Nova Scotia housing plan includes temporary rent cap, $35 million for new units
Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia
A temporary rent cap will be legislated as part of a wide-ranging government plan to address Nova Scotia’s lack of affordable housing. The Progressive Conservative government introduced a plan Wednesday that also includes nearly $35 million to build new affordable housing across the province — a figure that adds $10 million to the $25 million called for by the province’s affordable housing commission in its report earlier this year. The proposed rent cap will protect tenants once the province’s COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted and limit residential rent increases to two per cent per year until Dec. 31, 2023. Premier Tim Houston says the short term measure is necessary until the housing supply issue can start to be addressed. N-D-P Leader Gary Burrill calls the inclusion of the two-year rent cap a “victory” for tenants, community organizations and housing advocates who fought hard to keep the measure. (The Canadian Press)
Pictou Landing First Nation holding band election next month
Pictou Landing First Nation will be holding its band election next month. There are three candidates in the running for Chief, including Hubert Nicholas, Tonya Francis, and incumbent Andrea Paul. In addition, 30 people have been nominated for band council, including all six current councillors; Jenny Fraser, Haley Bernard, Dominic Denny, Wayne Denny, AJ Francis and Derek Francis. Election day is November 25, 2021 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.
N.S. reports 6 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday
On Wednesday, Nova Scotia reported six new cases of COVID-19 and 27 recoveries. There are three cases in Central Zone, two cases in Western Zone and one case in Northern Zone. A fourth patient in a non-COVID unit at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville has tested positive for COVID-19. One person is in intensive care at the hospital. Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) continues to test patients, staff and doctors identified as close contacts. As of today, Nova Scotia has 165 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, 16 people are in hospital, including five in ICU.
Nova Scotia Health’s COVID-19 vaccine outreach clinics will be offering drop-ins for the Pfizer vaccine in a number of locations next week, including Merigomish. The clinic is open to anyone age 12+ for their first or second dose and it will be at: Merigomish School House Community Hall (1682 Shore Rd, Merigomish) on Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. **Drop-in only.
The number of COVID-19-related deaths in New Brunswick has surpassed the pandemic death toll in Nova Scotia. As of yesterday, New Brunswick had recorded 99 COVID-19-related deaths after health officials reported five additional deaths. Nova Scotia has recorded 98 deaths linked to the virus. In New Brunswick, there were 69 new cases reported yesterday, bringing the total active caseload to 761.
Nova Scotia Health resumes referrals for medical assistance in dying
Nova Scotia Health says that as of Wednesday it’s now able to accept new medical assistance in dying referrals. The organization had previously put referrals on hold due to capacity issues, but will be able to resume a week ahead of schedule. The health authority says it has new assessors and is in the process of hiring a new full-time nurse practitioner for the program
Fuel prices rise in N.B. overnight
The price of fuel is up in New Brunswick today. Gas increased 3.5 cents per litre. Diesel is up 2.1 cents. Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight tonight.
Sobey Family gives $1 million to Nova Scotia Nature Trust for land conservation
From left: Peter Enman, Emma Enman, Marsha Sobey, Paul Sobey, Janis Sobey Hames, David Sobey, Lisa Hames, Chris Hames, Joanne Hames, Michael Brown, Jacquie Sobey. Photo Credit: Jenn Nauss of Cooked Photography.
Pictou County’s Sobey family has donated $1 million towards land conservation. The large donation has been given Nova Scotia Nature Trust’s Twice the Wild campaign. The campaign, launched last year aimed to double the amount of land the Nature Trust protects and stewards across the province to 30,000 acres. The David and Faye Sobey foundation pledged $900,000 to the campaign. Paul and Marsha Sobey have contributed an additional $100,000; bringing the family’s total gift to $1 million. The Sobey family are strong supporters of the Nature Trust, including efforts to preserve lands along the St. Mary’s River.
Law Enforcement Torch Run kicks off Friday morning in support of Special Olympics Nova Scotia
The 2nd Annual Nova Scotia Law Enforcement Torch Run will be held this year in Pictou County. This year, the Law Enforcement Torch run is being held in conjunction with Michelin Torch Run and the partnership will have runners from law enforcement agencies and Michelin employees run throughout Pictou County to raise awareness of Special Olympics Nova Scotia. The run will kick off on Friday, starting at the Michelin Canada Granton location. Michelin Employees, Law Enforcement Officers, and Special Olympic Athletes will carry the Flame of Hope throughout Pictou County finishing at the New Glasgow Regional Police Station around 11:30am. Honk, wave and support Special Olympic Athletes and supporters during the Torch Run 2021.
Local sports:
The Pictou County Weeks Jr. A Crushers host the Summerside Western Capitals tonight at the Wellness Centre-puck drops at 7pm.
In the Northern NS High School Hockey League this weekend – the North Nova Education Center Boys Hockey team will be taking on the Northumberland Nighthawks in the first game of the season. Puck drops on Sunday at 4pm at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.
