However:
Pre-planning for this transaction has been actually been underway at NS Transportation and NS Natural Resources for at least the past nine years:
The Liberal government of John Savage was elected in June of 1993. Don Downe (MLA Lunenburg West) was appointed Minister NS Natural Resources.
At some point prior to August of 1995, a decision was taken within the Provincial Government to begin the process intended to culminate in the trade.
On August 22, 1995 Bruce Turner, a land surveyor employed by NS Natural Resources completed a survey plan numbered P-110/95, the .71 hectare section of road between the sand spit and the small bay beyond Indian Hill Point.
Five weeks later, October 3, 1995, Order in Council 95-737 was issued: