Shifting Shorelines: Exploring Coastal Ownership in Nova Scotia with a Focus on the Characteristics of Access in Shelburne County

Abstract

This study examines the distribution and the characteristics of public coastal access in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, using GIS analysis, policy review, and on-the-ground fieldwork. Although 18% of the county’s 936-kilometre coastline is publicly owned, much of it remains inaccessible due to its location on offshore islands, limited infrastructure, and unclear legal protections. Key access points—such as roads, beaches, and wharves—are increasingly constrained by privatization, aging infrastructure, and seasonal overcrowding. Climate change poses an increasing threat, as rising sea levels are expected to inundate beaches and certain coastal infrastructure, particularly on low-lying islands where substantial public coastal land is situated. The inland movement of coastlines due to sea level rise and changing of natural coastlines due to shoreline armouring may shift the high-water mark onto private property, raising complex legal questions about ownership and access. Fieldwork further revealed discrepancies between official data and ground conditions, including recent land sales that reduced access and new infrastructure that enhanced it. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on coastal access in Atlantic Canada by providing a detailed case study and a replicable quality assessment framework that can be applied to other regions. Drawing on policy comparisons with the rest of Canada, the U.S., Scotland, and South Africa, it highlights the urgent need for stronger legislative protections, adaptive land-use planning, and community-engaged management. The study ultimately calls for a multi-scalar, equity-driven approach to access planning that integrates legal reform, infrastructure investment, geospatial tools, and climate adaptation to ensure long-term, fair, and sustainable coastal access within Nova Scotia.