Approval of Kings County campground reversed following appeal
Project divided small community of Scots Bay
An appeal has brought an end to a plan to open a private campground in a remote Nova Scotia coastal community.
On Friday, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board allowed an appeal by neighbouring farmer Lindsay Steele, reversing the Municipality of Kings County's May 2024 decision to OK the campground development in Scots Bay.
"I'm actually in shock and disbelief," Steele, whose commercial farm is adjacent to the proposed campground site, said in an interview Saturday.
"It's been three years of stress and worry about the future of our farm and it was a good feeling to see that [decision] this morning."
Julie Skaling wanted to build a 100-site campground on a 40-hectare property she purchased from her parents in Scots Bay in 2021.
The community is located about 30 kilometres from Kentville, and is close to nearby Cape Split Provincial Park.
It was her hope the campground would be accessible and provide opportunities for people living with disabilities.
But Steele worried a campground would lead to more people hanging around near her farm. She said that would affect farm operations and pose a risk for livestock and horses.
In her appeal, Steele argued the development's approval did not "reasonably carry out the intent" of the municipality's planning strategy and take into account the negative impacts the campground could have on nearby agricultural land.
The board agreed, writing in its decision that "the evidence satisfies the Board that the controls included in the development agreement do not adequately address the expected impacts, and the intent of the [planning strategy] is not reasonably carried out."
Skaling said Saturday that she's disappointed, but respects the board's decision. "Now I will have to rethink what we're going to do in the future," she said.
Divisive project
The project proved divisive in the community.
"It has absolutely ripped our community apart," said Steele. "There is definitely a divide. There have been people that have been lifelong friends that no longer speak to each other."
But Steele and Skaling hope Scots Bay can put this chapter behind them.
"Hopefully now we can go forward and heal," said Steele.
"I hope that the community can find ways to come together," said Skaling.
The full text of the decision is available here.