Activism alive and well in Hants County

In the past few years there has been a dramatic shift in the way residents of this county deal with issues ranging from the environment to health and education to name a few.

The most recent hotbed of controversy is the proposed Fundy Gypsum expansion project. Residents of the Avondale region have made no bones about how they feel with regard to having a mine in their backyard.

The stalemate between the company and the community is being given the chance for open discussion through public information sessions, and most recently West Hants Council is taking the lead to hold a 'court' of public appeal where all sides air concerns in an attempt to develop dialogue and some form of acceptable consensus.

Other areas of interest are the countless efforts brought about by the Friends of the Avon River, who, are currently locked in battle with the federal government in the hopes that some positive steps will be taken to address the concerns voiced over the proposed expansion to the Avon River Causeway. Anyone with a remote connection to this area will attest to the incredible mud build-up that has occurred as a result of the installation of the causeway in 1970. That aquatic species can no longer make the journey to the spawning grounds beyond the dam poses another problem altogether.

Instead of waiting for government to do something, people, through various organizations, have taken it upon themselves to make positive change and to bring to light problems that need to be dealt with.

This attitude needs to be applauded because for too many years citizens felt there was little if anything they could do to help make things better. Individuals who voice their concerns in a public forum are changing the way many people think about where they live and what kind of lifestyle they want in this region of the Valley.

The business community in Windsor has become a force to be reckoned with. Positive changes happening in the town in recent years is testament to the drive and determination of business owners who are attempting to breathe life into a town that is literally being resurrected.

Major fundraising drives have brought about incredible results with the most recent examples being the new library, and currently the new pool. Without the efforts of volunteers and philanthropists, these changes would not have happened. Currently there is a movement afoot to try and create awareness of Fort Edward in the hopes of promoting the oldest such site in the country and to develop a strategic plan to evaluate many possible options – again spearheaded by one individual.

Opinions aside, all of the above efforts have merit, and those who are fighting to make changes need to be commended for their efforts. Right or wrong is a matter for interpretation and depends on where one lives, and what problems exist within their respective areas.

At least residents, often new to the area, have ideas and are not afraid to voice them. The only way change of any sort can happen is if people work together for the common good of the region.

Judging from what we are seeing, expect a good deal more positive change to occur in the coming years as people leave their armchairs and get involved, and that, is a reflection of a healthy community.