Episode 17 of The Record begins with a conversation featuring Donald MacDonald, who is running for a seat on the Port Hawkesbury Town Council in the upcoming municipal election on October 19.

Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot asked MacDonald why he decided to run for council.

"I think one of our major issues is a combination of, and I would classify it as, security and safety, whether it’s the Reeves Street highway or the crime that seems to be increasing within our community," MacDonald explained. "We do have some issues, whether they are economically driven, with homelessness, and I think we need to find an approach that can work for everybody."

In other local news, trees are set to be planted in various communities across the region as part of provincial projects. The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables announced that local initiatives are among 23 approved across Nova Scotia. The first 23 projects under the Thriving Forests program include efforts by the Potlotek First Nation in Richmond County and the Strait Area Trails Association in Inverness County.

Veronica Bernard, the organizer of the Forest of Hope project in Potlotek First Nation, expressed gratitude for being included in the Thriving Forests program and highlighted the commitment to further enhance their Forest of Hope trail. This October, 1,000 trees will be planted during the Forest of Hope event, featuring 250 trees each of red spruce, white pine, red maple, and red oak. For the Mi’kmaq, red oak symbolizes rebirth and regrowth.

Other local community and municipal projects also received provincial funding. The Town of Port Hawkesbury was granted $25,000 for waterfront enhancements, while the Village of St. Peter’s received $16,000 for a bench rejuvenation project under the Beautification and Streetscaping Program for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The Community Works Program also approved $24,339 for summer recreation in Port Hawkesbury.

Acadian culture initiatives were supported with recent provincial funding as well. Centre Communautaire Culturel La Picasse in Petit de Grat was awarded $2,000 to organize activities for the 2024 Acadian Heritage Month celebration. Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, announced on National Acadian Day, emphasizing the importance of honouring the rich history and traditions of the Acadian people, which stretch back four centuries.

LeBlanc noted that the funding demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Acadian heritage, ensuring that all Nova Scotians can celebrate the province’s Acadian legacy and resilient spirit.