Ian Fairclough
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Outdoorsman. Metalhead who likes the blues. Canadian Football booster. Isles fan.
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Articles by Ian Fairclough
Bayers Road, Oxford Street intersection closure to cause more traffic chaos for Halifax drivers
Start planning for more traffic chaos for the next month or so if your daily routine involves driving around the area of Bayers Road and Oxford Street in Halifax. HRM says there will be a full closure of the intersection of Bayers Road and Oxford Street from Oct. 14 to about Remembrance Day as part of the Bayers Road Transit Priority Corridor Phase 2 project. This intersection will be closed around the clock for the installation of an upgraded water main beneath the intersection.
El Niño meant fewer hurricanes: What do the next few months look like for Nova Scotia?
The lack of hurricanes and tropical storms this fall has not been a surprise as the effects of El Niño keep those storms from happening. But what else should we expect in Nova Scotia in the coming months? Here’s what we found out from meteorologist Cindy Day: El Niño is a weather pattern that happens when the sea surface temperature is above normal at a site in the eastern central equatorial zone of the Pacific Ocean.
Halifax completes review of road rage incident between employee and driver, but isn't releasing details
Halifax Regional Municipality says it has concluded its investigation into an incident in March in which an individual in a municipal vehicle was involved in a verbal dispute with another driver that was captured on video. However, the municipality says, it’s not releasing any details, including whether or not it took any action against its employee.
Traffic woes: How does Halifax plan and schedule infrastructure work?
“Yes. Tourism activity, major events and seasonal traffic patterns are considered during project planning, particularly in areas that experience significant visitor activity. However, the construction season is limited and many projects are also subject to environmental, technical and funding constraints. As a result, it is not always possible to avoid construction during peak tourism periods.” Does the municipality try to have more work going in spring and fall rather than summer?
Researchers looking for Nova Scotia catfish that may have transmissible cancer
“If this is one related transmissible cancer, then it suggests that these fish have been moved around and interacted with each other somehow.” It’s not known right now what the possible impacts of the cancer are on the environment, why it’s happening, or if it’s a broader indication of water quality. It’s not known how long the transmissible cancer has been in the lakes, either. Clarke said transmissible cancers have been found to potentially have existed for hundreds or thousands of years.
Researchers looking for Nova Scotia catfish that may have transmissible cancer
• A brown bullhead catfish is shown with a black spot that is a transmissible cancer. The fish came from a lake on the Vermont-Quebec border, and researchers are trying to determine whether the same genetic melanoma is found on fish in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia dentists looking for dental hygienists, assistants; over 100 jobs advertised
Despite a job fair and public appeal in March, the need for dental hygienists, assistants and other staff at oral health-care providers across the province is even greater than it was. In March, the Nova Scotia Dental Association said there were more than 100 job postings on its website. That led it to hold an expo and job fair.
Nova Scotia woman scammed for $10,000: Online shopping ends with deposits in Bitcoin terminal
Depositing that much money a few bills at a time meant the woman was slightly hunched over, making her back sore. When she said so, the scammer suggested she go home and get a rest, then called her back in the afternoon after she napped. He kept her on the phone again and she went to another branch of her bank and withdrew another $5,000 and repeated the process. This time, though, the activity raised the suspicion of a clerk at the store, who called police.
Kings County man killed wife after her decision to take own life in face of homelessness and health concerns, court told
He said Dodd told Smith her health could not handle the eviction and she didn’t want to suffer through that just to go to long-term care. She then told Smith her plan to end her life by overdosing on her medications, which had recently been refilled. She said she would take those while Smith went for a drive and the medications took effect. She said that would allow him to be free of repercussions or responsibility.
Nova Scotia man killed wife after her decision to take own life in face of homelessness and health concerns, court told
• • Douglas Smith (in grey shirt) is lead from Kentville Supreme court Tuesday after being sentenced to six years in jail for the death of his wife in April 2022. Smith pleaded guilty to manslaughter. /The Chronicle Herald Douglas Andrew Smith was at his wits’ end when he smothered his wife to death in 2022, a judge was told at his sentencing in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Kentville. Don't have an account?
Gus going under the knife: Halifax museum's beloved tortoise to have surgery next month
The museum said Monday that Gus – 104 years old – was diagnosed with a urinary stone in 2009. The stone is a hard lump of minerals that formed in his bladder and is common in tortoises. It wasn’t causing him any discomfort at the time, and the only surgical option would have meant drilling through his shell and a long recovery. Because of that, his age and general good health, the decision was made to monitor the stone as long as Gus was comfortable and active.
Kings County woman sentenced to house arrest for fatal crash near Wolfville
A Berwick woman has been sentenced to two years of house arrest and 18 months of probation for the death of an elderly woman she struck with her car near Wolfville two years ago. Gerrits was driving a Hyundai Santa Fe that failed to negotiate a sharp curve on Ridge Road on the afternoon of June 5, 2024 and struck a Toyota Corolla that was parked off the roadway and a woman who was standing by the vehicle, before coming to a stop in a field. “She was driving when she should have been sleeping. . . .
More than a decade after bats were almost wiped out in Nova Scotia, there are some optimistic signs of recovery
She said the best thing people can do to help is leave bats alone when they see them and just observe them without making direct contact. If there is a bat in a home, she said, homeowners can call the Department of Natural Resources or the Canadian Wildlife Help Cooperative’s Atlantic Canada hotline.
Kentville development increases could see population double
Longer term, he said, he is hoping to find ways to link the Donald connecter with more direct access to Chester Avenue and Highway 12 or Highway 101. That would help reduce traffic coming out of the industrial park into the west end of town. Active transportation routes are also part of the plan to help reduce traffic as that area develops, Zebian said.
New levy on Nova Scotia electric and hybrid vehicle registrations starts Oct. 1
The fee was introduced by the provincial government in February, with the reasoning that construction and maintenance of provincial roads is partially paid by taxes on gas, which doesn’t happen or is reduced when vehicles don’t use gas or use less of it. “The notion of people paying for roads is something that is well-accepted across everybody,” Sampson said.
Church bell stolen from Digby County cemetery
Sometime Sunday night, the bell was stolen from the site of the former Saint-Jean Baptiste (also called St. John the Baptist) Catholic Church in Corberrie. The bell was seen at the site Sunday evening and noticed missing Monday. The church was deconsecrated two decades ago. The bell was placed on iron supports below a cross at the site, where a cemetery remains, a few years ago. He said he hopes any scrap dealers that may have the bell brought to them will report it to police.
Woman charged with manslaughter in 2024 death of man in Dartmouth homeless encampment
Police were called Dec. 22, 2024, to the Geary Street encampment site for a report of a man being assaulted by a female. Paramedics were also called, but the man declined medical attention. Four days later, at 4:15 p.m. on Boxing Day, police were called back to the site and found Emmerson dead inside a tent. At the time, they said there was no obvious sign of foul play.
Man charged with making hate-motivated threats toward youth in Middle Sackville
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Remains of Kings County murder victim Esther Jones recovered from woods in Annapolis County
RCMP have recovered the remains of Esther Jones, the victim of a homicide in August 2024. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Halifax RCMP charge two men with attempted murder of woman in Beechville in alleged intimate partner violence case
Halifax RCMP have charged two men with attempted murder and other charges in an alleged assault that they say is considered intimate partner violence. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Nova Scotia home sales decline for 11th straight month as market moving 'towards a buyer’s market,’ says realtors association
Statistics from the association show there were 997 housing units sold in the month, down 7.1 per cent from a year ago, 7.3 per cent from the five-year average, and 15.6 per cent from the 10-year average. Single-family homes accounted for the bulk of the sales – 807 in total – but that was down 8.9 per cent from last August. There were 27 townhouses sold, which is a 25 per cent drop, but that is a result of lower numbers to start with and represents a drop of only about 10 units.
Halifax Regional Police adding second recruitment class this year for the first time
The first class of 40 is starting this fall and will graduate in the summer of 2027. That class is full. The second class will start in the spring of 2027 and graduate in the winter. Applications are open until Oct. 1. The 38-week program provides all the training required for graduates to become officers with the force and takes place at the department’s training school in Dartmouth.
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada has penalized the Nova Scotia Gaming Corp. for non-compliance with the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and associated regulations. The centre said in a news release that the issue in the gaming corporation’s casino sector was found during a compliance examination, resulting in the imposition of a $231,826 penalty on July 23.
Man charged with attempted murder after Kentville stabbing
A man accused of attacking a woman and police during an incident in Kentville on Monday evening has agreed to remain in custody until his next court appearance on attempted murder and other charges. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Man pleads guilty to murder in death of Kings County music teacher Esther Jones
DNA collected from the gas cans was determined to match Toole’s. According to a timeline developed by investigators using surveillance imagery, Jones backed up her car to the south entrance of the college at 4:31 p.m. A white truck is seen arriving in the background. A man is seen near the south entrance to the building at 4:38 p.m. A minute later, he is climbing stairs to a hallway. Jones is at the other end of the passage.
Back to school in Nova Scotia: Here's some of what you need to know for the start of classes this week
That faint whining noise you’ve been hearing for the past couple days, slowly growing in volume? It may just be the collective moaning of students preparing for the return to school. Whether you’re happy or sad about school starting, going for the first time or heading toward the last first day of classes, here are some things to remember. The first day of school for students across the province is Thursday.
Two people dead after another crash on Highway 101 in Kings County
Two people are dead after a head-on crash on Highway 101 in Kings County over the weekend. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Nova Scotia chocolatier company Peace by Chocolate pushes back against Trump's latest rant with Lake Ontario bar
The ink from Donald Trump’s Sharpie was barely dry on his latest uninformed executive order – this one purporting to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America – when Nova Scotia company Peace by Chocolate responded. The company was founded in Antigonish by the Hadhad family, who came to Canada from a refugee camp following their escape from the Syrian civil war more than a decade ago. “They tried to remove Lake Ontario from the map. We put its name on a chocolate bar to keep it visible.
Two longtime Nova Scotia Court of Appeal judges retire after decades on the bench
The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal is short two judges from its roster after two supernumerary, or part-time, judges announced they are retiring. However, the provincial judiciary says this doesn’t create any significant holes on the bench because the court has a full slate of full-time judges and no vacancies. “Justice Fichaud was appointed directly from practice and served the court for almost 23 years.
Acadia University tick research lab gets $1.6 million in government funding to launch facility
Farone said the official opening of the lab was an exciting moment for everyone working at the centre to better understand ticks and tick-borne diseases and translate the research into practical solutions to protect people and communities. “Seeing that vision become a reality has truly been a team effort,” she said. “It’s just the beginning.
Bail hearing for Halifax man charged in U.S. consulate bomb threat adjourned again
Assakereh is facing three charges stemming from the Aug. 9 threat that closed part of downtown Halifax for several hours the next day. He was originally charged with uttering threats and public mischief, and on Aug. 19 was arraigned on a terrorism charge of making a threat against an internationally protected person. This is the fifth time the case was adjourned as duty counsel lawyers try to come up with a release plan.
Frank magazine ruling: Publishing intimate photos was cyberbullying, but article on Nova Scotia landlords wasn't
Smith wrote that while she found the four images in question did constitute cyberbullying, the stories themselves did not. “Overall, when considering the purposes of the act, I interpret the act as a whole as a legislative attempt to target harmful online behaviours carried out by individuals against each other, rather than an attempt to target journalism,” Smith wrote.
Residents of one Nova Scotia community fed up with rough roads post ‘no road maintenance’ signs
Some people appear to be so fed up by the state of the roads in Kings County that they have put up signs saying “No road maintenance. Proceed at own risk.” One resident, who has lived on the road for about five years and didn’t want to be named, said the road was rough in spots when he moved there but has deteriorated since then. He said he has avoided significant damage to his vehicle while driving, but “we’re pretty good at . . .
Fire damages kitchen at Halifax waterfront food establishment
There was a fire in one of the food outlets on the Halifax waterfront Sunday night. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Nova Scotia wineries hope to maintain and expand bigger customer base whenever American wines return to NSLC shelves
Wineries in Nova Scotia are hopeful that gains they have made since the province pulled American alcohol products from Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. shelves in February 2025 will remain whenever those products return. Last week, a supposed tentative trade deal between Canada and the United States came with a request from Prime Minister Mark Carney to the provinces that they resume selling American products in liquor stores. A potential trade deal collapsed on Friday night, however.
Man's body found in load of material dumped at Halifax recycling centre
Halifax Regional Police are trying to figure out what killed a man whose body was found at a recycling facility in Halifax. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Nova Scotia willing to put American alcohol back on shelves if new trade deal goes through, Houston says
As it appears that Canada and the United States are closer to a new trade deal, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says part of that includes a request from Prime Minister Mark Carney to provinces that have pulled American alcohol products from liquor stores to put those bottles back on shelves.
One year after Nova Scotia’s Long Lake wildfire, a family slowly rebuilds and the land quietly recovers
That all had to be done on their own, as they could not get insurance on their home because of its age, lack of two heating sources and an older electrical system. They did get some help from a donation fund set up for area residents. Without insurance and with limited income, it has been a hard go trying to put their house back to rights.
Two suspicious fires reported at Lunenburg County farm where 10,000 chickens were killed
Two more fires have been reported at a Lunenburg County property two days after a fire burned an outbuilding on a farm where 10,000 chickens were killed in July after someone turned off a fan in their barn. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Fire at Nova Scotia farm where 10,000 chickens were killed in a break-in last month not suspicious, RCMP say
A fire at the same property where 10,000 chickens died last month when someone shut down a barn’s ventilation system doesn’t appear to be suspicious, RCMP say. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Halifax social worker suspended for inappropriate conduct with former client
At that time he hadn’t worked with the woman since 2016, when she was 16 years old. In April of 2022, the decision says, Patey drove to meet the woman to take her to lunch. After he picked her up, she asked about seeing his dogs and he agreed to take her to his house for that purpose. They were the only ones at the home when they arrived and the woman had not been inside before, the decision said. She played with the dogs and then asked to use the washroom as Patey prepared a meal at her request.
High bacteria levels close two Halifax beaches to swimming
Rainbow Haven and Lawrencetown beaches in Halifax Regional Municipality have been essentially closed to swimming because of high bacteria levels. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Peeping drone: Halifax woman shocked by device watching her through bedroom window
“He said at least there is a paper trail now in case it happens to someone else,” she said, but the matter would be hard to pursue without knowing who was flying the drone or from where. She said she hasn’t had any issues with anyone in the building seeming to be watching or following her. She also talked to the building superintendent, who said there was nothing happening at the Barrington Street building that would involve a drone being used.
Multimillion-dollar settlement in Air Canada crash at Halifax airport approved by court
The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia has approved a multimillion-dollar settlement in a class action that stemmed from the crash of an Air Canada flight at Stanfield International Airport in Halifax on March 29, 2015.
Lunenburg County man charged with sexual assault after missing Kings County youth investigation leads to home in Chester Basin
RCMP in Lunenburg County have charged a man with sexual offences after a search for a missing youth from Kings County led police to the home in Chester Basin. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Suspected lithium-ion battery fire disrupts garbage collection in Annapolis County
Lawrencetown firefighters were called to the site on Elliott Road at about 1:30 a.m., and they found a significant fire burning and called for help from other departments in Kings and Annapolis counties.
Wild crashes on Highway 102 in Lower Sackville involved 13 vehicles on Wednesday
Four people were taken to the hospital after two separate multi-vehicle crashes in the same section of Highway 102 on Wednesday that involved a total of 13 vehicles. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
Do you need tenant insurance in Nova Scotia? Here's what renters should know
Insurance. As the phrase goes, it’s better to have it and not use it than not have it and need it. In recent months, there have been several instances in which tenants without insurance in rental properties across the province have suffered a major loss because of fires that started in their own apartment, or because a fire in a neighbouring apartment or building spread to theirs So what is it that makes tenant insurance so important and how easy is it to get? Here’s what you need to know.
More Nova Scotia youth turning to Kids Help Phone overnight, text data shows
As more issues cause concerns for young people in Nova Scotia, they are increasingly turning to the Kids Help Phone for assistance, especially at night and by text messaging. The national service recorded a 26 per cent increase in people in this province reaching out by text in the overnight hours in the first six months of this year compared to 2025. The increase in Halifax was 18 per cent.
Two people stabbed in Halifax after verbal dispute outside shelter turns violent
Made in Canada: You can't buy happiness, but you can buy these four ice cream flavours There’s no better way to cap off National Ice Cream Month than with a Canadian-made cone full of your favourite flavour. Especially if you’re still working on your quota of 4.5 litres of ice cream each year — the average total per Canadian as noted by Statistics Canada in 2023.
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