Oxford Mayor Greg Henley asks for Council’s backing on the matter of fracking in Nova Scotia.
Fracking — the process of extracting subterranean natural gas deposits by way of hydraulic fracturing (high-pressure injection of liquids into shale rock) — is back on the table in Nova Scotia. Premier Tim Houston’s government introduced Bill 6, which would lift the ban on uranium exploration and mining, and potentially allow for fracking operations.
Houston has pushed for more natural resources development in the face of economic threats from the United States, which will have as-yet uncertain, but likely very serious, repercussions for the Nova Scotia economy.
Mayor Henley came to a special meeting of Oxford Town Council to ask for support, as he intends to send a letter to the provincial government, opposing fracking in particular as a potential threat to the town’s water sources. The Town of Oxford has worked toward meeting provincial Environment Department requirements to protect its water source, including through the purchase of crown land where the town wells are located around McElmon Brook in East Leicester.
Following a short discussion, councillors unanimously backed Mayor Henley’s motion to send a letter stating Council’s position.
Other Council Business
The Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting, which preceded the Special Meeting, was filled as usual with reports from the various departments and staff at Town Hall.
Public Works continues to have a full slate of tasks to attend, and with Spring arriving that is especially true of potholes. Public Works Supervisor Nick Purdy asks the public to help identify problem spots using the Complaint form on the Town’s website, or by dropping into Town Hall in person and letting staff know. Remember to note the civic address to help public works locate the pothole in question. It’s not just potholes, of course — the public should use that form to report anything that requires attention, including blocked storm drains, unsightly premises, and other matters.
The Oxford Volunteer Fire Department knows no rest. February saw 13 emergency calls registered, with:
- 2 Motor Vehicle Collisions
- 8 Medical Calls
- 1 Fire Alarm
- 1 Possible Structure Fire
- 1 Call to assist with CO2
Four of the calls were in town, eight were in the OVFD’s coverage area within Cumberland County, and one call was to support a neighbouring fire department.
Fire Chief Bruce Rushton informed council that firefighter training continues, including a Haz-mat training session. He notes that the department is also working to qualify more firefighters as Class-3 drivers for the fire trucks.
Rushton informed council of an ongoing process to purchase upwards of $40-thousand in new equipment to outfit the $1.1-million fire truck purchased by the Town in October. He highlighted the importance of the FireFighters 50/50 weekly raffle draw and thanked everyone who supports that fundraiser.
Chief Rushton shared statistics with Council on the fire departments’ call history recently: In 2024, the OVFD responded to 146 calls; in 2023 that number was 165; in 2022 there were 99 calls. Some 22% of calls over the past two years were for vehicle mishaps on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Rushton shared his comments from the Fire Department’s banquet in December, in which he praised the professionalism and capabilities of his team: “…these volunteers respond… along with the other agencies, be it RCMP, Paramedics, DNNR, Transportation, towing companies, etc… firefighters are the only ones NOT being paid to be there, and most times, we are the last to leave a scene….Thank You for your dedication, your commitment, and your resilience and your ongoing support.”
Who’s Your MPAL?
At the end of February, the Town of Oxford filled the empty Municipal Physical Activity Leader position. Marion Abbott, a relative newcomer to the community, was chosen to come up with programming to help Oxford residents be more active.
Abbott made her first presentation to Oxford Town Council this week, and already has a slew of activities underway! For kids, there’s a “Shamrock Challenge” ongoing until March 21st.
On Saint Paddy’s Day, Town Hall is open for a (tiny) party from 9:00am to 4:00pm with treats and Irish sayings. Drop by the town office in person!
Coming up during the last week in March, Oxford Recreation is holding an “Oxford Moves in March Selfie Contest” for adults, asking folks to take a cellphone selfie, and post it to their social media (Facebook or Instagram) with the hashtag #OxfordMovesInMarch while they’re being active in any sense of the word. Prize packs will be awarded at the end of the month.
Abbott is gearing up for Spring and Summer activities, with new equipment purchased and updated registration forms and a community calendar to help you get moving in Oxford.
And more!
The Oxford Town Council Agenda packages are chock-full of information of interest to residents. To read the nitty-gritty, check them out online.
 for March 12, 2025. Issues: Fracking, water source protection, potholes, fire department calls, recreation / MPAL, and more.){kind=link}
Huge thanks to Mayor Henley. I thought the long fight against fracking in the Maritimes was over. I remember when Acadians, anglophones, and Mi’kmaq came together, for years, sometimes in the face of unlawful arrest and loss of livelihood, to put the boots to frackers. What a relief and a feather in our collective caps when it seemed like that door was closed. Now it’s all back on the table again. A real step backwards for the environment, for our safety, and for Treaty-keeping. I am so grateful to the Mayor. Please support him on the side of right and stand up against these regressive moves by the Premier.