Halifax, Nova Scotia

Prince of Wales Drive, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1A1, Canada

Point Pleasant Park is a provincial park in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The park has been beloved by park user community for over 150 years due to its historical, cultural and natural importance. Hurricane Juan destroyed 75% of the park in 2003, leaving thousands mourning the damage to such a meaningful place. While the government acted quickly to put a plan in place to restore the park, locals voiced their desire for no drastic changes. As a result, a new plan with local input has been directing the management of the park since 2007.

Top environmental challenge faced by the community (currently or in the past 10 years):

No recent environmental threat, however, there is a stronger risk of increasing hurricane activity. This was Hurricane Juan (back in 2003), a storm stronger than what the region has faced in decades that destroyed local's beloved urban park.


How the environmental challenge has affected local livelihoods:

The impact of the hurricane greatly impacted local's well-being. At the time (back in 2003), locals were crying and seeing the damage reminded them of a funeral.


Community response to the challenge, through environmental stewardship (conservation) initiatives that improve environmental well-being and support sustainable livelihoods:

An international design competition was held to determine how to best restore the park. Entries were submitted from around the work with changes ranging from grandiose designs to minimal changes. Wisely, officials sought public input through a survey. Public opinion passionately expressed the desire to have their urban forest back, and none of the 'big' changes. A management plan was produced that covers the management of the park for the next 50 years


Extent to which governmental policy (at local, regional or national levels, as relevant) has supported, or been contrary to, the community's responses to the environmental challenge:

Point Pleasant Park is a provincial park with national heritage sites. Due to the damage, government was going to get involved. Government did not appear to play any 'extra' significant role, but did wisely consult the public.


Keywords: Ecosystem

Coastal, Urban


Keywords: Resources

Soil


Keywords: Big Issues

Climate change, Human-wellbeing, Public awareness, Public participation, Land use


Keywords: Solutions

Public participation, Management


Contributed by: Patrick Larter

The information provided and opinions expressed above are the responsibility of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views and analysis of the Community Conservation Research Network (CCRN), nor those of all members of the community described.

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