Gabarus seawall repairs backed by CBRM mayor

CBRMs mayor says its time three levels of government joined together to help pay for significant repairs to the seawall in Gabarus.

The seawall, which has been decaying for years, was pounded by winds and waves during Fridays storm. People who live in the area told CBC it was the worst damage theyve seen to the structure.

CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke said he will ask council to try to share the cost of repairing the wall with the provincial and federal governments.

He said he's already discussed the issue with Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield, MP Rodger Cuzner and MLA Alfie MacLeod.

The federal government has said in the past it doesnt own the seawall, so its not responsible for the repairs.

Tim Menk of the Friends of Gabarus Society commended the mayor for his efforts. But Menk doesn't expect a quick fix to the problem.

"The federal government is so entrenched in their position that they are not responsible that it is unlikely that they will find any significant portion of funding to do the repairs in a timeframe that would be necessary to protect the village and the harbour," Menk said.

People in the village said if the seawall fails, the local fishing industry and a number of homes will be at risk.

Clarke said he hopes to convince both levels of governments to pay for the repairs now, and settle the matter of who's responsible later.