Cermaq changes format for Sandy Cove session

The company eyeing St. Mary’s Bay for potential expansion of its salmon farming operations says it has heard and acknowledges the strong opposition to its plans.

“In response, and in order to be respectful to this opposition, we have made some changes to our upcoming community meeting in Sandy Cove,” the company wrote in a Facebook post last week. On the company’s website, it added, “In the weeks since our community meeting in Digby on Jan. 15, we have heard strong opposition voiced by area residents. We have received emails and letters, all of which have been saved and recorded and will be part of our feasibility and engagement work summary.”

It says the concerns raised include the displacement of commercial fishermen, the loss of income for families, the impacts on local commercial fisheries, pollution, ocean-floor impacts, potential for interaction with marine mammals, impacts of local tourism (whale watching, tours, etc.), and water quality of nearby recreational beaches and overall loss of use.

The company also referenced recent motions at a Digby Municipal Council meeting concerning opposition to the salmon farming expansion.

It says all of this left it wrestling with what to do about a meeting booked for 2 to 4 p.m. in Sandy Cove at the fire department on Feb. 7.

“Do we proceed with the meeting, knowing that the area is strongly opposed . .

. Or do we go ahead – acknowledging that prior to the Digby meeting we did receive calls from Sandy Cove and Digby Neck residents who made the decision to not attend the Digby meeting, knowing they could attend the meeting in Sandy Cove on Feb. 7,” Cermaq said.

It has decided to hold the meeting but is changing the format. Instead of sharing a presentation or hosting information stations, the company said it has asked its team members to be available around the room with pen and paper to record all feedback and concerns voiced. Representatives can also answer questions.

“We hope that this change is respectful of existing positions, while providing residents who haven’t had the opportunity to be heard to share their feedback and opinions,” the online post said.

The company also has a scheduled public session at the Clare Veterans Centre in Saulnierville on Feb. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m.