Next steps are coming to bring more aquaculture to Argyle.
In April, the province and Municipality of Argyle announced six of 53 pre-approved sites in Lobster Bay were open for bids.
Fourteen proposals from nine different companies or individuals were received before the mid-June deadline.
Argyle Warden Danny Muise says the province decides who will be successful.
“The public will get a 30 day period to put in their concerns. People who have property closer to the sites will get personal letters to let them know,” said Muise.
The municipality has received negative feedback from community members who feel they weren’t properly consulted about the development area.
In a June meeting, council said they could do a better job communicating with citizens despite extensive efforts to consult and engage over the last few years.
Group wants ‘fair and adequate’ consultations
A group of Argyle residents wants the development area to be re-examined.
The Association for Responsible Aquaculture in Argyle says the current layout will turn Lobster Bay into an industrial park on water.
Chris Thibedeau has waterfront property on Rocco Point, and says it would hinder the ocean coastline and devalue properties.
“We’re concerned about the taxes that we pay. The municipality can track us down for paying taxes, but they can’t track us down in the mail to tell us about this aquaculture expansion,” said Thibedeau.
He says they aren’t opposed to aquaculture, but there needs to be a balance to not effect tourism and other industries.
“They’re just trying to steamroll this forward, and not listening to anybody. They want to award these six locations. That’s a real concern for everybody, because we weren’t part of the original process.”
Thibedeau is also pressing the municipality and province for ‘fair and adequate’ public consultations.
He adds many only heard about the 53 pre-approved sites when the announcement was made in April.
Thibedeau says Nova Scotia is trying to catch up to other provinces, but they want to make sure it’s not done at the expense of the residents of Lobster Bay.
