The much photographed lighthouse at Peggy's Cove is going to get its much needed painted job. Thanks to the efforts of groups like the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia, the St Margaret's Bay Association and the federal and provincial governments, the job will get done. Finally. We're already halfway through the tourist season. There were area residents willing to donate the paint and labour weeks ago, but were held back because of red tape. I'm glad the lighthouse is getting its needed facelift, but too bad a lot of hoops had to be jumped through to get it done.
The Dexter government again says it has no plans to bring back rent controls. The issue's being raised by members of Halifax city council. This past winter Halifax Downtown Councillor Dawn Sloane started hearing complaints from residents saying their rents were going up hundreds of dollars. South End Halifax Councillor Sue Uteck says she's hearing those same complaints this summer as she campaigns for the October municipal election. She says she's being told rents are going up $300 to $400. Both point to the Irving shipyard's federal shipbuilding contract as a big reason for the increases. The province says however, it is not considering rent control at this time. But with rents significantly being increased in anticipation of an influx of workers, it may soon be time for the province to look at the issue.
I see where long-time Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney is calling it a day. The 71 year old was elected mayor in 1979 and he's been at the post ever since. He told members of his town council yesterday he's not re-offering in October's election. I've had the opportunity to talk to the mayor on several occasions. Nice guy.
Family and friends are coming to the aid of the MacInnis family after the death of husband and father Wayne in a recent diving accident. The 36 year old Dartmouth man left behind a wife and 7 children, the youngest just 10 months old. His co[workers are raising money and the company he worked for has promised to match their donation. A Facebook page has also been set up raise money for the family. You can donate to the Wayne MacInnis Memorial Fund.
The Toronto Raptors haven't been in the NBA playoffs since 2008 and I didn't get the impression team president Brian Colangelo thinks they'll be playoff bound this year. He was in town yesterday to announce the Raptors will hold their pre-season training camp at the Canada Games Centre in Halifax October 1st through the 6th. Unfortunately we'll only get to see one inter-squad game before the team moves on to play its exhibition schedule. Still, it will be a treat to watch an NBA team prepare for the coming season. I talked with Colangelo on my radio show yesterday and asked about the team's playoff chances. He wasn't willing to commit. Looks like another re-building year to endure for Raptor fans.
Have a great weekend. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
