Latest news with #New Brunswick
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Musician Points Out Beautiful, Unknown Canadian Destinations
Canadian singer-songwriter Matt Andersen has lived and now lives in unique Canadian towns unknown to most Americans. Matt Andersen Singer-songwriter Matt Andersen has lived in many unique Canadian cities and towns that few Americans are familiar with. American travelers looking for new destinations may want to absorb his knowledge. Andersen, who recently released a new album The Hammer & The Rose , grew up in Perth-Andover, a tiny town that has since been incorporated into Southern Victoria in New Brunswick, Canada. Perth-Andover has about 1,500 residents and is about a 2-hour-and-40-minute drive northwest of Saint John, the province's largest city. The Saint John River runs through Perth-Andover, dividing the Perth side from the Andover side. 'Perth-Andover is quiet and serence and in a beautiful part of the Saint John River Valley,' says Andersen who will be performing August 17 at Mountain Stage in Charleston, West Virginia. 'If you're looking for hustle and bustle, this might not be for you. The area is full of charm that used to bore me as a kid, but now I wish more and more that I could spend my time there. Home cooked meals, local produce and mechanics that won't try to rip you off, because you're from out of town. It's very much a-less-is-more kind of place.' The beauty of the Annapolis Valley vineyards is apparent near Wolfville; Nova Scotia, where singer-songwriter Matt Andersen lives. (Photo by: Dave Reede/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Explore NB, New Brunswick's tourism department, calls Perth-Andover the place 'where people and trails meet' in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can enjoy many experiences there, the department says. 'Take the self-guided Cultural Walkway tour for a glimpse into the area's Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) English and Scottish heritage,' Explore NB says. 'Depending on the season, you can explore the area with hiking, biking or cross-country skiing excursions on three local trail systems: the International Appalachian Trail, the Trans Canada Trail and the Sentier NB Trail.' The village also sits near great hunting, fishing and wilderness areas, according to the tourism department. Every Saturday in the summer, a local farmers market features 'the best of the region's lands, woods and waters.' Perth-Andover, Andersen says, also hosts some 'world-class events,' including the Larlee Creek Hullabaloo music festival and The Gathering of the Scots, an annual celebration of Scottish culture with various competitions. 'I threw my first caber (a young tree trunk) there many years ago and was part of the evening's entertainment,' Andersen says about The Gathering of the Scots. 'It has since turned into a holdfast in the Highland Games circuit.' Visitors should eat and stay, Explore NB says, at the 13-guestroom Pathsaala Inn & Restaurant, 'a castle-style manor.' If you are going to a festival or just visiting, don't miss Carl's Dairy Bar, Andersen says. 'This place has been here since I was a kid and beyond I assume,' he says. 'The onion rings are the best, and I'm a sucker for the chicken roll.' The Tobique River Trading Company is worth a stop to pick up some local beers and roasted coffee, Andersen says. It is located in a century-old building on a bank of the Saint John River. A few years ago, a four-lane highway was built, and it has provided some apparently unexpected benefits for locals, Andersen says. 'The benefit of the new highway is that the old Trans Canada Highway is left alone to the locals,' he says. 'You can drive along the Saint John River and take in its splendor without having to worry about a car riding your bumper while trying to get a prized lobster trap home.' About a 40-minute drive northeast of Perth-Andover is Plaster Rock, a town that hosts the World Pond Hockey Championships. 'It is just what it sounds like,' Andersen remarks. 'Teams from all over the world compete in the tournament that takes place on a frozen lake. It's about as Canadian as you can get.' The Tobique River flows through Plaster Rock and is known for its fishing and wildlife. 'If you visit at the right time of year, you can go on the hunt for fiddleheads—a local fern that lands on supper plates every spring,' Andersen says. 'You'll love them or hate them, though it is commonly agreed that the best way to love them is with more than the daily recommended dose of butter and a few splashes of vinegar.' About a 40-minute drive south of Perth-Andover, the town of Hartland is home to the world's longest covered bridge. The Hartland Covered Bridge is about 427 yards long and opened uncovered, according to Parks Canada, in 1901. A spring ice jam washed out two spans in 1920. By early 1922, the bridge was repaired and fully covered, with a walkway added in the 1940s. A six-minute drive from the bridge is the home of Covered Bridge Potato Chips, which offers tours and sells more than 30 types of chips in its gift shop. 'They make some of the best kettle-style chips,' Andersen says. 'Go for the creamy dill.' Nearby is the McCain Foods factory in Florenceville. The company, known globally for its French fries, has annual revenues of $16 billion Canadian, according to the company's website. 'I worked there in my days before going full-time as a musician,' Andersen recalls. 'You're in potato country now. Stop into Potato World to see where McCain's products are sent all over the world and dig into some fresh-cooked French fries.' Potato World says it is 'two acres of state-of-the-art hands-on displays, educational video theaters and antique machinery. Finish off your visit with tasty fries, baked potato soup, chocolate potato cake, potato smoothie and many more tasty treats!' Abot a six-hour drive from the factory where he once worked, Andersen lives today in another province, Nova Scotia. He resides in Wolfville, about an hour's drive north of Halifax. 'Like many moves people make, I followed my heart to Wolfville,' he explains. 'Got it broke and found another reason to stay. It has become home over the last 20 years.' Wolfville is nestled in the Annapolis Valley. 'It's where our vineyards are and a good portion of our farmland,' Andersen says. 'From spring to fall, we're spoiled with an abundance of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. The road to my house is lined with roadside stands with produce at the end of the driveways and a cash box and a price list. We're spoiled.' About a 35-minute drive north of Wolfville, Andersen recommends visitors go to Cape Split Provincial Park. 'Cape Split is a gorgeous hike that will give you beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy,' he exclaims. Why does one prefer living in Wolfville over Halifax, a city teeming with local musicians? 'I'm a country kid,' Andersen replies. 'I grew up with great neighbors, but you'd have to dig out the binoculars to get a good look at them. Wolfville still has lots of space. I live on a seven-acre lot. It's quiet when you need quiet and dark when you need dark. The supply of local produce and meat is a huge plus. We know where our money is going when we drop it into the boxes by the road. My place is only about 45 minutes to Halifax or the airport. That's perfect by me.'
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Moncton Fire Department needs sixth fire station: report
A new report suggests the Moncton Fire Department needs dozens of new staff members and a sixth fire station. Emergency Management Group conducted the report and presented it to Moncton council at their regular meeting on Monday. The report analyzed all aspects of the fire department's operations and considered its current and future needs. In total, the report made 64 operational and strategic recommendations, including the implementation of a sixth fire station that would be staffed with two crews per shift and relief personnel for a total of 40 new firefighters. In total, the report made 64 operational and strategic recommendations, including the implementation of a sixth fire station that would be staffed with two crews per shift and relief personnel for a total of 40 new firefighters. According to the Moncton Fire Department's website, it currently has 124 staff members led by Chief Conrad Landry. Its five stations are positioned on Botsford Street, Brandon Street, Caledonia Road, Hildegarde Drive and St. George Boulevard. 'The report contains a wide range of recommendations designed to enhance emergency response, improve infrastructure, and ensure our fire service continues to meet the growing demands of our community,' said Mélanie Cécyre, manager of communications and bilingual services with the City of Moncton, in an email. 'This report represents an important step in shaping the future of public safety in the city.' Other recommendations in the report include: increasing the administrative support position by one staff member adding the position of a division chief of fire prevention adding two fire prevention officer positions adding two training officer positions expanding information technology with a focus on fire prevention division-specific software looking at other sources of revenue from inspections and false alarms Council voted unanimously to direct staff to provide feedback on the report by the end of September. Staff will also submit a 15-year implementation plan with the costs, advantages and disadvantages of each recommendation by the end of the year. 'As with all strategic initiatives, Council will review the recommendations in detail and determine the priorities that best align with the needs of our residents and the City's long-term vision,' Cécyre said. 'These priorities will be considered as part of upcoming budget deliberations.' Moncton Fire Jackets for the Moncton, N.B., fire department are pictured. (Derek Haggett/CTV Atlantic) For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Abundant storm energy brings flood and tornado risks Thursday
Thursday brings significant weather risks to eastern Ontario, southern Quebec and northern New Brunswick, as the recent high heat and humidity are providing ample storm energy across the regions. MUST SEE: Severe storms are expected in multiple rounds Thursday afternoon and evening, and after several days of heat and humidity above 30°C, the abundant moisture in the region could result in torrential downpours. Conditions may also align for potential tornado development north of the Ottawa Valley, across the Laurentians, and in the Gaspé Peninsula. A tornado warning covered the Pembroke, Ont. area just before the lunch hour, but was discontinued shortly after. Tornado-warned storms are likely throughout the day. You'll want to stay updated on the weather alerts in your area as conditions can change quickly when severe weather hits. Thursday: Risk of strong thunderstorms with heavy downpours and a possible tornado A low pressure system and a strong cold front will move through the Great Lakes Thursday, tracking eastward through the day. These conditions will bring the potential for severe thunderstorms in several areas, particularly in eastern Ontario, southern Quebec, and parts of the Maritimes. Storms moving through the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are expected to remain non-severe, as energy will peak further east ahead of the cold front by the afternoon. This increased energy, combined with ample moisture and notable wind shear, could fuel a strong cluster of storms. SEE ALSO: North of the Ottawa Valley, severe storms could begin in the afternoon. By evening, areas including eastern Quebec, the Gaspé Peninsula, and northern New Brunswick will also face a severe weather risk. Ottawa and Montreal residents should prepare for heightened storm intensity between 1–4 p.m., with the window extending from 1–7 p.m. for Quebec City and 3–9 p.m. for the Gaspé Peninsula and northern New Brunswick. Locally intense rainfall is possible, with 50–100 mm expected in some areas due to thunderstorms. This raises the risk of localized flooding. Conditions north of the Ottawa Valley, the Laurentians, and the Gaspé Peninsula may also support isolated tornadoes. DON'T MISS: It will be important to stay weather-aware throughout the day, and keep updated on any weather alerts or warnings issued in your area. Following Thursday's storm threat, relief from the heat is on the way, as cooler, drier air moves in for Friday. A more comfortable and seasonal weekend is ahead. WATCH: How storm chasers in Canada got into the action-packed job Click here to view the video Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Ontario and Quebec.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Fredericton opening 20-unit seniors housing complex this fall
David Hickey is pictured speaking at a lectern in front of housing development. (Source: Province of New Brunswick) A new public housing development in Fredericton will expand access to affordable housing, said the New Brunswick government in a news release Thursday. The 20-unit seniors complex on Charles Avenue is almost finished and expected to welcome residents in the fall, said the release. The units are coming when finding an affordable place to live is very challenging, said David Hickey, the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. 'For a long time, government had gotten out of the business of building new homes,' Hickey said. 'Now it's great to see some of these new public housing developments preparing to accept new tenants.' Work is underway on 127 additional units at 13 sites across New Brunswick. Hickey also recently announced 22 new living spaces would be opening in Miramichi as part of three new housing developments. There are more than 4,600 public housing units in New Brunswick including close to 800 rural and Indigenous units. The housing corporation has several housing programs for renters and property owners. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Abundant storm energy brings flood and tornado risks Thursday
Thursday brings significant weather risks to eastern Ontario, southern Quebec and northern New Brunswick, as the recent high heat and humidity are providing ample storm energy across the regions. MUST SEE: Severe storms are expected in multiple rounds Thursday afternoon and evening, and after several days of heat and humidity above 30°C, the abundant moisture in the region could result in torrential downpours. Conditions may also align for potential tornado development north of the Ottawa Valley, across the Laurentians, and in the Gaspé Peninsula. A tornado warning covered the Pembroke, Ont. area just before the lunch hour, but was discontinued shortly after. Tornado-warned storms are likely throughout the day. You'll want to stay updated on the weather alerts in your area as conditions can change quickly when severe weather hits. Thursday: Risk of strong thunderstorms with heavy downpours and a possible tornado A low pressure system and a strong cold front will move through the Great Lakes Thursday, tracking eastward through the day. These conditions will bring the potential for severe thunderstorms in several areas, particularly in eastern Ontario, southern Quebec, and parts of the Maritimes. Storms moving through the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are expected to remain non-severe, as energy will peak further east ahead of the cold front by the afternoon. This increased energy, combined with ample moisture and notable wind shear, could fuel a strong cluster of storms. SEE ALSO: North of the Ottawa Valley, severe storms could begin in the afternoon. By evening, areas including eastern Quebec, the Gaspé Peninsula, and northern New Brunswick will also face a severe weather risk. Ottawa and Montreal residents should prepare for heightened storm intensity between 1–4 p.m., with the window extending from 1–7 p.m. for Quebec City and 3–9 p.m. for the Gaspé Peninsula and northern New Brunswick. Locally intense rainfall is possible, with 50–100 mm expected in some areas due to thunderstorms. This raises the risk of localized flooding. Conditions north of the Ottawa Valley, the Laurentians, and the Gaspé Peninsula may also support isolated tornadoes. DON'T MISS: It will be important to stay weather-aware throughout the day, and keep updated on any weather alerts or warnings issued in your area. Following Thursday's storm threat, relief from the heat is on the way, as cooler, drier air moves in for Friday. A more comfortable and seasonal weekend is ahead. WATCH: How storm chasers in Canada got into the action-packed job Click here to view the video Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Ontario and Quebec.
