The provincial and federal governments are kicking in a combined $3.1 million to build an extensive viewing platform and related infrastructure at Peggys Cove.

The platform with wood and steel deck and railings sets up an accessible viewing area overlooking the rocks that will be safer for visitors as well as providing for better traffic flow and visitor drop-off, according to details released during a virtual news conference on Friday. The project will also include new bathroom facilities and improvements to trail connections leading to the lighthouse and parking area.

The platform will be built in an area next to the Sou’Wester restaurant that until now was an access road for vehicles and tourist buses headed to the restaurant’s parking area. A portion will extend toward the ocean, over the rocks and looking toward the iconic lighthouse.

Nova Scotia is contributing $1.7 million through the Tourism Revitalization of Icons program. The Government of Canada is providing $1.42 million through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovation Fund.

The funding complements provincial infrastructure spending of $6.2 million already underway in the community, according to a news release sent out on Friday.

Develop Nova Scotia, together with the community of Peggys Cove, worked together over the past two years to create the comprehensive master plan. 

Labour and Advanced Education Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the provincial portion of the funding on behalf of Minister of Business Geoff MacLellan.

“It is crucial that our iconic sites have the infrastructure they need to deliver positive, memorable visitor experiences while ensuring the liveability of the surrounding community,” Diab said.

Bernadette Jordan, minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard, and MP for the area, said that while the site was “one of Canada’s and Nova Scotia’s iconic destinations,” it was not designed to adequately support the more than 700,000 visitors that come to Peggys Cove every year.

“The rocky terrain, the inadequate public infrastructure and the parking are preventing people from experiencing its beauty,” Jordan said, adding that the non-repayable federal funding will help make real improvements.

“Visitors and residents will be able to safely and easily explore the beauty of the lighthouse and Nova Scotia’s rugged landscape,” Jordan said.

Tenders are out for a contractor now and construction of the platform is expected to be complete by the end of June.

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