Last Monday, September 8th, at the Tantramar council meeting, local residents Juliette Bulmer and Kristen LeBlanc, who both live in Ward 4 in Midgic and are members of the Stop the Tantramar Gas Plant Group, made a presentation which they characterized as a ‘call to action’ to stop a proposed 500 megawatt gas/diesel plant NB Power wants to build in Centre Village.
Juliette Bulmer was the first to speak and shared information about potential threats by the planned plant to the environment, the local economy, the health of residents of Centre Village, and their way of life.
“Imagine if you will the next 25 years from 2025 to 2050. Seven million liters of water being drawn from the ground daily, an amount equal to 2.8 Olympic sized swimming pools, 10 spinning noisy turbines, three million gallons of diesel fuel stored and used on site,” said Bulmer.
She went on to suggest there would be accumulated climate change against national goals, air pollution causing asthma, increased respiratory illness, and lung disease (especially in the vulnerable populations), and water contamination. Then went on to speak of the unique and vulnerable nature of the region.
“The Chignecto Isthmus and Tantramar natural and cultural heritage are central to its identity,” said Bulmer.
“It has many national and international designations, including being identified by Parks Canada as one of 23 priority ecological corridor areas across the country.”
“We strongly oppose this project. We want transparency. And we want our voices to be heard, indigenous and community voices. We want real indigenous engagement. Letters have been written to MP Dominic Leblanc, Premier Susan Holt, NB Power, New Brunswick and the Nova Scotia government officials and so, so many others.”
Kristen Leblanc added that her group has started a federal petition that she says will be endorsed by Federal Green Party leader, Elizabeth May. “Unfortunately we have not heard from our local MPs and surrounding MPs, so we had to go across Canada to be supported by Green.
Leblanc said, “A lot of us, specifically in Ward 4 four, who have a lot of concern about this, have already began writing the provincial government, the federal government.”
She urged council members to do the same.
“We need you guys to draft and form letters. Send them where it matters. Send them to Susan Holt, send them to Dominic Leblanc. Send them to fellow MPs.”
She added, “Make sure that there is urgent transparency and proper indigenous consultation.”
Councillor Tower was the first to respond.
“You make a good point. I personally, fully support your idea. I think we should be doing something going forward” He said.
“It does baffle me that in this day and age of climate change and forest fires like we’ve had across Canada, and United States too, that we’re gonna put jet engines into a forest and say it’s safe to be there.”
Councillors Bruce Finney and Debbie Wiggins Cole voiced their support for the presenters. “Yes, we do need energy, but we have to do it the right way. So thank you for your presentation,” said Wiggins-Colwell.
Councillor Josh Goguen also spoke in support of the opposition to the gas plant.
“At first when I first heard about this, I’m like, yes, you know, this is extra income to our municipality and it’ll bring in tax dollars,” he said.
“But then the more and more I’m reading about it, it just does not make sense.”
He listed off poor roads in the area, and the amount of water that would be used at the plant as his reasons for opposing the project.
“I totally support you guys and I’ll sign whatever needs to get signed,” said Goguen.
Councillor Estabrooks of Ward 4 chose not to make any comments on the matter.
A Special Motion by Councillor Tower at the end of the meeting will allow this issue to go to the September 23rd special council meeting to be put on the town agenda.
