Chignecto Isthmus to get major upgrades as climate threats grow
Ottawa pledges $325M to protect Nova Scotia's only land link from rising seas.
Ottawa is investing $325 million to protect the Chignecto Isthmus, the narrow land bridge linking Nova Scotia and New Brunswick from rising seas and storm surges.
More than $100 million in goods cross the corridor daily via the Trans-Canada Highway and CN Rail, which is about $35 billion a year.
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick will each contribute up to $162.5 million over the next decade.
The isthmus is currently protected by centuries-old dykes, but climate change has made the area increasingly vulnerable to flooding. A major storm could submerge the corridor, cutting off Nova Scotia from the mainland.
The route also holds critical infrastructure, including power lines, pipelines, telecom cables, and wind turbines.
It is also considered a key to wildlife. Moose are endangered in Nova Scotia but remain stable near the border. Protecting the land could aid conservation efforts.
Pre-construction work is underway, including environmental assessments and identifying sensitive habitats.
Major upgrades are expected within 10 years.
With copy edits by Fredrick Reyes, a digital journalist for The Weather Network.
