The Edgewater Project

Construction is transformation and transformation takes time. Everything we rely on in daily life - clean water, safe roads, streetlights, storm protection and accessible public spaces exists because of construction. The Edgewater Street Project is Mahone Bay’s biggest capital project this year and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our town.

This project will upgrade vital services, extend water and sewer along Edgewater to Kedy’s Landing, eliminate straight pipes, protect our harbour, revitalize public spaces, improve safety and accessibility, support active transportation, and help fight coastal erosion while revitalizing a waterfront wildlife corridor. In short, it’s a major step toward a cleaner, greener, and more connected Mahone Bay.

With a total budget of $14.9 million, strong provincial and federal partnerships mean every Town dollar is leveraging nearly two more. Our 35% investment is drawing over $10 million in outside funding - proof of the value and importance of this project.

Construction is transformation and transformation takes time. Everything we rely on in daily life - clean water, safe roads, streetlights, storm protection and accessible public spaces exists because of construction. The Edgewater Street Project is Mahone Bay’s biggest capital project this year and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our town.

This project will upgrade vital services, extend water and sewer along Edgewater to Kedy’s Landing, eliminate straight pipes, protect our harbour, revitalize public spaces, improve safety and accessibility, support active transportation, and help fight coastal erosion while revitalizing a waterfront wildlife corridor. In short, it’s a major step toward a cleaner, greener, and more connected Mahone Bay.

With a total budget of $14.9 million, strong provincial and federal partnerships mean every Town dollar is leveraging nearly two more. Our 35% investment is drawing over $10 million in outside funding - proof of the value and importance of this project.

  • Homestretch: Spring Update 2026

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    The Edgewater Project has had many moving parts, and we know it has required patience from everyone. This major investment in our town is now in its final stages, and it is exciting to see the transformation nearly complete.


    The project team has shared that grading of the new active transportation trail is well underway, and the waterfront fencing will be finished within the next two weeks. In mid-May, when asphalt plants open for the season, Edgewater is first in line. Remaining curbs, pavements, parking areas, and accessible hardscaped spaces will be completed, followed by the final top layer of asphalt. If all goes as planned, asphalt crews will be on site around the third week of May.


    The trail will also receive an asphalt surface, creating a smooth, durable, and fully accessible route built to handle our coastal climate. It will be a wonderful place to walk, roll, and enjoy some of the best views of Mahone Bay harbour. The surrounding green spaces will be sensitively landscaped with input from a dedicated Landscaping Working Group.


    We also met today with our partners at Coastal Action to discuss their next steps for planting along the trail embankment and for the Living Shoreline extension. Coastal Action will soon share details and volunteer planting days on their Facebook page, so stay tuned.


    A friendly reminder: the Living Shoreline is an environmental restoration project and a leading example of best practice in Nova Scotia. It is not a public beach, so please stay off the rocks, bank, and sand for your safety and to protect the plants. Thank you.


    We are in the homestretch, friends. Soon, we look forward to announcing a celebration and grand opening of Edgewater, ready to take our Mahone Bay lifestyle to a whole new level.
    The Edgewater Project has had many moving parts, and we know it has required patience from everyone. This major investment in our town is now in its final stages, and it is exciting to see the transformation nearly complete.


    The project team has shared that grading of the new active transportation trail is well underway, and the waterfront fencing will be finished within the next two weeks. In mid-May, when asphalt plants open for the season, Edgewater is first in line. Remaining curbs, pavements, parking areas, and accessible hardscaped spaces will be completed, followed by the final top layer of asphalt. If all goes as planned, asphalt crews will be on site around the third week of May.


    The trail will also receive an asphalt surface, creating a smooth, durable, and fully accessible route built to handle our coastal climate. It will be a wonderful place to walk, roll, and enjoy some of the best views of Mahone Bay harbour. The surrounding green spaces will be sensitively landscaped with input from a dedicated Landscaping Working Group.


    We also met today with our partners at Coastal Action to discuss their next steps for planting along the trail embankment and for the Living Shoreline extension. Coastal Action will soon share details and volunteer planting days on their Facebook page, so stay tuned.


    A friendly reminder: the Living Shoreline is an environmental restoration project and a leading example of best practice in Nova Scotia. It is not a public beach, so please stay off the rocks, bank, and sand for your safety and to protect the plants. Thank you.


    We are in the homestretch, friends. Soon, we look forward to announcing a celebration and grand opening of Edgewater, ready to take our Mahone Bay lifestyle to a whole new level.

  • March 13, 2026 Update

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    Safety posts are now going in along the Edgewater coastline, and we know there have been questions about how the trail will look and feel once everything is finished. We completely understand big projects like this can look a little different while they’re still under construction.


    Many coastal trails across Canada include safety features such as railings, and sometimes mid-rails, especially in areas with steep or exposed sections. These features are guided by national standards to help ensure trails are safe and accessible for everyone. In this case, the fence posts are being installed at the lowest allowable height (1.37 m, or about 4.5 ft). Once the trail surface is complete and you’re standing on it, the upper rail will sit at less than four feet high, helping reduce the visual impact along the shoreline.


    Between Kedy’s Landing and the trail end across from The Teazer, the coastal edge will include a mix of post-and-rope and post-and-wood rail sections. The post-and-rope will run alongside planted areas and living shoreline features, while the post-and-wood rails are required where there is exposed rock embankment and steeper drops to provide added safety.


    Some earlier conceptual images showed rope along the entire coastal side, and we apologize if that created confusion. The safety infrastructure currently being installed has been part of the engineering plans since 2024.


    It’s also important to remember that the trail isn’t finished yet. Crews are still laying and leveling the gravel base before the asphalt multi-use surface is installed. After that comes the landscaping in the spring, a phase that will be truly transformative. Living shoreline plantings and natural elements will soften the space and become part of the experience and the view. That part can’t be built overnight; it needs a little time to grow.


    Right now, the project requires a bit of imagination and patience as it moves toward completion. We’re excited to see Edgewater take its final shape and we’re grateful for the community’s understanding as the last pieces come together.


    Thank you for your patience as Edgewater edges closer to completion.
    Safety posts are now going in along the Edgewater coastline, and we know there have been questions about how the trail will look and feel once everything is finished. We completely understand big projects like this can look a little different while they’re still under construction.


    Many coastal trails across Canada include safety features such as railings, and sometimes mid-rails, especially in areas with steep or exposed sections. These features are guided by national standards to help ensure trails are safe and accessible for everyone. In this case, the fence posts are being installed at the lowest allowable height (1.37 m, or about 4.5 ft). Once the trail surface is complete and you’re standing on it, the upper rail will sit at less than four feet high, helping reduce the visual impact along the shoreline.


    Between Kedy’s Landing and the trail end across from The Teazer, the coastal edge will include a mix of post-and-rope and post-and-wood rail sections. The post-and-rope will run alongside planted areas and living shoreline features, while the post-and-wood rails are required where there is exposed rock embankment and steeper drops to provide added safety.


    Some earlier conceptual images showed rope along the entire coastal side, and we apologize if that created confusion. The safety infrastructure currently being installed has been part of the engineering plans since 2024.


    It’s also important to remember that the trail isn’t finished yet. Crews are still laying and leveling the gravel base before the asphalt multi-use surface is installed. After that comes the landscaping in the spring, a phase that will be truly transformative. Living shoreline plantings and natural elements will soften the space and become part of the experience and the view. That part can’t be built overnight; it needs a little time to grow.


    Right now, the project requires a bit of imagination and patience as it moves toward completion. We’re excited to see Edgewater take its final shape and we’re grateful for the community’s understanding as the last pieces come together.


    Thank you for your patience as Edgewater edges closer to completion.

  • Edgewater Project 2025 Year End Update

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    We’re happy to share an update on the Edgewater Project as we head into winter. While good progress has been made, some parts of the project originally planned for completion in 2025 will move to spring 2026. This change is due to weather conditions, asphalt plant shutdown schedules, and site limitations. The project will remain safe and functional throughout the winter, with final paving and finishing work completed in the spring.

    Work Before Close of 2025

    Before winter sets in, crews are focused on making Edgewater Street ready for safe driving and snow removal. The team took advantage of recent above-freezing temperatures and base asphalt paving was laid. Catch basins will be adjusted in key areas to reduce winter ponding, and milling work will ensure smoother, plow-friendly transitions. Manholes and valve boxes will be raised to the correct level to avoid damage from snowplows. Concrete work that connects directly to the roadway, such as curb corners and island edges, will also be completed. New street lighting is now energized, and watermain repairs and testing are near completion.

    Work Deferred to Spring 2026

    Final asphalt paving, including the top lift and trail paving, will take place in spring when temperatures are more suitable. Landscaping and finishing touches, such as topsoil, sod, plantings, benches, picnic areas, and signage, will also be completed at that time. Some concrete work not critical to winter road operations, including certain sidewalks, trail ramps, and park features, will be finalized in spring as well.

    What “Spring” Means for This Project

    Based on typical construction schedules, asphalt plants usually reopen between late April and mid-May. Weather stability and spring road weight restrictions will also affect timing, but final paving is expected to take place between late April and mid-May, depending on conditions.

    Winter Work: January to March 2026

    Several important items will continue through the winter where weather allows. This includes completing and commissioning lift stations, finishing storm sewer work behind the Trinity United Church, installing private water and sewer services, and continuing work on fencing, bollards, retaining walls, and small concrete pads. Electrical work will also move forward as equipment becomes available.

    Winter Operations and Safety

    The base asphalt surface will be fully drivable and plowable throughout the winter. Drainage adjustments will help prevent ponding, and extra care will be taken during snow removal due to the temporary curb height difference until final paving is complete. These measures will help ensure safe travel along Edgewater Street during the colder months.

    Looking Ahead

    The Edgewater Project remains on track for safe winter use. While final paving and landscaping must wait until spring, the roadway will function as intended, with key adjustments in place for winter conditions. We appreciate everyone’s patience and look forward to completing the remaining work between late April and mid-May 2026.

    We’re happy to share an update on the Edgewater Project as we head into winter. While good progress has been made, some parts of the project originally planned for completion in 2025 will move to spring 2026. This change is due to weather conditions, asphalt plant shutdown schedules, and site limitations. The project will remain safe and functional throughout the winter, with final paving and finishing work completed in the spring.

    Work Before Close of 2025

    Before winter sets in, crews are focused on making Edgewater Street ready for safe driving and snow removal. The team took advantage of recent above-freezing temperatures and base asphalt paving was laid. Catch basins will be adjusted in key areas to reduce winter ponding, and milling work will ensure smoother, plow-friendly transitions. Manholes and valve boxes will be raised to the correct level to avoid damage from snowplows. Concrete work that connects directly to the roadway, such as curb corners and island edges, will also be completed. New street lighting is now energized, and watermain repairs and testing are near completion.

    Work Deferred to Spring 2026

    Final asphalt paving, including the top lift and trail paving, will take place in spring when temperatures are more suitable. Landscaping and finishing touches, such as topsoil, sod, plantings, benches, picnic areas, and signage, will also be completed at that time. Some concrete work not critical to winter road operations, including certain sidewalks, trail ramps, and park features, will be finalized in spring as well.

    What “Spring” Means for This Project

    Based on typical construction schedules, asphalt plants usually reopen between late April and mid-May. Weather stability and spring road weight restrictions will also affect timing, but final paving is expected to take place between late April and mid-May, depending on conditions.

    Winter Work: January to March 2026

    Several important items will continue through the winter where weather allows. This includes completing and commissioning lift stations, finishing storm sewer work behind the Trinity United Church, installing private water and sewer services, and continuing work on fencing, bollards, retaining walls, and small concrete pads. Electrical work will also move forward as equipment becomes available.

    Winter Operations and Safety

    The base asphalt surface will be fully drivable and plowable throughout the winter. Drainage adjustments will help prevent ponding, and extra care will be taken during snow removal due to the temporary curb height difference until final paving is complete. These measures will help ensure safe travel along Edgewater Street during the colder months.

    Looking Ahead

    The Edgewater Project remains on track for safe winter use. While final paving and landscaping must wait until spring, the roadway will function as intended, with key adjustments in place for winter conditions. We appreciate everyone’s patience and look forward to completing the remaining work between late April and mid-May 2026.

Page last updated: 27 Apr 2026, 04:41 PM