Community News
Public Engagement on RECC Governance
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Governance Challenges at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre
On December 11, 2025, Truro Town Council heard a presentation that outlined the recent history and governance challenges surrounding Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC) and the management of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition (NSPE) Grounds by the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society (the Society).
Jointly owned by the Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro, the RECC has operated under evolving agreements since 2013, with amendments in 2018 and 2023 expanding its mandate. However, concerns over financial reporting and compliance with these agreements led to significant governance issues.
From 2022 to 2025, a series of unauthorized contracts and management decisions were made without proper Board or municipal approval, resulting in escalating financial and operational concerns. Technical reviews identified risks in the proposed agreements, and repeated municipal requests for clarity went unmet.
In May 2025, the municipalities intervened, dismissing the original Board and appointing a new interim Board who were tasked with resolving the contract issues. In October 2025, the Municipality of Colchester subsequently issued notice to terminate the Operating Agreement, and the NSPE contract was also cancelled.
The key issues the municipalities have, which contributed to the breakdown in governance, were:
a lack of transparency and communication between management, the Board, and the municipalities;
management at the RECC entering into unauthorized agreements and exposing the municipalities to significant financial risks;
and delayed delivery and an unclear separation of finances between the RECC and NSPE.
The recommended next steps involve Truro Town Council considering a formal motion to determine the future governance of the RECC.
Based on a scan of governance oversight for similar facilities operating in other communities, Council is considering continuing with the current Society, but with changes to the governance structure so that all Directors of the Society are members of Truro Town Council or the Municipality of Colchester's Council. These changes would require amendments to the Society's Bylaws, and these changes could include:
Setting the number of directors at 6, with 3 from Truro Town Council and 3 from the Municipality of Colchester’s Council;
Establishing a Citizen Advisory Committee with citizens from Truro and Colchester to make recommendations to the Board;
Amending the current management structure to require regular Board meetings and reporting, as well as a management team consisting of the two CAOs from Truro and Colchester and the General Manager of the RECC.
During this Special Council Meeting, many Council members expressed the need for public input on a future governance model for the facility. As a result, the following motion was passed at the December 11th meeting:
By motion of Councillors I. McGrath and D. Pryor, it was resolved that Council direct staff to enter into discussions with the Municipality on continuing to have the Society manage and operate the RECC and making amendments to the Society’s Bylaws as described in the Memorandum provided with the RFD, and report back to Council with recommended Bylaw amendments for Council’s approval.
In making recommendations to Council, staff will conduct public engagement and will include the CEO of the RECC as part of the engagement process. Motion carried.
Overall, there is a need for transparent, accountable management and compliance with municipal expectations to restore public trust and ensure responsible stewardship of community assets.
Town of Truro Completes Most Successful Urban Managed Deer Hunt to Date
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TOWN OF TRURO COMPLETES MOST SUCCESSFUL URBAN MANAGED DEER HUNT TO DATE
Truro, NS – December 19, 2025 – As part of the Town of Truro’s Deer Management Strategy, the Town has completed its 2025 Controlled Managed Urban Deer Hunt, marking the most productive year since the program began.
The 2025 hunt ran from the end of September through mid-December and resulted in a total of 88 deer harvested within the Town of Truro, representing the highest annual harvest achieved through the program to date.
The Controlled Managed Urban Deer Hunt is carried out annually with the guidance, oversight, and permitting of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Hunting is completed on approved sites by proficient hunters who are granted special permits by the Province. As outlined in the Town’s Deer Management Strategy, a controlled managed hunt remains the most effective population reduction method in terms of effectiveness, feasibility, public cost, capacity, and time to implement.
In 2025, the Town was granted provincial permission for a new, more urban hunt site. While this site operated under very strict conditions, the additional site proved highly successful, with 35 deer harvested from this single location.
Of the 88 deer harvested in total,
73 deer were harvested through the Town of Truro’s authorized hunters, and
15 deer were harvested by Millbrook First Nation’s hunters.
Of the deer harvested through Millbrook First Nation, four deer were harvested by youth, and two deer were harvested by Elders as part of Millbrook’s land-based learning program, highlighting the continued importance of cultural knowledge transfer and community-based harvesting practices.
The Town’s Controlled Managed Hunt continues to operate as a strong partnership program with Millbrook First Nation, a collaboration that has expanded and strengthened each year. As in previous years, the program emphasizes respectful use of the animal and minimal waste. Meat harvested through the Town’s portion of the program is donated through Feed Nova Scotia’s Hunters Helping the Hungry program, while meat harvested by Millbrook supports community members through local distribution initiatives. Hides and other animal parts are also utilized for educational and research purposes in partnership with DNR and Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus.
The purpose of the Town’s Deer Management Strategy is to reduce deer population numbers within Truro for the benefit of natural ecosystems, protection of residential landscapes, reduction of deer-vehicle collisions, public health considerations, and the overall reduction of human–deer conflict. While residents will continue to live alongside deer long-term, population management remains a critical tool in maintaining balance within Truro. The Town continues to remind residents that feeding deer is the single most impactful action that undermines deer management efforts.
The Town of Truro wishes to thank all partners involved in the 2025 Controlled Managed Urban Deer Hunt, including the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Millbrook First Nation, Feed Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University, the Town’s Hunt Coordinators and other authorized hunters, and community partners who contributed to the success of the program.
For more information on the Town of Truro’s Deer Management Strategy, please visit:
www.truro.ca/urban-deer-management.html
For more information, please contact:
Alison Grant
Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Communications
Town of Truro
(902) 893-1424
Victoria Park Colouring Contest
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Victoria Park Colouring Contest!
We’re spreading some holiday creativity with a colouring contest for kids. Download and print the colouring page below, or pick up a copy at Truro Town Hall or the Douglas Street Recreation Centre.
How to Enter
Have your child colour the page and submit by Monday, December 22 at 11:59 PM by either:
• Sending a clear photo of the completed page with the entry form attached to
or messaging it to the Town of Truro or Victoria Park social media pages, OR
• Dropping it off at the Truro Town Hall front desk or drop box (695 Prince Street).
Prizes
Winners will be selected by random draw in each age group (0–4, 5–8, 9–12, 13–16).
Each winner will receive a gift card to Diggers Café!
Winner Announcement
Winners will be contacted directly and announced on the Town of Truro Facebook page.
By entering, you consent to the Town sharing your child’s first name, age category, and colouring page on our social media channels.
