A rock wall is being constructed along Crescent Beach, which is causing concerns amongst residents. Photo: Submitted Image.

Despite concerns from residents over a development at Crescent Beach, local MLA Becky Druhan says the project is in compliance with provincial regulations.

In a letter obtained by Acadia Broadcasting written by Druhan, she explained that although she shares concerns over the development it has the authority to proceed.

Many community members have reached out to me about concerns with private land development at Crescent Beach and the placement of a rock wall. 

I share our community’s love and concern for our beautiful coastal areas. As your MLA, I want to assure you that I have been monitoring the situation and take the concerns of the community very seriously.  

Following discussions with staff at the Departments of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) and Environment and Climate Change (NS-ECC), and with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) here is what I know:  

•  The landowner applied to the DNRR and was granted a permit for vehicle access across the beach to build the rock wall. 
• NS Department staff have completed a number of inspections on this site to date. NS-ECC has not found any violations of the Environment Act or its regulations. Staff also ensured that the property owner is aware that any wetland alterations would require NS-ECC approval.
• Building and development permits are issued by MODL. Questions about their zoning, requirements for development, building permits and oversight of any development in the municipality should be addressed to them. 

Staff from the DNRR visited the site yesterday and will continue to monitor and respond to public questions and concerns. DNRR and ECC staff will also attend the community meeting on March 25 to respond to public questions and concerns.

Hon. Becky Druhan

MLA, Lunenburg West

Last week MODL Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson expressed her concerns with the development and pointed to the province’s Coastal Protection Act (CPA) as the potential solution.

The Province established the CPA to protect natural ecosystems and make sure new homes and businesses are safer from sea level rise, coastal flooding, and coastal erosion. The bill was passed in 2019, however, it won’t be implemented until all of its regulations are established, which has yet to occur.

The MODL has called on the province to speed up the adoption of the CPA and enforce it in relation to the development at Crescent Beach.