Public Consultation Results on Coastal Strategy Available

Nova Scotians have offered insight, ideas and opinions on the future of our coast.

That input is summarized and available in the document What We Heard, which will help shape the first coastal strategy in the country.

"Nova Scotians can be proud of the fact that we're a leader in addressing coastal issues," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "We have listened to Nova Scotians and this document is a reflection of the wisdom we heard from people."

What We Heard is a milestone to develop a coastal strategy.

"We want to thank everyone who took the time and energy to contribute toward this important process to develop a coastal strategy," said Justin Huston, coastal zone co-ordinator, Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Nova Scotians raised consistent themes during the consultation such as the importance of public access, provincewide development standards, protection of sensitive ecosystems, sewage and water quality issues, and the importance of working waterfronts."

Because Nova Scotians requested more opportunities to provide input, additional consultation sessions are being planned for the spring. The final strategy will be ready in fall 2011.

"This is a significant undertaking that is clearly important to the people of this province," said Mr. Belliveau. "While we all want a strategy as soon as possible, we need to take the time to get it right."

What We Heard can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/coast .