Top 5 Maritimes News Round-Up: Friday, February 20, 2026

Good morning, Maritimes! Here’s what you need to know today as you dig out from last night’s snowfall and get your Friday started. We’ve got your top stories from across Atlantic Canada : from backroom council meetings in Cape Breton to fresh powder on the roads, plus political shake-ups in New Brunswick and Canadian athletes making moves on the Olympic stage.

1. Behind Closed Doors: CBRM Council’s Sydney Port Land Talks

Cape Breton Regional Municipality councillors are meeting behind closed doors again, this time to discuss the future of prime Sydney waterfront land. The in-camera sessions have raised eyebrows among residents who want transparency about what’s being planned for the strategically important port area.

The Sydney port lands represent some of the most valuable real estate in Cape Breton, with potential for significant economic development. However, the secretive nature of these discussions has sparked concerns about public accountability in Halifax news circles and beyond. Local business leaders are watching closely, as any development could reshape the economic landscape of the CBRM.

Sources suggest the talks involve potential private sector partnerships, but without public disclosure, residents are left guessing about the specifics. The port area has long been viewed as an underutilized asset that could drive job creation and economic growth in the region. Whether these closed-door sessions lead to meaningful development or just more delays remains to be seen.

2. New Brunswick Property Owners Brace for Tax Hikes

Property tax anxiety is spreading across New Brunswick as municipalities prepare their 2026 budgets. Homeowners in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton are bracing for potential increases as local governments grapple with rising costs and infrastructure demands.

The concerns center on the ongoing challenge of balancing municipal budgets while providing essential services. New Brunswick news outlets have reported that several municipalities are considering property tax increases ranging from 3% to 7% to cover everything from road maintenance to emergency services.

For many New Brunswick residents already dealing with the rising cost of living, additional property tax burdens are unwelcome news. Local advocacy groups are calling on municipal leaders to find efficiencies before reaching into taxpayers’ wallets. The debate touches on broader questions about the Maritimes economy and how sustainable current funding models are for Atlantic Canada municipalities.

Some municipalities are exploring alternative revenue streams, including commercial development incentives and federal infrastructure grants, but property taxes remain the primary funding mechanism for most local services.

3. Winter Wallop: Heavy Snow Blankets the Maritimes

Mother Nature delivered a solid reminder that February isn’t done with us yet. A winter storm rolled through the region overnight, dropping 15-20 centimeters of snow across Prince Edward Island and eastern Nova Scotia.

Charlottetown and the surrounding PEI communities bore the brunt of the system, with snow beginning late Thursday evening and continuing into the early morning hours. Highway crews were out in force overnight, but morning commuters still faced slippery conditions and reduced visibility.

Eastern Nova Scotia, including parts of Cape Breton and the Halifax Regional Municipality, also saw significant accumulation. Halifax news stations reported numerous fender benders during the morning rush, though no serious injuries were reported.

The storm system moved quickly through the region, with conditions expected to improve by midday. However, colder temperatures are forecast to stick around for the weekend, keeping those snow banks frozen solid.

Maritime school districts made scattered decisions about delays and closures, with several rural districts in Prince Edward Island news reports opting for delayed starts to give plows time to clear roads. Most urban centers, including Halifax and Moncton, kept schools open with normal schedules.

Environment Canada meteorologists say this system is part of a pattern that could bring additional snow events over the next two weeks, so keep those shovels handy.

4. New Face in New Brunswick’s PC Leadership Race

The race to lead New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative Party just got more interesting. A new candidate officially entered the leadership contest this week, adding another dimension to what’s shaping up to be a competitive race.

While specific details about the candidate’s platform are still emerging, the entry signals that Atlantic Canada politics remain dynamic even during what many assumed would be a quiet winter leadership process. The New Brunswick PC leadership race has implications beyond provincial borders, as the party’s direction will influence regional cooperation on economic development and healthcare issues affecting the broader Maritimes.

Current party members are weighing their options as candidates begin rolling out policy positions on key issues including healthcare reform, economic development, and education funding. The leadership convention is scheduled for later this spring, giving candidates several months to make their case to party members across the province.

Political observers note that whoever emerges as leader will face significant challenges, including addressing rural-urban divides, managing provincial finances, and positioning New Brunswick competitively within the Atlantic Canadian economic landscape.

5. Team Canada Updates: Olympic Curling and Hockey in Focus

Canadian athletes continue to make headlines at the Winter Olympics, with curling and hockey teams delivering performances that have sports fans across the Maritimes glued to their screens.

The Canadian curling squad has advanced through preliminary rounds with strong showings against international competition. The precision sport remains hugely popular in Atlantic Canada, where many communities have their own curling clubs and generations of families have enjoyed the “roaring game.”

On the hockey front, Canada’s national teams are navigating their tournament schedules with medal aspirations firmly in sight. The hockey updates resonate particularly strongly in Maritime communities where the sport is woven into the cultural fabric : from minor hockey arenas in St. John’s NL to high school championships across Nova Scotia.

Local viewing parties are planned across Halifax, Moncton, and other cities as the medal rounds approach. Sports bars and community centers are advertising big-screen viewing events, giving fans a chance to cheer on Team Canada together.

The Olympic performances provide a welcome distraction from winter weather and economic concerns, uniting Maritimers around national pride and athletic excellence.

---

That’s your Maritimes round-up for Friday, February 20, 2026. Stay warm out there, drive carefully on those snowy roads, and have a great weekend! We’ll be back Monday morning with more news from across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.