News release

Land Purchases Support Rural Economy

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Nova Scotians will soon have more green acres with the purchase of land in three counties, including a coastal property along the Northumberland Shore.

More than 1,600 acres are being purchased. The province has invested $783,000 to buy 1,576 acres in Pictou County and 20 acres in Colchester County from Kenney Forest Holdings Ltd. through the Forestry Transition Land Acquisition Program.

The province is increasing the amount of coastline it owns by purchasing 20 acres from a private landowner in Antigonish County. The $400,000 purchase also includes agricultural land.

"The majority of these land purchases will support our rural economy, in particular the forestry industry," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "It helps rural employers by letting them sell assets that are no longer essential to their business."

Steve Talbot, executive director with Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia, was pleased to hear about the purchases.

"The dollars invested in these types of land purchases show a multiple of returns on investment for all Nova Scotians," said Mr. Talbot. "More publicly owned lands that can be for multiple uses, including future production of forest fibre, is a bonus.

"But more important to the industry, is the working capital for the forestry companies. It helps keep operations financially stable, which allows them to continue to buy from local suppliers and keeps people employed. It's a good investment all around."

The land purchases support a number of provincial goals, including protecting jobs in the forestry industry, providing Nova Scotians with coastal access and recreational opportunities, and ensuring land is available for future generations.