Roundup: Ukrainians find warm welcome in C.B., 7 more COVID deaths, Pictou Co. man & woman face gun charges, Privateer Days returns to Liverpool
The Syrian Family Reunification Project reports that the families they helped settle in Cape Breton are now rallying around Ukrainian refugees. Photo: Submitted
Plus: Halifax’s much-loved green spaces are under siege
Just months after their own arrival, Syrian immigrants are donating furniture and appliances to newcomers from war-torn Ukraine, just one example of the warm welcome the latest refugees are finding in Cape Breton.
“The newcomers and the immigrants that we currently have that have come to Port Hawkesbury, some of them have had their own barriers, so they’re always so great to lend a helping hand, making people feel welcome in the community,” says Trina Samson, a support worker with the YReach Immigrant Settlement program.
Jake Boudrot has more for the Reporter.
More COVID deaths
Health officials report seven more COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia from June 14 to 20 and a dip in lab-confirmed cases, but an increase in hospitalizations, with 37 people now receiving care for the disease, up from 28 the previous week.
The numbers are “encouraging” despite the deaths, says Dr. Shelley Deeks, Nova Scotia’s deputy chief medical officer of health.
“We have another week with decreasing COVID-19 activity,” she adds in a press release. “We have learned a lot about this virus over the last two years. As the weather gets better, I encourage people to have gatherings outdoors where possible, continue to wash your hands, use cough and sneeze etiquette and, most importantly, if you’re sick, stay home.”
Gun charges in Pictou County
A 25-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman face multiple weapons-related charges after police raided a Trenton apartment on June 22 and seized a loaded gun. Charges include possession of property obtained by crime, careless use of a firearm, and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
Privateer Days returns
After two years of pandemic cancellations, Liverpool’s long-running Privateer Days festival is back, kicking off today and continuing through the weekend. Highlights include live music, carnival rides, historical re-enactments, and circus shows.
“I’m just so excited this is happening,” says chair Ashley Whynot, who was elected to the position just four months ago. “Looking at the line-up we have quite a bit going on and I think we pulled off a nice variety of events and activities in just a few short months.”
Kevin McBain reports for LighthouseNow.
The common good
A green oasis in the heart of the peninsula, Halifax Common is central to the city and its identity. But like green spaces across Canada, it’s shrinking.
“One of my favourite views of Halifax is from Citadel Hill, looking not out to the harbour, but west over the city, especially at dusk,” writes columnist Pauline Dakin. “Now, cranes and construction projects crowd that skyline. As we look up at the new towers emerging around us, we might not be noticing what’s disappearing.”
According to Statistics Canada, cities are losing trees, park space, and other vegetation at a prodigious rate: in 2019, there was a decline of three per cent. The next time researchers look, they’ll see even less green on those satellite images, given the unprecedented pace of development in the city.
“That may mean progress, but the cost is high,” Dakin says.
Read more in her latest Unravel Halifax column.
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