The Record Ep. 65

Civic journalist Jake Boudrot spoke with Richmond Warden Lois Landry at the Municipality of the County of Richmond’s Administrative Offices in Arichat on August 19. Recently, the municipality appealed to residents to reduce water usage due to extremely low precipitation in recent weeks and no significant rainfall expected in the near future. Customers of the Richmond Water Utility are being asked to follow voluntary conservation measures until further notice. Recommended actions include reducing non-essential water use, such as lawn watering, car washing, and filling pools; cutting back on the frequency and length of showers; turning off taps when not in use; and washing only full loads of laundry and dishes.

The provincial government has also restricted travel and activities in wooded areas, citing heightened wildfire risk due to continued hot, dry conditions. Hiking, camping, fishing, and vehicle use in the woods are prohibited, and trail systems are off-limits, though camping is allowed in designated campgrounds. On August 6, the province additionally banned all fireworks and pyrotechnic displays. While restrictions are in place, residents can still access beaches and parks, though trail systems remain closed.

Following an appeal to the public for information, the RCMP identified a man found deceased in Aulds Cove. On August 14 at approximately 8:55 p.m., Antigonish County District RCMP responded to multiple calls reporting a man walking along the travel portion of Highway 104 in Aulds Cove, impeding traffic. When officers arrived, the man fled and jumped off a steep embankment into the ocean, disappearing from sight. Officers contacted fire services and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre for assistance. Around 11 p.m., the man’s remains were recovered about 200 feet offshore with the help of firefighters. The RCMP confirmed identification after database checks and appealed to the public for help. They thanked residents for their assistance and noted the investigation is ongoing with the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner's Service. “Our thoughts are with the man’s loved ones during this difficult time,” the RCMP added.

The Manager of Energy Sector Development for the Municipality of the County of Richmond and the Town of Port Hawkesbury, Martin Thomsen, discussed provincial funding for green hydrogen projects under the second round of the Clean Fuels Fund. In total, seven projects received $3 million, with the Municipality of the County of Richmond awarded $221,250 to develop a clean fuels strategy for the Strait of Canso. According to the Department of Energy, the strategy aims to harness the region’s green hydrogen potential for local heavy industry. Richmond Warden Lois Landry said the funding will enable the municipality and partners to create a roadmap to decarbonize key areas of the local economy and attract new industries through locally produced clean fuels. Other projects explore hydrogen’s potential to decarbonize transportation and the use of biomass for heating.

Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau highlighted Nova Scotia’s commitment to developing and using low-carbon, renewable fuels to power industries and businesses, emphasizing the Clean Fuels Fund’s role in supporting innovators and growing the green economy. EverWind Fuels released an independent greenhouse gas assessment showing that the Point Tupper Green Fuels Project could reduce global emissions by roughly 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually by replacing conventional ammonia with green ammonia. Over the project’s 30-year lifespan, this represents 15 million tonnes of avoided emissions. The assessment also found that producing green ammonia could cut emissions by 98 per cent compared to conventional fossil-fuel-based ammonia and add renewable energy to the provincial grid.

The Point Tupper Green Fuels Project, expected to begin construction in 2026, will produce 240,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually using new wind and solar generation capacity. Green ammonia is created from green hydrogen, which uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, and then combines with nitrogen from the air, eliminating fossil fuels used in conventional production. EverWind highlighted its role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries such as steel, fertilizers, mining, chemicals, and manufacturing, while creating skilled jobs, attracting investment in rural communities, supporting clean technology development, and increasing domestic energy security. Trent Vichie, EverWind CEO, said the project demonstrates Nova Scotia leadership in delivering measurable global climate impact, partnering with Mi’kmaq First Nations, and supporting the country’s clean energy transition.

Interim Nova Scotia Liberal leader and Sydney-Membertou MLA Derek Mombourquette discussed his summer tour of the province and criticized the Houston government for relying too heavily on a single offshore wind project, urging investment in a broader energy strategy that includes two-way transmission with the Atlantic region, competitive procurement for battery storage, and increased support for solar and other clean technologies. He also highlighted ongoing concerns with healthcare access, the handling of a cybersecurity breach at Nova Scotia Power, housing challenges, and government transparency and accountability. While acknowledging the recent travel and fire bans due to hot, dry weather and wildfire risk, Mombourquette expressed support for the measures. With the fall session of the Nova Scotia Legislature still months away, he noted his party continues to focus on these and other pressing issues facing the province.