RCMP Seek Public’s Help in Theft and Debit Card Scam Investigations

The RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man and a woman connected to a series of thefts at local businesses.

The Antigonish County and Inverness County District RCMP are investigating reports of pickpocketing and debit card scams targeting shoppers at grocery stores and retail locations in the Antigonish and Port Hawkesbury areas.

Investigators say the suspects obtain victims’ debit card PINs by watching them complete transactions. Once the PIN is known, the suspects use a distraction to either swap the victim’s card in the machine or pickpocket them as they leave the store or get into their vehicle.

To help protect debit and credit card information, the RCMP recommends the following:

• Shield keypads with your hand or body while entering your PIN.

• Watch for anything unusual or loose on the card readers.

• Never accept help using an ATM or card machine.

• Use tap-to-pay or mobile wallets to encrypt your information and safeguard your PIN.

• Check your bank accounts regularly for suspicious transactions.

• Set up instant purchase alerts to track card use in real time.

Richmond County Council Passes 2025–26 Budget

Richmond Municipal Council approved its 2025–2026 budget during a special meeting held on June 16. Following the session, Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot spoke with Warden Lois Landry and Deputy Warden Brent Sampson.

Before the budget approval, council passed its five-year capital investment plan. Council then confirmed area rates for various regions of the municipality but postponed a decision on implementing a five-cent area rate for Point Tupper.

Despite a dissenting vote from District 3 Councillor Brian Marchand, the budget passed, maintaining both residential and commercial tax rates.

In the final portion of the meeting, council addressed grant applications—approving some and deferring others for further review.

Library Users Can Now Borrow Mobile Hotspots Across Nova Scotia

Library patrons in several regions, including those served by the Eastern Counties Regional Library (ECRL), can now borrow mobile wireless hotspots to access the internet at home.

Michelle Greencorn, Director of Communications and Engagement with ECRL, announced the launch of the Hotspot Lending Program, which allows users to borrow a mobile hotspot for three weeks and connect to Eastlink’s extended network. Areas marked in green on the coverage map, she noted, indicate where service is not available.

The initiative, relaunched by @NS and its partners after a year-long pause, follows a successful 2023 pilot program. A new data provider has since been secured.

Although the data is not unlimited, Executive Director Tim Tucker said the monthly allowance of 40+ GB should meet most users’ needs. The hotspots work anywhere in Nova Scotia with a cellular signal and support up to 20 connected devices, including phones, laptops, tablets, and eReaders.

A total of 115 devices will be distributed to library lending points across the province, offering essential internet access to those facing geographic or financial barriers.

For details on borrowing a hotspot, please contact your local library branch.

Port Hawkesbury Council Approves New Safety Policy and Discusses Local Issues

Port Hawkesbury Town Council held a combined committee-of-the-whole and special public meeting on June 17. Afterward, Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, Deputy Mayor Iaian Langley, and CAO Terry Doyle addressed questions from Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot.

During council updates, Town Councillor Todd Barrett shared information on a hotel feasibility study, while Mayor Chisholm-Beaton noted “great feedback” from a recent session hosted by the project’s consultants. Councillor Paula Hart and the mayor also spoke about a recent meeting with Cape Breton–Canso–Antigonish MP Jaime Battiste.

The town is also engaged in ongoing discussions with CN Rail, which owns the line running through Port Hawkesbury. When asked by Deputy Mayor Langley who is responsible for responding to fires along the rail line, the mayor promised to raise the concern with CN, especially as safety issues like proximity and crossing conditions are already under discussion.

In a report from the acting manager of the Engineering and Public Works Department, council received positive updates. However, Deputy Mayor Langley also raised concerns about industrial materials, a fishing vessel, and a sailboat that were placed on waterfront town land without staff or council knowledge.

During the special meeting, council approved a new Occupational Health and Safety Policy and passed two motions from an earlier in-camera session—one related to the sale of town-owned land, and another authorizing a letter to Inverness MLA Kyle MacQuarrie requesting support for funding-eligible municipal projects.

Funding Available for Nova Scotia Shoreline Cleanup Projects

Seafood and sportfishing associations, community groups, and local organizations across Nova Scotia can now apply for funding to support ocean and shoreline cleanup initiatives through the Marine Debris Clean-up Program.

The program offers:

• Shoreline cleanup grants: Up to $2,000 per event (applications open until February 1, 2026, or until funds are exhausted).

• Litter prevention funding: Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $3,000 (applications open until June 30).

• Marine debris recycling support: Up to 50% of eligible costs, with a cap of $5,000 (applications open until June 30).

Kelly Mackarous, Coastal and Marine Program Manager at the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation, praised the program’s role in supporting hands-on work and strengthening partnerships for cleaner shorelines. He said the initiative has encouraged collaboration and sparked community-based solutions.

“Clean coastlines benefit our communities and enhance the reputation of our seafood industry as a provider of top-quality products,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Our goal is to reduce shoreline debris and increase recycling from cleanup efforts.”

More information is available at: https://novascotia.ca/fish/marine-clean-up