Alerts
“What We Heard” Report- Community Safety Forum
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published: Friday, 31 October 2025 11:16
The Town of New Glasgow hosted a Community Safety Forum on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, to provide residents, business owners, and service providers the opportunity to share their concerns and experiences in an open and respectful dialogue regarding homelessness, addiction, mental health, public safety and community well-being.
The forum was convened as part of an ongoing effort to better understand the impacts of homelessness, addiction, and social disorder within the community and to explore collaborative approaches that balance compassion, safety, and accountability.
The discussion was facilitated by Tim Brodie and over 250 people were in attendance for the Community Safety Forum held at Glasgow Square. Pre-registered speakers were provided a defined allocation of time to provide their community input and experiences. The registered speakers were followed by a panel discussion which included Mayor Nancy Dicks, New Glasgow Regional Police Chief Ryan Leil, Viola’s Place Executive Director Lisa Deyoung, and Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions representatives Monika Thompson and Janah Fair.
Please see the full report here: What We Heard Report - October 1, 2025.pdf
Tribute to the Legacy of the Run Against Racism and Henderson Paris
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published: Tuesday, 23 September 2025 15:42
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Tribute to the Legacy of the Run Against Racism and Henderson Paris
New Glasgow, September 23, 2025:
A tribute to the legacy of the Run Against Racism and Henderson Paris will be held on Friday, October 3 as part of the New Glasgow 150 Anniversary celebrations. The run, which began 35 years ago, and which lasted for two decades, made a lasting and enduring impact on the region as well throughout Nova Scotia and beyond. A walk will take place from Abercrombie Road, down to George Street and across the bridge and will be followed by a special rally at Glasgow Square Theatre.
“Henderson Paris made a lasting impact with his stand against racism.” states New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks. “As a human rights leader, and as a community leader, Henderson’s story deserves to be celebrated. He inspired generations and today’s generations will also be uplifted by his story.”
“All kids seek connections; this event brings energy, enthusiasm and hope with messages of empowerment and a focus on what unites us!” adds Erin Cormier, Supervisor, Celtic Family of Schools, Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education.
The 38 mile (km) run which Paris initiated in 1990 followed a racial incident that one of his sons experienced. He assured the run was designed to include the communities of the area- Pictou Landing First Nation, his hometown of New Glasgow, Stellarton, Westville, Trenton, Pictou and the rural municipality of Pictou County and that it be a catalyst for change. It was also important to the run’s founder to engage youth and throughout the years, thousands of students and community members took part, united in a cause to nurture respect for diversity, unity and inclusion. Throughout the 20 years of the run as well as the 10 years that followed with another event in his honour, the Marathon of Respect and Equality (MORE) that Henderson served as honorary chair, he was officially recognized by local, provincial and national organizations.
“It is my belief that the R.A.R. event, which over its twenty-year existence, positively impacted and created an awareness that racial discrimination in all forms must be eliminated! This tribute speaks volumes as to how far we have advanced over the course of 150 years.” comments Henderson Paris.
“Then, and even more so now, with global troubling times that we are experiencing, the Run’s logo is just as relevant today, thirty-five years later.” - “Together We Can Make a Difference.”
Members of the public wishing to take part in the tribute walk may gather at the Maranatha Bible Church by 9:45 a.m., while authorized students from the Celtic Family of Schools will be bused and meet at the Christian Fellowship Church. The student procession will lead the walk with Henderson, members of his family and town representatives at 10:00am. Public participants will proceed immediately after the student group. More students will join their student peers at Carmichael Park. The rally will feature student musical performances along with presentations and remarks all in tribute to Henderson and the legacy of his run. This tribute has been created with the goal of continuing his message of respect, harmony and equality for all. The motto “together we can make a difference” was the motto of the original run and is a mantra Henderson still believes in.
Please note there will be a police escort, brief road closures and other safety measures in place for this special event. The community is also invited to the rally at Glasgow Square which will begin at approximately 10:40a.m., on October 3, 2025.
Mayor Nancy Dicks, Henderson Paris, Kristen Paris, Carol Paris, Jordan Paris.
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Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782
High-Risk Sex Offender Notification: George Durling
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 16:17
September 10 , 2025
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
News Release
In accordance with the Nova Scotia Release of High-Risk Offender Information Protocol, the New Glasgow Regional Police is advising the public that a High-Risk Sex Offender is residing in the Marsh Street area of New Glasgow.
George Durling, 57-year-old male is a federal offender and has been released after serving a two-year sentence for convictions of:
- Distribution of Child Pornography
- Print/Publish Child Pornography (x3)
- Failure to Comply with Probation Order (x2)
- Harassing Communication and Indecent Communication
George Durling was known to text and call random phone numbers with sexually explicit content.
These offences occurred in the Truro and Maitland Nova Scotia area. He has previously been sentenced to:
- Three years of probation related to a sexual assault in Manitoba (1992)
- Eighteen months of probation for an assault in Truro (2019)
- One year of probation for an indecent act in Truro (2022)
Geroge Durling is on conditions to restrict him from being around children under 16 years of age. He must not attend a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, schoolground, playground or community centre. He cannot seek, obtain or continue any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or become or be a volunteer in a capacity, that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16 years and he cannot have any contact — including communicating by any means — with a person who is under the age of 16 years, unless the offender does so under the supervision of a person whom the court considers appropriate.
This High-Risk Offender Information is provided to alert members of the public of his presence in our community and is not intended to encourage any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct.
New Glasgow Regional Police will continue to monitor the situation and will be completing regular compliance checks. Police also encourages the public to report any suspicious activity by calling 902-752-1941. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.
Photo of Geroge Durling enclosed. Police remind the public that the photograph of the person taken at the time may not accurately represent their current appearance.
NG 150 International Town Criers Competition Brings Global Tradition to downtown New Glasgow
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 10:17
Media Release
NG 150 International Town Criers Competition Brings Global Tradition to downtown New Glasgow
New Glasgow, September 9, 2025:
The Town of New Glasgow is proud to announce the New Glasgow 150 International Town Criers Competition will be hosted in Downtown New Glasgow from September 18 - 21, 2025 as part of the town’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. This event will welcome town criers and their consorts from across Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, filling Downtown New Glasgow with history, celebration and pageantry.
The competition schedule includes:
- Home Cry - Friday, September 19 at 1:00 p.m. at Carmichael Park
- Open Cry - Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Glasgow Farmers Market
- New Glasgow 150 Theme Cry - Saturday, September 20 at 2:00 p.m. at Carmichael Park
Throughout the event, criers will showcase their skills through traditional proclamations, heritage-themed cries, and celebratory performances, with judging based on voice, clarity, and showmanship.
“Hosting the New Glasgow 150 International Town Criers Competition right here in our community is a truly exciting way to celebrate our milestone anniversary,” said Nancy Dicks, Mayor of New Glasgow and Co-Chair of the New Glasgow 150 Committee. “This event will honour a changing tradition while showcasing our town and region to visitors from across Canada and abroad. We look forward to welcoming this diverse and eclectic group of criers and their consorts as they bring their uplifting energy and talent to our town.”
Jim Stewart, New Glasgow’s Town Crier, added, “Town criers are keepers of history, heritage, and voice. This competition is an opportunity to not only showcase our craft but also to bring communities together in the spirit of celebration. We’re thrilled to share this tradition with New Glasgow during such a historic year and to show the breadth and versatility of today’s town criers. I am honoured to showcase my hometown, our County and Nova Scotia to my colleagues.”
The competition is expected to draw local audiences and tourists, creating a festive downtown atmosphere that complements New Glasgow’s year-long anniversary celebrations. Also in attendance will be an international film crew from New York City who are working on a film about the contemporary town crier.
The Town of New Glasgow thanks all sponsors, volunteers, New Glasgow 150 Committee members and community partners who are helping to bring this world-class event to life.
Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782
Viola’s Way Placemaking Project Celebrates Funding in New Glasgow
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published: Thursday, 28 August 2025 09:10
News Release
For Immediate Release
New Glasgow, August 28, 2025:
The Town of New Glasgow and the New Glasgow GALMA Society are thrilled to celebrate the successful funding announcement and groundbreaking of the Viola’s Way Placemaking Project. The event, held today adjacent to the former Roseland Theatre, marks a significant milestone in creating a welcoming, inclusive, pedestrian-only space dedicated to reflection, celebration, education, and reconciliation.
Viola’s Way will honour the enduring legacy of African Nova Scotian changemakers, including its namesake, Viola Desmond, and reflects a strong collaborative investment from the Government of Canada, Province of Nova Scotia and the Town of New Glasgow, demonstrating a shared commitment to cultural recognition, inclusion, and community development.
Funding contributions include $1,000,000 from African Nova Scotia Affairs, Province of Nova Scotia, $390,000 (non-repayable) from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), $342,700 from the Town of New Glasgow and $315,875 from the Building Communities Through Arts & Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
The New Glasgow GALMA Society, serving as the Community-Led Advisory Group for Viola’s Way, is a grassroots organization rooted in African ancestral values. Grounded by the principles of Kwanzaa and Africentricity, “GALMA will centre the historical and lived experiences of African Nova Scotians and all people of African descent in all initiatives we undertake”.
“Canada’s diversity and heritage reflect the values and stories that make our country unique and strong,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. “Through this project, New Glasgow celebrates a milestone anniversary while reflecting on the significant contributions that African Nova Scotians have made to this community. I know Viola's Way will be a gathering space where the legacy of local leaders and trailblazers will inspire generations to come.”
Mayor Nancy Dicks also shared her support and gratitude at the ceremony."Viola’s Way will be so much more than bricks and pathways, it will be a space to reflect, to celebrate, to honour legacy, and to promote learning and healing. It represents a bold and beautiful step forward for our community, and I’m so proud to see this vision coming to life."
Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, added “Viola Desmond’s courage in 1946 changed not only this community but Canada itself. Through this investment, our government is reaffirming its commitment to keeping African Nova Scotian history visible and central to Nova Scotia’s story.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, shared his support. “Viola’s Way is a powerful tribute that reminds us of Viola Desmond’s courage. Her stand at the Roseland Theatre was a turning point in Nova Scotia’s journey toward justice, inclusivity, and equality. As a trailblazer in Nova Scotia’s civil rights movement, Viola’s legacy continues to inspire the resilience of our province. I’m proud to see this project take shape in our community, and proud to support initiatives like this that help build local economies where everyone can contribute to and strengthen the communities we call home.”
The Town of New Glasgow and the GALMA Society thanks all partners, supporters, and community members for joining this important celebration and look forward to seeing Viola’s Way become a vibrant space that reflects the heritage, history and voices of the community.
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Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782