Articles tagged with "Sustainability"

Charities in Nova Scotia are experiencing increasing demand for their services as the housing crisis coincides with the arrival of cooler weather. The lack of affordable housing options is exacerbating challenges for the unhoused population. With winter approaching, charities are under pressure to provide necessary support. The current housing situation further complicates efforts to shelter and assist those in need.

Residents in Cape Breton are upset and preparing to challenge a developer who has shown interest in developing a golf course at West Mabou Beach Provincial Park. The area's scenic beaches are at the center of a potential development dispute. Local opposition plans to fight the developer's intentions to preserve the natural environment. Concerns are being raised about the impact on the local community and environment.

Construction Safety Nova Scotia and Merit Nova Scotia have launched Anchor Point, a new Member Assistance Program to support mental health and wellness for construction workers in Nova Scotia. It is provided through the GreenShield+ digital health platform, offering free and confidential access to mental health services for workers and their families. This initiative was developed based on a study linking workplace conditions to mental health outcomes, emphasizing the need for greater access to resources. Additional mental health programs and training will complement this initiative to foster supportive workplace environments.

Ontario's Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, and Nova Scotia's Premier, Tim Houston, have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). The partnership will focus on sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources related to new technologies, regulatory infrastructures, and economic factors in the realm of SMR development. This move aims to enhance SMR capabilities within both provinces.

Nova Scotia will partner with Ontario to explore small modular reactors (SMR) as a future clean energy option. This collaboration includes sharing knowledge on SMR technology, regulatory frameworks, and public engagement to help inform Nova Scotia's energy planning. Additionally, Nova Scotia plans to join an interprovincial agreement on transmission interties to support offshore wind projects. Ontario's Darlington New Nuclear Project is noted as a key advancement in making SMRs operational in Canada.

The Montague Mines site in Nova Scotia, a former gold mining area, will undergo a remediation process funded by over $33.4 million from federal and provincial governments. The site is heavily contaminated with mercury and arsenic from past mining activities. Efforts will include excavating contaminated soil and constructing containment cells to manage the waste. This initiative supports environmental recovery and public health by restoring the land to a productive state.

The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is praising Nova Scotia's new directive to prioritize wood construction and heating in public buildings. The government is encouraging all departments to seek opportunities to use mass timber, wood pellets, biomass, biofuels, and other wood-based products. This initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable construction practices across the province.

Canada has designated four offshore wind energy areas off the coast of Nova Scotia, marking a step forward in developing the region’s offshore wind industry. The designated areas include French Bank, Middle Bank, Sable Island Bank, and Sydney Bight. The initiative aims to license 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030, enhancing Nova Scotia's potential as a clean energy exporter. The public's feedback influenced the designation of these areas, and a competitive licensing process for private companies will follow.

Nova Scotia is prioritizing wood construction and heating in public buildings to support the local forestry sector, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance energy security. The government will focus on using local wood products like mass timber and wood pellets, aiming to foster a circular economy and create jobs. This initiative aligns with the province's goals of a low-carbon future and economic self-reliance. Departments will prioritize wood products in new construction, renovations, and heating conversions for government-funded projects.

Elemental Energy has secured a $97 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank for the Wedgeport Wind project in Nova Scotia. This project involves constructing 12 Nordex 7-MW turbines and a 138-kV transmission line to generate 84 MW of power, providing clean energy to over 30,000 homes and creating up to 85 construction jobs. The project, a collaboration with Stevens Wind and Sipekne’katik First Nation, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support local economic development through Mi'kmaq community involvement. Operations are expected to begin in late 2026.

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is lending $97 million to support the Wedgeport Wind energy project in Argyle, Nova Scotia. This project involves the construction and installation of 12 wind turbines, providing 84 megawatts of renewable energy to power over 30,000 homes. The initiative will create up to 85 jobs during construction and more opportunities for operations and maintenance. The CIB aims to bridge financial gaps for clean energy projects in Nova Scotia, with the Wedgeport Wind project being a key part of their initiatives in the region.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is proposing a significant expansion of the province's offshore wind energy sector. This initiative is in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney's vision of transforming Canada into an "energy superpower." Houston is seeking federal funding from the Liberal government to support this ambitious project.