2 (1) The beaches of Nova Scotia are dedicated in perpetuity for the benefit, education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Nova Scotians.

The NS Beaches Act declares its purpose is to

• 2 (2) (a) provide for the protection of beaches and associated dune systems as significant and sensitive environmental and recreational resources;
• 2 (2) (b) provide for the regulation and enforcement of the full range of land-use activities on beaches . . . so as to leave them unimpaired for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations;

The NS Beaches Act defines beach as:

3(a) that area of land on the coastline lying to the seaward of the mean high watermark and that area of land to landward immediately adjacent thereto to the distance determined by the Governor in Council . . .