Coastal Access Project
‘Nova Scotia - Canada’s Ocean Playground’ is a phrase printed boldly on every Nova Scotian license plate. However, growing conflicts over coastal access in the province are forcing coastal communities, landowners, and governments into asking: how should Nova Scotians get to to the coast?
Conflicts over access in coastal communities have been documented across the province for many years, especially where private property owner prerogatives intersect with community interests. Worryingly, coastal access issues will likely be exacerbated with the impact of a growing population, increased coastal development, and sea level rise on Nova Scotia’s coasts as well as the hardening of waterfronts (such as seawalls) to protect private property.
The Coastal Access Project is an initiative that will explore how changes to coastal access affects the way people access, live by, and explore the coast. The objective of this project is to foster greater public understanding of coastal access in Nova Scotia through informed storytelling, and explore equitable solutions to the challenges that are emerging.
This project will feature a short-form, limited series podcast to be made freely available. Project followers can also look forward to a photo-essay along as well as project updates posted to this website.
Made possible with the support of the
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The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada – Explore Grant program
Meet the Team
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Dr. Hannah Harrison
Dr. Hannah Harrison is a human dimensions researcher who studies human-environmental relationships, particularly around marine and coastal issues. Her research uses storytelling methods such as podcasts and film to help explain complex issues, such as coastal access. She currently works as an assistant professor in the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University.
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Nicolas Winkler
Nicolas is a conservation storyteller specializing in creating impactful editorial, natural history and scientific storytelling visuals for research, academic, non-profit and production sectors. his work has appeared in peer-reviewed scientific literature, annual reports, national and international publications and television.
He is inspired to understand the rapidly changing landscapes and seascapes of Nova Scotia by his own experiences as a diver, as well as the stories emerging from coastal communities across the province.
Reach Out
If you are a coastal user, landowner or media outlet wishing to speak to the Coastal Access Project, please reach out below.
We will treat all submissions as confidential and request permission from you prior to including your story in our project.