Gabarus waits for federal word on decaying seawall

The Nova Scotia government said its willing to take a look at a funding application from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to fix the crumbling Gabarus seawall, but still maintains the structure is the federal governments responsibility.

The aging wooden and rock structure has been severely damaged by storms and is in danger of breaking apart.

The municipality has asked for $300,000 in both federal and provincial money for repairs. The municipality will contribute $100,000.

The federal government built the seawall in the 1940s. The wooden structure was repaired in the 1980s, but it has been damaged by a number of storms since then.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says it doesn't own the seawall and isn't responsible for fixing it.

Premier Darrell Dexter said the repairs are a priority, but the federal government built the seawall and should own up to fixing it.

"Well wait to see what proposal comes forward and Ive said this to your mayor before we're just happy to have a good relationship with CBRM and we're happy to work with him on any of these projects and I believe he knows that," he said.

Mayor Cecil Clarke said the seawall issue is not about politics but about the safety of an entire coastal community.

Hes waiting to find out if federal funding through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation has been approved.

"This is a repair option for the seawall so I don't think we need to be expecting longer, but what we do need is clarity, hopefully by the end of July, so this work can be done in advance of the storm season," he said.

People in the village said if the seawall fails, the local fishing industry and a number of homes will be at risk.