A Quick Guide to Coastal Planning in Pictou County
Why Are We Talking About the Coast?
Pictou County’s coast is changing. Some areas are experiencing erosion, flooding, storm surge and damage from severe weather. Sea levels are also expected to rise over time.
These changes can affect:
- Homes and property;
- Roads, buildings and public services;
- Harbours and working waterfronts;
- Beaches, wetlands and natural areas;
- Recreation and public access; and
- The cost of repairing and protecting infrastructure.
Problems can become more serious when heavy rain, high river levels and high coastal water occur at the same time, making it harder for water to drain.
The Municipality of Pictou County is beginning a conversation about how future planning decisions could respond to these changes.
No new coastal policy has been chosen. The Municipality wants to hear from residents before deciding what should happen next.
What Is Coastal Planning?
Coastal planning helps communities make decisions about land and development near the coast.
It can help answer questions such as:
- How close should new buildings be to the shoreline?
- Should additional information be required before building in a vulnerable area?
- How can natural areas help protect the coast?
- How should new development prepare for flooding and erosion?
- What should happen when an existing coastal building is replaced or expanded?
- How should public roads, buildings and other infrastructure respond to changing conditions?
Coastal planning does not stop storms, flooding or erosion. It can help reduce future risk and support better-informed decisions.
Why Does Your Experience Matter?
Residents know their communities. You may have seen flooding, erosion, changing beaches, drainage problems, damaged roads or other coastal changes that are not captured in existing maps or studies.
You may also have concerns about housing, property rights, affordability, development, public access, natural areas, working waterfronts, community services or the future of places that matter to you. Your experiences and priorities can help the Municipality understand local conditions, identify important issues and consider how future coastal planning decisions could affect different people and communities.
Community engagement opportunities:
- October 15: 1-2pm at the Little Harbour Community Centre
- October 15: 6-7pm at the Merigomish School House
- October 20: 1-3pm at the River John Library
- October 20: 6-7pm at the Pictou Fire Department
For more information or to participate please contact the municipality.
Email: environment@munpict.ca
Phone: (902) 759-4666