The province is helping to better protect Gabarus residents from storm surges by offering to match up to $300,000 in federal funding to help repair the damaged seawall it built decades ago.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) is contributing $100,000 to the proposed project.

“Since last summer, the government has continually urged the federal government to move on this, to help protect the community of Gabarus,” said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources for Nova Scotia. “The province appreciates the involvement of CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke helping to encourage the federal authorities to recognize the need to act.”

In a letter from Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., the municipality has been assured the federal agency is considering the request.

“Nova Scotia is pleased to see this consideration by the federal government and is happy to match the federal funds once they are approved,” said Mr. Parker.

The seawall is not owned by the province. It was built by the federal government in 1946, and some re-construction was done in the 1980s. It was severely damaged by a storm in 2010.

While urging federal authorities to meet their responsibilities for the wall, The province, in the interest of the community, carried out evaluations of the seawall and coastal erosion in the area. The study showed repairs are urgently needed. A Department of Natural Resources geologist was sent to help the community assess the risk of coastal flooding.

The province looks forward to receiving details from federal authorities on the timing and details of the wall repair work.

Source: Release