Latest news with #MichelSoucy
CTV News
7 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Extreme heat adds another challenge to drought-like conditions in Cape Breton
The grass was yellow and dry at the Open Hearth Park in Sydney, N.S., on Aug. 12. (Source: Ryan MacDonald/CTV News Atlantic) The impacts of hot, dry weather can be seen across the Maritimes, and an aerial view an even better idea of how extreme the conditions have become. 'Dry conditions, everywhere one looks,' said Michel Soucy, a photographer and artist from the Cheticamp, N.S., area who has shared several aerial photos in recent days of dry conditions in the Cape Breton Highlands. One of the photos - of a pond near Cheticamp that has been reduced to its rock bottom - has gotten plenty of reaction locally. 'Of course, it's hard not to miss the pond that's dried up out there and a few locals are indicating that's the first time they've seen that in their lifetime,' Soucy said. At Sydney's Open Hearth Park, there is dead yellow grass as far as the eye can see. 'Yeah, it's not great for business when it's this hot. Nobody wants to be under the sun and anywhere that A/C isn't,' said Rod MacNeil, who operates a food and drink canteen at the park. 'We need rain.' Even along the water on the Sydney Boardwalk, there wasn't much relief from the heat. 'It's extremely hot,' said Uli Kazmeier, who was visiting from Germany. 'I was here a couple of years ago and it was more rainy, around 20 degrees. Now, it's almost double so it's like… in Germany!' Soucy said he has heard of a few people whose wells have dried up or are getting low. The conditions have him concerned about the forest fire risk, particularly along the Cabot Trail, where in many cases there are only so many ways in or out. 'It's the last thing anybody wants anywhere, but certainly given where we live, we don't have many options to get out if something was to happen in the worst case,' Soucy said. The heat warning issued by Environment Canada for Cape Breton said conditions are expected to moderate Wednesday on the Island and along the Atlantic coast of mainland Nova Scotia. Open Hearth Park The grass was yellow and dry at the Open Hearth Park in Sydney, N.S., on Aug. 12. (Source: Ryan MacDonald/CTV News Atlantic) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
21-06-2025
- CTV News
Coroner's report urges boating safety after fatal Richelieu River accident
A coroner's report into the death of a woman on the Richelieu River two years ago blames a lack of knowledge of water safety. That lack of knowledge puts the lives of boaters and passengers at risk. As Quebec Boating Safety Week continues and lots of people want to be out on the water in this warm weather, it's important to remember the rules. In September 2023, Sarah Massey was sitting on the bow of a wake-surfing boat filled with friends on the Richelieu River. When a surfer behind the boat fell, the captain made a sudden stop. She fell into the water—and under the boat. The coroner's report, released June 20, 2025, says the injuries from the propeller led to her death. Josée Côté is the executive director of Nautisme Québec. She says, 'It's easy to have an accident, you have a wave and people can fall out, so it's important to seat on the seats very well and not on the corner of the boat.' Nautisme Québec is a non-profit that represents boaters in the province. Côté says they support the coroner's 26 recommendations, including limiting alcohol consumption. Michel Soucy is a wake-surfer and on the board of Nautisme Québec. 'That one beer or two drinks or whatever is not having the same effect as you're sitting on your terrace at your home.' The report also said there's a need to raise awareness of nautical safety rules. Soucy says while wake-surfing isn't fast, it comes with risks. 'Wake-surf is a low speed. But it can be really dangerous because all the boats are those with tons of weight. So the reaction of the boat is not the same as if you're driving your boat to a calm situation.' Côté says ultimately the person at the helm is responsible for the safety of their crew. 'The captain is responsible for his wave, is responsible for the safety of his passenger, is responsible to see if people are drunk. So we need to take care of all those important things on the water.' She adds that all boaters need to be licensed and should review the safety rules at the beginning of each season. And always keep an eye out for others sharing the waterways.
