Patrick Healey
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Covering #FallRiverNS #BeaverBank #EastHants. Love positive stories. 2026 EH Chamber Peoples Choice Award winner. Find us at: thelaker.ca #ElmsdaleNS
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Articles by Patrick Healey
Cantfell, Harding help crown U15B Penguins Day of Champions winners
The East Hants U15B Penguins won the banner at Day of Champions. (Hockey Nova Scotia photo) TRURO: Two goals in each the second and third period propelled the U15B East Hnats Penguins to the Day of Champions Hockey Nova Scotia 2026 banner. Played at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC) in Truro, Lantz’s Brogan Cantfell and Jace Harding each had two goals to lead the Penguins past Bedford Blues (White) 5-1 in the final on Sunday morning. Winston Wilson had the other East Hants marker.
Reminder: Pat’s vacation starts tomorrow; no Laker Newsletter April 16-20
The Laker News logo as created by Liane Rogers. (Healey photo) ENFIELD: One last PSA and heads up that beginning April 16-20 there will be no Laker Newsletter as Pat will be out of province enjoying a much deserved break from us back here. There will also be no updates posted to the Laker News Facebook page or his socials for news happenings. The Laker Newsletter and stories will begin being posted again when he returns to work on April 21.
MCANS disappointed with Minister’s approval of Eigg Mountain wind project
MCANS logo. (Submitted photo) NOVA SCOTIA: It was with profound sadness and disappointment that the Moose Conservation Association of Nova Scotia received notification of Nova Scotia Environment Minister Tim Halman’s shortsighted acceptance of the Eigg Mountain Wind Project, Environmental Assessment (EA). As the final judge and jury of the fate of the resident endangered mainland moose population Mr Halman, with his action, assumed the added role of their executioner.
RCMP in N.B. issue warning about fraudulent letters delivered by mail
NEW BRUNSWICK: RCMP in New Brunswick are sharing a public advisory about fraudulent letters being delivered by mail. As such and even though we’re in N.S., it may be good for our readers to know of this as it could be happening here as well so we at The Laker News thought it was good to share. Police in New Brunswick say these letters closely resemble long running scam emails that claim you are the only remaining relative of a wealthy prince or financier and promise a large payout.
ADVERTORIAL: Connecting great employers with great people: East Hants Job Fair returns April 23
ENFIELD: Job seekers and employers across the East Hants region will have the opportunity to connect face-to-face later this month as the annual East Hants Job Fairreturns on Thursday, April 23 from 1-4 p.m. at the Enfield Fire Hall. The event will feature 15+ employers who are actively hiring, offering a valuable opportunity for local residents to explore career options while helping businesses address workforce needs in the region.
Community input sought in East Hants Community Plan update
East Hants wants you to have your say on the Community Plan. (East Hants photo) EAST HANTS: It’s time for an update tot he East Hants Community Plan, and you’re feedback is being sought by the Municipality of East Hants. The East Hants Official Community Plan shapes how our community grows and evolves, the municipality said in a post. The last comprehensive review was in 2016, and now the municipality is planning for what’s next.
Photos: LHS Icebreaker rugby tournament
FALL RIVER: The annual Lockview High Icebreaker rugby tournament took place all day Saturday. The tournament, featuring girls and boys rugby teams that were invited to participate, took place at thew multi-sport LHS Turf Field in Fall River. It was played during the overcast and then heavy rain that hit the area. Games here are used as a teaching tool for the new players to each team and the sport in preparation for the high school rugby season. Action in the LHS Boys rugby game.
Jr C Penguins season comes to an end after championship series loss
BERWICK: The East Hants Ryson Construction Penguins ran out of gas in their best-of-seven championship series against the Admirals. In game six, the Pens lost 4-1 in Berwick and so their season came to an end as Admirals claimed the championship. A night earlier, East Hants kept their season going in Lantz with an identical 4-1 score before the loud fans at the East Hants Sportsplex.
NSAR announces new president and board
DARTMOUTH: The new President and Board of Directors for the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®(NSAR) were recently sworn in at the Association’s 26th Annual General Meeting. New President, Sandi Carroll, of Keller Williams Select Realty in Kentville (pictured), takes the reigns over from Suzanne Gravel of Century 21 Trident in Dartmouth. “I am pleased to lead an association that provides members with the provincial Multiple Listings Service® (MLS®), tools, and advocacy.
Eigg Mountain wind energy project approved
ANTIGONISH: The Eigg Mountain wind energy project in Antigonish County received its environmental assessment approval on April 9. Construction of the wind farm, which will include 22 turbines, is expected to begin late this year and employ 200 to 250 people. Once operational in 2028, it is expected to employ between four and 12 people for about 35 years and generate $1.3 million in annual tax revenue for the Municipality of the County of Antigonish.
Statement from Natural Resources Minister on industrial approval of Touquoy Mine
HALIFAX: The following is a statement from Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland. “On April 10 industrial approval was granted for new work at the Touquoy gold mine site in Moose River, Halifax County. This approval will allow Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia to process about three million tonnes of stockpiled ore at the existing site, putting a significant resource back into production. This approval will create about197 jobs and generate an estimated $151 million in economic activity for Nova Scotia.
RCMP charge woman with impaired driving in Enfield after report to police
ENFIELD: An alert citizen spotted what they thought was an impaired driver last week and notified RCMP. A/Sgt. Evan Collier with East Hants RCMP said the call of a possible impaired driver came into the detachment and officers responded. They were able to coordinate in order to intercept the vehicle and conduct an impaired driving investigation. The vehicle and driver were quickly located in Enfield. ADVERTISEMENT: A/Sgt.
Expect traffic delays week on Sackville Drive for roadwork, HRM says
Traffic advisories in N.S. (Google photo) LOWER SACKVILLE: HRM is advising motorists to expect delays in their travels next week in Lower Sackville. In a PSA, the municipality said there will be roadwork near 361 Sackville Drive in Lower Sackville between 7 a.m. on April 13 to 5 p.m. daily until April 17. They say this work is to facilitate underground utility service connections in the area. A lane reduction will be in place.
Colchester County RCMP charges Truro man for impaired driving, other offences
STEWIACKE: Colchester County District RCMP has charged an 187-year-old Truro man with multiple offences, including impaired and dangerous operation, after calls from concerned community members. On April 7, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Colchester County District RCMP received multiple calls about unsafe driving involving a black Honda Civic in Stewiacke. The vehicle was stopping on the road, doing burnouts, driving with its doors open, and driving on the wrong side of the roadway.
Approval issued for new work at Touquoy Mine site in Moose River
MOOSE RIVER: Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia received an industrial approval April 10, to process stockpiled ore at the Touquoy gold mine in Moose River, Halifax County. There are about three million tonnes of unprocessed ore containing gold that were left at the site when operations stopped in 2023. Under the approval, there will not be any new mining or extraction, and all activity must take place within the current disturbed footprint.
Police charge man with firearms offences, public mischief after false report
LOWER SACKVILLE: The RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division has charged a man with firearms offences and public mischief after an investigation determined he made a false report. On November 13, at approximately 3:45 a.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment and EHS responded to a report of an injured man in the parking lot of a business in the 0-100 block of Forest Hill Pkwy. Upon arrival, officers were told by the man that he had been shot.
Rendell, Jr C Penguins look to keep season alive in Game five on Friday night
LANTZ: Gabe Rendell will look to continue his solid goaltending this post-season and keep the East Hants Ryson Construction Penguins season alive. The Pens will look to have a busy weekend of hockey playing possibly three games in less than 72 hours beginning Friday night against the Admirals. Game five in their best-of-seven N.S. Jr C Hockey league championship hits the Keith Miller Arena April 10 in the East Hants Sportsplex. Game time is 8:30 p.m. in Lantz.
Long-term care talks at impasse as strike looms, CUPE local president says
ENFIELD: Sitting down at Aroma Maya Coffee & Donuts in Enfield, Wendy Jarema didn’t mince words about the state of negotiations between long-term care workers and the provincial government. The president of CUPE Local 5165, which represents workers at The Magnolia in Enfield, said talks have stalled, leaving job action increasingly likely. “We’ve been given the same deal at every meeting,” Jarema told The Laker News.
Legislative sitting concludes with budget, powering the economy act passed
HALIFAX: The spring legislative sitting concluded April 9. This session’s highlights included passing a budget with billions of dollars in new investments and the passage of the Powering the Economy Act. Together, these measures deliver major investments in healthcare, long-term care, housing and energy development that will benefit Nova Scotians for years to come. “This session was about putting Nova Scotians first,” said Premier Tim Houston.
Ryan Cole wanted on province-wide arrest warrant
LANTZ: East Hants District RCMP is seeking information on the whereabouts of Ryan Cole, currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant. Cole, 36, of Lantz, is facing the following charges: Assault with a Weapon Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose Break and Enter Robbery Theft Under $5,000 Mischief Under $5,000 Refusal to Comply with a Demand Failure to Comply with a Probation Order Cole is described as approximately 6-foot-2, 165 pounds. He has dark brown hair and hazel eyes.
Construction underway on Fall River healthcare facility
FALL RIVER: Construction is now well underway on a healthcare facility in Fall River. The development is taking shape at 3061 Highway 2, across from Joyful Sounds Music Studio and near Inn on the Lake. Heavy equipment has moved onto the site in recent weeks, with visible progress signalling the start of what provincial officials have called an urgently needed healthcare project for the growing community. The property carries a bit of local history.
Stolen vehicle leads to two arrests by HRP
HALIFAX: On April 4 at approximately 10 a.m. officers were patrolling the area of Bayers Road in Halifax when they observed a vehicle that was reported stolen. Officers stopped the vehicle and identified the occupants, who were arrestable for multiple files and warrants. Both were arrested without incident. The driver of the stolen vehicle was given a Drug Recognition Evaluation, which he failed.
Fillmore on federal funding for the Windsor Street Exchange project
HALIFAX: On April 7 the federal government announced a $28 million investment in Halifax Water to increase capacity in the municipal wastewater collection system, enabling growth within the Young Street corridor. This funding is from the direct delivery stream of the Building Communities Strong Fund.
Feds announce $28M for Windsor Street Exchange Redevelopment project
HALIFAX: Prime Minister Mark Carney officially launched the Build Communities Strong Fund on April 7. This new fund will provide $51 billion over 10 years through three major streams to support a wide range of infrastructure projects that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation across the country.
MCANS has more questions than answers on Eigg Mountain Wind Project
MCANS logo. (Submitted photo) ANTIGONISH: The following was sent to media by the Moose Conservation Association of Nova Scotia. On April 1, the Moose Conservation Association of Nova Scotia (MCANS) received an email request to meet with Renewable Energy Systems (RES) representatives at their Antigonish office on April 8 to discuss the Eigg Mountain Wind Project.
Pair of impaired drivers nabbed by RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment overnight
A RCMP cruiser in Enfield. (Healey photo) HRM: RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has arrested two people for impaired driving in separate incidents overnight. On April 6, at approximately 10:20 p.m., officers conducting a proactive patrol in East Ship Harbour observed a vehicle travelling 100 km/hr in an 80 km/hr zone on Hwy. 7. The officers conducted a traffic stop, and while speaking with the driver, they observed signs of impairment. A roadside breath test was administered, resulting in a fail.
Premier travels to Calgary to promote energy opportunities
HALIFAX: Premier Tim Houston will be in Calgary from April 7 to April 10, for meetings with major energy companies as well as the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors. The meetings, with companies that work in oil, natural gas and renewable energy, will build on an ongoing effort to increase interest in Nova Scotia’s natural resources. The Premier will also co-host a round-table and dinner with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
HRP investigating arson in Bedford
BEDFORD: On April 6 at approximately 12:10 a.m., Halifax Regional Police and Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency responded to a vehicle on fire in a parking lot in the 200-block of Broad Street in Bedford. It was reported that a man had smashed out a window and thrown something into the vehicle. The Honda Civic was fully engulfed and two vehicles parked on either side of it caught fire as well. ADVERTISEMENT: The vehicles were unoccupied at the time, and no one was injured.
Together We Brew NS Beerfest is back this weekend in Halifax
Together We Brew Beerfest is on this Saturday in Halifax. (Submitted photo) HALIFAX: A popular beerfest event is back this weekend in Halifax. Together We Brew has announced it will take place on April 11, running from 1 to 9:30 p.m. It will be held at The Westin Nova Scotia in Halifax. If you’re tradition is to kickoff Spring with Beerfest at some of your fav local brews, then you should get your tickets now.
Bearcats capture Hollingsworth Cup in sold-out Game 7 thriller over East Hants
LANTZ: It was afinish that lived up to every bit of its Game 7 billing, as the Truro Mosaik Bearcats skated to a 3-1 victory over East Hants Senior Penguins to capture the inaugural Nova Scotia Senior Hockey League Hollingsworth Cup. They did so in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the Keith Miller Arena in the East Hants Sportsplex in Lantz that brought playoff intensity from puck drop to final buzzer. The 50/50 for the game was more than $15,000 with the winner taking $7,630.
Halifax Water provides update on Customer Connect privacy incident
HALIFAX: Halifax Water is providing this update on the cyber security incident affecting the Customer Connect Portal. Transparency is a core commitment for Halifax Water, which means communicating with customers even when the investigation is still underway, and confirmed information remains limited. We will share confirmed findings as soon as possible. Halifax Water has engaged an independent cyber security firm to conduct a thorough assessment of the Customer Connect Portal incident.
Dice, Dragons, and big smiles: Stewiacke Library gets a boost from Dicefell
STEWIACKE: What started as a simple social media post turned into an unforgettable day of generosity, imagination, and community spirit at the Stewiacke Library. Thanks to the team behind Dicefell Tournament, the library’s young Dungeons & Dragons players were treated to an incredible donation of tabletop gaming supplies—everything from dice and damage counters to a full tabletop dungeon setup, campaign materials, and even a Star Trek-themed role-playing game.
Scholarship brings relief, opportunity for Lockview’s Madelyn Hanlon
FALL RIVER: For Fall River’s Madelyn Hanlon, a recent email brought more than just good news — it brought relief. The Lockview High student has been awarded the Chancellor’s Award $48,000 scholarship to attend Dalhousie University, valued at $12,000 per year over four years. The award will cover most of her university expenses and ease a financial burden that weighs on many students heading into post-secondary education.
Local authors to be showcased this Saturday in Bedford
BEDFORD: A local authors showcase is going to be held this coming Saturday. The authors are all from Nova Scotia. The Local Authors Showcase will be held April 11 at Sunnyside Mall Centre Court. It will run from 12:30 pm to 3: 30 p.m. Among the authors to be featured (as of April 5) include as follows (and posted by organizers on the event Facebook page): The list of local authors as of April 5, 2026. (Submitted photo)
Scholarship brings relief, opportunity for student Madelyn Shields
FALL RIVER: For Fall River’s Madelyn Shields, a recent email brought more than just good news — it brought relief. The Lockview High student has been awarded the Chancellor’s Award $48,000 scholarship to attend Dalhousie University, valued at $12,000 per year over four years. The award will cover most of her university expenses and ease a financial burden that weighs on many students heading into post-secondary education.
Station 40 recognizes two firefighters for service to community
DUTCH SETTLEMENT: Two women firefighters with a local Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Services station were recognized last Wednesday night. During their regular training night, Station 40 in Dutch Settlement took the time to honour the two firefighters for reaching milestones in their careers. Station 40 honoured Susan Wilson for 15 years of serving the community and surrounding area. Sarah Salmon was recognized for five years of serving the community and surrounding area as firefighters.
RCMP seized illegal cannabis, arrested two and responded to protests
POTLOTEK, CAPE BRETON: Northeast Nova RCMP seized illegal cannabis, arrested two people and responded to protests on April 2, and the investigations continue. Yesterday, at approximately 7:30 a.m., RCMP officers executed a search warrant under the authority of the federal Cannabis Act at an illegal cannabis storefront on Hwy. 4 in Potlotek. Officers safely arrested two men on the premises in relation to the federal Cannabis Act and seized cannabis products.
Happy Easter from The Laker News
Happy Easter from all of us at The Laker News! Wishing our readers, families, and communities a joyful day filled with happiness, renewal, and time with loved ones. Thank you for continuing to support local news in our community, #HappyEaster #TheLakerNews #CommunityFirst #LocalNews #LocalJournalism
Staying alive: Fisher nets double OT winner to send Jr C Pens to victory in game four
LANTZ: The East Hants Ryson Constriction Penguins remain alive in their best-of-seven championship final against the Admirals. In a second straight thrilling double overtime game, the Pens this time came away the winner to force a game five in the series next Friday in Lantz and avoid being swept by the Admirals, who had a daunting 3-0 series lead heading into this game. Game four was played before a boisterous crowd at Credit Union Centre in Kingston on Saturday night.
Happy Easter from The Laker News
🌷🐰 Happy Easter from all of us at The Laker News! 🐣🌼 Wishing our readers, families, and communities a joyful day filled with happiness, renewal, and time with loved ones. Thank you for continuing to support local news in our community 💙 #HappyEaster #TheLakerNews #CommunityFirst Post navigation
PSA: Pat is going away; no Laker Newsletter April 16-20
The Laker News redesigned logo. (Submitted photo) ENFIELD: Just a heads up that from April 16-20 there will be no Laker News newsletter as our Pat Healey will be away. Pat will be on a hockey bus tour for a pair of PWHL games in Montreal and Ottawa, plus a tour of Montreal and Old Quebec. There will also be no updates posted to the Laker News Facebook page or his socials for news happenings. Pat will followup with any stories that happen while he is away when he returns.
New wildland fire truck boosts response at Station 40 in Dutch Settlement
DUTCH SETTLEMENT: Firefighters in Dutch Settlement are better equipped than ever to tackle wildfires this season, with a new specialized wildland truck set to go into service at Station 40. The addition is part of a broader effort by Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) to strengthen wildfire response across rural parts of the municipality.
Sr. Penguins look to stay alive in Hollingsworth Cup final against Bearcats
(Healey photo) LANTZ: The East Hants Senior Penguins look to stay alive in their best-of-seven Hollingsworth Cup final on Sunday night in Truro. A win by East Hants would force a winner-take-all game seven in Lantz on Monday night at the Keith Miller Arena in the East Hants Sportdsplex. It’s been a series that has been thrilling for fans in East Hants and Truro as the old rivalry has been renewed. Game six in the series is Sunday at Colchester Legion Stadium.
Hope Can’t Wait campaign for a national suicide prevention strategy in Canada launches
HAMILTON, ONT.: Joshua Bell launched the Hope Can’t Wait Campaign, a national campaign focused on ensuring the creation and implementation of a National Suicide Prevention Strategy for Canada following lived experience. “Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility and right now, our systems are not working together the way they need to,” said Bell. “Hope can’t wait.
Rates.ca: 56% of Canadians interested in buying EV would consider a Chinese model
TORONTO, ONT.: After a difficult 2025 marked by rebate pauses and slowing sales, interest in electric vehicles is showing signs of recovery. Rates.ca auto insurance quoter data shows EV quotes increased 40% year over year in March, and a new Leger survey commissioned by Rates.ca finds that 30% of Canadians express some level of interest in purchasing an EV. Among those who are interested or unsure, 56% say they would consider a Chinese-built model, with affordability cited as the main reason.
Senior-related programs in Kings-Hants receive $135,000 in support from feds
ELMSDALE/NOEL: Senior-related programs and projects across Kings-Hants, including several in East Hants/Hants North, have received upwards of $135,000 in funding from the federal government. MP Kody Blois made the announcement April 1 with a post on his Facebook page regarding the funding. He said the feds were announcing this year’s recipients under the New Horizons Seniors Program.
Mystics announce commitment of HERH’s Sophia Smith to women’s soccer team
MILFORD: The Mount Mystics women’s soccer team are adding a Milford product to their team for the coming season. Sophia Smith has announced her commitment to the Bedford-based university soccer team. The five-foot-eight defender is set to graduate from Hants East Rural High in June, and is already looking ahead to the kick off of the 2026-27 season. Smith will be studying at MSVU for her Bachelor of Science in Biology.
CFIB releases statement on Nova Scotia minimum wage increase
Frédéric Gionet, CFIB Director. (Submitted photo) HALIFAX: As Nova Scotia’s minimum wage rises to $16.75 per hour today, small business owners unfortunately know a second increase to $17.00 is coming on October 1, 2026.
Big Ride gears up for P.E.I. with strong local support and fundraising focus
ELMSDALE: Sitting over coffee at Cup of Soul Café in Elmsdale, Blair Nickerson spoke with enthusiasm about what has quickly become more than just a cycling event, it’s a growing community effort to raise significant funds for cancer research through the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute. Nickerson, an Enfield resident and co-chair of this year’s Big Ride, said his involvement began only last year when he participated for the first time.
East Hants Tigers win multiple provincial U-14 basketball championships
ELMSDALE: The East Hants Tigers were on a roll last weekend at U-14 boys and girls provincial basketball championships. The boys side won the Basketball Nova Scotia banner in U-14 Division 3 and Division 7 and in U-14 division 4 girls. In Division 7, the Tigers defeated YMCA 80-67. Kohl Potter was named Tournament MVP while Jack Gorman was an all star.
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