Province says boat school expansion will bring new opportunities to N.S. youth

A rendering of the new Boat School, currently under construction on the Halifax waterfront. (Source: RHAD Architects)

A unique school at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is expanding to provide new aquatic opportunities for young Nova Scotians, said a news release from the province.

The “boat school” taking shape in downtown Halifax will help meet growing demand for boatbuilding and watercraft programs the museum offers to underserved youth. The popular programs have been taught in small boat sheds at the museum for the last decade.

“Sharing this boat school dream and its community values with our generous donors has led to an outpouring of financial support for the Boat School’s construction and its programs which has been both breathtaking and humbling,” said John Hennigar-Shuh, president of the Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation.

Nova Scotia spent more than $7 million on the boat school and provides operational funding through the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, said the release. The federal government spent more than $3.2 million for the new facility. Private donors provided $3 million to the project and $1.6 million to support the program’s delivery.

Nova Scotia’s minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage said the new school opens the door for more people to take part in a proud Maritime tradition.

“Through building boats, these youth are also building confidence and community,” said Minister Dave Ritcey. “We’re proud to support a program that makes this experience inclusive and accessible to the next generation.”

The school is under construction. Its design is climate-resilient to protect against storms and sea-level rise, said the release. It incorporates energy-efficient features that meet Canada Green Building Council standards and includes upgrades to the wharf and pier.

“When we invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, we ensure that what we build is protected now and into the future,” said Halifax MP Shannon Miedema.

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