Developer ruffling feathers at Martinique
A bit of a storm is brewing at Martinique Beach and it’s not coming off the ocean.
According to a visitor to ScotiaSurfer.com, traditional access routes to the beach are being blocked by a Calgary developer named Ross Evans. The developer has constructed three homes on the beach and has three more planned.
“He is planning to gate Coalies Head Causeway in the near future and build a house in the middle of the causeway,” said Colin Cameron, a volunteer with the Musquodoboit Harbour and Area Ratepayers Association.
“He is also planning an eight foot fence around his landholdings which would block the view of the beach from the end of East Petpeswick Road.”
That view is not only used by surfers to access the wave conditions, it is also used by local fishermen to gauge the state of the ocean, said Cameron.
Evans, who amassed a fortune making control consoles for operations like The Pentagon and NASA, is building on property he started buying about six or seven years ago, according to HRM Councillor Steve Streatch (Musquodoboit Valley – Eastern Shore).
A direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin, Evans now owns about 80 acres on 19 properties in the beach area, said Cameron.
With the help of lawyers, Evans has been following the letter of the law, acquiring the proper building permits. However, his approach to the development, especially with respect to local interest groups, has been “very adversarial”, said Streatch.
And that approach has “galvanized the community on one side,” said Cameron.
In addition to blocking traditional beach access routes to his neighbours, Evans received approval from the province to build a septic system on a piece of property that many feel is exposed to storm damage. The approval came as a surprise to local residents.
“People are fed up and annoyed,” said Streatch. “At the same time, Mr. Evans has broken no laws.”
Streatch says resolution of the conflict between the developer and local residents will require dialogue and communication.
“There’s likely room for compromise on both sides,” he said.
ScotiaSurfer.com attempted to contact Mr. Evans for comment but was unable to reach him prior to posting.
It should be noted that Evans has not blocked access to the main beach area via the provincially-maintained gravel road.
Reader Comments
I can see this turning into more of a problem for the local residents and their ocean view than for the surfers. We’ll have to wait and see. Hopefully there’s an easy solution
THIS IS ONLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG!!! The start of a new beginning!!!
This is hilarious. My dad is friends with the local fisherman, has owned property on martinique for over 15 years, and is the most reasonable man I know.
Although the author has littered the article with miss and half truths, I would like to thank him, because I am printing this article and framing it for the wall at our beach house. It will be a great father’s day gift. Thanks!
Ross Evans destroys lives and dreams; my father once had a view of Martinique Beach. NOW HE HAS A VIEW OF A METAL BOX ROSS EVANS CALLS A HOUSE.
Your father should have bought the land in front of his house. How many years was it on the market for before Ross bought it?
It is not beach front property unless you own the land all the way up to the crown’s land.
You snooze you loose. You really should see the view we have now though. It sure is nice after a long surf with a beer in hand.
And how may I ask does Ross destroy lives?
Also it may be a metal box, but it is more of a house than the TRAILERS behind it.
Reedster,
I am very glad that you brought this very important issue to the attention of ScotiaSurfer.com. I have been studying Ross for many years now and can assure you that this is only the beginning. All of you surfers should know that Ross has already begun construction on his inverse amplitude wave defibulator (IAWD). IAWD’s calculate a swells dimensions and send an opposite pulse at it to prevent the wave from breaking. In my interview with Mr. Evans I questioned the purpose of the IAWD, Mr. Evans replied “The sound of breaking waves annoys me. If I could drain the ocean I would”. The allegation that Ross is building a house is completely false. The rabbit hole goes deeper than that. Ross is constructing a top secret facility. As I will be forced into hiding for releasing this information it is imperative that I discuss all of my findings.
1) Ross worked with NASA and the pentagon but not in consoles, Ross was and Is involved with Stem-cell research.
2) Ross is planning on powering his facility with a nuclear reactor and will most likely dump the waste in the ocean or over his neighbours property.
I suggest that anyone directly involved with this incident move to Newfoundland. The welfare checks are larger and so are the waves. Im also told the marijuana is cheaper for all you surfers.
I <3 Ross Evans
Ross is a GREAT MAN!
On my first trip to Canada prime minister Harper brought brought the Martinique beach issue to my attention. I had one thing to say to PM Harper, “martinique beach has been operating in the same old ways for too long and it’s time for CHANGE in Martinique beach an I believe Ross Evans is the man to bring about this change”. That is all.
- President Obama
Hi,
I’m from the famous show of a direct depiction of Nova Scotia housing, after visiting Martinique beach I agree with Arnie. Ross Evans’s house looks nothing like any of the shacks in my trailer park and is really not lile the design of any of the trailer’s in the park. Put a trailer there instead, it would be much better looking from the ocean. It’s 9am right now and I’m going to go finish off this bottle of screech. Watch my show!
-Rickey
I’m Ricky from the famous show “Trailer Park Boys” (the show depicting NS lifestyle), I drove out to Martinique beach and have to agree with arielle godspuck. The building in question looks nothing like the trailers In my park and I can agree it’s not in keeping with NS architecturial style. From the beach of looks like some sorta silo. Trade it in for a trailer, it would look much better. I’m going to go down a 40 of screech and hang around. Watch my show on Showcase!
- Rickey “Trailer Park Boys”
Hi folks,
Just an FYI: For those of you following this thread, I’ve been looking at the IP addresses of the posters using fakes names and making cheeky comments. They are coming from Ontario and Quebec.
Martinique always has been, and always will be one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
I grew up in Calgary, but have been coming to Martinique for my entire life. Every summer to be exact. I am certainly not an outsider.
I have met so many wonderful surfers out in the water at Martinique. I usually invite them to my house for a beer, and an outdoor shower before they drive back to Halifax. I have never encountered a surfer who has said anything negative about the development at Martinique. I have surfed all over the world and I have met so many surfers. One of the things we all love about surfing is the great people who do it, the kindness they show to one another, and the common bond they all have with nature. Maybe I am missing something. I know next time I am out in the water I will meet another group of great people and can invite them for a beer. I don’t see why anything would change now.
Surfers are good people. I refuse to allow a few bad apples change my opinions about surfers. I know that whether I am surfing in Indonesia or Tofino that I can count on meeting some good down to earth people.
I am just glad I have never had to run into “Arielle Godbout”. If that is even your real name. If you really are who you say you are, I would imagine you would do a little more research before typing that response. You have no idea what you are talking about which I find very humorous. Learn the facts before you speak.
I have just read this article and I think as a Maritimer who used the beach and a current resident of Alberta I can offer a little more objectivity than some of you raving lunatics.
Patrick, you should not poke a caged animal. The people you are addressing live where this is going on and cannot be removed from the situation. That being said they also need to come to terms with what has actually gone on. This is just a replay of the same scenario that has unfolded in many Maritime communities. Land that has been for sale for years has been ignored or out of reach of the local community and as the real estate boom elsewhere has reached saturation people with monies have looked elsewhere.
Take for example Shediac New Brunswick, specifically Pointe-du-Chene, a community that previously you would not want to leave your dog tied up outside let alone your door unlocked. The locals there went ballistic when people from elsewhere in NB and as far as Ontario and Quebec started buying up property for elevated prices that the locals could not and would not afford. Next came the massive beach houses that obstructed the view of the existing residents. In the end the “locals” lost there battle to maintain community ownership and block development. As a result the real estate values sky rocketed (for everyone) and Pointe-du-Chene is now a vibrant community that attracts tourists every summer.
So this situation is nothing new and if you want to see how it plays out all you have to do is look to your neighboring communities. In the end the legal progress of development cannot be stopped. In light of that fact it should be embraced. If a neighbor builds a mansion next to your house I can tell you one thing, the value of your house does not go down.
Reedster, the fact that you actually posted the comment “That view is not only used by surfers to access the wave conditions, it is also used by local fishermen to gauge the state of the ocean” is just irresponsible. To imply that the fishermen need the view for their very safety is asinine and any fisherman worth their salt knows you can’t judge the sea by a pretty onshore view.
Now getting to the “dream destroying”,”Capitalist Pig”,”Raping the less fortunate” stuff. In the name of all that is holy get a grip. Maritimer’s need to get past the tallest poppy syndrome and be happy for someone who does well and brings the wealth home. I am sure an Albertan construction company did not build the houses, and I am sure they did not truck in Albertan materials. How many Nova Scotian families do you think that the construction of those homes benefitted? It may be well and nice to cry communist surfer but when push comes to shove we are floating billboards with name brand wetsuits and tufflite boards. I apologize if that is not the case but chances are you did not sew your own gitch and shape your own balsa board. Besides the fact that everyone who is not a local that has ever surfed Martinique knows that the natives are very socialist when it comes to dropping in……
If you are going to really hammer the real issues focus on the environmental. It seems to me that a man who has followed the letter of the law to the ‘T’ would not look to destroy the natural habitat and beauty of the beach. If there is a concern about the environmental impact take it up with your local MLA! If the issue is the traditional route to the beach for kids to surf, then as the article indicates, I am sure that there is a mutually beneficial answer.
Canada is not getting any smaller and people need to come to terms with development. You can’t stop the people form coming but what you can do is make sure that when they arrive your way of life is protected by the law. Whether that means a beach view or access rights the only way to do it is through your local government and once the people are there it’s to late.
I hope that my post has helped open some eyes and shut some mouths.
Hi folks,
We have deleted two posts that were under the name Arielle Godbout. Scotia Surfer was contacted by this person, who said the posts were not written by her.
Scotia Surfer is not anticipating calls or emails from President Obama, Jenny Lopez, Barbara Walters, David Suzuki and Rickey from the Trailer Park Boys, all of whom have commented on this thread.
However, Scotia Surfer requests that you do not use the names of other people in your posts.
Thank you.
lets have peace
no more negative posts
only positive posts
respect to Ross and Pat
REEDSTER should be fired from the Scotia Surfer for writing a article that is filled with false facts about Ross
Reedster i am reporting you to the Scotia surfer the game is up
your busted pale
Thanks Ken. I’ll be sure to pass your message to management.
In fact, Ken, if you’d like, you can reach management at webmaster@scotiasurfer.com. Please detail what you feel are false facts. Thanks.
Your pale, Reed
reed, ask ask patrick Evans according to him you used an extensive amount of false facts regarding Ross Evans.
Thanks Ken. I will ask Patrick.
hummm, yes all very interesting. i have been surfing that beach for about 5 years now, worked at happy dudes down the street, and also came close to renting one of Ross’s houses there at the beach, its actually my dream house; surf check available from the vantage of the couch. so needless to say i have heard all these comments from both sides several times(except that IAWD, that was awesome! hahaha). I am friends with some locals at martinique, (wassup Kirran!) and friends with Ross and his some of his nephews or sons?,,, i dont know i get them all confused.. I understand the position of people wanting to build things and develop the land and i understand other people’s frusteration at having their views blocked. (that sucks)…The point i want to make is that the evans clan are good people, and do not have malicious intentions of raping mother earth or blocking out the sun,(thats just silly) and at the same time, locals are justifiably frusterated because even though the land was there for sale it was out of their grasp financially, and they have little power to protect the things they may value most like a clear view of the ocean. (which is seriously valuable) You know, it probably wont change the development plans some people may have for martinique but but respecting eachothers views and appreciating the other guys concerns rather than just digging in and throwing stones at eachother is probably a good idea. you are all going to have to live in the same area and it aint that big a place. personally i wound not have built a house like that, but im comming to appreciate it. kinda reminds me of that wierd tower at waimea bay, Oahu.. sort of sticks out, but actually is a land mark that helps distinguish the place and give it a bit of character. So the only thing left to say ….Patrick, when the hell you gonna invite me over for a beer?
Next time the surfs up, and I am in town I’ll make sure I have a few coolies on hand. I promise!
Actually knowing my luck, it will be flat and we will need a lot of beer.
What the Musquodoboit Harbour and Area Residents and Ratepayers Association is fundamentally objecting to, is the folly of putting a house and septic system on a sand dune that is eroding fast, that is next to a Provincial Beach Park used by thousands of citizens annually, the local tourism crown-jewel.
We are also questioning the wisdom of constructing the proposed house in the middle of a cobble causeway that only formed in the last 80yrs and has been on the move landward ever since. The causeway moved 5m. during Hurricane Juan, waves crashing over the causeway where the “engineer approved sloping sand septic system” now sits. The engineer who approved the septic system no longer works at HRM. I wonder…
We, as a community, including the owner of the island, are reviled by the thought of a gate to the causeway that leads to Coalies Head where we have all felt so welcome in the past.
FYI, reasonable offers were made to purchase the beach front property but were refused by your father. Lets get down to reality, the reason nobody had purchased the beachfront property in the past is because it was shared in a spirit of good community relations by the former owners. Also, locals have witnessed the beach changing shape over the years and said beach front property getting smaller and the ocean getting closer with each passing storm season. Basically, everybody assumed that nobody with a sane mind would be stupid enough to build on that lot on sand. You were not here for Hurricane Juan. That weather event, coupled with White Juan, dramatically changed the community in many ways. Things are not always going to be the way they are now. The shoreline hardening that your father has undertaken has already started to accelerate the continuing erosion of the beach. The foreign species rugosa rose hedge and the kentucky bluegrass sod really don’t enhance the environment.
As a local resident, who has been surfing Martinique Beach for thirty years I have been observing the changes with interest and a growing awe and respect for the power of the ocean.
There are those, still in denial that climate change is happening but even if we halve the conservative estimates of predicted sea level rise ( 10m in the next 100yrs.), it should be obvious, nobody should be building houses anywhere near our coastline.
The Eastern Shore has long been recognised by geomorphologists as the fastest eroding stretch of coastline on the eastern seaboard of North America. It is also still sinking after the last ice age. Enjoy your beer on the porch now because in ten years, it won’t exist.
I’d be lookin’ at selling off my investment soon, to some unscrupulous developer from Florida.
After Hurricane Andrew destroyed hundreds of mansions on the Florida coast, they were rebuilt in the same locations, paid for with insurance claims which were paid for by a universal increase in North American home-insurance premiums. We all paid for their folly. I wouldn’t insure the proposed causeway house if I were an insurance agent. Would you? Compensation for a few modest cottsges after a weather event would not be a great burden on society and the comminity would probably pitch in to help. But conpensation for six expensive homes all owned by one man…..how crazy is that???
Regarding stimulating the local economy… I have spoken to many of the people who have done work on Mr Evans’ properties in the past. They are in agreement that they will never deal with him again. As a result, Mr. Evans’ reputation has spread and he is having to go further afield to find contractors, architects, lawers and trades people.
I hate to burst your bubble but the relationhip between Mr. Evans and the former fisherman is one of employer/ employee. What a great job for him, after a rough career raising a family as a fisherman… a job in the neighbourhood and you don’t have to do much… wow! The occasional free dr[nk helps maintain his alchoholism too.
Mr. Evans admitted to a friend of mine that the only reason he built the cape cod on the beach was to block as much of the view from two of the cottages in particular as possible. You know the ones I am referring to. The elderly couple whose view was most affected and whose retirement dreams were thereby destroyed, who after 8 yrs of torture, moved away, were referred to by your father as “collateral damage”. You can destroy lives , Patrick, by taking away someone elses joy of life, and destroying their dreams.
Unfortonately, Mr. Evans has broken trust, lied and misled the entire community including elected officials. We are watching Mr. Evans very closely. Mr. Evans is abiding to the letter of the law while tapdancing on the spirit of the law with steel toed boots.
I recommend that Mr. Evans donate the steel box to the province as a tourism and climate change interprative centre thereby re-establishing the centuries old access to the beach, move the Cape Cod unto the pylons on the point and sell it to some unsuspecting Albertan who thinks the North Atlantic is just a big lake or maybe create the Martinique Surf Clubhouse!, donate the rest of his properties to the Land Conservancy of Canada for the tax break, buy a nice boat and sail away into the sunset, please..
A little advice to Mr. Evans, the younger. I hope that you are on a different path from that of your father, he is not the saint you think he is. Apples don’t often fall far from the tree but they do. Please don’t gloat over others misfortune, or scoff at those less fortunate than yourself, you don’t know those of whom you speak. Do not set off fireworks on the beach at 2:00 am. It upsets the neighbours and wakes up sleeping infants. Take responsibility for your own garbage when you leave. Do not think that offers of free beer will make true friends, I don’t drink so that trick won’t work on me. Step out of the guilded cage you live in and experience how the other half lives. The surf has many lessons to teach. Learn them well. Some of them are: keep your eyes open, look all around you and never turn your back on mother ocean.
See ya’ in the water.. .or maybe not.
Colin, keep your comments to your self who the hell are you telling Ross Evans to sell/give away his property.
Colin you should be more concerned about your life instead of Ross ‘s life/
ROSS and Pat don’t listen to this Fool he is obviously delusional
OK, I think it’s time to close off this thread. I have spoken with Ross Evans and I have given him the opportunity to share his perspective. If he chooses to take the opportunity, we will follow up with another post. Until then, thank you to everyone for participating in this discussion.