Counsellor Amanda McDougall is not recommending that cows be kept in Ashby. (When local cows were asked about this exclusion they apparently mooed in support of Councillor McDougall.) 

But she is recommending that Council not create a policy that would outlaw all farming in the cities of CBRM; stating that some kinds of urban farming should be allowed within city limits, which Is a sensible position to take. Maybe some city dwellers with a passion for growing bright orange carrots, purple eggplants, and juicy tomatoes could plant an urban garden that could supply our food banks with locally grown produce?

Grow Calgary, Canada’s largest urban farm, is operated completely by 20,000 volunteers and the organic food they grow is given to those in need. https://www.growcalgary.ca/about-us/

So a shoutout to Councillor McDougall for thinking green. 

And a thank you for moving that CBRM establish an environmental committee. Praise be. 

I have been extremely frustrated by CBRM Council’s odd belief that they cannot consider our environment when making planning decisions because it is the job of other levels of government. 

Nine years ago the CBRM Council, in exchange for getting federal gas tax money, commissioned an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP): All municipalities in Nova Scotia did so. 

The ICSP - you can read It here - emphasizes that the Bras d’Or Lake must be protected and states that the CBRM is supportive of this protection. However, when faced with a proposed development that would put about 600 RVs on one of its most vulnerable coastlines, the CBRM Council stated that they had no jurisdiction to consider the environment in making a decision. 

Let’s hold our Council responsible for the decisions they make without considering potential environmental harm. I believe a review of the CBRM Municipal Planning Strategy is underway? If so, let’s ask our Council to develop policies that protect our environment. 

You’ve got the power, CBRM Council. And Councillor McDougall’s idea for environmental committee is wildly welcome.