Latest news with #Chéticamp
CBC
a day ago
- Business
- CBC
Chéticamp boardwalk shutting down due to safety concerns
Social Sharing There will be no strolls along Chéticamp's community boardwalk this summer as the aging structure is being closed down due to safety concerns. Alfred Poirier, acting president of the Chéticamp Economic Council, said the non-profit group has decided that keeping the boardwalk open is too risky and he said there is no money in the budget to replace it. "It is very dangerous and it's a very sad situation for our citizens of Chéticamp and surrounding areas that the [council board] had to make a major decision that we didn't take lightly," said Poirier. "But when you don't have the finances, you don't have the structure and … you're scared of liability issues, that's where it came up to." The nearly 30-year-old walkway offers a scenic view of the community's harbour and lighthouse, but in recent years it has been badly damaged by severe weather, including a post-tropical storm in 2019. Poirier said there has been some patchwork on the boardwalk, but storms have caused it to splinter and the coastline it sits on is eroding. Another major challenge is the boardwalk does not generate any revenue, although it does receive some donations from local businesses. "We're always short of money," said Poirier. "We have no other revenue or income coming in. We have different organizations using the boardwalk.… But at the same time nothing is being charged and it's a major problem to get the money to operate this venture." Lisette Aucoin-Bourgeois, executive director of Les Trois Pignons — Chéticamp's cultural centre, information centre and museum — said it's disappointing to see the boardwalk closed for the season, but not surprising. "I think the tourism sector knew that this was bound to happen and probably the only way to address it is to completely shut it down," she said. Council members are planning to address the boardwalk issue at a meeting this fall. Portions of the boardwalk are owned and maintained by the council, while others are owned and maintained by adjacent businesses. The Municipality of Inverness County has said it is not responsible for the operation or maintenance of the boardwalk, although it has supported the council through several planning processes and patchwork measures over the past few years. Megan Wludyka, the Inverness communications officer, said the municipality does not have the means to replace the boardwalk without substantial funding from other levels of government. Wludyka said the municipality has not had a request for additional funding since the closure announcement.
CBC
25-05-2025
- CBC
Injured hiker learns how Cape Breton does hospitality
Heather Todd never imagined something good could come of a broken leg. But Cape Breton hospitality after she fell while hiking has given her a lifetime of good memories. Todd, from Oromocto, N.B., planned to show her friend, who lives in Toronto, the scenery of Cape Breton. However, on Thursday, the second day of their trip, Todd slipped and broke her leg. What could have been a bad memory actually made for a memorable visit as locals helped the pair feel comfortable following the accident. "We were just overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity, the professionalism of everybody we encountered in this," said Todd. Todd had visited the area before and was excited to show it to her friend. The second day of the trip was to include lunch in Chéticamp. With time to spare in the morning, the pair decided to do a hike. Todd suggested Egypt Falls after she had seen signs for it. It was a sunny day. But just 10 or 15 minutes into the hike, the pair encountered some hilly terrain. That's when Todd slipped. "It happened really fast," said Todd. They were about half way to their destination. Todd encouraged her friend to continue. They would reconnect later. Another group of hikers saw Todd and wanted to stick around to help, but she assured them she was OK and she would call 911. Todd thinks she was likely in shock by this point. The rescue When she contacted 911, they asked how far into the trail she was. They told her it might take some time to get there but they were on their way. It took about an hour for emergency services and volunteers to arrive. They went to work stabilizing her leg and foot. It was at this point that her friend looked at Todd and told her that there were 17 people there. "I only thought there were like four or five," said Todd. There were that many people to assist in case extra hands were needed to carry Todd out. She was eventually transported to hospital in Inverness, where she learned she would need surgery to repair a broken tibia and fibula. How Cape Breton does hospitality It was at the Inverness hospital that the doctor arranged for her friend to stay at a local bed and breakfast. Cheryl MacEachern, the manager at Dusky Diamonds, said they were happy to accommodate Todd's friend. "When anything goes wrong in a small community, everybody's willing to help anyway they can," said MacEachern. "It's just the way Cape Bretoners are brought up." The bed and breakfast arranged for Todd's friend to go to a local restaurant. The restaurant provided her with a free meal and then invited her to a little fire they were having outside. She met another lady who owns a bed and breakfast in Ingonish and Todd said they were offered a free night there to have a do-over. "They were all very upset that this vacation was sort of derailed by this freak accident," said Todd. "It actually made a happy memory, if I can say it that way," said Todd. "It could have been horrible, but I'm coming away with some really good stories." Planning to return She said that before the injury, the pair were able to take in a little of Cape Breton. They stayed their first night in Margaree Forks and got to take in views of the Margaree Valley. Todd returned home to New Brunswick a few days later and said she is doing great now. "I'm absolutely coming back, but I'm only going to be taking moonlit strolls on the beach," said Todd.
CBC
22-05-2025
- General
- CBC
How this big wheel is tracking young salmon in Cape Breton
A new contraption on the Chéticamp River is keeping tabs on juvenile salmon as they head out to sea. The Atlantic Salmon Federation installed what looks like a cement mixer to help catch the fish. Anna Rak has the story.
CBC
22-02-2025
- CBC
73-year-old woman dead after Pictou County crash
A 73-year-old Chéticamp woman died Thursday in a crash in Pictou County, RCMP say. In a release Saturday, police say they responded to a report of an overturned vehicle in the river under Highway 104 near Salt Springs at around 3:45 p.m. Police say they found two injured people inside a minivan. The driver, a 75-year-old man, was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is underway. Police are asking anyone with relevant information or dashcam video to contact them.
