Breakwater Reconstruction at Cape John Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Small Craft Harbour, Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Small Craft Harbour branch is proposing to reconstruct the entrance breakwater at Cape John SCH in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.  The breakwater is a rubblemound structure consisting of layers of core, filter and armour stone and orientated in an ell configuration.  The stem section of the structure measures approximately 140 m in length while the outer ell is approximately 70 m long.  The current proposed project will consist of the reconstruction of the first 75 m of the stem extending from the shore which was the most exposed and affected by the storm damage.

 

The reconstruction will be carried out using land-based equipment including loaders, excavators and trucks that will access the breakwater from the service area that adjoins the back side of the structure.  The service area will also be used as a staging area for equipment storage and as a material lay-down area.  The existing layer of 4-6 tonne armour stone will be removed, salvaged and reinstated in the new work.  Additional 4-6 tonne armour stone will be hauled in and placed on the seaward face.  Overall, the breakwater will be widened approximately 1.8 m and raised to an elevation of 6.3 m above chart datum to adapt to the projected sea-level rise in order to prevent overtopping under storm conditions. This will result in a footprint expansion below high normal tide (HNT) of approximately 133 m2.

Construction activities are anticipated to commence in winter 2026 and be completed by the end of March 2027. Project commencement is, however, subject to DFO-SCH operational priorities and funding, as well as the completion of regulatory approval processes, therefore work may be delayed. The scope of the impact assessment (subject to the Impact Assessment Act) will, therefore, be based on the works being completed over a period of 12 months commencing within a period of five years following finalization of the assessment.

Cape John SCH is currently a core fishing harbour that was strategically developed to serve the fishing industry in the area. The harbour currently has considerable marine infrastructure and remains well situated and protected to support the local fisheries. The main purpose of the proposed project is to repair existing infrastructure to support the continued viability of the harbour for the commercial fishery and other commercial and recreational sectors.

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Latest update

Notice of Determination

 

May 12, 2026:  Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Small Craft Harbours (DFO-SCH) as well as Transport Canada have determined that the breakwater reconstruction project, located at the Cape John Small Craft Harbour in Nova Scotia, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on areas within federal jurisdiction and can, therefore, proceed.  Environmental effects on areas within provincial jurisdiction will be addressed through applicable provincial legislation and processes.

 

This determination was based on a consideration of the following:

 

  • Potential impacts on rights and interests of Indigenous peoples;
  • Any shared community and Indigenous knowledge;
  • Comments received from the public;
  • Potential impacts to the following environmental components:
    • Air Quality
    • Aquatic Species and Habitat
    • Avian Species and Habitat
    • Health, Social, and Economic Conditions
    • Land and Resource Use for Traditional Purposes
    • Marine Sediments
    • Navigation
    • Physical and Cultural Heritage
    • Sensory Disturbance (air/water, noise, and vibration)
    • Structures, Sites, or Things of Historical, Archaeological, Paleontological, or Architectural Significance
    • Terrestrial Species and Habitat
    • Terrestrial Soils
    • Water (marine, ground, surface, drainage, water levels, flow, etc.)
    • Wetlands; and
  • Application of technically and economically feasible mitigation measures (including but not limited to those listed in the attached document).

 

With this determination, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada may exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
4 MITIGATION MEASURES PDF (226 KB) May 12, 2026
3 Notice of Determination - May 12, 2026
2 End of Public Comment Period - November 20, 2025
1 Notice of Intent to Make a Determination – Start of Public Comment Period - October 20, 2025

Contacts

Planning and Environment Group
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Small Craft Harbours, Maritimes and Gulf Regions
343 University Avenue
Gulf Fisheries Centre
Moncton, New Brunswick E1C 5K4
Email: DFO.SCHMGEnvironment-MGEnvironnementPPB.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Cape John Small Craft Harbour (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Ports and Harbours

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2025-10-20

  • Proponent

    Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Small Craft Harbours

  • Authorities

    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    • Transport Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89950

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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