Colchester County developing plan for Highway 102 tidal bore site

Colchester County continues to seek public input as it contemplates how to redevelop the former Palliser Motel site just of Highway 102 near Truro, property it snapped up last year.

The raised piece of land has been rebranded The Fundy Gateway and is a popular local look-off point to watch the tidal bore — a metre-high wave that brings water from the Bay of Fundy — force its way into Salmon River twice a day.

Redevelopment ideas have poured into the county through several public meetings, while an online survey asked people to rank their preferences. Ideas include adding a viewing tower, tidal bore rafting, a boardwalk or trail system, and food and RV services.

Bulldozers and bobcats were out grooming the site Monday afternoon, an early sign of big changes that are brewing in the office of Paul Smith, the county's senior project manager.

"The time has come to reinvent the space and do something with it that is attractive, functional and enables a wider variety of users to enjoy it," he said.

Refreshing space for tourists

Colchester County purchased the land last summer — the Palliser Motel had closed and fallen into disrepair. The old buildings are gone now, and only the parcel of land and a small tourist information booth remain.

The county had its eye on the property for quite some time.

"The town was keenly interested in this property. Being located on a highly travelled traffic corridor it holds immense potential," said Smith.

Big changes coming

Rebranding the site The Fundy Gateway is an early step in refreshing the space for tourists who find themselves passing through. The site is visible from the highway; the old hotel and restaurant that once stood there greeted tourists from New Brunswick and beyond for decades.

Smith says developing a plan will cost about $150,000 — with $50,000 coming from both the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Tourism respectively, and the last $50,000 split between the Town of Truro and Colchester County.

The county says a master plan will be prepared by September of this year. Smith says the potential upgrade of the site could also include paying tribute to the area's Mi'kmaq history.