News & Announcements

Celebrating Heritage: Municipal Heritage Plaques Honour Historic Landmarks
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Celebrating Heritage: Municipal Heritage Plaques Honour Historic Landmarks
During last night's Committee of the Whole meeting, Richmond Municipal Council recognized two municipal heritage landmarks: St. John’s Anglican Church in Arichat and St. Patrick’s Church in Whiteside, by presenting municipal heritage plaques.
St. John’s Anglican Church, founded in 1828, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and community. Rebuilt in 1895 to replace the original structure, the church underwent a remarkable transformation in recent years. After being deconsecrated in 2014, it remained silent and vacant until the Friends of St. John's Arichat Society stepped in. Their dedication and vision sparked a revival, leading to the transformation of this historical gem into the St. John's Centre for the Arts in 2018.Now, under the stewardship of the Society, this cultural hub not only preserves the architectural heritage of the former church but also provides a space for artistic expression and community engagement.
Similarly, in Whiteside, St. Patrick’s Church has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1865. Despite facing adversity, including a devastating fire that led to the construction of the current building in 1919, the church has remained a beacon of faith and cultural significance. Situated along the picturesque waterfront, it holds a special place in the hearts of residents not only in Whiteside but also in neighboring communities such as Walkerville, Evanston, and Lower River.
These plaques signify the importance of preserving heritage, which is essential for upholding our history, nurturing our sense of identity, and promoting cultural appreciation. Heritage preservation establishes a link to our past, sparks creativity, and strenghens community ties. By protecting landmarks and traditions, we honor the legacy of our ancestors and enrich the cultural landscape for future generations.
For More Information
For more information about the Friends of St. John’s Arichat Society and the St. Patrick’s Church Preservation Society, visit their respective websites. (Friends of St. John’s , St. Patrick’s Church Preservation Society)
Photos
Top Left (listed left to right): Warden Amanda Mombourquette, Marg Herman, Phylis Frost, Cameron Frost, Jason Landgon, Deputy Warden Shawn Samson
Top Right (listed left to right): Warden Amanda Mombourquette, Brenda White, Councillor Melanie Sampson
Bottom Left: Oval plaque with the words Registered Heritage Property, St. John’s Anglican Church, Built in 1895, Municipality of the County of Richmond
Bottom Right: Oval plaque with the words Registered Heritage Property, St. Patrick's Church, Built in 1919, Municipality of the County of Richmond

Accessibility First Voice Experts Roster
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The Accessibility Directorate is pleased to launch the Accessibility First Voice Experts roster, and ask that you share this opportunity with your organization and networks.
Nova Scotians with disabilities are invited to sign up to provide their advice on accessibility projects, such as awareness activities, training and educational materials, and policy and program development.
Over the past few years, Nova Scotians with disabilities have provided advice on development of the Introduction to Disability and Introduction to Accessibility Barriers and Solutions webinars, among other projects. The Accessibility Directorate is interested in opening the opportunity to provide lived experience advice so any Nova Scotian with a disability can participate.
Nova Scotians with disabilities can sign up on the Access includes Everyone website. The sign up form includes a variety of questions, such as where the individual lives, age, gender, disability type, etc. These questions help to ensure a wide variety of perspectives are included in our work.
After signing up, individuals will receive invitations to participate in projects as they arise (depending on the number of projects underway). Honouraria will be provided for providing advice on projects, the amount will vary depending on the project and time involved.
We recognize and appreciate the lived experience and expertise of Nova Scotians with disabilities, and the importance of providing financial compensation for providing advice on these projects.
Please share this opportunity with your organization and networks, and print and display the attached poster or include this opportunity in your newsletter or other materials.
Please contact if you have any questions.
Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate
Department of Justice
Phone: 902-424-8280
Website: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/
Email:

Richmond County and Town of Port Hawkesbury Announce Manager of Energy Sector Development
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PRESS RELEASE - March 22, 2024
For Immediate Release
Richmond County and Town of Port Hawkesbury Announce Manager of Energy Sector Development
RICHMOND COUNTY, NS - The Municipality of the County of Richmond, the Town of Port Hawkesbury, and the Cape Breton Partnership are proud to announce that Martin Thomsen will be the new Manager of Energy Sector Development for the two municipalities, made possible through a secondment from the Cape Breton Partnership.
As the Manager of Energy Sector Development, Thomsen will be responsible for the oversight of the strategic development of a Local Port and Infrastructure Strategy and an Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence. The role will engage with both existing and emerging industry partners and stakeholders to optimize local benefits in relation to the green energy sector.
This new three-year position will be shared jointly by both the Municipality of the County of Richmond and the Town of Port Hawkesbury and hosted administratively by the Municipality of the County of Richmond. The position is made possible with funding from both municipal partners, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.
Since January 2023 Thomsen has been part of the team at the Cape Breton Partnership, based in Richmond County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury in the role of Innovation and Economic Development Officer and has previously worked for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, a public-sector economic development agency in Scotland.
“I’m excited and humbled to embark on this new journey with Richmond County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury,” says Martin Thomsen. “Through my work with the Cape Breton Partnership I have become very familiar with the opportunity that the green energy sector represents for the Strait Area, and I’m looking forward to taking on this new challenge.”
“The Cape Breton Partnership is proud to support Martin in taking on this new exciting role with two of the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network’s partners to help pave the way for the green energy sector here on the Island,” says Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “We are thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity for career development and progression through this secondment, and are excited to be part of the collaborative efforts to continue building this industry in the Strait Area, and look forward to continue working with Martin and the rest of our partners on this exciting work.”
Martin Thomsen commences in the role on 2nd of April, while the Cape Breton Partnership will be advertising for a new Economic Development Officer for Richmond County and Port Hawkesbury shortly.
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Media Contact:
Cape Breton Partnership
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
902-562-0122
Left to right: Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership, Martin Thomsen, Manager of Engery Sector Development, Troy MacCulloch, CAO, Municipality of the County of Richmond

Wellness Fund - Nova Scotia Health Community Health Boards
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