The councillor for Bedford-Wentworth is encouraging community members to keep an “ear to the ground” for an opportunity to have a say on what the Bedford waterfront will look in the future.
Jean St-Amand tells our newsroom both the province and municipality will have public consultations to find out what residents want to see happen.
A big project on the way is the new ferry terminal with five, high-speed electric ferries set to travel between the Bedford and Halifax waterfronts.
It has been delayed two years due to a hiccup with land acquisition but, Amand says, the setback is not surprising.
“I think there was a realization that it was taking longer than originally forecast right out of the gate. I mean, the project funding was announced in 2024 and when nothing broke ground during that year, then people were looking to this year,” says Amand.
He adds, it wasn’t too long before it became clear the terminal would be pushed back again, but once things get moving, they should have a “clear runway” to start building.
However, Amand says, it’s important the community gives feedback on big projects such as these, so they reflect what the community wants.
As for his own vision of the Bedford waterfront, Amand says it is a combination of things.
“The ferry terminal itself is really just the public infrastructure that would wind up being put into that waterfront area,” says Amand. “There’s a lot more that can be built up around that.”
He says the municipality will consider different scenarios, including impacts on community members for what will essentially become a “mini downtown” in Bedford.
“With a combination of public spaces and residential and commercial spaces that will all be intertwined to create a sense of community on the water,” says Amand.
It won’t be on the same scale as the Halifax waterfront, but Amand says, “I’d like to think that it will wind up being a really attractive destination, just as much as a launching point for people to be able to get downtown.”
