The Record Episode 29

In this episode of The Record, Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot delves into a key issue highlighted during the recent municipal election in Port Hawkesbury. Two individuals face 26 charges in connection with a string of thefts in the area.

According to the RCMP, 28-year-old Victor McNamara of Beaver Bank has been charged with 16 offences, while 30-year-old Melanie Mahar of Lower Sackville faces 10 charges. Both made their initial court appearances on November 13. McNamara remains in custody awaiting future court dates, while Mahar was released on conditions pending her next appearance.

The charges stem from a November 12 incident, when RCMP responded to a report of a stolen truck on Highway 4. The truck's owner found it abandoned hours later, with several items linked to other vehicle thefts discovered inside. RCMP investigators also identified multiple thefts from unlocked vehicles in the area, aided by information from the public.

Sgt. Lance Wood of the Inverness County District RCMP reported that at least eight thefts had been confirmed, though the actual number may be higher. He emphasized the importance of reporting even minor thefts, as these reports help police track crime trends, focus patrols, and return recovered property to its rightful owners.

Meanwhile, Jake Boudrot attended the November 19 combined committee-of-the-whole session and special public meeting of Port Hawkesbury Town Council, where priorities for the new term were discussed.

Among the first items addressed was the adoption of a new Code of Conduct policy, as required by changes to the Municipal Government Act. CAO Terry Doyle noted that the existing policy would need to be repealed, and council approved the new policy during the special public meeting.

Safety concerns were also raised by Deputy Mayor Iaian Langley, who proposed a letter to Nova Scotia Public Works requesting traffic restrictions on Reeves Street during the Remembrance Day parade. Council approved the motion.

Town Councillor Paula Hart successfully moved to send another letter to Nova Scotia Public Works, detailing the results of a plebiscite in which 1,018 residents voted to return Reeves Street to a four-lane configuration. Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton confirmed the town is prepared to address the 14 previously identified issues with Reeves Street, aiming for a safer roadway.

Finally, first-time Councillor Iaian Langley was named Deputy Mayor after securing the highest vote count of 1,229 in the municipal election. Langley will hold the position until next year.