Executive Summary (2019)

The Digby Harbour Port Association (DHPA) operates the Port of Digby Fishermen’s Wharf, which is located in the Annapolis Basin. Digby Harbour provides berthage, and loading and unloading facilities to the largest fishing fleet on the Bay of Fundy. Digby Harbour Port Association services vessels owned and operated by First Nations out of Millbrook, Annapolis Valley and Yarmouth communities.

The communities, businesses, and port operations are closely intertwined, and the port continues to be a cornerstone of local and regional economic development.

The Business and Infrastructure plan completed by CBCL in January 2018 outlines the impressive economic impact and strategic importance of the Port of Digby to the regional economy. With $77M of seafood being landed at the wharf annually, and the millions of direct and indirect spinoffs, makes the Port of Digby a major component in the economy of Nova Scotia. Our expansion project will support the core fishing and

aquaculture sector, ocean economy initiatives, experiential tourism, and vessel maintenance sectors. To meet this demand CBCL proposes dredging for future vessel access; an infill project to reclaim 5 acres of commercial development space; and infrastructure to fully utilize the waterfront property.

Fishing and Aquaculture sector

Digby is of paramount importance to the fishing industry in Southwest Nova Scotia. DHPA is engaged with the Indigenous community in Nova Scotia to further supply quality berthage space for their expanding fleets.

DHPA has committed to accommodating all commercial vessels but cannot continue to operate beyond design capacity. The choice is expansion or operating at design levels. This may leave 40+ vessels without berthage and have implications for vessel construction as larger, more expensive vessels seek safe berthage.

Ocean Economy Initiatives

Digby with its proximity to the powerful Bay of Fundy tides, bountiful ocean harvests, and whale populations, makes research and technological development an ideal fit. The Ocean Supercluster and specifically C.O.V.E. have expressed interest in using Digby as a “hub” to do practical work in the adjacent water bodies. The research proposed for the scallop industry is ideally matched to Digby and the adjacent scallop beds. As DFO

increases whale monitoring capability and fish science those assets can be based out of the Port of Digby.

Paul Langdon, Major Projects Manager with Ulnooweg assists business and government meet federal department accountabilities toward indigenous peoples. The port expansion gives indigenous businesses opportunities to participate in the local ocean economy. Ulnooweg’s relationship with C.O.V.E. and the Ocean Superclusters further enhances the interest of all parties.

Experiential Tourism

DHPA intends to further build the small cruise and mega-yacht presence in the Annapolis Basin. Planned expansion of the facilities will increase draft capability and provide suitable berthage for ocean yachts. Low water access to the Annapolis Basin will boost pleasure craft access and utilization. First Responders (DFO/RCMP/EMO) support for this regional project to further their access to the Annapolis Basin.

Interpretative space for education on the local marine environment, commercial fisheries, and geological formations furthers visitors appreciation of the area.

Summary

The expansion of the Port of Digby will accommodate the growing fleet, meet the targeted mega-yacht and small cruise ship market, create 5 acres of commercial area for research/development/repairs, and an access point for the Annapolis Basin. This project will further empower indigenous business in the region. The multi-million dollar expansion project can be launched with a commitment to the project and the initial

funding required for final engineering and permitting.

This project aligns with the Canadian government infrastructure, Ocean Economy, and Indigenous support initiatives. The DHPA is a Not-for Profit with multi-stakeholder engagement that has built credibility from professional conduct and exemplary project management.

The proposed project will be a direct stimulus to the economy and infrastructure of southwest Nova Scotia. This is a multi-year project from engineering to completion. To meet the opportunities presented an immediate start is warranted.