Minutes close to being saved

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) has approved a recommendation to purchase a piece of shorefront property near the popular surf spot called Minutes. The land purchase will ensure public access to the surf spot, which is located close to Cow Bay.

The recommendation was approved by HRM council last week, according to District 21 (Bedford) councillor Tim Outhit, who supports the purchase. Details of the recommendation can viewed by clicking here (.pdf document).

The recommendation, which makes reference to an agreement between “the surfing community, HRM and advocates”, calls for the purchase of piece of property on Cow Bay Road for $211,283.

At the present time, the recommendation has only been approved; the land has not actually been purchased yet.

The Coastal Access Committee (CAC) has been lobbying HRM to fund the purchase of a piece of land near Minutes to ensure public access to the surf spot, which has been host to several high-profile surf competitions in recent years.

CAC has suggested the construction of a small parking on the property next to Cow Bay Road as well as a path leading to the shore. The property being considered contains a small pond, which could be crossed with the addition of a short boardwalk.

Access would be available to the public at large, not just surfers.

CAC’s lobbying efforts came after area resident Alan Gosley expressed his growing displeasure with surfers who have been using his property to access Minutes.

Last weekend, Mr. Gosley erected “No Trespassing” and “No Parking” signs on his property. He also sent ScotiaSurfer.com an email explaining his actions. To see the letter, click here.