Here’s the latest on the wildfire that broke out yesterday near Bayers Lake in Halifax.

It’s burning near Susies Lake and is estimated at 25 to 30 hectares. The fire is still considered out of control, but crews say they are making progress containing it. On the ground, 12 provincial Department of Natural Resources firefighters and 30 Halifax Fire & Emergency personnel are working the scene — some staying through the night to keep watch. A DNR helicopter is making water drops, and New Brunswick’s aircraft support has been released but is on standby if needed.

Yesterday, smoke forced evacuations at a building on Dugger McNeil Drive and at the Bayers Lake Outpatient Centre.

Officials say the next update will come after 9 o’clock this morning.

 

Canada is in its second-worst wildfire season on record, with more than 7.3 million hectares burned, over twice the 10-year average. Experts warn this could be the new normal as hotter, drier conditions fuel bigger fires.

The largest burns are in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, but most provinces are above average. Thousands of firefighters, including 1,400 from overseas, are on the ground.

Fire chiefs are calling for a national wildfire agency to better coordinate resources and prepare for what they say will be more extreme seasons ahead.

The amount burned just this year is roughly the size of the entire province of New Brunswick.

 

Nova Scotia workplaces will soon be required to have written policies addressing both physical and psychological harassment.

Starting Sept. 1, the new rules under the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act mandate clear procedures for reporting and investigating complaints, with policies reviewed every three years. The change follows a provincial review and a report highlighting systemic racism, inequity, and lack of psychological safety in some workplaces.

Labour Minister Nolan Young says the regulations aim to ensure everyone feels safe at work, while 2024 saw 194 psychological workplace injuries reported — up sharply from three years ago.

 

Applications are now open for Nova Scotia’s Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development Program, or GRID.

The program provides funding for municipal projects like water, stormwater, and wastewater upgrades, climate change adaptations, and accessibility improvements. Municipal Affairs Minister and MLA for Kings North John Lohr says it’s aimed at helping communities handle growth and support more housing.

The Province invests $15 million a year, covering up to half of eligible costs. Municipalities can apply until October 9, with preference given to projects ready to start.

 

Uncertainty continues over the start of the school year at Dalhousie University. Contract talks between the board of governors and the faculty association have failed, with no deal reached after conciliation.

Nearly 1,000 professors, instructors, librarians, and counsellors have been without a contract since June 30. The union will vote on the university’s final offer by August 21. Either side must give 48 hours’ notice before a strike or lockout, but neither is expected this month.

The main sticking point is pay. The board is offering two per cent annual increases for three years, while the union wants seven per cent in year one, followed by two years at four per cent.

Classes are scheduled to begin September 2.

 

Two upcoming detours will be put in place in River John this week. 

Moore’s Ford Bridge on West Branch Road will be closed from Today, August 13, until further notice.

The detour is via West Branch Road, College Grant Road and Route 256.

The Welsford Bridge on Old Pictou Road will be closed from Friday, August 15, until further notice.

The detour will be via Old Pictou Road, Allen Road, Trunk 6 and River John Road.