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April 30 2025
FIRST IN LINE: Tanya Malay of Sheet Harbour was the first to arrive to cast her ballot in Monday’s federal election – a symbolic start to what many viewed as a defining election. Nationwide, Canadians turned out in strong numbers, with Elections Canada reporting a sharp increase in voter participation. As of press time, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberals were in a minority government position.
Photo Credit: Janice Christie
Guysborough’s downtown renewal delayed
GUYSBOROUGH — After months of planning meetings and public consultation, municipal officials say Guysborough’s long-anticipated downtown makeover – once expected to be unveiled this spring – still isn’t quite ready for its close-up.
Fraser wins Central Nova in tough race
NEW GLASGOW — After hours of shifting leads and mounting tension, Liberal incumbent Sean Fraser reclaimed Central Nova in Monday’s federal election – defeating first-time Conservative candidate Brycen Jenkins by more than 4,300 votes.
Liberal Battiste captures Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish seat
BEN EOIN — Although he was running in a new riding, the results were the same for Liberal Jaime Battiste as he secured his third consecutive victory in a federal election.
April 23 2025
ANSWERING THE CALL: Emergency responders from as many as 19 agencies from across Nova Scotia arrived over the Easter weekend (April 17-20) to search for a local four-year-old boy who had fallen into the coastal waters around Cook’s Cove, near Guysborough. According to Municipality of the District of Guysborough Warden Paul Long, “All around, everybody’s coming together and doing what they do.” Though the RCMP says the official search operation has been suspended, a new Facebook page now reflects the community’s determination to carry on and support the family of young Oakley.
Photo Credit: Contributed
They came when it mattered most
COOK’S COVE — They came from all over – from Colchester and Inverness counties, from the Strait of Canso area and Pictou – to answer the call not even the toughest emergency responder on the East Coast ever gets used to hearing: a child had gone missing into the icy waters of our coastline.
Church charities in local campaign crosshairs
GUYSBOROUGH — A call by Conservative candidate Allan MacMaster to protect the charitable status of faith-based organizations has drawn swift responses from his opponents in Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish, and rekindled debate over a contentious parliamentary committee recommendation just in time for the April 28 federal election.
Candidates square off in Central Nova
MUSQUODOBOIT HARBOUR — The hopefuls vying for the Central Nova seat in the upcoming federal election participated in a pair of so-called panel discussions on consecutive evenings in the riding, where residents had the opportunity to hear their positions on a variety of issues.
April 16 2025
CELEBRATING A STATESMAN: Retired Canadian senator Tom McInnis and his wife, Brenda, celebrated his 80th birthday with family, friends and dignitaries at The Tap Room in Sheet Harbour on April 9. Guests for the occasion included David Hendsbee (left), HRM District 2 councillor; Brycen Jenkins, Central Nova Conservative candidate; Kent Smith, Eastern Shore MLA; Elmer MacKay; Peter MacKay and Central Nova candidate Sean Fraser, who piped the couple into the event. The MacKays, both former Central Nova MPs, were among those who paid tribute to MacInnis’s exemplary record of public service. Tom and Brenda have been mainstays and key contributors in the community since he returned to his hometown to retire in 2005.
Photo Credit: Janice Christie
Fish or ‘scrambled eggs’
CANSO — The knock on the door comes just as Ginny Boudreau takes another bite of her sandwich. “They know it’s lunchtime,” she laughs, under her breath, “but they come anyway.”
New Canso fitness centre build set to start in May
CANSO — Construction on a long-anticipated $1.8-million fitness centre in Canso is slated to begin next month, following the Municipality of the District of Guysborough council’s recommendation to issue a design-build request for proposals (RFP) at its April 2 committee of the whole meeting.
Five candidates debate in Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish
PORT HAWKESBURY — Everything from the economy and environment to the cost of living and development – and, of course, Donald Trump – were on the agenda as the candidates in the new federal riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish participated in a debate for an in-person audience of more than 250 at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre on April 10.
April 9 2025
ALL ABOARD THE SMILES EXPRESS: Two-year-old Tovan Jamieson and his sister Brooklyn, 3, along with their mom, Melissa Hayne, and one-year-old sister, Kinslee, took a seat on one of the Sherbrooke and Area Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) trucks parked during the potluck supper fundraiser at the Indian Harbour Lake-Jordanville Community Centre on April 5. Proceeds from the event will go towards the SVFD’s purchase of a new pumper truck. See story and more photos in this week's edition
Photo Credit: Maggie Smith
St. Mary’s passes $4.7M budget, hikes taxes two cents
ST. MARY’S — Taxes are going up by two cents for all ratepayers in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s this year – part of a newly approved $4.7-million operating budget that Warden James Fuller says was built on “a series of achievable priorities” and months of painstaking effort.
MODG opens land option to housing group — with conditions
GUYSBOROUGH — Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) council says it will consider donating two pieces of land it owns in Cutler’s Brook Estates to the Community First Guysborough County Housing Association (GCHA), if the group can show that it has a “fully funded and approved” housing project ready to go.
Shared solutions top joint council agenda
SHERBROOKE — For the second time in as many years, the councils of Guysborough County’s three municipalities will gather to discuss urgent issues of mutual importance.
April 2 2025
A HEARTWARMING GIFT: The Crafting with Friends group, founded by Port Dufferin resident Ann Hedges four years ago, meets every Monday (except on holidays), from 1-3 p.m. Members knit, crochet or craft individual projects during the sessions. Group members, including Patsy Moser (left), Sheila MacKinnon, Dianne Johnson, Karen Holman, Diana Williams, Gloria Hartling, Darlene McGregor, Hedges and Liz Barnard, joined by Harbourview Lodge Continuing Care Centre recreation co-ordinator Kayla Neville, visited the residence in Sheet Harbour on March 31, where they donated 31 lap shawls to elders. Crafters who also fashioned shawls - Lorraine Boutilier, Shona Holzer, Gayle Churchill, Joyce McNair, Helen Wiegman, Barb Fitzsimmons, Edith Marshall and Lesley Buchanan - were unable to attend the presentation.
Photo Credit: Janice Christie
MODG passes $17M budget, rejects tax cut
GUYSBOROUGH — The Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) has passed a $17-million budget for 2025-26, holding firm on taxes despite a failed push from three councillors to cut rates by 10 cents across the board.
Canso area tax draws fire
CANSO — The president of a local ratepayers’ group says the Municipality of the District of Guysborough’s (MODG) decision to maintain a long-standing district-specific tax levy is “an insult” to the people of Canso.
Country Harbour residents frustrated by state of key bridge
COUNTRY HARBOUR — Several residents are expressing concern about the state of the small but important Harris’s Bridge in the Nine Mile Woods area of Country Harbour, saying it presents significant danger to motorists.
March 26 2025
SPECIAL VISITOR: While making a recent tour of the Tor Bay region, Senator Réjean Aucoin (left) - who was joined by Darlene David Cashin and Cecil Cashin - made a stop at Place Savalette in Port Félix. The couple donated the property for the monument located at the historic site. See more from the senator’s visit to the Acadian region in this week's edition.
Photo Credit: Contributed
Lack of Crown lease stalling WSP
WINE HARBOUR — Although an effort to secure a lease for provincial Crown land continues to navigate rough seas, proponents of proposed refuge for captive whales here are optimistic the project can remain afloat.
Change of heart for Sean Fraser
GUYSBOROUGH — The riding of Central Nova took centre stage in the federal election campaign on Tuesday with word that Sean Fraser will seek a fourth consecutive term as its Member of Parliament (MP).
Left out in the cold
CHARLOS COVE — Alone, cold and increasingly anxious, 70-year-old Thomas Downey sat outside his dentist’s office in Antigonish for three hours earlier this month, waiting for a medical transport van that never came.
March 19 2025
COVERED WITH LOVE: A pair of members of the Chedabucto Bay Quilters – a group based in Boylston, Guysborough County – have been busy crafting quilts for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax and a local long-term care facility. Here, Evelyne Jamieson (left) displays a log cabin quilt made with blocks donated by the family of the late Patsy Imlay, a former member, while Irene MacChesney holds another of the 32 quilts, this one fashioned with pieces of fabric from the group. The Quilters are also donating 12 wheelchair lap quilts – made by group members – to the Seaside Manor in Canso.
Photo Credit: Contributed
Guysborough fishers look to diversify amid looming tariffs
CANSO — From a cell phone somewhere in downtown Toronto, the voices of Ken Snow and Billy Bond vibrate with excitement, but also apprehension. The Canso lobstermen have been friends for years, and now, far from their beloved Atlantic homes, they’re hustling to generate buzz for their sport fishing business.
Mulgrave council appoints investigator in confidential legal matter
MULGRAVE — Mulgrave town council has appointed an outside investigator in an unspecified legal matter involving “litigation” or “potential litigation” following an hour-long closed-door session Monday night (March 17).
Sonora resident starts petition to have Hwy 7 made ‘safer place to travel’
ST. MARY’S — Sonora resident Bobby Robinson is seeking support from local residents and visitors in his endeavour to have the provincial government address what he says is a dangerous piece of roadway on Hwy 7 at Cochrane Hill, approximately 15 kilometres outside of Sherbrooke.
March 12 2025
A SENSE OF HOME: École Belle-Baie students Piper Carr (Grade 10) and Loki Boyd (pre-Primary) were among the students who welcomed visitors to their brand new French language school in Larry’s River during last week’s grand opening. The event drew kids, parents, well-wishers and educators from as far away as Halifax and Chéticamp to experience the realization of a decades’ long dream for the Tor Bay region’s Acadian community. “We wanted people to experience the space through the eyes of the kids who will learn and grow here,” said Principal Nicole Avery-Bell. “There’s pride because the building is beautiful, but also because it’s a real validation of our community.” Full story in this week's edition.
Photo Credit: Hilary Hendsbee
EverWind signals significant turbine cut in MODG
GUYSBOROUGH — Heeding public concerns and “leveraging advancements in technology,” one of Guysborough County’s largest wind farm developers may cut the number of massive turbines it plans to build in the area by as much as 30 per cent, The Journal has learned.
Proposed seniors housing project in Sherbrooke halted due to lack of funding
SHERBROOKE — Progress on a proposed seniors’ affordable housing project by the Community First Guysborough Housing Association (CFGHA) for the Anderson property here is at a standstill, at least for now, according to its proponents.
Canso heritage group requests $45K to advance $11M waterfront project
CANSO — The Canso Peninsula Fisheries Heritage Society (CPFHS) is asking the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) for $45,000 to fund the next phase of an ambitious $11-million waterfront project aimed at preserving and promoting the area’s rich fishing history.
March 5 2025
TINTAMARRE: Timed to coincide with French Education Week across the province, École Belle Baie celebrated its official grand opening in Larry’s River on March 4. Students and staff kicked things off with a raucous tintamarre, the traditional Acadian parade of joyful noise. Finley Sommerfield, Layla Mason, Maddy Blackmore and Rosie Horne were among the revellers. According to the school’s principal Nicole Avery-Bell, “We moved into this beautiful new building, and we have many different spaces. Yet, we’ve found a way to maintain that kind of connectedness we created last year … It’s like, ‘Hey, we really have arrived.’”
Photo Credit: Hilary Hendsbee
MODG council to push province for better winter road maintenance
GUYSBOROUGH — The Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) will press the Department of Public Works for a solution to an acute driver shortage that continues to leave some roads under-serviced during winter storms.
Mulgrave confronts truck traffic, road concerns as wind project looms
MULGRAVE — With transport trucks “flying into town” and a massive wind energy project on the horizon, Mulgrave councillors are concerned about increasing wear and tear on local roads and public safety.
A school, a symbol, a revival
LARRY’S RIVER — It’s been a year since Guysborough County’s first French-language school chose a name that embodies the history and hopes of an entire community, and nearly three months since it flung open the doors of its new edifice to welcome a growing student body from Primary to Grade Nine. But École Belle-Baie’s principal, Nicole Avery-Bell, remains as excited as a kid on the first day of school.
February 26 2025
IT’S ALMOST TIME: Eldon Halloran, who has been producing maple syrup for more than 60 years, was busy on Sunday running lines that will collect sap from his trees in the Guysborough area this season.
Photo Credit: Hilary HendsbeeMODG considers new fund to attract nurse practitioners
GUYSBOROUGH — With rural healthcare services facing critical shortages, the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) is considering a new financial incentive program aimed at attracting nurse practitioners (NPs) to Guysborough and Canso.
Hope fading for new bank in Canso
CANSO — Hopes of finding a financial institution willing to take up where the Bank of Montreal (BMO) is leaving off in Canso this summer are fading. As Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) Warden Paul Long reported last week, there has been “no positive response” from anybody willing to fill the gap.
St. Mary’s considers options in 2025-2026 draft budget
SHERBROOKE — The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s first draft budget for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, reflects no change to the residential property tax rate, currently set at 96 cents per $100 of assessment, according to documents presented to the committee of the whole on Feb. 18. However, among the options being considered in the first draft of the budget is initiating an increase to the residential/resource tax rate from $0.96 per $100 of assessment to $0.99 per $100 of assessment, for a revenue impact of $68,081, as well as increasing the commercial tax rate from $2.27 per $100 of assessment to $2.30 per $100 of assessment for a revenue impact of $7,679.
February 19 2025
CELEBRATING OUR RICH HERITAGE: The Municipality of the District of Guysborough hosted its traditional flag-raising ceremony and launch of African Heritage Month (AHM) celebrations on Feb. 12. During the gathering at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex, which included the signing of an AHM proclamation and singing of the Black National Anthem, Patsy Borden (left), Sabrina Skinner, Ainlee Van Sickle, Keyira Reddick, Tamara Borden, Langston Van Sickle, Tera Dorrington and Colleen Pelley proudly posed for a photo with the province’s AHM 2025 poster, titled Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance.
Photo Credit: Hilary Hendsbee
MODG backs provincial push for resource development
GUYSBOROUGH — The Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) has thrown its full support behind the Nova Scotia government’s push for expanded resource development, calling it a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the province’s economic future.
Businesses, residents uneasy with potential impact of pending tariffs
SHEET HARBOUR — With so much uncertainty surrounding the threat of potential tariffs by United States President Donald Trump, some small business owners and residents are expressing concern with the situation.
MacMaster wins federal Conservative nod in Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish
HEATHERTON — Nova Scotia’s former finance minister and MLA for Inverness, Allan MacMaster, has won in a three-way race for the Conservative Party of Canada’s nomination in the newly formed federal riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.
February 12 2025
SWEET TREAT: One of the highlights of the 2025 Festival du Tamarin, which took place Feb. 8 at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex in Guysborough, was a demonstration of the art of making tamarin – a beloved Acadian molasses candy made with sugar, vinegar and butter. Here, siblings Yvonne Clyke and Gerard Fougere showed their candy making skills to visitors. Their mother, Geneva Fougere, who pioneered the hands-on festival tradition, also shared her tasty talent with everyone. The La Sociéte Acadienne de Torbé event celebrating Acadian language, culture and heritage, which also included plenty of vendors, outdoor skating and fricot dinner, wrapped up with an evening of music at the Seawind Landing Country Inn in Charlos Cove, one featuring Weldon and Josée Boudreau, along with Georges Hebert. See more moments from the celebration in this week's edition.
Photo Credit: Hilary Hendsbee
MODG council rejects business centre proposal
GUYSBOROUGH — The Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) council has rejected a proposal to build a new business centre in the shiretown of Guysborough, a project that had been proposed to consolidate office space, support local enterprises and bolster the tourism sector.
Fishing captain remembered as ‘all-around great guy’
CANSO — “He was born and brought up in the fishery.”
Resident urges council to revisit wind turbine setbacks
HADLEYVILLE — Concerned about his community’s quality of life, Hadleyville resident Steven Henley is urging Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) councillors to strengthen setbacks and noise restrictions on proposed wind turbines in the area.
February 5 2025
HOUSING ACHIEVEMENT: Mark Haynes (left), Nancy O’Regan and Keith Towse — directors of Community First: Guysborough County Housing Association — were on site at the non-profit group’s first apartment building, newly acquired in Boylston last week. The six-unit structure will continue to provide affordable housing for area residents as plans get underway to add six more apartments to the 2.6-acre site on Highway 16. Says O’Regan: “There will be no rent increases.”
Photo Credit: Contributed
Stitching history
BOYLSTON — A collection of local artists is celebrating a piece of rich history – one with a deep connection to Guysborough County – with its most recent group project.
Eastern Memorial ER shuts down for February
CANSO — As a month-long closure of Eastern Memorial Hospital (EMH’s) emergency room begins, Canso residents are voicing anger over a crisis they say has become a recurring threat, with no end in sight to the area’s doctor shortage.
Community housing group buys first building
BOYLSTON — Six months after incorporating with a mandate to secure affordable homes and apartments for area residents, Guysborough County’s first community-based housing organization has purchased its first building.
January 29 2025
CELEBRATING AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH: During the kick-off for the commemoration of African Heritage Month (AHM), Paul Adams Jr. (centre), designer of this year’s AHM poster, joined Premier Tim Houston and African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Twila Grosse for the unveiling, which took place Jan. 22 at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in Cherry Brook.
Photo Credit: Communications Nova Scotia
MODG council vote moves Canso spaceport project closer to liftoff
GUYSBOROUGH — With a thumbs-up to Spaceport Nova Scotia’s commercial launch plans, Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) council last week approved rezoning a seven-acre site near Canso for a rocket tracking station.
BMO refuses to meet local officials over Canso branch closure
GUYSBOROUGH — The Bank of Montreal (BMO) has declined to meet with members of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) council following its decision earlier this month to close its Canso branch.
Community health board embraces basic income guarantee
GUYSBOROUGH — The Guysborough County Community Health Board (GCHB) is throwing its support behind a basic income guarantee (BIG) for every citizen of Nova Scotia, and wants all councils in the tri-municipality area to do the same.
January 22 2025
SPECIAL VISITOR: Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Mayor Andy Fillmore (left) met with local representatives, including Greg Cross, community advisory committee chair; Janice Christie, Sheet Harbour and Area Chamber of Commerce and Civic Affairs (SHCCACA) president; Steve Giles, SHCCACA vice-president; and District 2 Councillor David Hendsbee, during a visit to Sheet Harbour on Jan. 17, which included discussion of several local projects.
Photo Credit: Joanne MacRae
Planned closure of Canso BMO triggers uproar
GUYSBOROUGH — Facing widespread community outrage over Bank of Montreal (BMO’s) decision to close its branch in Canso – leaving residents without a staffed location within 160 kilometres – Guysborough-Tracadie MLA Greg Morrow is vowing to bring the institution, which earned more than $7 billion in profits last year, before the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.
Whale Sanctuary Project almost ready to welcome first residents
SHERBROOKE — After five years of work, the first whale and orca sanctuary in North America Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) is almost ready to welcome its first whale residents.
Sherbrooke Village requests municipal support for Victorian Christmas celebration
SHERBROOKE — Sherbrooke Village has made a funding request to the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s for A Victorian Christmas, formerly known as the Old-Fashioned Christmas (OFC), which will make its return in 2025 after a one-year hiatus.
January 15 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE HEART: Author Jude Avery holds a copy of “From Sorrow to Strength: A Father’s Story of Loss” – which is not only a tribute to the life of his son, Justin, who died suddenly at the age of 18 in 2004, but also how he – as a parent – has navigated his recovery from losing a child. Read about the book, along with an upcoming Guysborough launch later this month, in this week's edition.
Photo Credit: Contributed
New wind farm to pump $1.3 million annually into MODG coffers
GUYSBOROUGH — The Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) is set to gain more than $1.3 million annually in tax revenue over the next 30 years, following last week’s approval of Port Hawkesbury Wind’s Goose Harbour Lake Wind Farm near Mulgrave.
Canso Spaceport rezoning request has public hearing; heads to council vote
CANSO — A bid to rezone a key plot of land for the future Canso Spaceport had a public hearing on Jan. 8 without recording a single citizen complaint, bringing the 10-year-long project one step closer to reality, according to its proponent.
New Afrocentric long-term care facility proposed for MODG
GUYSBOROUGH — The Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) council is considering a $175,000 contribution towards a proposed seniors’ centre that organizers hope will serve as a model Afrocentric long-term care facility and cultural hub for Nova Scotia.
January 8 2025
MAKING A SPLASH IN CANSO: More than 30 people took the plunge on Jan. 1 to help mark the 35th anniversary of the New Year’s Day polar bear swim in Canso. Organizers said there was a great combination of returning swimmers and newcomers for the milestone occasion. Under foggy skies, with a cold breeze coming off the water, the hearty souls braved air and water temperatures of three and two degrees Celsius, respectively. See more photos from the event in this week's edition.
Photo Credit: Contributed
Green light for $450M Goose Harbour Wind Farm
MULGRAVE — Backed by a $224-million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) this week, Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind Ltd. (PHPW) has officially approved its Goose Harbour Lake Wind Farm in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG).
Guysborough food bank opens early
GUYSBOROUGH — To meet surging demand after the holidays, the Guysborough & Area Food Bank reopened a week early this year.
Spaceport plan heads to public hearing
CANSO — Approval to rezone a tiny land parcel for a new satellite tracking station in the Canso area is key to the “long-term development” of Canada’s first commercial rocket base, says Maritime Launch Services (MLS) founder and president Stephen Matier.
January 1 2025
DELICIOUS EFFORT: Yvonne Dort (left), Carly Fitzpatrick, Rhonda Procure, Katherine Nickerson, Melinda Crestani, Eva Schulz and Jody Hart were among those who contributed to the success of the Square Roots Christmas produce market in Guysborough on Dec. 21. The effort distributed 230 free bags of fruits and vegetables in the community.
Photo Credit: ContributedSquare Roots, volunteers spread Christmas cheer
GUYSBOROUGH — A recently launched food security program, with plenty of help from a lot of volunteers, spread Christmas cheer to hundreds of people a few days before Santa made his seasonal rounds.
MODG council withholds shipping container approval for residential property
GUYSBOROUGH — The Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) Council, concerned about setting a precedent for land use, has denied a request to allow a shipping container on a residentially zoned property near Hadleyville.
St. Mary’s council awards tender for removal of C&D waste at transfer station
SHERBROOKE — The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s has awarded a contract for the removal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste from its transfer station in Goldenville, which hasn’t been collected since it stopped receiving and processing it in early 2024.
