St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association

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Photos from 2010 Village Forum

Stewardship Program

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Tide Table - Boutiliers Point

Welcome

The St.Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association (SMBSA) was formed by residents who feel we live in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. We share a vision that (a) celebrates, protects and enhances our quality of life; (b) reflects community values; and (c) respects the natural environment .

As a charitable non-profit organization, the Association’s volunteer board and membership responds to challenges presented by change and population growth as well as encourages partnerships and programs to build a vibrant community. Recent projects include the public purchase of Micou’s Island, revisions to local by-laws, asset mapping of St. Margaret's Bay, and hosting a number of public community forums focused on managing change as well as a variety of social community events.

Current Issues

Troop Island Campaign

SMBSA has started a campaign to protect Troop Island. Read more at Troop Island

Tantallon Crossroads Mall Development

Talks are underway with Canadian Tire, Atlantic Superstore(Loblaws), Irvings, and WM Fares Group to improve parking lot landscaping, establish walking and bike trails, meet LEED standards in lighting, and secure run off control to the East River. Worth looking into. link to more details

New Development Rules

HRM is introducing interim Development Agreements for St. Margaret's Bay until a longer term strategy for the area is developed. Community input is critical to create a vision for the Bay. link to more details

Sewage

Many septic systems on the Bay are in poor condition - a situation made worse by increasing population density, in-fill, and increasing development.

Coastal Planning

Most of the Bay is zoned “Mixed Use” and is governed by antiquated rules and systems established long ago when the area was still rural. To enable healthy growth, we need a new coordinated, integrated plan.

Announcements

Sunset Islands Tour

St. Margaret’s Bay Sunset Islands Tour

Thursday, August 12, 2010 (Rain Date, TBD)

Join the St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association and Four Winds Charters for our third annual Sunset Islands Tour fundraising event. You will enjoy a relaxing mid-summer evening boat cruise as we view and learn about the islands of St. Margaret’s Bay. We’ll sip on wine while we share island stories and information until we watch the sun go down. Departure will be from from Shining Waters Marina at 6:00pm and we will return to dock at 9:00pm. Tickets are $50 each (taxes included) and includes a three hour guided islands boat tour, wine (and other non-alcoholic refreshments), snacks and a chance to win a dockside prize. Proceeds will go to the SMBSA. Space is limited so please call Karen at 826-1085 or email smbislands@gmail.com to reserve your seat today.

Micou's Island Stewards

Micou's Island belongs to us all and we invite those interested to take an
active role in keeping it healthy and safe while having fun at the same
time!
The SMBSA is looking for more Island Stewards to fill out our current Island
Steward ranks of 12. A few free dates are still available between now and October 15th for people to stay in the wonderful heritage house on the island - FREE!
All you have to do is keep an eye on the island. Contact Alex Day 229
2968 or alexday@chebucto.ns.ca <mailto:alexday@chebucto.ns.ca> for
more information.

Annual Strategy Retreat

On 14 November 2009, some 23 people – board members, friends and organizational allies – spent the better part of the day envisioning what else the Association could be.

This was not pie-in-the-sky dreaming. We reviewed the stories of success to date, and identified the many qualities and strengths that were the foundation for those successes. From those qualities and strengths, we extrapolated on what other possibilities suggested themselves.

To read the full document click here.

Chebucto Wilderness Coalition

Dear Friends of St. Margaret's Bay,

As most of you know, the SMBSA is a leading member of a coalition of
over 35 community groups seeking the protection of the 9,800 hectares
of public land in the heart of the Route 333 loop. With Tantallon at
one corner, and the Armdale Rotary at the other, and with Peggy's Cove
and the Dovers on the seaward side. we've been calling this fabulous,
wild resource the Chebucto Wilderness or the Five Bridge Lakes
Wilderness Area. The Steering Committee of this coalition, the
Chebucto Wilderness Coalition, has just issued a report on their
progress. Please read it with care, share it with friends, and give
us your feedback.

Geoff Le Boutillier or Alexi Baccardax
community@heartofthebay.ca
823-1404