Region Of Queens Fire Departments Look For Help With New Equipment Purchases

Volunteer fire departments in the Region of Queens are becoming increasingly concerned about finances. More money is needed to upgrade fire fighting equipment and budgets are tight. Mayor Christopher Clarke says auditors were recently hired to study the issue and have filed their report.



The Mayor says the Region of Queens is different than other municipalities where fire fighting purchases can be factored into the tax rate or reserve funds. he says council will get to study the report and talk about it in the months ahead. He says it will be a lengthy process determining how best to meet the challenge of upgrading equipment for fire fighters.

Blockhouse: Waldorf School Finalist In National Contest

An independent school for young children in Blockhouse is in the running for a national contest. The Waldorf school is listed as a finalist in the Majesta Trees of Knowledge contest. The school has been selected - along with nine others - across Canada for the chance to win $20,000 to help build an outdoor learning space. Parent Anastasia Malay says it's a wonderful opportunity.



Malay says they are hoping all of Canada gets behind the small school in Blockhouse.Voting begins online April 7.

For more information and to vote for the Waldorf school click here

McIntosh, Drennan Compete For National Titles

A pair of Lunenburg County athletes are going for gold at the CIS Track and Field Championships in Edmonton. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh and Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan are competing in the women's and men's pentathlons, respectively. McIntosh recently won the Canada West title while Drennan took top spot in Ontario. She is ranked number one overall on the women's side, while he comes in ranked fifth for men. McIntosh says she's trying not to focus on results.



Both McIntosh and Drennan are in competition today at the University of Alberta.

Bridgewater: Fire Dept. Band To Play Memorial Service In Ottawa

The Bridgewater Fire Department Band will help remember firefighters who lost their lives on the job. The band has been asked to play at this year's Canadian Fall Firefighters Foundation Memorial Service in Ottawa. The event pays tribute to more than 1,100 firefighters who died serving their communities. Band Director Wendell Eisener says men and women risk their lives everyday.



Eisener says the band will have ceremonial roles at the Ottawa parade and memorial service, but they will also give a public performance. Firefighters from across the country will attend the ceremony to show support for fallen comrades and their families. The band is currently fundraising to be able to make the trip. The service will be held September 12-14.

Mustangs Pushed To Brink Of Elimination

The Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs are one loss away from playoff elimination. Jordan Messenger scored the lone goal as the Halifax McDonalds skated to a 4-1 win Wednesday night. The win gives Halifax a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series. Mustangs goaltender Colby Muise stopped 40 shots in the loss. Game six will be Saturday night in Bridgewater.

Gas Prices Expected To Drop Some Tonight

We may be in for a little relief tomorrow at South Shore gas pumps. In New Brunswick this morning, self serve regular is down by about 1.5 cents. The maximum price for diesel is down 2.4. Heating oil prices in New Brunswick also lower this morning. And, a big drop in propane prices ... down 9 cents. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will set the coming weeks prices at midnight tonight. Regular self serve is selling today at South Shore pumps for $1.41.8 a litre.

Clear Garbage Bag Request Coming To Bridgewater

It's Bridgewater's turn to start thinking about using clear garbage bags. The issue will be in front of the town March 10. Mahone Bay and the Municipality of Lunenburg are also looking at the potential change. Mayor David Walker says it will be a slow process.



If council decides to move ahead, there will be months of communicating with the public before clear bags would be put into effect. The proposed date to start using clear bags is October 1st. Forty-one out of 55 Nova Scotia municipalities use clear plastic bags during waste collection including Chester.

Spring Weight Restrictions Pushed Back

Spring weight restrictions are being pushed back another week. The Department of Transportation says due to cold weather they will delay implementing the restrictions for trucks on secondary roads another week. Spring weight restrictions were originally to start on Monday. They will now be put in place March 17.

Movement To End Violence Hits Lunenburg County

A pair of local events hope to help bring an end to violence against women and girls. Second Story Women's Centre, Harbour House and Be the Peace are promoting 'One Billion Rising'. The initiative acts as a global day of awareness for people to demand change, dance and rise to help end violence. Coordinator Helen Lanthier says the issue hits close to home.



Lunenburg will host the first event Thursday at 10am at the Farmers' Market. Another event is in Bridgewater Friday at 12:30pm at centre court of the mall. The events are a lead up to International Women's Day on Saturday.

NS, PEI Start Preparing For 10-Digit-Dialling

It's time to get ready for 10-digit-dialling in Nova Scotia and PEI. Starting in November, all local calls will require 10 digits - the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. Canadian Numbering Administrator spokesperson Glen Brown says people can begin using the new dialling system immediately to prepare for the upcoming changes.



Brown says most people will also need to update the contact lists on their cell phone to make sure "902" is in front of the number they are trying to call. Also in November, the new 782 area code will be introduced in Nova Scotia and PEI

Old Ship May Soon Depart Bridgewater

Some residents of Bridgewater view it as an eyesore while others say its interesting. However, the large grey vessel docked across from shipyards landing could be sold. The former Canadian navy diving-support vessel, HMCS Cormorant, ended up in Bridgewater by accident more than 10 years ago in the midst of a legal battle over ownership. Port of Bridgewater President Rick Welsford says there is a potential buyer lined up for the HMCS Cormorant. He says despite its appearance, the vessel is sound.


Welsford is helping the vessel's American owners with the sale.



Welsford believes the ship will be sold soon and moved out of Bridgewater this summer or leave under its own power.

Mustangs, McDonalds Meet In Crucial Game Five

A crucial game five between the Charlies Pizza South Shore Mustangs and the Halifax McDonalds. The playoff series is tied at two games a piece ahead of Wednesday night's contest in Halifax. The Mustangs have yet to trail in the series and are expected to start goaltender Colby Muise. The winner of tonight's game would be one victory away from the league final. Puck drop is at 7pm at the Halifax Forum.

Bridgewater: New Mall Tenants Expected To Open In June

The property manager of the Bridgewater Mall says winter weather caused delays with the redevelopment of the former Zellers property. Michael Levy says it was a tough winter for crews working to retrofit the 92,000 square foot space that will house five tenants. They include Leon's, Sportchek, Winners, Mark's Work Warehouse and Dollarama. Despite the delays, Levy says a handful of the stores should be ready to open by the summer.



No timeline was given for Winners. Levy adds, as many as six more national tenant groups are expressing interest in space at the mall. The full redevelopment will cost $7.5-million.

Wild Dog Chase In Metro Ends Well

It was an early morning police chase involving dog treats, some chicken and rush hour traffic. Police spotted a run away canine along Citadel Hill just before it began ducking in and out of traffic in the city's south end. The officer - a dog lover - set out on a wild case that led him and the dog through Saint Mary's University and Robie Street before ending up on Beaufort Avenue. That's when a woman stopped and gave the officer biscuits to help but it wasn't exactly the type of treat the dog was looking to eat. Soon after another woman stopped and offered some chicken from her lunch. That did the trick and the Sheppard mix was captured. Luckily, the owner and its furry friend were reunited after a few hours.

Queens: Fisherman Dies In Hospital

Tragic news out of Queens County. The 42 year-old fisherman who fell overboard Monday morning off the coast of Port Mouton has died. RCMP say Stephen Darin Hanson passed away last night in Halifax hospital. Foul play is not suspected. The Mounties and Joint Rescue Coordination Centre were involved in the rescue efforts.

Forest Heights Win Division-3 Boys Hockey Regionals

Playoff hockey tonight in the Valley High School Hockey League. The Park View Panthers boys team squares off against Avon View. The winner will meet the Forest Heights Falcons for the championship. Puck drop tonight is at 7:30pm at the Chester Arena.

Staying with boys hockey, Forest Heights took the division-three regional banner. They defeated Par-en-bas 3-1 in the championship game. Both teams, along with Digby advance to provincials in Port Hawkesbury later this month. At division-two regionals, Barrington fell to North Kings 4-1 in the final. In division-one hockey regionals, Park View lost 2-1 in the semi-final to Avon View. King's Edgehill won the title.

Bridgewater: Town Waiting For Answers About Big Rig Event

Bridgewater is still looking for answers when it comes to big rig drag racing. Organizers with South Shore in Motion are trying to bring the event to the town for the first time. However, questions remain on insurance, security and developing a traffic plan. Mayor David Walker says the festival has also determined an alternate location. It would be at the south end of Exhibition Drive instead of a section of Dufferin Street.



The event is being proposed for August 9, but still needs town approval.

Fisherman Falls Overboard, In Critical Condition

A 40 year-old fisherman is in critical conditions after he fell overboard Monday morning. The incident occurred around 8 o'clock in waters off the shores of Port Mouton. The crew of the boat was able to get the man out of the water and took him to a nearby wharf. He was airlifted by a cormorant helicopter to Shearwater. The man was then taken by ambulance to a hospital in Halifax.

Whalen, Wolters Win Athletics Nova Scotia Awards

A Liverpool athlete is proving hard work and dedication pays off. Chelsea Whalen took home Athletics Nova Scotia's senior female athlete of the year for 2013 during a weekend ceremony in Truro. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh and Jenna Martin were also nominated. The Liverpool native broke several provincial records and represented Canada internationally. Mattias Wolter of Conquerall Mills won senior men's athlete of the year. His younger brother, Tobias, won the same award in the youth category. Local coach Tanya Daniels also received a coaching excellence award.

New Brochure Showcases Shelburne County

A new brochure featuring historic lighthouses in Shelburne County will be ready for the upcoming tourism season. The Shelburne County Tourism Association is working to produce a new booklet designed to showcase the area and attract more  visitors. Tourism Manager Suzy Atwood says it will also focus on the regions lobster industry.



Atwood says with the return of the ferry service they will put a strong focus promoting the county in nearby places like Yarmouth and Digby. However, the brochures will be available in visitor information centres throughout the province.

Fay Rink Clinches 2015 Canada Winter Games Berth

A Chester curling team continued their tremendous season. Mary Fay, Karlee Burgess, Jennifer Smith and Janique LeBlanc will represent Nova Scotia at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George, British Columbia. The team went undefeated in Halifax over the weekend to claim top spot, defeating clubmate Cassie Cocks 7-3 in the final. It's the latest good news for the Chester team, that also won bronze at this year's national junior curling championships in Liverpool.

Chester: False Information Circulating On Flyer - Warden

The warden of Chester says there is false information being advertised throughout the area. A flyer is floating around the municipality stating that the Halifax Regional Municipality is proposing to send their waste to Kaizer Meadow in Sherwood. The flyer says an agreement would mean over 80,000 tonnes of Halifax waste would be brought to the facility every year. However, Allen Webber says it's simply not true.



Webber says he doesn't know why the flyer is being distributed or where it came from. He says if they are approached, it will be well-known to the public.

Michelin Cuts In Pictou County Will Not Affect Bridgewater Plant

One of Bridgewater's largest employers is cutting jobs at another Nova Scotia plant. Michelin Canada has announced 500 jobs will be cut over the next 18 months at their facility in Pictou County. The move is in response to a continuing shift in North America to larger size tires and limits of the existing plant. President Grant Ferguson says there are different market demands now and investment costs to upgrade the 43-year-old plant are not cost-effective. The company says the reduction will not affect Michelin's other plants in Bridgewater or Waterville. All impacted employees will have opportunity to continue working for Michelin at those two plants.

Twinning "The 103" Still Tops

Twinning Highway 103 remains a priority of the provincial government. The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal says we're going to see improvements moving ahead before too long. Geoff MacLellan says the 103 has been ignored too long and he anticipates the federal government will come through and pitch in money for the project.



The immediate priority is to twin the highway from Exit 5 in Tantallon to Exit 6 in Hubbards. The long term goal is to then continue on with the work to Bridgewater. The 103 has been labelled by the Highway Safety Council as the most dangerous and deadly highway in all of Canada. Twenty-four people have been killed on that highway between Halifax and Yarmouth in the past five years. Fifteen of those fatalities have occurred between Tantallon and Bridgewater.

Curl For A Cause Raises $40,000 For Lunenburg Hospital

Some weary eyes around Lunenburg County after a three day curling marathon helped raise money for Fishermen's Memorial Hospital. The 14th annual 'Curl for a Cause' raised just over $40,000 to help purchase a specialized procedural operating room table. Over 60 people participated in the event at the Lunenburg Curling Club. Managing Director of the Health Services Foundation on the South Shore, Arleen Stevens, says it was a team effort.



The table costs roughly $51,000. Stevens says they're partnering with a community group to help raise the remaining funds.

Mustangs, McDonalds All Tied

The playoff series between the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs and Halifax McDonalds is all tied up. Halifax shutout the Mustangs 4-0 Sunday night in Bridgewater. The win ties the series at two games each after the Mustangs won 3-1 on Saturday night. The two clubs meet for game five on Wednesday evening in Halifax.

Fire Destroys Queens County Barn/Livestock

A weekend fire in Queens County destroyed a barn and numerous animals in it. It happened in Beach Meadows and sheep, rabbits and chickens were lost. 80 fire fighters from Liverpool, Greenfield, North Queens and Port Medway battled the blaze but couldn't save the barn and animals. However, they did prevent a nearby house from catching fire. A cause of the fire has not been determined.

No Serious Injuries In Yarmouth County Plane Crash

The pilot of a small plane that crashed in Yarmouth County yesterday wasn't seriously injured. According to police, the Cessna was flying low and crashed into a tree in Arcadia. The pilot was taken to Yarmouth hospital with some injuries. The Transportation Safety Board is looking into the incident.

Former Minister Calls For Greater Lobster Industry Consultations

A few months ago, a panel of experts set up by Maritime fisheries ministers came out with numerous recommendations to improve the lobster fishery. Among them, suggestions on better marketing and pricing. Little's been done since and former NDP fisheries minister Sterling Belliveau says the process needs speeding up.



Meanwhile, a summit of Maritime fisheries ministers and representatives of the lobster fishing industry is planned for late March to discuss recommendations in the report.

Small Business Vs. Retirement

If you own a small business and you're getting close to retirement, you should have a plan in place for whats to become of the operation. That advice from Scotiabank's Atlantic Vice-President Gord Brost (Brohst).
He says its best to have things ready well in advance of the Brown Envelope Day.



A recent survey of Atlantic Canadians owning a small business indicates almost a quarter of them have no intention of retiring and giving up the business. 19 percent of those questioned for the survey say they've got a succession plan already in place, developed years ago.

Demone, Risley Being Inducted Into Business Hall Of Fame

A pair of Nova Scotia men being inducted into the province's Business Hall of Fame have South Shore roots. Henry Demone is the CEO of High Liner Foods Inc. in Lunenburg and Robert Risley owns White Point Beach Resort in Liverpool. They are among four businessmen headed for the hall later this year. Joining them are Paul and Stephen O'Regan of O'Regans. The hall of fame was established by Junior Achievement in 1993 to recognize achievements of business leaders in the province. An induction ceremony will be held June 3.

Duckworth Returning Home Following Olympics

One of Nova Scotia's two Olympians competing in Sochi, Russia is coming home. Alex Duckworth will make an appearance at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre Sunday evening between 6:30pm-8pm. The snowboarder from Kingsburg will talk about her Olympic experience as well as sign autographs and be available for photos. Duckworth finished 17th in the women's half-pipe at her first Olympics. The 26-year-old was an alternate for the 2010 games in Vancouver.

Former Mayor Requests Dominion Street Repaving

A former mayor of Bridgewater wants to see the paving of Dominion Street complete. Ernie Bolivar sent an email to the town, asking council to include paving into their capital work for their upcoming budget. He says the street has very heavy traffic and the situation must be corrected. Current Mayor David Walker agrees.



The street was never fully repaved after work was done to install a new sewer pipe in 2012. Walker suggests repaving costs could be around $250,000. He says there was talk of completing the work in phases, but feels the cost needs to be reviewed.

Saskatoon: Man Charged In Missing Person Case

A 33 year old Saskatoon man has been charged with aggravated assault in connection with a missing person investigation. It's in relation to the disappearance of Myles Macintosh of Lunenburg. The 28 year-old was reported missing February 1 in Saskatoon . The charges stem from an altercation on a pub crawl bus MacIntosh was riding in while celebrating his upcoming wedding. Meanwhile, police say blood found on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River belongs to the Lunenburg native. It's believed he fell into the river. The man charged in the incident was due in court today in Saskatoon.  However, the altercation took place well-before a person was reported seen falling into the river.



Saskatoon Police Media Release:

A 33 year old Saskatoon man has been charged with aggravated assault in connection with a missing person investigation.

The man is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court Friday, February 28, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.

The charge was laid following an investigation into the disappearance of 28 year old Gregory "Myles" MacIntosh. Myles MacIntosh was reported missing when he failed to return home after attending an Idylwyld Drive bar on February 1, 2014. Investigation found that MacIntosh was asked to leave the bar following some sort of disturbance. He then boarded a pub crawl bus which was traveling to an east side bar. Police were called to an altercation between two men on the same bus minutes later, at the intersection of Lorne Avenue and 8th Street East. Based on numerous witness statements investigators believe one of those men was Myles MacIntosh, however when officers arrived Mr. MacIntosh had left the scene on foot. Following that, a report was received that a person had fallen into the South Saskatchewan River. A search was conducted by emergency responders, however no one was located. The following day, Saskatoon Police located blood evidence on the ice where the person was last seen. That evidence was sent for testing which, this week, has been confirmed to be that of Myles MacIntosh. Saskatoon Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance in this investigation.

Local Health CEO: Government Listening To Reform Ideas

The Nova Scotia government is looking at reforming the province's health care system, finding more dollars to pump into front-line care. One area being examined is reducing the number of health authorities in the province from 9 to 2, one for the Halifax capital district and IWK and one for the rest of the province. South Shore Health CEO Dr. Peter Vaughan gives full marks to the McNeil government for daring to open up the system for scrutiny.



Vaughan says the health minister received a good selection of opinions when he met recently with health care professionals on the South Shore.

Mustangs Continue Playoff Series Against Halifax

A big weekend for the Charlies Pizza South Shore Mustangs. The major midget hockey club hosts the Halifax McDonalds for a pair of games in their best-of-seven playoff series. The series is tied 1-1 after they split games in Halifax last weekend. Head Coach Brad Muise says it's a good start for his club, but he knows they can't take it for granted.



Muise says he was pleased with his club's defensive effort but would like to see better results on the power-play going forward. Game three goes Saturday night at 7:30. Game four will be Sunday evening at 8pm. Both games are being played at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena in Bridgewater.

Home Care Workers Walk Out

Hundreds of home-care workers in the Halifax area have walked off the job this morning to back their demands for higher wages. However, the provincial government has said it will move quickly to limit the strike's impact. It will introduce essential service legislation this morning in the Legislature that will force most of the strikers back to work. The unions are accusing the government of taking a heavy-handed approach to collective bargaining. However, former NDP labour minister Frank Corbett tells us, the unions are actually taking aim at the premier.



Northwood Homecare of Halifax, the VON and several CUPE home care workers would be affected by the proposed legislation being brought in today.

Gasoline Prices Up Again This Morning

Gas prices are up again at South Shore pumps. The good news is they didn't rise quite as much as New Brunswick prices a night earlier. Regular self serve is selling this morning for $1.41.8 a litre. High test is at $1.50.8. Diesel is selling in many places at $1.50.1 per litre. All grades are up this morning by about a cent-and-a-half.

Police Seize Crack During Traffic Stop

A 52 year-old Bridgewater man was arrested after police found crack cocaine during a traffic stop. Police made the stop earlier this afternoon on Highway 103. The traffic stop was made within the town limits. A quantity of the drug was seized along with a Ford Escape SUV. The man is facing drug related charges.  He will appear in Bridgewater court May 7.

First Degree Murder Charges Laid In Saunders' Death

First degree murder charges have been laid in the death of Loretta Saunders. Twenty-eight year old Victoria Henneberry and 25-year-old Blake Leggette will be in court tomorrow to face the new charges. Saunders was first reported missing on February 13. Her remains were located Wednesday just off the Trans-Canada Highway in Salisbury New Brunswick. Police say an autopsy will be conducted by coroners office in St. John within the next few days. Henneberry and Leggette were already facing charges in relation to a stolen vehicle. The pair were former roommates with Saunders.

Unique Fundraiser To Help Bridgewater Dog Park

A group trying to fast track an off-leash dog park in Bridgewater is offering a unique fundraiser to help their cause. Proponents of the park are looking to create stainless steel dog bones. People can get their names or their pets name engraved on the bones. They would be placed on the fence surrounding the dog park. Town councillor Andrew Tanner says it could be a great opportunity.



Tanner says they need to raise roughly $60,000 to clear land and build the space. He hopes to begin selling them by April.

Paving Tenders Slow But On The Way: Transportation Minister

A former South Shore provincial cabinet minister is wondering why the McNeil government is so slow in issuing tenders for this summer's paving projects. Sterling Belliveau, the MLA For Queens-Shelburne, says they should have been out long ago. The Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan tells us the slowdown results from his getting to know the process after the government was just elected in the fall.



MacLellan says the tenders for this year will be issued soon.

Barrington: Single Vehicle Crash Causing Highway 103 Delays

Highway 103 near Barrington is slow going after a single vehicle crash. The incident happened before noon. RCMP say traffic is delayed and they will be using alternating lanes until the scene is cleared. Sgt. Ben Parry says they don't know how long traffic will be tied up. Nova Scotia Power and fire officials are also on the scene. It's not known if there are any injuries.

NS MP: South Shore Voters Denied Hearing Into Election Act Changes

A Nova Scotia Member of Parliament is among a large chorus of people calling for cross-Canada hearings on proposed changes to the Elections Act. Deputy Federal NDP Leader Megan Leslie of Halifax tells CKBW & Hank-FM News, the Chief Electoral Officer has been stripped of most of his or her powers. She says even the old system of vouching, where a neighbor or friend can confirm your identity at a polling station, will not be permitted any more. Leslie says South Shore residents and others are not being allowed their say.



A motion by New Democrats calling for Canada-wide hearings on the Elections Act changes is being debated this week in the House of Commons.

South Shore MLA Says Home Care Dispute Unnecessary

An emergency session of the Nova Scotia Legislature is on for tomorrow (Friday). MLA's have been recalled to debate possible back to work legislation for home support workers. 450 home care workers can hit the picket lines at 12:01 tomorrow morning (Friday). Queens-Shelburne NDP MLA Sterling Belliveau says the dispute should have been settled long ago to avoid a strike.



The home care workers look after nearly 2,000 people in the Halifax area and in parts of the Annapolis Valley.

Drugs, Alcohol Factors After Missing Woman Found Safe

Drugs and alcohol are believed to be involved after a woman went missing Wednesday night in Bridgewater. RCMP along with Lunenburg Ground Search and Rescue and Bridgewater Police responded to the call around 11pm. The woman indicated she was lost in the woods and didn't know her location. She was found about five hours later near the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. There were no injuries. She was transported to the regional hospital in Bridgewater for observation.

Shelburne: RCMP Charge Man, Woman After Break And Enters

A man and a woman have been charged after several break and enters in Shelburne County. RCMP say they searched homes on Bulkley Street and Hastings Street this weekend and seized items believed to be from the Lions Hall bar, Farmer's Dairy Treat and Farmer's Co-Operative. Police have arrested 35-year-old Joey Wayne Langthorne and 55-year-old Kathy Lynn Gallant. Langthorne appeared in court Wednesday to face a number of charges including break, enter, theft and possession of stolen property. Gallant is facing a charge of breaching probation and possession of stolen property. She is scheduled to appear in Shelburne court on March 19.

Possible Home Care Strike Sparks Emergency Legislature Session

An emergency session of the Nova Scotia Legislature is ahead for tomorrow. MLA's have been recalled to debate possible back to work legislation for home support workers. 450 home care workers can hit the picket lines at 12:01 tomorrow morning (Friday). Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie tells us: labour situations like this could be avoided.



The home care workers care for almost two-thousand people in the Halifax area and in parts of the Annapolis Valley.

Yet Another Gas Price Hike Likely Tonight

South Shore gas prices are likely going to rise even more when the province's utility and review board sets the coming week's prices at midnight. In New Brunswick, prices there rose 1.9 cents a litre overnight for regular self serve. Diesel is also up by 3 cents this morning. Expect similar hikes overnight tonight at South Shore pumps.

Province Scraps Domestic Burn Permits

A move by the Nova Scotia government is expected to reduce the risk of wildfires. Residents will no longer need a permit to burn domestic brush. The province is replacing paper permits with an online burning restrictions map. The map will show green, red, or yellow in each county, to let people know if it is safe to burn, unsafe to burn, or safe, with restrictions. Restricted brush burning will also start earlier on March 15 instead of April 1. It goes until mid-October. Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill says safety is behind the new system.



The changes affect brush burning on properties including rural residential lots, woodlots, camps and cottages. Industrial brush burning still requires a permit. The map will come online March 15 here. People can get the same information in a recorded message by calling toll-free 1-855-564-2876.