Council decision to close public spring upsets Colchester residents

Residents of Truro, N.S., were shocked by the recent announcement of the closure of the long-standing community spring in the area. The Lower Truro spring, a popular spot for locals to gather clean drinking water, is set to be decommissioned by the Municipality of the County of Colchester due to health, safety, and liability concerns.

The decision, which was communicated through a Facebook post last month, has sparked outrage among residents like Marcia Myers, who frequent the spring for its fresh water. Myers expressed frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the closure, stating that she and others are struggling to understand how the decision was reached.

The spring, located off Highway 236, has been a staple in the community for the past two decades, with the municipality leasing the land where the water source and fill site are located. Despite the expiration of these agreements, residents are questioning why no formal community engagement process was conducted before the decision to close the spring was made.

The municipality cited several reasons for the closure, including serious motor vehicle accidents at the site and verbal altercations among visitors. The limited ability to ensure the safety of water on land not owned by the municipality was also mentioned as a factor in the decision.

The announcement on Facebook generated over 250 comments, with many expressing disappointment and outrage at the closure. Myers highlighted the importance of the spring to residents in the rural area who rely on it for clean drinking water, especially during times of power outages and water shortages.

In response to the backlash, the municipality revealed that staff has been directed to explore alternative options for those who use the spring. A unanimous motion was passed by council to investigate new information regarding the spring, with plans to discuss the topic further at an upcoming council meeting.

While the municipality understands the public’s attachment to the spring, it emphasized the liability associated with supplying water to the public. Despite the decision to decommission the spring, no specific date has been set for the closure, with the municipality promising to provide at least two weeks’ notice to the public.

As the community grapples with the impending closure of the beloved Lower Truro spring, residents are hoping for more clarity and communication from the municipality regarding the future of their access to clean drinking water.