Experts say Nova Scotia’s inadequate response to the 250 millimetres of rain and subsequent flooding this month shows the province is not prepared to fight climate disasters.

Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo, says poor weather forecasts, inadequate cell service and the lack of precise flooding disaster plans during last weekend’s flooding reveal that Nova Scotia remains badly prepared for climate crises – as does the country as a whole.

He says as a basic starting point, rural Nova Scotia communities need adequate cellular service to ensure emergency alerts work.

He also says all provinces should consider creating water conservation authorities to provide detailed knowledge of flood risks and responses.

 

 

A cheerleading team is celebrating the life of one of the victims of the flooding last weekend.

Empire Athletics in Windsor is asking the Canadian cheerleading community to wear purple this week, which was six-year-old Natalie Hazel Harnish’s favourite colour.

They say a celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p-m today at the Brooklyn Fire Hall.

Meanwhile, the search continues for the fourth person believed to have died during last weekend’s historic floods, which claimed the lives of an adult, a youth and two children, including Natalie.

 

 

New Glasgow Regional Police have arrested a 33-year-old man on a province wide arrest warrant in regards to a 9-1-1 call about a disturbance in Trenton on Saturday morning.

He was located at a nearby home in Trenton and was arrested without incident.

The 33 year old is charged with being unlawfully in a dwelling house; theft under $5000; forcible confinement; two counts of assault; uttering threats against a person; mischief under $5000; and abduction of a person under the age of fourteen years by lawful caregiver.

No one was injured in the incident and Police continue to investigate what they say was an isolated incident.

 

 

Public Health continues to investigate cases of Legionella at Glen Haven Manor and in the New Glasgow area.

At last word, there are currently five positive cases and 16 possible (unconfirmed) cases awaiting lab results. Of those 21 cases, two positive cases and three possible cases are in the community, outside of Glen Haven Manor.

Legionella is common in Nova Scotia, however it rarely causes illness.

Those at higher risk for illness from Legionella include people who are over 40, people who smoke or have chronic health conditions.

For others, the risk is very low.

Due to a heightened risk of Legionella in the area, residents of New Glasgow, Trenton and Stellarton are asked to watch for symptoms including fever, chills, dry cough, muscle aches, headache, loss of appetite and diarrhea.  A definitive source has not yet been identified as yet.

 

 

The Municipality of Pictou County is providing money to help cover some of the costs of constructing an outdoor pickleball court in River John.

Council for the Municipality has approved over $37,000 in funding for the River John Pickleball Club to help complete the construction of the three-court outdoor facility.

The River John Pickleball Society also received $60,000 in funding from the provincial government as well as $25,000 from the federal government for the project.

The pickleball courts are being constructed on the grounds of the River John Legion and are expected to be completed by late summer.

 

 

New Glasgow Regional Police say they received a report at 11am on Sunday that a house was damaged by shots fired from a passing vehicle.

The incident occurred at a home on High Street in New Glasgow.

Officers responded and the preliminary investigation revealed the passing vehicle used by suspect involved is a black 4-door sedan.

Preliminary investigation has indicated that this is an isolated incident and that there is no immediate threat to public safety.

No one was injured in the incident.