The Record Ep. 41

Build Nova Scotia recently announced that an application has been submitted to the federal Minister of Transport for rock reinforcement on the pier at Pondville Beach Provincial Park in Isle Madame. As part of the process, the government is seeking public input.

Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot spoke with Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau to learn more about the project’s timeline and the next steps following the public consultation period. He also inquired about the status of the beach’s parking lot relocation to Gibb’s Lane in Pondville, which was interrupted last year, and whether work will resume in the spring. Additionally, Boudreau addressed plans for walkways and other shoreline reinforcement efforts, outlining what improvements are expected and when they might be completed.

Following the Feb. 11 committee-of-the-whole meeting of Richmond Municipal Council in Arichat, Boudrot spoke with Deputy Warden Brent Sampson and Warden Lois Landry. During the meeting, Sampson introduced a proposal to place property assessment caps on homes destroyed by fire or other disasters.

The council also recognized Charlie Martell as the municipality’s volunteer of the month for his work in rebuilding a home in L’Ardoise. Grant applications were reviewed, including a $3,050 Type 4 Grant request from the Coastal Riders ATV Club and a $20,000 Type 4 Grant request from the Isle Madame Boat Club. Meanwhile, a $5,000 Type 1 Infrastructure Grant application from the Whiteside Church Preservation Society was denied.

Inverness MLA Kyle MacQuarrie spoke with Telile for the first time since his election in November. Boudrot asked for his reaction to winning with 57.6% of the vote and securing 4,058 votes in his first campaign. MacQuarrie also shared his thoughts on the Progressive Conservative Party’s strong majority in the provincial election.

Since taking office, MacQuarrie has been settling into his new role and was named Ministerial Assistant for Natural Resources and Gaelic Affairs by Premier Tim Houston on Dec. 19. He outlined the responsibilities of this position and discussed his priorities for the term, including key projects he is currently working on.