Mainstreet Cape Breton

In January, we told you about Dr. Margaret Fraser's proposal to move her family practice into the residential neighborhood on Cottage Road in Sydney. However, CBRM staff say medical clinics are not allowed in residential zones. A recent online survey found 89 per cent of residents are OK with medical clinics in residential areas across the municipality, but the same survey found 62 per cent of residents surrounding the Cottage Road property are opposed. That sparked some heated debate at last night's council meeting. Some councilors said they were reluctant to open up residential areas to wide-open commercial development. Councilor Steve Gillespie said he would not want a doctor's office in his neighborhood, and he said he definitely would not want a methadone clinic for a neighbor. Here's part of the council debate, starting with deputy mayor Earlene MacMullin for the record.

We have a better sense today of when Nova Scotians will be able to get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone 16 and older should be able to get their first shot by the end of June - as long as the federal deliveries stay on track. This was the big topic of discussion during today's COVID briefing. The CBC's Carolyn Ray was on the call and joined us on Mainstreet.

It's one of two new safe injection facilities that are being funded through the Department of Health and Wellness. The other is in Halifax. The province is providing $500-thousand dollars to the Nova Scotia Health Authority to establish the two sites. To learn more about what's coming to Sydney, we've contacted Christine Porter. She's executive director of the Ally Centre of Cape Breton.

James Edwards represents district 8, which includes part of Glace Bay, Donkin, Port Morien, Mira Gut, Albert Bridge, and Louisbourg. Lorne Green represents district 12, which includes part of Sydney, Whitney Pier, South Bar, Victoria Mines, Lingan Rd, and Grand Lake Rd.

Each year, students host an end of year gala, this year they've adapted to the pandemic and are going virtual. The event is open to the public and will feature first person accounts from students who've worked in the field; the guest speaker is Senator Daniel Christmas. To hear more, we've reached Jennifer Currie who is the Instructor in the Tourism & Hospitality Management degree program and student Abrar Chowdhury.

Reporters grilled the newly appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, Brendan Maguire, about CBRM's recent closed-door strategic planning meetings.

The Port of Sydney CEO is excited to welcome the first ship at the port's second berth. It means the 20-million-dollar dock is open and starting to bring in some revenue.

Seaside Communications has been shortlisted for Tuned-In Canada: the CCSA Awards, a long-standing annual initiative which celebrates the contributions CCSA-Member independent communications companies make to their communities and for their customers. Since its inception almost 30 years ago, the Glace Bay Food Bank’s annual Jack Bonaparte Sharing is Caring Telethon is something Seaside Communications looks forward to producing and airing on Local TV each year.

Brenda Chisholm Beaton is Mayor of the Town of Port Hawkesbury, and Jason Aucoin is a councillor-at-large.

We continue our conversation about how local non-profits have been affected over the past year with a call to Marco Amati, General Manager at Loaves & Fishes.