Richmond County Wildfire Contained After Two-Day Effort

A wildfire that raged for two days in eastern Richmond County last week burned an estimated 15 hectares of land before being brought under control.

The fire was first reported around 5 p.m. on May 29 along Third Rivers Road in the Framboise area, according to the Municipality of the County of Richmond. Alongside Department of Natural Resources (DNR) crews, volunteer firefighters from the Potlotek First Nation, Framboise/Fourchu, Grand River, and L’Ardoise departments responded. Despite their efforts, the municipality confirmed within hours that the blaze was "out of control."

Officials reported that the fire grew to over 15 hectares, crossed at least one road, and no containment was initially achieved. Nova Scotia Public Works closed Third Rivers Road, Stirling Road, and North Framboise Road.

A trailer that had been vacant for over 20 years was destroyed. One nearby residence was doused as a precaution, while another had a sprinkler system installed. Although no evacuation orders were issued, the public was urged to stay alert and monitor emergency channels for updates.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) said its emergency and fire services were closely monitoring the situation and preparing equipment should the fire spread. Although the fire remained outside CBRM boundaries, Mayor Cecil Clarke said they were in regular contact with Richmond County and ready to support. Clarke noted that CBRM crews were preparing wildland fire support gear for deployment.

Firefighting operations resumed the next morning with approximately 45 personnel from the DNR and local fire departments. On Friday afternoon, the municipality reported that a hose line was being established around the perimeter. Later that day, the DNR confirmed the wildfire was under control, with the size still estimated at about 15 hectares and crews remaining on the scene.

The response involved coordination from Nova Scotia Emergency Measures Organization, Nova Scotia Public Works, RCMP, and representatives from CBRM’s fire and emergency management departments. Richmond County Warden Lois Landry expressed "sincere gratitude to all the men and women at the scene" on behalf of residents.

A separate wildfire occurred on May 16 near Morrison Beach Road, according to the Framboise/Fourchu Volunteer Fire Department.

NDP MLA Highlights Housing and Tenancy Issues in Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier NDP MLA Kendra Coombes addressed a range of provincial concerns in a recent interview, beginning with her reaction to the federal election results. She expressed disappointment over her party’s losses, including several seats and a reduction in vote share. She also commented on NDP leader Jagmeet Singh stepping down after losing his seat.

Coombes shared her thoughts on the 10-year housing agreements signed between the federal and provincial governments under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, aimed at boosting housing development in Nova Scotia.

Focusing on the provincial scene, she criticized the Houston government for underfunding Nova Scotians who rely on rental supplements. Coombes said the NDP is calling for the creation of a Residential Tenancies Enforcement Unit, an end to the abuse of fixed-term leases, and implementation of real rent control. She added that renters are still waiting for fairness within the system.

Despite advocacy from both renters and landlords, and recommendations from a $300,000 report, Coombes said the Houston government has refused to implement the enforcement unit. An official also reportedly acknowledged that fixed-term leases are being abused but admitted the government has no plans to act.

The Nova Scotia NDP has also written to Premier Tim Houston, demanding updates on his commitment to review the Survivors of Gender-based Violence Benefit, citing concerns that some Nova Scotians are falling through the cracks.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender called on the Houston government to be transparent and criticized it for withholding key reports and agreements. She cited the Environmental Racism Panel recommendations and a federal housing infrastructure agreement as two major documents that remain unavailable to the public.

Students, Council News, and Budget Updates Across Richmond and Port Hawkesbury

Ecole Beau-Port students Seth Forgeron and Michlynn Martel were among the recipients of this year’s Lieutenant-Governor Education Medals.

At Richmond Municipal Council’s regular meeting on May 27 in Arichat, councillors approved several committee-of-the-whole recommendations. Topics included addressing the local deer population, deteriorating cell service, and the possibility of obtaining a Letter of Authority for Pondville Beach Provincial Park.

Port Hawkesbury Town Council met publicly on June 2. Following the meeting, Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton and Finance Director Erin MacEachen spoke with the media.

Council approved the 2025–2026 budget, keeping residential and commercial tax rates unchanged. MacEachen said the $9.49 million budget includes a residential tax rate of $1.58 and a commercial rate of $4.16, plus a 22-cent sewer service charge per $100 of assessment. She noted, "The rates remain the same as they were in 1987." MacEachen added that 77 per cent of the town’s revenue comes from assessments, with $6.35 million generated from taxes.

Though there was some growth, it was not on par with previous years. MacEachen acknowledged increased costs for services like policing and firefighting. The capital plan totals $8.5 million, with operating funds allocated to fleet and building upgrades and expansion of the Active Transportation trail.

MacEachen also announced she would be leaving her position, having accepted the role of Director of Finance at the Strait Regional Centre for Education. Council passed a motion to begin the search for her replacement.

Looking ahead, Port Hawkesbury Council will consider a motion urging the province to establish sustainable funding for regional libraries. Councillor Blaine MacQuarrie introduced the motion following a presentation by Eastern Counties Regional Library CEO Laura Emery, who described current funding as insufficient. Emery said ECRL handles between 4,000 and 6,000 items monthly and that the workload is straining undercompensated staff.

Responding to questions from councillors Todd Barrett and Paula Hart, Emery said that while digital services are popular, they are expensive. She explained that a five-year provincial funding agreement expired on March 31, and libraries are now operating with the help of relief grants.

Emery warned that ECRL may need to dip into its operating reserves—originally intended for vehicle purchases—to maintain services. She also mentioned ongoing building issues. Emery emphasized the need for municipalities to advocate for stable, long-term funding for provincial libraries.

Council also adopted the IDEA Plan for 2025–2028, titled “A Town for Everyone.” Facilities Manager Gordie Snook said the province would review the plan regularly to ensure it aligns with provincial standards. He added that the plan may serve as a model for other municipalities across Nova Scotia.

Finally, council renewed its agreement with the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network. CAO Terry Doyle said staff reviewed amendments to the agreement, which includes collaboration with First Nations, and found no issues.

A letter of support will also be sent by council for a Dalhousie University project that may involve the Ocean Innovation Centre in Port Hawkesbury.