As we navigated across Chedabucto Bay, we finally reached the ‘mainland’ of Nova Scotia and pulled into the bustling fishing wharf of Canso. As we explored the intricacies of this fishing port and meandered through the charming streets, we couldn’t help but notice an intriguing sight – posters plastered in the windows of many houses declaring, ‘We say NO to the Canso spaceport!’
Our curiosity piqued, we sought to unravel the story behind this fervent movement. It wasn’t long before we had the opportunity to chat with Jim Geddes, a passionate activist leading the charge against the Canadian-Ukrainian spaceport project. We listened as he articulated their perspective, and it became apparent that more than 400 local residents had joined forces to voice their dissent against having a spaceport right in their backyard.
The crux of their concerns? The proposed spaceport sat a mere 3 km from their homes and a scant 3.2 km from the local hospital and nursing home. Not to mention, it was nestled just 4 km from the Barrens Protected Wilderness Area, a haven for wildlife, and a crucial migratory bird stopover. The potential risks of rocket launches, especially ones with questionable reliability, weighed heavily on their minds. The prospect of rocket fragments raining down from the sky was enough to give anyone pause.
For us, as Canadian-Ukrainians, it was vital to empathize with their anxieties about the future of life in Canso. We imagined the unsettling scenario of rockets with uncertain fates launching just a stone’s throw from their homes and vital social structures. In solidarity with the residents of Canso, we wholeheartedly support their quest for a peaceful and secure future.
Amidst this thought-provoking encounter, we also stumbled upon a local hero, Nelson, the skilled mechanic who took on the Herculean task of troubleshooting and repairing the persistent fuel leak in our engine. It was a problem that had been gnawing at our nerves, but with Nelson’s expertise, we held out hope for a smoother journey ahead.
Terrific article and pictures,totally agree with their assessment of rockets in our town
Thank you, Emily! Good luck with your fight for a clear sky, abundant wildlife and peaceful life in your town. Take care!