Hunts Point locals say many rely on the wharfs to work from and it's a big draw for tourists when they visit. But with the federal government's upcoming closure of the infrastructure, the village and ...

Hunts Point locals say many rely on the wharfs to work from and it's a big draw for tourists when they visit. But with the federal government's upcoming closure of the infrastructure, the village and ...

Hunts Point locals say many rely on the wharfs to work from and it's a big draw for tourists when they visit. But with the federal government's upcoming closure of the infrastructure, the village and the fishers are unsure of the future of their community.

The future of Hunts Point, a community in Nova Scotia often described as a 'quaint fishing village,' is in jeopardy as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) plans to block off sections of two wharfs used by commercial fishers for decades. Locals and fishers express concern over the closures, which will impact 21 fishers and disrupt the community's way of life. The wharfs, built over 60 years ago, have deteriorated and are deemed unsafe by DFO, leading to partial blockades that will restrict vehicle access and gear storage. Fishers like Adam Roach describe the closures as a 'slap in the face,' emphasizing the wharfs' role not only in fishing operations but also as a social hub and tourist attraction. The closures come with the upcoming lobster season starting November 30, raising questions about where fishers will depart from. DFO has stated that the wharfs will remain accessible for 'Dumping Day' but has not provided clear details on how operational adjustments will work. Michael Lunn, director of the Harbour Authority, has appealed to all levels of government for repairs or a new wharf, noting that the current structures are nearing the end of their lifespan despite patchwork repairs since 2017. Mayor Scott Christian suggests the federal government is moving fisheries away from smaller communities like Hunts Point, citing a lack of investment in infrastructure. The community's identity, tied to its 1788 heritage as a fishing village, is at risk if the wharfs are permanently closed. Local businesses, such as Hunts Point Harbour Cottages, rely on the wharfs to attract tourists, and residents like Paul Newman describe the wharfs as a 'living heritage' that should not be lost. Despite DFO's mention of long-term options including 'eventual divestiture' and the Central Port Mouton project, the community remains uncertain about its future.

Hunts Point locals say many rely on the wharfs to work from and it's a big draw for tourists when they visit. But with the federal government's upcoming closure of the infrastructure, the village and ...

Hunts Point locals say many rely on the wharfs to work from and it's a big draw for tourists when they visit. But with the federal government's upcoming closure of the infrastructure, the village and ...

Find the fastest route on the Tube. A new puzzle every day.

Sean Bath used to seek the coveted spiny sea urchin: now it's often car tires that come loose from the bows of ships and the sides of wharfs.