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Spraying to prevent budworm infestation in Inverness County

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To combat the spruce budworm, forests in Northwestern Cape Breton will be treated early in June.

Natural Resources will be spraying in the Pleasant Bay area to help stop the spread of this aggressive species.

They say the budworms destroy softwood trees and increase wildfire risk.

The biological insecticide that’s approved to be applied aerially targets the larvae when it is most effective to eliminate them.

“By acting early in a small, focused area, we can help prevent much larger impacts on Nova Scotia’s forests in the years ahead,” said Kyle MacQuarrie, Ministerial Assistant for Natural Resources.

“Other parts of the country have recently seen the devastation the spruce budworm can have on their forests, and the risk it poses for forest fires. We want to be proactive in managing the effect of this species on our province.”

Natural Resources says this early remedy will help prevent population buildup, protect forests, and reduce wildfire risk, while decreasing serious impacts to rural communities and forestry jobs and reducing the need for repeat treatments.

The spray will primarily be done on Crownlands, however private landowners in the treatment area can opt in for their property to be included.

Andy Hines - Little Lorraine

Director of N.S.-based Little Lorraine ‘mind-blown’ by massive success

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The writer and director of the Nova Scotia-based film Little Lorraine says he is ‘mind-blown’ by its massive success.

The film is about coalminers turned lobster fishers who and got entangled in drug smuggling; and is selling out box offices across the country.

Andy Hines reflects on how you can lose yourself in the process, but then it is so validating when you see your project doing so well.

In an interview with Acadia News from California, he tells us the success is validating and winning the Michael Weir Award for Best Atlantic Screenwriter at the 2025 Atlantic International Film Festival was a special accolade of his work on this film.

“At times I’ve doubted myself and also had outside doubt of my abilities. So, it felt really good to receive an award, especially from my home province stating that my screenplay was memorable enough to receive that,” he reflects.

He says one of his favorite parts of the success is how it is bringing communities together.

The film was inspired by the music video Hines directed for Adam Baldwin’s song The Lighthouse in Little Lorraine.

Movie making in the Maritimes

He shares how the Maritimes have endless stories that can become productions.

“Nova Scotia is such a rich and lush place that’s full of such great stories to tell. And I hope that other filmmakers and writers are motivated by my film Little Lorraine to sort of dig into that world,” he expressed.

Hines hopes there can be more films made in Nova Scotia about Nova Scotia rather than pretending it’s some other place in the future.

He says making films that he calls “Easterns” is important because this is a very special part of the world that deserves to be showcased for its incredibly rich lore.

Currently, he’s in Northern California writing his next “Eastern” that he looks forward to shooting in his home province of Nova Scotia.

Screen Nova Scotia reflects on the film’s success

Screen Nova Scotia is also excited to see Little Lorraine is a breakout hit for a film made in Cape Breton.

That’s according to Executive Director, Laura MacKenzie who says this acclaimed movie highlights the benefits of making films in the province.

“I’m uniquely excited about Little Lorraine’s success because it is one of the first feature films of the size and scope that it is to not only film in Cape Breton, but get national attention,” shares MacKenzie.

She expresses the film was beautifully written and directed by Andy Hines who did a fantastic job portraying the story.

MacKenzie says the response from community selling out theatres is what really matters for a story that’s part of their history and ancestry.

“It’s priceless when it comes to eyeballs on Nova Scotia and underscoring the depth of talent that we have in this province and that it is an incredible place to come and make films,” she claims.

She says she’s very happy for the people of Cape Breton that they’re happy with the way that this story came out.

Little Lorraine is currently playing in theatres.

Row of fiddles

Canadian Folk Music Awards coming to Nova Scotia in 2027

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Get your dancing shoes ready as a special music awards show is coming to Nova Scotia for the first time.

Cape Breton was chosen as the location for the 2027 Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA).

They’re taking place in Sydney from April 8 to 11, 2027.

Destination Cape Breton CEO, Terry Smith shares with us why the chosen location makes sense for the area.

“Music is really within our DNA in Cape Breton. We probably produce more musicians per capita than most places on the planet and it’s not just that. We have a track record of producing talented musicians, but we have an abundance of music lovers here,” he states.

“Whenever the East Coast Music Awards or Nova Scotia Music Week come to Cape Breton Island that the event is a tremendous success, and they always want to come back and that’s just because people really support musical events.”

He says local artists will be showcased, including some as award nominees.

Smith is also excited that hosting this event will help boost tourism.

“It’s being able to fill a soft spot in the calendar that will fill hotel rooms and ensure that our restaurants are buzzing so there would be a strong economic impact from hosting the award,” he expresses.

This event will give the island a strong kick off to spring tourism that will hopefully carry on through the rest of the summer, according to Smith.

He reveals Sydney was chosen as a good fit because of the range of venues within a fairly condensed area, along with things like availability for guest accommodations.

The CFMA board members toured several potential venues when they visited Sydney last week.

Smith says spirit, culture and creativity is something that that’s really a part of Cape Bretoners as people.

“We’re inspired by this place. [It’s] one of the most beautiful islands on the planet and that that really spurs people to want to create things from that inspiration, whether it’s music, fine crafts, other kinds of works of art [or] developing businesses and just being innovative. I think that’s all part of what makes Cape Breton really special.”

Destination Cape Breton plans to work closely with the CFMA to help promote the event and attract as many people to the island for this national music event as possible.

Rain falling (Acadia photo)

Rain and wind expected for Cape Breton and Eastern Shore

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Heavy rainfalls are expected on Thursday in Cape Breton and along the Eastern Shore.

Environment Canada says there could be up to 60 mm of rainfall beginning Thursday and going into the evening.

They say the heavy precipitation could be up to 10 mm each hour.

They’ve also issued a wind warning of up to 90 km per hour on Thursday morning to early afternoon for Inverness County from Margaree Harbour to Bay St. Lawrence.

The latest alerts and forecasts can be monitored on Environment Canada’s website.

skyline trail

Visitors can reserve in advance to hike popular trail in Cape Breton

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The Skyline Trail, one of Cape Breton National Park’s most popular hiking spots, will now require visitors to reserve parking during peak season.

Parks Canada says visitors should book in advance between June 26 to October 25 to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment at the gate.

Reservations open May 6 at 9 a.m. Atlantic time, but spots are limited and fill quickly, so plan ahead, book early, and don’t miss your chance to explore Cape Breton!

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Canso Causeway reopens to marine traffic for the season

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Drivers to and from Cape Breton Island will now need to prepare for waits as the Canso Causeway has reopened to marine traffic.

The Canadian Coast Guard says it began operations again for the season on Thursday, April 16 until December 24.

The Government of Canada’s website says the Canso Canal will be able to open for vessels seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

They say on average there are 1,000 ships that pass through the causeway each year.

The Canal serves mostly commercial ships which are 85 per cent owned or operated by shipping companies, fishermen and the government, according to their website.

doctor holding red stethoscope

Healthcare recruitment supported in Cape Breton South after cuts

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Richmond County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury are not giving up on a Cape Breton healthcare initiative after a huge cut to its funding.

Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health, Program Director, Gina MacDonald confirmed at a Port Hawkesbury council meeting that annual community funding of $2 million was cut by 20 per cent, which is a $400,000 provincial cut.

She explained their goal is to recruit and retain medical professionals and that this area does not get enough recruitment strategy focus.

Deputy Mayor Todd Barrett explained why healthcare is an important piece of a municipality.

“If you’re going to attract people, people need healthcare, it’s part and parcel to the growth of a community. So, you know, a healthy community, you need that for the future,” he expressed.

Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton says although municipalities aren’t the key drivers for finding and keeping medical healthcare, the Town has put funding behind it.

“In Cape Breton South, so Richmond County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury were happy to roll up our sleeves [and] figure out a way that we can impact positive change on the R&R, which is the recruitment and retention of medical healthcare staff,” she shared.

The Cape Breton South Health Infusion project initiative was also created to lure American doctors and healthcare professionals to Canada.

MacDonald said considering the political situation in the United States, a lot of them have made it clear that they will be to make their move to Canada permanent.

She’s created new recruitment packages that give a first impression and share about the community to attract and retain potential new medical professionals.

Cape Breton Regional Police - hit and run - sized

Search for vehicle in fatal hit and run in Cape Breton

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Cape Breton Regional Police are on the search for the vehicle involved in a fatal hit and run in Albert Bridge.

They say they’ve determined it was a 2024 or 2025 Buick Encore Avenir most likely with frontend damage but are unsure of the colour.

Officers found a 23-year-old female victim deceased along the Louisbourg Highway near Kristen Court and Hills Road on Saturday, March 15 before noon.

They determined she the was the victim of a hit and run collision that occurred sometime during the overnight hours of Saturday, March 14.

A GoFundMe is available online for Cassie Reid who it says left behind four beautiful children.

Contact police if you have information or can identify the vehicle.

Cassie Reid JPG

Hit-and-run victim in Cape Breton identified

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A mother is being mourned after a hit-and-run in Albert Bridge.

A GoFundMe for Cassie Reid describes the loss as “heartbreaking” and says she left behind “four beautiful children”.

The money will go towards funeral expenses and to support her children.

“Any amount you are able to contribute would be deeply appreciated,” said friend of the family Cheryl Christmas.

“Thank you for your kindness and support.”

Police say the 23-year-old victim was found on Louisburg Highway near Hills Road around noon on Sunday after what they believe was an overnight collision.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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