Coastal Development at Little Crescent Beach
Little Crescent Beach is an extension of the popular white sand Crescent Beach not far from West Dublin in Lunenburg County. In March 2023 a Halifax developer, Hossein Mousavi, constructed an enormous (2.7m x 122 m) sea wall in order to protect the structures he plans to build. These will be located on his property behind the beach. There are many versions of this planned build from 3 family cottages to condominiums. The wall, according to Mr. Mousavi (Lighthouse article) will protect his property from surf, storm surge and rising sea levels. Residents are concerned that this wall encroaches on Crown land, and construction has destroyed the protective sand dunes and forest belt. Shoreline hardening will undoubtedly impact the tidal wetland behind what was the sand dunes and the sensitive and complex ecosystems found here.
little crescent property lines taken from NS property online database
beach with wall. Photo: Sally Rees
Of greater concern is the increasing number of developments along the Nova Scotian coast. Although the Coastal Protection Act was passed in 2019, it has not yet (Aug 2023) been enacted. Regulations that would then restrict shoreline development and provide needed protection for sensitive ecosystems, have yet to be written. Saltwater marshes, wetlands and eelgrass beds are the nurseries for the ocean’s marine inhabitants and the basis for Nova Scotian fisheries. The shoreline, that until fairly recent years had remained pristine and accessible to all, is now privately owned and closed to the public. Approximately 10% of Nova Scotia’s cost is still accessible to the general public.
For more information, contact or follow Protect Little Crescent Beach
For more information, contact or follow Protect Little Crescent Beach