One of the National Historic Sites of Canada will be staying in its current state, says the federal agency in charge of national parks.
Georges Island, the most prominent feature inside Halifax Harbour, will not be receiving the same treatment that it did last year when a “major cleanup” and repairs were conducted on the island.
Photos provided to Global News from a recent visit to the island, show that vegetation has now grown to at least waist height.
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Lighting in the island’s tunnels, stabilization of a drawbridge and vegetation clearing were some of the repairs carried out last year.
Parks Canada told Global News that in total, the repairs and staff time to conduct the cleanup cost approximately $67,000.
“This was done to coincide with our participation in the 2017 Tall Ship Festival,” said J Michael Campbell, a spokesperson for Parks Canada.
The island hosted tours of the island’s Fort Charlotte, a concert by local musician Joel Plaskett and a Taste of Nova Scotia event, all as part of the Tall Ships Festival held at the end of July in 2017.
However, the site is not going to receive the same level of tender love and care that it did in 2017.
Instead, maintenance on the island will be undertaken on an “as-needed” basis with an annual inspection of the island.
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“Parks Canada has determined that, at this time, the most sustainable model for visitation to Georges Island is by offering opportunities to experience the island through special events in collaboration with partners and event managers,” Campbell said.
He acknowledged that the island still draws public interest as a tourist attraction in Halifax, but that there were no specific plans for the island at this time.
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