I recently attended the general summer meeting of the Bras d’Or Stewardship Society in Baddeck on Saturday, August 19, 2000. There are numerous points of interest that I would like to share with you.

Andrew Hanam, the guest speaker from the Department of Natural Resources, spoke on the jurisdictional boundaries of goverment agencies. The Water Act of 1910 indicates that all land under the water comes under provincial jurisdiction through the Dept. of Natural Resources. The water is governed by the Dept. of Fisheries & Oceans, the Coast Guard and the Dept. of Environment.

The Act of Disclosure was discussed - This act is in place in some US states and it requires that before property is sold or transferred buyers must receive information indicating where the septic system is located on the property and when it was last pumped out.

There needs to be more noticable signage of areas closed for shell fishing

Oil exploration on the Bras d"Or Lakes was discussed and we were told that The Oil Exploration Board has said there will be no drilling for oil in the lakes.

Regarding the possibility of the gas line going through the center of the Bras d’Or Lakes, chairman Pat Bates indicated that he spoke to the natural gas companies and they said that the gas line will follow the powerline from Port Hawksbury to St. Peters on to Sydney.

The Stewardship Society employed a student this summer who compiled data on water quality testing done in the area over the last number of years.

Upcoming - September 24, 2000, 2 pm at the Baddeck High School - Bras d"Or Lakes Benefit Concert and Artfest. There will be musicians (ie. Jerry Holland, Tracey Dares), singers, various artists and young people there to perform in support of the research and education projects taking place so that future generations can also enjoy the Bras d’Or Lakes. Admission $5.00

I want to inform residents that a water waste management program is presently being drawn up for possible implementation in our own municipality.

Respectfully submitted,

Ivan Doncaster, Councillor District 14, CBRM