St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association

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Photos from 2010 Village Forum

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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

New Development Rules Coming to Upper Tantallon

August/2010: Halifax Regional Council approved a motion instructing city staff to amend the Municipal Planning Strategy for Upper Tantallon at the Crossroads. The amendment will result in new zoning and by-laws governing the Village as a special development zone. The proposed new plan for the area, to be vetted by further public input, is the result of HRM Council adopting the report resulting from the April/10 Village Forum ”Vision to Reality” authored by St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship, Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Associations. To read the report link to “Vision to Reality”

Troop Island Campaign

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

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

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 group 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 at 229-2968 or 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