Breakwater Reconstruction at Cape John Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Small Craft Harbour, Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Small Craft Harbour branch is proposing to reconstruct the entrance breakwater at Cape John SCH in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.  The breakwater is a rubblemound structure consisting of layers of core, filter and armour stone and orientated in an ell configuration.  The stem section of the structure measures approximately 140 m in length while the outer ell is approximately 70 m long.  The current proposed project will consist of the reconstruction of the first 75 m of the stem extending from the shore which was the most exposed and affected by the storm damage.

 

The reconstruction will be carried out using land-based equipment including loaders, excavators and trucks that will access the breakwater from the service area that adjoins the back side of the structure.  The service area will also be used as a staging area for equipment storage and as a material lay-down area.  The existing layer of 4-6 tonne armour stone will be removed, salvaged and reinstated in the new work.  Additional 4-6 tonne armour stone will be hauled in and placed on the seaward face.  Overall, the breakwater will be widened approximately 1.8 m and raised to an elevation of 6.3 m above chart datum to adapt to the projected sea-level rise in order to prevent overtopping under storm conditions. This will result in a footprint expansion below high normal tide (HNT) of approximately 133 m2.

Construction activities are anticipated to commence in winter 2026 and be completed by the end of March 2027. Project commencement is, however, subject to DFO-SCH operational priorities and funding, as well as the completion of regulatory approval processes, therefore work may be delayed. The scope of the impact assessment (subject to the Impact Assessment Act) will, therefore, be based on the works being completed over a period of 12 months commencing within a period of five years following finalization of the assessment.

Cape John SCH is currently a core fishing harbour that was strategically developed to serve the fishing industry in the area. The harbour currently has considerable marine infrastructure and remains well situated and protected to support the local fisheries. The main purpose of the proposed project is to repair existing infrastructure to support the continued viability of the harbour for the commercial fishery and other commercial and recreational sectors.

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Latest update

End of Public Comment Period

November 20, 2025 – The public comment period on the project is closed. Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Small Craft Harbours (DFO-SCH) as well as Transport Canada are considering comments received to date to inform its determination on whether carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Contacts

Planning and Environment Group
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Small Craft Harbours, Maritimes and Gulf Regions
343 University Avenue
Gulf Fisheries Centre
Moncton, New Brunswick E1C 5K4
Email: DFO.SCHMGEnvironment-MGEnvironnementPPB.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Cape John Small Craft Harbour (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Ports and Harbours

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2025-10-20

  • Proponent

    Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Small Craft Harbours

  • Authorities

    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    • Transport Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89950

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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