Council urged to vote against RV park

The quality of life for residents of Big Pond and area should take precedence over a planned water amusement park and campground that threatens the sensitive ecosystem of the Bras’dor Lakes and the associated watershed.

The few low paying jobs that would be generated by this proposed project could not possibly justify jeopardizing the Bras’dor Lakes and the heritage of the area.

Roy MacInnis has been a responsible steward of the property that has been in his family for generations, since 1829. Mr. MacInnis supports the local economy with his organic farming operation. This heritage farm may well be jeopardized by the petrochemical fumes and pollutants that may migrate from the proposed development.

In 2011, the Bras’dor Lake and its watershed area were designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing that the locals live in harmony with nature and work to facilitate a healthy environment, economy and culture.

It would be a flagrant insult to the five First Nation communities residing within this unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by changing a CBRM bylaw to facilitate a development that would constitute such a significant threat to that environment.

Studies conducted by the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism demonstrate the demographic that brings tangible tourist dollars to Cape Breton is most unlikely to patronize the type of facility proposed by the developer.

Six hundred campsites with open air burning capacity will be difficult to monitor pursuant to the burning of plastic, rubber, and cardboard material prohibited by the Environment Act.

It appears gasoline, diesel fuel, and propane may be used and stored at this proposed facility. Will the employees of this proposed campground receive WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training, and training or education pursuant to maintaining the integrity of this fragile watershed?

The developer has indicated there will be a liquor store at the site. Many jurisdictions preparing for the legalization of cannabis marihuana have drafted legislation governing the use of cannabis on premises where alcohol is served or consumed. The potential for combined alcohol and drug use at the proposed campground constitutes a potential problem for the patrons of the site and the residents of the area. What steps will be taken to mitigate this potential problem?

A major thoroughfare, Route 4 Highway, will divide the proposed park into two separate parcels. This division occurs on a portion of the highway that is curved and does not afford premium visibility. How are employees, delivery services, contractors, and campers going to cross from one side of the highway to the other side? Will this necessitate the construction of a pedestrian overpass or a traffic controlled intersection to mitigate the inherent risk of accidents?

If only 75 percent of the campground was utilized at one given time, with an average of five patrons per campsite, two thousand two hundred and fifty (2250) patrons would then occupy the park.

Information from Statistics Canada indicates there is a Police Officer to citizen ratio of one police officer per 463 residents of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. What burden will this proposed facility place on our law enforcement resources with congregations of patrons numbering over two thousand people? How will the proposed facility impact Paramedic services or the Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department?

How will the endangered species in this delicate biosphere be impacted?

The fact that the developer is intent on proceeding with the project, notwithstanding the apprehensions and sentiments of the community expressed at the CBRM council meeting, speaks volumes.

I am a certified CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Analyst.

I do not favour changing the Bylaw to accommodate the proposal. I respectfully ask Mayor Cecil Clarke and Council to vote no to amending the Bylaw.

Clarke has announced his intention to seek the leadership of the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party and aspires to be Premier of Nova Scotia. This is an opportunity for Clarke to demonstrate sound environmental stewardship, as well as deference to the abounding heritage and culture of Cape Breton Island Joseph Burns Calgary, Alberta and Cape Breton Island