'Very disheartening,' says resident whose property could be explored for uranium

Some Nova Scotians whose properties have been selected for possible uranium exploration say they're stunned to learn their land could be part of the province's push for more natural resource development.

"I'll be honest, this is quite shocking," said Ward Blatch, who owns a property in Hants County that could be opened to exploration. "The province, without even speaking to me, has made the decision to proceed.… I have no recourse. Do I? I don't know."

Earlier this month, the provincial government issued a request for proposals for companies interested in exploring for uranium in three designated areas it says are known to have higher levels of uranium. Those include areas near East Dalhousie in Annapolis County, Louisville in Pictou County and Lower Vaughan in Hants County.

Blatch says he has not received any notification about the potential for exploration on his land. He thinks property owners should have been consulted first.

He has owned his property, which surrounds a lake, for about 20 years and always planned to build a cottage on it.

However, between a windmill farm being built directly behind his land, plus now the prospect of uranium exploration, he has put his plans on hold.

"It's very frustrating to spend hard-earned money to buy a piece of property with plans to enjoy in peace and quiet," he said. "This is very disheartening."

After the last provincial election, Premier Tim Houston said his government would focus on natural resource development with an eye to shoring up the province's economy in the face of U.S. tariffs and slowing population growth.

Uranium exploration and mining have been under a moratorium since 1981 and a full ban since 2009. That ban was lifted in March.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Natural Resources Department said the province is preparing to send letters to landowners and municipalities providing information about the request for proposals and landowner rights. In the event of a Canada Post strike, it would look at other options for notifying landowners.

In Nova Scotia, land ownership does not include rights to the minerals beneath the surface. Those are owned by the Crown.

Companies that have an exploration licence must seek permission from a landowner before exploring. However, the provincial government has previously used a legal provision to allow for exploration on private land without permission from the landowner.

Property owners and companies can negotiate an agreement that spells out compensation requirements or other conditions, but the province is not involved in that process, the departmental statement said.

Some types of exploration — such as examining rocks and soil and collecting hand samples — require a licence but no additional provincial permit. Exploration that disturbs the land, such as drilling, requires both a licence and a permit.