Last Thursday, concerned citizens rallied to call attention to a long standing issue.
15 people gathered to walk in protest against no trespassing signs that have been erected by some home owners on the point. Done to prevent people from walking on the beach path, it has people upset.
“That path has been used for generations, and so much of the Nova Scotia shoreline is being privatized,” said walk organizer Peter Barss, who led the group on a 2.5 hour walk around the point.
“One of the secondary effects of not allowing people to enjoy the shore is every time a no trespassing sign goes up it diminishes the generosity of Nova Scotians.”
The issue began in the 1980’s with the sale of lots on Hell Point, which are beachfront lots off Kingsburg Road near Rose Bay. Crown Land extends from the high water mark to the sea, but it can be sold meaning the landowner then owns below the high water mark.
Barss says some of the homeowners (there are 17 houses) will tolerate walkers but there have been confrontations in the past.
“There is also some question about whether a pre-existing path becomes a common walkway no matter who owns it.”
Barss says that less than 10% of the shoreline in the province is open to the public compared to 80 % in PEI.
“Regardless of the laws, people should be welcoming and kind enough to allow people to enjoy a walk along the shore.”
