speech

Jacob Fillmore’s Speech: Save Owls Head Demonstration

Hello everyone, I’m Jacob Fillmore, and it feels great to be eating again.

Thank you all for coming to this rally to show your support for Bob Bancroft and the Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association. Today, I’d like to talk a bit about Owl’s Head Provincial Park, and why I believe it should continue to be protected.

Owl’s Head, touted by the provincial government itself as a “globally rare ecosystem,” has significant biodiversity and ecological value, and is home to the critically endangered Piping Plover. Though there are believed to be fewer than 40 mating pairs left in Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia’s Recovery Plan for the Piping Plover deems that the recovery of the species is still feasible. This is because “The primary threats (…) can be avoided or mitigated.” However, one key challenge to the recovery is habitat loss from coastal development. If we want to protect the Plovers, we cannot develop Owls Head.

(more…)
By Save Owls Head, ago

Sydnee Lynn’s Speech: Save Owls Head Demonstration

Hello everyone,

I don’t like speaking in public but since I was born and brought up right next to Owls Head Provincial Park, I thought I should say a few words.

Approximately 15-16 years ago, a stranger from the US purchased some property in Little Harbour. This property lies between my parents’ home and Owls Head Provincial Park. This was the first time that someone moved to Little Harbour, built a home and gated their property off from the rest of the community. Over the next 15-16 years, this same person purchased 21 additional properties in the community. Most of these properties are sitting vacant.

(more…)
By Save Owls Head, ago
Darlene Gilbert, Mi’kmaw Grandmother, Photo by Peter Barss

Statement from Darlene Gilbert, Mi’kmaw Grandmother

We thank Darlene for her participation at the Save Owls Head Rally, providing this statement for the website, and for all of her efforts to protect the lands of Nova Scotia. Wela’lin.

Once you change the natural habitat for money, you cannot un-change the damage to Mother Earth. For our children, our grandchildren there must be something living, loving, and enjoyable for all people.

[Owls Head is] a privatized sale, even though this is unceded, unsurrendered lands… Miꞌkmaꞌki.

(more…)
By Save Owls Head, ago

Pam Baker – Save Owls Head Rally

We thank concerned resident Pamela Baker for speaking at the Save Owls Head rally and for giving us a copy of her statement to post on this website for those who could not attend.

Although I am suspicious that this sale of Owls Head/Little Harbour has anything to do with golf courses, I have nonetheless examined why the development and construction of these courses would be wrong for this property.

I am not a scientist, so I cannot expertly address the ecological damage that could be the result of this project; however, my brother’s background as General Manager of two major golf and country clubs in Ontario and experience in design and construction has been invaluable to me.

(more…)
By Save Owls Head, ago
Chris Trider, photo Peter Barss

Group marches to the legislature to protest proposed sale of Owls Head

Covert delisting of the land from park protection rallies community members.

The Coast
Mira Dietz Chiasson
February 21, 2020

Full Article Here>

A determined group of Nova Scotians gathered yesterday at Grand Parade Square to protest the sale of Owls Head, a planned provincial park that was recently de-listed by the provincial government. Despite cold temperatures, approximately 120 people were in attendance, wearing hats and mittens, chanting “Stop the sale, save Owls Head.”

“Development would be welcome. But none of it should come at the expense of a rare ecosystem”

–Pam Baker

(more…)
By Save Owls Head, ago