Home / Environment / Cape Breton Buys Land to Protect Water Supply
Cape Breton Buys Land to Protect Water Supply
21 Mar
Summary
- Municipality buys over 36 hectares of rural land for water supply protection.
- Deal includes subdivision for a new home, raising some councillor concerns.
- Federal conservation program covers half of the water utility's costs.
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) has agreed to purchase over 36 hectares of rural land, a move aimed at protecting its critical water supply. This acquisition is part of the Nova Scotia Nature Agreement program, designed to prevent development in sensitive areas.
The council approved spending $91,000 to acquire four parcels of land. This includes a significant portion in the Middle Lake watershed, valued at approximately $34,000, and smaller parcels near the MacAskill Brook Reservoir's watershed for $25,000. A portion of municipal land will also be subdivided to allow a landowner to build a new home.
Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the total cost and the decision to permit new housing construction in an area intended for protection. However, water operations manager Anthony Mazzocca assured the council that hydrogeologists and consultants determined there would be no negative impact on the water supply. He also noted that a federal conservation program would cover half the costs, with the municipality’s share funded from its operating reserve, thus incurring no direct cost.
Ultimately, councillors voted unanimously to approve the land purchases, expressing trust in the staff's assessment and recommendations despite lingering reservations about the specifics of the development aspect.
