Beaches strategy being implemented in Barrington municipality
Contract already awarded to develop parking area for Stoney Island beach
A four-year strategy being implemented in the Municipality of Barrington is being backed by a $250,000 commitment spread over the next five years from municipal council to support the improvement and development of beaches in the area.
The strategy, expected to receive the final stamp of approval at the Dec. 9 municipal council session, includes five strategic outcomes:
• Everyone can experience a day at the beach;
• Our beaches are vibrant, healthy and clean;
• Our infrastructure compliments the beach and nature of the beach and is respected and maintained;
• Our beaches are easy to find and help to tell our history, heritage and habitat;
• There is collaborative stewardship of our beaches.
“These five outcomes complement one another and addressing them as equal priorities will achieve the strategy’s vision,” states the strategy.
There are six beaches within the municipality. Four are located on Cape Sable Island: The Hawk, Daniel’s Head, Stoney Island and North East Point. The other two are Crow Neck Beach in Baccaro and Sandhills provincial park in Villagedale.
Some of the beaches are included in the international network of important bird areas and provide critical nesting habitat for endangered piping plovers. They are also important stopover sites for migrating shorebirds during the late summer and fall.
The municipality identified its beaches as one of the key action items in its strategic plan under promotion and support of the tourism industry.
“Tourism Nova Scotia identifies the seacoast as one of its biggest tourism strengths, people choose to come to Nova Scotia to explore our seacoast, beaches and ocean," reads the strategy. "Beaches provide many recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors. Boating, fishing, swimming, surfing, walking, beachcombing, birdwatching, playing and sunbathing are among the common activities our beachgoers enjoy.
"Many of our beaches provide unique habitats for a variety of plants and wildlife, including species at risk that depend on our beaches for their survival," the strategy goes on to say. "Our beaches provide protection to residents living near the ocean by acting as a buffer against the high winds and waves of powerful storms. Finally, beaches also play an important role in the economy, as spending time at the beach is among the fastestgrowing nature-based outdoor activities for visitors to Nova Scotia."
Implementation of the strategy has already begun with the purchase of land earlier this year at the Stoney Island Beach to develop a parking area. Council approved a quote in October from R. & T. Excavating Limited for $12,800 plus HST to develop the 165’ x 165’ parking area. Work is expected to begin soon.
Key implementation actions identified in the strategy will be addressed through available core funding laid out by council and successful application through various funding programs. The strategy will assist staff and council in capital planning and annual work processes.
"At the end of year four, we will reassess the Strategy to align with the strategic planning and goals of council," the strategy reads.
Successful implementation of the Strategy “will be indicated by cleaner, healthy, vibrant, accessible beaches that will allow everyone, including wildlife to enjoy a day at the beach,” concludes the strategy. “Improving the status of our beaches is a shared responsibility that requires action from more than just the Municipal government. Individual residents, community organizations, different levels of government also have an important advocacy and stewardship roles to play. We must remain respectful of the natural environmental roles our beaches play and keep in mind the unique users on all levels. Each strategic outcome in our plan complement one another and all play an important role in the vitality and health of our beaches for our generation and into the future.”
KATHY JOHNSON TRI-COUNTY VANGUARD