Nova Scotia government plans to protect province’s coastline with new legislation

The Nova Scotia government is moving to protect the province’s coastline by introducing new legislation in the near future.

“Nova Scotians value the pristine coastline, over 13,000 kilometres of it, so we want to protect that,” said Environment Minister Iain Rankin.

“We have salt marshes and we have coastal wetlands that help protect and filter harmful substances. We have dunes that protect storm surges and these natural defences are worth protecting.”

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Rankin says climate change is already having an impact on sea levels and is proposing new coastal protection legislation that would provide clear rules on what can and cannot be done in areas next to the coast.

“Our legislation will be designed to protect this important natural asset, while also ensuring the industries and cultures that rely on it can continue to do that for generations to come,” said Rankin.

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Tom Sinel lives in Eastern Passage where coastal erosion is a problem for some residents. He hasn’t been impacted yet but is concerned.

“I’d like to know what can be done about it,” said Sinel.

“Quite often you see areas, like if you go to Lawrencetown beach right now, it’s a mess. There’s no sand on it at all and I know that’s just the way nature does things but boy oh boy did it ever take a beating this winter and some areas down here on the coast have done the same.”

WATCH: The powerful nor’easter that batter our region for more than a day has finally moved on but it didn’t depart without leaving some damage in its wake. Natasha Pace reports.

1:59 Powerful Nor’easter batters Nova Scotia

The Ecology Action Centre has been rallying for comprehensive coastal protection legislation for more than a decade.

Nancy Anningson, the coastal adaptation senior coordinator for the group, says Nova Scotia’s coast is at risk.

“We have 70 per cent of our population living in coastal communities,” Anningson said.

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“We are facing the dramatic impact of climate change, our sea level is rising and we are experiencing more frequent and extreme weather events, such as flooding and storm surges.”

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The Ecology Action Centre would especially like to see the coastline protected from inappropriate future development in the new legislation

“It is imperative that Nova Scotia set minimum standards for coastal development,” said Anningson.

“When we build hard seawalls, remove natural vegetation and place buildings and roads along our vulnerable coastlines, we are altering how the coast naturally behaves and we are limiting its ability to adapt to climate change.”

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2:16 More than 7,500 plastic shotgun shell waddings collected along Nova Scotia’s Salt Marsh Trail

The minister has officially launched public consultations, where Nova Scotians can have their say before the new legislation is drafted.

Those interested in giving feedback can visit novascotia.ca/coast or call 902-424-2547.

The public consultation phase will be continue until August 17. Government says once that is complete, they want to move ahead with legislation as soon as possible.