Provincial Government to Demolish Two Motels Near Port Hastings

The provincial government is set to demolish two motels near the Port Hastings rotary.

Nova Scotia Public Works spokesperson Gary Andrea confirmed via email that the government owns the former Skye Lodge and Causeway Inn, located on either side of the Port Hastings rotary.

According to media reports, the properties were purchased earlier this year as part of planned upgrades for the Port Hastings intersection project. Andrea added that the department is currently preparing tenders for demolition, and the project remains in the design phase.

Work is on schedule and is expected to be completed by late 2028. The exact timeline will depend on the outcome of the tenders, Andrea said.

Both motels have been unoccupied for years, raising concerns among residents about deteriorating structures. Precautions have been taken to prevent vandalism and trespassing, including boarding up windows, placing concrete barriers at entrances, and securing the properties with locked gates.

Provincial Deer Draw Attracts Local Hunters

The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources announced a draw for 5,825 antlerless deer hunting stamps for the 2025 season.

• The antlerless deer draw helps manage deer populations by allowing licensed hunters to harvest female deer in areas with higher populations, supporting healthy and balanced wildlife.

• Stamps are available in five of the 10 mainland deer management zones and both zones in Cape Breton. Other zones allow harvesting of deer of either sex, so antlerless stamps are not required there.

• An antlerless deer hunting stamp permits the harvest of a female deer in a specific zone but does not increase the bag limit, which remains one deer per hunter.

• The stamp must be accompanied by a general deer stamp or archery/muzzleloader stamp and applied to a hunting license with a wildlife habitat stamp.

• Bonus stamps, allowing hunters to take a second deer, will also be available in most zones. These are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

RCMP Investigates Vandalism in Petit de Grat

On August 9, Richmond County District RCMP responded to a report of vandalism at the Petit de Grat Baseball Field.

• An older-model red Corvette, parked overnight, had its front tires punctured, paint scratched, and rear taillights smashed between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m.

• Residents with information are asked to contact the RCMP at 902-226-2533 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.

Fatal Collision in Inverness County

An Ontario man was killed in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 105 near Lexington on August 20 at around 1:25 p.m.

• RCMP, fire services, and EHS responded to the scene between Long Stretch Road and Lake Horton Road.

• A Chevrolet CZT and a Jeep collided, ending up in a ditch on the opposite side of the road.

• The Chevrolet driver, a 52-year-old man from Ontario, was pronounced dead.

• The Jeep driver, a 32-year-old woman from Eskasoni, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

• Highway 105 between Port Hastings and Lexington was closed for several hours.

Federal Funding Supports Climate Adaptation Projects

The federal government announced about $5.2 million in investments for local municipalities through the Green Municipal Fund's Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative.

• The funding supports climate adaptation plans, climate-focused asset management strategies, and community-wide climate risk assessments.

• The municipalities of Inverness and Richmond Counties will each receive $70,000 for climate risk assessments and adaptation planning.

EverWind Fuels Launches New Tugboat Fleet

At the Port Hawkesbury Pier on August 21, EverWind Fuels hosted a christening ceremony for its new lower-emission tugboats.

• EverWind CEO Trent Vichie explained that the $50 million investment will expand the Marine Team by approximately 15 new local employees.

• The new vessels will replace a contracted fleet of three older tugboats and will be locally owned, supporting safety and operations in the region.

Nova Scotia Before and After Program Expands

For the 2025-2026 school year, the Nova Scotia Before and After program will be available at Tamarac Education Centre in Port Hawkesbury through the YMCA of Cape Breton.

• More than 1,200 new spaces will be created, serving children ages four to 12 before and after school.

• Minister Brendan Maguire emphasized that the program offers convenient, affordable child care for school-aged children.

• Canada’s Secretary of State for Children and Youth, Anna Gainey, highlighted that these spaces reduce the trade-off parents face between child care costs and career opportunities.

• This year, 4,000 spaces are expected to be operational in over 100 participating schools.

Université Sainte-Anne Receives Funding for Early Childhood Education

Université Sainte-Anne received $845,750 in government funding to support training in early childhood education at its Petit de Grat campus.

• Full scholarships will be offered to 30 new students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education diploma program and 15 students in Level I classification training for 2025–2026.

• Part of the funding will develop the Recognition of Prior Learning and Competencies project.

• Two two-year projects will focus on specialized training in mental health, diversity, intercultural education, and managing children with special needs, as well as promoting the early childhood profession in Francophone communities.

• Minister Patty Hajdu said the funding will enable 45 students to join a skilled workforce, supporting quality child care services for Francophone families.

• The funding comes from the Canada–Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and contributions from the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne.