A conflict of interest investigation involving Argyle council and staff doesn’t go far enough, according to a group of concerned citizens.

In a release last week, the Association for Responsible Aquaculture in Argyle said the investigation won’t be fully neutral, because it’s being done by a lawyer of council’s choosing.

Sixteen allegations were brought forward by the public in March, involving the site selection process for the Aquaculture Development Area, obtained through Freedom of Information requests.

They claim bid-rigging and influence by staff, councillors, contractors and industry representatives.

Council approved an independent lawyer to review the alleged breaches, former councillors and staff won’t be investigated.

Deputy Warden Ted Saulnier said council’s integrity was being questioned, and this is the right approach to address that.

But the association says the investigation should be done by the Nova Scotia Attorney General’s office.

They say the only path to restoring public trust is through a fully independent, third-party investigation, free from municipal oversight or influence.

The group adds they support aquaculture, but it has to be fair and transparent, away from residential areas, and have more public consultation.

Council says they’re committed to the findings of the lawyer’s investigation.

The ‘ADA’ was announced by the province and Argyle in 2024.

They worked to pre-identify over 50 sites in Lobster Bay for aquaculture activity in an effort to fast-track the application process.

Five sites are currently being reviewed by the province’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.