The Municipality of Argyle in Nova Scotia is embroiled in a controversy over alleged conflicts of interest and unethical practices in aquaculture expansion planning. Residents have uncovered evidence suggesting local oyster farmers and municipal staff manipulated aquaculture development area (ADA) locations to their advantage, bypassing transparent public consultation processes.
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests have revealed potential bid rigging in site selections, with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA) basing its application and approval process on these potentially compromised local recommendations. Residents argue that these actions undermine the integrity of local governance and threaten community interests.
During a March 20, 2025 council session, frustrated constituents demanded an investigation into multiple conflicts of interest. However, the council refused to allow residents to present their concerns before tabling a motion. Instead, they introduced a supportive letter from Minister Kent Smith and invited DFA representative Bruce Hancock to provide rebuttals without debate.
A significant point of contention arose when a point of order was introduced requesting Warden Albright recuse herself due to family connections with a local applicant suspected of manipulating the process. Warden Albright refused, declaring no conflict of interest.
In response to mounting public pressure, the municipality has adopted seemingly obstructive tactics. They have implemented arbitrary and high fees to discourage FOI requests and utilized recently passed legislation allowing them to declare certain requests as trivial or vexatious.
Local residents have been vocal about their concerns. Lorelei Murphy, a former Liberal Candidate for MLA Argyle, expressed alarm at councilors’ apparent disregard for constituent representation. Resident Chris Thibedeau stated that email evidence demonstrates direct conflicts that require investigation, while Corey Clamp criticized the council’s unresponsiveness and lack of transparency.
The Association for Responsible Aquaculture (ARA), a community stakeholder group of over 300 residents, emphasizes that their opposition is not anti-aquaculture but seeks fairness and balanced development that considers both industry needs and public interests.
As tensions escalate, the municipality faces increasing pressure to address these allegations, conduct a transparent investigation, and restore public trust in its governance processes.
This news story relied on a press release distributed by Newsworthy.ai. Blockchain Registration, Verification & Enhancement provided by NewsRamp™. The source URL for this press release is Nova Scotia Municipality Accused of Aquaculture Expansion Misconduct.