The scene on the first weekend of May was reminiscent of one in the early days of a past January Searchers from various ground search and rescue teams in southwestern Nova Scotia had set up a command centre in the parking lot of the Plymouth elementary school in Yarmouth County Subscribe now to access this story and more: Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience But while the determination to find Lefave has not changed one significant factor from these two timeframes had It’s been over four years since the Yarmouth County man went missing on Jan Asked what had triggered this newest large-scale search that was happening over the May 3-4 weekend said it was due to a new development in this missing person’s case “Since we got the initial file of Zack being missing this file has been investigated by many members These last several years it has been with our team from Major Crime that has been following up on all the leads,” he said there was a new development that was learned that the last point of contact may have been made while he was walking down a dirt road which triggered what we’re seeing here today,” Sgt LeBlanc said at the command centre on Saturday “A large sum of people have gathered together to try to find Zack.” The size of the search effort was significant There were search teams from Digby around to Queens There were in excess of 70 searchers from the ground search teams with another 18 or so RCMP officers on the ground A couple of weeks were spent coordinating this search effort “I’d been working at trying to organize this for a couple of weeks now But I’m sure we would have had almost the same amount of people if I had given them 12 hours’ notice,” Sgt “We also have an additional team of RCMP officers that are examining a different gravel road in the back there Asked how this search differs from the initial one in January 2021 and also another one that the RCMP conducted in July 2023 in the Plymouth area where we’re concentrating specifically on two different roads.” knowing where to concentrate efforts had been more challenging The day before this latest search got underway the Nova Scotia RCMP made a post on its Facebook page that read: ‘The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit is preparing a ground search on May 3 and 4 in relation to its ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Zachery Lefave can expect to see approximately 100 searchers in the community over the weekend.” the RCMP post had been shared over 1,100 times with people holding out hope for a break in the case that for four years has left a family and a community heartbroken and searching for answers Missing posters of Lefave – who went missing two days shy of his 21st birthday – remain in the windows and on bulletin boards of businesses and public locations throughout Yarmouth County people continue to share posts speculating over what may have happened to Lefave and repeatedly praying that he is found social media has been particularly active again when it comes to the case on the eve of the anniversary of Lefave’s four-year disappearance the RCMP issued a media release stating that the search for Lefave continues to be investigated Lefave had spent part of the evening at a gathering with friends in Plymouth but left that location and did not return When he didn’t show up for a work shift later that morning on Jan the RCMP has reported that the last eyewitness sighting had put Lefave walking on Hwy the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit said over the years partner agencies inside and outside of the RCMP have collaborated to try and locate the missing man This has included regional ground search and rescue teams; the RCMP Police Dog Services including an RCMP cadaver dog team from British Columbia; officers from RCMP Forensic Identification Services; and various units from Yarmouth RCMP Shelburne RCMP and Lunenburg District RCMP “Through a combination of statements and following up on tips and leads our investigators have spoken with over 200 people during the course of this investigation,” Const Shawn Himmelman of the major crime unit had stated in that Dec “The information and details provided have shaped where and how searches have taken place and will support potential new search efforts going forward.” Four months later in the parking lot of Plymouth school on May 3 LeBlanc spoke about the investigation that’s gone on over the years He said the RCMP knows that people are frustrated and discouraged that the case has gone on for so long with no answers “Every aspect that’s been brought up to us This one here seemed like it may be fruitful triggering the response that we see here today,” he said “I’m hopeful we can find answers … I am hopeful that we are going to have some closure for the family and the community We’re doing everything we can to obtain that LeBlanc reiterated the RCMP still needs people to come forward with any information about the case they may have no matter how small or insignificant they believe it may be we may not have had that piece of information so it’s important to bring that piece of information forward,” he said saying it can be a phone call to an RCMP detachment or anonymously online through Crime Stoppers A reward of up to $150,000 is available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the disappearance of Lefave LeBlanc said there will be an RCMP media release updating the public on the outcome of the weekend search The public has been very invested in this missing person case people held vigil praying for Lefave’s safe return After the official boots-on-the-ground search ended people continued to scour areas throughout Yarmouth County looking for him – searching properties in the hopes of finding him or finding clues people have done all they can to keep his name in the public eye – both in the hopes of solving this case and to remind people about Zack’s friendly nature Over the Christmas holidays a few months back there was also a ‘RAK for ZACK’ initiative introduced in which people were encouraged to do a random act of kindness (RAK) in the young man’s name Over the years Lefave’s family has also advocated for more RCMP resources at detachments and major crime units saying added resources are greatly needed to not only help the RCMP but to help families like theirs and other families who are searching and waiting for answers and justice when it comes to their loved ones Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page The British Virgin Islands is an explorer's dream with more than 60 isles and cays to discover Expert-backed tips and a step-by-step breakdown to ward off these pests We tried it: Filtrete Smart Tower and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 transmission or republication strictly prohibited This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. 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By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Twitter feed ©2025 BellMedia All Rights Reserved The entrance to the new emergency department at Yarmouth Regional Hospital Construction of the new emergency department at Yarmouth Regional Hospital will start next week a project that will provide better access to emergency healthcare for people in Yarmouth The new facility will have twice the capacity of the current department – able to care for 30 people at a time It will also have space for four ambulances “Investing in healthcare infrastructure is how we support the healthcare needs of our growing population and recruit and retain the best and brightest healthcare professionals to our communities,” said Nick Hilton on behalf of Public Works Minister Fred Tilley modern and larger emergency department will improve care for Nova Scotians in Yarmouth Some of the other features of the new emergency department will include: The new facility is scheduled to open in 2027 News release – Yarmouth Emergency Department Expansion Update: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/02/23/yarmouth-emergency-department-expansion-update More, Faster: The Action for Health Build: https://buildns.ca/healthcare/more-faster-the-action-for-health-build/ Department of Public Works on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/NS_PublicWorks After a rewarding 35-year career in education one former teacher has found a new calling in volunteering at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital where she dedicates her time to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families “I retired from education in 2009 after spending years as a classroom teacher and the Race Relations Cross-Cultural Understanding & Human Rights Coordinator I realized I was too distant from the people I was trying to help,” says Jude Fulton a retired educator and current volunteer with Nova Scotia Health Her desire to connect more directly with people led her to volunteer but I wanted to feel like I was directly helping someone but I wanted to be involved on the ground level," she explains That desire became a reality when she began volunteering in September 2023 she has dedicated over 100 hours to helping others with a specific focus on the Cancer Centre at Yarmouth Regional Hospital offering support to patients and caregivers Her duties are varied and include welcoming individuals as they arrive while others prefer solitude — but no matter the request she is there to lend a compassionate ear or a helping hand “The feedback is overwhelmingly positive,” she says “People may be surprised to know that the Cancer Centre is actually a very positive environment We provide a space where people can feel at ease during an incredibly challenging time.” is the opportunity to interact with others the personal connections bring her a sense of fulfillment even though my role is just a few hours a week," Jude says "Sometimes I wash dishes or help file when staff is short it’s about making sure that everyone can do their job better and that the patients feel cared for." is crucial in helping ease some of the strain on the healthcare system “I have the time and the ability to give back It just feels good to know you are contributing in some way to the health and well-being of Nova Scotians." the transition from educator to volunteer was a natural one She believes that fellow retired teachers have a lot to offer when it comes to volunteering “We have the skills to assess the needs of individuals,” she says “We know how to focus on the person in front of us and to offer support in a way that is meaningful.” Her advice for other retired educators is simple: “There are so many opportunities to volunteer and the experience is incredibly rewarding Even just a few hours a week can make a huge difference Life without volunteers would be much harder and we can all contribute in ways that matter.” Jude is committed to continuing her work as long as she is able “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself and I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can." Her story serves as a reminder that retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from making a difference it’s an opportunity to embrace new ways to help others in need If you’re interested in volunteering with Nova Scotia Health, learn more here www.nshealth.ca/volunteer Photo of Nova Scotia Health volunteer Jude Fulton.                 Share Your Feedback   Three cruise ships from Ponant – a world-renowned French cruise line celebrated for its luxury small-ship expeditions – are scheduled to make inaugural port of call visits to Yarmouth in October Le Lyrial and Le Boreal will be stopping in Yarmouth as part of the 14-day Montreal-to-New York cruise: From Québec to the Big Apple: nature & remarkable cities Le Champlain will be stopping in Yarmouth as part of the 11-day Boston-to-Boston cruise: A Musical Cruise in Nova Scotia and the East Coast of the United States in part: The luxury ships “will sail along the coastline of Nova Scotia whose towns and villages are full of history and undeniable character a cultural crossroads and provincial capital surrounded by sumptuous nature The rocky coast of western Nova Scotia will emerge slowly before you During an all-new port of call in Yarmouth immerse yourself in Acadian culture and discover their traditions and ancestral customs through encounters with the population.” The Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) in partnership with local tour operators will greet Ponant’s guests with French-speaking guides and vibrant communities that define the region “Attracting world-class cruise lines like Ponant and others is a direct result of YASTA’s targeted business development initiatives and partnerships with organizations like the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) and the Cruise Canada New England Alliance (CCNE),” says YASTA CEO Neil Mackenzie “We are focused on positioning Yarmouth & Acadian Shores as a must-visit destination for small to mid-sized luxury vessels.” The cruise ship visits complement the continued three-year growth in ferry passenger traffic between Nova Scotia and Maine “This marine tourism surge helps diversify tourism markets and build future demand for the region,” says YASTA Yarmouth & Acadian Shores hosted two ship calls by the Silver Endeavour from the Silverseas cruise line in the port of Yarmouth “We had two ship cancellations in 2024 from other cruise lines,” says Mackenzie noting more visits had initially been planned YASTA hosted five bus tours from ships that made port of call visits to Shelburne from the cruise lines Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises The tours included Yarmouth County and local attractions and experiences such as Cape Forchu and the Yarmouth County Museum “We are currently expecting eight cruise calls to the Port of Yarmouth over the next three years,” Mackenzie says “We are working to grow that number as well yet tremendous growth in a new market for us.” YASTA already has three scheduled visits from cruise ships in 2026 “The Port of Yarmouth is an emerging hub for marine tourism We currently host the high-speed CAT ferry welcoming luxury expedition-class cruise ships,” Mackenzie says we accommodate visiting superyachts at our marina,” he adds “Growth opportunities include whale-watching tours all of which leverage Yarmouth’s rich seafaring history and ocean access.” YASTA will be participating in June at the Cruise Canada New England Symposium in Halifax Mackenzie says it will be “another key opportunity to meet with cruise executives promote our region’s unique marine and cultural assets and deliver a comprehensive familiarization tour showcasing our marine facilities “Marine tourism is a critical piece of our strategy to grow and diversify visitation across our beautiful region.” “Cruise tourism is more than just economic development — it’s a celebration of who we are Welcoming Ponant and other prestigious lines allows us to share our local culture with the world and foster pride among our communities We’re excited about the future and ready to grow our marine tourism sector thoughtfully and sustainably.” The Cat ferry is seen in Yarmouth this morning People and businesses will continue to benefit from the ferry connecting Nova Scotia and Maine as the Province extends the service and commits to finding a long-term solution A progress report on the comprehensive economic impact study released today shows the service benefits all regions of the province and is not more expensive than comparable services “Our job with the ferry service is making sure it delivers good value for all Nova Scotians and we continue to do the work to understand its impact,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland “This progress report shows us ferry passengers stay longer spend more and travel throughout the province It also illustrates the importance of maintaining consistency with the service.” will continue for the 2025 and 2026 sailing seasons the Province will require new agreements for the vessel operator and United States terminal operator will continue to collect and analyze data this fall The final report is expected in the spring of 2025 Progress report: https://novascotia.ca/tran/yarmouthferry/yarmouth-to-maine-ferry-progress-report.pdf Nova Scotia – Maine ferry service: https://www.ferries.ca/thecat Department of Public Works on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/NS_PublicWorks As they made their way out of the bay doors of the Yarmouth Fire Department hall solemn echo of marching feet hitting the pavement was in poignant contrast to the blazing sound of sirens that normally race out these doors Because all of these things had already been done firefighters marched from the Yarmouth fire hall on Pleasant Street to Beacon United Church in a funeral procession community members and other firefighters to celebrate the life of former Yarmouth firefighter and Platoon Chief Lynn Seeley not just in Yarmouth County and southwestern Nova Scotia but by fire departments and firefighters throughout the province who knew him as a comrade but his impact is so huge ­­– much like his booming voice – that his legacy will forever live on This was evident by the outpouring of grief and accolades at the time of his death in early April and also fire departments from throughout the province took to social media to pay tribute to him “He mentored and taught many of us and helped mold us into the firefighters we are today,” posted the Eel Brook and District Fire Department “He dedicated his life to the service and helping to improve it.” Wrote the Yarmouth Volunteer Fire Department Association and a true embodiment of what it means to serve.” The association noted his commitment to safety extended beyond just the firehouse ensuring that Yarmouth residents were safe whether it was responding to emergencies or advocating for better resources His legacy will not only live on in the firefighters he molded but also in the town he dedicated his life to keeping safe.” Seeley began his firefighting journey as a volunteer in April 1977 he had transitioned into a career firefighter I don’t recall the first time I met this larger-than-life fireman But I do know as a journalist he was very helpful to me over the years I often interviewed him at fire scenes where – covered in soot and with his radio squawking – he described how he and other firefighters mounted their attack against a blaze I was in awe of the properties they were able to save I was equally in awe of their professionalism and bravery when a fire was too destructive to let firefighters gain the upper hand I always heeded Lynn’s advice when he cautioned me to be careful at a fire scene He was always concerned with making sure no one was injured In 2022 when a provincial announcement came that workplace injury insurance for thousands of firefighters would cover more types of cancer and heart attacks the news was welcomed by firefighters and their families across Nova Scotia Seeley called the announcement long overdue and needed speaking as president of the Yarmouth Professional Firefighters Association “It means firefighters will no longer have to rely on their own financial means to receive the care and treatment they deserve for on-the-job medical issues covered by the presumptive legislation.” He was part of the fight to see this happen Seeley had also fought extremely hard to try to keep four fire dispatcher jobs based in Yarmouth It was further testament that he would fight any fire or emergency that presented itself it wasn’t just the physical health of firefighters that he was concerned about Their emotional and mental health mattered a lot to him too when Yarmouth experienced a community tragedy following the heartbreaking death of young person we must all keep an eye on each other and reach out to our brothers and sisters There is no shame in seeking help in any situation whether it was the older generation of firefighters Seeley’s guidance and mentorship were extremely valued He describes his mentor as being not just a firefighter “He taught me my first firefighter course back in 2003 Fast forward through co-op in high school at the Yarmouth fire station and all the years of visiting between then and when I joined (the department) in 2010,” Cosman wrote in tribute in a Facebook post saying he had the pleasure from 2017 to 2022 of working as Seeley’s firefighter/engineer “To get to work with the guy who taught me the basics 15 years prior was a full circle moment and something I’ll always be glad I got to do,” Cosman said When Seeley was around there were a lot of laughs and a lot of pranks But his gruffness and kindness were intertwined but inside that tough exterior was one huge heart.” he began working at Sobeys at the age of 16 He later joined Butternut Bakery where he was known as the Flying Bread Man when meeting delivery deadlines He also spent some time working as a security guard he was involved in various fire service organizations He was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Yarmouth Volunteer Fire Department and the Atlantic Provinces Professional Firefighters Association He was president of the IAFF local 2094 for many years and its vice-president after he retired until his passing and he loved ‘the camp.’ He loved playing lob ball and bowling He even named a specific deer who used to repeatedly visit his backyard Ruby sharing both heartwarming and comical memories of her dad This was a family who shared their husband but who also had the privilege of calling him their own Donations in Seeley’s memory can be made to the Gilles Boudreau and Friends Cancer Help Fund the Fire Fighters Museum of Nova Scotia or a charity of people’s choice when Seeley’s celebration of life ceremony ended and with an honour guard of firefighters formed his ashes were taken to the cemetery in the way they were absolutely meant to From an appreciative and thankful community and fire service Excellence in innovation and technology are coming together for the launch of the novAI Labs: Everyday AI for Everyday Business which is happening at IGNITE Southern in Yarmouth on May 5 The four-stop roadshow throughout the province – which also includes New Glasgow Sydney and Halifax – is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence the novAI Labs sessions are designed to introduce small and medium-sized businesses to accessible AI tools that can help improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness – particularly within rural industries and community leaders at all stages of their AI journey “By introducing small businesses to practical novAI Labs will help rural and urban companies alike become more innovative and resilient,” said Doug Jones “AI is giving us powerful new tools — opening doors we’ve never seen before and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive in ways we could only imagine a few years ago,” said John Leahy and we have an incredible opportunity to ride it Those who learn how to use these tools will lead the next generation of innovation and success.” Argyle MLA and Minister of Growth and Development Colton LeBlanc is slated to deliver remarks highlighting new initiatives to support innovation and economic development across Nova Scotia Each session will connect entrepreneurs and business leaders with demonstrations of real-world AI applications and expert guidance on integrating AI into their business operations The novAI Labs workshops are also scheduled for May 14 at the NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus; May 20 at IGNITE Northern in New Glasgow; and May 23 at The PIER IGNITE Atlantic is a rural innovation hub dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs IGNITE creates spaces where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive With over 25 years of experience and 4,000 projects delivered across Canada under its belt immediac is a Halifax-based software and web development firm specializing in creating customer-focused websites Digital Nova Scotia is the industry association representing the tech sector in Nova Scotia The Yarmouth Town RCMP has charged a Yarmouth man with arson and several other offences following an investigation into a suspicious fire that occurred at an apartment complex in August 2024 and EHS responded to a report of a fire at an apartment complex on Kirk Street in Yarmouth The building was evacuated and there were no injuries reported The police say that despite the fire being contained to one unit there was significant damage to the rest of the building the Canadian Red Cross helped to support those who were displaced officers worked with the Nova Scotia Office of the Fire Marshal which determined that the fire was intentionally set,” reads an RCMP media release Tunnillie appeared in Yarmouth Provincial Court on April 28 and was remanded into custody He was back on the court docket the following day for another court appearance The public is invited to an information session on the benefits of electric buses happening in Yarmouth “This educational presentation will outline the benefits of electric school buses It is open to the public and should be of interest in particular to parents and persons interested in reducing greenhouse emissions,” reads a media release “We have partnered with the Ecology Action Centre and experts in the health and electric vehicle sectors for an interesting half-hour presentation followed by a question period,” says Ginny Smith chairperson of the Yarmouth Environmental Think Tank a small group of persons dedicated to being planet and people positive “We feel strongly that data clearly shows many benefits to electric school buses Many provinces have taken the lead on this the province of Nova Scotia doesn’t have any electric school buses yet.” The Yarmouth Environmental Think Tank (YETT) YETT is a local non-profit that was formed in 2014 to address environmental and climate change issues as well as the Tusket River Environmental Association (TREPA) The Ecology Action Center is also providing expertise and support A poster about the event says attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a presentation from experts in the health and electric vehicle sector who will explain the negative health impacts of gas and diesel-powered buses and discuss how a switch to electric can help protect the health of children and the environment The Yarmouth Rural RCMP Detachment has charged a man who was in possession of a firearm while barricaded in a home in Sand Beach RCMP responded to a report of a man in possession of a firearm who had allegedly assaulted a woman the man was the only person in the house,” reads an RCMP media release “He had barricaded himself inside a room and refused to exit.” The Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team and RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) responded to the scene but refused to comply with officers’ directions “An officer deployed their conductive energy weapon and the man was arrested with the assistance of PDS He was transported to hospital by EHS for assessment of non-life-threatening injuries,” states the release is charged with assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose He had a first court appearance on April 8 and was remanded into custody pending future court appearances investigators executed a search warrant at the home and seized a firearm The long-awaited construction of a new emergency department at Yarmouth Regional Hospital is finally getting underway The province says the project is aimed at providing better access to emergency health care for people in Yarmouth Shelburne and Digby counties by addressing the many shortfalls of the existing cramped and poorly laid-out existing emergency department Construction was slated to begin as the month of April winds up In an April 23 media release the province said construction would be starting “next week.” “The new facility will have twice the capacity of the current department – able to care for 30 people at a time up from two,” reads a provincial media release A new and larger emergency department was announced many years ago – first in 2020 by the Stephen McNeil Liberal government and then later confirmed and committed to by the Tim Houston PC government The Houston government began working on the planning and design phase in 2022 investing $2.5 million in that part of the project a construction start has been eagerly anticipated The Houston government put the tender out for the project last year was awarded the construction tender through a competitive process The province says the total cost of the project will be released once it is complete The departments of Health and Wellness and Public Works say during construction patients will be able to access all hospital services as usual there will be some adjustments to things such as parking and patient drop-offs and pickups but any disruptions will be minimized the province says In a previous announcement regarding the project it was stated the proposed site of the new emergency department which will be an addition connected to the hospital would be in the parking lot area in front of the Dalhousie School of Nursing building Alternate parking was also said to be part of the plan our patients and our community have been looking forward to work getting started on the Yarmouth Regional Hospital emergency department redevelopment,” said Dr the site medical lead at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital “We will be excited to see boots on the ground and work happening We are confident it will ultimately allow for better care in a more spacious resulting in an enhanced patient and provider experience,” Dr • two virtual-care exam rooms and a dedicated kids’ waiting area “Investing in healthcare infrastructure is how we support the health-care needs of our growing population and recruit and retain the best and brightest healthcare professionals to our communities,” said Yarmouth MLA Nick Hilton This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Halifax Hawks picked up a back-to-back Hockey Nova Scotia Minor U15AA provincial championship title when the team captured gold in Yarmouth On the ice at the Yarmouth Mariners Centre on April 6 the Halifax Hawks and the Sackville Flyers battled it out in a tight contest during the provincial championship final the game looked to be inching its way to overtime until the Hawks scored the game-winning goal with 44.9 seconds left in the third period The game-winner was scored by Caalum MacDonald Halifax had advanced to the final after defeating the Bedford Blues 3-0 in one semi-final and Sackville had advanced after a 7-1 win over the Glace Bay Miners in the other semi-final game Seven teams had competed at the provincials which were hosted by the Yarmouth U15AA Mariners from April 3-6 The host team didn’t capture any wins in its four round-robin games but received huge accolades and praise from the visiting teams for their organizing and hosting of the provincial championship tournament There was also a poignant moment during the opening ceremony of the tournament when the family of the late Benton Gallagher was invited to do a special ceremonial puck drop in remembrance of Gallagher These were the round-robin game results of the tournament: Nova ScotiaNewsConstruction of new Yarmouth, N.S., emergency department starts next weekBy Sean MottPublished: April 23, 2025 at 2:32PM EDT 1 month agoDuration 1:40National competition could help save former Black church in Yarmouth1 month agoNewsDuration 1:40The former Sharon Assembly Church is a finalist in the Next Great Save. Voting is now open and volunteers hope a win could lead to a shot in the arm for their fundraising efforts. Michael Gorman has the story. Ben Hendriksen appointed Yellowknife mayor for remaining 1.5-year term20 minutes agoVideo0:35 One pilot died in Whitehorse helicopter crash, company says22 minutes agoVideo1:44 Should the Yukon River be considered a 'person' with rights?25 minutes agoTrending NowVideo2:17 Video evidence, NHLer testimony raise questions in world junior sexual assault trialThe National |May 2Video4:45 Trump repeats 51st state taunt as Carney prepares for White House visitThe National |May 5Video11:28 Stepfather of missing Nova Scotia children calls on public's helpMay 5Video1:19 It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. The Town of Yarmouth has approved its 2025-2026 capital budget that comes in at just over $5.4 million and brings significant investments to a variety of projects The budget was approved unanimously by council at its April monthly meeting Topping the list for this year’s budget are key projects carried over from the previous year These include more investment in trucks at the Yarmouth Fire Department design work needed for a future refit of the wastewater treatment plant and more upgrades at the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal “A significant investment will also be made to replace the roof at Mariners on Main complete an underground infrastructure project on Water Street and replace snow removal equipment,” reads a media release “The town is also providing support toward future renovations at the Yarmouth Curling Club Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood said the capital budget has a “focus on those items that are necessary in terms of both maintenance and growth and on what will serve the community best in terms of quality of life and growth.” “Keeping in mind the worldwide economic climate particularly tariffs and more from our neighbour staff have been extra vigilant in keeping a close finger on the pulse of those things that will affect us most,” said Mood “This allows us to do what we do with a measure of confidence • Wastewater Treatment Plant: This investment will be completed in two phases Phase I will see electrical and structural construction upgrades completed Phase II comprises engineering design work to prepare for the facility’s upgrades to secondary treatment technology Total investment in the project is just over $1.9 million with the Province and the Town of Yarmouth each contributing $991,325 Council has awarded a tender for the project to CBCL Limited • Water Street Underground Project: This is a unique opportunity where a proposed housing development has triggered the need for an infrastructure upgrade The developer and the town are cost sharing the upgrades Total Investment for the work comes in at $715,000 • Mariners on Main: The former YMCA building purchased by the town in 2020 has served the town – and greater community – as a bridge solution to keep a community pool open until the new expansion is completed at Mariners Centre The building will continue to house Mariners on Main until the expansion is completed in 2026 Options are being exploring to re-purpose the building so that it can continue to serve as a key anchor for Yarmouth’s downtown once the expansion is completed The roof is over 40 years old and must be replaced • Ferry Terminal Upgrades: More work will be completed at the International Ferry Terminal in Yarmouth The CAT ferry is a crucial tourism link that services the region and province • Investments in Fire Service: As part of a four-year investment $1,170,000 will go toward replacing three trucks at the Yarmouth Fire Department The project comes with a total cost of $4,503,781 • Investments in Snow Removal Equipment: A total of $220,000 has been budgeted toward replacement of a plow truck and sidewalk plow • Street Paving: This year’s investment in paving comes in at $450,000 including $250,000 carried over from last year the Yarmouth Curling Club presented council with plans for future renovations of its facility Council has committed to a three-year plan to provide $100,000 annually to assist in upgrades of this important community asset A motorcycle crash in at the intersection of Station Avenue and Wood Road in South Yarmouth on Thursday claimed the life of a 28-year-old South Yarmouth man Keean Laakso was riding south on Station Avenue just after 4 p.m. when he collided with a pickup truck crossing the intersection. According to the Yarmouth Police Department the impact occurred at a high rate of speed and sent the motorcycle into a granite mailbox post Emergency crews arrived to find Laakso with life-threatening injuries Yarmouth firefighters attempted lifesaving measures but Laakso was pronounced dead at the scene The driver of the pickup remained on site and is cooperating with the investigation Police initially received reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a mailbox but responding officers quickly determined the collision involved a second vehicle Laakso was the owner of Laakso Landscaping in South Yarmouth In 2023: Station Avenue in South Yarmouth has problems. Planners want details. Yarmouth Police public information officer Nicholas Giammarco said in a May 2 email that 28 crashes have occurred at the intersection since 2020 Although road construction is underway nearby — with detours and closures posted — the intersection itself remains open and operational Zooming out from the Wood Road intersection county data from 2018 to 2020 show 162 crashes occurred along the full one-mile stretch of Station Avenue In 2023, town and county officials launched a Station Avenue Corridor Study to assess safety and propose both short- and long-term improvements The county conducted a 12-hour traffic count and found no need for a full traffic signal or upgrades to the existing flashing light at Wood Road though officials have considered adding an all-way stop and a crosswalk Heather McCarron writes about climate change, environment, energy, science and the natural world, in addition to news and features in Barnstable and Brewster. Reach her at hmccarron@capecodonline.com Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.    And when it comes to economic development in the Town of Yarmouth – both now and in years to come – eyes and efforts are especially focused on housing While it is not the mandated responsibility of a municipal unit in Nova Scotia to physically construct housing itself towns can do things to make the conditions ripe to encourage development by private developers “We need to have housing,” says Natalie Smith the town’s director of planning and economic development And so town council and town staff explore ways to encourage and accelerate housing growth a shortage of rental units (and affordable and accessible ones at that) has been identified as a gap that needs to be filled It was one of the things highlighted in the 2023 Town of Yarmouth Municipal Housing Needs Report Yet while the primary intention of housing is of course “With housing we then have people that will retain their jobs and do all of the good things that we want to build community-wise,” says Smith “When you look at the number of development agreements and the types of development agreements that are going out in the last year They’re not projects that the town has created They are opportunities that developers have identified based on what they see as the town’s future needs and because they’ve felt the climate is right for them here to pursue development “Developers saw that it’s the right time and the lowest risk for them to enter into the housing market,” Smith says I can justify this project or this population for these types of dwelling units.” Some of the larger housing developments approved or proposed in the town include a 56-unit two-building multi-unit residential development on Water Street; a 24-unit multi-unit affordable housing residential development on Shaw Avenue that is under construction; a housing development off Myrtle Street and Parade Street that could see up to around 40 homes built gradually over time over the years; and a housing development eyed for Pleasant Street that could see three to four buildings constructed people often think it’s all about ‘the big one.’ While those things are welcomed in any community in small towns those things aren’t always on the horizon And to be a single-source industry in a small town comes with a lot of risks But she also says there are a lot of organizations that are helping to increase and bring in new opportunities to a place like the Town of Yarmouth the Western REN (Regional Enterprise Network) the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce as a few many people not just thinking about the present So from an economic development point of view housing is key because we recognize that employers can’t attract employees they can’t retain Another successful initiative in the Town of Yarmouth has been its downtown façade and mural program It’s not only revitalized the look of downtown Yarmouth but it’s made it a place that has attracted new businesses and retained and refreshed other existing ones Before the implementation of the program a decade ago a walk or drive down Yarmouth’s Main Street would bring you past many dingy drab-looking buildings and vacant storefronts with their windows covered with brown paper or boarded up with expired local event posters This has been replaced with colour and vibrancy and some modern and trendy touches that compliment the historic aspects of the downtown that continue to be highlighted by drawing attention to architectural features that were lost or overlooked Smith says evidence and an indicator of the program’s success is occupancy a town should be around that 85 per cent,” she says is the fact it is a partnership and investment by both the town and the businesses The town provides grants of up to $10,000 for the work (an increase from the original $5,000) Yet while businesses put up a matching amount they’ve also far exceeded the town’s contribution there had been 100 projects approved with 95 completed as of Jan There were $422,999 in town grants approved with $401,028 of those grants paid out Yet the overall cost and value of the work “What the façade program was intended to do is to make the town in general – which is a micro-economy – safe and inviting then the lights are on when the business is open “Number two is to make it inclusive,” she says so that people feel welcome in the downtown is the program has helped with economic stimulation She says it’s even provided some level of trust for business owners who may have been the original anchors in the downtown to feel that they can sell their properties and that someone will want to purchase them and set up shop there “That was done in about eight or nine cases,” Smith says Heritage Brewery and The Lumberjack’s Daughter being some examples She says the program has helped to bring diversity into the downtown Bringing voices into the downtown is something else Yarmouth Town Council and the town’s staff and committees including the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) The town is in the midst of a major provincially mandated review of its Municipal Planning Strategy and its Land-Use Bylaws There have been public engagement sessions on this front including recent ones that explored housing; economic development and tourism; recreation and transportation; culture heritage and environment; and urban structure required public participation meetings and public hearings are held when development agreement applications on projects come before the town open houses are now being held before getting to those other required stages so that information can be shared and developers can get a feel for public opinion and needs From the town’s economic development and planning standpoints Smith says such community engagement is helpful and important And it’s not just town residents who are providing input That makes sense that there is interest beyond the town’s borders as the Town of Yarmouth is a service centre and economic hub in this tip of the province that sees its population swell daily from just under 7,000 people to around 21,000 Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood says economic development plays a tremendously large role in Yarmouth’s future “The economics of the fishery and tourism have been our grounding forces and when one is affected – think the ferry – devastation ensues “My hope for the future is to ensure we support both of these life-giving industries and continue to diversify.” Mood says any development contributes to the bigger picture “We know the impact housing has on our communities It changes the dynamic of the community and provides a better quality of life for all,” she says that better quality of life draws people to an area Things like the facade program ensure businesses have a hand up and that the town is viewed in a positive light,” she says “I only hope that one day we will all realize everything we do has a chain reaction and decisions at the council table are always made with that vision of the future.” while it’s true that not everything built is affordable to everyone Mood points to what a mayor friend calls NOAH: Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing “Whereby someone moves into a space that may not be affordable to another opening up their previous more affordable space,” she says says looking to the town’s future includes a lot of moving targets You see it in the population and you feel it in people’s expectations The Yarmouth Town RCMP has charged a teacher of the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education with sexual offences officers received a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a teacher and a youth victim a teacher who was on staff at Maple Grove Education Centre had inappropriate contact with a former student,” reads an April 4 media release The RCMP says the middle school teacher facing the allegations was on leave at the time of the incident The RCMP conducted an investigation and on April 1 arrested 52-year-old Tina Lee Cottreau of Yarmouth sexual interference and sexual exploitation The age of the former student was not referred to by the RCMP Cottreau was released on conditions following her arrest Her first court appearance in Yarmouth Provincial Court is slated for May 12 The Tri-County Regional Centre for Education (TCRCE) issued the following statement on April 4 about the charges “We are aware that a teacher at Maple Grove Education Centre is facing charges related to sexual offences involving a former student,” said Ashley Gallant “These charges are deeply troubling and I can assure you that TCRCE takes these matters very seriously.” The TCRCE confirmed that the teacher was on leave at the time of the incident and that she remains on leave this is all of the information we are able to share at this time,” Gallant said The RCMP says its investigation is ongoing but that at this time investigators do not believe there are other victims This isn’t the only teacher of the TCRCE that has been charged with sexual offences had been charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation The RCMP had started an investigation last August after getting reports of an alleged relationship between a teacher and a student at Digby Regional High School Initially when officers investigated the allegation it closed the file without any charges being laid the RCMP then said that new information had been received by investigators late last year “that provided sufficient evidence to reopen the original file and lay a charge.” and involved the same student the RCMP said At Longmire’s first court date in Digby Provincial Court the matter was set over to April 15 for election and plea the TCRCE had also said that it takes these matters very seriously and well-being of all students remains our highest priority,” Gallant had said saying that Longmire had not been present at any school during this academic year and is on leave the Nova Scotia RCMP encourages anyone who may be a survivor of sexual assault to come forward by contacting their local RCMP detachment or police of jurisdiction “Survivors can discuss incidents with officers before deciding to participate in an investigation and court process,” the release reads people can contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers submit a secure web tip on the Crime Stoppers website now she's a dancerLily still needs reconstructive surgery in her ongoing fight against OEIS Syndrome Danica Johnson of Yarmouth can give an endless list of adjectives to describe how great her nine-year-old daughter Lily Lewis is But the one description she repeats again and again is resilient Born in December 2015 with a rare condition called OEIS Syndrome Lily had her first surgery at five days old At six months old she underwent another major surgery to reconstruct her bladder Doctors initially said Lily would never walk But this resilient little girl took her first steps at 18 months “Did you ever prove them wrong,” says her mom Now Lily’s favourite activities include dance She now dances hip-hop with the local Yarmouth dance group Kidzact She especially loves the dance competitions “I’d been in ballet for a long time and all my friends were in hip hop and I really wanted to try it out and then I loved it,” she says she’s an elementary student at Meadowfields Community School the family is preparing for the next big hurdle Lily needs to undergo another major reconstructive surgery OIES Syndrome is a rare condition that affects a person’s multiple organs It can include exstrophy of the bladder and intestines Johnson was around 25 weeks pregnant with Lily when it was discovered her daughter was going to be born with health challenges “I went to the hospital for an ultrasound where they measure everything That’s when they sent us to Halifax,” she says It was their first of many endless trips to the IWK both before and after Lily was born After Lily was born came the surgeries when she was days old and then months old This next reconstructive surgery is a big one It will address Lily’s future reproductive health and improving her quality of life in other ways Some of what’s going to happen is private in terms of Lily’s health so the family prefers not to disclose all of the specifics Lily’s mom says her daughter is very much involved in her health care Part of determining the timing of this surgery has involved Lily deciding when she has felt she’s ready for it and her team of doctors and health-care specialists that now is the appropriate time to go forward with it The surgery will take place at the SickKids Hospital in Toronto a specialist who has been following Lily’s case since birth who focuses on this syndrome,” says Lily’s mom explaining it was overwhelming when Lily was born and things were more severe than had been anticipated There will be two trips to Toronto required for Lily’s surgery Lily’s mom says the exact dates of the trips are still being determined Due to the complexity of the surgery and the involvement of multiple surgeons Two trips to Toronto means significant financial strain due to travel food and other living costs during their time in Toronto This is where the community is stepping up to help a fundraising benefit is being held at the Yarmouth Fire Hall from 10 a.m The fundraiser will include a rappie pie sale The location of the fundraiser is very appropriate Lily’s mom is a volunteer firefighter with the Yarmouth Fire Department and Lily has spent much of her childhood at the fire hall When Johnson joined the fire department she was new to Yarmouth After Lily was born her mother says Lily became “the fire hall baby.” would bring Lily to meetings and other events at the fire hall Her firefighter colleagues have watched Lily grow up Lily thinks it’s cool that her mom is a volunteer firefighter Lily likely gets a lot of her resiliency from her mom Lily’s mother gives a huge shoutout to her friend and co-worker Heather Wallace who has taken a lead role in organizing the upcoming fundraiser Wallace and Johnson work together at Maple Grove Education Centre “Her dedication and hard work have been invaluable in ensuring this benefit event comes together.” Says Wallace about the mother and daughter – this is what friends are for “It means so much to me to have this fundraiser to help this family because before I met my husband I grew up being a single mom and I know the struggle of doing it on my own,” Wallace says “Hearing Lily’s story really pulled on my heartstrings Learning of Lily’s struggles and what Danica is going through I knew I needed to do something,” she says Wallace wasted no time in getting the ball rolling She says it’s the least she can do considering the health challenges Lily faces on a daily basis “It’s my honor and privilege to do this,” she says Wallace says everyone has been very generous in supporting the fundraiser have been making donations of auction items Wallace even mistakenly dialed the wrong number for a business The person at the business who answered that wrong number said they wanted to help too “I received a call from him … saying he was part of a motorcycle club and they had a meeting and everyone was on board with doing something He told me if the weather is nice they are coming to the fundraiser on their motorcycles and if the weather is not nice they’re coming in their vehicles and making a donation to Lily,” she says The people who have stepped up to help me organize this benefit between staff I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart Lily’s mom says the kindness and support her family is receiving to help with the expenses associated with her daughter’s surgery in Toronto is overwhelming and very appreciated there have been other financial needs associated with Lily’s care throughout the years Johnson says there are a lot of medical expenses that weren’t always covered plus there was a time when she didn’t have medical benefits so thinking about the surgery was overwhelming,” she says “I didn’t know how I was going to manage it.” There may be other surgeries in Lily’s future but her mom is hoping this one will be the last major needed one for a long time “I just think that it’s amazing to see people rally behind Lily No child should have the obstacles Lily goes through,” her mom says “Having the community step up for her and encourage her and have her back We’re so very fortunate to be a part of this community.” Yarmouth is hosting the Hockey Nova Scotia U15AA hockey provincials April 3-6 at the Mariners Centre The host team is the U15AA Yarmouth Culligan Water Mariners which opens the play at the provincial tournament with a noon game versus Sackville on the tournament’s opening day on Thursday There are seven teams taking part in the provincials the CB County Islanders and the Sackville Flyers (This game will follow the opening ceremonies happening at 5:45 p.m and according to the schedule may only begin at 6:15 p.m.) That evening also includes an awards banquet Admission for the provincials weekend is cash only Yarmouth Regional Hospital is getting a new SPECT/CT scanner which creates a 3D image for enhanced diagnoses Shelburne and Digby counties will receive enhanced care with the announcement of a new SPECT/CT scanner for Yarmouth Regional Hospital The new scanner will replace the current scanner which has been in service since March 2013 “We have a plan to address the challenges Nova Scotians face when trying to access healthcare close to home,” said Premier Tim Houston “This includes supporting projects that modernize healthcare facilities and equipment to deliver the best care to Nova Scotians while also attracting the best and brightest healthcare professionals to communities across the province.” or single-photon emission computed tomography scanner combines a nuclear medicine scan and a CT scan to create a 3D image that shows precisely how different parts of a patient’s body look and are working The cost of the new scanner will be shared with the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation The hospital will also receive funding to upgrade its electrical system to support a new backup generator for the entire facility as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the emergency department News Release – Yarmouth Emergency Department Expansion Update: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/02/23/yarmouth-emergency-department-expansion-update Action for Health, the government’s strategic plan to improve healthcare: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth While there is still a proposal to transform a former high school building in Yarmouth into a medical accreditation academy and medical clinic the renovation plans have been somewhat scaled down from when information about the project was first shared with the public at an open house last fall “Aside from extensive interior remodeling and necessary exterior renovations or the existing building proposed at this time,” reads a description on the Get Involved Yarmouth website where the Town of Yarmouth posts information and updates about project applications and progress The former Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School building has sat vacant since the summer of 2012 A development agreement application is now before the town The description notes the intended reuse of the building by a non-profit organization consists of three main components: • an accreditation academy for foreign national health-care personnel; an associated board and accommodation facilities including a conference/event space There are now no plans to add a third floor to the building nor are there plans to have on-site parking in front of the building accessed directly from Parade Street Those were things talked about at the open house Parking will instead use the existing parking lots that were part of the high school has applied to the town for a development agreement to permit the adaptive reuse of the building The plan is to convert the building into a training hub for international health-care personnel where doctors nurses and specialists would receive their certification to work in the health-care field in Nova Scotia Part of the initiative would include a teaching and training medical clinic where members of the public would access health care from those training to receive their certification Saeme is a Norwegian citizen whose family has lived in Yarmouth County since their relocation to southwestern Nova Scotia in 2014 He is an internationally recognized expert in Maritime Health and Medical Management He has served as a medical practitioner and consultant to the Norwegian government and has also managed his own clinics specializing in Maritime In 1986 he began his involvement with the shipping and cruise industries and has focused on medical and wellness projects including medical management at sea and on land overseeing health and medical facilities throughout the Far East He’s now set his sights on improving the medical situation in southwestern Nova Scotia and the rest of the province by having a facility to train and provide the needed certification for those who could work in Nova Scotia Saeme introduced his plans to the public was hosted by the town in late November 2024 “I’ve seen the challenges of our region and not having enough doctors and specialists,” Dr Saeme had said during last fall’s open house “I’ve seen people waiting for surgeries for months I see people driving to Halifax three hours and trying find a place overnight to go to a specialist.” At the time he had said the project was not dependent on receiving provincial and municipal funds But he did say there would need to be a buy-in from the government particularly since those accessing the clinic would provide their Nova Scotia Health card to access their care He had said during the open house that at any given time the facility would aim to have 20 specialists receiving their training and certification The goal would be to have up to 200 health-care and medical personnel receive their certification here each year The application will come before Yarmouth Town Council on Thursday The application is one of five matters scheduled for that evening’s public hearing The application recently came up for discussion as part of a public participation meeting that the town’s Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) hosted on April 8 While there were a lot of people that turned out for last fall’s public hearing there were only a few people at the public participation meeting that had various agenda items and only one person spoke in regard to this development application She said the application contains a lot of interesting elements but as someone whose career involves reviewing and analyzing proposals she was concerned over the feasibility of the size and scope of the project and questioned who will be supporting it and who will be paying for it “How are we ensuring that the actual benefit goes to the citizens of Yarmouth and to the citizens of Atlantic Canada,” the resident said “What is the governance structure around this?” She said she doesn’t feel these questions have been adequately answered to date She also said the application builds a lot of expectations Can it be assured those expectations will be delivered She also said project risks need to be properly analyzed There was some discussion about the application during the PAC meeting that followed PAC member Rod Rose noted the project has been scaled back since the application was first made “Am I correct … that it’s now the existing building that’s being refurbished and there are no extensions to it?” Rose responded saying it substantially changes the project “This is quite a scaled-back project from what the initial project was,” he said Town planner Martin Beck presented some of the rationale behind the physical changes that the developer has made to the project saying it was felt some things were economically unviable and also not feasible from a structural and site perspective Because of this the project was simplified “About a third of the project was dropped,” he said also noting that with regard to the traffic the project would attract it’s felt it shouldn’t be too far off from the traffic of when the building operated as a high school “We’re saying what is on-site may be sufficient to accommodate the intended use,” said Beck about the parking needs It was mentioned at council’s April 10 meeting that town staff has had a bit of a discussion with the town’s traffic authority and town planner concerning access and egress from Parade Street and that prior to the May 8 public hearing there may be a slight amendment to the development agreement “If we decide there is something warranted there we’ll try to get that out to you well ahead of the next meeting so that you can absorb it consider it and the public will have access to it as well,” said town CAO Jeff Gushue the motion pertaining to the development agreement application that’s coming from the PAC to town council also allows for flexibility for approval of future uses that are amongst the permitted uses of the property’s zoning Gil Dares noted that prior to the building being sold to its present owner the other consideration had been to demolish the building the town has been hoping not to have to go that route The old high school building was reverted to the town by the Tri-County Regional School Board and province when the new Yarmouth high school opened on Forest Street in September 2012 the building has still presented a cost to the town The town has been paying around $150,000 annually to maintain the facility paying for such things as heat and insurance There are also ongoing security needs given that the building has been vandalized at times since it closed and has also seen break-ins the building had been eyed for a possible housing project by another private developer But that plan fell through when construction costs soared and construction materials became scarce during and following the COVID pandemic When Yarmouth resident Keltie Bain posted a video to her TikTok of empty USA shelves at the NSLC liquor store in her hometown in southwestern Nova Scotia she had no idea what those nearly 20 seconds would lead to The social media content creator – who holds a couple of other jobs – included the phrase ‘Elbows Up’ in her video ‘Elbows Up’ had become a rallying cry for Canadians as they’ve been standing up for Canada in the face of tariff and annexation threats and diatribes from U.S American products have been removed from liquor store shelves in response to Trump’s tariffs “When you see USA and the shelves were completely bare it was just a huge statement to what I feel like Canadians are trying to do and that’s come together and support each other and Canada,” Bain says about why she made the video What’s happened since is an even greater showing of Canadian patriotism that has led Bain and Rachael Coe – another Yarmouth resident and a small business owner – to team up to further give Canadians a voice producing and shipping ‘Elbows Up’ merchandise through Coe’s company When you feel that your sovereign country is being threatened In addition to sales at the weekly Yarmouth Farmers’ Market The response has been exceptional and encouraging Born in Saskatchewan and a long-time Detroit Red Wings NHL player Howe – known for his physicality and toughness on the ice – would use his elbows to defend himself from opposing players Now the phrase has become a symbol of Canadian patriotism and nationalism The hashtag #ElbowsUp has taken social media by storm Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ended a speech with the phrase Canadian actor Mike Myers mouthed the words to the broadcast audience while on Saturday Night Live I just saw your video from TikTok on Jimmy Kimmel,” says Bain Bain says Kimmel added a comical twist saying that every time a bottle of USA alcohol was removed from a shelf the Canadian doing it would say to the bottle aware of the video and the late night talk show connected Bain and Coe after Bain’s social media post went viral people in Yarmouth were asking if anyone locally was making Elbows Up shirts The pairing up between Bain and Coe was an instant fit Coe sent two mock-up photos to Bain for t-shirts and hoodies “We just decided to roll with it,” she says they’ve been filling orders to places near and far but there have also been orders from across Canada It’s the symbolism that people are connecting with “I had a family member of a veteran reach out and just thank us for bringing such a positive light to Canada and for defending Canada,” says Bain “We’ve gotten a lot of thank yous for bringing attention to Yarmouth they’ve also received negative feedback online too “People are just strongly divided and emotions are high,” says Bain but the hateful side is also high and intense Coe says one thing they have heard repeatedly is people are happy that merchandise promoting Canada is being made in Canada She says there are others also making ‘Elbows Up’ merchandise but not all of those businesses are in Canada Coe is actually an American who has been living on this side of the border for over seven years Her family has their permanent residency and a couple of weeks ago put in for their Canadian citizenship They’re going through that process now and hope to become Canadian citizens by the end of the year “It makes it even more exciting for our family to watch this because we love Canada,” Coe says about the merchandise orders they’ve been filling “I have had overwhelming support from the United States and Canada I even have family members who are in the UK and they’re all saying the same thing – ‘Elbows Up We’re so proud of you for standing up for what you believe in and for defending what Canada is about,’” says Coe It’s really not the 51st state thing,” she says “It’s that Canada is its own country and that’s what we’re standing for One thing she noticed when she came to Canada seven-and-a-half years ago is not everyone here flaunts their patriotism like people do in the United States Even July 1 pales in comparison to July 4,” she says “This has been the very first time that I have seen Canadians so patriotic.” “Since probably the 2010 Vancouver Olympics we haven’t come together And there are very strong Canadian views and Canadians against each other “But coast to coast to coast we have messages of support The women say it’s about more than just merchandise hearing them share what makes them proud of Canada and helping them feel like they can stand up to what is happening provincially and nationally to ‘support local’ in Canada when making purchases Coe says their ‘Elbows Up’ venture is helping on that front in more ways than one I’ve had many other Nova Scotian businesses reach out and say I can help you here.’ I do the actual pressing of the hoodies and t-shirts but we have two other businesses that we support through the t-shirts and hoodies We have another Canadian business that we support with the mugs I have two Canadian businesses that I’m supporting through printing “So purchasers are supporting our business and then they’re supporting other Canadian businesses too,” Coe says And the purchases won’t be tariffed – an added bonus As long as we’re under $400 we can ship anywhere without tariffs,” says Coe she’s done a lot of reflecting since her TikTok video went up But then this random post that I second guessed if I should post or not “It’s that whole idea that if we were all elbows up … we are much stronger together Nova Scotia Health says it shares concerns that have been raised by the Town of Yarmouth and the RCMP over the high number of accidental 911 calls that have been coming from the Yarmouth Regional Hospital for quite some time the town once again raised the issue saying it needs to be rectified Nova Scotia Health says it is taking steps to achieve this “We share the concerns of the RCMP and the Town of Yarmouth and consider this a very serious issue that must be addressed immediately,” said Brendan Elliott Nova Scotia Health’s senior advisor of Public Affairs after the Tri-County Vanguard reached out to the health authority to find how what was being done to address the issue and concerns that have been raised “We are making sure the entire Yarmouth Regional Hospital team understands the seriousness of this issue and continue to work together with our RCMP partners on possible solutions,” Elliott wrote in Nova Scotia Health’s response the issue of the frequency of false 911 calls from the Yarmouth hospital has been flagged several times by town council and the town’s police advisory board the town and the RCMP say it appears to be a case of accidental calls happening because of the way the phone system was set up “The RCMP believe the issue stems from the fact that in order to make an outside call it is necessary to dial 9 as the first digit on the hospital phone system,” the town wrote in a letter that was sent to a hospital official in July 2024 particularly if people are dialing a long-distance number that requires next dialing the number 1 The matter is concerning to the town because false 911 calls tie up RCMP emergency services The issue has come up for discussion multiple times at town council and committee of the whole meetings since the spring of 2024 When it was discussed at a May 2024 town council meeting Councillor Belle Hatfield told council that the police advisory board had reported that misdialed 911 calls coming from the hospital had accounted for about 60 per cent of the 911 calls the town RCMP had received there were 33 accidental 911 calls from the Yarmouth hospital At town council’s March monthly meeting of this year when the matter came up for discussion again a motion was approved to send a letter to the Yarmouth Regional Hospital One thing the town has asked about in the past is whether it’s possible to use a different number to access an outside phone line from within the hospital That query was included in the July 2024 letter the town had sent Nova Scotia Health says communication to all staff physicians and volunteers working at Yarmouth Regional Hospital has been sent out “This highlights the seriousness of the issue and the requirement to be careful when dialing especially when dialing an outside number requiring the prefix ‘9’ Managers will also be directed to discuss with staff in their regular safety huddles,” Elliott said in an April 1 email The Yarmouth Regional Hospital has also made an urgent request for its telecommunications team which is responsible for telephone services to identify alternative solutions to requiring the prefix number ‘9’ when dialing outside calls Asked if it is a common issue for the RCMP to have to deal with accidental 911 calls from businesses and facilities where people have to press 9 to access an outside line it’s been known to happen at large office locations and some hotels the RCMP says provincially it doesn’t happen frequently enough that it would cause issues with service delivery The RCMP says it hasn’t raised the issue as a concern with phone providers Asked about the RCMP’s protocol when it comes to responding to 911 calls “We’re not able to provide exact procedure But we can confirm that a file is created and the file is assigned to a police officer,” Cindy Bayers of RCMP communications included in an email response While people’s first reaction may be to immediately hang up if they realize they’ve accidentally called 911 – believing that by hanging up it won’t trigger an emergency response – the RCMP says they’d prefer people do otherwise “The RCMP encourages anyone who dials 911 accidentally to stay on the line and not hang up until they’ve spoken with the call taker,” Bayers said When the matter was discussed at the recent March 13 Yarmouth Town Council meeting Deputy Mayor Steve Berry noted the matter has been going on for quite some time Mayor Pam Mood added that when the RCMP has to react to a false 911 call “It’s hours of policing … we don’t want that to happen,” she said there is also a high cost associated with paying for policing annually “When our police are tied up with calls that are basically bogus calls it takes them away from their police business,” said Coun who said the number of false 911 calls that have come from the hospital in the past has been “staggering” when compared to the overall number of 911 calls received “This is a serious concern and it really needs to be addressed,” she said Nova Scotia Health agrees this is a serious matter and says it wants to ensure the issue is rectified “We know 911 calls made in error cause extra strain on already stretched resources for first responders and our hospital staff,” said Elliott “Yarmouth Regional Hospital leadership is very concerned about this.” Nova Scotia Health has sent internal messages to staff and physicians to direct them to be careful when dialing especially when dialing ‘9’ for outside lines hospital staff will be heeding the same advice offered by the RCMP even if the 911 operator has not answered yet,” Elliott said “They should stay on the line and explain the call was accidental which may reduce the need for RCMP to be dispatched.” An ambitious project is being proposed for the former Yarmouth high school building that would see it converted into a state-of-the-art training and accreditation academy for international health-care professionals that could then work in Nova Scotia Where once high school students studied math the Parade Street building would be converted into a training hub for international health-care personnel where doctors nurses and specialists would receive their certification to work in the health-care field “Our mission is to prepare foreign-national candidates such as doctors and medical technicians and facilitate their long-term employment in Nova Scotia,” reads a description about the project Part of the initiative would include a teaching and training medical polyclinic where members of the public would access health care from those training to receive their certification An open house about the project was held at the Yarmouth Town Hall on Nov The project is being pursued by a private developer and owner of the building at 52 Parade St who has applied to the town for a development agreement The open house was well attended by members of the public who were eager to learn more about what is being planned and proposed They received this information from the developer a Norwegian citizen whose family has lived in Yarmouth County since their relocation to southwestern Nova Scotia in 2014 “I’ve seen the challenges of our region and not having enough doctors and specialists,” he said He said with the support of the municipal and provincial government he wants to help change this narrative He said they’ve been in discussion with Nova Scotia Health about the plans But he also said the project is not dependent on receiving provincial and municipal funds saying the facility will operate as a not-for-profit entity “We are not waiting for money from anybody to do this.” But there still needs to be a buy-in from the government the facility would aim to have 20 specialists receiving their training and certification A video was played at the open house that described more of what is envisioned this building won’t resemble an old high school anymore The video described a modern complex of excellence for medical services with the latest technologies It would include a medical training academy; an education Those receiving their training and certification would live onsite in a dormitory setting that is being referred to as a hotel “Our hotel has been designed to serve personnel who enroll in the academy for medical training and education This modern hotel will offer 70 rooms and three suites one fitness centre and two communal terraces,” the video described there would be a third-floor addition to the existing building The digitalized outpatient medical specialty polyclinic would include New access driveways and parking areas are part of the proposed redevelopment smoothly and on schedule with construction he’s hoping to have the facility ready and operational by the summer of 2026 the town is helping to facilitate public engagement as it looks for public feedback through its part of the process to access and evaluate the development agreement application it has received “My job and that of my colleagues will be to review the application and make a recommendation to the planning committee and council,” said Yarmouth town planner Martin Beck “It will be up to council to make a decision on the development agreement application.” Beck stressed this is not a town-led development The application will also include a planning advisory committee public participation meeting before going to the council stage where there would also be two public hearings on the application before a decision is made The former Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School (YCMHS) building has been empty since classes ended here in June 2012 The new YCMHS opened in September 2012 on Forest Street But empty does not mean the building has not still been an expense to the town The building was reverted to the town by the then school board and province when the new school opened the building was eyed as a possible housing project whereby it would have been converted into a mixed-rental housing development that would have included affordable housing units within the blueprint that was not a town project but a private developer although the town and province had each committed to $650,000 in funding to aid the affordable housing aspect of the project the private developer eventually had to back away and abandon the plan as construction costs soared and construction materials became scarce during and following the COVID pandemic There are other housing developments underway and/or proposed within the town There is always a lot of talk about housing Soon there is going to be a lot more talk when a Yarmouth Community Housing Forum is held It’s hoped the talk and information provided will translate into opportunities Under the theme ‘Considerations for Housing,’ the community forum will be held at the NSCC Burridge campus on Thursday People are invited to choose the session that best suits their schedule In particular the Town of Yarmouth – which is hosting the forum – says property owners and developers looking to rent out properties would especially find the forum worthwhile Four key areas to be explored includes: secondary suites Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Western Regional Enterprise Network says part of the idea for the forum came about from an NSCC initiative that was started in other parts of the province about the need for student housing and accommodations a lack of housing can prevent them from being able to pursue an area of study if they have no place to live A question being asked as part of that initiative was: How do we bring the community on board to help with this was already an identified need throughout the province this was another example of where and why it is needed the Town of Yarmouth also carried out a housing needs assessment report that further identified the need for housing overall and once again explored the question: How do we involve the community Smith says it just makes sense to pull groups together to explore housing considerations or you have a property that can be converted for housing or you are buying property to do new development – it’s all of those things that we’re looking at,” Smith says The forum will hear from program managers from Housing Nova Scotia/Growth and Development There will be information provided on affordable housing and the landlord program “You can never hear enough about what they offer,” she says Efficiency Nova Scotia will talk about its programs “We will also have information for the homeowner who might consider home sharing We have someone that has first-hand experience about doing that,” Smith says Some non-profit groups involved in housing have been invited to share their knowledge and information about their resources and programs “Then we have a panel section …that is going to talk about considerations for housing,” says Smith Do homeowners know they can put a secondary suite or backyard suite on their properties Smith says the town wants to ensure they are provided with information about the pros and cons the town’s planner will also talk about zoning and what the town is doing to make things easier on the permit side of things Dalhousie Legal Aid will be involved in the forum providing information on what it means to be a landlord from the perspective of tenant rights and landlord rights Property developers and local builders will be present to share their experiences and knowledge Information on modular housing will be part of the forum “How can we accelerate those units into our community faster,” says Smith brought on by a housing crisis of not enough homes or rentals While municipal government themselves are not mandated or responsible to build housing they can take steps to improve and create conditions to encourage development which has been a focus of the Town of Yarmouth There are currently several proposed housing developments before the town that are making their way through the process “There’s a lot of pins on the bulletin board,” Smith says Is the project situated in the best location Could they provide the best return to the community That’s why we work hard with those with the developers,” says Smith “The second part is when we get to the building permit stage ensuring that it’s being built to code,” she says housing needs weren’t as front and center as they are now Municipal populations were seeing declines instead of the growth being experienced now the thought of being a landlord may make them nervous It’s hoped the forum and information provided can ease concerns for people contemplating this route But I think there’s more beneficial relationships and situations that happen in our community who notes housing needs have evolved over time We need long-term rental from deeply affordable to market rate need different types of housing to help those that are in different places in their housing journey,” she says The town of hoping to get advance registration for the two forum sessions so it knows how many people to expect Attendees can visit Eventbrite.ca to register One advantage that comes with the afternoon session is the town’s transit system will be available to provide transportation on its route to and from the forum A Yarmouth man serving a life sentence after being convicted of second-degree murder in the 2020 death of Yarmouth County resident Colton Cook has had his appeal for a new trial denied Robert ‘Bobby’ Rogers was found guilty by a jury following a three-week trial in Yarmouth Supreme Court in January 2023 The trial heard graphic and disturbing evidence about the senseless death of the 26-year-old man which is the automatic sentence for second-degree murder It was ruled he would have to serve 19 years before being able to apply for parole consideration He was also convicted of interference with human remains Rogers’ lawyer argued on his behalf that Supreme Court Justice Pierre Muise had made an error in law when providing instructions to the jury pertaining to the testimony of Crown witness Keith Siscoe Jr 4 written decision by Nova Scotia Court of Appeal Justice David Farrar and concurred to by Justices Anne Derrick and Robin Gogan who also heard the appeal Rogers’ appeal for a new trial was dismissed Cook was killed at a residence in South Ohio Three other people were present that night – Rogers The written decision from the appeal references a traditional Vetrovec instruction a judge gives saying it alerts the jury to the danger of relying on the unsupported evidence of unsavory witnesses and explains the reasons for special scrutiny of their testimony The jury is encouraged to look for confirmatory evidence of the witness’s evidence before relying on it the appeal had explored the issue of causation of death and whether it was Rogers’ actions that caused Cook’s death or whether it was Crawford who was responsible The defence’s argument was that it was Crawford Crawford had stabbed Cook repeatedly after Rogers had shot Cook with birdshot and also slashed him repeatedly with a machete Siscoe and Rogers were the only two eyewitnesses that testified Justice Farrar noted in his decision that at the trial the medical examiner testified he was unable to identify the precise blow or injury that caused Cook’s death His opinion was that the most probable cause of death was blood loss and that Cook’s injuries all contributed to his death During the appeal hearing Crown attorney Erica Koresawa had said Crawford only did what he did Another issue that had been raised during the appeal and had also been argued at trial by the defence was that Rogers was too intoxicated to have had the intent to commit second-degree murder the appeal ruling noted that Siscoe’s testimony about Rogers’ actions following Cook’s death to conceal evidence and dispose of the body undermined the advance intoxication defence the Court of Appeal decision ruled that no error had been made during the instruction to the jury and therefore dismissed the appeal less the credit for the time he spent in pre-sentence custody since his December 2020 arrest He was released from custody in August 2023 There has never been a motive or reason given for Cook’s death In his appeal ruling Justice Farrar called the young man’s death a “brutal attack for no discernable reason.” 5 months agoDuration 6:40100 years of friendship: Yarmouth's Jewish-Lebanese connection5 months agoNewsDuration 6:40Jewish and Lebanese families in Yarmouth, N.S., have been coming together for more than a century to share in conversations and find common ground. CBC’s Sabrina Fabian breaks down the rich history of friendship that stands out in an increasingly polarized world. Ben Hendriksen appointed Yellowknife mayor for remaining 1.5-year term22 minutes agoVideo0:35 One pilot died in Whitehorse helicopter crash, company says24 minutes agoVideo1:44 Should the Yukon River be considered a 'person' with rights?26 minutes agoTrending NowVideo2:17 Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem the Dalhousie nursing site in Yarmouth has been a cornerstone of healthcare education in Nova Scotia as well as a key partner of Yarmouth Regional Hospital and Nova Scotia Health With the launch of its newly revitalized library blending a rich legacy with modern amenities for today’s students  The journey to this moment has been one of creativity and a commitment to preserving the legacy of nursing education in Yarmouth The project has been a labour of love for Vinson Li librarian educator with Nova Scotia Health’s Library Services and Faculty Adjunct at Dalhousie University “Libraries are about more than just books,” Vinson says The original library traces back to the early 1900s when the Yarmouth School of Nursing was established the library moved to the Yarmouth Regional Hospital where it served as a resource for nursing students and clinicians for decades archival materials and photographs of nursing students from as early as the 1920s it was a place for nursing students and clinicians,” Vinson adds or just to relax.” The library became a bridge between the School of Nursing and the hospital fostering an environment that benefited both students and healthcare professionals With the shift toward digital resources and the growing demand for collaborative spaces Nova Scotia Health saw an opportunity to reimagine the library’s role “We wanted to minimize the physical collection and make the space more about collaboration and work,” adds Vinson When the hospital needed to turn the library into clinical space to enhance patient care Nova Scotia Health’s library services team pivoted to reimagine the library in a new location They were offered four adjoining rooms on the second floor of the School of Nursing building “The new library is spread across four rooms two on each side of the hallway,” Vinson says “It’s a unique layout and it allowed us to create distinct areas for different needs.” and worked with Nova Scotian designer Kathy Kaulbach to bring the space to life Kathy drew inspiration from the School of Nursing’s archival materials to create colourful wall graphics that celebrate the site’s rich history “The graphics really personalize the space,” Vinson says “You can feel that it’s a library with a history.” Kathy shares her inspiration for the project “The goal was to communicate the long and relevant history of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital and the Nursing School,” she says “We wanted to create an installation that celebrated the past while looking toward the future.” Working with archival materials provided by Lisette Gaudet the archivist at the Yarmouth County Archives Kathy carefully selected images that captured the essence of the School of Nursing’s history using circles and pops of colour to highlight key moments in the school’s history “I didn’t want anything overbearing,” she explains “I wanted snippets of history that would feel light and engaging The images show the changes in the building It’s a visual journey through the decades.” and a dedicated area for physical materials It has quickly become a favourite spot for nursing students “The students have really taken to it,” adds Vinson “It’s a way for them to feel connected to the history of their profession They can see the legacy they’re a part of.” he emphasizes the balance between preserving the past and embracing the future It represents the dedication of everyone who made it possible,” he says “It’s about honouring where we’ve been and creating a place where students can thrive The revitalized Yarmouth-Dalhousie nursing library is now open to students inspiring environment to support the next generation of healthcare professionals Dalhousie University- Yarmouth Campus nursing student A murder case that has been scheduled three different times for a jury trial now won’t have a jury trial at all the first-degree-murder trial will be heard by a Supreme Court judge alone following a court re-election Standing trial are 43-year-old Michael Roland Surette A four-week jury trial was to have started on Jan Now the judge-alone trial in Yarmouth Supreme Court will have a July 28 start date more than six months later The court is proceeding with one joint trial involving all three co-accused The trial is now scheduled to take place more than three years after the suspicious death that brought on the charges The trio is charged with first-degree murder following a fatal house fire in the small fishing community of Pinkney’s Point the remains of 43-year-old Joseph ‘Joe’ Wickens of Shelburne County were found inside the charred debris Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime ruled his death a homicide and made arrests and laid the murder charges in the spring of 2022 Surette and Deveau have been in custody on remand since their arrests Gavel was released from custody on bail and court conditions The re-election from a jury trial to a judge-alone trial took place in late November The lawyer who had been representing Surette and who lived and worked outside of Yarmouth told the court that for personal reasons he was unable to commit to such a lengthy case that would require such long periods away from home Supreme Court Justice Pierre Muise called it a weird situation noting a relatively new member of the defence team had reviewed matters and determined there were issues with the trial preparedness by the lead counsel The court was told there were things the lead counsel had not pursued that should have been canvassed for a proper defence and that this had all come to light too late to avoid a trial adjournment Justice Muise said adjournments prejudice the accused in a case “They remain in custody without having their matter heard on the merits for a long period of time Even if they’re not in custody they have to bear the stigma of being charged with something,” he said For the family and friends of the deceased as the new January 2025 jury trial was scheduled it creates a new emotional rollercoaster for them,” Justice Muise said about a victim’s loved ones there was no opposition by the Crown to the new July 2025 trial date Little was said by any of the sides – neither the Crown nor the defence attorneys – during the hearing in which the re-election was accepted by the court A court date of April 28 was chosen for a status hearing which the court called a ‘check in’ before the trial that is scheduled to start three months later Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood says she and two other Canadian elected officials who were part of a delegation at a Washington conference attended by mayors and local officials from across the United States heard the words ‘We are so sorry’ a lot President Donald Trump has imposed and threatens to impose and his repeated references to Canada as the 51st state which have hurt relations between the two countries Mood says while the apologies were nice to hear what their delegation hoped was heard from them was their message about how tariffs are bad for both countries Mood was part of a Canadian delegation made up of Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) First Vice-President Tim Tierney who is an Ottawa councillor; Mayor Marc Doret of Dorval The delegation attended the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference in Washington The March trip was organized and paid for by the FCM in coordination with Global Affairs Canada The visit was aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration and addressing the impact of tariffs on Canadian and American communities “This was an awareness campaign to help the local officials from all across the U.S – because they had over 2,800 gathered there – to understand the impact and unintended consequences to the people on the ground and to our level of government when these tariffs happen,” says Mood “The awareness was tremendously important.” Mood had spoken to Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston before the trip to ensure their messaging was on the same page “This is going to affect you as much as it’s going to affect us.” who is president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM) was also joined by NSFM CEO Juanita Spencer when it came to representation of Nova Scotia’s municipalities Asked if it felt like the delegation was entering hostile territory Mood says it wasn’t hard to gauge which sessions were Republican heavy as opposed to Democratic officials “I did a governmental relations and finance session that was heavily Republican But the response was still good because our message was one of kindness Throughout the tariff talk coming from President Trump and the United States administration there have been misinformation and falsehoods spread along with key facts left out of the narrative One example is when Canada is accused by the president of placing high tariffs on dairy products It’s not mentioned that these tariffs only kick in if exports exceed certain annual limits These tariffs were also part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that President Trump negotiated and signed during his first term Mood says while some people may presume tariffs are only a federal-level issue towns and communities where people live and work in both countries Costs associated with tariffs are more often than not passed onto the consumers There have also been cases reported in the media where there have been product orders canceled at businesses on both sides of the border even before tariffs came into effect everything is being affected by this,” says Mood One distinct impression that Mood and the delegation was left with from their Washington trip is that U.S officials at the lower levels of government are afraid to speak out “They are afraid to lose their federal funding,” she says And while President Trump says America doesn’t need what Canada has While in Washington she spoke of the example of potash that the United States imports from Saskatchewan that American farmers use as an ingredient in their fertilizer “Around 90 per cent comes from Canada,” she says Tariffs will add more expense to a farmers’ bottom line She listened as the mayor of West Hollywood spoke of the destruction from the wildfires and the need to rebuild A lot of America’s softwood lumber imports come from Canada Tariffs will increase the cost of construction and homes Asked if people talked about Canada being the 51st state – which the president always refers to – Mood says they did right?’” Mood says she and the delegation would not justify these remarks when people joked about them “I would literally just tilt my head and smile and the response to that was them saying “We’re not going to forget that you are friends and neighbors and allies we are Canadians and we need to first and foremost look after our country.” When Mood posted on her Facebook page that he was a speaker she says many people from home responded by saying they wouldn’t even step inside that room But Mood needed to be inside that room for a very specific reason I was there to gauge the reaction of the crowd I had to be in that room physically to do so,” she says There were a lot of folks just standing up and screaming at him which we were led to believe that it would.” he would say something and I would want to respond with She says the vice president also spoke about federal rules and regulations telling those in the room they can’t pick and choose which ones they will follow “You will follow them all,” she says he told them Mood says tariffs and the continuous 51st state jabs weigh heavy on people’s minds “The premier is doing everything he can to fight this … and I support that saying there is plenty of reason for concern We need to be focused on understanding what’s going on Don’t listen to the people we know we shouldn’t be listening to.” One important thing people can do is buy local saying local isn’t just Yarmouth County and Nova Scotia saying it’s important to support businesses and industries There are businesses in southwestern Nova Scotia that have been doing what they can to get ahead of the tariffs from shipping extra products before they kick in “We overlook how much trade is done with the US,” Mood says saying residents can do their part to support others especially during sessions in which the Canadian delegation spoke They kept saying ‘We’re so sorry’ and my response was we’re sorry too It comes from one place and it’s landing on all of us on the ground and we’re all having to deal with it,” she says 4 months agoDuration 3:27Why this vegan chef opened a café in Yarmouth4 months agoNewsDuration 3:27Café Caye Mangé on Main Street in Yarmouth, N.S., is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Monday. And as the CBC’s Alex Guye learned, being a vegan restaurant in a rural fishing town can come with some challenges. Should the Yukon River be considered a 'person' with rights?27 minutes agoTrending NowVideo2:17 We live in a digital age where a big part of life is videos that people shoot on their cell phones Some people doing this refer to themselves as journalists They are not affiliated with a media outlet But they see themselves as fulfilling the same role One such person referring to himself as an independent journalist is Yarmouth resident Dryden Perry who has a YouTube channel through which he says he looks to hold elected officials accountable While there are those who welcome him to their events and in their discussions his methods don’t always appeal to everyone He’s been banned from being on the premises of Yarmouth Town Hall for one year The town says it’s because he was harassing town staff by video recording them even after being asked by the unelected staff members he was recording to stop Perry contends he had a right to record them He had requested a USB drive of a video from a previous incident which the town had ready for him to pick up He enters the town hall with his cell phone filming He then films all interactions he has with people as he wanders throughout the building asking questions of people in different roles and departments At the office of the town engineer he’s asked to stop recording “This is a public space and you’re a public official so it’s my right to record you,” he informs the person The person does not want to be recorded and closes the door he’s asked by another town employee who works at the front desk to also stop recording her you’re a public official in the course of your public duties,” he says “I’m just recording for my Charter rights.” Soon after he’s asked to leave by the town’s CAO who tells him he is disturbing and harassing staff When Perry asks how he’s disturbing staff he’s told his videotaping of them is making them uncomfortable the conversation goes downhill rather quickly as Perry expresses his displeasure of being asked to leave saying it’s not a reasonable request because he’s done nothing wrong asking for more explanation about what is happening and why As he’s escorted out of the building by the town’s bylaw enforcement officer questioning how a bylaw can supersede his Charter of Rights Perry doesn’t hide his displeasure and disagreement about the situation with them either Perry says he started his YouTube channel after noticing a following on other videos and channels when it comes to police accountability and transparency in government There was also Meta’s decision not to allow Canadian news links to be shared on Facebook as a response to the federal government’s Bill C-18 I can post what I would want and provide information because YouTube links can easily be shared back to Facebook,” he says “I wanted to get my voice out and the opinions that I thought mattered.” Asked if reaction he’s encountered on different occasions at events is because people see being filmed without their consent as perhaps being adversarial or confrontational  “There’s no criminal sanction against photography or filming people or property open to the public view.” He feels this includes people whose jobs are paid for with taxpayer dollars “When we’re talking about public spaces and public view there’s no expectation of privacy in public,” he says there is a difference when someone is working at their desk in their workplace compared to standing on a sidewalk or participating in a public event not everyone wants to be filmed it’s pointed out to him Especially in a climate where people now often film others for those seemingly ‘gotchya’ moments Perry says he can’t control how other people react to “My camera has a default zoom … so it does appear closer (If) you decide as an individual to act in a certain way I think that’s on you as a public official.” he’s asked: If you are on the street and go up to a random citizen and start filming them but are asked to stop “My channel doesn’t necessarily involve members of the public My channel involves individuals that are paid for by tax dollars.” “I’ve always been very transparent with who I am,” he says saying he tries to keep things on an even keel But things didn’t stay that way at the town hall “There are times where I get a little worked up I find it’s more based off of their reactions If I’m met with resistance for something that is my right to do… I tend to meet people’s energies That’s something that I’ve been working on over the last quite a while.” The Town of Yarmouth now has posted signage at its front door that reads: ‘NOTICE: No audio or video recording without express permission.’ The sign went up last fall after the incident with Perry “It’s protection for staff and protection for individual residents and businesses and all staff have the right to a workplace free of harassment bullying and violence,” Mayor Pam Mood says about the general intention of the public notification especially considering even a phone camera has the ability to capture personal information from accounts as well as other private documents,” she says “We will protect the public at all costs.” they’d never had an incident where anyone from credentialed media or anyone declaring themselves as media without credentials “has disrespected staff in the workplace or disregarded requests not to record in the workplace.” She says media professionals always make requests for interviews by appointment or gather quotes via email or phone call Asked how the town’s policy regarding no video or audio recordings relates to public meetings at the town hall Mood says when such meetings are in session the public is welcome to observe or participate if they’re part of the agenda or there is a public hearing or public participation component “Disorderly conduct will result in a person or persons being asked to leave.” The town does not prohibit recording by members of the media at public meetings but it also says members of the media cannot cause a disruption while doing their job She says credentialed media professionals are respectful of the rules and there’s never been an issue “But we also recognize we are in a time when anyone with a camera or phone can call themselves media And we are in the process of developing the policy to address the point of media accreditation Atlantic Canadian Journalist Bruce Wark says the question of ‘Who is a journalist?’ is an issue he’s keenly interested in because it’s affected him personally in the past He worked for 20 years as a CBC Radio reporter and editor and also taught journalism at King’s College for 15 years He wrote columns for the Halifax Daily News and columns and features for The Coast he began covering the local town council as a retirement project He reports on his website The New Wark Times municipal staff in the former town of Sackville tried to exclude me from their definition of a journalist,” Wark says The proposed definition stated those who write for “personal non-commercial or enthusiast websites do not qualify as accredited media.” that the town had a good relationship with Wark Times but that staff felt it was important to define the press in case of future trouble “What constitutes being a journalist has never been clearly defined,” says Wark although in the past a journalist traditionally applied to reporters and editors who worked for recognized media outlets bloggers and commentators can rightly claim to be journalists too.” “Unlike in professions such as law or medicine there is no formal training required to be a journalist and no professional organization that licenses journalists and that regulates their behaviour,” says Wark have to abide by professional standards and regulations journalists do not require licenses of any kind and there is no professional body overseeing them Anyone who communicates with the public can claim to be a journalist.” whether you work for yourself or work for a media outlet are there expected ethics that still should be followed “Most media outlets have codes of ethics that journalists they employ are supposed to follow But that doesn’t necessarily apply to a journalist working on their own,” he says have to abide by laws governing forms of expression including ones that apply to libel He also says just because someone identifies as a journalist it doesn’t automatically give them the right to film people in their workplaces without their consent unless there is “a good journalistic reason for doing so” because it could be seen as violating people’s privacy rights “That would be fine during a public meeting but it’s not okay to say you’re a journalist and therefore can film town employees at will even when they ask you not to,” he says society is seeing more and more independent journalists He says it appears to be a growing trend fueled by the availability of online outlets and the decline of traditional journalistic outlets that depend on advertising revenues but there are also those who dislike and/or disagree with the approach of mainstream media and would rather do the job themselves he disagrees with being banned from the town hall under the Protection of Property Act While he can access council meetings and council committee of the whole meetings through livestream videos that are posted on the town’s website he says there are public sessions like public participation meetings and open houses that are not recorded and he’s therefore excluded He thinks the town’s stance has more to do with the fact that on social media he’s been critical of the town in the past He says he’d be willing to sit down with the town and talk things out “I just want the town to just remove my trespass so I can attend public property once again and act within my right.” ”At the Bend in the Road”–Located just past the Old Yarmouth Inn this iconic property presents a rare opportunity to own a fully renovated multi-family dwelling in Yarmouth Port The distinctive offering includes two separate residences ideal for multigenerational living or income potential The main home features 2,381 sq ft of living space with original pine floors a custom kitchen with a built-in breakfast nook and a pantry and two bedrooms–including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and French doors to a balcony overlooking the courtyard The second residence spans 1,085 sq ft with two additional bedrooms Outdoor living is enhanced by a spacious patio with a fire pit Minutes from everything Yarmouth Port has to offer this charming property is waiting to be enjoyed Nova ScotiaNewsNova Scotia announces additional funding for community and fitness centre in YarmouthBy Jeremy HullPublished: January 23, 2025 at 12:25PM EST Society is welcoming Symphony Nova Scotia back to Yarmouth on Friday the symphony will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No and welcome soloist Daniel Bolshoy to perform several masterworks for guitar and orchestra,” reads a media release about the performance Winner of the 2022 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award Earl Lee is a renowned Korean-Canadian conductor and cellist who has captivated audiences worldwide He is in his second season as music director of the Ann Arbor Symphony and his third season as assistant conductor of the Boston Symphony which he has led in subscription concerts at both Symphony Hall and Tanglewood Daniel Bolshoy returns to join forces with Symphony Nova Scotia for two virtuoso guitar showpieces An Israeli-Canadian guitarist and educator he has performed as a soloist with more than 60 orchestras internationally and returns to Symphony Nova Scotia after his triumphant performance in 2016 And yet he wrote of the most influential works for the instrument: Concierto de Aranjuez incorporates flamenco guitar techniques (such as the strumming at the very beginning) and it is justifiably famous for the beauty of its slow movement This music is well known to jazz aficionados in its Gil Evans arrangement for the Miles Davis album Sketches of Spain Bolshoy will also perform Chris Brubeck’s Affinity: Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra bringing a modern brilliance to the program filled with rhythmic vitality and dazzling soloist-orchestra interplay when his hearing loss was becoming more pronounced and he began to realize that it might be incurable and playful exuberance – though one early critic described it as ‘a hideously writhing wounded dragon that refuses to die.’ Beethoven had the last laugh,” the media release states Those bringing the concert to Yarmouth say it is a rare opportunity to experience the synergy of a world-class orchestra and a virtuoso guitarist in the intimate setting of Beacon United Church With contributions from the Town of Yarmouth and municipalities of Yarmouth and Argyle Society is able to provide the discounted student tickets for $10 The Yarmouth leg of Symphony Nova Scotia’s provincial tour is sponsored by Rodd Hotels Top picks for what to watch this month in Canada The historic Sharon Assembly Church on East Street in Yarmouth is one of 12 finalists in the National Trust of Canada’s Next Great Save competition along with two runner-up prizes of $10,000 and $5,000 The Sharon Assembly Church is the only finalist from Nova Scotia Voting for the finalists opened in the online competition on March 31 and closes on April 17 “Voting isn’t just about preserving the building ­­– it’s about honoring the resilience and legacy of the Yarmouth Community,” says Tyrone Fells “Winning this competition will provide the funds needed to restore this historic The Sharon Assembly Church (formerly Disney Chapel and the Rose of Sharon Assembly) held its first service on Nov Originally established as an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church it was built by architect Robert P Sharon Assembly Church was attended by members of the Black Community who have resided in Yarmouth since before the abolition of slavery in the British Empire (1834) “They first arrived in the area as enslaved racial segregation divided communities by skin color; including churches It’s thought that racial segregation motivated the community to find their own church the Disney Chapel,” reads the Sharon Assembly Church submission to the Next Great Save competition “For 148 years the church has served as a meeting place and spiritual center for the Community it closed its doors due to a declining congregation and financial struggles,” it says “Sharon Assembly Church has been a beacon of hope and unity for generations serving as a spiritual center and meeting place for Yarmouth’s Black Community,” says Fells the board of directors is passionately dedicated to restoring the church as a vibrant community hub This restoration will include providing hot meals to combat food insecurity and transforming the church into a museum that preserves and shares the rich history of Yarmouth’s Black Community with future generations.” with its interior stripped down entirely to the bare walls “We have conducted several thorough assessments of the building’s structural integrity Necessary renovations will include roof repairs accessibility improvements as well as improvements to the foundation of the building,” says Fells Two different contractor quotes for restoration costs carrying a price tag of approximately $400,000 to $500,000 for a full restoration