People, issues and events that made news in 2021
A sampling of stories covered by Vanguard/SaltWire journalist Carla Allen
FUN AND GAMES IN CLARE
Université Sainte-Anne purchased several licences to enable free download of the locally created Clarevoyance Video Game for its students. The adventure challenge takes place in the mythical Acadian region of Clare (Nova Scotia) and was created in direct collaboration with members of the community. Game creator Chad Comeau said players tend to really like the early storyline involving a local musician, performed by actual local musician Michael Saulnier.
DOCTORS SUPPORTING FUTURE DOCTORS
Three young women who graduated in 2004 from Yarmouth high school and became doctors in different fields are giving a helping hand to one female grad annually that wants to further her studies in the field of health sciences. Doctors Rosalind Ashton, Rachael Noah and Laura Graham established an annual $1,500 scholarship for a YCMHS graduate who identifies as female and has a financial need.
TRU BY HILTON HOTEL OPENS
A dream that began in 2016 with a feasibility study opened to the public in 2021. Although the pandemic did cause some delays in the construction of the new Tru by Hilton hotel on Acadia First Nation’s Yarmouth reserve, the facility was finally able to start accepting reservations in February. The hotel has 89 guest rooms, a pool with a water slide, a fitness room and 1,000 square feet of conference space.
ABANDONED HOUSES TARGETS OF FIRE
A rash of fires in abandoned houses in Yarmouth County kept firefighters busy in early spring. At one time there were four active investigations relating to what police believe were suspicious fires in abandoned homes. Authorities urged people to pay attention and alert the RCMP if they noticed any suspicious activity around vacant buildings. If they noticed buildings were not secured, they were asked to notify the Town of Yarmouth’s Development Office or use the Town’s SeeClick-Fix app with the property’s address and details for staff to investigate.
SECRET SURVEY CAUSED FUROR
A survey conducted this spring by the Municipality of Yarmouth, with 400 residents in the county contacted, riled up partnering units — the Municipality of Argyle and Town of Yarmouth. Fellow councils were not made aware that the phone survey was being conducted nor did they have input on the questions which focused on a proposed Mariners Centre expansion and the use of the former YMCA pool as a “bridge” until the larger project was funded and constructed. The units, however, were able to put those differences aside as they continued to work toward the goal of an eventual expansion, and also the opening of Mariners on Main, which opened in the former Yarmouth YMCA building this fall. The opening was celebrating by the three municipals units, the Mariners Centre and the community.
PEOPLE REACT TO PROPOSED SALMON FARM
The Municipality of Yarmouth held meetings about a proposed salmon farm at Chebogue Point, Yarmouth County. The municipality is considering an application from Boreal Salmon Inc. to establish an open flow land-based salmon farm at Chebogue Point. The farm is forecast to involve both capital and direct investment of up to $60 million and operators say it will produce up to 5,500 metric tons of Atlantic salmon and/or sea trout annually. The project would be financed primarily by Chilean investors, with Canadian investors invited to participate. But not everyone is embracing the proposal. There have been protests outside the municipality’s administrative business and “No Salmon Farm” signs can be seen throughout the county. People have environmental concerns and worry about the impact on other fisheries. There has been no decision on the proposal.
LAKES LOWERED FOR DAM REFURBISHMENT PROJECT
Nova Scotia Power informed residents in the Lake Vaughan Reservoir and Gavels and Kings Lakes shoreline areas that these lakes would be lowered to their natural level in order to continue the Tusket dam refurbishment project. The lowering began the week of July 26 and will last to midFebruary 2022. A second lowering is anticipated mid-July 2022 to mid-February 2023. It is expected to take two construction seasons to complete refurbishment work on the dam.
FERRY TERMINAL TO BE READY FOR 2022 SAILING SEASON
Renovations at the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal were completed for the 2022 season, coming in under the $9-million budget. Key projects completed included installation of the new ticket and PIL booths, installation of three new canopies along with the necessary electrical, lighting and soffits, final fittings for CBSA and Bay Ferries booths, new yard lighting, CCTV cameras, a PA system, signage and demolition of the old south canopy. Due to COVID, the Cat ferry did not sail in 2021.