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backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Backlands Coalition
@backlandscoalition.bsky.social
78 followers 120 following 33 posts
A coalition of community groups working to protect the unique urban wilderness of the Purcell's Cove/Herring Cove/Williams Lake Backlands in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia. https://backlandscoalition.ca/ #KeepTheBacklandsWild
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backlandscoalition.bsky.social
🐦 Backlands Bird & Nature Team Gathering: All are welcome! Don't miss this opportunity to hear about some of the exciting Citizen Science work taking place in the #HalifaxBacklands.
📍 Chocolate Lake Community Centre
🗓 Wednesday, Dec. 3, 7-9 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm for socializing & snacks) #birds
A poster with a photo of a bird on the left, and two circles with text: - Smaller grey circle: Chocolate Lake Community Centre, Wed 03 Dec., 7-9 pm - Larger green circle: The Backlands Bird & Nature Team Gathering; learn about the 2025 Bird Survey, plus student research on amphibians in the Halifax Backlands; doors open at 6:30 pm for snacks & socializing!
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
🌳 Did you know North America's largest urban wilderness area is here in #Halifax? The Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area sets us apart from every other city.
🌐Experience its raw beauty in my interactive 360° virtual tour:
kuula.co/share/hz3ry/...
Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes 360° Virtual Tour
Virtual Tour | Trail Info: https://www.halifaxtrails.ca/kearney-lake-trail-system/ | Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area in Halifax, Nov...
kuula.co
November 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
On Saturday, hundreds of people from communities across Mi'kma'ki/NS came out for the Shoulder to Shoulder rally to call on the Houston government to respect Treaty Rights and democratic processes, and stop selling our province off to wealthy corporate interests.

cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6980923
Hundreds gather at Halifax rally to call for better environmental protection in Nova Scotia
The Shoulder to Shoulder Rally in Halifax Saturday was organized by Mi'kmaw leaders and non-Indigenous community groups who want Nova Scotia's provincial government to do more to protect the environme...
cbc.ca
November 18, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
Truly insane. It should be North America's largest urban wilderness park. Recommended for protection since the 70s, defended by enormous support from Haligonians multiple times, yet here we are again. This time with authoritarian cronyism entitling themselves to it. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Plans for Halifax-area development off Highway 102 corridor raise concerns | CBC News
A proposed development in the Halifax area off the Highway 102 corridor has some residents raising concerns about the size of the project and the cost to taxpayers.
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November 20, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
lmcampbell.bsky.social
Interested in @smuscience.bsky.social and @smuhalifax.bsky.social offerings in Halifax, but would like to learn more? There's an Open House Nov 22! Info & registration: www.smu.ca/openhouse/

SMU Environmental Science profs and students will be there to answer any questions! 🌳🔬
Open House
Experience campus life at Saint Mary’s University’s Open House! This exciting event is your chance to discover what makes SMU a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring place to study.
www.smu.ca
November 19, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
historysmu.bsky.social
Hold the date! Dr. Mark Kuhlberg of @laurentianu.bsky.social
will present at the SMU History Seminar on Friday, Nov 28 at 1:00 in McNally North 219. "Killing Bugs for Business and Beauty: Canada's Aerial War Against Forest Pests, 1913-1930." All are welcome!
October 28, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
terriclarke.bsky.social
Karen McKendry from @ecologyaction.bsky.social said “it is not clear why the province is prioritizing expensive suburban sprawl development like Sandy Lake, rather than projects like Strawberry Hill or the Young District on the peninsula, where there are already services.”
Halifax residents raise traffic, environmental concerns with Sandy Lake development | CBC News
Halifax residents brought many concerns to an open house on major development planned for the Sandy Lake area in Bedford, and questioned why no provincial decision-makers were there to hear feedback.
www.cbc.ca
November 13, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ncccnc.bsky.social
The word “Musquodoboit” derives from the Mi’kmaq language meaning "flowing out square," "rolling out in foam” or “suddenly widening out after a narrow entrance at its mouth.” Learn more about the Musquodoboit area: natureconservancy.ca/where-we-wor...
November 14, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
trevorjadams.bsky.social
Make no mistake: The widespread outpouring of fury forced this decision.
West Mabou Beach golf development proposal won't proceed, premier says | CBC News
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston told reporters Thursday the proposal 'won't get to the next step.'
www.cbc.ca
November 13, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
The future of Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes is on the line. Let's be clear, this isn't planning. It's political interference & corporate influence dressed up as "housing solutions".

HRM needs affordable, climate ready housing within serviced areas. Not this.
Nov 19
engagehalifax.ca/highway-102-...
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left corner, logos for Our HRM Alliance and Ecology Action Centre in the top right, and a photo of Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes (BMBCL) in a circle frame in the bottom right. Text is dark blue and reads, "Blue Mountain–Birch Cove Lakes is on the chopping block." Square graphic with an image of BMBCL in the top left. Text is dark blue and reads, "The Province has designated the “Highway 102 West Corridor” as a Special Planning Area. Clearing the way for a mega-development beside BMBCL, against the community’s vision. For over 10 years, residents, experts and the HRM have worked to protect and expand BMBCL. The Province is ignoring that public vision and overriding municipal planning authority." Square graphic with an image of sunset at BMBCL in an oval frame at the bottom. Text is dark blue and reads, "11,500 housing units = a population the size of Truro. All jammed into an area with no transit, no servicing and congested roads. This isn’t smart growth, it’s rushed sprawl." Square graphic with an image of bumper to bumper traffic in an oval frame at the bottom. Text is dark blue and reads, "This site sits outside the Urban Service Boundary. That means: Expensive new infrastructure funded by taxpayers. Car-dependency & gridlock. Less investment where density should be added. A development of this scale deserves due diligence. Not a fast-track for private interests."
November 13, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
Speak up for Sandy Lake & democracy. Today, 2pm & 6:30pm at Bedford United Church.
November 12, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
blufftrail.bsky.social
wrweo.ca/wp/2025/11/1...
A BIG moment to speak up for Sandy Lake
What’s up now? As you know, the Province selected lands at Sandy Lake as a Special Planning Area in 2022. This means that the Province has the final say about development next to the lake, instead …
wrweo.ca
November 11, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
This is not a drill: Sandy Lake's future may be decided in the coming days.

If we want a say in the future of our communities, we need to show up.

HRM Open House re: Sandy Lake is TONIGHT: engagehalifax.ca/sandy-lake-s...

This is our chance to defend our right to shape the communities we live in.
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left, logos for Our HRM Alliance and the Ecology Action Centre in the top right corner, and an image of Sandy Lake in a circular frame in the bottom right. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "This may be the last chance to save sandy lake. We need to fill the room." Square graphic with an image of people canoeing on Sandy Lake at the bottom. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "What's happening: The Province has taken control of planning at Sandy Lake - cutting out the HRM Council and sidelining public oversight. If we don’t show up now, this rushed plan could move ahead without proper studies or community consent." Square graphic with green and blue text. Text reads, "What's at stake: This development could mean: Increased flood risk for nearby neighborhoods. Severe traffic congestion on already congested roads. $130M+ in public costs for private development. A car-dependent subdivision outside the Urban Service Boundary. A dangerous precedent for bypassing local democracy." Square graphic with blue text. Text reads, "What we're asking: Pause provincial-driven expansion. Complete environmental & climate studies first. Put democratic municipal planning back where it belongs - with the community. Build homes while protecting nature and people. Good planning isn’t a delay, it’s prevention."
November 12, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
Join the EAC and Our HRM Alliance for a free information webinar to help understand the threat these developments pose.

You’ll hear from people actively working to protect these areas and gain insights you can use to provide feedback at the HRM open houses.

TONIGHT ecologyaction.ca/sandy-lake-b...
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left corner and logos for the EAC and Our HRM Alliance in the top right. Text reads, "Join the EAC & Our HRM Alliance for a free information webinar TONIGHT to help you and your neighbors understand the threat these developments pose. This could be one of our last chances to save Sandy Lake & the Bmbcl" A square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "Take action. Want to learn more about what’s at stake? Join the EAC and Our HRM Alliance TONIGHT, November 10 for an in-depth breakdown of these projects, their risks and how we can push for a better path forward. Registration link in caption. November 10: 7 - 8 p.m." A square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "Take action. The Province is holding open houses: Sandy Lake: Wednesday, November 12 Bedford United Church Sessions at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lake Wednesday, November 19 St. Peter’s Anglican Church Sessions at 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Go. Ask questions. Demand real answers."
November 10, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
🎶 We're here for a good time, not a long time, so have a good time, the sun can't shine every day 🎶
📍Short hikes, strolls & nature respites: www.halifaxtrails.ca/category/sho...
Short Hikes Near Halifax, Nova Scotia - Maps, Guides & 360° Tours
Maps, Guides, Photos, Videos & Interactive 360° Virtual Tours. Short Hikes & Outdoor Activities Near Halifax, Nova Scotia.
www.halifaxtrails.ca
November 8, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
lmcampbell.bsky.social
Late afternoon at Williams Lake, Spryfield, Halifax. 🌅💙💛🧡🤎 🖤
A lake scene at near sunset with a pine tree silhouetted over the lake.
November 10, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
Absurd that we keep having to fight this fight. #NovaScotia voters were challenged to "settle this issue at the ballot box" the last time our government tried to secretly give a provincial park to an American billionaire, so we settled it. Enough is enough. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Tourism industry says parks and protected areas should be off limits for development | CBC News
The head of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia says it is “almost incomprehensible” that the provincial government would entertain a proposal for a golf course within the boundaries of a ...
share.google
November 5, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
Thank you to all who participated in our Hike the Greenbelt series this year!

There isn’t much better than enjoying nature with such wonderful company. 🌱

📸 from our recent hike to Fox Lake Lookout, provided by Sheetal Sawaram

ecologyaction.ca/about-us/con...
November 3, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
🚨 What’s happening with the Regional Plan is not simply “development”. It’s a stab at our democracy, and we’re running out of time to stop it.

️🏠 Public Open Houses:
Nov. 12 Sandy Lake
Nov. 19 BMBCL

Webinars: ecologyaction.ca/sandy-lake-bmbcl-public-consultation

@sandylakecoalition.bsky.social
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left corner, logos for Our HRM Alliance and Ecology Action Centre in the top right, and an image of Sandy lake in a circle frame in the bottom right corner. Text in the center reads, “Proposed development in Sandy Lake & BMBCL: what's at stake?" Square graphic with an image of Sandy Lake in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "The Province is fast-tracking massive developments and skipping key democratic and environmental steps along the way. Municipal planning should be local. But this time? The Province is directing HRM to expand suburbs without letting the municipality lead the process or residents meaningfully participate. This isn’t collaborative governance. This is provincial overreach." Square graphic with an image of a flooded road in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "When development decisions skip public input and scientific review, communities shoulder the risks - not decision makers. Once land is developed, we don’t get it back. Planned growth areas include wetlands, forests and natural buffers that protect homes from flooding and extreme weather. Pushing ahead without climate and watershed studies could put people and ecosystems in harm’s way. We deserve planning grounded in science, not shortcuts." Square graphic with an image of bumper to bumper traffic at the bottom. Text reads, "More sprawl means more cars and congestion, not less. New highways won’t fix it. They invite more traffic, more emissions and more public cost. Smart planning means walkable communities, reliable transit and homes close to services. Not endless commuting."
November 4, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
📢 Shoulder to Shoulder: We Are All Treaty People Rally - Saturday, Nov. 15

From all corners of the province, unrest is growing, and a movement is forming ✊

Rally details:
When: Saturday, Nov 15 at 12 p.m.
Where: Halifax Commons, corner of Robie and Cogswell Street

We hope you'll join us 💚
A square graphic with a dark blue background, a megaphone in the left bottom and an image of Mi'kmaw infrastructure in a circle frame in the right bottom. Text is white and yellow and reads, "Shoulder to shoulder, we are all treaty people. Rally: Saturday, Nov. 15. Halifax Commons. Corner of Robie & Cogswell. Kjipuktuk/Halifax - 12:00 p.m." A square graphic with a dark blue background, a megaphone in the left top and an image of tree cover in a circle frame in the right bottom. Text is white and yellow and reads, "Join communities from across Mi'kma'ki to stand up against the destruction of our lands and waters. We stand together in solidarity with land defenders and water protectors at Tqamuoweye'katik / Hunter's Mountain, and all resistance movements in Nova Scotia." A square graphic with a dark blue background, an image of Mi'kmaw art in the left top. Text is white and yellow and reads, ""Nature has rights - humans have responsibilities." Dr. / Elder Albert Marshall. "If you live, work, play or pray in Nova Scotia, we want you there. We want to hear your voices." Mi'kmaw land defenders Michelle Paul and Glenda Junta" A square graphic with a dark blue background, an image of Mi'kmaw art in the bottom right. Text is white and yellow and reads, "Shoulder to Shoulder: we are all treaty people. Halifax Commons - Kjipuktuk. Saturday, Nov. 15 - 12:00 p.m. Meet at the corner of Robie and Cogswell. Bring your community banners, signs, flags and regalia. Bring your drums, songs and prayers. Together, let's tell Tim Houston to stop selling our futures, and demand that he respect the Treaties, our democratic rights and our community voices."
November 6, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
nsnaturetrust.bsky.social
Happy #BatWeek! Did you know bats have "silent screams?" Their high-pitched echolocation ​calls are outside the range of human hearing, but if we could hear them, they'd actually be quite loud!
October 31, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ncccnc.bsky.social
On Halloween, bats may take the spotlight — but these not-so-spooky mammals are haunted by misconceptions! 🦇 Learn more:  natureconservancy.ca/not-so-spook...

This research is funded by the Nature Conservancy of Canada with the generous support of the Weston Family Foundation.
October 31, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ncccnc.bsky.social
How do birds survive our winters? What species stick around? Find out at #NatureTalks: Feathers in the Frost. Live on Zoom, and completely free. natureconservancy.ca/events/feath...
November 3, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
🚨 Minister Lohr has declared all of HRM an "Interim Planning Area" - once again overriding municipal authority and overreaching into our urban planning. 🚨⁠

Read the full article: halifaxexaminer.ca/
⁠
#NSPoli #HalifaxExaminer #HalifaxRegionalPlan
A screen capture of a Halifax Examiner's article titled "Houston government's new interim planning area for Halifax just copied from rejected regional plan". A screen capture of a Halifax Examiner's article titled "Houston government's new interim planning area for Halifax just copied from rejected regional plan". A screen capture of a Halifax Examiner's article titled "Houston government's new interim planning area for Halifax just copied from rejected regional plan". A screen capture of a Halifax Examiner's article titled "Houston government's new interim planning area for Halifax just copied from rejected regional plan".
October 27, 2025 at 12:14 PM