The community well project in Shelburne, , backed by celebrity support, is making progress after four years of research and planning.

Originally aimed at drilling a well in town, the project shifted to using a large abandoned well at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Shelburne, just south of town limits. NSCC donated the well and land for the project.

The South End Environmental Injustice Society (SEED), the Municipality of the District of Shelburne, and NSCC are collaborating to raise around $214,000 for the installation of water treatment equipment and other construction.

In 2020, SEED, with support from actor Elliot Page, started the push for a community well in the south end of Shelburne. However, the chosen well location at NSCC turned out to be more suitable. The project addresses water issues in the historically Black community in Shelburne’s south end.

The NSCC well’s testing showed excellent water quality, requiring only minimal filtration.

SEED is now working with local partners and hoping for funding, including a $170,000 grant under the province’s sustainable communities challenge fund.

If successful, they plan to have the well operational for residents by late summer or fall of 2024, providing a secure source of clean water to the community, especially crucial considering climate change and environmental challenges.