Storm Protection for Market Wharf in Pictou.
A shared investment from the federal, provincial and municipal governments will protect the Market Wharf in Pictou from storms and rising sea levels.
The Market Wharf has provided services for local and visiting boaters and community members for more than 20 years, with a visitor information centre, space for picnics, barbeques and live music, and more. To help protect it from extreme weather, a new, fixed breakwater will replace a floating breakwater, and a sturdier wharf extension will be built. Both structures will be higher than the current ones.
“The Market Wharf is a hub for our community and for our neighbours to connect, offering so much more than just a place for boats to refuel,” said Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West, on behalf of John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “This investment will protect the future of the Market Wharf so that it can continue to serve as the heart and pride of our waterfront, both for our community and our visitors.”
Infrastructure at the Market Wharf includes buildings; sewer, water and storm systems; roads and paths; wooden structures; businesses; and personal property.
Once complete, the $6-million project is expected to reduce the risk associated with future sea level rise and storm surges, and it will reduce the number of people who are left without access to essential services during storm surge events.
Quotes:
“The Market Wharf is a key part of the town’s waterfront area. As Nova Scotia continues to experience more extreme weather events, we have seen that area is vulnerable to storm surge and sea level rise. This new fixed breakwater and improved wharf will help keep residents and properties safe.”
— Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Completion of this project will enhance opportunities for both community and regional growth by providing expanded marine services and opportunities for boating enthusiasts. This new re-imagined Market Wharf will also return to its previous position as a place for residents and visitors to gather. The Town of Pictou is very appreciative of the partnerships we have forged to be able to bring this important project to fruition.”
— Jim Ryan, Mayor, Town of Pictou
Quick Facts:
- the Town of Pictou applied to the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund for this project and received $2.4 million from the federal government and $2 million from the Province; the town is contributing $1.6 million
- making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later
- every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits
Additional Resources:
Weathering What’s Ahead: Climate Change Risk and Nova Scotia’s Well-being: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/climate-impacts
The Future of Nova Scotia’s Coastline: A plan to protect people, homes and nature from climate change: https://novascotia.ca/coastal-climate-change/docs/coastline-plan.pdf
Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/dmaf-faac/index-eng.html
Source : Provincial Release
