Let the Games Begin! Hockey Tournament Goes Ahead Despite Pandemic

St. Andrews and St. Stephen have received approval from Public Health for their plans to host an Atlantic bubble kids hockey tournament from November 13-15. Approximately 150 kids from across New Brunswick and two teams from Nova Scotia will compete in the second annual Veterans Cup, held at both the WC O'Neill Arena and the Garcelon Civic Centre. Mayor Doug Naish of St. Andrews believes it will provide welcome economic boost to local businesses but does not expect Saint Andrews to be any busier during the tournament than it was during the height of the summer tourism season.

"We were busy in the summer with staycationers from all over New Brunswick, and we don't expect to be any busier than that for this tournament," said Naish.

Bayside residents are happy that seafood exporter Little Bay Lobster will not be allowed to build a distribution centre near their homes on the St. Croix waterfront. The American company had hoped to build on the grounds of an existing gravel pit and had proposed having the land rezoned from "rural" to "light industrial" to execute the plans. Local man Gary MacDougall spearheaded the concerned citizens' group Bayside Residents for Responsible Development to fight the proposed rezoning plans.

St. Croix MLA Kathy Bockus encouraged MacDougall and fellow residents to send their concerns to Environment and Local Government Minister Daniel Allain. Minister Allain received over 100 letters from concerned citizens and ultimately denied the rezoning request.

"Kathy Bockus and Minister Allain listened to our concerns and decided in our favour. It's nice to know democracy is alive and well in Charlotte County," said MacDougall.

As COVID-19 cases rise across the border in Washington County, Maine, Public Health has released guidelines for Charlotte County residents, particularly for those who are essential workers who cross into the US frequently for work. The guidelines include directly going to and from work without stopping to shop in US or visit friends. New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer Dr. Russell insists these guidelines also apply to Campobello Island residents who are permitted to enter the US to obtain essential in American stores.

"[Campobello Island residents] should limit their trips into the US to a maximum of two times per week and only for essentials goods from the closest stores possible," said Dr. Russell.