Cape Sable Island's McGray Avenue to Undergo Waterfront Infrastructure Upgrades

Created: Thursday, 23 July 2015 11:26

Cape Sable Island’s McGray Avenue to Undergo Waterfront Infrastructure Upgrades

July 23, 2015 - Barrington, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Chris Swim Photo

CHRIS SWIM PHOTO

Over the last couple of years, the Municipality of the District of Barrington has seen an increase in the number of visitors to the area who have come to relax and enjoy the local fishing villages, museums, white sandy beaches and culinary delights. Attracting tourists by offering enriching coastal experiences is important to the economic vitality of rural seaside communities.

Today, Parliamentary Secretary Gerald Keddy announced that the Government of Canada is providing the Municipality of the District of Barrington with a $70,393 investment, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), to undertake waterfront infrastructure improvements on Cape Sable Island’s McGray Avenue. The project involves refurbishing an existing rock retaining wall, constructing a new boardwalk and upgrading the parking area.

These improvements will enhance the community’s capacity to attract visiting pleasure boats, ensure safe access to and from the waterfront and increase visitor traffic to local businesses. The more accessible waterfront will also allow the community to expand its current tourism festival and event offerings.

This initiative builds on the momentum of the Sea Side Tourist Rest Stop, which is currently underway on the Barrington Passage side of the Cape Sable Island causeway. Together, these initiatives increase the aesthetic appeal of the waterfront and provide a comprehensive experience for tourists, encouraging them to visit and stay longer.

Quick Facts:

Cape Sable Island, locally known as Cape Island, is located at the southernmost point of the Nova Scotia peninsula.
A causeway, three-quarters of a mile in length, was built in 1949 to connect the Island to the mainland (Barrington Passage).
The Island is a notable birding destination, being an important migratory stopping point for birds such as the Atlantic Brant and Piping Plover.
McGray Avenue leads to one of Western Shelburne County’s most popular beaches, the North East Point Beach.
Barrington is the lobster capital of Canada. More than 38 per cent of Canadian lobster is landed in Lobster Fishing Area #34 which includes the Municipality of Barrington.

Quotes:

“The Municipality of the District of Barrington is a community rich in marine culture and heritage. Our Government is pleased to support Barrington as it builds on these strengths to provide quality tourism experiences. Combined with the recently completed multi-use trail head and the planned Sea Side Tourist Rest Stop, the upgrades at McGray Avenue will provide outdoor enthusiasts with a unique experience, supporting growth and prosperity in the area.”

- Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the to the Minister of Agriculture, to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)

“The construction of these waterfront infrastructure improvements will be the final piece in making the North East Point Beach and Causeway Area the focal points for tourism experiences in the Municipality. We will now be able to attract tourists by both land and sea to enjoy the vibrant local culture of our community.”

- Eddie Nickerson, Warden, Municipality of the District of Barrington