Local News

Members of the board of governors at Cape Breton's Gaelic College say they've had a change of heart about the "Royal" designation.

The school, located in St. Anns, was given permission to add the Royal prefix to its name in December.

Some Gaelic community members have said adding the designation was offensive because board members ignored the fact the British government tried to eliminate their language and culture in the past.

Foundation members voted 45-23 in favour of a motion to drop the name at a meeting Sunday.

In a statement issued Friday, college officials say they've decided not to proceed with using the designation in its day-to-day operations, but will look to "properly acknowledge this honor" in other ways.

They say the opinions shared are sincerely appreciated and show "the tremendous passion Nova Scotia Gaels have for who they are, where they come from, and where they are going."

Board members say they look forward to increased dialogue with its membership about governance and foundation issues.

A liquefied natural gas project in Guysborough Co. has passed another hurdle.

Members of an Environmental Assessment Review Panel appointed to conduct a Class Two Environmental Assessment of the Goldboro LNG project have submitted their report to Randy Delorey, Minister of Environment and Antigonish MLA.

Panel members say the multi-billion dollar plant can proceed, with a number of conditions.

It says the project would increase the province's greenhouse gas emissions by about 18 per cent above 2010 levels, while a number of fisheries in the general area would be compromised.

However, it adds there would be "extremely significant" economic and employment benefits to the county and the province.

Delorey has until Mar. 24 to issue a final decision on the project.

A man charged with attempted murder in relation to a Guysborough Co. stabbing will go to trial in Feb. 2015.

Guysborough RCMP say a man suffered multiple stab wounds at a party in Sunnyville in June; he arrived at Guysborough Memorial Hospital, and was transferred to St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say officers arrested John Arthur Borden, 42, of Sunnyville the next day.

Borden also faces charges of aggravated assault, uttering threats, and possession of a weapon.

The Sunnyville native, who has been in the Halifax area for the past several years, has been held in custody since his arrest; he was denied bail in July.

Borden, who was committed to stand trial in December, elected a Nova Scotia Supreme Court trial by judge and jury.

Seven days were set aside for his trial when he appeared in court Wednesday; it's scheduled to take place from Feb. 2-10, 2015.

Trial dates were scheduled to be set in February, but the matter was adjourned when Borden said he was looking for a new Legal Aid lawyer.

The 34th annual Strait Richmond Minor Hockey Tournament kicks off Friday.

Games are being held at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, and Richmond Arena in Louisdale; the opening ceremonies take place in Louisdale at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Trevor Wilkie, event organizer, says the tournament is a chance to showcase our local hospitality, and the quality of our local hockey players to the entire province.

Wilkie tells The Hawk the number of teams taking part has remained steady for the past few years.

"We have probably fewer divisions this year just due to the structure of our association," he says. "We up to about 69 teams and we're slowly rebuilding."

Wilkie says there will be economic benefits to the region; there are more than 1,400 players, coaches and referees involved, as well as family members attending with the players.

The 10-day tournament wraps up next Sunday; you can find the full schedule by clicking here.