Press Release: New polling shows strong support for responsible offshore wind in Nova Scotia

Mi’kma’ki / Nova Scotia – New polling released by the Atlantic Offshore Wind Coalition (AOSWC) shows strong support for offshore wind development in Nova Scotia. The polling found that nearly three in four respondents (73 per cent) across age, gender and political affiliation held positive views of offshore wind energy, but that this support was conditional on concerns over impacts to marine ecosystems
and risk management.

“The message from Nova Scotians is clear,” said Lisa Mitchell, Executive Director at East Coast Environmental Law. “People are ready to support offshore wind done right. That means a thoughtful approach that includes benefits for local communities, transparent processes and protection for marine ecosystems.”

The polling — conducted by Spark Advocacy and supported by the Small Change Fund — found that Nova Scotians' support hinged on potential impacts to marine ecosystems and wildlife (74 per cent), disruption to whale behaviour and habitat from underwater noise (70 per cent) and how environmental and safety risks will be managed if problems arise (69 per cent). These concerns run consistently higher among groups most likely to be directly affected, including coastal and Mi'kmaw communities.

Ulrich vom Hagen, Atlantic Energy Manager at Sierra Club Canada Foundation, says that development of the offshore wind sector must begin by addressing these concerns.

“Offshore wind offers Nova Scotia an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen our economy while accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said vom Hagen. “But its success must begin with communities—listening to their questions and concerns, involving them meaningfully in decisions and ensuring they share in the benefits.”

The polling also shows that the more information respondents received, the more supportive they became. Support rose from 55 per cent to 66 per cent after respondents read a project description, and to 67 per cent after watching a short explainer video — with the biggest gains among women and residents of communities closest to proposed projects.

“The AOSWC says they are happy to see such strong support for off shore wind in the province, and hope that this survey will help start meaningful conversations about how the sector is built.

“Many Nova Scotians support the idea of off shore wind, but they’re looking for more information,” said Simon Ryder-Burbidge, Senior Marine Coordinator at the Ecology Action Centre. “This polling data signals the importance of working with Rightsholders holders, researchers and local communities to fill knowledge gaps and ensure that this opportunity is handled in the right way: with transparency and real collaboration.”
 

-30-