ITMP 2030 Dashboard

March 2026

The Acadian Coastal Scenic Route runs from Dartmouth–Cole Harbour to Chezzetcook, and is one of Halifax Region Municipality’s most accessible, yet underutilized, tourism corridors. Just minutes from the urban core, it offers a strong mix of coastal scenery, outdoor recreation, and Acadian cultural experiences across communities like Lawrencetown, Seaforth, Grand Desert, and West Chezzetcook.

While the foundational assets are in place, the corridor has lacked the visibility, cohesion, and visitor infrastructure needed to fully position it as a compelling regional experience - an opportunity this ITMP 2030 initiative is designed to address.

The installation of the Chezzetcook Acadian Region gateway signage along Highway 107 is a practical and symbolic step in advancing this corridor strategy. It provides immediate, on-the-ground recognition of place, something that has been notably absent. It also signals to residents and visitors that they are entering a culturally distinct and meaningful area.

This type of treatment supports the broader objective of making the corridor legible and navigable, while reinforcing the identity of HRM’s only Acadian community as a destination.

As further investments are made in product development, interpretation, and visitor services, this early visibility helps lay the foundation for a more cohesive and discoverable Acadian Coastal Scenic Route, strengthening its role as both a cultural anchor and a driver of regional tourism growth.

Photo - Chezzetcook Acadian Region Highway 107

February 2026

The Acadian Coastal Scenic Route project is advancing the development of a defined tourism corridor along the Eastern Shore, extending from Dartmouth–Cole Harbour to Chezzetcook.

Work is currently concentrated on two priority project streams.

1. The first is corridor connectivity and experience development through the Trans Canada Trail. Discover Halifax is working in partnership with the Trans Canada Trail to position the Shearwater Flyer Trail, Salt Marsh Trail, and Atlantic View Trail as a unified coastal experience. Collectively, these connected segments create approximately 25 kilometres of flat, accessible, and highly scenic trail linking Eastern Passage, Cole Harbour, Lawrencetown Beach, and Chezzetcook.
   
   Planning work to date has included completion of corridor asset mapping, identification of infrastructure and experience gaps, and an analysis of opportunities to strengthen physical connectivity and visitor readiness.
   
   Next steps will include defining experience positioning, curated storytelling concepts, and an implementation roadmap to guide future activation and marketing. 
   
   
2. The second focuses on advancing the corridor’s primary cultural anchor - the Chezzetcook Inlet Acadian Centre. With funding support from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Discover Halifax, L’Acadie de Chezzetcook has engaged consultants to develop a long-term strategic plan and supporting business plan. 
   
   Phase 1 of this work is nearing completion, and activities have included:

• Engagement of their Board of Directors and stakeholders through surveys and structured discussions.
• Alignment on vision, mission, values, and governance direction.
• Initial strategic planning session (facilitated by Playground Creative Agency) to confirm priorities and overall approach.
  
  Phase 2 will translate stakeholder input into clear strategic objectives using a Balanced Scorecard framework, followed by development of a strategic action plan and detailed business plan addressing governance, operating model, revenue generation, funding pathways, and projected community and economic impact.

Key planning milestones of the initiative have been: 

• Completion of corridor asset mapping, and gap analysis through the Trans Canada Trail planning work.
• Community engagement event (December 2025) that supported visibility and stakeholder alignment around the Chezzetcook Inlet Acadian Centre.

The project will move into the Delivery stage once strategic plans are finalized, governance and operating models are confirmed, and implementation actions are formally initiated.