Provincial funding to protect coastal community trail in Digby County

A popular coastal trail in Belliveau Cove, Digby County, will be protected from coastal flooding, erosion and storm surge with help from the Province.

The Belliveau Cove Development Commission is receiving a provincial grant for work to protect the Belliveau Cove Trail from the impacts of climate change. The five-kilometre coastal trail passes through salt marshes, along beaches and past Clare’s first Acadian cemetery.

Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration and MLA for Digby-Annapolis, announced the funding today, October 18, in Belliveau Cove on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman.

“Our government is taking strong action to protect our coastline from climate change,” said Minister Balser. “This funding is empowering community-led action to protect this beloved and popular part of our coastline, and our government is pleased to help make sure this trail continues to be used and enjoyed for generations to come.”

The commission will use the funding to raise low parts of the trail to higher ground and widen canal gaps to add five new bridges. The work will also make the trail more accessible.

“The Belliveau Cove Development Commission (BCDC) is extremely grateful to the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund and the Province of Nova Scotia for their financial support towards our rejuvenation of our five-kilometre walking trail and bridges that were destroyed as a result of high winds and tidal surge almost two years ago. The BCDC is concerned about the effects of climate change, which in our case, is the increasingly rising tides. Therefore, building higher and with more durable material for longevity is a must as we cannot stop the tides,” said Gary Theriault, President, Belliveau Cove Development Commission.

The commission is receiving a $152,365 grant from the Province’s Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund for this work.

“Our province’s environment is becoming more sustainable and resilient thanks to the Belliveau Cove Development Commission. The commission’s work to elevate trails, reinforce canal structures and build accessible facilities demonstrates a strong commitment to climate adaptation and community inclusivity. These projects will enhance the region’s environmental durability and its capacity to respond to the challenges of climate change, creating lasting benefits for all,” said Juanita Spencer, CEO, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities.