George’s Island Public Access Wharf

completed

Georges Island is located in the centre of Halifax Harbour, and is a National Historic Site, part of the Halifax Defense Complex since the mid 18th century. The historic landscape of Georges Island offers a near-urban experience that few coastal cities enjoy. It is so close to the Halifax waterfront one can almost reach out and touch it, but the island has been inaccessible to the public except for infrequent special events providing opportunities to experience the island, which to facilitate require significant and costly temporary infrastructure. The proposed project will enable access to Georges Island with the construction of a permanent timber pile wharf to replace the existing wharf and accommodate habour transportation options. The new wharf (approx. 150’ x 20’), will also have floating docks on each side to support safe public access by tour boats, water taxis and recreational boats. The wharf will also support special event service by Halifax Transit Ferry service. A wharf is a critical component of a broader project with partner Parks Canada to create safe public access to and on the island. Parks will be investing in necessary land-side health and safety improvements to ensure safe visitor exploration can take place, interpretive and wayfinding signage, and public washrooms. Develop Nova Scotia will build, own and operate the wharf and enter into a long-term lease with Parks Canada for the wharf location. This work together will ensure the island will be safe and accessible, enabling the island to become a compelling part of the Halifax experience, illuminating the historical and cultural significance of the island, and will further activate Halifax Harbour for residents and visitors.