Use your voice to speak up
Our lives here in southwest Nova are intricately linked with the waters that surround us.
From these waters many directly acquire their livelihoods. Yet, so many others rely on the toils of seafarers, fishermen and tourist operators. The waters of our lakes, streams and marshlands are integral to the health of our economy.
The abundance of all life that these natural wonders support is phenomenal.
Well, there is now a little publicly advertised consultation by our provincial government with respect to coastal assents in progress. The deadline for comment is Aug. 17. The consultation document is well worded with all the appropriate politically correct mantras – but I wonder if they really want input?
This is not just about flood control or wildlife support or preservation of unique ecosystems in the wake of the reality of global warming. This consultation will guide future development on our shores. It speaks to the 13,300 kilometers of shoreline that make our province unique. The government’s consultation document says, and I am paraphrasing, that “Our province is shaped by the sea. We have stories of sea adventures and sea tragedies. We have calm harbours, windswept bluffs, shifting sands, the wind and the waves and the tides constantly reshaping our coastline, and sometimes sweeping away what we build.” It says, “respect for the sea and the power of the sea, is a lesson we continue to learn.”
My fear is that there is another agenda. Buried in the narrative is this statement – “Beaches are protected under the Beaches Act. Sensitive areas protected by the Special Places Act, or dyke lands protected under the Agricultural Marshlands Conservation Act. The boundary of a coastal protection zone may exclude specific types of land designations.”
Does that mean that those pieces of legislation will be moot? That is not acceptable.
We have ‘ community pastures’ protected by dykes in Digby County. Those dykes, despite mandated provincial responsibility, are not currently being maintained, nor are the access roads. Is this consultation yet another ‘ too bad, so sad’ response?
Let us be careful that we are not to be swept into a George Orwellian 1984 like situation, with the big brother mantra that we accept what they say as‘we (they) know what you need and we (they) are doing it for you!’ It does not take long to read the so called consultation document and give your input.
Sometimes, I fear we are becoming heedless sheep. Democracy works when we, as citizens, make our perspectives known, sound off and step up! Each and every one of us has a voice. All our voices together can make a difference. Please, make time to research, get the facts, be informed.
I take my strength from the smell of the sea, from walking on our beaches, from feeling their majesty. This is a blessing that many with mobility defects cannot enjoy unless you live in Cape Breton, where they have accessible sites. Does this consultation address this requirement or need?
Please speak up, share your positions, your needs, wants and desires. You can do so at https:// novascotia.ca/coast/ or by calling 902-424-2547. Our past, our present and our future are connected with our waters. This is our legacy for our children, our future. Your constructive input is paramount.