Such were the chants people were shouting while walking down Prince Street in a rally on May 3
The crowd of around 50 eventually reached the local police station
where speeches were delivered in support of a Truro police officer
“We’re rallying here for justice for Constable Brent Bowden,” said event emcee Angela Bowden
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“We want truth and transparency,” said Angela
and an apology to not only Constable Brent Bowden
but to the African Nova Scotian community and the community of Truro.”
“They weren’t consulted in the process,” she said
Brent said he could identify on security footage that the peel was thrown by two fellow officers
He filed a complaint against the two officers through the Nova Scotia Police Complaints Commission because he said he did not get a resolution through the Truro police’s investigation or the town’s review of the incident
Truro Police Services and the Town of Truro said that the investigation into the complaint
handled by an external police agency and an African Nova Scotian police officer
found that the allegation was not sustained
“The impacted officer then filed a complaint under the Nova Scotia Police Act
To ensure an open and transparent investigation
the Truro Police Service requested a high-ranking African Nova Scotian Police leader from an outside police agency conduct this investigation
This was done to ensure the investigation was free of any bias and that an African Nova Scotian lens was applied to the situation
This investigation considered the lived experiences of African Nova Scotians
especially in relation to racial issues which are complex and deeply rooted in Nova Scotia’s history.”
“The investigation was taken very seriously
and all relevant evidence and facts were carefully reviewed
This investigation concluded and found the allegation was not sustained
meaning the evidence didn’t support that the incident was intentional or motivated by racism or hate.”
Brent said the decision he received about his first complaint was not satisfactory
He said he filed two subsequent complaints with the Nova Scotia Police Complaints Commission
“For his fellow officer to disrespect him by throwing a banana on his car is disgraceful,” he said
Rubin (Rocky) Coward was part of the rally and also spoke to the crowd
“We’re standing in solidarity to ensure that
no Black officer or person has to endure this,” he said
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4 days agoDuration 1:34Truro students learning to grow their own food in aeroponic towers4 days agoNewsDuration 1:34Students at Truro Middle School are learning how to grow their own food in aeroponic towers. They also conducted a survey, shedding light on how food insecurity is an issue in the community. They presented their findings and homegrown dinner at a community meeting in Truro earlier this month.
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TRURO – It’s been an exciting spring for Truro gymnast Aaliyah Collins
She started off April with a welcome surprise: scoring first place in her age category at the Nova Scotia Gymnastics Championships
“I thought I was just going to hit my goal of third place or second place
but then when I didn’t get called up for that
she’s representing Nova Scotia at the 2025 Eastern Canadian Championships taking place in Oshawa
The tournament features youth gymnasts from Ontario
Gymnastics has taken her around the country
This will be her first time competing in Ontario
but then I still train throughout the summer
I like the competing season more than I like the training season
because I like going away for meets and stuff … I like travelling a lot.”
Collins has been in gymnastics since she was three years old
She remembers playing other sports like soccer when she was young
the more on the soccer field I’d be that kid cartwheeling around,” said Collins with a chuckle
The athlete trained at Truro’s Cobequid Spartans gymnastics club facility until it closed in 2021
she practices four times a week at Taiso Gymnastics Training Centre in Lower Sackville
she also trains in competitive track and field at Cobequid Educational Centre – a new sport she’s picked up
her goal is to compete in gymnastics at the post-secondary level and beyond
but I also really want to do college gymnastics
said she was happy about the young gymnast’s success at provincials
“She had been making a lot of really great changes and working so hard leading up to provincials,” she said
“I was really hoping to see it pay off for her.”
Training was sometimes tedious because of the repetition involved
but she was proud that Collins stayed the course
“For months had really been aware of making the changes that she needed to make on a daily basis and it just really paid off for her.”
Baker has known Collins for a handful of years
having coached her at Cobequid Spartans in addition to at Taiso Gymnastics Training Centre
The coach said the gymnast’s strongest asset is that she can do anything she puts her mind to
“She’s so physically talented that all she has to do is make up her mind that she is going to do something
She wants Collins to be proud of herself following the Eastern Canadian championships
“I’m hoping that she’ll keep her wits about her and just
do what she’s been doing in training and kind of reap the rewards again.”
For patients in Truro and surrounding communities
specialized cardiac care is now closer than ever
The newly established Colchester Cardiac Clinic at Colchester East Hants Health Centre (CEHHC) reduces travel to Halifax
shortens wait times and improves access to life-saving diagnostics and treatment
"This clinic isn’t just about convenience—it’s about better patient care," said Denise Aubey
"We’ve already seen a significant impact—we’re reducing hospital readmissions
and ensuring patients receive the follow-up they need
The clinic focuses on heart failure and acute coronary syndrome patients
and education to help patients manage their health and avoid hospital stays
The clinic also connects high-acuity patients directly to hospital care when needed
ensuring they receive immediate treatment without delays.
The clinic works closely with essential cardiac services to help physicians make faster diagnoses and treatment decisions
With the recent equipment funding from the CEHHC Foundation
the clinic is preparing to introduce stress echocardiography—an advanced
non-invasive test that assesses heart function under stress
patients needing this service must travel to Halifax
parking and time away from home while managing a serious health condition
allowing us to blend services in one area and provide seamless care," said Eliza Cochrane
maximized appointments and ultimately improved patient outcomes."
The establishment of the clinic was made possible through the generous support of the CEHHC Foundation
which committed approximately $308,000 to fund essential equipment
the clinic now has two new stress testing treadmills
a state-of-the-art echocardiography unit and a Lumify portable cardiac ultrasound system
which allows bedside imaging for faster diagnosis
timely cardiac care to residents of Colchester County
improves access and helps patients manage their heart health close to home
It also serves as a central point of contact where patients can ask questions and receive guidance about their care
the clinic has seen 81 individual patients and 27 follow-up appointments
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Truro will now be among the Cape Cod towns to try out electronic voting at town meeting with an affirmative vote Saturday to spend $20,000 to rent equipment next year
As one town meeting voter joked aloud Saturday, the town needed electronic voting — after one lengthy vote recount around 2 p.m. on whether to accept the state's new seasonal community designation
Town Moderator Paul Wisotzky called for another hand count for new zoning sought for 70 acres of town land that may
be used for housing and water conservation and storage
Voters approved the overlay zoning district with 154 in favor and 127 opposed
Wisotzky called for a third hand count on a nonbinding resolution to cap costs and design requirements on a planned public works building
The Cape's smallest and most rural town — with high real estate prices — held its six-hour town meeting in a tent outside Truro Central School
Wisotzky encouraged voters to “embrace the freedom to raise our voices.”
and that the complexity of fulfilling the requests is increasing
Voters also approved spending $175,000 in Community Preservation Act money to create a natural burial cemetery adjacent to New South Cemetery for green burials
with the land remaining as it is rather than with lined-up headstones
The demand for green burials has increased
The omnibus operating budget of $27.7 million for fiscal 2026
Big ticket requests for voters totaling $9 million
which also need approval at the May 13 town election
passed with little opposition as well: $3.2 million to contain and monitor per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)
so-called "forever chemicals," found in the soil and groundwater on Town Hall Hill; $200,000 for Pond Road stormwater infrastructure in North Truro; $250,000 for additional costs of HVAC and roof repairs at Truro Central School and $5 million for solar electric facilities on town property
Some voters in Truro opposed the designation because they said the state law is unclear
and they encouraged town meeting to wait for the state to clarify the language
Proponents, though, had in mind how long it took to break ground for another housing project, known as the Cloverleaf
“This is a tool,” Select Board Vice-Chair Robert Weinstein said in favor of the measure
It took 12 years to get a shovel in the ground for the town-sponsored Cloverleaf affordable housing
Truro Housing Authority Chair Elizabeth Gallo said the designation would allow Truro to “thrive” where middle-income families have found themselves with no housing to buy because of high real estate prices and income limits that keep them out of affordable housing
Truro Housing Authority Vice-Chair Mara Glatzel said the majority of the town’s homes are seasonal
Near the end of the meeting voters agreed to change the zoning of the town-owned parcel off Route 6
as part of the town’s development planning for housing
provides for multiple types of housing in addition to those permitted in the existing residential district
and permits small lot sizes and requires development of affordable housing and housing for individuals who earn beyond the limits of affordable housing
At least one voter warned that the zoning change could lead to "Walsh City."
Oxtoby said he has two adult children who cannot afford live in Truro
emphasized the need to protect underground drinking water sources
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Nova ScotiaNewsNova Scotia RCMP charge Truro man with fraudBy Jeremy HullPublished: March 13, 2025 at 1:22PM EDT
TRURO – From sport camp to provincial champs
this trio of friends have experienced the game of volleyball together for years and years
What are the odds that they would all play for the same university
The three multi-sport athletes from the Truro area have committed to playing volleyball for Dalhousie University this fall
Ella Oakley from Bible Hill and Madelyn MacLaughlin from Valley play for the Dalhousie Tigers in Halifax
is ready to rumble with the Dalhousie Rams at the school’s Agricultural Campus
“I know that we all were thinking about playing volleyball at the university level,” said Young when she found out that her friends had also committed to play at Dalhousie
Oakley said she’s watched the Dal team in Halifax play for many years
“It’s just kind of unreal that it’s finally worked out to where I am now,” she said
MacLaughlin doesn’t think she’d be able to live without the sport
which is what influenced her decision to play at university
“Once I found out that I could play at that level
I tried my hardest to go where I wanted with it
And I think that just drove me to trying as hard as I could to get to Dal.”
The three athletes first learned to play volleyball together at Cougar volleyball camp
all three of them were pretty special,” said Bob Piers
He said he probably could have predicted that they would play at the university level
“They were just getting started in volleyball
but you could see that they all had tremendous potential.”
Piers remembers MacLaughlin being the tallest girl in the gym when she came to camp in Grade 4 – and there were Grade 9 students there
But she could volley the ball 100 times to herself without losing control of it in Grade 4.”
the girls have built extensive experience in all things volleyball
This includes playing club volleyball for the Truro Cougars and playing for their high school volleyball team at Cobequid Education Centre (CEC)
their team won the girls’ Division 1 provincial championships twice; first in 2022 and again in 2024
Piers coached the trio at CEC and can attest to the strong skills they bring to the court
is a standout when it comes to defence and serve receives
“She’s a very consistent player and a very consistent server for us as well,” he added
the coach attested to her skills as an outside hitter
“She would have led us in kills all year long,” he said
MacLaughlin has an important job because she handles the ball on every single point
“What she does with it … determines how well our team plays
and she just makes everybody on the team a better player.”
As the three start to close one chapter of their life at CEC
they’re looking forward to new beginnings at Dalhousie
“I’m really excited just to play at this higher level and also to get to know all the new girls that I’m going to be playing with,” said Young
“I think I’m most excited to have experiences with the team,” she said
“All the girls on the team are extremely nice and I think I’ll just have a fun time with them.”
one thing that will stay the same for the trio is their love for the sport
“I’ve been playing for a long time,” said Oakley
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving volleyball.”
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COLCHESTER COUNTY – Politics were not in Alana Hirtle’s grand plan
but that changed with the 2025 federal election
But given the stakes of this particular election
I couldn’t stand on the sidelines,” said Hirtle to Liberal supporters in the early hours of Tuesday
cheers erupted as Hirtle was projected the winner of Cumberland-Colchester
Hirtle secured 48.2 per cent of votes in the riding
Stephen Ellis trailed closely behind with 45.8 per cent of the vote
The opponents were side by side throughout the entire night of April 28 as poll results poured in
I’ll fight for policies that actually make a difference in your life,” continued Hirtle in her speech on stage
“Real world solutions to real time problems.”
Cumberland-Colchester’s last Liberal MP was Lenore Zann
It was Hirtle’s first time running in an election this year
she currently lives in Truro and is an established figure in the business community
she has worked with CBDC Northern Opportunities for Business Limited
she also led the Community Build Up+ project in Portapique after the April 2020 mass casualty
Hirtle suspects her first order of business as MP will be working in the House of Commons
Carney’s going to want to hit the ground running fairly quickly,” she said
The Liberal party is projected to win the federal election
but it is uncertain whether it will be a majority or minority government
getting the house back in and getting down to the business of running the country and dealing with the American situation.”
her first priority is connecting with constituents
my goal for the riding will be to get back around to all the areas of the riding
and meet again all the folks that I met on the campaign trail,” she said
“They all want to know me better and I want to get to know them better and I want to make sure that I’m hearing what their needs are
and being able to carry their voices to Ottawa.”
Ellis made a Facebook post about the race results
“While the result tonight wasn’t what we had hoped for
I could not be more proud of the campaign we ran or the incredible team and community that stood behind it,” read part of the post
“Serving this community has been one of the greatest honours of my life
I remain committed to standing up for the people who call this beautiful place home and to continuing to work toward a brighter future for all of us,” it continued
and neither are other communities in Nova Scotia
During a May 1 session of their spring conference
the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM) said they are taking steps to help support municipalities with flood adaptation
flood mitigation is certainly on the radar of everybody,” said Pam Mood
The NSFM is creating a new online guide to municipal flood adaptation
which is expected to launch by late summer or early fall
It will include case studies and resources for risk assessment
“Elected officials will receive dedicated presentations that incorporate recommendations from academic and field experts to align municipal policies and planning with best practices for inland flood adaptation and mitigation,” added Juanita Spencer
The organization will also be giving its municipalities case studies related to stormwater management practices in Nova Scotia
They said they also plan to supply municipalities with two guides for working with African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaw communities on stormwater management
there will always be a risk of flooding within Truro’s floodplain; they also see floods likely to continue in the town’s future
Mayor of Truro Cathy Hinton said she is supportive of the NSFM online guide
“We want to make sure our residents are safe,” she said
adding that many are concerned about developments being built on floodplains
“Any data they can provide us is readily accepted and available
we have to make informed decisions the best we can
man facing Truro murder chargesRonald Albert Canuel
is accused of fatally stabbing two men in December
The Crown has filed a direct indictment to send a New Brunswick man straight to trial in Nova Scotia Supreme Court on two counts of second-degree murder
of Bathurst is accused of fatally stabbing two men in Bible Hill in December: Marcus Michael Denny
of Pictou Landing First Nation and Shawn Douglas Parsons
Canuel was apprehended in New Brunswick on Jan
two days after the Crown obtained a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest
A preliminary inquiry was set to begin this Thursday in Truro provincial court and continue May 6
director of the provincial Public Prosecution Service
filed a direct indictment Monday to bypass that hearing
Prosecutor Thomas Kayter confirmed the Crown’s decision Tuesday
when Canuel appeared in provincial court via a video link from jail
Judge Alain Begin released the dates for the preliminary inquiry and ordered Canuel to appear in Supreme Court in Truro on May 6 to begin the process of setting dates for a jury trial
Canuel is represented by Truro lawyer Robert Jeffcock
The Truro Police Service received information the night of Dec
19 that two men – a 27-year-old from Truro and a 25-year-old from Pictou Landing – had attended the Colchester East Hants Health Centre with serious injuries that appeared to be stab wounds
Colchester County RCMP and paramedics responded to a report of a 25-year-old man in medical distress at a home on Vincent Drive in Upper Onslow
Denny was pronounced deceased at the scene
Truro police and paramedics were dispatched to an address on Lavinia Drive in Truro
where a 27-year-man was in medical distress
The two men were identified as the victims of stabbings that had occurred in Bible Hill on Dec
The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service performed autopsies and said the deaths were homicides
Canuel was living at an apartment building on Village Court in Bible Hill at the time of the stabbings
he will have to make an application in Supreme Court
He has been ordered to have no contact with several potential Crown witnesses while he is in custody
and arrested two of three men they chased into the woods early Friday morning
Police say two vehicles that fled from a traffic safety check point on McLure’s Mill Road crashed while exiting Highway 102 at Brookfield at about 1 a.m
Three men got out of a pickup truck and an SUV and ran into a wooded area
but two of them were apprehended with the assistance of RCMP Police Dog Services and the Emergency Response Team
Truro Police say one of the men arrested is Tayshawn Maloney
who is wanted on province-wide arrest warrants for several offences in Halifax and Millbrook
including aggravated assault and attempted murder
A 17-year-old from Eastern Passage was armed and wearing body armour when he was arrested
and police continue to search for the third male who fled
two sets of body armour and the two vehicles
one of which is believed to have been stolen
there will be no increase in property taxes for Truro residents this year
Truro council approved the 2025-26 operating budget worth $39.8 million — 5.5 per cent higher than last year
Residential property assessments increased 8.5 per cent
(commercial assessments decreased by 0.1 per cent) but the mandated provincial payments also increased 19.6 ($569,000) because of the assessment value fluctuations
The new budget does include two increases to sewer charges and the deed transfer tax
The town is increasing sewer charges by $0.05
which will mean an annual increase of about $24 for the average family
Staff say the increase is needed to cover the rising costs of maintaining the infrastructure
The deed transfer tax is going up a half percentage point from one per cent to 1.5 per cent
Deputy Mayor Bill Thomas argued against the increases because of the hardship on residents
especially with uncertain economic times ahead
“I want to be gracious to our taxpayers and not go for any increase this year on anything and next year we’ll see,” he said
“We’re facing a lot of economic uncertainty.”
Ian McGrath said there were a lot of tough decisions and many items were left off the budget
He said he hopes these increases are “palatable for everyone … but the cost of everything is going up.”
which is offset by over $3.7 million in provincial and federal grants or other funding sources
Three highlighted building projects in the next fiscal year include:
This is a $2.7 million project with half of it funded by the province
construction involves replacing a sewer line
and adding a new storm sewer line to help with flooding in the neighbourhood
Prince Street and George Street will be upgraded in 2025
McGrath pointed out that the number of capital projects has steadily decreased over the years because of the high cost of construction but was frustrated that major active transportation projects are not on the list this year
Mayor Cathy Hinton said they just can’t afford to move forward with their active transportation plans this year
I was at those active transportation meetings and it was very positive … and it’s hard when we have to sit here and make decisions,” she said
“We’re over budget on some things and sometimes costs can’t be helped
These things happen and hopefully next year
noted that they are spending $890,000 for sidewalks which is part of active transportation
we’ve got a million-dollar project that’s going to improve safety
allow people to walk down Willow Street where they’re currently walking on dirt or beside a very busy road,” he said
public access to spring water leased by Colchester County will be shut down
A public notice posted on social media from the Municipality of Colchester County drew a lot of public ire
the primary issue is that the municipality does not own the land where the water originates and therefore has limited ability to ensure its ongoing safety.”
including some who travel to fill up on free spring water
said she’s been stopping at the spring at least 15 years and has family members who have used it for longer
“I’m very heartbroken and I think a lot of people will be but
I drink water,” said Cox while filling up jugs on March 18
“This a source for a lot of people – especially seniors
do I buy water or do I buy food?” Cox said
“I think if they don’t want to have the responsibility anymore
at least (keep it here) and let people know they are responsible – like when someone is coming to a party at a pool and you let them know you’re not responsible for safety around the pool
chief administrative officer for the Municipality of the County of Colchester
explained in an interview that a lease was signed in 2004 with the property owner to allow access to the spring
That lease expired in 2024 but council decided to extend the lease to March 2025 to review and make a final decision
the decision was made that from an overall safety perspective (and) that we don’t own the properties
the decision was made that notice would be given to the public that the service there would be discontinued,” Troke said
The news did not go over well with many people
who wrote that her family has relied on the spring for over a decade
“Closing it is certainly not the most responsible course of action nor is it in the best interest of the community
Please keep it open or provide us with an alternative.”
Many others said their drinking water isn’t ideal and buying water is a financial hardship
who has lived in Colchester County for over 20 years
wrote a letter to Premier Tim Houston and others criticizing the “mishandling” of the closure of the spring
“I’m enraged that this was not discussed with or mentioned to the public prior to the Facebook post,” she wrote
adding that many people aren’t on the social platform and didn’t have a chance to add their voice prior to a decision being made
“A lot of people are barely surviving right now financially
not to mention the economic/employment uncertainly with the tariffs
and you expect they can afford to buy bottled water?”
She added the spring was especially valuable during extended power outages after major storms
Water for public consumption requires stringent controls
and that’s not something they have when they don’t own the property
“There has been a UV light on it for a number of years
but from an overall perspective of operation
it’s not part of our regular business of supplying water,” he said
“It’s not the kind of control you would usually want when you’re looking to have a water supply.”
He said they don’t keep numbers and don’t know how many people use the spring
According to the notice posted by the municipality on March 17
work to dismantle the site will “begin soon.” Another notice will be posted at least two weeks before the official closure
“We understand this may be disappointing for those who use the spring
and we appreciate your understanding as we prioritize community safety and responsibility,” the municipality wrote in the notice
opening date for new athletic facility is Aug
and an umpire will yell “play ball” at Truro’s new senior-sized baseball field
an all-weather turf field has replaced the grass field
and infrastructure has been added for fans’ enjoyment and to support those organizing and covering the sporting events the facility will soon host
mainly for the Jamie Shepard Memorial Playground
2 Construction Battalion Athletic Facility
It’s “a more inclusive playground for children of different ages and abilities
grow and be safe in a welcoming space,” Ritcey said as part of the funding announcement
“We know when we invest in active community spaces
everyone benefits because it helps support active lifestyles
Ritcey was part of an announcement about funding for the entire project
which included the federal government as well
he announced the province was contributing $2.67 million
“It’s a project I believed in from day one; I just felt it needed to happen,” Ritcey said
“Even before I became involved in politics
I was part of the (TAAC Grounds Revitalization) committee
I started pushing like a lot of previous politicians did as well
Having that community group and the municipality involved first
everyone had come to the table for the community.”
talked about an anticipated official opening for the facility
we’re looking at pouring the track in the next month or so
open to the public the first of August,” Dolter said about the hopeful start date
“The ballfield should be ready very shortly
We’re just working on the building and waiting for the grass to make sure it has fully taken hold.”
the playground has a special significance because it’s named after a friend who died in a car accident in 1986 at age 24
“Jamie lived life to the fullest,” Hinton said
“He crammed a lot of living into the years before he was killed in that car accident
had a great sense of humour; he was just an all-around nice guy and is dearly missed.”
noted it’s important that the playground is accessible
“All children should be able to have fun at a playground,” she said
“It’s just a very positive thing moving forward; the playground has been dearly missed
javelin coach Iain LaPointe said he was part of the first meeting for the TAAC Grounds Revitalization Project 11 years ago
“I have watched our local athletes turn out some amazing results over the years using outdated and subpar facilities
The fact that the CEC team has proven itself to be the premier team in the province year-in-and-year-out
and the Lions are one of the largest and most successful clubs in N.S
is a testament to the coaches and athletes who just make it work
regardless of where they are training,” said LaPointe
who has been with Cougars for more than 20 years
and 16 with the Lions including as the current chair of the club
“We are absolutely thrilled that the next generation of local athletes will have a state-of-the-art facility to train on and will finally have an opportunity to compete in their community for the first time in a decade.”
kept telling Grade 10 students that the facility would be ready by their Grade 12 year
“And I’ve had to break the news to a lot of kids that the track isn’t quite ready yet
and several key volunteers on the TAAC Revitalization Committee have never lost sight of the goal to make this facility a reality,” he said
“I have been driving by the facility at least once a day since the moment construction started
And every single time I see something that brings us a step closer to getting on that track
I’m sure the moment we finally get to see the orange and blue of the CEC Cougars and the blue and yellow of the Truro Lions step onto the track for the first time will be an emotional one
Truro police officer Brent Bowden has been on medical leave after what he said is a mishandling of a racist workplace incident
“I want to continue to be a police officer
I don’t see how I can return to Truro Police Service in an environment where I’m not supported
where racism is upheld,” Bowden said in an interview with the Truro News on Feb
The incident occurred when Bowden found a banana peel discarded on the windshield of his personal vehicle in the parking lot
He said he parks in the same spot almost every day
After reviewing security footage to see who discarded the peel
Bowden said he could identify two of his colleagues
the officers drove away after throwing the peel
He has been on medical leave because of what he alleges is a mishandling of the incident
a spokesperson for the Town of Truro would not confirm the names of the two officers in the car from which the banana peel was discarded
The Town of Truro also denied a request to conduct any interviews with the Truro Police Service for this story
they did send an updated statement answering a series of follow-up questions from the Truro News in an email
which was captured on TPS security cameras
shows two officers running from the building in heavy rain
The two officers got into a police vehicle and proceeded to leave the station,” said the updated statement
“As their vehicle exited the police parking lot and passed through the adjacent gravel parking lot
and a banana peel was discarded while the vehicle was in motion
unintentionally striking the windshield of an unoccupied vehicle
which was owned by the impacted officer,” it continued
The Truro police officer said he asked his two colleagues
before Bowden had even reviewed the back parking lot security footage
he said he had run into one of the two officers and asked if the officer had seen anything in the parking lot
explaining that there was a banana peel on the windshield of his car
“He proceeded to deny ever seeing anything or anything happening in the back parking lot
Bowden said he asked the two officers about the incident again
and then one officer decided to own up to it
and then he decided to change the subject.”
I felt really embarrassed because I was speaking out against a supervisor in the police service,” said Bowden
so I just tried to get out of the room as fast as possible
Bowden said he confronted one of the officers again about being involved in the incident
I had nothing to do with it,’” recalls Bowden
Bowden said he reported the incident to a trusted supervisor in the department
Bowden also filed a complaint to the Truro police chief
Bowden said a group meeting was held on July 10 with himself
Bowden said he also had a fellow officer and a member of the African Nova Scotian community join him as a witness and for support
“That community member … was not there to offer an opinion on the matter or accuse anybody of any wrongdoing
That community member from the African Nova Scotia community in Truro was strictly there to provide support … for me.”
Bowden said both officers apologized at a later meeting on July 13
he felt like he was met with a deflection by the police chief and human resources
“The deflection was talking about the rest of the department
and how they were going to implement some training and whatnot
but they weren’t dealing with the issue at hand with the two officers,” he said
“They were more focused on forcing me back to work when I wasn’t comfortable being there.”
Bowden said he asked the Truro police chief directly for the two officers to be disciplined for their actions
“I got the impression from the chief that his mind was already made up.”
“The issue of them lying about it when I confronted them with the evidence and I caught them on camera wasn’t addressed.”
Bowden said the next form of communication he received was from the Town of Truro’s human resources manager
saying that the town accepts the officers’ apologies as sincere and that no further action would be taken
“I have replied back to the manager of human resources to say that I felt like I was ignored,” Bowden said
I wasn’t being heard and no action was being taken even though the evidence was provided.”
In the same updated statement to the Truro News on Feb
the Town of Truro said the following about the meeting:
“Understanding the significance of the situation
TPS facilitated a meeting with all parties involved
A restorative approach involving a leader from the local African Nova Scotia community was felt to be a beneficial starting point for all parties
The impacted officer was involved in recommending those from the African Nova Scotian community who should be included in the restorative approach,” the statement reads
“All of the involved officers actively participated and wanted the allegation fully investigated
all officers acknowledged the impact that the incident caused
This process proposed a pathway forward for all involved to help resolve the incident,” continued the statement
the impacted officer did not find this satisfactory and requested a formal review by human resources
the impacted officer filed a complaint through the N.S
Police Act against the officers involved.”
Bowden said he filed a complaint through the Nova Scotia Police Complaints Commission against the two officers because he said he did not get any resolution through the Truro police’s investigation or the town’s review of the incident
The decision he received about his first complaint to the Nova Scotia Police Complaints Commission was not satisfactory
He also said that deadlines were missed in completing the investigation
“The investigation was handled by an external police agency and an African Nova Scotian police officer to ensure a cultural lens was applied to the situation and that it wasn’t impacted by unconscious bias,” the town said in its updated statement to the Truro News
“The investigation acknowledged the impacted officer was deeply affected by the event and its broader historical context
it concluded and found no evidence of dishonesty
the officers were cleared of any misconduct.”
“The investigation into the two officers was completely mishandled by the investigator
My statements given to the investigator were not recorded,” Bowden said
“It basically dismissed everything that I said
and the officers lied about what happened and they dismissed it as an accident.”
Bowden also said there were key witnesses involved in the case that were not interviewed
The Truro police officer has filed two subsequent complaints to the Nova Scotia Police Complaints Commission for what he said is a mishandling of the complaint he filed through the commission
He is still awaiting the decision on the two other complaints
“I’m fed up … and people need to be held accountable for their actions.”
A former Truro police officer will not be going to jail for surreptitiously recording videos of sexual encounters with two women
pleaded guilty in Dartmouth provincial court last April to two counts of voyeurism
Judge Tim Daley heard sentencing submissions Jan
The judge rejected the defence request for a conditional discharge with two to three years of probation
saying such a sentence would not be appropriate in Kim’s circumstances
Daley imposed a 22-month term of imprisonment but said he was satisfied that allowing Kim to serve the time in the community on a conditional sentence would not endanger the public and would be consistent with the fundamental purposes and principles of sentencing
a position of status and trust,” the judge said
“These offences are clearly incidents of intimate-partner violence consisting of surreptitious recordings of intimate relations without consent in the most private of circumstances
“This was a gross intrusion of privacy and dignity
where they could have been hacked and accessed by others
These offences were committed in the circumstances of trust resulting from the intimate relationships between the victims and Mr
He would not have (had) access to this opportunity to record but for those relationships of trust
The identities of the victims are protected by a publication ban
the judge said Kim was in intimate relationships with the women at different times and in different contexts
One of the women went to police in 2023 after she discovered a video on Kim’s cloud account of them having sex in Truro sometime between December 2019 and May 2021
The Truro Police Service referred the matter to the Serious Incident Response Team
SIRT found another video of a sexual encounter with a different woman at a hotel in Dartmouth in October 2021
the second complainant confirmed she would not have consented to sexual activity with Kim if she’d been aware that a recording was being made
She helped investigators identify a second video involving her
the woman said she has struggled with her mental health since learning of the videos
sought counselling and no longer trusts any males in law enforcement
“I feel that my privacy has been completely violated.”
She said she lies awake many nights with her mind racing
questioning her decision to continue her casual relationship with Kim
she said she has nightmares or wakes up and has difficulty getting back to sleep
The woman said the experience has caused trust issues in her current relationship
and going to medical or personal appointments at unfamiliar locations can be triggering and stressful if she notices anything concerning
“I cannot fully describe all the effects that this matter has had on me
as I am still encountering new conflicts each day as I continue to try to heal,” she said
She told the court she was not sure what she wanted Kim to receive as a sentence
“My main concern is that he be held accountable for his actions in some way and never
placed in a position of trust or authority ever again,” she said
Kim was sworn in as a constable with the Truro Police Service in February 2018 and eventually became a detective in the major crimes section
after the complaint against him was received
and resigned from the service in August 2023
Defence lawyer James Giacomantonio said his client began drinking heavily to cope with the trauma and stress of being a police officer
“and alcohol always preceded sexual activity.”
“He is regretful over the circumstances of the offences
saying it was never his intention to act in a voyeuristic manner
and provided justification by saying that he recorded the activities as a protective measure for himself
There was little to explain this other than that single statement
Crown attorney Constance MacIsaac recommended a two-year prison sentence for Kim
The judge agreed with the prosecution that Kim’s moral culpability was high
but he said rehabilitation should always be at the forefront for the court and incarceration should be the last option at sentencing
Daley said Kim has lost his career and will have to rebuild his life
He said it was mitigating that Kim co-operated with the investigation and entered the guilty pleas
Kim told the court he was “deeply remorseful” for his actions
was accepting responsibility and wants to serve his sentence and move on with his life
The judge said it was also encouraging that Kim has begun counselling to deal with his excessive alcohol consumption
although there was no evidence that was “directly connected to his decision to make these recordings.”
He said he was satisfied that Kim has been deterred from committing further offences of this nature
“Even when considering he was a police officer at the time of these offences
when I take into consideration the purposes and principles of sentencing
I find that a conditional sentence order is appropriate in this circumstance,” Daley said
Kim will be on house arrest for the first 11 months of the conditional sentence and subject to an 8 p.m.-7 a.m
He cannot possess or consume alcohol or drugs or have any firearms
He must take part in any counselling or treatment deemed necessary by his sentence supervisor and undergo urinalysis on demand
The judge also prohibited Kim from having contact with the complainants or being within 100 metres of their homes or workplaces
Kim was ordered to make restitution of $771 to one of the women for lost wages
The Pictou County Weeks Crushers are off to the Metalfab MHL Cup Final after sweeping the Truro Bearcats in four games and capturing the Eastlink South Division title on home ice. This is the first time the Crushers have advanced to the league final since 2015-16 when they beat the Dieppe Commandos, now the Edmundston Blizzard, in six games.
The two teams were well-rested ahead of their Game 1 matchup in Truro. The Crushers had been off twelve days after defeating Summerside in the first round, while Truro had been off for a week after eliminating Amherst. The lone goal came midway through the 2nd period as Drew Maddigan found the back of the net for the Crushers, who skated away with a 1-0 win and the series lead. Thomas Fontaine posted a 25-save shutout in the win, while Jack Milner made 32 saves for Truro.
The Crushers continued to roll in Game 3, posting a 4-0 win and 3-0 series lead. The road team took the lead at 11:59 of the 1st period as former Bearcat Lucas Canning put the Crushers on the board. Pictou County doubled their lead at 9:07 of the 2nd period on a goal from Kiefer Avery. Logan O’Neil and Clint MacLaughlin scored one minute apart early in the 3rd period to seal the victory. Fontaine made 26 saves for his second shutout of the series while Milner made 26 saves in the loss.
Game 4 was back in New Glasgow and it took until the later stages of the 2nd period to find the game’s first goal as Canning put the home side up 1-0 at 13:55. The Bearcats tied things up at 12:55 as Kevin Walker scored for Truro. Just minutes later, at 16:09, Canning found the game-winner to give the Crushers a 2-1 victory as the 4-seed in the Eastlink South captured the division title. Fontaine had 38 saves in the win, while Milner made 24 in the loss for Truro.
The schedule for the Metalfab MHL Cup Final will be announced when available. Stay tuned to the MHL’s website and social media for information as it becomes available.
there was a 62.6 per cent overall voter turnout in the last federal election in 2021
eight of the 11 seats in Nova Scotia were won by the Liberal Party
The remaining three were won by the Conservative Party
Some of the issues Canadians are focused on in this election are relations with the U.S.
the Truro News reached out to candidates in the Cumberland-Colchester riding with a short list of questions about their priorities in this election
Riding description: Major communities include Truro
Occupation: Physician and former Member of Parliament
currently the Conservative candidate for Cumberland–Colchester
What do you consider the top issue in this election in 50 words or less
Affordability and homeownership are deeply connected—and both are slipping out of reach
People in Cumberland–Colchester can’t afford to live
and own in the communities they grew up in
and protect the next generation of Canadians
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your term as MP in 50 words or less
I want to help bring homeownership back within reach for working families in Cumberland–Colchester
and making housing more affordable so the next generation can build their future right here at home
What’s one thing people might not know about you
I served in the Royal Canadian Air Force for nine years and was a flight surgeon
I was deployed to the Middle East and was awarded the Special Service Medal with a Peace Bar and the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal
I had the privilege to serve as Honourary Colonel for the Nova Scotia Highlanders
I was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD)
Occupation: Marketing Specialist for Small Business Retailers
Affordability is the top issue in this election
How we move forward in the next five years will determine how many people we can save from avoidable poverty
Ban corporate landlords in large urban centres
Every Canadian deserves a safe place to live—housing is a human right
My favourite board games to play are chess and Catan
Occupation: Business Development Officer with CBDC NOBL
We are in the middle of unprecedented attacks on our economy and sovereignty
There is a clear choice in this election: who is best to deal with Trump
I have spent the last decade supporting small business owners by building pathways to opportunity
I will dedicate my time in Ottawa to standing up for the rural values that raised me
and the Canadian businesses that make Nova Scotia one of the best places to call home
I stepped up as one of the lead organizers on the Portapique Community Build Up Project
leading the public relations and fundraising teams
and the beautiful Portaupique Community Centre opened June 2024
Community service is what drives me every day
The main issue in this campaign is protecting the environment in the face of economic challenges caused by the actions of Donald Trump
We will stand up to Trump but won’t allow unregulated exploitation of our natural resources as a consequence
We say no to gas and oil pipeline projects that keep us dependent on burning fossil fuels
During my first term as MP I will fight with Jagmeet Singh to ensure gains like dental care
Pharmacare and Medicare will be protected and improved
I will fight for a ban on the aerial spraying of poisonous chemicals like glyphosate on our forests and for stricter controls on their use in farming
On my three-acre plot in River Philip I have planted trees native to Nova Scotia
all the species are here except one balsam poplar
Wind pounded the sides of the supposedly all-weather tent between Highway 102 and Truro
Sherry sat on what remained of last summer’s grass beside Gerry’s cot
The propane heater a glowing orange eye through the long dark
“I can’t,” she said Monday morning when asked about the winter to come
A bachelor of arts in human kinetics at St
She’d then travelled to the University of Maine in Fort Kent to study teaching
self harm and guilt between those happier times and Gerry’s tent
staring down at the dead grass she can never seem to get out of her clothes
given to her by a man she’d gone to stay with Saturday after she and Gerry got in an argument
“I’ve got nowhere to go when we fight,” she said
“We fight because we live here,” said Gerry
He’d shown up and brought her back on Sunday
a dozen souls are hunkering down below the East Coast’s busiest stretch of Trans-Canada Highway
Tarps shored up by pallets block the wind from makeshift yards
There are bright murals of flowers and trees
Haphazard piles of softwood feed the chimneys puffing above tents
There are bicycles and shopping carts to bring back food and propane tanks
he didn’t want people back home seeing his full name in the paper
A year ago he had a house in the Annapolis Valley
“A bad separation,” he said of how he ended up homeless for the first time at 46 years old
The inability to pay small-town rent sent him on the same trajectory of Halifax’s too-familiar housing crisis
He came to Truro for the Haven House Emergency Shelter
Shelters are new in this province’s rural and small towns; in previous decades
people struggled but always seemed to somehow find a roof to sleep under
Haven House started in a church in 2017 as Truro grappled with this new reality
It moved to Prince Street and finally to a modernized facility on Arthur Street where doors are open 24-7
it has specialized staff to work with clients on mental health and addiction struggles
“We’re turning multiple people away every day,” said shelter supervisor Melissa Faulkner
“I grew up here and we really didn’t see much homelessness
Souls Harbour opened an overnight shelter on King Street last year that’s open 9 p.m
It’s also operating shelters in Bridgewater
“There’s not enough low-income housing in Truro,” said Faulkner
“There are more people with barriers to housing: mental health
addictions.” Haven House sends people out to the highway encampment with food and donations provided by residents and businesses in Truro
His was one of the first two tents at the encampment
The pop-tent camper he’s now in was donated by a local resident
While these aren’t the homes its residents would choose
“You’d have to be homeless to understand,” said George
“You can’t work when you live like this,” said Gerry
The BBQ-sized propane tank heating his tent lasts two days and costs about $40 to refill
February and March loom on residents’ minds
Protections are coming for the historical African Nova Scotian community called The Island or West Prince Street
During a Town of Truro council meeting on Jan
a request for rezoning the neighbourhood was issued by the African Nova Scotian Community Strategy Committee
The committee requested council rezone the area to “acknowledge and better protect the heritage and integrity of the African Nova Scotian community known as the Island or West Prince Street.”
Wayne Talbot brought forward a motion to create a West Prince area advisory committee which to define the lands that were historically part of The Island/West Prince neighbourhood and advise the town’s planning advisory committee on all planning matters affecting the neighbourhood
“All planning applications affecting lands in the West Prince Street neighbourhood would go through the committee
Committee members should be mostly made up of residents from the neighbourhood,” Talbot said
this committee would have no more authority than any other town committee
it would make recommendations to the planning advisory committee and the final decision to approve or not approve the recommendations would rest with council.”
Talbot also asked for the wheels to be set in motion to change the zoning of the West Prince Street neighbourhood
The neighbourhood is zoned general residential which is the most restrictive zone they have
Talbot is looking to change the zoning to an urban corridor policy area
“The urban corridor policy area and urban zone are designed to allow for a range of development options but in a controlled way with protections in place for abutting residential areas,” Talbot said
Fox clarified that zoning changes will be considered by the planning advisory committee with assistance from the new neighbourhood committee
He also explained that if the area is rezoned
Residents are concerned about preserving their neighbourhood as little consideration has been given to development in African Nova Scotian communities
“I’m carrying the request forward from the community
There are a number of members of the community that are very
The Kingston Aluminum property used to be the town dump
which could happen again given the current zoning
“The community just wants some protection and I don’t think it’s an unreasonable request,” he said
Council approved both parts of Talbot’s motion
TRURO – On a Sunday afternoon at The Commune
four poets recited their written work to a small group of attendees
and three from Cumberland County: Sara Jewell
Their pieces ranged from personal life reflections to commentary on current events
One of the poems Norman shared was called The Expansive Inclusion
He chose to do this in light of the Lapu-Lapu Day festival tragedy that occurred on April 26
Eleven people were killed and many were injured after a car was driven through a crowd at a Filipino festival in Vancouver
He originally wrote the poem for a friend who is part of Truro’s Filipino community
“He would be really devastated by what happened,” said Norman
“I was so shocked to wake up and see that because I lived in Vancouver for 10 years.”
In his time as a poet – which is now over 40 years – Norman has shared his works internationally in places like Scandinavia
sent up in a lunar time capsule called the Vagabond Lunar Collection
This is something that still leaves him “quite speechless.”
“Our family now looks at the moon in a completely different way
It’s at the southern part of the moon,” he said
the annual celebration of National Poetry Month is partly about making sure the art form is kept alive
It’s also a chance to connect with other poets; getting out of what he calls his “cave”
so to have the three other poets here today is so nurturing for me because I can go away and again and say to myself
That’s what it’s like to be involved with other poets.’”
Dittami said though he’s been a poet for a long time
he was unaware of National Poetry Month until he was invited to do a reading for the celebration in Oxford
with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic
“The nice thing about poetry month is it gets people out to hear poetry read aloud,” he said
“You make poems and they’re like songs,” he continued
Dittami said he’s been a poet for 35 years
but admits that he didn’t know he was one until he gave a poetry workshop
and the poetry was just some kind of survival mechanism for me to process whatever it was I was going through.”
He started developing poems after he witnessed some slam poetry
‘I can do that.’ And then I found out where he read and I went to the open mics and I started doing that,” he said
A rewarding career moment for Dittami is publishing a book of poems called Shredding Plywood
“Just yesterday I read a poem from the book
I’m not a person that does many things well,” he said humbly
“But … certainly that book was the best that I could do.”
‘I am a poet.’ You go back out and you write,” he said
He added that if it’s in your heart to pursue poetry
Canning made the Bearcats pay by firing home the winning goal
which is being played this year in Calgary from May 8 to 18
“That was probably their best game of the series,” said Crushers veteran head coach Garrett Lambke of the Bearcats’ hard-working effort
“(Crushers goalie and game second star) Thomas Fontaine was lights out
And everyone knows there are game winners on Lucas Canning’s stick
so we’re very happy about that,” Lambke added
Lambke said he thought both goalies in the series were outstanding
Thomas has been the best goalie in the playoffs,” Lambke said
we challenged him to have some game-winners here in the playoffs – we have eight wins
Lambke talked about wrapping up the series a day after the Blizzard did
as playoff hockey can be a battle of attrition as much as anything else
‘They’re a great team over there but now I think everyone has seen how good we can be too.”
Logan O’Neil had two assists for the Crushers while Bryland Fitzgerald added one
Kevin Walker scored Truro’s only goal with captain Zachary Marquis and Eli Baillargeon earning assists on the play
Canning also scored the Crushers’ other goal as he was able to get his stick on a slick cross-crease pass by linemate O’Neil
The former Bearcat and this season’s MHL scoring leader said it feels “phenomenal” to have this success in a series-clinching game
“It’s not like they traded me away without me knowing; I asked for it,” said Canning of being dealt to Pictou County from Truro before the start of the season
Canning said he wanted to play his final year of junior hockey back in his home county and the Bearcats were good enough to oblige
and everything comes back,” Canning said of the Crushers
“I’m very proud of these guys and wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”
Fontaine was also talking more about his teammates than his performance in the series which included two shutouts and only three goals given up overall in the four games
which included helping keep the Bearcats scoreless during four powerplay opportunities
I’m so happy for the fellas,” Fontaine said
Everyone is happy and we have a very tight group here.”
Fontaine was also obtained by the Crushers through a trade
He came over from the Yarmouth Mariners mid-season
“I knew it was an unreal group here,” he said
and I knew we had all the pieces to go on a run like this
I was very confident (with the group) when I got here.”
That feeling was mutual as Crushers’ captain Keifer Avery explained
“He (Fontaine) has been unbelievable,” Avery said
“There is no other way to describe (his play) other than almost perfection
Lambke brought up a tongue-in-cheek line from a former Crushers’ general manager who said you need a “stud French-Canadian goaltender to win a championship.”
The four-year veteran also talked about feeling great for Canning
a guy he started playing hockey with from day one
“It means a lot to me – I’ve been playing beside him most of my life
It has been a four-year grind for me and it’s
somewhat of a relief to get this (Nova Scotia championship).”
the Truro Amateur Athletic Club (TAAC) Grounds will have its new name: The No
This renaming was promised by the town in 2022 as part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s national apology for the racist treatment of Canada’s largest all-Black military unit
a committee put out a call to the public for suggestions for a new name
“We want the new name to be inspired by history and community and draw from historical research
local stories and community knowledge,” Grant said
told Truro council the committee picked suggestions submitted by students at two local schools
He said they would each receive a $50 cheque
“The name that was arrived at was a combination of suggestions by the Truro Middle School as well as the Cobequid Education Centre
The committee was pleased to include those two educational institutions and giving them credit for the renaming,” Dolter said
“There was general consensus that this name honoured the Construction Battalion and fulfilled a commitment that town council had made.”
Mayor Cathy Hinton said there were concerns in the beginning about losing the TAAC name “but a lot of people don’t even know what it stands for.”
Dolter said the intent is to celebrate the history of the TAAC grounds with a storyboard at the entrance that will explain the history of the TAAC grounds along with a memorial to the battalion which trained and drilled there in 1916
“The intent is not to forget about the TAAC grounds and what it’s done and added to the community but to celebrate it as part of this,” Dolter said
Alison Grahm asked Dolter for regular reports on the project because there are concerns of overbudgeting
all-weather field and an eight-lane running track with regulation throwing areas
The total project cost at the time was pegged at $8.6 million with the feds pouring in $3.2 million
Community donations were expected to add up to over $2 million
Dolter said all the revitalization work is expected to be finished in September
Wayne Talbot capped off the discussion on the issue by saying the renaming and this project shows “a degree of sincerity” from the town on the commitment to recognize the contributions of the Black community
Apr.1.25THE 2025 DAY OF CHAMPIONS HITS THE ICE THIS WEEKEND IN TRUROThe biggest weekend on the Hockey Nova Scotia Minor Council calendar is here!The 2025 Day of Champions
hosted by Hockey Nova Scotia’s Minor Council
is set to take over the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro
as nine provincial champions will be crowned in a winner-take-all
high-stakes battle for provincial bragging rights
This annual event is the culmination of months of dedication
each vying for the ultimate prize: a provincial title
with the U11 B championship final as Truro faces off against Bedford White. At 11 a.m.
South Colchester will battle Cole Harbour in the U11 A final. The U11 AA final takes centre stage at 1 p.m.
Sydney and Sackville face off in the Minor U13 B final
Glace Bay and Bedford will go head-to-head in the U13 A final.Sunday
as Antigonish and Bedford Blue clash in the U13 AA final
The U15 A championship game is set for 1 p.m
with Chester taking on Bedford Blue. Finally
the 2025 Day of Champions will conclude with the U18 A final at 3 p.m.
as West Colchester and West Hants battle for the last provincial title of the weekend
Fans who can’t make it to Truro can still catch every goal, save, and post-game medal ceremony! High Button Sports will be streaming all games live.Stay up-to-date with the latest scores, results, and stats throughout the weekend here
This is the moment these young athletes have been working toward all season
Get ready for two days of intense championship hockey
Good luck to all teams vying for provincial titles in Truro.STATS AND SCHEDULEWEBCASTS
An indoor pickleball court is part of one of the latest development applications in Truro
Two new applications were introduced at the planning advisory board meeting on Feb
They’re at the first step of the process which will eventually involve formal public feedback
although several neighours took an early opportunity to oppose one the projects
The 50 units would be split between one and two-bedroom units (with some two-level townhouse units) and most parking would be underground
“You might have heard about outdoor pickleball courts causing a lot of noise and so on
so we’ve put that indoors,” said Colin Dorgan
with Halifax-based Harvey Architecture which was hired by property owner Lennox Developments
“We didn’t have to but it does give you some isolation from the neighbours.”
He added that they will also have two electric vehicles for tenants to share and could rent out via an app
Robert Porier lives behind the proposed development
“Based on the condition of the existing property
what is being proposed here is a bright and shiny thing but it frustrates me to no end that you are considering sacrificing my property value for a pickleball court,” he told the board
adding other concerns about stormwater runoff and traffic congestion
He said it doesn’t match the character of the neighbourhood and should be reduced to two storeys
said that while it’s “a gorgeous building,” it’s in the wrong place
“We’re talking about a six-storey building that’s going to back onto nothing but houses
Several of these same neighbours voiced their opposition to a multi-storeyed development proposed on this lot 13 years ago
none of the arguments have changed,” said another neighbour
Ian McGrath and Deputy Mayor Bill Thomas noted that developments are trending rental over ownership as of late and are concerned about the lack of diversity in options
so many people renting and not having the opportunity to purchase and build equity,” said Thomas
four-storey apartment buildings nearing completion
one-bedroom plus dens and two-bedroom units from 538-1,170 square feet in size and underground parking for 56 vehicles (no surface parking)
as she has often brought it up at these meetings
but she said she makes a point of encouraging larger units that may be less lucrative but are in high demand
McGrath said he liked the plan to keep as many old trees as possible as a buffer zone and also spoke to the need for units many people can afford
Thomas said there might be a stormwater management issue because there is already pressure on drainage on that site
He added his concerns there are not enough parking spots
changes in Truro's futureTruro's town planner and community groups expand on what they'd like to see in the Truro's future
TRURO – Jason Fox remembers a time in Truro where there would be no activity downtown outside of business hours
there would have been nothing happening as soon as five o’clock hit
That would be it,” said the town’s director of planning and development services
Truro has seen some huge changes in infrastructure and efforts to cultivate community amongst residents
Major projects have been completed for the town’s estimated 12,950 residents to enjoy
These new additions in the community have helped Truro grow and foster community amongst residents
But now where does Truro want to go from here to ensure that the town is a great place to live
Other community groups envision things such as public transportation
and ensuring a thriving and inclusive community
One way the town of Truro is meeting its development goals is by focusing on the downtown core
“In order to develop in a way that’s responsible to the environment and also to the economic health of the community
one of the things that we’re pushing for is intensification or more density in the downtown
or bringing residents into the downtown core,” continued Fox
They want to continue to make downtown Truro a vibrant and vital place – not just somewhere that people go to work and then leave
Residents should be able to enjoy the area on weeknights and weekends
This involves putting more residents in the downtown core and encouraging more residential development and higher-density development
“What that does is make sure that we’re accommodating new population growth because the community is under … incredible growth pressure
We’re accommodating that new growth without having to build brand new subdivisions everywhere.”
Fox explained that the town has policies in place so such developments don’t negatively impact the ability of neighbouring residents to enjoy their properties and have a good quality of life
“There’s obviously going to be an impact on some immediate property owners,” said Fox
but what we also try to do is make sure that it’s good for … the community as a whole and not just focus on maybe the needs of the individual.”
If there are community concerns with proposed developments
“I’m not going to promise that we’re going to address all community concerns
but we are going to make sure that we hear them and that they’re weighed,” he said
Keeping development in the downtown core also means that the town can use existing services
and continue to use infrastructure that’s already in place like streets
growing the downtown core can encourage a more walkable community if a resident’s essential goods and services are all within walking distance
the town is also currently conducting a transit feasibility study
“That’s a big one for us because it’s becoming apparent that there’s a demand for it,” said Fox about transit in the town
The project will assess how much need and demand there is for public transit in Colchester County
and what type of transit will serve residents best
said public transportation is something she would like to see in Truro’s future
provides a friendly welcome to new residents in Colchester County
They help new residents get settled in their community
there’s being able to live close to amenities,” said Bejarano
when asked what she’d like to see in the community for residents
Bejarano added that she knows conversations around many of those things are already happening
She would also like to see infrastructure created that motivates families to want to not only move to Truro but stay here too
“It’s easier to attract people to come to Truro or to any community
but … for them to stay and not have to move around just due to
well there’s no transportation here,’ or ‘There’s no work for me here,’” said Bejarano
“We want to be able to remove those barriers so that people feel like they have everything that they need in their own community.”
More collaboration with community members like planners and developers to build a community with elements that are complementary to each other would be helpful
“When you have everybody at the table talking and bringing in their level of expertise and knowledge into a plan
Fox thinks that one thing Truro could do to get to the next level is have more regional collaboration between the town and their partners in Colchester County
taking a more regional focus on how the community is going to grow
“That there’s a more collaborative and moving forward together kind of approach instead of us all doing our own thing,” he continued
efforts were taken to ensure that West Prince Street
is protected and remains a part of Truro’s community
which is the last intact historical Black community in the town
due to the development proposal not satisfying the requirement of neighbourhood compatibility
town staff recommended that the planning advisory committee not give it a recommendation to council
Jordan lives on West Prince Street and helped lead the rally in November
“In thinking about the future and just the legacy bit
I think it’s important that we make sure to think about those things as well and position ourselves as best as we can to keep the area protected,” said Jordan
“and shine a light on the fact that the community is full of individuals with unique talents
“The community is a huge piece of the town and … I think it’s important to keep those things intact for sure,” he continued
Wayne Talbot to create a West Prince Street neighbourhood advisory committee
and to examine the possibility of changing the zoning in the neighbourhood to an urban corridor policy area
The advisory committee that would advise town’s the planning advisory committee on planning matters in the neighbourhood
Changing the zoning would allow for controlled redevelopment
but put protections in place for surrounding residential areas
Another new community group on the scene is the Truro Black Community Development Association (TBCDA)
and cultural well-being of Truro’s Black community while contributing to the prosperity of the broader region through strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives.”
Though the association is still in its early development
Jordan said the association wants to ensure that Truro remains a thriving and inclusive community
police located and seized several stolen items
TRURO – Colchester County District RCMP have arrested and charged several people after a residential break and enter where multiple firearms were stolen
RCMP officers responded to a report of a break and enter that had occurred that morning in a residence on Adam McCallum Road in Upper Onslow
Three men in masks had entered the home and stolen a variety of items
Three residents were home at the time and their demands for the men to leave were ignored
No one reported injuries related to the incident
RCMP and Truro police executed a search warrant at a residence on Lockhart Avenue in Truro as part of the investigation
During the execution of the search warrant
police reported that they located and seized items related to the offences
Lockhart Avenue was closed while the police operation was underway
28-year-old Alexander Grady and 27-year-old Tyler Burns have both been charged with possession of a firearm knowing it’s unauthorized
committing an indictable offence and using a disguise with the intent to commit an indictable offence
Burns is also facing an additional charge for breach of a release order
Grady and Burns had their first court appearances on Jan
24 at Truro Provincial Court and have been remanded into custody
Another woman arrested was found to be breaching conditions related to a previous
unrelated investigation and has been charged with failure to comply with a release order
Three other people have been released without charges
The investigation is ongoing and is being led by Colchester County District RCMP General Investigation Section and Street Crime Enforcement Unit
with the assistance of the RCMP Forensic Identification Section
creates an environment cold enough to maintain ice throughout the year
“There are some issues with that and it’s not dependable enough,” Dolter said
we’re looking at replacement of the equipment; right now
the unit wouldn’t be dependable enough to go through the summer keeping the ice in good condition.”
RECC General Manager Matt Moore confirmed that this is the unfortunate situation they’re dealing with
and it was eventually going to be an issue
the RECC has never had the cooling capacity needed from day one,” he said
we’re on our 13th year of operation and this chiller is well beyond its lifecycle
so we’re doing everything we can to preserve the multi-stack heating and cooling unit in the facility
“It’s just so undersized and at low capacity now that we’re not confident it will maintain during the hot season.”
“We recognize COVID and some of the supply chain issues put a bit of a pause on the ideal timing of when the unit should have been replaced
“We do plan to use the space this spring and summer for some pickleball and other court sports to keep people active but as far as the hockey and ice-skating community goes
As for whether some of the smaller arenas in the region could keep ice in longer or start their ice seasons earlier
Moore said he isn’t sure at this point but is encouraging other facilities to consider doing so if possible
they’re considering whether its season could start earlier to make up for some of the lost time at the RECC
“We’re looking at that as a possibility right now,” he said
But we haven’t made a final decision on that yet.”
Moore said the fact that not having ice doesn’t just impact recreational skaters and hockey players
there are a lot of people who count on it for small businesses and vital preparation for the coming season
“I realize the bigger picture of not just playing fun hockey and going for a skate; there are some small businesses that depend on off-season ice for hockey schools and camps,” Moore said
“And it’s a huge bump for tourism to have kids come from other markets come in and participate in camps and programs.”
Instructor Jim Barbour organizes and runs many of the ice sessions that support local
young hockey players and bring in others from across the province
“They will have nowhere local to prepare for their upcoming minor hockey seasons which could put them at a disadvantage when minor hockey starts back up in September.”
He also talked about the elite players in the area
including those from major U15 and U18 teams
“Players who train on ice throughout those months will have nowhere local to do so either,” he said
“Some local players are preparing for Hockey Nova Scotia and other high-performance programs
and it will be very difficult to do that with no ice
“It’s absolutely unfair to our local youth athletes; they may have nowhere to skate as most if not all other programs have filled their spots.”
adding their local athletes always seem to have the support they need
“The powers that be always have the best interest of their local athletes
Truro's planning committee sends project back to the drawing board
“We’re fighting to protect our community,” Truro’s planning committee was told on Dec
A woman who didn’t identify herself said they had already lost two other Black communities in Truro and have seen what has happened to Africville in Halifax because of developments pushing in
“We’re fighting to protect our future for our children,” she said
Truro town staff recommended that the committee not give it a recommendation to council because
even though it checks off a number of boxes
it doesn’t satisfy the requirement of neighbourhood compatibility
“We have already witnessed the loss of The Hill and The Marsh as cohesive Black neighbourhoods and this development risks further eroding our community
it is protecting a culture and a historical identity that has deep significance to our town,” said Trevor Jordan
representing a group of residents who came together to voice their opposition to the project
Jordan summarized the community’s complaints by saying it’s too big and doesn’t fit in with the neighbourhood
there are “serious environmental and structural issues,” as well as it casts shadows
cuts off sightlines and creates more traffic and parking demands
Many residents don’t trust the stormwater and flood-risk mitigation plans will be effective
even though the proposal meets standards set by the town
He said they’re not against development but this neighbourhood deserves heritage protection and respect “as part of Truro’s cultural fabric.”
Another woman who didn’t give her name said they’re being squeezed out of their community
You kept us down for 200-300 years … this town was built by our ancestors with pick and shovel — you should know all this stuff.”
Bill Thomas said community feedback is key to this project moving forward
“The owners have a right to develop that land
And your involvement will help decide how compatible it is in regards to the historic nature of the Black community
also to the size and mass of the development relative to being right beside residential
representing the developer Blenkhorn Investments Limited
asked the committee for a deferral — a rare move this late in the process
“The reason we’re asking for the deferral is that after having the chance to review the staff report for this step of the file
we feel there is further opportunity to circle back with staff and discuss key issues on this application,” he said
adding that they would revise the proposal after more consultations with the community
Grant said they’re hoping to come back with a revised proposal that would get a green light from staff
Grant hedged on specifics and said they need more time to talk through those issues with staff and the community to evaluate what changes would be needed to get to a positive recommendation
said a deferral would basically mean starting over because there would need to be substantial changes made to the design
Given the choice of requesting a deferral or withdrawing the current application and starting from scratch
Grant said they’d rather get a deferral and see if it would need significant alteration first before having to start over
Ian McGrath said the changes would be too much and the added consultation would take too long
“Starting from scratch is probably our best option
A woman in the gallery said that very little has been changed and the community wants the developer to start over
Another resident said the developer already had the chance to talk to the community and they didn’t take them seriously
the committee held two votes: they agreed to deny the deferral request and they voted to go with the staff’s recommendation not to proceed with a development agreement
That means it’s back to the drawing board for 60 Juniper Street
TRURO – A California-based hip hop group is performing in Truro on their Canadian tour
Cypress Hill will perform in Nova Scotia for the very first time at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC)
joined by two Grammy award winning guests De La Soul and The Pharcyde
The show is the only Nova Scotia concert on the group’s tour
The homicide of Zachery Vaughan Kellock has been added to the Province’s Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program
The Province is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the homicide of 23-year-old Zachery Vaughan Kellock
police responded to a report of a missing person who was last seen at an address on Millbrook First Nation
The investigation has led police to believe that criminality was involved in Mr
“Someone may have the missing piece that investigators need,” said Becky Druhan
“I urge anyone with details about what happened to Mr
Kellock to contact the rewards program and help bring justice and closure for his family
Anyone with information regarding this crime should call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090
People who come forward must provide their name and contact information
and they may be called to testify in court
People who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of Nova Scotia at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
A photo of Mr. Kellock is available at: https://novascotia.ca/just/Public_Safety/Rewards/case_detail_zachery_vaughan_kellock.asp
Cases under the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program are listed at: https://novascotia.ca/just/Public_Safety/Rewards
RCMP release, April 11, 2025 – RCMP continues to seek tips on the 2024 disappearance of Zachery Kellock: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2025/rcmp-continues-seek-tips-2024-disappearance-zachery-kellock
TRURO – The Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC) has a new fitness class for parents who are looking to stay active
Barbells and Babies began a few weeks ago at the Truro recreation centre
“It’s nice to get out of the house and start to get moving again after having a baby,” said Hannah Craswell
The program is led by group fitness instructor Rayanna Birtch
She said a previous stroller fit class at the RECC sparked the idea for Barbells and Babies
She had also noticed that other gyms in the area didn’t allow children to be present
“I just saw that as an opportunity to provide a class that was welcoming of moms and babies,” said Birtch
“Because it’s hard enough to get out of the house as a new mom and it’s hard enough to leave your baby or find child care,” continued the fitness instructor
“Creating a class that allows you to bring your kids breaks down that challenge or barrier obstacle to getting out and getting active.”
the babies might also be incorporated into the exercises of the functional fitness class
so the exercises can be modified accordingly.”
the fitness instructor added that she includes exercises that may help them postpartum
“We also do some targeted circuits a lot of the time
just focusing on some of the main areas that women struggle with postpartum
Birtch said connecting with fellow moms is what she likes most about the new program
“Even just the chats afterwards and just connecting with these moms who all have similar babies,” she continued
Our babies are going to grow up together and hopefully they’re going to
continue with fitness and our kids are going to grow up in an environment where fitness is important.”
A Truro judge was reprimanded for misconduct in referring to a sexual assault as an “aggressive pass,” maligning an Indigenous defence lawyer in court and other incidents
A review committee found that Judge Alain Bégin had an undiagnosed mental health condition at the time
although a specific disorder was not identified
The committee was struck early in 2024 to investigate three complaints about Bégin
The report and its findings were released March 27
The majority of the review committee — in a 2-1 vote — found that there was judicial misconduct but that it didn’t warrant a formal hearing before the judicial council
the council could require the judge to take a leave or impose other actions
Only the provincial government’s executive council can remove a judge from office
following the recommendation from the justice minister
Halifax lawyer Melanie Petrunia had the dissenting vote on the committee
She wrote that she favoured sending the case to a formal hearing
“I find that the conduct rises to a level which could render the judge incapable of performing the duties of his office on the basis that allowing him to continue in his role would undermine the confidence of the reasonable
and informed public in the justice system.”
The other two members of the committee were provincial court Judge Alan Tufts and Joseph Gillis
The decision quashed K.J.M.J.’s convictions and ordered a new trial
saying Bégin made disparaging comments about the accused before the final arguments and then tried to cover up his remarks by ordering them removed from the trial transcript
“The judge’s conduct breached his responsibility to treat everyone with civility and respect in the performance of his judicial duties … in his comments directed at the accused,” was written in the report.
The committee found that he “expressed a predetermination of guilt on one charge in advance of hearing argument … expressed comment on the accused’s character and credibility
in advance of hearing argument and … attempted to expunge his comments from the record at trial.”
The second complaint was based on an anonymous letter received in January about Bégin’s conduct at a sentencing in September 2021
“He referred to the sexual assault as an ‘aggressive pass’ and used other language which could have reasonably been interpreted as minimizing of the seriousness of the sexual assault.”
The review committee concluded there wasn’t enough information to investigate the anonymous complaint
The Court of Appeal’s decision says the judge engaged in “conduct so offensive to societal notions of fair play that to continue with the proceeding would be harmful to the integrity of the judicial system.”
The committee found that Bégin commented about Indigenous offenders not before the court
improperly attributed negative comments about a lawyer to another sitting judge
and made “inappropriate and unjustified allegations” about defence lawyer Jeremiah Raining Bird
Bégin unfairly questioned his integrity and competence “without consideration of the discriminatory impact of his actions
and community impact by depriving Millbrook First Nation of an Indigenous lawyer willing to take on legal aid work.”
He predetermined a motion by calling it a “baseless allegation” and “entered into the fray by calling his own witnesses and deprived the defence of a fair and unbiased hearing,” as well as ruling on objections to his own questions
“The judge abused his authority and conducted himself in a manner which would lead a reasonable and informed member of the public to lack confidence in the judge’s respect for and commitment to equality,” was written in the report
Two-thirds of the review committee found that Bégin’s removal from office wasn’t necessary because of evidence presented about his untreated and undiagnosed mental health disorder at the time
“The evidence also demonstrated that Judge Bégin had taken the positive steps to seek treatment and make the lifestyle changes necessary to address these concerns going forward
Though Judge Bégin’s mental health disorder was in remission
They wrote that while it did not excuse his behaviour
The majority of the committee was satisfied that he was capable of doing his job
“Judge Bégin’s agreement to be reprimanded conveys a public denunciation of the conduct,” they wrote
“Judge Bégin has insight into the seriousness of his conduct and its impact on those directly affected as well as on the administration of justice generally
He is aware of his mental health challenges and has committed to ongoing monitoring and treatment.”
take courses on prejudice and Indigenous cultural awareness and be monitored by a senior judge
Bégin took a brief medical leave but returned part-time in March 2024
He returned to full-time work in June 2024 “without any new issues being reported to the review committee.”
the building on Young Street that now houses the Truro Farmers’ Market has seen a lot of changes since it went up in 1899
council voted to proceed with a deep retrofit analysis of the building
Their report would give a comprehensive assessment of the building
provide recommendations for efficiency upgrades and retrofits to consider
Dolter said ReCover would cover the cost ($118,900) of a deep retrofit plan from a consultant
Truro would be charged a small project fee of $1,500+HST
Jim Flemming said he hopes this project will also include much-needed accessible public bathrooms
“We should be doing everything we can to protect that historic building,” said Ward 3 Coun
Ian McGrath before council gave their blessing
TRURO – Shelbie-Rae Penkala is used to driving to Halifax to take part in one of her longtime hobbies: reformer Pilates
she owns her very own reformer Pilates studio in Truro
The low-impact exercise helps with core strength
coordination and body awareness by using a reformer machine
I love Pilates,” said Penkala of the exercise named after German physical trainer Joseph Pilates
“I have been driving down to Halifax to do reformer Pilates classes every chance I got
‘We need something here … I know other people would love it just as much as I do.’”
“I just thought opening on Valentine’s Day was so beautiful
try something new that you may fall in love with.”
Lauren Fitzpatrick was one of the first to experience the new studio
but I’ve never done reformer Pilates on the machine
Penkala said she’s participated in the form of exercise since her early teens
then later getting the chance to try the reformer
“The first time I saw someone on a reformer
Not only is Penkala the owner of Reformer Studio
but she is also currently the instructor there
The four-spot classes provide the opportunity for one-on-one guidance and instruction if needed
There are just four reformers so that I can really focus in on the members who are in class and provide them instruction and feedback and help to make sure they get the most out of it.”
There will also be classes offered on Saturday mornings
Truro residents have a handful of funding decisions to make at the May 3 annual town meeting
"It is one of the things I've been hearing the most about
There are people who are very much in favor and people who are very much opposed," said Susan Areson
Should voters accept the seasonal designation
it could impact access to future grants Truro applies for
"We will get greater preference is what we've been told," said Areson on a phone call on Tuesday
Truro has access to rural and small town grants
"And we've gotten many of them," said Areson
Article 33 asks voters to approve amendments to the town's zoning bylaws which will ease restrictions for developments to the Walsh Property Overlay District
"It would replace the zoning for just that acreage and it would allow for multi-family housing
it will allow small commercial uses and recreation," said Areson
The Walsh Overlay District is intended to create housing opportunities through a variety of housing products for seniors
"It's really important that people understand that if this passes
not a shovel will go into the ground until further refinement and planning is done," said Areson
Approval of Article 27 could impact future grants and funding for the development of the Walsh Property Overlay District
"We're really looking for grants for water
wastewater and road infrastructure as it relates to any potential plans to develop the Walsh property," said Areson
Article 3 asks to transfer funds from Free Cash
either paying off or transferring funds for various causes
Section 11 asks for $10,000 to fund the graphic design services for the new town seal
the town voted to support the creation of a Town Seal Committee to develop a new seal
Section 14 of Article 3 asks for $50,000 to the Town Administration Services Budget to fund a public safety staffing analysis
The police and fire departments have identified the need for increased staffing or changes to the structure or the departments
Section 16 asks for $20,000 to pay for electronic voting devices and related services which
will be used during a pilot program at the 2026 annual town meeting
Article 36 of the warrant asks voters to approve the execution of the pilot program
The Select Board believes this will be a more efficient and accurate way to count votes at future town meetings
Article 10 asks voters to approve $3.2 million for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mitigation in the soil and groundwater at Town Hall Hill Site
PFAS has been found in the soil and groundwater around the Public Works facility
remediation and any other related costs that come up in this process
The article requires a two-thirds majority vote
there will be a question on the May 13 town election ballot about allowing for a debt exclusion
Article 12 asks voters to approve an additional $250,000 in funding for HVAC and roof repairs at Truro Central School
the town approved $1,540,000 for the construction of the roof and HVAC system at the school
additional funding is required to complete the project
A two-thirds majority vote is required for this article to be approved
a question of debt exclusion will be asked on the town election ballot
Article 13 seeks to approve $5 million for funding of engineering services
and project management related to solar electricity facilities on town property
If the article is approved at the town meeting and also on the town election ballot
the town will begin search for solar development organizations
Desiree Nikfardjam is a reporter covering breaking and trending news. She graduated from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. You can reach her at DNikfardjam@gannett.com
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TRURO – It’s important to keep active during the winter months for many reasons: staying healthy
Below is a list of activities — for adults and families — happening within the town of Truro and the municipality of Colchester County during the coldest months of the year
Meet at Truro Middle School and the group leaders will take you from there
“They do a number of different hikes at different ability levels,” said Ashley Simms
director of Truro’s parks and recreation department in an interview on Jan
“Right now we have on average between 100 and 150 people that attend those hikes.”
The two hours consist of unstructured scrimmage play for anyone ages 17 and up
The workshop will focus on slow and reflective movement
and ways to recharge the body during the winter months
RECC members can register in person only on Jan 22 at noon
Public registration takes place the following day
at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Grounds Industrial Building on 73 Ryland Avenue
SKATING – The Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex will be hosting Parent and Tot Skate sessions
Sessions are on Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m
Drop in for public skates on Saturday from 10-11 a.m
Downtown Truro’s ice skating rink – the Caldwell Roach Kings Mutual Insurance Ice Surface – is expected to open soon
Skates can be borrowed directly from the Colchester-East Hants Public Library
which is located right behind the rink itself
They are free of charge with a library card
There will be eight sessions every Tuesday from 5-6 p.m
SLEDDING – The Bible Hill Recreation Park at 64 Guest Drive and the Truro-Colchester Legion Hill at 32 Brunswick Street are great sledding locations
according to Colchester County’s Get the Blazes Outside winter guide
Nevin Jackson had serious doubts this would ever happen
he’s been working with a group of volunteer firefighters to recognize George Jones
a Black man who made a significant difference in Truro
let alone recognized over the past 165 years
my first response was ‘I’m not sure about this,’” Jackson told Truro council on Feb
it was to ask council to change the name of Truro’s fire station to the George Jones Memorial Fire Station and agree to install a plaque telling Jones’ story to the outside of the building
that is something that just doesn’t happen … I have witnessed in the past couple of years quite a bit of change in the Town of Truro despite what’s going on in the rest of North America and I am hopeful
It’s a well-deserved recognition but I did caution the group that this is not one of those things that’s easily done.”
a former educator and member of the Town of Truro’s African N.S
said Jones’ story is “a story worth telling again and it connects to the fabric of Truro today.”
one of our first professional barbers in town
was instrumental in organizing the first meeting that would lead to Truro having a much more organized and efficient fire service,” Jackson said
They have funding from the provincial department of African Nova Scotian Affairs and the volunteer fire brigade has also raised money to make this happen
“We are most likely to get some resistance from folks who
do not truly understand the nature of it or the importance of it or just folks who are not used to change especially when change doesn’t involve the larger group.”
Councillors voiced their support but some had questions
Deputy Mayor Bill Thomas wondered about the precedent
and he confirmed with staff that there aren’t any municipal buildings in town named after individuals
“I’m just wondering what this opens up as far as naming all our buildings after prominent citizens that have made a significant contribution such as George Jones.”
pointed out that other levels of government do this all the time
“I don’t think it’s a dangerous prescident because it’s followed by other levels of government
You’re correct in saying it’s new to us but change is good.”
Wayne Talbot pointed out that Jackson had to preface his comments by saying he had his doubts honouring a historic Black figure in Truro would happen and councillors proceeded to question the request
The financial cost of this is minimal … if we’re serious about respecting the contributions of the Black community then we have to stand behind that.”
saying he didn’t intend to be offensive “so it shouldn’t be taken this way.”
When the votes were called on the renaming and the plaque
Jackson hinted at an official renaming event in the spring
He also said they’re intending to hand out challenge coins that will honour Jones
He said the coins will have the Truro Fire Service’s emblem on one side and a silhouette representing George Jones on the other
They will be given out to schoolchildren who will visit the fire station and during presentations at schools
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says town council‘I don’t think the people of Truro are satisfied,’ says councillor
it was a disappointing haul from this winter’s deer hunt in Truro
so down pretty considerably,” said Alison Grant
Truro’s manager of strategic initiatives and communications
Feed Nova Scotia and Dalhousie Unversity are partners in the annual hunt
Millbrook operates a few hunt sites in the town’s boundaries and others in Millbrook
The meat from what is caught in town is donated to Feed Nova Scotia and the meat from the deer killed in Millbrook is distributed in that community
Dalhousie gets many of the organs for research and some are tested by the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
Grant and several town councillors suspect it’s because the hunting (by cross-bow) is restricted to the same outlying areas of town year after year
“We have very specific sites where we’re allowed to hunt
which is all from oversight by DNRR,” Grant said
we’re theoretically (reasoning that) there are less deer in those areas
We’d like to have talks with the province about being able to move more into the urban core.”
That very issue came up at the Truro council meeting on Jan
Deputy Mayor Bill Thomas said the deer issue was a top concern for people when he was out knocking on doors during the fall municipal election
“It’s an ongoing concern but I don’t think we’re really solving it with what we’re doing
We’ve certainly taken some animals out from the periphery of the town
but we’re not dealing with essentially the real core issue,” he said
“I don’t think the people of Truro are satisfied with it and they want us to find a solution.”
but they haven’t been successful in dealing with the issue
And while there has been a lot of work and resources directed toward this
“It’s a significant issue that’s not being dealt with
I’d like to push this issue because I was elected on the basis that I would try to do something about it.”
it looked like they were going to get approval to hunt in a site more central in the town but permission was pulled at the last minute
Dolter said that local MLA Dave Ritcey has committed to facilitate a meeting with Tory Rushton
Ritcey did not respond to interview requests from The Truro News
Several councillors voiced their support for having Rushton visit Truro to see the very active and present deer population
Grant said there are pockets in town with heavy deer activity but according to the restrictions set out by DNRR
the hunt sites have to be a certain distance from schools and homes
“The school distance is very restrictive for us because our schools are scattered around town,” she said
There is one spot in town that is wooded in a deep ravine and they’ve had discussions with DNRR about hunting there
“but it does fall just within that school distance so it can’t automatically be permitted and has to be a special request through the minister.”
There was also talk about strengthening the fines for feeding the deer
“We can fine people but we can’t collect it,” said Ward 1 Coun
“There’s one lady who spends $6,000 on apples.”
Fines for feeding deer in Truro range from $50 to $1,000 but the requirements are challenging
“It does require citizens to file complaints for there to be evidence of such feeding,” Grant explained
“There also needs to be damage to property in order to inforce it and we can only issue summary offence tickets so they don’t really carry a lien or anything with them so sometimes it’s difficult to get payment for those.”
The other approach is education and there are plenty of signs around town advising people not to feed the deer
“Some people are deliberately feeding the deer but the deer are also feeding off of people’s gardens too,” Grant said
Grant explained that the biggest concerns of a too-healthy deer population are collisions
increasing instances of Lyme disease through deer-borne ticks
property damage and increased risk of other predators coming into town
Building an active transportation network in Truro’s core that people will actually use certainly won’t come cheap
senior transportation engineer with Dartmouth-based Harbourside Engineering
laid it out for Truro councillors during a committee of the whole meeting on March 20
the town hired Harbourside for a more detailed implementation plan and a cost analysis
That’s what’s MacDonald delivered on March 20
they found many of the routes identified in the previous consultants’ report don’t have the right conditions for a cycling route and most of them require modifications (reducing the size of traffic lanes for example) to make sure the trails are properly wide enough
He said there needs to be enough space to have a proper multi-use trail that cyclists and pedestrians can feel comfortable using
He also recommended building in three phases: within five years
They recommend three “horizons” for construction
with a focus on building a loop in the core and then expanding outwards
“Making sure that we have a connected network that there are no gaps in the system itself is important,” MacDonald said
MacDonald cautioned that it will likely be higher as the design work still needs to be done
He added that they didn’t allow for inflation
He said these projects generally involve replacing sidewalks with a three-metre wide multi-use path
reducing traffic lanes and updating pedestrian crossings (crosswalks
The details on some of the specific trail projects include:
the three phases would cost approximately:
Ian McGrath agreed that the construction of trails needs to be done as networks
you know as well as I do that it’s not going to get used … It’s akin to asking people to get out of their cars and push it 100 metres down the road because it’s not safe to drive,” he said
But he wanted to know if there are lower-cost solutions
perhaps narrowing traffic lanes to add more space to avoid the cost of raised curbs
MacDonald responded that the focus is on building infrastructure that people will use
and that on-street unprotected bike lanes are not recommended based on the traffic volume and speed of vehicles along these roads
“We did really keep in mind trying to keep spending and budgets and costs down as best we could but building a facility that would be used,” MacDonald said
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