Conservation, recreation, access, and elitism : McNabs Island as a case study

Abstract

The Halifax Metropolitan Area has several tracts of land in a natural or underdeveloped state. Studies suggest the best possible use for these areas is in recreation. McNabs Island, Lawlor Island and the Thrumcaps have been spared from intensive urban development since the founding of Halifax. The land on these islands remains in a mostly natural, though not pristine, condition. The writer will develop an historical narrative to present the chronology of conflict and decision making over land use on McNabs Island as a case study of the interrelationships of recreation, conservation, access and elitism. The thesis will attempt to identify the roles of government and private pressure groups to explain the changing use of lands on McNabs and the adjacent islands as a demonstration of this interrelationship. This will show the change in land use patterns and how this reflects the way in which the classes of society view the importance of leisure space.