We are pro-solar power, but anti-expropriation and anti-deforestation. 

Expropriation is a last resort and not a tool to boost a public utility’s profitability or encourage land development. 

The Town of Mahone Bay is threatening to expropriate land from its residents to build power lines and a road to service its solar garden. Town Council says it will expropriate to reduce costs and make their solar garden more profitable.

There are other options (e.g. Main Street) that don't involve expropriation and the unnecessary clearcutting of ~2.75 acres of substantial trees. Or the landowners’ proposal to sell land, just 300 meters away, where it does not split their land in two.

Town Council has rejected both alternatives, but has discussed how developing the landowners’ property has been a “long standing dream” and that placing the road and transmission lines on private land will be “phase one of a decade long journey” to develop the land. The landowners do not want to develop this land and have not asked for any assistance.

The Mahone Bay Town Council continues to demonstrate a cavalier approach to the rights of its residents.

More details, CBC interviews with the residents and the Mayor, and transcripts of the Councilors' discussions on land development can be found at: www.solar-sham.ca

The solar garden will still happen without expropriation.

To the Members of the Mahone Bay Town Council:

Do not expropriate private land for Mahone Bay's solar garden service corridor, transmission lines, and service road.