The Avon Peninsula Watershed Preservation Society (APWPS) has been formed to be a voice for the Commons Watershed and for residents living in the Avondale, Belmont, Poplar Grove and Mantua communities which make up the Avon Peninsula.

Our group is made up of both residents and non-residents who are concerned about the proposed expansion of the Fundy Gypsum mine across the Ferry Road.

Currently we have over 200 members hailing from within - but not limited to - the communities of Avondale, Belmont, Poplar Grove and Mantua. Other members are from other parts of Hants County and we welcome members from across Nova Scotia.

Our Mission:

• To protect the ecological integrity of the Avon Peninsula and the Commons Watershed.

• To preserve and enhance the rural and agricultural quality of life on the Avon Peninsula.

• To promote local sustainable community development on the Avon Peninsula.

• To work with other communities and organizations to promote watershed protection and local sustainable development in the region.
  

Our Goals:

• To establish responsible environmental oversight of gypsum mining east of the Ferry Road.

• To achieve a permanent moratorium on gypsum mining west of the Ferry Road.

• To work with community residents to develop and implement a sustainable land use plan for the Commons Watershed.

• To repatriate the gypsum rights and Commons lands claimed or acquired by Fundy Gypsum, a division of United States Gypsum.

Our Objectives:

• Develop the organizational capacity to achieve these goals.

• Broaden and solidify community support and participation through outreach and education.

• Help facilitate the development of a community based environmental assessment of the impacts of mining on the peninsula.

• Ensure government ministers carry out their responsibility under the Environment Act to protect the Commons Watershed.

• Ensure West Hants Municipality exercises its planning and development authority responsibly to protect the Commons Watershed.

Time is of the essence in gathering public support for protection of our watershed, our communities and our residents - our area's greatest natural resource. We would like to invite community members to join us, as we move toward a more sustainable vision of our shared future.


To find out more about how you can help, or to become a member of the Avon Peninsula Watershed Preservation Society, please or contact a committee chair or board member.