N.S., N.B. and feds reach funding agreement on Chignecto Isthmus work

The provincial government says a funding agreement has been reached with New Brunswick and the federal government to pay for work to protect the Chignecto Isthmus.

That narrow strip of land connects Nova Scotia to New Brunswick and is viewed as a vital trade corridor that could be impacted by rising sea levels. Current dykes were installed in the late 1600s, according to the province.

The agreement says Nova Scotia will pay $162.5 million, or 25 per cent of the cost. New Brunswick will contribute the same amount, while the federal government will cover the remaining 50 per cent, or $325 million.

“Protecting Nova Scotia’s main connection to the rest of Canada has never been more important as we take action to increase trade between provinces,” Public Works Minister Fred Tilley said. “That’s why we are taking a Team Canada approach. We’re putting the interests of our country first and showing leadership as we unlock our potential.”

The province adds that it continues to maintain its position that Ottawa should cover the entire cost of the project and not just 50 per cent, but it is important the agreement be in place as soon as possible.

On Friday the premier said court disputes on the issue are expected to begin sometime in May.

“This is a major step towards ensuring the security of this important link,” the federal government said in a statement.

One severe storm away from being underwater

Climate researchers have warned that one severe storm in the Bay of Fundy could overwhelm the area’s dikes, flooding communities and halting the transportation of goods.

As a key transportation corridor, the isthmus includes a section of the Trans-Canada Highway and a Canadian National railway line. An estimated $100 million of goods and services cross the corridor every day. As well, the isthmus provides a link for electrical transmission lines and fibre optic cables.

The funding announced Thursday will be used to raise the area’s dike system to decrease the risk of flooding caused by storm surges, rising sea levels and coastal erosion, all of which have been linked to climate change.

In all, there are 35 kilometres of dikes in the area. The project will also include the replacement or addition of new, small aboiteaux — culverts with gates that prevent sea water from flowing inland past the dikes while allowing water behind the dikes to flow out.