Two years ago, journalist Michael Gorman shocked Nova Scotians when he—with the help of a whistleblower—exposed an egregious betrayal of the public interest. The Liberal government had secretly delisted and offered to sell Owls Head Provincial Park.
Nova Scotians recognized Owls Head for what it was: a line in the sand.
Save Owls Head has since become a dynamic and inspiring movement, where scientists, Mi’kmaw Land and Water Protectors, and everyday citizens have come together in an effort to protect our province and our planet.
In a landmark citizen-led victory, the prospective developer withdrew from the Letter of Offer after nearly two years of unwavering public resistance. We’re not done yet, but the tide is turning—because of you.
Do you feel it? If so, let that momentum restore and reinvigorate you.
Ever since, concerned citizens have been advocating for Owls Head Provincial Park with passion, creativity, and determination, building an inspiring grassroots movement.
So why does Owls Head Provincial Park mean so much to Nova Scotians? It’s true that Owls Head evokes years of secrecy, backroom deals, and unfair decision-making. But it has come to symbolize far more than that.
“Save Owls Head” has subsequently become a rallying cry for citizens who are calling on their government to do better.
More and more, Owls Head Provincial Park symbolizes the inherent values we recognize and the world of possibilities we envision.
Despite the challenges, ensuring legal protection for Owls Head Provincial Park is the hope that we’ve clung to for almost two years, the light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s the countless hours that we’ve spent, but also the things that we’ve learned, the community that we’ve built, and the future that we’ve been fighting for.
Being an environmental advocate isn’t always easy. Concerned citizens are sometimes drained, doubtful, or discouraged. They’re tired of broken promises on climate action, biodiversity conservation, and parks and protected areas. And they have reason to be. But they are not alone.
We will continue to work until Owls Head Provincial Park and the other 125 remaining sites from Our Parks and Protected Areas Plan are finally protected under the law. This would conserve significantly more forests, wetlands, and coastal sites (not to mention all the wildlife that depends on them).
When we work together, we’re stronger than we realize. And together, we can—and will—ensure legal protection for Owls Head Provincial Park and the other parks at risk.
A good thing, too, since we all know that the environment and those who advocate for it could use more wins.
So if this movement can serve as either a balm or an inspiration, take heart. We never know what sort of ripple effects our efforts might bring about.
But for now, we take a big breath, smile, and rest up before getting back to work.
Because we’re not just riding the wave… Together, we’re creating it.
Lindsay Lee
