Shunpiking Online Vo.3 No.2 The whole concept defies logic and science By JIM FRYDAY

I DISAGREE strongly with the planning reports recommendation and justification for a marina/breakwater in Ingramport. The requirements of the Planning Act state:

“(a) that the site exhibits characteristics which make the location particularly suitable for the proposed use".

The site is unsuitable for a marina. The site is particularly unsuitable for a marina combined with a breakwater. The proposed marina and breakwater are located in a estuarine environment of the Ingram River which is designated by Department of Natural Resources as a "Significant Specie and Habitat Area". Marina development including breakwaters in estuarine environments, is a serious concern worldwide. HRM; DNR; and the Federal Government are concerned. Information regarding this subject has been provided to you by way of advance documents.

I refer to Document # 1-H.R.M. Draft-Chapter 2 pg.18-April26/05:

“Through public consultation, HRM residents have indicated that preservation and conservation of the natural environment, which is under constant pressure from the impacts of development, is a key priority for preservation of their quality of life". Furthermore, "HRM’s natural environment supports numerous natural features such as lakes, rivers, estuaries, and forest systems that are worth preserving".

My comments regarding this document are: HRM residents in general, are concerned about estuaries and Ingramport / Boutliers Point residents do not want a marina or breakwater in Ingramport. This is supported by the results of a community survey.

Document 2 -- Transport Canada-Protecting The Marine Environment -- A boaters Guide ª15 pages). From pages 10-11. "Estuaries and Wetlands" states:

“Any type of shoreline is affected by the presence of boats and people, but estuaries and wetlands are particularly sensitive to disturbance. Even the smallest estuary or wetland has significant ecological importance".

1 Do not disturb wildlife in estuaries or wetlands

2 Avoid walking on vegetation in mud flats and estuaries

3 Do not discharge any sewage, grey water, or bilge near estuaries and wetlands".

My comment to this document: Ingram River and the estuary where this marina/breakwater are proposed is the largest, most significant, feeder eco-system in St Margarets Bay. It is appalling that we are considering putting a marina / breakwater in this environment. It would be atrocious to allow this part of the development proposal. My comments will be supported by the "Community Environmental Critique" and other speakers.

Document 3- DNR policy on Wharf and other work on coastal property. Page 3 of 4, states:

“Solid breakwaters can have a significant impact on the coastal environment".

My comment to this document: A breakwater in Ingramport flies in the face of DNR policy.

Document 4-DNR Policy Sept 2004-Significant Specie and Habitat Pages 1-3 states:

“Landowners, resource companies, developers, utility companies and governments at all levels have an interest in the location of significant habitats so they can plan their activities accordingly".

My comment to this: The Ingram River estuary is a crucial part of the eco system of this river and no marina nor permanent man made structure such as a breakwater should be even considered, let alone allowed in this area.

The DNR document outlines habitats of concern which define areas of significant habitat including endangered and species of conservation. DNR uses examples of common loons, rivers with runs of Gaspereaux and salmon, nest sites of eagles and osprey, and sites of high biodiversity.

Points of major concern:

1 The DFO report does not even include Gaspereaux as fish, that may be present in the Bay or use the estuary. This is a serious omission! .

2 The environmental report by Jacque Whitford indicates there are no gaspereaux in Ingram river. This is not correct!

3 Common loons are not mentioned in Whitford report, yet are a concern by DNR. They frequent Ingram river estuary daily! Osprey nest on Wood Island at mouth of the estuary and use this for survival. Bald eagles nest at Head of St Margarets Bay and use Ingram River estuary for survival. Both are protected by law.

4 Sea trout run Ingram river and need the estuary for their life cycle.

5 Salmon are noted in the Jacques Whitford report as present in Ingram River yet DFO does not consider the few remaining salmon as important! The Jacques Whitford report itself refers to the area as being of high bio-diversity!

In conclusion, our local fishermen need the output of the river and the estuary for their survival. This is not to be taken lightly! Concentrations of boats disturb wildlife and destroy fishing gear! The yellow net hearts passed out are in support of local fisherman. The recommendations of the EDM report prepared for Planning in April 2005, support coastal villages and their cultural and heritage value. People in this community respect that! St. Margarets Bay Stewardship Association supports the local residents in their opposition of a marina and breakwater!

When I went to school 1+1 = 2. Putting a marina in the estuary of Ingram River is like saying 1+1=3. Planning department justifying the suitability of a marina by including a breakwater is like saying 1+1=4. The whole concept defies logic and science.

Thank You.