Breakwater Reconstruction at the Larrys River Small Craft Harbour, Nova Scotia

The proposed project will involve the reconstruction of the breakwater structures located on the western side of the Larrys River Small Craft Harbour. The current breakwaters on the western side consist of three separate structures including a rubblemound structure approximately 220 meters (m) in length that extends from the shore on the mainland out to Ram Island. A second breakwater rubblemound structure extends from the east side of Ram Island into the entrance of the harbour and is conjoined to a crib structure with a concrete deck. The three existing breakwater structures have deteriorated to the point whereby major reconstruction is required.  It is estimated that the crest level of the remaining western breakwater is approximately 1.0 m above chart datum.  During high tide cycles, the western breakwater is currently submerged and water flows into the lee side of the harbour area.

 

The reconstruction will involve the full encapsulation of the three existing breakwater structures with layers of rock materials including core, filter and armour stone.  The new breakwaters will be raised 3.75 m above chart datum to adapt to the projected sea-level rise and prevent overtopping during storm conditions. This will result in a footprint expansion below high normal tide (HNT) of approximately 3,275 m2.

 

The work will be conducted using heavy equipment such as excavators, cranes, front-end loaders, and trucks working from the existing structures. There will be no demolition or removals associated with the construction as all existing structures will remain in-situ and will be completely encapsulated by layers of imported core, filter and armour stone.  Rock material will be hauled in and placed directly in the new works starting on the mainland and working out incrementally to Ram Island.

 

Construction activities are anticipated to commence in spring 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 5 years following finalization of the assessment. 

 

Larrys River SCH has been developed to support the commercial fishery, which is a main economic driver for the community.  The main purpose of this project is to carry out reconstruction of the existing infrastructure so that the harbour can operate safely and  continue to serve the fishing industry.

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Latest update

Notice of Determination

 

January 26, 2026:  The Small Craft Harbours and Fish and Fish Habitat Protection programs of Fisheries and Oceans Canada as well as Transport Canada have determined that the breakwater reconstruction project, located at the Larrys River Small Craft Harbour in Nova Scotia, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on areas within federal jurisdiction and can, therefore, proceed.  Environmental effects on areas within provincial jurisdiction will be addressed through applicable provincial legislation and processes.

 

This determination was based on a consideration of the following:

 

  • Potential impacts on rights and interests of Indigenous peoples;
  • Any shared community and Indigenous knowledge;
  • Comments received from the public;
  • Potential impacts to the following environmental components:
    • Air Quality
    • Aquatic Species and Habitat
    • Avian Species and Habitat
    • Health, Social, and Economic Conditions
    • Land and Resource Use for Traditional Purposes
    • Marine Sediments
    • Navigation
    • Physical and Cultural Heritage
    • Sensory Disturbance (air/water, noise, and vibration)
    • Structures, Sites, or Things of Historical, Archaeological, Paleontological, or Architectural Significance
    • Terrestrial Species and Habitat
    • Terrestrial Soils
    • Water (marine, ground, surface, drainage, water levels, flow, etc.)
    • Wetlands; and
  • Application of technically and economically feasible mitigation measures (including but not limited to those listed in the attached document).

 

With this determination, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada may exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
4 MITIGATION MEASURES PDF (183 KB) January 26, 2026
3 Notice of Determination - January 26, 2026
2 End of Public Comment Period - January 10, 2026
1 Notice of Intent to Make a Determination - Larrys River SCH - December 10, 2025

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

    • Larrys River Small Craft Harbour (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Ports and Harbours

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2025-12-10

  • Proponent

    Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Small Craft Harbours

  • Authorities

    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    • Transport Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90068

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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