Shelburne Museum will open for the season on Saturday
five new exhibitions and "the chance to explore the 45-acre campus and its galleries
"We look forward to welcoming the community to the museum to start the new season," Jason Vrooman
"Community Day offers something for every visitor
we hope that friends old and new will make a day of exploring the museum."
More: Vermont's libraries and museums targeted by Trump Administration funding cuts: What we know
Here are the new exhibitions opening on May 10:
Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@gannett.com
The Shelburne County Learning Network (SCLN) is partnering with local fire departments to deliver the ‘Be Wildfire-Wise
Be Prepared & Ready to Go!’ information sessions in various locations in Shelburne County during May
“We feel that this is an important topic for Shelburne County as most of us well remember the Barrington Lake Fire of 2023,” says Monica Gosbee
we do feel that our communities’ bonds have strengthened as a result
and we continue to foster growth in that regard through our programming.”
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The Wildfire Wise information sessions are being delivered as part of the SCLN’s ‘Getting to Know Your Community’ program
“This is our second year of offering the Getting to Know Your Community program,” says Gosbee
“The program’s goal is to support and encourage community literacy through life-long learning while celebrating our local communities’ culture and history.”
The program is funded through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learners and the Department of Labour Skills
“We are always looking for topics that may be of interest to community members,” says Gosbee
“Over the winter staff were working on gathering emergency preparedness info when a grant opportunity from FireSmart Canada to host a wildfire prevention event was noticed
and were fortunate to receive a $500 grant which we will put towards door prizes such as first aid kits and gas cards for the events.”
FireSmart Canada is also providing the SCLN with resources for the event to supplement what staff have created from various government sources
“Not only does it empower individuals to help keep themselves
it can help to reduce the strain on first responders during those first hours of an emergency event.”
A brief overview of the 2023 Barrington Lake wildfire
how to make your home and property less susceptible to wildfire
and what to do when returning home after a wildfire event
are among the topics being covered at the Wildfire Wise information sessions
SCLN staff have also tapped into information from the Nova Scotia Government’s Emergency Preparedness Guide
Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Red Cross for the Wildfire Wise events
The Wildfire-Wise presentations were slated to start on May 6 at 6 p.m
the Barrington-Port Latour Fire Department
the Shelburne Fire Department on King Street in Shelburne is the venue for Wildfire-Wise
A fourth presentation is in the works for May 27
details will be posted on the SCLN Facebook page
All attendees will receive two copies of an Emergency Plan – one paper copy and one digital copy that can be customized
All attendees will receive printed material to take home covering topics such as:
• Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities & Older Adults
• How to Speak with Kids About Evacuations During Wildfires
• Fire Smart Landscaping & Fire-Resistant Plants Suitable for Gardening Zone 6B
All attendees will be entered into a draw to win one of several door prizes
Since starting the ‘Getting to Know Your Community’ program
SCLN has covered a variety of topics including cooking classes
and Tech Talk sessions on how to use electronic devices to keep in touch with family and community safely online
“The expected outcomes are enhanced life skills
and increased awareness of community resources,” says Gosbee
“We hope to secure funding to offer the program each school year as it is a nice compliment to
our core NSSAL programming which are education and employment-based.”
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The exhibition, “Porcelain Love Letters: The Art of Mara Superior” opens at The Shelburne Museum on May 10
Superior’s porcelain art combines intricate painted imagery and sculptural forms through which she explores themes of history
Superior discovered the beauty and creative possibilities of porcelain in the late 1970s
she has focused entirely on this bright but delicate material
appreciating both its fragility and its strength
Superior’s work is inspired by many interests
We welcome Mara Superior to the show along with Kory Rogers
the Francie and John Downing Senior Curator of American Art at Shelburne Museum in Vermont
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Skills and Immigration and MLA for Shelburne
on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman
announces funding for three Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund projects today
Ministerial Assistant to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Dale Richardson of the Municipality of the District of Shelburne; Melissa Sheehy-Richard
Ministerial Assistant to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Nolan Young
Skills and Immigration and MLA for Shelburne; Michael Kozak
President of the Community Garden and Foodshare Association of Shelburne County; and Kevin Currie
Director of the Sou’West Nova Transit Association
The Shelburne RCMP Detachment has charged a man with multiple offences after responding to a report of a stolen truck
Shelburne RCMP Detachment responded to a report of a stolen GMC Sierra truck in the Jordan Falls area
officers identified two people of interest
the RCMP says the officers later received an unrelated report of two people on foot off Morvan Road near Shelburne
the two people matched the descriptions of the people of interest
officers learned the other person may be in possession of a firearm,” reads the release
The Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drones) operators were dispatched to assist
officers located the stolen vehicle abandoned on a side road near Shelburne
The officers seized evidence to support the investigation and returned it to its owner,” states the release
officers identified a suspect as Joseph Hayden
and learned he was at a home on Sandy Point Road in Shelburne
Officers from Shelburne RCMP Detachment and ERT attended and safely arrested Hayden outside the home
and Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
He had a first court appearance on April 26 and was remanded into custody
The other person identified as part of the investigation was arrested and will face a charge of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
They were released pending an upcoming court appearance
Because the charges had not yet been filed
The RCMP say Hayden was not in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest
The police say that officers are continuing the investigation and conducting checks to determine if a firearm that was seized on April 28 at an unrelated call was also used during this incident
Shelburne RCMP Detachment say they appreciated the cooperation from the public as officers made attempts to locate the suspect and the stolen vehicle
A vessel christening is among the plans the Shelburne Longboat Society has in the works for the 2025 recreational boating season
The volunteer organization is the steward of the two replica 24-foot rowing boats
fashioned after the HMS Bounty’s longboats
that were built for the 225th anniversary Loyalist landing celebrations in 2008
“These boats were built with the intention they would always be available to the community
They would never be owned,” says society member Karen Mattatall
The longboats are stored in a boathouse adjacent to the parking lot at the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club
“The yacht club is very keen on helping us with the boats and facilitating working with the two groups,” says society president Louise Lindsay
who says they have permanently donated a berth
The society plans to christen one of the boats the Bill C this year
after renowned Shelburne wooden boatbuilder the late Bill Cox
There are also plans to name the second longboat the Jimmie M
in memory of Jim Mahaney who was a driving force for the society for many years
The two longboats are currently named Shelburne I and Shelburne 2
we’ll make sure it’s seaworthy and have a crew that can row before the christening,” says Lindsay
adding the society will announce the christening date once everything is organized
eight rowers and a coxswain crew a longboat
“You can row with six if the weather is good
They are very easy to row but they are pretty big boats,” he says
“A couple members of the yacht club are keen to try that.”
Lindsay says the society has been working with other community interests including the local recreation department and sports teams about the possibility of incorporating longboat rowing with summer day camp activities so kids can come and row
it’s an opportunity for exercise and team building
“We’re hoping we can do that,” says Lindsay
The society is also planning to do some onshore practicing this year so people can learn the rowing commands
delivered by the coxswain while at the oars
“Everybody rowing in unison looks beautiful from the shore,” says Mattatall
the Shelburne longboats have participated in many events
and the 2009 longboat flotilla in Halifax that was part of the Canadian Naval Centennial celebration
“When we do events we dress for it,” says Mattatall
At the Shelburne Longboat Society AGM on April 17
Lindsay says people were really excited to get back out on the harbour this year
“There was a real enthusiasm which was nice to have.”
Lindsay says the longboat society is happy to welcome new members who would like “a chance to play on the water.”
Weekly practices are also in the works for this summer by the longboat society
“We’re going to try to row twice a week,” says Lindsay
adding the plan is to set up an online schedule where people can sign up
The Shelburne Longboat Society has a Facebook page and can be contacted by email at: Shelburnelongboats@gmail.com
The Municipality of Shelburne has approved a $13,570,179 operating budget
as well as a $2,280,614 capital budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year
maintaining the residential and resource property tax rate at 1.26 per $100 of assessment and the commercial tax rate at $1.82 per $100 of assessment
housing and healthcare are key priorities identified by municipal council
staff and the community have worked together to create the municipality’s first comprehensive planning documents
Final adoption of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law are expected by summer 2025
pending council and ministerial approval,” said Warden Smith in her budget address
“Staff are preparing to implement these plans and will launch a public education campaign to guide residents through the new development processes
an E-permitting platform will be launched this summer to streamline development and building permit applications,” she said
“Council will begin comprehensive community engagement in June to identify what the community’s priorities are going forward,” she added
“This will heavily impact in the formation of the strategic plan
which will be the framework by which the next four budgets will be based on
More information will be available shortly.”
the municipality has identified two areas of special interest including a strategic commercial zone along the south side of Highway 103 near Junction 25 with high visibility and development potential
a unique area with direct access to Shelburne harbour
ideal for future commercial and economic development
we have two proposed industrial zones that will support heavier industrial activity.”
the municipality was awarded $1.546 million through the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund to implement a Housing Action Plan
aiming to add 40 net new residential units over the next three years
• Surplus Lands Program for Affordable Housing
“These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainable housing growth and meeting the evolving needs of our community,” said Smith
“More details will be shared on our website as these initiatives roll out.”
“Our healthcare objectives are focused on enhancing rural healthcare recruitment and retention capacity with a multifaceted approach.”
“Beyond conventional recruitment and retention initiatives
our goal is to foster a supportive environment by encouraging preceptors
expanding recruitment endeavors to support local
long-term healthcare staffing and to cultivate a sense of healthcare pride within our rural communities,” she said
“We also continue to work with the province and other stakeholders with respect to specific issues such as emergency department closures
we believe these partnerships will help us get to a place where our residents will have access to the timely healthcare services they need and deserve.”
Approximately 79 per cent of operating budget expenses are provincially mandated or contractual expenses
it is anticipated that the municipality’s total reserves will be approximately $3,834,496
once all projects are completed for the year
“As noted in our CAO and Director of Finance’s budget staff report
the municipality is confronting a number of significant future financial pressures
many of which are completely out of our control,” said Smith
“Council’s goal continues to be to maintain and improve the services our residents and businesses have come to expect as effectively and efficiently as possible
while strategically investing in our community within our fiscal resources.”
The budget staff report to council from CAO Warren MacLeod and Director of Finance Michelle Williams on April 9 said the municipality is confronting “significant financial pressures unprecedented in its recent history.”
“The most significant of these challenges is a substantial increase in waste (curb-side pickup) management costs
anticipated to be 150 per cent higher than current expenditures
creating an additional financial obligation of approximately $10.326 million over the next 15 years,” it reads
include the replacement of three aging trail bridges
contributions toward the Town of Shelburne’s new firetrucks
necessary investments in the Construction & Demolition (C&D) transfer station to comply with provincial regulations
“These cumulative expenditures pose a significant threat to the municipality’s financial health if reserves are depleted too significantly,” states the report
“A dangerously low reserve balance leaves the municipality vulnerable
with limited capacity to address unforeseen expenditures.”
The municipality has maintained the current tax rate for more than 10 years
MacLeod and Williams presented a scenario of adjusted tax rates to preserve reserves for council to consider that would see the residential/resource tax rate increase by $0.14 per $100 of assessment and the commercial rate by $0.16 in 2026-27
In 2027-28 the property rate would be increased by $0.05 per $100 of assessment for residential/resource properties and $0.07 for commercial
the municipality risks serious financial distress
would not be able to meet its projected expenditures
and limits its ability to respond effectively to emergencies or new obligations,” reads the report
if council chose to implement the full increase in 2026-27 alone
reserves would stabilize above $3.4 million
substantially enhancing financial security
the neighboring municipalities of Barrington
maintain robust reserve balances between $5.6 million and $11.5 million.”
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The Town of Shelburne is being gifted a parcel of land adjacent to Graham’s Park on King Street
as well as funds to install an accessible playground and other park enhancements
“It’s just something we want to do for the town and in recognition of my parents,” said Christopher Huskilson in an interview
“We were involved in originally building Graham’s Park and were looking for some property to expand that
I think there are a number of features we can add to the park
We will be looking to add features that are as successful.”
a prominent Shelburne businessman and Christopher’s father
where the former Trinity United Church stands
we are formally requesting the property be de-registered under the Heritage Property Act of Nova Scotia
we wish to build on the success of Graham’s Park by donating the land to the Town of Shelburne and adding a new area to be named Barb’s place,” wrote the Huskilsons in an email to the town
The request to de-register the former church building was considered at the March 17 town council session
along with a detailed report from Mike Kahn
“The local United Church congregation explored various options for reuse/renovation over four years prior to selling the church in 2021
and the condition of the steeple at that time,” reported Kahn
“The former church is intended to be demolished but some elements are proposed to be saved if possible
including the foundation stones and one of the stained-glass windows to be retained in the new park
The Huskilsons have also committed to work with those who have a stained-glass window dedicated to them or their families
about removal of those stained-glass windows.”
Council voted in favour of directing staff and the Heritage Advisory Committee to consider de-registration of 36 John St
as a municipally designated heritage property and for staff to prepare for a public hearing on the matter at the May 5 council meeting
Kahn said a large portion of the 0.8-acre lot is planned to be added to Graham’s Park
“Staff are exploring options for affordable housing
or both for the remaining parcel,” he said
“Originally we were trying to buy the back part of the church property
but it wasn’t for sale so we ended up buying the church,” said Huskilson
“The whole point was to get a piece of property adjacent to Graham’s Park so we could expand it
We did offer to donate the building to a couple of different causes but they all felt it was too big a project to take on
I think probably using the property for a park is the next best thing.”
The expansion to Graham’s Park will include access from Hammond Street and roughly half an acre in additional space
“The main purpose of the park upgrades is to enable the construction and use of an accessible playground
which would include accessible playground equipment
an accessible surface for the equipment and accessible walkways from parking and park entrances to park equipment,” said Kahn
“Assuming the adjacent church is demolished
certain elements such as the granite foundation stones and a stained-glass window could be reused or preserved on site as part of the new park
There is also the opportunity for public art to be included in the new park.”
pad and electrical hookup for food truck vendors
signage and lighting could potentially be other amenities considered for the park
Council directed staff to create a request for proposals to hire a landscape architect or an equivalent professional to prepare two park plans including public engagement and cost estimates; one for Graham’s Park and one for the Roger Grovestine Complex
which is already slated for improvements by the Town
“Ideally the final plans will be brought to council for review and approval in June,” said Kahn
Council also authorized the CAO to enter into an agreement with the Huskilsons regarding the donation of 36 John St
including the preservation of historic elements naming rights and park upgrades
A case of avian influenza has been confirmed in Nova Scotia
prompting officials to impose restrictions aimed at containing the virus.
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) identified cases of bird flu among poultry in Shelburne County
The infected birds were located on a non-commercial property
refers to flocks with fewer than 1,000 birds and fewer than 300 waterfowl.
CFIA inspector Mike DiMambro declared a primary control zone in the affected area on March 7
This measure restricts the movement of commercial and non-commercial poultry
and related products to prevent the disease’s spread
Avian influenza is highly contagious among birds and can lead to severe illness and death
the Nova Scotia government warns that symptoms can include fever
chair of Chicken Farmers of Nova Scotia and leader of the Poultry Emergency Response Preparedness Committee
emphasized the severity of the virus and the necessary steps to contain it.
“Avian influenza is extremely contagious
“We know that’s been done on that site and they are working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to complete disinfection
but they are doing the right thing.”
Although the exact number of infected birds remains unclear
Vanderheide noted it was fortunate the outbreak occurred in a backyard flock rather than a commercial operation
A case in a commercial barn would necessitate the euthanization of all birds
The detection of bird flu in Nova Scotia comes as the United States struggles with a significant outbreak
officials do not expect the current case in Shelburne County to impact food supply or prices
help mitigate risks to commercial poultry farms.
we receive reports and follow strict biosecurity guidelines,” Vanderheide said
“But it’s a tiny virus that can get in through the air or on someone’s shoes
so it remains a real possibility.”
She urged backyard flock owners to take precautions
including minimizing contact between their birds and wild birds
Officials also recommend removing bird feeders to limit potential transmission.
or dead birds are encouraged to report them to the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.
Eleven restaurants in Shelburne County will be serving up some unique burgers from March 14 to 23 as part of the third annual Burger Bunanza
the Burger Bunanza has a passport that is available at participating restaurants
People can collect stamps from the burgers they’ve tried for a chance to win a prize package valued at $275
One dollar from every burger sold is donated to a local cause
The Burger Bunanza was started in 2023 by Brendan Pippy
owner of the Emerald Light Café in Shelburne
and has since evolved and grown to include the entire county with organization by the municipalities of Shelburne and Barrington
the Municipality of Shelburne helped out by promoting the event
the Municipality of Barrington came on board
Burger Bunanza “stems from a passion to create experiences
especially within our home community,” says Pippy
“So much can be done here that I’ve seen within other communities of similar characteristics and demographics
The Coast’s Halifax Burger Bash was the inspiration for this one in particular
Hats off to them for what they’ve accomplished for their community with that event,” Pippy says
“I’m very happy with how our event has grown from a Shelburne event to a Shelburne County event
Barrington has extended their Poutine for the Parks event to us
Countless charities and non-profits have benefited,” Pippy adds
“We’re incredibly blessed to have people like Robin Smith and Suzy Powley Atwood in our communities
I’ve been hands-off the management of this event since the end of year one
They’re the reason it has continued and become what it is today.”
more than $3,000 was donated by the eight participating Shelburne restaurants to local charities of their choice
community development coordinator for the Municipality of Shelburne
a total of 15 restaurants across the county participated
raising more than $2,800 for local charities
Supporting Shelburne County Society for the Rescue of Feral Cats & Kittens
Supporting Wood’s Harbour Clubhouse Playground
Supporting BASA (Barrington Area Soccer Association)
Barrington Passage: Garlic Swiss & Mushroom Burger
Supporting Jevon Link Let Your Light Shine Society
Barrington Passage: Pulled BBQ Chicken Burger
Shelburne: Skipper Jack’s Stacked Seafood Burger
scallops & clams with house tartar on a grilled bun
Supporting Hillcrest Academy Breakfast Program
• McDonald’s Barrington Passage: Quarter Pounder BLT
Supporting Barrington Leisure Park Association
Supporting Roseway Hospital Ladies Auxiliary
Puck off beer-braised mushrooms and onions
also a second burger: The Great Canadian Bacon Burger
Supporting Shelburne County Family Resource Centre
SHELBURNE — Residents will be asked to weigh in on bylaws
budgets and dump trucks at Annual Town Meeting
Attendees will consider the 39-article warrant that includes a bylaw to regulate short-term rentals
a $6.24 million budget and capital purchases
including two new dump trucks for $533,038
the Selectboard and Finance Committee have recommended an approximately $6.2 million budget
which is a 9.2% increase from the current fiscal year
The budget includes $1.23 million for general government
$249,456 for human services and $3.16 million for education
Shelburne’s school assessments for FY26 are $2.96 million for the Mohawk Trail Regional School District
and $196,487 for Franklin County Technical School
Under the education category of the budget is a $1,376 allotment for School Committee stipends
Voters also will be asked to approve a $896,304 capital budget
to be paid out of the town’s various stabilization and trust accounts
Proposed purchases include a $70,000 Ford hybrid police utility vehicle
a $326,000 Western Star dump truck and a $196,038 International dump truck
Residents will also be asked to approve the first projects reviewed and recommended by the Community Preservation Committee. Articles 25 to 28 ask for approval of $100,000 for the first phase of Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School’s playground upgrade
$45,000 to replace the Arms Library elevator
$8,000 for a gravestone restoration project at Hill Cemetery and $1,000 to install a bulletin board at the Cowell Gymnasium
Selectboard members said the projects seem worthwhile
but raised questions about allocating town funds for shared inter-municipal resources like the library and school playground
Town Administrator Terry Narkewicz said CPA projects are paid through a surtax that is separate from the general budget
and the funds can cover projects that meet state requirements and that are approved by the Community Preservation Committee and Town Meeting voters
It would be difficult to require a Buckland match for the funds as Buckland does not have Community Preservation Committee
“To me it doesn’t really matter if it’s CPC or if it’s coming from town funds; the question still exists on how we share capital expenses,” Selectboard member Andrew Baker said during a review of the Town Meeting warrant in April
but it still remains that the basic item is a capital project of the school
If some of the funds are raised by a nonprofit (the Parent-Teacher Organization) that’s great
But if town funds are applied to a capital project in a shared facility
shouldn’t there be some way of saying we want fair dealing with our partner town?”
Voters will also be asked to consider amendments to the town’s general and zoning bylaws
including creating bylaws regulating short-term rentals and battery energy storage systems
the bylaw requires that owners of short-term rentals register with the state’s Department of Revenue and submit an application for a special permit to the town clerk
which would include contact information for emergencies associated with the rental and proof of liability insurance
The rental also must be inspected by the town’s health agent
“The purpose of this chapter is to allow for short-term residential rentals while ensuring public safety
preventing possible nuisances for abutters
minimizing reductions to available long-term rental housing and preserving the character of the town’s neighborhoods,” the bylaw states
“It will assist the town in the enforcement of state and local health and safety regulations
and provide a method of correcting violations requiring immediate attention.”
The battery energy storage bylaw differentiates battery systems from other public utility facilities
defining it as “an energy system consisting of an array of batteries to provide electrical power during outages and supplemental resources during times of high demand.”
the bylaw would require a special permit for a battery energy storage system to be constructed in the commercial
Under no circumstances are battery energy storage systems allowed in the Village Residential or Village Commercial districts
applicants must show they have an operational and maintenance plan
■Transferring $20,000 from the town’s Housing Trust Fund to support the West County Food Pantry
■Appropriating $2,000 to support extending a grant-funded rural downtown coordinator pilot project from 12 months to 18 months
■Approving the operational and capital budgets for the Shelburne Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant ($197,360)
Shelburne Pumping Station (33,972) and Sewer Treatment Plant ($46,250)
to be paid by user fees and the Sewer Enterprise Account
To view the full 39-article warrant, visit tinyurl.com/ShelburneATM2025
Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com
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Ground breaking is expected to start in March on a new $100-million long-term care nursing home in the Town of Shelburne to replace the aging Roseway Manor in Sandy Point
The new Roseway Manor will be built on King Street
The two-storey facility will have seven self-contained care wings
The home will have a large community room on the main level with access to a spacious terrace and garden space
There will be 112 single residential rooms
The architectural plans and renderings for the new Roseway Manor were revealed at a community open house in Shelburne on Jan
“We are very happy with the turnout for the open house
We had approximately 100 attendees over the two sessions,” says Kristin MacNeil
“Wonderful representation from the community including councillors from four municipal units
The new facility will employ a team of 150 people
an increase of 60 employees from the current size of staff
The number of beds will also increase by 48
“We will be recruiting Nova Scotia first – meaning from the local high schools
NSCC and traditional recruitment programs,” says MacNeil
“Even with local efforts it may be that we will also be recruiting through immigration pathways
we are expecting a net in-flow of new employees and their families to Shelburne and surrounding area,” MacNeil says
“Based on our recent experience opening the new Home in Mahone Bay we anticipate this may
daycare and community transit among other community programs and services
We will be working with municipal and community organizations to expand and grow those services in the community.”
MacNeil says there were some community members looking for information on future employment at the open house
MacLeod Cares will be looking to partner with an organization
the NS Housing Trust converted a hotel to rental units for health-care workers
New Dawn Enterprises in Cape Breton has been involved in similar projects
And a number of local businesses and developers have expressed interest.”
MacNeil says tenders to clear the 9.8-acre piece of undeveloped land are expected to be called in the next month or so
The new Roseway Manor is expected to open in 2028
Grey Cardinal was the successful proponent to be the Roseway project manager
while Marco Construction was the successful proponent for the construction manager
Fowler Bauld & Mitchell and Montgomery Sisam are the prime consultants and architects
the Marco Group will be seeking local contractors across all trades
“We encourage and support this because those same trades become our maintenance contract support once the building is operational.”
Construction costs are estimated at $100 million in direct costs and $25 million indirectly
The first case of Avian influenza in Nova Scotia this year was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on March 4 in a domestic flock in Sandy Point
and a turkey – died or had to be culled from the flock at the Accidental Homestead
a community minded non-commercial family farm
The strain of Avian influenza had yet to be determined by the CFIA
The farm is under quarantine and the CFIA will be establishing a primary control zone in the area where the disease has been detected to prevent the spread
While the Accidental Homestead declined to do an interview
they have shared their story on social media
“We understand that the threat of AI (Avian influenza) is terrifying for those who have domestic animals and livestock
This is why we decide to share our story so others can get some warning and take preventative measures
“So here is what I have learned about AI over the last few days
I was deluded enough to think if it wasn’t in the news
Nova Scotia was safe so when the wild duckling and mama arrived
We moved ducks and birds around into other coups when we thought they were cold or feeling the effects of winter
When we opened the main coup on Day 1 to find 20 dead birds after locking them up 12 hours earlier in fine health
we thought it was the garlic we had put in the mash we made for them a few days before
when birds started to die in mass in other coups
The dread settled in and our world fell apart
We locked down each coup to try to contain the spread
“There is misconception that if you report dead loss to DNR
We called DNR and spoke to three different departments to learn that they only collect wild bird carcasses for testing and had to call the CFIA
We called CFIA and were told to visit the website for directions on what we should do for our animals and download the form
submit to request a pickup of a domestic bird carcass for testing
CFIA weren’t coming to cull our birds either
85 percent of our flock were dead or dying.”
The Accidental Homestead says they’ve had free range birds for three years
“This is the first time wild birds have been seen near our birds… wild birds and ducks can carry AI (and other viruses) without ever showing symptoms
Wild birds and ducks also travel in groups
so I would assume that the hundreds of ducks we see along the shore in the harbour also have the possibility of carrying these viruses… we will rebuild when we are healed from all this
Please if you live in our area stop feeding the wild ducks and geese on your lawn
they are carriers and will kill every bird on Sandy Point and could possibly harm your cats
There have been eight cases of Avian influenza in Nova Scotia in the past three years
Kings and Halifax counties; two cases in 2023 in Lunenburg and Yarmouth counties and two in 2024 both in Lunenburg County
Top picks for what to watch this month in Canada
RCMP in #Shelburne on Parr St responding to a report of an armed person inside a home
Parr St is closed between George St and Charlotte St
Immediate neighbours have been advised by officers at the scene and are being evacuated
A lot happened in southwestern Nova Scotia during the year 2024
Here’s a look back at some of what was in the news in Shelburne County
Hundreds of firefighters attended the unveiling of an art installation at Atlantic Park in Shelburne in their honour at high noon
Local students were involved in the creation of the art installation
That evening at the Sandy Wickens Memorial Arena in Barrington Passage
approximately 650 people attended the Shelburne County Strong Relief Benefit
where firefighters and volunteers were honoured with a meal
medal presentations and provincial certificates
Planning for the Shelburne County Strong Relief Benefit to say ‘thank you’ began even before the Barrington Lake wildfire was out
in the year 2024 court was no longer in session in the Town of Shelburne
Shelburne’s satellite court relocated to the Barrington Municipal Administration Centre on April 1
the last court session in Barrington was on Aug
The Department of Justice’s lease for space in the former Municipality of Shelburne administrative center had expired on March 31
The department opted not to lease space in the municipality’s new administrative center
the history of the judiciary dates back to 1843 when a townhouse was built by the New England settlers to the area
The building was the site of the local jail as well as a venue for town meetings and elections
When the District of Barrington was established as a separate municipal unit in 1854
Along with them were key players in the 1987 immigration case that played out following their arrival
as well as community members who helped them that day by feeding them and making them feel welcome
despite being warned by authorities not to do so
an open house celebration was held at the Woods Harbour Community Centre where traditional Indian food was served
speeches were given and thank you was said many times over with words
The development of the new park is in the works along the Charlesville
where 174 Sikh refugees came ashore to begin their lives in Canada
It will be called Monumental Park and is expected to be finished by July 2025
Shelburne County MLA Nolan Young announced a one-time capital grant of $350,000 from the provincial Department of Advanced Education towards the initiative on May 17
ACOA also made a $345,726 non-repayable contribution towards the project
The new marine simulator is computer-based but allows the students to touch the controls and operate the vessel in a simulated environment
Instead of touching the keys on a keyboard
students use the actual equipment you would have in the bridge of the vessel
“Likely in early 2025” is when the tender call will go out
and land clearing will be done for the new Roseway Manor in Shelburne
“We have a site purchased and are now finalizing design
Once complete we will be going out to tender and clearing the land,” said Ramsay Duff
who operates the long-term care nursing facility in Shelburne
A 9.8-acre undeveloped piece of property for the new 112-bed nursing home was purchased on King Street in Shelburne
Construction is expected to take 36 months to complete
It was announced in November 2023 by the province that Roseway Manor would be replaced with a larger
Phase one development of a community park in Barrington Passage was completed in 2024
a boulder climb and a boat-shaped play structure
It’s been constructed on property owned by the Barrington Leisure Park Association (BLPA)
with two basketball nets was also part of the phase one development
The phase one project carried a $250,000 price tag
The BLPA was successful in getting an $84,348 grant from the Municipality of Barrington and an $82,000 recreation grant through the provincial Department of Communities
Culture Heritage and Tourism to help with the project
Located in the centre of the main business district of the Municipality of Barrington
the park is accessible from the road as well as the multi-use trail
The second phase will include a splash pad
A skateboard park will be part of the final phase
it had been decades since a friend or family member had taken their own life
family and community members in a show of support
The event was organized by the Let Your Light Shine Jevon Link Society
with help from supporting community organizations including the Barrington Care and Recovery Centre
and an awareness walk and vigil where participants lit candles and shared stories and memories
over 120 Nova Scotians lose their lives to suicide each year and hundreds more make a suicide attempt
marked 75 years since the Cape Sable Island Causeway was officially opened
replacing the ferry service that was the link for island residents to reach the mainland
beginning with a ceremony at Island View Park on the Barrington Passage side of the Cape Sable Island Causeway
where a new commemorative lobster sculpture painted by local artist
a mackerel fishing derby and mackerel toss competition
dory rowing and kite flying rounded out the celebrations
Talk of building a causeway between Cape Sable Island and Barrington Passage began in 1945
MacDonald announced an appropriation of $400,000 for its construction
the first load of rocks was dumped and construction began
over 100 cars crossed the 3,100-foot causeway which had been built at a cost of approximately $600,000 with an official opening to later follow
Sand has migrated to the eastern side of the Cape Sable Island Causeway
building up a beach and shifting sand bar on the North East Point waterfront that extends almost three-quarters of the way to the mainland
People of all abilities can now make their way from the park’s parking lot to the shore of Welshtown Lake without any barriers
with access to park amenities along the way including washrooms
A mobility mat has been installed over the sandy shoreline to the water’s edge for ease of access to the lake
A new accessible floating dock has also been installed
To showcase the improvements made to the park
the Municipality of Shelburne hosted a Welkum Park Kick-off celebration on June 22
located on the Upper Clyde Road in Welshtown
was established in 1928 when it was acquired by the trustees of the Lower Ohio Union Church and in 1983 the municipality took ownership of the park and has maintained it ever since
Park improvements began in 2020 and cost just over $310,000
swordfish gear and we ended up coming across it,” says fishing boat captain Jeremy Goreham
trying to figure out if anyone was aboard it and if they could move out of our way but there was no one aboard,” he said
They said someone got airlifted off it two weeks ago from the States so we kept hauling our gear back and there wasn’t much fish on the go so we hooked on to it
call from the Lady Enid to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Halifax was the second call it received about the 39-foot-long sailboat
The first came on May 26 from another vessel that noted the Star Trek was broken down and adrift
At that time the vessel was 300 nautical miles off Cape Cod
When it was found 13 days later by the Lady Enid
the computer running and the AIS tracking system on when it was found
Goreham said he’s only ever heard of two other times in the past 100 years of someone finding a boat adrift while out fishing
The organic farm owned by Matthew Roy and Cynthia Bazinet is now harvesting tea
not to mention the second geothermal greenhouse and a third seasonal greenhouse that are now in production
Coastal Grove began growing tea when they first started the farm in 2020
becoming only the second commercial tea grower in Canada
Coastal Grove supplied local garden centers in Pubnico
Barrington Passage and Shelburne with vegetable seedlings in the spring
were a steady supplier of farm fresh veggies to No Frills in Barrington Passage as well as the Barrington Municipal High School
They also were vendors at the weekly Shelburne Farmers Market
Coastal Grove is the first saffron grower in Nova Scotia
Coastal Grove has been receiving orders for their organic saffron from across Canada
Roy has been taking an active role in the province’s agriculture’s industry
He is involved with the Yarmouth Shelburne Federation of Agriculture
is second vice chair for the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and often hosts workshops and speaking engagements in the region
His partner Cynthia Bazinet was elected to Barrington Municipal Council in 2024
Lobster Dip took on a whole new meaning in the Municipality of Barrington on New Year’s Day
one that isn’t served with chips and crackers
More than 100 people took the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean while hundreds more watched from the shoreline at the Stoney Island Beach on Cape Sable Island for the first annual Lobster Dip in the Municipality of Barrington
The Lobster Dip is going to be an annual event at the Stoney Island Beach
Proceeds from the event will support the Our House Wellness Centre and the Barrington Community Care and Recovery Centre
A public hearing will soon be held as part of the review process of the Municipality of Shelburne’s Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use Bylaws (LUB) and work will soon begin on the creation of a comprehensive four-year Strategic Plan
We are committed to improving the quality of life for our residents
ensuring that our community is a place where people want to live
and raise their families,” said the municipality in a social media post
“Our council members were not elected merely to ‘keep the lights on.’ We were chosen to tackle hard challenges and to make the tough decisions that will secure a brighter future for our community and our children
but we have the vision and determination to make the hard choices necessary to overcome them,” it said
our municipal council made a bold decision three years ago to prioritize responsible economic development,” it continued
“Our goal is clear yet ambitious – to use every tool at our disposal to attract new businesses and industries
and ultimately create a future where our children have abundant reasons to stay
and thrive in the community they grew up.”
Provincial regulations mandate that municipalities update their MPS and LUB every 10 years
although the documents can be updated at any time by a municipal unit if there are certain trigger events like legislative changes
The municipality began the review process in August 2023
The deadline for comments on the draft planning documents closed on March 3
The work is scheduled to be completed by March 31
The next version of documents will go to council for first reading followed by a public hearing
it is designating two areas of special planning areas (SPA) interest
One area is 82.06 hectares (202.78) acres of municipally-owned property on the south side of Highway 103
The second area is 471.76 hectares (1165.74 acres) of coastal land in Hartz Point in Birchtown
“The Municipality currently does not own any land under the Hartz Point SPA
we have come to an agreement with the Anglican Parish of Shelburne to purchase their land at Hartz Point (comprising of 558 acres)
which underlies a portion of the Hartz Point SPA,” says Warren MacLeod
“This acquisition has not yet closed as there are still conditions to be met.”
The designation of SPAs “supports economic diversification by allowing council to evaluate larger development projects through a public consultation process
No projects are currently under consideration,” says the municipality
The municipality is also proposing two industrial zones specifically designed for heavier industrial users
The two zones are located at the existing Shelburne Marine Industrial Park and by the old naval base in Sandy Point
from a declining fishery to a constrained power grid
That’s why we are actively working with Nova Scotia Power to secure critical upgrades that will support new growth,” says the municipality
the municipality’s strategic location along Highway 103 – equidistant from Yarmouth and Bridgewater – and our unmatched harbour remain powerful assets.”
The proposed new bylaws will designate areas for wind farm development
address coastal protection issues and update private road development requirements that include wildfire protection measures to improve emergency response and safety
the municipality will soon be embarking on the creation of a comprehensive four-year Strategic Plan
“built with the active participation of our residents,” it says
“This plan will be a guiding document that reflects the collective aspirations of our community and ensures that our Council moves forward with a strong
resident-driven mandate,” says the municipality
MacLeod said council will be reviewing a quote from management consultants Davis Pier for facilitating a strategic plan during the budget deliberations over the next month
Construction of the new emergency department at Yarmouth Regional Hospital will start next week
a project that will provide better access to emergency healthcare for people in Yarmouth
The new facility will have twice the capacity of the current department – able to care for 30 people at a time
It will also have space for four ambulances
“Investing in healthcare infrastructure is how we support the healthcare needs of our growing population and recruit and retain the best and brightest healthcare professionals to our communities,” said Nick Hilton
on behalf of Public Works Minister Fred Tilley
modern and larger emergency department will improve care for Nova Scotians in Yarmouth
Some of the other features of the new emergency department will include:– two triage spaces– a resuscitation/trauma area– two virtual-care exam rooms and a dedicated kids’ waiting area– mental health facilities– a dedicated ear-nose-throat exam room
The new facility is scheduled to open in 2027.“Our emergency department team
our patients and our community have been looking forward to work getting started on the Yarmouth Regional Hospital emergency department redevelopment
We will be excited to see boots on the ground and work happening
We are confident it will ultimately allow for better care in a more spacious
resulting in an enhanced patient and provider experience
patients will be able to access all hospital services as usual; as work proceeds
there will be some adjustments to things such as parking and patient drop-offs/pickups
but any disruptions will be minimized– PCL Constructors Canada Inc
was awarded the construction tender through a competitive process; it is valued at $77.8 million– the total cost of the project will be released once it is complete
Motorized multi-use trail users now have passage through Shelburne via two of the main streets in the town
The Town of Shelburne has officially opened its road trail that includes Ohio Road
and King Street to Spa Road as a road trail within the Road Trails Act
Town council approved a Road Trails Designation By-Law earlier this year
the Shelburne road tail connects to the Jordan Branch Trailway
which takes riders to Jordan River and on the other side of town it connects to the Roseway River Trail
secretary of the Woodland Multiuse Trail Association (WMTA) and a director with the Shelburne County ATV Association
“It’s wonderful to be connecting the trails
That’s a key connection to have a connected trail around western Nova Scotia
The WMTA and the Shelburne County ATV Association have submitted applications to the province for three road trails between the Roseway River and Clyde River in the Municipality of Shelburne
which doesn’t have jurisdiction over roads
as well as for three vehicle restrictions on the railbed to be lifted
we will have a legal route from Shelburne to Barrington and Yarmouth
except for a couple of little breaks in Digby County,” says Embree
adding the Municipality of Shelburne is working on making the Jordan River bridge safe for motorized traffic
The three OHV Road Trail Act requests being proposed by the two volunteer organizations are as follows
a total of 4.17 km with 1.92 km on an 80 km/hr road
The second request is public road around the Birchtown Brook Trestle Bridge
The third request is in Churchover via the private driveway at Boulder Cove Cottages
via Shore Road to Gouldens Road and then a K-class fire road to Shore Road again along to 1619 Shore Road
The distance is 6.86 km total with 0.96 km on the 80 km/hr Shore Road and 0.90 km on the 60 km/hr Shore Road
Embree said in early December that they were still waiting for a reply
“Once approved it will open up the possibility for those trails to be developed,” Embree says
Once you have a legal route somebody can develop it
whether it’s a municipality or a trail association or an ATV club or another community group.”
“We have hired Jacqueline LeBlanc as our Get Side Tracked Program Officer,” says Western REN project coordinator Brenda LaGrandeur
branding and a website to highlight local businesses along the 200-kilometre trail system
The aim is to open participating businesses to new markets
increase visitors and spark the development of trail-focused businesses and services
The province is contributing $213,285 through the Community Economic Development Fund towards the project
LaGrandeur says LeBlanc will be working out of the Yarmouth office and is eager to speak to any track-side businesses
LeBlanc can be contacted by email at getsidetracked@westernren.ca and by phone at 902-740-3483
The Shelburne District RCMP has charged a man with attempted murder and related offences following what police say was a stabbing in Sandy Point
RCMP officers and EHS responded to a weapons complaint at a home on Sandy Point Road
“Responding officers located a woman with significant injuries that had fled to a neighbouring residence,” reads an RCMP media release
“The investigation indicates the 56-year-old woman of Sandy Point had been assaulted with multiple weapons by a man known to her,” the RCMP says in the media release
“Officers learned that she had also been assaulted by the same man on Jan
No one else was inside the home at the time of either incident.”
Officers located a suspect nearby a short time later
A search warrant was executed at the residence where the incidents occurred to locate and seize further evidence as part of the investigation in the alleged incident
The RCMP Forensic Identification Section is supporting the ongoing investigation
has been charged with two counts of attempting to commit murder
three counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
He was held in custody after his arrest and had a first court appearance at Yarmouth Provincial Court on Jan
A man who devoted his life to community news and keeping people informed recently passed away
passed on peacefully at Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville on Jan
Nancy and Christopher as well as his four grandchildren Jacob
Family was also something that Thomas always cherished
“Beyond being passionate about the different work that he had professionally
his passion was just making sure that his kids and grandkids were happy,” said Nancy
Claridge started his journalism career with the Canadian Press shortly after graduating from university and went on to write for the Globe and Mail for 30 years
he purchased the Shelburne Free Press and Economist from his father in 1972 and founded the Orangeville Citizen in 1974
also owned and operated the Grand Valley Star-Vidette and Caledon Citizen
“[Tom] had gumption to start a newspaper in Orangeville where there already was an established newspaper at the time
He was just that serious about the responsibility of informing the community and providing an outlet for public response –– all while he worked for the Globe,” said Sheila Duncan
who worked as editor of the Orangeville Citizen
he became the managing editor of The Lawyer’s Weekly
He held this role for many years before retiring but continued to write and edit for the newspapers he owned
he’d probably die at his desk because that was what made him the happiest,” said Alan
he didn’t collect stamps or do woodworking or anything like that
He was happy doing what he was passionate about.”
“He wasn’t a man that had a lot of time because of all the work that he did
and he always wanted to make sure people were taken care.”
“The newspaper was not a venture to make money
It was to serve the community and make sure there were jobs there
That’s the way he liked to contribute.”
Alan said when Thomas bought the Shelburne Free Press and started the Orangeville Citizen
him and Pam were doing a majority of the work
and the sports reporter for a long time,” he recalled
“When both Nancy and I were younger… dinner times in the weekdays were always after 8 o’clock
dad was heavily involved in not just the writing and the editing
Alan said he learned a lot about the value of hard work from his father
“The biggest thing that he instilled in me was a work ethic,” he noted
Duncan said one thing she remembers from working with him was that his brain never shut off
“He was always thinking and always full of ideas
His face would light up with a thought and he’d often have a chuckle before he took off with his latest idea,” said Duncan
“He amazed me with his well-reasoned editorials and how quickly he could interpret and analyze everything from legal judgments to provincial energy reports.”
“Journalism was in his blood and he had the brain and the integrity that suited that passion.”
who worked with Thomas at the Orangeville Citizen for around 20 years
described him as a “gentleman and a very gentle man.”
very knowledgeable about a variety of topics and was always a pleasure to chat with
“Tom would sit down and talk to you and listen intently and carry on a conversation for as long as you want,” Dennis recalled
“It was always very interesting to talk to him because he was really well educated
He knew a lot about a lot of things… and he could tell a story.”
“He was somebody you could talk to about literally almost any subject and he could carry a conversation with you about it.”
Dennis said Thomas dedication to the newspaper ensured local residents knew what was happening where they live
“His impact on the community was huge because he really believed in community newspapers and community knowledge – getting the facts out there,” said Dennis
She added that him and his late wife Pam were also very active in the Anglican Church
Thomas wasn’t raised Anglican but converted when he met Pam
“He got a lot of happiness from the community that he found in the in the churches that he was involved with,” said Alan
he was director of Orangeville Music Theatre (OMT)
Thomas and Pam’s love of music was something they passed down to their kids
all of us used to be performing on the stage of the ODSS cafeteria,” Nancy recalled
Thomas accompanied Pam and Nancy on several concert tours to Carnegie Hall as well as France
Thomas would ensure people visiting the town for music had a home to sleep in and that local events were well publicized
Nancy and Alan said their parents’ dedication to giving back and supporting the community is something they picked up as well
Both of them have been members of the local Rotary Club and Nancy helps organize the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival each year
“Serving the community was deeply ingrained by our parents in us,” Nancy said
A celebration of life for Thomas will be held on Friday
Donations may be made to the Orangeville Food Bank or St
a tree will be planted in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area
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The show will go on in Shelburne this spring
despite not having a dedicated director to lead the community choir
The Shelburne Chorus will be presenting Hope
at the Christ Church on Hammond Street in Shelburne
the Chorus had grown from 24 to 39 singers but hit a snag when their director needed to take time off for personal reasons
and really didn’t want to not have a choir to sing with
who was the driving force behind getting the community chorus formed
“I asked everyone I ran into if they liked to sing
What an incredible thing to find a decent size group of people who wanted to get together and raise their voices,” Glauser says
“There is so much science these days that shows just how good it is for our mental health
our physical well-being to sing in a group setting
four members with “varying degrees of no experience to a bit of experience” stepped up to the plate and agreed to direct two pieces each for the Hope
“I think community choir is important because we don’t have a lot of music in Shelburne
It would be such a shame if everybody had to stop singing because the community choir was no more,” says 16-year-old Mei Jennings
a chorus pianist who will be making her debut as a choir director for the concert
The concert will feature nine conducted pieces with the whole choir
quartet pieces and some fun singalong shanties led by choir members
Three of the pieces will be from the Robbie Songs Project – a legacy to the late singer and songwriter Robbie Smith
“I’m really so pleased that we’ve been able to keep the choir going under these circumstances,” says Glauser
“I can honestly say that I don’t think there would be many community choirs that would have done the same.”
The chorus practices weekly at the Christ Church
Queens County director Christopher Snarby attended one night to do a workshop with the four directors from the choir
“They wanted to bring in a fresh set of eyes and ears to hear them tonight so I drove down from Liverpool to do that,” Snarby says
“These guys are obviously having a lot of fun doing it.”
Chorus singers can have different levels of musical background
It’s always a bit of a challenge to learn the music because you have people with different levels of experience,” says Snarby
adding it’s the director’s job to “keep everything together
Glauser says she wouldn’t have been able to take on the role of director without the knowledge she absorbed by attending conductor’s workshops hosted by the Nova Scotia Choral Federation
“We grew to a lovely balanced group of 39 singers this term and we’re having a lot of fun preparing for our Hope
“We’ve learned so much by doing this and the choir is sounding really good.”
The Shelburne chorus features singers from both Shelburne and Yarmouth counties
“I’ve learned a lot on this chorus,” says choir member Nicole Nickerson
and makes the weekly trek to Shelburne with two fellow choir members from Pubnico
I meet lots of people and I get involved in the song and forget everything that is negative in the world and in my life
“Some of the songs give me insight in life and different things that’s happened in my life or others’ lives.”
and then prepare for a Christmas/winter concert
playAD on LeBron and Bronny at practice: 'Everybody was talking smack in Bronny's favor' (1:51)Lakers star Anthony Davis talks about the dynamic of having LeBron James and his son Bronny on the team and what it has been like during practice
It was Day 1 of his first training camp as an NBA head coach
"I take that responsibility seriously," Redick told ESPN
A few minutes earlier, James had been shooting with his son Bronny James on the same basket Redick was now seated under
mulling the question on how best to maximize the final years of James' tenure with the Lakers
"I talk about joy and gratitude all the time," Redick said
But it also means savoring this unique experience of James playing with his son
They are contemporaries at very different stages of their lives and careers
you get to coach your own kids when they're little," Redick said
shooting right over here on this basket with his son
They were doing 2-on-2 pick-and-roll drills to start practice against the coaches
Those that know James best say he craves structure and accountability
He does his best when everyone on the team understands their role
All are elements he had lost faith in under the Lakers' previous regime
Redick's job is to create that kind of environment as quickly as possible
he hosts a classroom session for younger players
Each day new concepts and systems are being installed
Players' workload is tracked each day; then pored over by the performance and coaching staff
Redick decided to grant James' request for a DJ
though no one is sure yet who is paying for it
Redick tries to get home in time to grill hamburgers or hotdogs for his kids' dinner
"I've tried to be super intentional about my time," Redick said
In everything he has the team do and everything he does and says
That requires a clarity of purpose: Everything he and the Lakers will do this season is about making the most of the final years of LeBron James' illustrious career and avoiding some of the painful lessons of their past -- when franchise icon Kobe Bryant finished his career with three injury-riddled seasons and very few opportunities to win
PART OF THE reason James came to the Lakers as a free agent in 2018 is the standard of care they showed during the final seasons of Bryant's career a decade ago
James liked playing for an iconic franchise as much as he liked how it treated its iconic players
There was no telling how much longer James could maintain his level of play when he joined the Lakers
the same age as Bryant was when he suffered an Achilles tendon injury that accelerated his physical decline
Bryant played his final seasons with teammates who were infants when he entered the league
found himself at a similar juncture with James
James had made it clear he wanted to finish his career with the Lakers and contend for one last championship
James was willing to recruit free agents to help him do so
James has shown little evidence of decline
heightening this pressurized season even more
He was an All-NBA second-team player last year at age 39
He played a lead role for Team USA as it won gold at the Paris Olympics
And his desire to win -- and lengths he'll go to ensure it -- hasn't waned
Pelinka called former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and asked for advice on how to approach the situation
Krzyzewski had been a close confidant of Bryant's for nearly two decades and was his choice to coach the team in 2004
Pelinka had developed a relationship with Krzyzewski through Bryant and other clients with Duke ties
"It was just about going into the last part of LeBron's career
how his legacy should be intertwined with what the team is doing," Krzyzewski told ESPN of his message to Pelinka
"I said it can't be the only thing that you're thinking of
But is there a way that you can help him in positioning him in different ways on offense
Krzyzewski developed a close relationship with James in his years coaching Team USA
He knows the way James likes to be coached and the systems he has thrived in
who'd won numerous awards as a player for Duke from 2002 to 2006
"JJ was as courageous a player as I've had," Krzyzewski said
the bigger the situation was during a game
Krzyzewski was the first person to make Redick and Pelinka aware of the similarities in their personal styles and way of thinking
"We've gotten that from a lot of people," Pelinka said
"When I huddled up with Mike at the Chicago combine
'I really think you and JJ should work together
I've known you for over 20 years and I think you guys just see the game and see the business of basketball very similarly.'"
If Redick could take being booed in every arena he went to
continuing "in a long line of hated players we've had here" as Krzyzewski put it
he could handle the pressure of coaching James in the final years of his career
Redick was organized and thoughtful about everything he did
His personal style was one that would meld easily with James and Pelinka
And that was essential in the environment they were all entering together
and that's going to be essential," Krzyzewski said
If they can keep growing that relationship
Pelinka has endured withering criticism despite winning a championship in 2020 and advancing to the Western Conference Finals in 2023
It is the cost of leading a franchise like the Lakers and managing a superstar like James
there's always stuff going on around the Lakers," Pelinka said
REDICK WAS IN the room when the Lakers made history and a dream into reality
He stood next to Pelinka as the Golden State Warriors
who had tried to trade for James last season
The Warriors liked Bronny's skill set and had him on their draft board
would've been a shrewd move -- perhaps even to entice James to sign there as a free agent
the Warriors opted to respect the wishes James had made clear and the Lakers signaled they would grant
Dream met reality this week. After practice Wednesday, Anthony Davis described a scene from a scrimmage earlier in the day. First, Bronny hit a 3-pointer over his father, which had the whole team doubled over in delight. Then James responded by bullying a defender on the opposing end, only to have Bronny knock down another shot over Austin Reaves
"They weren't even matched up," Davis said
"But the competition was there and that's what we love to see."
there's a chance they play together in the Lakers' first preseason game
"It means the world to [James]," Davis said
no one has ever got a chance to play with their son
So that's like a different level of joy and appreciation
There are also the quiet moments no one sees. Each day after practice, LeBron and Bronny are part of a shooting group with third-year guard Max Christie
They shoot jumpers from all over the court
taking passes from new player development coach Ty Abbott and assistant coach Scott Brooks
James makes his 3-pointers at a high percentage
Bronny is still working on his form and release
It is very much a veteran getting his work in alongside two younger players still trying to prove themselves
Above them are the franchise's 17 Larry O'Brien trophies peering down on them through six windows
Banners for each of the team's championships and retired jerseys hang on the walls overhead
While there's palpable joy of seeing LeBron and Bronny together
James brought his son in for one of his elaborate handshakes
James reached out his right hand and rubbed the top of Bronny's head -- as only a proud father would
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Dufferin OPP says officers seized drugs
firearms and other related items following search warrants executed at residences in Bradford and Shelburne
provincial police say the Dufferin Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU)
Dufferin OPP front-line members and South Simcoe police
launched a multi-jurisdictional drug investigation
search warrants were executed between Feb. 19 and Feb. 25
Five individuals were arrested and face multiple charges
Additionally, police say officers seized various drug-related items
None of the allegations against any of the accused have been tested in court.
The OPP says the items seized at the Bradford location include Glock 36
loaded with six rounds; 937 grams of cocaine; 87 grams of fentanyl (various colours); 358 Percocet pills; 50 Clonazepam pills; more than $8,000 in Canadian cash; 105 rounds of various ammunition; and drug-trafficking paraphernalia
police say officers seized Mossberg 590 pump-action shotgun; 190.6 grams of cocaine; 366.4 grams of fentanyl (various colours); 17.6 grams of methamphetamine; a money counter; a vacuum sealer; and drug-trafficking paraphernalia
Members of the Dufferin OPP are committed to ensuring public safety through proactive and innovative policing in partnership with the community. If you have any information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-822-8477 (TIPS) or visit www.crimestopperssdm.com
More Spotlight >
Juliana Adam of Hilton Beach won $250,000 with an Instant Cashingo lottery ticket bought in Shelburne
The winning ticket was purchased at Petro-Canada on Main Street East
Marie-area woman won a large prize on a scratch lottery ticket purchased a long way from home
Juliana Adam of Hilton Beach
an island community southeast of Sault Ste
won $250,000 with the Instant Cashingo lottery game
The winning ticket was purchased at the Petro-Canada on Main Street East in Shelburne
Instant Cashingo is available at a price of $20 per play and the top prize is $250,000
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Downtown Shelburne was transformed into a festive Christmas wonderland during the fourth annual Miracle on Dock Street
Twenty-six stationary floats were positioned along portions of Dock and Water streets on Dec
where fire pits and lawn chairs awaited visitors
children had the chance for a one-on-one visit with Santa Claus
The streets were closed to vehicular traffic during the event
Community Development Coordinator for the Municipality of Shelburne
and one of the organizers on the Shelburne Events Committee
The event “has definitely been growing,” says Smith
“The float numbers have steadily increased each year
There’s definitely more people attending and we have continued to add new events each year,” Smith says
“I spoke to people from Caledonia and Halifax that have been wanting to come and finally made it this year
The event is attracting not just locals anymore.”
New to Miracle on Dock Street this year was the movie set up on the waterfront
as well as the Reindeer Run that morning in nearby Islands Provincial Park
“We had approximately 30 people come out for the reindeer run despite the chilly morning
but they all were happy to come participate,” says Smith
Setting up the main event “takes all the hands we can to get ready,” says Smith
getting the information booth and floats in place
A lot of other work is all done beforehand as well.”
The public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite floats during Miracle on Dock Street
with the top three choices winning cash prizes
Taking first place and splitting a $1,000 cash prize was Wilsons and the Municipality of Shelburne
who are both donating their winnings to local charities
Shelburne County Towing and Spencer’s Garden Centre were tied for second place splitting the $750 in prize money
Placing third place was the AC Belliveau Veinotte Inc
The People’s Choice award went to Spencer’s Garden Centre
The Events Committee was formed in 2021 by volunteers with no budget and one event
with a $67,000 budget for our four events: Easter Egg Hunt
Pumpkin Regatta and Miracle on Dock Street.”
Both the municipality and Town of Shelburne have one staff member and one councillor on the committee
with volunteers rounding out the membership
The dates will be set very early in the New Year for next year’s events
A loaded handgun along with 937 grams of cocaine
358 percocet pills and 50 clonazepam pills were found in Bradford
An investigation that began last fall culminated recently when search warrants were carried out between Feb
19 and 25 at homes in Bradford and Shelburne
Two guns and a variety of drugs were seized from homes in Bradford and Shelburne as part of an investigation that led to the arrest of five people
105 rounds of various ammunition and drug-trafficking paraphernalia were also seized
a money counter and vacuum sealer were confiscated
Two people from Shelburne — a 38-year-old man and 39-year-old woman — also face gun and drug-trafficking charges
A 36-year-old man from Dysart has been charged with drug possession
Two Special Olympics Nova Scotia awards for 2024 have been won by Shelburne County Special Olympics athletes and one of their coaches
The Nova Scotia Floor Hockey team that won gold at the national winter games in Calgary in February 2024 has been named Team of the Year for 2024 by Special Olympics Nova Scotia
Twelve of the 16 players on the team are from Shelburne County
The recipient of the Special Olympics Nova Scotia Volunteer of the Year award for 2024 was Shelburne County Special Olympics regional coordinator Kim Arcon
“I would say that Kim Arcon has been a vital part of the success of our Special Olympics Shelburne group and is their literal leader in the capacity of Regional Coordinator
dedication and motivation of both the athletes and other volunteers,” said Mike Greek
“This was transferred to her coaching and the Team NS Floor Hockey group and a key to their ultimate success both on and off the gym floor,” Greek said
“The athletes not only experienced a gold medal run and being named Team of the Year
but many had their lives changed with the opportunities to travel and make friends with athletes from all over Canada.”
The provincial awards were presented at The Inspired Gala held on Feb
which is a major fundraiser for Special Olympics Nova Scotia
who has been involved with Special Olympics for 15 years
said she was honoured to receive the award
“I have seen first-hand how hard volunteers work across this province
so to be recognized as Volunteer of the Year is pretty darn special,” said Arcon
Arcon is described as someone who wears many hats
“Kim is always looking for ways to promote Special Olympics and recruiting new members
She is amazingly dedicated to the athletes and the organization as a whole
Without her I don’t think we would have a SCSO organization here,” the nomination reads
“She works tirelessly to make sure everything is taken care of
and always volunteers for fundraisers and events
Always willing to fill in should a volunteer not be able to make the event
Makes sure everything is been done as it should be,” it states
“Kim is very respected in our organization
She is always positive and brings a great energy to our practices
Always willing to co-operate to ensure the best outcome for our athletes and Special Olympics and never looks for any recognition.”
The floor hockey team was described in their award nomination as being respectful to other players and officials at all times – even spending time in the stands when they were not playing and cheering on other provincial teams at the national games
“This team also showed cooperation by being accommodating to other provincial teams at the national venue by sharing dressing room space when local hockey teams came in on the weekend
Communication between the Shelburne and Dartmouth coaches happened immediately to discuss practice logistics,” reads the nomination
“Shelburne was considerate of the three-hour drive that the Dartmouth players had to make to practice together
so scheduled full-day practices and provided nutritious lunches onsite
Eating together also allowed the players to get to know their coaches and fellow players outside of the arena
The Dartmouth athletes showed the true spirit of Special Olympics by respecting their new teammates’ level of abilities
by humbly leading and maintaining a positive attitude.”
The fight against environmental racism in Canada has a new partner in Shelburne County – the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Society
“The Centre for Environmental Justice Society was established to address the longstanding issue of environmental racism in the historic African Nova Scotian community of Shelburne
the community has been disproportionately burdened by environmental racism and injustice,” says the society in a media release
was used to dispose of a wide range of hazardous waste
without adequate environmental safeguards,” it says
“The resulting contamination has significantly impacted the community’s socio-economic health
The society says it is committed to community-led solutions for environmental justice
we strive to address the lasting impacts of environmental racism in historically marginalized communities,” it says
“Our work focuses on advocating for remediation
and sustainable development to create a healthier future for all.”
As an introduction to the community at large
“The seminar will be an opportunity for the community to learn more about the Centre for Environmental Justice (and) our vision and goals towards advancing environmental justice,” says Vanessa Hartley
“The purpose of the seminar is to provide residents and community members with accurate information regarding environmental justice legislation in the Province of Nova Scotia
increase awareness of initiatives community members can participate in
and introduce the community to the newly formed society,” says Hartley
Kostantina (Tina) Northrup at East Coast Environmental Law
Tina and her team at East Coast Environmental Law are leading the campaign for the Province of Nova Scotia to enact an Environmental Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.”
and justice for life and liberty,” wrote Hartley on her Facebook page
it is the inherent right to respect and honour Mother Earth
let it bring us together and allow us to love Earth collectively.”
The CEJ is the latest community effort to combat the impacts environmental racism has had on the African Nova Scotian and working-poor community in Shelburne
the South End Environmental Injustice Society (SEED) was founded
gaining recognition for its work addressing environmental concerns by receiving the Group Award at the 2018 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards Celebration
SEED was also featured in the internationally acclaimed documentary There’s Something in The Water
Bill C-226 – An Act Respecting the Development of a National Strategy to Assess
Prevent and Address Environmental Racism and to Advance Environmental Justice has received royal assent by the federal government
a national strategy to promote efforts across Canada to advance environmental justice and to assess
The strategy could include measures such as possible amendments to federal laws
The minister will also report on progress every five years thereafter
the Municipality of Shelburne will be purchasing locally sourced renewable energy to power its municipal buildings
The municipality is not the first municipal unit Renewall has arrangements with
Renewall Energy is the first and only licensed electricity retailer supplier in Nova Scotia
authorized by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) in 2021
The licence was granted under the Renewable to Retail program
established by the provincial government in 2014
The Roswall/Renewall team presented details of their services to municipal council in September
finalizing the details of their offer based upon the reported usage of the municipality
They provided the municipality with a term purchase agreement and a power purchase agreement for it to review
director of operations and protective services for the municipality
the energy rate will be lower than NSPI and increase at a fixed percentage annually
The benefits of this agreement are that it provides a known energy price through the term and a hedge on future NSPI prices
Their service promotes emission reductions and contributes to 148.5 MW of wind generation avoiding over 300k tonnes of CO2 (based on NSP’s 2021 emissions),” said d’Eon in her staff report
procuring clean renewable electricity is the most important step in reducing a company’s carbon footprint
Environmental attributes are transferred to customers
This transition will help reduce Nova Scotia’s reliance on imported energy
and provide long-term stable energy prices through secured contracts,” she reported
“Renewall energy rates are based on a discount on NSPI’s approved rates when the customer starts service
locked in and increases by one percent each year over the term
The Municipality of Shelburne would become a Renewall customer in 2026 aligned with Phase 3 of the Mersey River Wind Project.”
it is projected the municipality would save $435,727 for general use
based on a purchase commitment range of 433 to 478 MWh annually
“Their rates are about 10 percent less,” said Warren MacLeod
“Its ability to generate is directly linked to our ability to sell to customers
We are working on finalizing our construction schedule for Mersey
We may be able to serve our customers who are committed earlier than that,” he said
The Mersey River Wind project is the largest wind farm approved in Nova Scotia to date
Located southwest of the Mersey River on former Bowater Mersey lands
the project received its Environmental Assessment Approval in March 2023
has received provincial approval for the Lease of Crown Land
and has a development agreement in place with the Region of Queens
Mersey River Wind’s 30 wind turbines will tie into the grid at a substation on Highway 8 in Milton
The wind farm will be able to produce about five percent of the province’s needs
Roscoe said Renewall’s licence allows it to sell directly to any retail customer in the province
“So essentially any Nova Scotia Power customer
Our only limitation is selling within the few municipal utilities like Berwick
so we can sell to about 98 percent of the province,” said Roscoe
“We have a number of customers already signed up
Shelburne is not the first municipality we have arrangements with,” he said
“We have a wait list on our website,” he said
adding once the construction schedule is finalized
Renewall will begin processing applications
“We’re pretty excited about its great potential to give customers a choice
but also allowing for communities to take advantage of their own resources so we’re excited to have people like the Municipality of Shelburne,” said Roscoe
“There’s a growing group of individuals that care about climate and want to find local solutions and we’re very happy to be part of that.”
6 when Black Loyalist descendant Stanley Jacklin took the mayor’s oath of office
making him the first Black mayor of this historic town
Jacklin was voted in as mayor of the Town in the Oct
along with incumbent councillors Sheldon Ringer and Elizabeth Acker
and newcomers Therese Cruz and Donnie Acker
“It feels pretty good being the first black mayor of Shelburne,” said Jacklin
“I’m really looking forward to doing as much as I possibly can for all the citizens of the town.”
Jacklin was one of two people who ran for the position of mayor
Outgoing mayor Harold Locke did not reoffer in the election
presided over the swearing-in ceremony at the community centre
while the small galley was filled with spectators
a position that will rotate in alphabetical order over the next four years between the four councillors
Mayor Jacklin is a retired NSCC instructor and machinist
“Thank you to the people of the town of Shelburne for supporting the councillors and myself and the town overall
said she is “very proud of Stanley coming from a descendent of the Black Loyalists.”
I think they will work together in unison and with community members and support
I think we are moving forward in the future for a positive outlook.”
executive director of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre
It’s something we’ve been waiting for in the community
Being a descendant of the Black Loyalists puts the icing right on the cake
It is something I know our ancestors are very proud
“Even though Stanley Jacklin is a descendant of the Black Loyalists
what’s important is he is a community member and it’s about time we all got together as a community
no matter what side of the tracks you were born on or live on,” Davis said
“The fact that we are all coming together as a community
the color of his skin or his heritage has nothing to do with the fact that he’s representing this community as a whole.”
Mayor Jacklin said once he and the councillors get read in on the town’s business
As for the idea of consolidation or amalgamation of the three municipal units in eastern Shelburne County
“I’m willing to look at the amalgamation for the Town of Shelburne
Town of Lockeport and the Municipality of Shelburne
I don’t know any information at this point in time but I’m quite sure if we can get together and have a discussion about that I’m more than willing to be a part of that.”
Shelburne Town Council meets on the first and third Monday of every month
Dufferin County Council has approved a motion to fund the Grey Transit Route (GTR) that runs between Shelburne and Orangeville on a month-to-month basis up to the end of the year
Dufferin County Council discussed a letter received from Brian Milne
regarding the discontinuation of the route as of Sept
Milne said Grey County had made the decision to discontinue the stops in Shelburne due to over-capacity use from Shelburne residents
there have not been enough seats to accommodate everyone who wishes to use the service between Dundalk and Orangeville,” wrote Milne
“Grey County made the difficult decision to terminate the Shelburne stops beginning September 2 in order to preserve seats for our residents.”
The letter noted that for the service to continue for riders catching the bus in Shelburne
a second vehicle of the same size and seating
would be required for Route 2 and would need to be funded by the County of Dufferin
the Town of Shelburne received similar correspondence from Grey County’s Chief Administrative Officer
Shelburne Town Council voted in favour of discontinuing the service due to the financial cost of operating
“We didn’t feel as though it was a financial burden that we could or should necessarily take on our own in terms of this being a long-term transit strategy,” said Coun
“We knew from day one that this probably was going to be a limited-time opportunity and it was a bit of a stopgap from the outset
We were fortunate enough as a community to be able to piggyback on the Grey County initiative
but we kind of knew what there may be a sunset coming at some point and here we are.”
the cost to provide the service five days per week would be $13,500 per month plus HST and a fuel cost of approximately $500
The Grey Transit Route (GTR) is a rural transit service managed by Grey County and operated by Driverseat Owen Sound
The transit service in Shelburne launched in 2020 as a weekday service funded by a $2.3-million provincial grant received by Grey County and Southgate Township
The funding was used to implement the service of a 10-passenger van from Dundalk to Orangeville
Shelburne does not fund or contribute any cost to the weekday service.
The GTR weekday service includes two stops in Shelburne
Philips Drive at Highway 10 and another stop at Victoria Street at Town Hall
Dufferin County councillors debated whether they should fund the service until the end of the year or allow the service to discontinue
“I’m concerned about the gap and I’m concerned we will have residents who will be left without solutions,” said Coun
The cost of the service in comparison to the number of riders was a common concern raised by councillors at the meeting
the Shelburne stops on the GTR’s Route 2 saw 227 pick-ups and 206 drop-offs for an average of 18.82 rides per day
the total number of pick-ups was 210 and drop-offs was 195 for an average of 17.60 rides per day.
“I would be challenged to spend $1,000 a rider right now to fill the gap because we don’t have a budget allocation for that,” said Coun
Little though that we’ve got folks in our community who are depending on it heavily.”
Councillors also expressed whether extending the service would provide enough time to begin looking for solutions for Dufferin County’s transit issues
“Essentially what we’re doing then is giving these folks hope just to take it away again later
I don’t see us having a solution by December; I really don’t,” said Warden Darren White
Dufferin County Council approved a motion to provide subsidy funding for the Grey County Transit Route 2 in the amount of $15,000 on a month-to-month basis for up to four months
The goal of the subsidy funding is to continue the service until the County’s transit task force
who are expected to meet in early September
can begin exploring the feasibility of the service and explore other options
“This was identified four or five years ago that we should look at some sort of transit plan and we
The Shelburne RCMP Detachment has charged a Westphal man with multiple offences after executing a search warrant at a residence and seizing multiple firearms
Shelburne RCMP say in a media release that they responded to a report of an assault with a weapon
and learned that a man had assaulted an individual at a Shelburne home and left before police arrived
Subsequent attempts to locate and arrest the man were unsuccessful
RCMP officers learned the suspect was at a residence on Parr Street and established containment of the home
Investigators evacuated surrounding residences and the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) also attended
supported by the RCMP’s Crisis Negotiation Team and Police Dog Services
safely arrested 28-year-old Liam Colin Cockerill
home was secured and officers executed a search warrant
They seized two firearms and a variety of ammunition,” states the release
Cockerill was remanded into custody and faces 21 charges that include: assault; assault with a weapon; possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; careless storage of a firearm (three counts); possession of a prohibited firearm; possession of a loaded firearm; possession of a firearm while prohibited; and failure to Comply with Undertaking
Anyone with information is asked to contact Shelburne RCMP at 902-875-2490
people can contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers
This is Part Two of Postmedia’s How Canada Wins series
A: The Shelburne and Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is part of the southwest region of Nova Scotia and likely our businesses are facing the same challenges as most businesses in the region
The local fishing industry is weakening to international pressure that bring technological advances and new
Most ‘other’ businesses in our community are directly or indirectly supporting this industry
are challenged to find new customers in the short
finding a new industry to set up shop is the long-term and everything else falls somewhere between these two ends of the spectrum
the business community in Shelburne County has struggled with gaining support and commitment from all directions: support from their governments (local
and federal) and support from their communities
their taxes are substantially higher than residential taxes and these businesses are not gaining any extra services for this extra cost – a major inhibiter to many pondering opening up shop and often the final straw for those that close their doors
Some communities are trying to change that
but most community leaders stick with the “that’s the way it’s always been.”
What we have noticed most recently with the chaos churning south of the border is that Canadians are starting to rally and take seriously the need to support Canadian-made products and local businesses
People are numb to the ‘shop local’ marketing tag and maybe we need to change it
but it has never been more relevant than it is today
Our most recent local challenge has come about with the announcement from Clearwater as they shut down their onshore lobster processing plant in Lockeport to focus on the more efficient
A huge hit for our community and one that will take all the best thinkers and doers to turn their predicament around
A: There are many unsung success stories in our community
to exposing an internationally renowned flute maker shop (at least renowned in the music world)
New businesses are popping up throughout our community and we as a chamber
the successes of the examples above and more have been
locally earned money that leaves the community directly and negatively impacts the local economy
If we were to oversimplify our response we would say
“If all income earned in a community were to be spent outside of said community
then that community would eventually cease to exist.” If a community wishes to grow on the other hand
then it must support local businesses at every opportunity
A: Whether on the breathtakingly beautiful southwest shores of Nova Scotia or in the downtown district of Toronto
entrepreneurism is a bug that bites some of us
and with it comes the teachings from past mistakes and the lure of potential opportunities
Today’s ‘worries’ are incredibly more complex compared to days of old
To compete in an age of ever-advancing technologies
local business owners are having to step up to deliver goods and services to their communities in the most highly competitive environment ever
Shelburne Town Council is moving ahead with consideration of a recommendation from the Heritage Advisory Committee to municipally designate the former Shipyard Mill at 13 George St
“The mill is probably the last surviving intact shipbuilding mill in Atlantic Canada Especially unique is the building’s dual function with the mill below and the moulding loft above,” reported the town’s senior planner Mike Kahn at the March 17 council meeting
The shipyard this mill stands on was in near-constant operation from the 1820s until 1984 and this is the last building remaining on the site retaining its original appearance
“Shelburne was a notable twentieth-century shipbuilding port
No other surviving building in the town is a better example of this important aspect of Shelburne’s history
“The mill retains many of the features associated with its functions of sawing and planning
including numerous windows and hatches that allow raw lumber to enter on the east side and emerge
“The windows on the knee wall of the second story provided light to work by as that level was a moulding loft where the vessel frames were laid off
The presence of the moulding loft may make this mill a unique survivor.”
equipment in the building dates from 1880 to 1940
It was a steam-powered mill until electrified in 1914
“The principal power source is a vintage 1914 General Electric 40 horsepower motor
which has been tested and is usable,” reported Kahn
who said the wiring for the motor was updated in 2017 inspected and passed by Nova Scotia Power
“The motor drives the line shaft which in turn powers all the major equipment in the mill by means of a flat-blet drive system
The belts all of which are intact pass down through holes in the main floor of the building The line shaft which is a similar date to the building with renovations in later years is in working condition.”
The George Street Shipyard Mill building is owned by the Town of Shelburne as part of the historic Cox Shipyard
The Town bought the property from Harley S
The other buildings that were part of the shipyard are used for various community venues including the Shelburne Sailing Academy
the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club and the Osprey Arts Centre
The town also owns the nearby historic Cox Warehouse at Dock and Ann Streets
which is utilized by a physiotherapy business
and provides display space for the adjacent Shelburne Museums by the Sea
volunteer George Street Shipyard Mill Society has been working to restore the Shipyard Mill
are slowly being restored with the hope that the mill may one day be an active museum,” says the society on its Facebook page
“All restoration work on the mill is financed by grants
The mill is open for tours during special events or by appointment
but donations are always gratefully accepted to help with the costs of restoration
Council will be considering the heritage designation at its April 22 meeting
This is Part 4 of Postmedia’s How Canada Wins series
since 1999 the Shelburne County Youth Health and Support Association (SCYHSA) has been a pillar of support for local youth
That community support was amplified during and since the Barrington Lake wildfire in 2023
is the Our House Youth Wellness Center at 54 King St
in Shelburne – the former residence of the late Dr
His wish was to build a hospital in Shelburne
Roseway Hospital opened shortly after his death and the terms of his will were modified to broaden the definition of health services to be provided under the Mackay Trust
where free dental services for children were offered for many years
The province began funding dental services for young children in 1974 and the provincial program was expanded in 1997
SCYHSA was established in 1998 in response to the MacKay trust’s call for proposals to use the building for purposes of providing health services to Shelburne County children and youth
The proposal put forth by SCYHSA won and Our House officially opened in 1999
that space is dedicated to the health and well-being of youth ages 12-24 residing throughout Shelburne County,” says Amy MacKinnon
Three youth outreach workers are on staff at Our House
or take advantage of programming for numerous topics
On average about 15 to 16 youth drop in every day
“For a lot of kids it’s a safe place where they can be
which is the biggest feedback we get from youth ‘We like to come here because we can be ourselves,’” says MacKinnon
“The youth outreach workers offer peer support
Our House has expanded programming out into the community to include more youth and families
“We were given some investment by our provincial government to expand out into the community
have healthy youth and healthy families,” MacKinnon says
“To have healthy families we need to have healthy communities so now we kind of look at it in this layered effect
we’re really doing that with the intent of bringing people together
As the Our House space is dedicated to youth because of the core funding received by the SCYHSA from the McKay Trust
“When we do things for community in Shelburne we usually do them off-site,” explains MacKinnon
Free community meals held periodically in Shelburne and Barrington is one of the avenues that the SCYHSA has been reaching out into the community
“Community meals are very interesting little eco-systems of people,” MacKinnon says
“Such a diverse group of people come through the door
cross socio-economic people coming together for one common thing.”
MacKinnon was among the first of the many volunteers that stepped up to the plate to help the hundreds of displaced residents and support the firefighters
From that volunteerism came the Barrington Community Care and Recovery Centre
which opened in July 2023 under the SCYHSA umbrella
“If there was ever a phoenix from the ashes
this centre really did that,” says MacKinnon
“People feel this is one of the greatest things that happened to us after the wildfire
It’s the people that really champion the work and love this place.”
At the Barrington Community Care and Recovery Centre
MacKinnon says the kind of programs they run there are adult versions of what is done at Our House
is the ‘flagship program’ at the Barrington Care and Recovery Centre
“Another program we run here every two weeks is called Take Care Tuesday
At one point some folks were around the table
I can’t come next week because I don’t have a ride
So that right there is a community connection,” MacKinnon says
“It increases the circle of support for that person
That’s the hope of all the things that we do that we’re creating more support systems for those who are with us.”
The SCYHSA has one full-time youth outreach worker in Barrington
“She’s starting to get more one-on-one support happening for youth in the community,” says MacKinnon
The care and recovery centre is also utilized by other community groups such as the Jevon Link Let Your Light Shine Society
Since the care and recovery centre first opened
but the community needs were greater than that
244 people visited the care and recovery centre
Today alone we had 38 people all before 1:30 p.m.,” says MacKinnon
MacKinnon says the SCYHSA was able to get a lease extension from the Municipality of Barrington on the building
which was once the municipal visitor information centre
“We have proven our staying power,” she says
We don’t need to fundraise a great deal to keep our work going because of the investment we get from the provincial government and we don’t lean heavily on the municipality for support,” MacKinnon says
I hope all those things work in our favour as the years go on because I don’t see any slowdown
The big dream is we would own this building and have a kitchen.”
The spirit of the season is alive and well on Christmas Lane in Coffinscroft
and opportunities to create lasting memories with loved ones
Christmas Lane is located on the Old Town Road in Coffinscroft
found along the Villagedale Road in the Municipality of Barrington
It all started four years ago when a neighbour noticed Abby Charters’s Christmas exterior decorations
“They were having a competition at the Christian school and they wanted me to sign up for the competition,” recalls Charters
whose family ties to Old Town Road go back five generations
people drove around and voted and had to pay to vote so they were raising money for their school.”
The next year the school didn’t have the competition but that didn’t stop Charters from decorating
She decided to collect food or monetary donations for the Villagedale Community Association’s food bank as part of the display
The donation box is under the trellis in Charter’s front yard
“Last year the delivery from Christmas Lane seemed to come when we needed it most,” says Carla Nickerson
vice president of the Villagedale Community Association
“There is increased demand for so many this time of year,” Nickerson says
“This time of year we have clients that didn’t need us at all throughout the summer that come back as they have had to start paying for heat or gas for generators for those that aren’t hooked to power.”
Charters has added a festively decorated walking trail to her property where there are treats
games and surprises for people to discover
They may even get a visit from a roaming elf
On both the walking trail and at some of the displays along Christmas Lane are places where people can sit and relax for a bit
Charters says the thought behind the walking trail is to get people off their phones and to spend time with their family or loved ones and to just enjoy being with one another
It took about a month to decorate Christmas Lane and the walking trail
Christmas Lane and the walking trail will be lit up
People are welcome to take in the displays and walk the trail
Since starting a food bank in November 2022
the Villagedale Community Association has helped thousands of people
“We started with the plan of handing out a few cans of beans never thinking we would become this,” says Nickerson
“With the donations through Second Harvest we feed about 1,000 each week
We have local businesses that fundraise for us
We have community members that have supported us since the beginning
“Once folks know we are here they can’t wait to help
We use our monetary donations to supplement with canned goods and produce each week,” she says
Nickerson says the association was successful in achieving charity status this year
Nickerson estimates about 20 volunteers help with the running of the food bank
Arley Goreham is point man for distribution
adding supporting others is very important
“The main thing I would like folks to remember
if someone is going to bed cold and hungry we are failing as Nova Scotians,” says Nickerson
“Food security is so much more than a loaf of bread
It is letting others know they aren’t alone
“Our program emerged out of the realization that municipalities are really on the frontlines of climate change,” said Izzie Collier
climate lead for the Shelburne County project
during a presentation to Barrington Municipal Council’s Committee of the Whole on March 11
“Municipalities who often are struggling to find resources
finances or staff to actually implement actions against climate change so the CCC program emerged out of this context.”
is aimed at providing dedicated resources and capacity to their partner communities
“The main goals of the program are to help identify climate risks
and development to implement climate adaptation and mitigation actions,” said Collier
“It’s really all about building capacity within your municipality or community that will last past the three years of the program.”
The Town of Shelburne and the municipalities of Shelburne and Barrington are participating together in the CCC program
although the benefits and knowledge will extend across all five municipal units in Shelburne County
“It’s great you are all participating as cohorts doing things with a county wide approach
The objective of the Shelburne County cohorts under the CCC program is three-fold
conducting a GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions inventory and community engagement
which includes developing targets and success indicators
establishing priorities and guiding principles and developing a Climate Action Plan
including updating emergency management plans and documents and facilitating the implementation of strategic projects
Several other climate change programs and projects are in the works in Shelburne County through the Clean Foundation
Municipality of Shelburne and Town of Lockeport will be participating in the federally-funded Climate Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) Program
Delivered by the Atlantic Infrastructure Management Network (AIM)
“Lockeport is interested in working on their causeway,” noted Collier
Planning of planting projects for interested property owners will begin in 2026 under the Thriving Forests Program
which aims to plant two billion trees across Canada
“They are really interested in working to help this area with reforestation after the fires,” said Collier
adding they are planning to have an information session about that this spring
Expressions of interest will be sought from interested property owners who want to have trees planted on their properties
funded by the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
is a GHG inventory and community education project with the participating CCC cohorts
The Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program is a free program offered by FCM and ICLEI Canada that is based on a five-milestone framework that involves completing a GHG inventory and forecast
and monitoring progress and reporting results
Collier said the Clean Foundation anticipates being able to hire a staff person who can carry out the climate risk assessment for all three of CCC communities in Shelburne County with funding from the federal Green Municipal Fund
Next steps include working to establish a Shelburne County climate action committee
“It’s something that we’ve seen with the communities we are working with
There’s not really an environmental or sustainability committee already established so we thought it would be a great opportunity to have a shared county wide action committee where we can really have a voice for climate action in Shelburne County,” said Collier
“A huge part of the committee will be helping to shape and develop the climate action plan that will be the main deliverable from the CCC program so we’re looking for a mix of councillors
and will be holding seats for ethnic groups as well to be a part of the committee,” Collier said
In addition to helping to shape the action plan
the committee will also provide guidance invoking local knowledge
adding the Clean Foundation will be hosting an information session in the next month or so to get the ball rolling
contact Collier at icollier@cleanfoundation.ca
A doctor examines a patient at the Digby collaborative care clinic in this file photo
the family practice team there has recently expanded and now includes five family physicians
a social worker and six administrative staff
More people in Shelburne County now have access to primary healthcare closer to home
Six new healthcare professionals have joined the Shelburne Family Practice team in the past year
“The addition of six primary healthcare providers will increase access for patients from Lockeport to Clark’s Harbour as we continue to build on access for patients in the healthcare system throughout the county,” said Nolan Young
on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson
“The team will provide care at clinics across Shelburne County to ensure that we are reducing the barriers that patients experience when they must travel to access care.”
The collaborative family practice team provides a “health home,” where patients receive comprehensive care from a team made up of doctors or nurse practitioners working with other healthcare professionals like pharmacists
The Shelburne Family Practice team now has five family physicians
It also includes the Shelburne Diabetes Centre
which has its own registered nurse and dietitian
The expanded team will serve clinics in Shelburne
Patients who currently travel from the latter three communities to the Shelburne clinic can speak with their care provider about making appointments in their home community
people without a primary care provider can contact the practice to book an appointment the same week in their community
a family practice nurse was hired in March to support patients at the Barrington Community Health Centre
Health homes provide the care Nova Scotians need and deserve and are part of Action for Health
the government’s plan to improve healthcare
News release – Digby Collaborative Family Practice Team Expands: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/12/19/digby-collaborative-family-practice-team-expands
Where to go for healthcare (Nova Scotia Health resource): https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Where%20to%20Go%20for%20Health%20Care%20-%20EZ%20-February%202024.pdf
More information on the 60 new and expanded clinics across the province is available at: https://novascotia.ca/news/docs/2023/05/10/primary-healthcare-announcement-fact-sheet.pdf
Mandate letter for the Minister of Health and Wellness: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DHW.pdf