The City of Fredericton is taking steps to improve public safety with new measures addressing crime prevention and support for vulnerable residents.
A progress report presented to the City Council shows 12 of 16 recommendations from the Mayor’s Community Safety Task Force are underway or have been completed.
Completed actions include the creation and use of a 24-7 mobile outreach unit, securing funds for enhanced security infrastructure, while the installation of trail lighting and safety cameras are in progress.
Officials say the city is investing in both enforcement and social supports to build a safer, more inclusive community.
(The Canadian Press)
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Firefighters in eastern New Brunswick were battling a wildfire Wednesday near Miramichi.
More than 30 firefighters, eight air tankers and three bulldozers were dispatched to fight the fire, which had grown to 35 hectares by Wednesday night.
The province’s Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday that the fire had been reduced to 25 hectares – and no properties were threatened.
(CTV Atlantic)
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New Brunswickers are being urged to use caution as dry weather and rising wildfire risks prompt a provincewide burn ban.
Natural Resources Minister John Herron warns windy conditions this weekend could elevate the danger.
Wildfire science officer Danny Goddard says the province is faring better than others thanks to low wind, but humidity remains below normal.
The province says fire conditions are being monitored daily and the public should avoid risky activities in the woods until the risk lowers. (The Canadian Press)
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About 900 more people h ave been forced to leave their homes as the Newfoundland wildfires keep burning out of control.
Yesterday, Premier John Hogan announced the Conception Bay North communities of Salmon Cove and and Ochre Pit Cove joined the list of towns where people are forced to flee.
The fire in the area was at 21 square kilometres — as a smaller fire in central Newfoundland and another fire in Holyrood also were burning.
An evacuation centre in Carbonear is providing food and a place to sleep for those who can’t find accommodations in the Conception Bay North area.
(The Canadian Press)
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A report presented to Halifax council says the number of people who are experiencing homelessness in Halifax has surged by 93 per cent in just two years.
The data comes from a point-in-time count that was presented to the municipal council this week.
The count also found there are 1,132 people experiencing homelessness in Halifax, compared to 220 in 2018, which represents a 414 per cent increase in six years.
Officials say most are longtime Halifax residents, and 34 per cent of them cited evictions as the cause of their homelessness.
(CTV Atlantic)
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