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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.
