Candock in Action: Empowering African Nova Scotian and Indigenous Youth
On the shores of Halifax’s Bedford Basin, a new chapter has begun. Earlier this summer, Sail Nova Scotia and WeCANFoil hosted a mobile sailing school for African Nova Scotians and Indigenous youth in Africville. The location was symbolic: this very waterfront will soon be home to the new Africville Marina, complete with its own sailing school developed by the Africville Museum in partnership with Sail Nova Scotia.
The project is about more than boats and docks. It’s about reintroducing communities to water, unlocking the many benefits of sailing, and opening doors to a world not all youth can easily access. In a province renowned for its ocean culture, one of the goals is to help reshape the complex relationship between African Nova Scotians and the sea.
Modular Innovation at the Core
At the heart of the marina stands Candock’s modular floating dock system. Chosen for its durability, safety, and adaptability, Candock offers a platform that is as reliable as it is versatile. Its smooth, non-slip surface ensures beginners can embark with confidence, while its modular design means the system can evolve with the community’s needs.
Unlike traditional wooden docks, Candock structures demand little maintenance, withstand Atlantic Canada’s harsh conditions, and can be expanded or reconfigured as programs grow. For Africville, that means a long-term solution that supports both accessibility and sustainability.
A Trusted Maritime Partner
This project was made possible through Port Fredericton Marina, Candock’s long-time distributor for the Maritimes. With years of technical expertise and a deep understanding of regional waterfront challenges, Port Fredericton has become a trusted partner for communities and marinas across Atlantic Canada.
Their role in Africville’s marina reflects not only technical skill but also a shared commitment to empowering local initiatives. Working closely with the Africville Museum and Sail Nova Scotia, they helped design and deliver a dock solution perfectly aligned with both needs and budget.
A Community Celebration
The official opening in August was a moment of pride and excitement. Africville Museum CEO Juanita Peters led the celebrations, joined by local MP Shannon Miedema, boating associations, and neighboring marinas. The sight of youth stepping onto Candock docks and setting sail for the first time captured the spirit of the day: a mix of heritage, hope, and possibility.
By providing access to sailing lessons, the Africville initiative gives African Nova Scotian and Indigenous youth the chance to develop resilience, leadership, and cultural pride—all while connecting with Nova Scotia’s maritime roots.
Memories of Africville's 2025 Sailing Camp
Looking Ahead
Africville’s story is a powerful example of how Candock solutions meet diverse needs—from grassroots community programs to large-scale marinas. Supported by Port Fredericton’s expertise, the project shows how modular floating docks can deliver lasting value, reduce maintenance, and help communities thrive.
As the sails rise over Bedford Basin, Africville demonstrates what happens when innovation meets vision: a safe, modern marina where education, sport, and culture converge—anchored by Candock.
Interested in supporting community-driven waterfront projects like Africville’s? Find a distributor near you and explore how Candock can help bring your vision to life:
https://candock.com/pages/find-a-distributor