Government Committed to Further Land Protection

The province continues its efforts to help secure land for Nova Scotians with the release of a white paper to consider the creation of a community lands trust.

In the fiscal year 2009-2010, government invested $77.5 million to purchase provincial land and is asking communities what tools they would like to have in place to enable them to participate in the land purchase process. The government is asking for input from the public on its pledge to establish a community lands trust to protect traditional community uses of private lands.

"Government wants to determine if establishment of a community lands trust would be the best way to help communities and individuals get involved in buying land," said John MacDonell, Minister of Natural Resources. "This effort supports government's commitment to be open and transparent in its decision-making and make life better for families in every region of the province."

When large privately held land holdings come on the market, individuals and communities may be interested in purchasing the land, but do not have a mechanism to do that. The white paper looks at several options.

Community land purchase options will be presented at eight public meetings. All the meetings are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will be held in:

• Truro, Sept. 20, Best Western Hotel, 150 Willow St.
• Halifax, Sept. 21, Future Inns, 30 Fairfax Dr.
• Bridgewater, Sept. 22, Days Inn, 216 North St.
• Amherst, Sept. 23, Wandlyn Inn, Trans-Canada Highway 104
• Yarmouth, Sept. 27, Rodd Grand, 417 Main St. (French language services will be available).
• Baddeck, Sept. 27, Bell Museum, 559 Chebucto St.
• Wolfville, Sept. 28, Old Orchard Inn, 153 Greenwich Road South
• Antigonish, Sept. 28, Claymore Inn, 137 Church St.

"Nova Scotians want to buy lands they value, and through public consultation we'll hear how they want to contribute to the purchase of land for community purposes, and have a say in its use," said Mr. MacDonell.

Sandra Phinney, spokesperson for Buy Back Nova Scotia, said she is excited government is taking this initiative.

"We look forward to getting involved in upcoming public talks," said Ms. Phinney. "This can turn out to be a win-win situation and future generations can only benefit. We encourage all Nova Scotians to take part in shaping how this is going to roll out."

Copies of the white paper are available in English and French online at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/ or from the Department of Natural Resources, Community Lands Trust Consultation, 5th Floor, Founders Square, 1701 Hollis St., Halifax, NS, B3J 3M8. Comments on the white paper will be accepted until Oct. 1. They can be submitted at the public meetings, online or mailed to the department.