3 more municipalities ask province to hit the brakes on uranium exploration in N.S.

Calls are growing louder for the Nova Scotia government to pump the brakes on its efforts to develop uranium in the region. Several municipalities, including Pictou County, West Hants Regional Municipality, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, and the Municipality of the County of Annapolis, have all passed unanimous motions urging the province to halt the issuance of uranium exploration licenses.

The primary concern among residents and officials is the lack of information surrounding the potential impacts of uranium development. Abraham Zebian, the mayor of West Hants Regional Municipality, emphasized that it is the unknown factors that are causing anxiety among the community. He urged council members to set aside their personal stance on uranium exploration and focus on the need for more engagement and transparency from provincial authorities.

Similarly, councillors in other municipalities echoed the sentiment that the province is moving too quickly on this issue without proper consultation with the public. There is a widespread feeling that the speed at which the government is pushing for uranium development is intentional and does not allow for adequate community input.

Council members like Alison Smith from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg clarified that their request for a pause is not a definitive stance against uranium exploration. Instead, they are advocating for a more thorough review of the risks associated with mining in their region. A forthcoming staff report on the impacts of uranium mining in the Lahave River Watershed will likely inform their future advocacy position.

The push for a delay in uranium development comes after months of public outcry following the government’s decision to lift restrictions on uranium exploration and mining. The lack of consultation with Indigenous communities and affected municipalities has fueled opposition to the province’s plans. Despite concerns raised by municipal officials and property owners, the government proceeded with opening requests for proposals for exploration licenses without prior notification to stakeholders.

In response to the mounting pressure from municipalities and community organizers, the Nova Scotia government has been urged to hold public meetings before issuing any exploration licenses. The hope is that these meetings will provide a platform for experts to address public concerns and answer questions regarding the potential impacts of uranium mining.

As the province considers the requests for a pause, the fate of uranium development in Nova Scotia hangs in the balance. The government is expected to make decisions on exploration licenses by July 11th, but the calls for a more informed and deliberative approach to this issue continue to grow stronger.