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Nova Scotia Board Orders West Hants to Approve Bear Lake Wind Farm
The Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board ruled that West Hants Regional Municipality must enter a development agreement for the 11-turbine project. The decision overturned a one-vote council rejection from last fall.
May 26, 3:29 PM·1m read1 source
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The Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board ordered West Hants Regional Municipality to enter into a development agreement for the Bear Lake wind project. In a decision released Tuesday, the board found that council’s refusal was not supported by evidence and conflicted with the municipality’s planning strategy. The project is planned for 11 turbines with up to 90 megawatts of capacity.
The Bear Lake proposal first reached municipal council in 2024. Councillors postponed debate and requested additional information before rejecting the application by a one-vote margin last fall. Council cited concerns over fire suppression, forest industrialization, and effects on residential development. The proponents appealed, leading to a public hearing earlier this year.
The wind farm is a partnership between EverWind and Wind Strength, a Membertou First Nation-owned company. Seven turbines would be located in West Hants, three in Halifax Regional Municipality, and one in the Municipality of the District of Chester. EverWind has already secured a development agreement with Chester and a development permit with Halifax Regional Municipality.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with the West Hants Regional Municipality and local communities. ”
West Hants has not responded to a request for comment. 5-kilometre setbacks from private properties, but the provincial government rejected that measure.
