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Building a Stronger, More Resilient Nova Scotia

Stories

How can we make our people, communities, economy, and environment stronger and more resilient? The answer lies in taking action to unlock our province’s full potential and make life better for our communities, neighbours and for future generations of Nova Scotians. 

When people and communities are empowered to take action, they can achieve amazing things….from protecting our coastline and coastal communities from climate change impacts to making Nova Scotia a leader in the production of clean energy. These stories are inspiring examples of hope, innovation, resilience and local leadership to transform our communities and our province.  
 

The Belliveau Cove Trail: Stronger Than the Storm


When high winds and storm surge destroyed the Belliveau Cove walking trail, the community didn’t just rebuild—they made it stronger and resilient to climate change impacts along the coast. Discover how local action and determination helped protect this coastal treasure for generations to come.
 

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Saving a Community Beacon: Walton’s Lighthouse Stands Strong Again


The Walton Lighthouse has guided sailors for 150 years, but rising seas and coastal erosion put it at risk. Learn how the community came together to protect this iconic landmark from disappearing forever.
 

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MusGo Rider: Driving Rural Nova Scotia Forward


When community transit provider MusGo Rider wanted to lower its operating costs by investing in clean energy, they used a provincial grant to install solar panels and make their building energy efficient – savings they are reinvesting into helping more people, without access to a vehicle, get to medical appointments, grocery shopping and more. See how they’re helping people in rural communities get where they need to go, one electric vehicle ride at a time.
 

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Power to the People: Cape Breton Community Solar Garden Lowering Power Bills

When you hear the word garden, most people think about flowers or food. But in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, a local organization is harvesting solar energy to grow resilience and self-reliance in the community.

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Nature like nowhere else. Protecting Nova Scotia’s 100 wild Islands

Nova Scotia is no stranger to beautiful places, but would it surprise you to discover that we have a rainforest here? Just off Nova Scotia’s eastern shore lies one of the most ecologically rich coastal areas in North America. The 100 Wild Islands contain every coastal ecosystem found in the province from pristine beaches to ancient forests, sheltered lagoons and salt marshes. There is literally nowhere like it.
 

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Salt Water Sean 

Sean McMullen is an underwater explorer on a mission to see what lurks beneath the sea and keep it clean. The main motive behind his efforts is to bring attention to ocean, lake and river conservancy. He hopes others take the plunge too and help clean our waterways leaving them better than they found them. 

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Change is in the Wind at Port Hawkesbury Paper

Energy powers economies, industries, and communities. But generating it has been a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Transitioning to clean, renewable energy isn’t just necessary—it’s urgent. Across the province, Nova Scotians are looking for opportunities to make the switch.
 

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The Future is Electric: Membertou's Zero-Emissions Lobster Boat

In Nova Scotia, fishing has sustained coastal communities for generations. Earning a living from the ocean is part of our culture. At the heart of this industry is lobster, generating over $1 billion annually— about 25 per cent of which is caught off Cape Breton’s shores.

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Historic Coastal Town Shores up its Storm Defenses

Nestled on the shores of Pictou Harbour, the Town of Pictou has stood as a historic coastal town with deep connections to the water. Pictou’s waterfront has always been the heart of downtown—but it’s much more than a scenic backdrop. The waterfront area is an anchor in the commercial district, a tourist destination, and home to multiple historic and cultural sites that tell Pictou’s rich story. 

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New Dawn Centre

New Dawn Enterprises has moved one step closer to its goal of becoming a net-zero organization with a major retrofit to the New Dawn Centre.  The 38,000 square foot building located in Northend Sydney, houses the New Dawn offices and more that 20 tenants, including small business and non-profit organizations.

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Carbon Run: Healthy Rivers, Healthy Planet

Carbon Run is dedicated to combating climate change through innovative river restoration techniques. 

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Aruna Revolution

Aruna Revolution is a women-led company transforming menstrual care with fully compostable, plastic-free pads made from plant-based materials

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Transitions is a place to celebrate and share stories about the people who are taking action to improve our well-being and quality of life.  To make our communities resilient to climate change and places that are well-equipped to adapt and thrive amidst challenges. To green our grid and make our homes and buildings energy efficient…to protect our land, water and coastal way-of-life….to clean up litter and reduce the amount of waste in landfills…and help those most in need.   To change their part of the world.

The people featured in these stories are your neighbours, friends and family.  And they show the power of one person with a good idea.  Of how each of us has the power to create meaningful change and make life better in this province we all love and call home, Nova Scotia.  

They are stories about hope, optimism, innovation and community leadership, and  transforming our province so that every Nova Scotia can thrive and realize their full potential.   

By supporting such initiatives, you contribute to a resilient community that adapts and thrives amidst challenges.
 

Nobody understands what a community needs better than the people who live there. Transitions showcases community-driven projects supported by government expertise and resources. Whether it’s adapting to climate change, growing green industries, improving health, or making life more affordable, every project featured here helps create a brighter future for Nova Scotia.

The future we’re building together is one of opportunity, resilience, self-sufficiency and energy independence.  It’s a future of good jobs, a stronger economy, and more climate-resilient communities. Every single Nova Scotian has a role to play in creating our future.  

The Government of Nova Scotia has funding programs which invest in empowering community leadership to drive change that can have lasting impacts and shape your community’s future.