Nova Scotia Lifts Woods Ban for Some Areas

Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston speaks to reporters following a televised debate in Halifax on Nov. 14, 2024. The Canadian Press/Darren Calabrese

The government of Nova Scotia said it is lifting the woods ban in some parts of the province put in place to prevent wildfires.

The province had placed restrictions on activities in forested areas as of Aug. 5. It said that hot and dry conditions had increased the risk of wildfires. The restrictions included a ban on hiking, camping, fishing, or using vehicles in the woods. There was also a ban on using trail systems.

Premier Tim Houston announced “a little bit of good news” on Aug. 29 that the restrictions would be lifted in some communities.

“The woods ban is tough. It’s tough on everyone. Nova Scotians are patient and they’re resilient, but certainly the last few weeks have not been fun,” he said.

He said that as of 4 p.m. on Aug. 29, the woods ban was lifted in seven counties, including Cape Breton County, Inverness County, Victoria County, Richmond County, Guysborough County, Antigonish County, and Halifax County.

“Summer in Nova Scotia is the time we’re supposed to be outside enjoying things with our family and enjoying this incredible province and everything it has to offer,” Houston said.

He added that “people can get back out to enjoy some of the woods,” saying he hoped it “offers a little bit of bright news to some Nova Scotians as they head into the long weekend.”

The premier said the decision to lift the restrictions for the seven counties was based on Natural Resources data and that recent rainfall had helped.

The province said restrictions remain for 11 other counties due to “extremely dry and hazardous” conditions. The ban remains for Pictou, Colchester, Cumberland, Hants, Lunenburg, Kings, Annapolis, Queens, Shelburne, Digby, and Yarmouth counties.

The restrictions will remain in place until Oct. 15, or until conditions change that allow them to be lifted, the province said.

It also said the burn ban will remain in place until Oct. 15 or until conditions improve further.

The fine for violating the woods ban restrictions remains at $25,000. The province’s decision to ban hiking has faced legal challenges, including by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.

Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and forest protection for Natural Resources, said that as of Aug. 29, the province has laid nine charges for those who violated the burn ban and issued 10 fines for those who violated the woods ban.

One of those tickets went to resident Jeff Evely, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, who has filed a legal challenge over the ban, asking the courts for a judicial review of the provincial restrictions.

Evely recorded himself on Aug. 8 taking a walk in the woods in protest. He had alerted conservation officers of his actions and was issued a $28,872.50 ticket.

He previously told The Epoch Times that he tried to challenge a similar ban in 2023, but was told by a judge that he “could not stand” on his rights alone, that there needed to be money involved. He said that was why he sought to deliberately get a ticket this time.

Evely is arguing that the restriction is unreasonable and unconstitutional. He says that it violates his Charter rights of liberty and security of the person.