Scenic deck coming for Peggys Cove

HALIFAX • Easily one of Canada's most recognizable landmarks, the rugged point of land surrounding the postcard-perfect lighthouse at Peggys Cove, N.S., will be getting a much-needed facelift this summer.

Plans were unveiled Friday to build a large viewing platform to improve access to the site and, at times, prevent people from venturing onto the rocks when storms roll in. The wood and concrete structure will include steel guardrails knitted together to look like fishing nets.

“While travelling is currently restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that interest in Nova Scotia travel remains high,” provincial cabinet minister Lena Metlege Diab told a virtual news conference.

“We look forward to safely welcoming visitors again soon ... we know there is a need to maintain and enhance our tourism icons.”

The $3.1-million deck — the province is contributing $1.7 million and Ottawa is kicking in the rest — is expected to be built by the end of June.

In 2018, the red-and-white lighthouse and nearby fishing village attracted more than 700,000 visitors. Provincial officials say one in three tourists who visit Nova Scotia make a point of heading to the lighthouse.

A 40-minute drive southwest of Halifax, the community of Peggys Cove — population 40 — remains an authentic fishing village, despite the annual onslaught of tourists.

“The popularity of Peggys Cove has created challenges in the community around pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and accessibility, all negatively impacting the experience for visitors and residents alike,” Metlege Diab said.

“It's crucial that we take this opportunity to address these challenges.”

As a key access point to the site, the new platform will be used to deter thrill-seeking gawkers from getting too close to the ocean when the weather turns foul and big waves start crashing into the cove's large rocks.

Visitors, however, will be free to roam the shoreline when weather permits.

The smooth granite under and around the lighthouse turns black and gets slippery when the ocean surf starts heaving salt spray into the air. Rogue waves have been known to sweep onlookers into the cold, turbulent waves.

In July 2015, a 26-yearold Ontario man was rescued after slipping into the churning sea. Three months earlier, a 25-year-old Ontario man was swept off the rocks and disappeared.