Wetlands, Viewing Platforms for Washbrook Greenway Trail

Sydney’s Washbrook Greenway Trail will be better protected from the impacts of climate change, including flooding, with funding from the Province.

The Washbrook Greenway Coalition is receiving $195,000 to create wetlands and build viewing platforms.

“The Washbrook Greenway Trail is one of the best urban trails in our province, providing beautiful views and enhancing the well-being and health of its users,” said John White, MLA for Glace Bay-Dominion, on behalf of Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “This funding will help ensure it is sustainable, protected and climate resilient for generations to come.”

The wetlands will help control water and create a better habitat for local wildlife. The new viewing platforms will enhance the user experience by providing areas for people to enjoy the natural beauty and connect with nature.

The investment is through the government’s Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund.

Quotes:

“As a community-based coalition that values the natural assets of the Washbrook catchment area, we welcome the opportunity to enhance the existing green spaces. This work will support nature-based learning for students of neighbourhood schools, include green solutions that complement the CBRM flood water mitigation strategy, and provide free access to recreation and leisure-time activities for residents and visitors alike.”
— David Gabriel, Chair, Washbrook Greenway Coalition

“The Washbrook Greenway project is a great example of how climate adaptation can be thoughtfully integrated into community infrastructure. By restoring wetlands and creating accessible viewing areas, this initiative enhances biodiversity, improves climate resilience and fosters a deeper connection between residents and the natural environment. This project demonstrates the critical role local leaders can play in protecting these ecosystems while strengthening communities. Congratulations to the Washbrook Greenway Coalition on this impactful and forward-thinking initiative.”
— Juanita Spencer, CEO, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities

Quick Facts:

• the Washbrook Greenway Trail is an active transportation trail that links Wentworth Park in central Sydney to the Baille Ard Nature Trail in the south end of the city
• the government created the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund in 2021 as part of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, its legislated commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, respond to climate change, transform how Nova Scotians produce and use energy, make homes and buildings energy efficient, and more
• the program provides grants to municipalities, non-profit and community organizations, post-secondary institutions and Mi’kmaw communities to help them respond to and prepare for climate change impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities was selected through a request for proposals process to develop and administer the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund on behalf of the government
• since launching in 2022, about $10 million in funding has been invested

Additional Resources:

More information on the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund is available at: https://nschallengefund.ca/

News releases about the fund and related projects: https://news.novascotia.ca/search/all?field_topics=228

Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/environmental%20goals%20and%20climate%20change%20reduction.pdf

Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/ns-climate-change-plan.pdf

Weathering What’s Ahead: Climate Change Risk and Nova Scotia’s Well-being: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/climate-impacts