Pictou County council votes to ask province to pause uranium plans
The topic of uranium exploration has become a pressing issue for the Municipality of Pictou County council, as they were presented with two motions concerning the province’s recent push for uranium exploration. These motions, brought forth by River John resident Barbara Harris, called for a pause in granting leases for uranium exploration and for the protection of the River John watershed.
The first motion, which passed with a vote of 11-1, urged the provincial government to hold off on granting any leases for uranium exploration to allow for more time for council and residents to understand the potential impacts. The second motion, passed by a 7-5 vote, aimed to protect the River John watershed and prevent any activities that could harm the area.
Barbara Harris highlighted concerns in a letter to council about the potential environmental harm that uranium exploration could cause, including the release of radioactive matter that could impact drinking water and living organisms.
The Nova Scotia government has been actively promoting the development of natural resources, including overturning a ban on uranium exploration and mining, lifting a fracking moratorium, and adding critical minerals to its list of priorities. The province recently issued a request for proposals for uranium exploration in designated areas such as Louisville in Pictou County.
While many municipal politicians and property owners were taken by surprise by the selection of these areas for exploration, the government seems determined to move forward with the process. Despite some councillors expressing doubts about the effectiveness of the motions in slowing down the exploration efforts, the council decided to support both motions as emergency resolutions.
Coun. Ronald Baillie, representing the Louisville area, acknowledged that the government may proceed with exploration regardless of the council’s requests but emphasized the importance of raising concerns and asking questions.
The protection of watersheds, like the French River watershed in Colchester County, has been a priority in Nova Scotia, with designated areas safeguarded from activities that could impact water quality.
Barbara Harris expressed satisfaction with the council’s support for the motions, emphasizing the need for a pause in uranium exploration to assess risks properly. A public meeting has been scheduled for community members to discuss the issue further.
As the deadline for exploration proposals approaches, with companies required to submit bids by June 11 and successful applicants announced on July 7, the fate of uranium exploration in Nova Scotia hangs in the balance. The council’s actions and community engagement will play a crucial role in shaping the future of natural resource development in the region.
