The Cafe

The cafe is a wood framed building with a pitched roof and a central cupola. The building sits on a wooden retaining wall supported by piles driven into the water.

It sits at the entrance to the historic Shubenacadie Canal, which once connected early residents with a direct water route from the Halifax harbour to the Bay of Fundy.

It also lies on a busy waterfront recreational path
There are around 2500 residents within 500m of the cafe, and currently growing with another 1500 in the next 10 years.

Risk Scenario 1

Extreme Weather:
Storm Surge & Coastal Flooding 

Risk

Medium 

Impact

2

Probability

2

Reasoning 

Impact (moderate)
The building sits on a bulkhead directly over the water, a massive storm surge with a high tide could breach the boardwalk and flood the café floor. 

Closure Potential: 2 to 5 days (for drying and electrical checks)
Revenue Loss Potential: $1500 to $2000 per day ($3000 to $10000)

Probability (possible)
Hurricane/Severe Tropical Storms impact the Halifax Harbour approximately every 5 years 

 

Risk Scenario 2

Extreme Weather: Winter Storms

Risk

Medium 

Impact

1

Probability

3

Reasoning 

Impact (moderate)
Heavy snow could restrict access, the building is located in a municipal park. The parking area and walkway are supposed to be cleared within 24 hours

Closure Potential: 1 day
Revenue Loss Potential: $1500 to $2000 per day
Probability (likely)
There are usually 2 or 3 significant snowfalls per year, causing "snow days" across the city

Risk Scenario 3

Boardwalk Degradation

Risk

Low

Impact

2

Probability

1

Reasoning 

Impact (moderate)
The marine piles could be susceptible to degradation due to the salt water.

Closure Potential: 7 days
Revenue Loss Potential: $1500 to $2000 per day ($10500 to $14000)

Probability (unlikely)
The lifespan is usually 35-40 years, however, just in the last year, they were reinforced and repaired as part of the daylighting project of the canal   

Risk Scenario 4

Boardwalk Water Line Freeze

Risk

Low

Impact

1

Probability

1

Reasoning 

Impact (low)
The main water line runs under the boardwalk and is open air and could be susceptible to a sudden cold snap

Closure Potential: 1 day
Revenue Loss Potential: $1500 to $2000 per day

Probability (unlikely)
While the line is heavily insulated, an extreme weather drop could still happen about once every 10-15 years. Recovery would be quick, though, by either warming the line or replacing it if snapped