December 7th, 2010
Surprisingly intense storm reinforces urgent need for Coastal Legislation
“We need to change how and where we build on the coast”
Halifax - The Ecology Action Centre says yesterday’s surprisingly intense winter storm reinforces the urgent need for new coastal legislation in Nova Scotia. The Centre is very pleased with the “What We Heard: 2010 Report on Nova Scotia’s Coastal Consultation” released on November 22nd, and wants the province to swiftly establish a Coastal Act to protect homes, roads, and other infrastructure from similar storms.
Monday’s storm, at times packing hurricane-force winds, caused road closures and power outages throughout the province. Storm surges also smashed the Ketch Harbour wharf and flooded portions of Eastern Passage.
The Centre feels the “What We Heard” report clearly supports new coastal regulations. “Many Nova Scotians want to keep new development off beaches and other low lying coastal areas that are regularly flooded,” says Jennifer Graham, Coastal Coordinator at the Ecology Action Centre. “They want to see people enjoying living near the coast – not in the water.”
The Centre is pleased the province has announced further public consultations on the draft Coastal Strategy in early 2011. “Climate change creates an additional imperative to change how and where we build on the coast. We hope the public gets a chance to discuss real options, such as the potential of a Nova Scotia Coastal Act during the upcoming public consultation” says Graham.
The What We Heard: 2010 Nova Scotia Coastal Consultations can be found at http://gov.ns.ca/coast
For more information:
Jennifer Graham
Coastal Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre
442-5046 (office)
219-8554 (cell)
