The Record Episode 15

St. Anne’s Community and Nursing Care Centre Unveils Plans for New Facility

Stakeholders at St. Anne’s Community and Nursing Care Centre have released designs for a new long-term care facility. Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot spoke with Kristen Rector, Communications Advisor with the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, for more details.

The Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care announced that the new facility will feature a long-term care home with 32 single rooms, each equipped with a private washroom—an increase from the current 29 beds. Construction is expected to be completed by 2026, though Rector couldn’t provide details on when tenders will be awarded or when construction will begin.

The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) confirmed that the Municipality of the County of Richmond has proposed replacing the acute and ambulatory side of the current St. Anne’s Community and Nursing Care Centre with a Collaborative Health Centre, a move supported by the province. The new Collaborative Health Centre will be both physically and operationally connected to the long-term care home, allowing for shared staffing, space, and other resources.

The DHW noted that the services planned for the Collaborative Health Centre will mirror those currently offered, but in a redesigned, modern space. These services include a diabetes education centre/clinic, an urgent treatment centre, primary care, mental health care, laboratory services, X-ray facilities, and space for visiting clinics or other healthcare professionals.

Meanwhile, the administration at St. Anne’s confirmed that the site for the new facility is being cleared, and tenders have been issued by invitation only due to the project’s scope and complexity. The new facility will be constructed just below Babin’s Hill and will be accessible from the High Road in Arichat. More specifics on the size and start date for construction are expected during an official announcement soon.

Updates from Pondville Beach Provincial Park

Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau provided an update on activities at Pondville Beach Provincial Park. Erin Lynch, Communications Advisor with the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, reported that an artifact was discovered on the other side of the road from the beach in the north section. An archaeological assessment has been completed, and a report is being prepared. However, Lynch stated that initial information cannot be shared until the report is finalized and submitted to the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage.

She added that such assessments are standard when a project involves ground disturbance, and while delays can occur, it is an important step to take. Lynch noted that any relevant findings related to Mi’kmaq or other cultural groups will be shared with them.

Blue-Green Algae Reported in Richmond County

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, has been reported at Cooked Lake and Loch Lomond Lake in Richmond County, according to the Department of Environment and Climate Change. The algae occurs naturally in surface waters like lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

For people, exposure can cause short-term effects such as itchy, irritated eyes and skin. Ingesting or inhaling the water can lead to symptoms like headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and prolonged exposure can damage the liver. Children are at greater risk due to their lower body weight and tendency to spend more time in the water.

For pets, exposure to blue-green algae can be fatal. The department warned that pets are attracted by the smell of algae mats, which have caused pet deaths in Nova Scotia.

Cellular Service Upgrades in Richmond County

Cellular service upgrades are underway in parts of Richmond County. The provincial government has selected Rogers to upgrade infrastructure at 27 existing sites and connect them to the Rogers 5G network. Through an additional $18.6 million investment in the Cellular for Nova Scotia Program, the province plans to add 27 new provincially owned telecommunication towers in unserved areas, in addition to the four announced in October 2023.

In the Marble Mountain area, a new tower is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026, with Rogers as the service provider. In the Framboise area, the province is constructing a tower under the Cellular for Nova Scotia program, which will also connect to the Rogers network and expand the TMR2 (Trunked Mobile Radio) network by the fall of 2026. Additionally, an upgrade project in the Loch Lomond area, also led by Rogers, is expected to be completed by the winter of 2026.

Federal Funding for Affordable Housing and Community Projects

The federal government has announced over $30 million in contributions and low-cost loans through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) to help build and repair 1,812 affordable homes across Nova Scotia. This funding will support the creation of 44 new homes and the repair of 1,768 existing homes. Among the projects, Potlotek First Nation will receive $180,000 to construct 12 units.

In Inverness County, Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway announced $154,095 for eight community-based projects. One such project includes St. Joseph’s Parish in Port Hawkesbury, which plans to renovate the ramp, steps, door, and washroom at the hall to allow seniors to continue offering activities such as card games and gatherings.