Coastal Protection Act: A Future Scenario Analysis of Coastal Sustainability in Nova Scotia

With 70% of residents located in coastal communities, Nova Scotia has a long history of reliance on coastal areas for nourishment, income and spiritual meaning. As climate change impacts including sea level rise, erosion and... [ view full abstract ]

With 70% of residents located in coastal communities, Nova Scotia has a long history of reliance on coastal areas for nourishment, income and spiritual meaning. As climate change impacts including sea level rise, erosion and storm surges pose an increasing threat, Nova Scotia's coast requires greater protection to continue to support the natural ecosystems, vibrant communities and industries that depend upon it. Nova Scotia remains, however, the only Atlantic province without a provincial coastal policy. After a decade of failed attempts, the provincial government was elected in 2017 on a promise to develop a Coastal Protection Act (CPA).

This study uses a Future Scenario Analysis to consider the potential for a CPA to improve coastal sustainability and address key coastal issues (development regulation, ecosystem protection, hazard management) in comparison to policy alternatives. Informed by an analysis of existing provincial coastal legislation and relevant stakeholder interviews, four scenarios are developed and analyzed: the No Policy Change, Provincial Policy Amendments, Municipal Coastal By-Law Model and CPA scenarios. 

Results indicate that a CPA is the most desirable and feasible scenario offering comprehensive and consistent protection of coastal areas across the province and meeting growing stakeholder demand for new provincial legislation. Public education, community and Mi’kmaw consultation, stakeholder collaboration and complementary policy development are recommended as additional actions to take in addressing coastal issues no matter the policy outcome. This study, through the scenarios, also provides an educational tool to illustrate the implications of current coastal policy decisions on future coastal sustainability in Nova Scotia.