‘Phase three’ to make downtown Digby a destination

Skip Cormier calls it ‘phase three of the proposed solution’ and he sees it happening eight to 10 years down the road.

Cormier envisions landscaping the top of a planned breakwater to the south of the town wharf, with possibly building a deck at the end. The breakwater would then both protect the harbour and become a new green space, attractive to both locals and visitors.

The Digby area is already in line for a marine interpretive centre, although no decision has been made on a location.

Cormier suggests creating a seven-acre property adjacent to Water Street and the new southern breakwater. The interpretive centre—which he says could also house a cruise reception centre—could be built on this parcel of land.

Digby’s marina—which could serve mega-yachts as well as smaller pleasure craft—could be re-located to just north of the seven-acre parcel. Cormier said if Digby becomes a destination for American pleasure craft, the town would need to also provide customs clearance.

Cormier, working in collaboration with Gordon Mouland of Fundy Engineering, came up with the three-phase proposal after interviewing more than 90 local people.

Dianne Theriault, who serves as chair of Digby Area Tourism Association said her only problem with the proposal is that she wants it to happen sooner rather than later. She applauds Cormier for looking at the bigger picture.

Sherman Haynes of the Digby Marina is also a fan of the plans developed by Cormier and Mouland.

There’s no doubt in Haynes’ mind that Digby can become a destination for sailors from south of the border. “We can attract small flotillas and mega-yachts for sure if we can provide customs clearance.”