First responders and first receivers dedicate their lives to protecting, rescuing, and caring for others during moments of crisis and tragedy. They witness trauma most of us will never fully understand — and too often, they carry that weight in silence.

Loon Haven is a proposed wellness retreat in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, designed to offer a peaceful, nature-based space where first responders and first receivers can rest, decompress, and focus on their mental well-being in a private, non-clinical environment.

This project is rooted in:

Prevention

Quiet reflection

Privacy

Nature-based restoration

Respect for individual healing journeys

There will be no formal therapy or mandatory programming. Loon Haven is intended to be a sanctuary — a place to breathe, reset, and regain balance.

The project is currently undergoing municipal review and is expected to move into public consultation and public hearing stages. Community support plays a critical role in determining whether this vision becomes reality.

By signing this petition, you are telling decision-makers that:

✔️ Mental health resources for first responders must be expanded

✔️ Innovative, compassionate solutions should be supported

✔️ Our communities value proactive mental health infrastructure

✔️ Loon Haven deserves approval and a fair opportunity to proceed

You do not need to live locally to sign. Mental health knows no borders, and neither does the impact of this work.

Every signature helps send a clear message:

It’s time we take care of those who take care of us.

Please stand with us and support the creation of Loon Haven.

If you have a personal connection to emergency services or have been impacted by their work, we encourage you to share your story in the comments. Your voice matters!!