Province Purchases Coastal Properties

The province is purchasing more than 2,400 hectares of coastal properties, in areas of Shelburne, Guysborough and Halifax counties.

"We're a province in which 75 per cent of our land mass is privately held. Our acquisition of these coastal properties is important for Nova Scotia and we're very pleased to be able to make it happen," said Premier John Hamm.

The lands include more than 1,900 hectares at Cape Sable Island, Baccaro and Port LaTour in Shelburne County; more than 470 hectares, comprising 5.5 km of shoreline, at Port Bickerton next to the Port Bickerton Lighthouse in Guysborough County; and 40.5 hectares located at Pyches Island, offshore from Taylor Head Provincial Park in Halifax County.

"Collectively these lands provide valuable habitat for waterfowl, wildlife, seabirds, plants and shorebirds, including such endangered species as the piping plover and Thread-leaved Sundew plant," said Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt. "It is important that we conserve this habitat and our coastline for all Nova Scotians, present and future."

Purchase of these properties enables the province to further its work with its conservation partner, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and provide greater public ownership and conservation of Nova Scotia's coastline.

The province will purchase the land in Guysborough County for $1.2 million and the property at Pyches Island at a cost of $280,000. The Shelburne County properties are assessed as "owner unknown" and, as a result, through the Municipal Government Act, the province is able to purchase the lands by paying the taxes and costs.