Ruben Irons, centre, shares his concerns with Premier Tim Houston at a rally at Summer Street Industries in New Glasgow on July 29. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /The NewsArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – Dozens of people gathered in New Glasgow on July 29 to send a message to Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and his government.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOrganized by NOFRAC and LEAP, protesters brought signs, noisemakers, songs, chants, and many questions for Houston about his handling of the environment, funding for the arts, and electrical generation.Article contentArticle content“They’re being reckless,” said protester Ruben Irons.Article contentArticle content“Everything is moving so quickly, and we are part of a large group of people in this province that are concerned about the direction that these decisions are going to take us in the next few years.”Article contentOne of the protesters’ largest concerns is the planned construction of two 300-megawatt fast-acting natural gas power plants in Salt Springs and Marshdale. The project’s purpose is to provide reliable, dispatchable power to stabilize Nova Scotia’s grid during periods when renewable sources like wind and solar cannot meet demand.Article contentArticle content“We understand that we need more electricity, but we are in strong to how our government is going about it,” Irons said.Article contentArticle content“We are here to let them know that there are other ways to go about this, that people care, and that they want to be involved in finding a better solution. We aren’t saying necessarily that we know better, but we do not feel like they are listening at all.”Article content Concerned citizens gathered to protest Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and his government’s direction at his state of the province stop at Summer Street Industries in New Glasgow on July 29. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /The NewsArticle contentMany protests against these Peaker Plants have been held in Pictou County recently, with residents raising their concerns about the effects the plants would have on the proposed areas for years to come.Article content“He’s a disgrace to our province,” said protester Andrea Patchett.Article content“I’m going to keep coming to rallies like this, because I truly find this government appalling. There are so many issues: the Peaker Plants, our arts and culture cuts, and now even foster care. I want them to resign fully, because they are not serving this province. They are harming it and the very vulnerable people that need support. If they keep going like this, it’s going to be disastrous.”
Concerned Pictou County residents protest outside premier’s speech
