Assembly Calls for Meaningful Collaboration on Avon River Causeway

Press Release

April 17, 2026

Mi’kma’ki – Earlier this month, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) authorized the construction of a new gated structure on the Avon River. While technical discussions took place during the application process, meaningful consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia must continue on this project.

Although construction phase has been approved, the structure has not been authorized to operate and concerns on how it will work, and address fish passage and impacts to our Treaty Rights remain concerns for the Assembly.

“The operation of the proposed structure must be collaborative and must include the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia,” said Chief Rodney Peterson, Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. “We are concerned that the phased approach that is being taken will limit our ability to properly address issues through formal consultation.  We want to ensure that we have full participation in the development of monitoring and offsetting measures of the project.”

The Assembly continues to have outstanding concerns, as the Province has yet to clearly explain how they will address their ongoing water supply challenges. An emergency order has been in place since 2023—initially for wildfire suppression and now for broader water supply needs, including drinking water—and clarity on their long-term solutions is still lacking.

The Province has expressed plans to once again lower the reservoir to a natural river state for gate maintenance, while continuing to renew its state of emergency. The Assembly is concerned that without long-term water supply solutions, there will be limited ability to prioritize fish passage.

“Our position remains clear: while we support highway 101 twinning to improve public safety, it cannot come at the expense of fish passage, tidal function, or our Treaty Rights,” said Chief Peterson.

DFO has said in their decision report that they recognize the intangible impacts to cultural continuity, and the cumulative effects of historical alterations to the Avon River, stating these must be considered in ongoing consultation.

“We want to collaborate on this project, as active partners,” continued Chief Peterson. “This includes long-term monitoring for at least ten years, after the existing structure is removed.  We also want an independent oversight committee established, co-chaired by a Mi’kmaw representative and supported by technical experts, to ensure transparency and to address the outstanding concerns we continue to have with this project.”

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