Nova Scotians Receive Upper Tantallon Land Donation

Nova Scotians will have access to more land for outdoor recreation, trails, hunting and fishing thanks to a Nova Scotia company.

W.M. Fares Group is donating about 22 acres of land in Upper Tantallon to the province. The land is behind the Lawton's plaza in St. Margaret's Square.

Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker announced the donation today, Aug. 7. It adds to a large area of Crown land in the St. Margarets Bay area.

"This generous donation from W.M. Fares Group means even more land in the St. Margarets Bay area will be kept in its natural state," said Mr. Parker. "The province will ensure this land will benefit all Nova Scotians, supporting outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing."

The land has a river running through it, and is an important habitat for brook trout and other wildlife, including some species at risk.

"We've been happy to work with the St. Margarets Bay Stewardship Association to help them protect this piece of land for the community," said Wadih Fares, president and CEO of W.M. Fares Group. "Donating this land to the province will allow the community, and all Nova Scotians, to have trail access from Tantallon Village into the existing wilderness area."

The land borders the Five Bridge Lake Wilderness area, which is designated under the province's Wilderness Areas Protection Act. It will provide a vital watershed link between the East River, to the south and east from Ash Lake and the Duck Pond.

Wilderness areas protect nature and help ensure future generations have the opportunity to experience, learn from, and enjoy our province's outdoors.

The land is valued at $27,000 and is about half the size of Shubie Park in Dartmouth.

"It's exciting to see the donation of this land to the province," said Ella McQuinn, board member and past chair of the association. "Now more residents and visitors will be able to experience this fantastic wilderness area with improved access from our community.

"Working together with the community, business and government can achieve great things."