Residents concerned about effects of climate change on Margaree River, N.S.
The Margaree River along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is known for its salmon fishing and natural beauty, but according to some who live in the area, the body of water has seen better days.
"Two years in a row now, we've had to close fishing on the lower part of the Margaree River, basically because the river has gotten so wide, so shallow... well, you just look at it here,” said Edsel Hart, who has lived along the Margaree River for decades.
Hart said when the water gets too shallow in the summer, it gets too hot, which is no good for fish, or fishing conditions.
There is also the problem of bank erosion caused by the river swelling too wide during heavy rains.
Hart said he has lost significant chunks of his own land.
"We just need major attention, and it just seems that nobody has come in to give us support,” he said. “I started back in '13 - 2013 - because I lost 20-to-30 acres of land."
Blair Phillips, the area's councilor, fears tourism dollars may be at stake and he’s asking the federal and provincial governments for help.
"Salmon fishing is so important to the area,” said Phillips. "When the river is shut down, when the water becomes too warm, there's rooms that are cancelled. People are not spending money in the area."
Hart said last fall there was enough concern that a River Association was formed among some community members to keep tabs on the condition of the Margaree.
They’re now looking for funding towards a longer-term solution.
"We need a major study on the Margaree River, and we're just asking for help,” he said.
The pair noted some sections of what used to be flowing river are now bare rock and uprooted trees are a common sight.
"Things have gone so bad now that you're basically... a lot of fishermen say, 'Edsel, you're just going to have to dredge the river,’” Hart said.
Their hope is that by spreading the word, first steps might be taken towards restoring the Margaree River to its full glory.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Canada Disability Benefit needs to be safeguarded from clawbacks, MPs unanimously agree
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Testifying in hush money trial, adult film actor Stormy Daniels describes first meeting Trump
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential election 10 years later.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Turfing Poilievre from House a clear sign of desperation by Trudeau Liberals
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
Katy Perry's mom was fooled by AI images of the singer at the Met Gala
Katy Perry did not attend the Met Gala on Monday, but some of the singer’s fans – and even her mom – thought she did.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.