment will increase safety and accessibility at Peggy’s Cove, enhancing the overall experience for locals, visitors and business operators alike.”

The project design team consisted of Omar Gandhi Architect Inc., Harbourside Engineering and EDM Planning, with in-depth input from the community and Develop Nova Scotia.

The viewing deck and railings will be made of wood and steel, materials that will last and are complementary to the rugged terrain. The rail guard will be steel knit pattern that resembles fish net. It will be set into the landscape and take the shape of the rock to avoid overshadowing the real attraction at Peggy’s Cove, the landscape and lighthouse. The area will create a public space where people can view the lighthouse and experience the waves and rocks in a way that is fully accessible and safe.

Quotes:

“Tourism is a driving force in Atlantic Canada’s economy and we want to see the sector emerge from this pandemic stronger than before. We’re investing in Peggy’s Cove – an iconic landmark of Nova Scotia’s coastline – to ensure this destination is accessible to everyone who wants to experience its beauty. This is about ensuring our coastal communities can seize every economic opportunity possible in the post-pandemic future.”

– Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets

“Our work in Peggy’s Cove has been focused on planning and building with the community. Through this collaboration, we heard that this work needed to prioritize the sustainability of the community and place, and provide safe and accessible ways to experience the extraordinary landscape. As we move through the final design and to construction, we’ll know we got it right if the community sees their vision for this special place by the sea reflected in what we’ve built together.”

– Jennifer Angel, president and CEO, Develop Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

  • Peggy’s Cove welcomed approximately 700,000 visitors in 2018
  • this investment will result in a better visitor experience and capacity to welcome the growing number of visitors expected once travel restrictions are lifted
  • Develop Nova Scotia has been advancing various projects in Peggy’s Cove identified in a draft master plan co-created with community engagement starting in early 2019
  • the viewing platform is expected to be complete in June 2021
  • the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program is an infrastructure funding program focused on revitalizing Nova Scotia’s most competitive tourism icons
  • the ACOA support is a non-repayable contribution through its Innovative Communities Fund

Additional Resources:

For an overview of the Peggy’s Cove Master Plan process and work to date, visit: https://developns.ca/projects/peggys-cove-master-plan/

For the latest construction updates in Peggy’s Cove visit:
https://developns.ca/peggys-cove-construction-updates/

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