Evan Taylor

The Halifax Wanderers are making a new economic case for their proposed downtown stadium, releasing a report estimating the project could generate $114.7 million in economic activity across Nova Scotia.

The findings come roughly a month after the professional soccer club presented plans to Halifax Regional Council for a permanent stadium at the Wanderers Grounds.

The economic impact assessment, conducted by Halifax-based ATN Strategies, also estimates the Wanderers have already contributed $83.3 million to the local economy since beginning play in 2019.

The club is hoping those figures will strengthen its case for replacing its current temporary facility with a permanent stadium capable of hosting more sporting events, concerts and community activities.

What are the Wanderers proposing?

In September, Wanderers founder and managing partner Derek Martin presented a proposal to regional council for a privately funded stadium and sports development project worth approximately $100 million.

The plan includes a $70-million stadium at the Wanderers Grounds, with seating for approximately 10,500 spectators and capacity for larger concert audiences.

The proposed facility would feature covered seating, an artificial turf playing surface, a permanent concert stage and approximately 650 underground parking spaces, which could help address parking shortages near the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

Another $30 million would go toward a training facility and community sports hub in Dartmouth.

The Wanderers say they would cover the construction costs rather than asking the municipality to fund the buildings.

Under the proposal, the city would retain ownership of the land and lease it to the club.

The plans have not received final municipal approval.

What does the new report say?

The economic impact assessment released Wednesday, October 21, estimates a permanent stadium would generate $114.7 million in total economic activity for Nova Scotia.

That would build on the estimated $83.3 million the club has already generated since its first season.

The report also highlights the impact Wanderers games have on surrounding businesses.

According to the study, home matches generated approximately $2.6 million in spending at downtown Halifax bars and restaurants during the 2025 season.

With additional seating and the ability to host more events, the proposed stadium is projected to generate another $3.9 million in annual spending at downtown businesses.

The study also found that 54 per cent of fans who spend money downtown on matchdays live outside Halifax Regional Municipality, including a significant number of visitors from outside Nova Scotia.

Wanderers founder Derek Martin says the findings demonstrate the value the club has already brought to the downtown area.

“This report validates what we have always known, which is that the revitalization of the Wanderers Grounds has had a tremendous economic impact,” Martin said.

He added that an expanded stadium would increase those benefits without requiring municipal taxpayers to cover construction costs.

What happens next?

The Wanderers say the proposed facility would also provide more opportunities for community groups to use the grounds.

An artificial turf surface would allow for approximately 5,000 hours of community use annually, compared with the more limited availability of the current grass field.

The club says the stadium could also accommodate additional concerts, sporting events and other entertainment throughout the year.

The Wanderers Grounds currently hosts both the Halifax Wanderers men’s professional soccer team and the Halifax Tides women’s team.

Regional council has directed municipal staff to review the stadium proposal, including its feasibility, infrastructure requirements, community benefits and potential risks.

The economic impact figures are projections from a study released by the Wanderers and do not represent guaranteed revenue or a financial return to the municipality.

Thousands of Nova Scotia public sector workers are set to receive compensation after a decade-long legal battle over legislation that restricted their wages and collective bargaining rights.

The provincial government has agreed to pay an estimated $470 million to approximately 81,000 workers affected by Bill 148, which was ruled unconstitutional earlier this year.

Unifor confirmed Wednesday that eligible workers will receive lump-sum payments of up to $5,000, depending on how long they were employed while the restrictions were in place.

Bill 148, also known as the Public Services Sustainability Act, was introduced in 2015 by former premier Stephen McNeil’s Liberal government and took effect in 2017.

The legislation froze public sector wages for two years before allowing limited increases during the following two years. It also eliminated certain long-service awards.

Unions argued the law interfered with their ability to freely negotiate wages and benefits on behalf of their members.

In February, Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Ann Smith ruled that the legislation violated workers’ rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The compensation agreement provides $1,250 for each of the first two years of wage restrictions, $750 for the third year and $500 for the fourth.

Workers who lost the opportunity to accumulate certain long-service benefits could receive an additional $1,250, bringing the maximum payment to $5,000.

The payments are intended to compensate workers for violations of their Charter rights rather than directly reimburse all wages they might have earned without the legislation.

Unifor National President Lana Payne welcomed the decision, saying workers had spent more than a decade fighting to have their rights recognized.

“For more than a decade, our union and members fought to have their rights recognized after being denied the ability to freely bargain their wages and benefits,” Payne said.

The unions involved have also secured a commitment from the province that it will not appeal the court’s ruling or the resulting compensation order.

However, workers will not receive their payments immediately.

Unifor says it could take several months for the province to determine individual eligibility, calculate payments and establish a process for distributing the money.

No payment date has been announced.

Nova Scotia NDP MLA Paul Wozney has been removed as his party’s caucus whip following a controversial social media post encouraging widespread protests against government legislation.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender announced the decision Wednesday, October 21, after Wozney apologized for comments referencing protests in France.

The Sackville-Cobequid MLA made the remarks Tuesday in response to a court ruling involving Bill 148, legislation introduced by the former Liberal government that restricted wage increases and collective bargaining rights for public sector workers.

In his now-deleted post, Wozney urged workers not to rely solely on the courts to protect their rights.

“Learn from France. Own the streets. Shut government down,” he wrote, before calling for widespread disruption to pressure governments into changing legislation.

The riots in France are being driven by concerns over the rising cost of living and conditions in the country’s schools. As of Monday, at least 2,400 people had been arrested, while authorities reported that roughly 3,000 businesses and public buildings had been damaged or destroyed.

The comments drew criticism from the governing Progressive Conservatives, who accused Wozney of encouraging violence and called on Chender to remove him from his senior party positions.

Wozney subsequently deleted the post and issued an apology.

“I want to be clear that I did not intend to encourage or condone violence in any way—that is never acceptable,” Wozney said in a statement.

He also acknowledged that his words carry additional responsibility as an elected official while maintaining his support for peaceful protests against government decisions.

Chender confirmed she had spoken with Wozney and removed him from his position as caucus whip, a role responsible for helping organize and coordinate members of the party in the legislature.

“The Nova Scotia NDP unequivocally denounces violence or the suggestion of violence in civic life,” Chender said.

She described Wozney’s comments as a serious error in judgment and said he acknowledged the harm caused by his remarks.

The controversy follows a Nova Scotia Supreme Court decision concerning Bill 148, which was introduced in 2015 under former premier Stephen McNeil.

The legislation imposed restrictions on public sector wage increases and collective bargaining.

After the law was ruled unconstitutional earlier this year, a court decision issued Monday established compensation of up to $5,000 for affected union members.

Wozney, a former president of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, was elected to represent Sackville-Cobequid in 2024.

He remains a member of the NDP caucus and continues to serve as an MLA.

A 39-year-old Lunenburg County man has received two traffic tickets following a road rage incident that ended in a collision in Bridgewater.

Bridgewater Police Service says the incident happened shortly before 8 p.m. on October 5, involving a Mazda 5 and a Dodge Ram travelling westbound on Aberdeen Road.

According to police, one vehicle was following the other closely while its driver repeatedly honked the horn.

Investigators say the trailing vehicle eventually passed the other on Aberdeen Road before coming to a stop, causing a rear-end collision.

Following the crash, the vehicles pulled into separate parking lots.

Police, paramedics and Bridgewater volunteer firefighters responded to two locations: one near Aberdeen Road and Hirtle Drive, and another near Davison Drive and LaHave Street.

The Mazda sustained significant damage to its rear end, while the Dodge Ram had damage to its front.

The Mazda’s driver was taken by ambulance to South Shore Regional Hospital and later released.

Three people travelling in the Dodge Ram were not seriously injured.

Following an investigation, police issued two tickets to a 39-year-old man from Lunenburg County for driving left of the centre line and failing to operate a motor vehicle in a careful and prudent manner.

Four people have been arrested, and RCMP remain on scene in Upper New Cornwall as an investigation continues.

Police say officers are carrying out a search in the 3300 to 3400 block of Cornwall Road.

Mounties confirmed that four people have been safely arrested, but officers are still at the property and will remain in the area as the investigation continues.

Police have not released details about what prompted the search or whether any charges have been laid.

Residents in the area can expect to see a continued police presence while officers carry out their work.

RCMP say there is no risk to public safety at this time.

No further details about the investigation have been released.

Three people were taken to hospital following a crash that closed Bridgewater’s Veterans Memorial Bridge for about an hour Monday afternoon.

Bridgewater Police Service says officers, paramedics and firefighters responded to the collision shortly after 3 p.m. on October 19.

Investigators say a 2010 Honda Civic was turning left onto the bridge from LaHave Street when it struck a pedestrian attempting to cross the road.

The vehicle then struck a traffic light pole in the median and the sidewalk before flipping onto its roof.

The pedestrian, a 60-year-old woman, was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital, along with the car’s driver, a 68-year-old woman, and a 75-year-old male passenger.

Police say all three are Lunenburg County residents. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.

The intersection is controlled by traffic lights and pedestrian signals.

The crash forced the closure of Veterans Memorial Bridge for approximately one hour while emergency crews responded.

Bridgewater Police say the collision remains under investigation.

Canada’s annual inflation rate climbed to 3.1 per cent in September, driven largely by a sharp increase in gasoline and other energy prices.

New figures released by Statistics Canada show inflation edged up from three per cent in August, pushing the rate slightly above the Bank of Canada’s target range of one to three per cent.

Gasoline prices were 27.8 per cent higher than a year earlier, compared with an annual increase of 22.8 per cent in August.

Heating oil and other fuels saw an even larger increase, with prices jumping 57.8 per cent over the past year.

Statistics Canada says higher crude oil prices, driven in part by uncertainty surrounding conflicts in the Middle East, contributed to the rising costs.

Overall energy prices increased 19 per cent compared with September 2025.

Despite the increase in overall inflation, there was some relief for Canadians at the grocery store.

Food purchased from stores increased 1.7 per cent over the past year, down from 2.8 per cent in August. That marked the slowest annual increase in grocery prices since May 2024.

Prices for fresh vegetables fell 2.9 per cent, while beef prices continued to rise, increasing 8.7 per cent compared with a year earlier.

However, grocery prices remain significantly higher than they were several years ago, having climbed 33 per cent since September 2020.

Housing costs also continued to rise, although at a slower pace than overall inflation.

Shelter prices increased 1.8 per cent over the past year, while rents climbed 2.8 per cent.

When gasoline prices are excluded, Canada’s inflation rate actually slowed to 2.2 per cent in September, down from 2.4 per cent in August.

The figures suggest much of the latest increase in inflation is being driven by energy rather than widespread price increases across the economy.

Nearly 100 students at Acadia University in Wolfville have been displaced after a broken sprinkler line caused significant flooding at a campus residence over the weekend.

The flooding happened Saturday evening at War Memorial House, affecting all 96 students living in the building.

The university confirmed the incident Sunday, saying staff had worked with affected students to arrange accommodations in other campus residences.

Staff are also helping students retrieve their belongings and keeping them informed about the situation.

Faculty members are being notified so they can provide additional support to students affected by the disruption.

In an update Monday, the university said cleanup efforts were underway, but the full extent of the damage remains unknown.

Officials say the building must dry out before a complete damage assessment can be conducted.

As a result, there is no timeline for when repairs will be completed or when students will be able to return to War Memorial House.

Albertans have voted overwhelmingly to remain part of Canada, rejecting a proposal that would have started the process toward the province’s separation.

Unofficial results from Monday’s referendum show approximately 76 per cent of voters supported remaining in Canada, while about 23 per cent favoured beginning the legal process toward a future vote on independence.

Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the outcome in a statement released early Tuesday morning.

“On October 19, Albertans made a clear choice. They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other,” Carney said.

“Above all, Albertans chose Canada.”

The referendum did not ask voters to approve immediate independence. Instead, Albertans were asked whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the constitutional process required to hold a binding referendum on separation.

Carney said the results provide an opportunity for Canadians to move forward together, pointing to his government’s efforts to expand international trade and accelerate major infrastructure and energy projects.

He also emphasized Alberta’s importance to the country’s economic future, describing the province as central to Canada’s ambitions of becoming a global energy superpower.

“Canada is so much greater than the sum of its parts,” Carney said.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, whose government called the referendum, also welcomed the outcome. Smith had publicly opposed separation while maintaining that Alberta needed greater control over its own affairs.

The referendum followed growing support for separatism among some Albertans, driven in part by longstanding disagreements with Ottawa over energy policy, federal spending and provincial jurisdiction.

Supporters of independence have argued Alberta would benefit from greater autonomy, while opponents raised concerns about the economic and constitutional consequences of leaving Canada.

Despite Monday’s result, separatist leaders have indicated they intend to continue advocating for independence.

Albertans also voted on nine other non-binding questions, including proposals involving immigration, provincial powers and constitutional changes. Counting on those questions was continuing following Monday’s vote.

Elections Alberta is scheduled to release official results on October 29.

A South Shore entrepreneur who recently beat out international competition to claim a prestigious startup award says more businesses should consider putting down roots in the Bridgewater area.

Gregg Curwin, founder of Petite Rivière Farming Company, returned from Italy earlier this month after his company took first place at the International Network of Michelin Cities (INMC) Startup Pitch Competition.

The Conquerall Mills-based business, which operates under the GoMicro brand, produces freeze-dried broccoli sprout powder marketed as a nutritional supplement.

Curwin says the international recognition has been exciting, but he is equally enthusiastic about the support his company has received from the local business community.

“Bridgewater needs to be really, really on the map now as a startup area,” Curwin said in an interview.

The entrepreneur, who previously founded GoodLeaf Farms in Truro and has experience developing businesses in Halifax, believes the South Shore offers advantages that early-stage companies might overlook.

“If you’re an early stage founder with an idea, reach out to Donna Hatt, reach out to myself. This is a place where you want to start a business. And I say that wholeheartedly.”

Curwin credited local investors, municipal staff and Mayor David Mitchell with helping build an environment where smaller businesses can succeed.

He said the encouragement has been noticeable since he first began developing the company’s greenhouse.

“You’re not just a number,” Curwin said. “You just feel like you’ve got a community and a town behind you.”

Taking on international competition

Petite Rivière Farming Company earned its trip to Italy by winning Bridgewater’s local startup pitch competition in April.

That victory secured Curwin a place at the international competition in Cuneo, where 12 startups representing 10 cities across five countries competed for top honours.

The competition brought together businesses from several industries, including artificial intelligence, agricultural technology and health products.

Among the competitors were two other Nova Scotia businesses: Bioteem40 from Kings County, which develops probiotic supplements, and Micro Garden from Pictou County, which produces kits allowing people to grow microgreens at home.

Italy’s Plantvoice, a company developing technology to monitor plant health, finished second in the competition.

Curwin had just three minutes to convince an international panel of judges that his business deserved the top prize, followed by two minutes of questions.

Despite his experience starting businesses, he admitted the strength of the competition initially left him doubting his chances.

He said he would have been thrilled simply to finish among the top three.

The winners were announced during a closing ceremony at a historic Italian castle, where Curwin was joined by his wife, members of his team and representatives from Bridgewater.

As the third- and second-place winners were announced, Curwin thought his opportunity had passed.

Instead, Petite Rivière Farming Company was named the winner.

Curwin recalled hugging his wife and colleagues, with the group overwhelmed by emotion.

He was particularly struck by the reaction of Mayor Mitchell and the Bridgewater delegation, who celebrated alongside the company.

The occasion was made even more memorable because it coincided with Curwin’s 30th wedding anniversary.

“Some days are stars and some days they’re dogs, Evan, and that was a star.”

The victory earned the company €5,000, along with international exposure and opportunities to connect with investors and business partners.

A boost for the South Shore

Mayor David Mitchell celebrated the result in a social media post, saying the company’s success demonstrated the potential for innovative businesses to grow outside larger urban centres.

“They developed innovative technology and employ local talent right here, and now they have shown the world that Lunenburg County can be a hub for startups and entrepreneurs,” Mitchell wrote.

Bridgewater is a founding member of the International Network of Michelin Cities, which connects communities with ties to Michelin operations around the world.

The town also participates in the network’s Corridor of Incubators initiative, established to help startups develop international relationships and explore new markets.

Curwin believes those connections are already creating opportunities for his company.

He says discussions are underway with other competitors about possible collaborations, including potential opportunities in Germany.

The publicity surrounding the victory has also translated into increased interest from customers.

Curwin said online orders surged following the announcement, although he expects demand to eventually settle.

The company is completing a new processing and packaging building and planning a larger greenhouse as it prepares for future growth.

For Curwin, the experience has reinforced his belief that entrepreneurs do not necessarily need to establish themselves in Halifax or another major centre to find success.

He hopes the international recognition encourages other founders to take a closer look at Bridgewater and the surrounding communities.