Category: Uncategorized

What’s up now?

As you know, the Province selected lands at Sandy Lake as a Special Planning Area in 2022. This means that the Province has the final say about development next to the lake, instead of HRM Council. Since then, the Province has been requiring HRM staff to advance development planning for the area in a fast-tracked way, including hiring consultants to do background studies about the area.

The background studies are complete, and the Province decided to push HRM to the next stage of development planning, called “secondary planning” despite significant omissions in the background studies.

At this stage, HRM does seek public feedback on the proposed development at Sandy Lake. This is a critical time to speak up!

Attend the HRM Open House about development at Sandy Lake

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Location: Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Highway, Bedford

Times: 10 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 4 pm, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Click here for more about the open house information

Not sure what to emphasize? The Sandy Lake – Sackville River Regional Park Coalition has prepared 4 main speaking points, based in science and the background studies. These can be brought up at the open house, or stated in the online survey (HRM webpage) or in an email to your MLA

You are also invited to attend a webinar, hosted by Ecology Action Centre, that will help prepare people for the open house (this webinar will also cover the Blue Mountain – Birch Cove Lakes area, which is also threatened in the same way as Sandy Lake, and also has an open house event coming up).

Did you know?

The municipality has been acquiring lands to build the park since 1954!

A Federal/Provincial/Municipal joint effort in 1971 selected the entire area to be saved as a park for all time.

Since then, the municipality has continued to build the park one piece at a time.

But developers out-bid the city and acquired some essential lands.

It has been a race against time.

Here we are in 2025, and the Province is slow to learn the facts that saving decades of investments in the amazing ecosystem of this treasured park must be the priority for the good of all.

The Province is preparing to ram through development at all costs. Short-sighted development that will cost taxpayers millions of dollars, increase traffic, heighten flooding risks, and threaten crucial ecosystems. This is a critical moment, but it’s not too late to help stop this development. We can put houses elsewhere.

Please tell them again. The time is now. At the public Open House, to your MLA, and online.

Sincerely,

Karen Robinson and Walter Regan, Co-Chairs

The Sandy Lake – Sackville River Regional Park Coalition

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References:

Guide to how the Sandy Lake Stantec LSA Report missed the mark:

https://sandylake.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Understanding-how-the-Stantec-Report-missed-the-mark-2025.pdf

Main Issues of concern in Stantec Report:

https://sandylake.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Main-issues-with-Stantec-background-studies-Sandy-Lake-SPA-Final.pdf

WRWEO / The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail 2025 AGM will take place on Saturday September 20, 2025, starting at 11:00 AM (registration) 11:15 AM meeting starts.

Canada Games Centre – Russell Walker Community Room (just to the right of the side parking lot entrance)
26 Thomas Raddall Drive
Halifax, NS | B3S 0E2

Registration Form – please register so we know how many people to expect.

Obtain documents and updates here: WRWEO 2025 AGM page

WRWEO needs new board members – Calling All Bluff Trail Enthusiasts: Join Our Board and Help Guide Its Future! 

If you regularly visit the loops, breathe in the fresh air, and cherish the unique wilderness experience of the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail, then you already know the trail is a special place. The Wooden’s River Watershed Environmental Organization (WRWEO), the dedicated non-profit stewards of your favourite trail, is seeking passionate and committed individuals from our user community to join our Board of Directors.

As a regular user, you have an invaluable perspective on what makes the Bluff Trail great and where we can continue to improve and grow. We are looking for individuals who love the trail and are eager to play a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability, accessibility, and enjoyment of this cherished natural asset through the Bluff Trail Stewardship Program.

Why Join the Board?

• Shape the Trail’s Future: Your direct experience on the trail will inform decisions about maintenance, new initiatives, and strategic planning.
• Give Back to a Place You Love: Help ensure the Bluff Trail remains a pristine and accessible natural escape for years to come.
• Be Part of the Solution: Contribute to addressing challenges and seizing opportunities that impact the trail.
• Connect with Fellow Trail Advocates: Work alongside our dedicated group of volunteers who share your passion for the outdoors and this incredible resource.
• Leverage Your Unique Insights: Your perspective as a regular user is critical to understanding the trail’s needs and enhancing the user experience.

Board Member Responsibilities Generally Include:

• Attending regular board meetings, usually online using Zoom (approximately 6-8 per year, plus an Annual General Meeting).
• Actively participating in discussions and decision-making informed by your trail experience.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of the organization’s mission and goals.
• Participating in activities (e.g., fundraising, trail maintenance, communications and social media, volunteer engagement) based on interest and expertise.
• Assisting with fundraising initiatives and seeking grant opportunities.
• Promoting the conservation of the wilderness and Leave No Trace principles in and around the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas, though all strong candidates who are active trail users can put their names forward:

• Trail Knowledge & Advocacy: Deep understanding of the trail’s current condition, user needs, and potential improvements.
• Volunteer Coordination: Helping to mobilize and manage our incredible volunteer base.
• Communications & Outreach: Sharing the story of the Bluff Trail and engaging with our community.
• Fundraising & Grant Writing: Securing the resources needed to keep the trail thriving.
• Environmental Stewardship: Passion for conservation and sustainable trail practices.
• Financial Oversight: Managing the resources that keep our operations going.
• Legal/Governance: Ensuring our non-profit runs smoothly and responsibly.

How to express your interest:

If you are a regular and passionate Bluff Trail user ready to take your passion to the next level, we invite you to submit a brief expression of interest. Tell us about your connection to the trail, any relevant experience or skills you possess, and why you are keen to contribute to its future as a board member. Please also indicate any specific areas where you feel you could make a significant impact. Then please come meet us at our AGM on Sept. 20, 2025, 11 am at the Canada Games Centre.

Expressions of interest can be sent to board@wrweo.ca 

Thank you for your love of the Bluff Trail. We look forward to hearing from you and potentially welcoming you to our team!

Backlands Coalition and Williams Lake Conservation Company (WLCC)

Save the date for Backlands Suites! Backlands Artists and the Backlands Coalition are excited to bring the stunning beauty of the Halifax Backlands to the Chase Gallery at the Nova Scotia Archives. This art exhibition will be an exceptional glimpse into the many stunning and diverse natural areas tucked into the landscapes found in the Backlands through the works of nine notable artists, whose bond with the land can be witnessed in their sensitive and novel pieces of art.

Visit “Backlands Suites” April 3 – 29 2025 at the Chase Gallery in the Nova Scotia Archives, 6016 University Ave (Gallery Hours: M-F 8:30am – 4:30pm, W 8:30am – 8pm, Sat 10am-3pm).

https://bsky.app/profile/blufftrail.bsky.social

Link to Google photo albums:

Phase 1 https://photos.app.goo.gl/DBsTLgReYdkrnwXA8  (with before and after pictures) cost just over $26,000

Phase 2 https://photos.app.goo.gl/yWNjWJoK3dcFUJdT7 cost just over $53,000

Boardwalks	Coordinates		Length (feet)	Length (meters)
Boardwalk 1	44°39’52.0″N,63°46’11.5″W		30	9
Boardwalk 2	44°39’46.7″N,63°46’07.9″W		345	105
Boardwalk 3	44°39’44.4″N,63°46’04.2″W		48	15
Boardwalk 4	44°39’24.6″N,63°46’00.3″W		20	6
Boardwalk 5	44°39’24.5″N,63°46’00.2″W		30	9
Boardwalk 6	44°39’28.9″N 63°46’33.6″W		8	2
Boardwalk 7	44°39’29.2″N,63°46’28.1″W		9	3

We have estimated the location of the boardwalks (#2 and #3) in the following map based on GPS information we gathered on all our boardwalks and signage  https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ttFZA2sC8XHESEbZYwRF-jm1nV2d5Kc&usp=sharing

We have received emergency funding from CCTH of $20,000 as well as a capital grant of $27,000. WRWEO recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage to develop and promote trails for all Nova Scotians. A portion of the emergency funding was used to fully replace the 3rd boardwalk, at a cost of just under $7,000, this work was completed in November, 2023.

We also received $10,000 from councilor Iona Stoddard – thank you very much Councilor Stoddard.

We also raised donations from Trail Users, WRWEO members, and other agencies to assist with the boardwalk replacement.

Finally, we received a $25,000 capital grant from Halifax Regional Municipality and thank them for their continued support of trails in the HRM.

Join us starting at 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM, Saturday Aug 24 at the Canada Games Centre for a day of outdoor BBQing and trail community spirit at the Bluff BBQ Bash! We’ll be raising funds for the preservation and maintenance of one of our province’s most cherished natural treasures. Whether you’re an avid user of the trail, simply want give back, or just want to be social, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

We’ll be serving up some great BBQ foods for sale to raise some much-needed funds for the care and management of the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail. We will have all of your standard options and vegan and vegetarian ones, too!

Along with members of our own team, we will also have other trail and nature groups from our community present to help spread the word about their work and ways to get more involved in your community.

Why Attend?

The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail is a vital part of our local environment and community, offering a serene escape into nature and promoting physical and mental well-being. We were unsuccessful in one of major grant applications this year and we are looking to bridge some of that gap with this fundraiser. Funds raised will go directly towards trail stewardship, maintenance, conservation efforts, and educational programs to ensure this beautiful trail remains accessible and pristine for future generations.

Donate: If you can’t attend but still want to support the cause, consider making a donation through our Canada Helps portal at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/13116

Spread the Word: Share this event with friends, family, and fellow trail enthusiasts.

Let’s come together to support the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail and ensure it continues to be a source of enjoyment and inspiration for all. We look forward to seeing you there!

You can message us through our Facebook page for more information.

Visit www.blufftrail.ca for more information on the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail, Woodens River Watershed Environmental Organization, and the Bluff Trail Stewardship Program.

Canada Games Centre 26 Thomas Raddall Dr, Halifax, NS B3S 0E2

We are looking for work to be completed by Dec 2024. It involves removing all face boards and reusing as many as possible, they were replaced in Oct 2023. Removing all the posts and stringers and replacing them with new material – stringers can be pressure treated wood but posts cannot be – they will need to be hemlock or larch.

Check out this link for images and details about the boardwalk: https://wrweo.ca/wp/2023/11/04/boardwalk-repairs-completed-partial-replacement/ 

If you are interested and have good wilderness trail references please send an email to info@wrweo.ca and we will email you more details.