Letter to Minister of Environment
July 10, 2020
Dear Minister Wilson,
We are writing to you today with a renewed ask for action on the urban lakes situation. We have now seen the first of this season’s blue-green algae risk advisories at Lake Banook and Lake Micmac in Dartmouth, earlier than ever before, and we know that the situation will continue to deteriorate without leadership from Nova Scotia Environment. Invasive weeds, floating yellow heart, high bacteria levels and more frequent algae blooms are all signs that our lakes’ clean, healthy ecosystems are at risk.
As you know, urban lakes provide significant benefits to our city and our province. They act as economic drivers, recreation and event sites, and drivers of tourism.
This summer, many gatherings, day camps and other activities are restricted due to COVID-19. During this time, urban lakes have taken on an enhanced importance for many Dartmouth residents who rely on and deeply value these outdoor spaces.
We have spent the last number of years listening to residents and advocating for provincial action on this issue. We have written letters and asked questions in the legislature. Last summer we hosted a Dartmouth lakes town hall that was attended by over 150 residents who told us, loudly and clearly: governments need to collaborate to solve this issue. In September of last year, we met with you and your staff and brought three asks:
To immediately convene an Urban Lakes Commission that can work with stakeholders across jurisdictional lines and guide the work to protect our urban lakes
To enhance staffing, training, and resourcing of frontline Nova Scotia Environment staff who work with urban lakes
To commence a public awareness campaign either independently or in concert with similar HRM initiatives about what residents can do to protect nearby lakes
Will you please let us know of your re-commitment to these initiatives, as well as what progress has been made on these specific asks to date?
The Dartmouth lakes hold immense importance to many, many people. They are economically, ecologically and recreationally vital. We cannot allow them to continue to deteriorate and are looking to you to further this work. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Claudia Chender MLA, Dartmouth South
Susan Leblanc MLA, Dartmouth North