Top 5 Maritimes News Stories You Need to Know Today

Stay informed with today’s most important news from across Atlantic Canada. Here’s your daily round-up of the top stories affecting Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

1. Major Winter Storm Hammers Atlantic Canada with Record Snowfall

Atlantic Canada is dealing with severe winter weather conditions as a powerful storm system continues to impact the region. Environment Canada has issued blowing snow and winter storm warnings for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and eastern New Brunswick, with significant accumulations and dangerous travel conditions reported across all four Atlantic provinces.

St. John’s, Newfoundland has been particularly hard hit, receiving 56 centimetres of snow in the recent storm. Nearby communities faced even higher accumulations, with Mount Pearl seeing 65 centimetres and Paradise recording 74 centimetres. The City of St. John’s closed all municipal facilities on Monday to allow crews to focus on clearing streets and maintaining essential services.

Since November 1, St. John’s has accumulated nearly 330 centimetres of snow, while Gander has received an extraordinary 434 centimetres. These totals are putting significant strain on municipal snow removal budgets and creating ongoing challenges for residents and businesses.

Northwestern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island are expected to receive as much as 25 centimetres of snow by Tuesday, with similar amounts forecast for the Bridgetown and Yarmouth areas. Wind gusts are predicted to reach up to 100 kilometres per hour in southwestern Newfoundland’s Wreckhouse area, creating blizzard conditions with whiteouts that make travel extremely hazardous.

Nova Scotia Power has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and pre-positioned crews across the province in anticipation of potential power outages. The combination of heavy snow and high winds can damage power lines and transformers, potentially leaving thousands of customers without electricity. Maritime Electric in Prince Edward Island has implemented similar preparations.

Residents across the Maritimes are advised to avoid non-essential travel, maintain emergency supplies, and check on vulnerable neighbours during this extended period of severe weather.

2. Halifax Port Authority Reports Strong Growth in Container Traffic

The Halifax Port Authority released its 2025 annual report today, showing robust growth in container traffic and reinforcing the port’s position as Atlantic Canada’s gateway for international trade. Container volume increased by 8.3 percent compared to 2024, with total throughput exceeding 575,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Port officials attribute the growth to several factors, including expanded service from major shipping lines, investments in terminal infrastructure, and Halifax’s strategic position as the first inbound and last outbound port of call for vessels traveling between North America and Europe.

The Maritimes economy continues to benefit from the port’s expansion, with approximately 15,000 jobs directly or indirectly connected to port operations. The facility handles a diverse range of cargo, including containers, automobiles, break bulk, and cruise passengers.

Looking ahead, the Port Authority announced plans for a $200 million modernization project that will enhance terminal capacity and improve efficiency. The project is expected to create 800 construction jobs over the next three years and position Halifax to accommodate larger vessels and increased cargo volumes.

This positive economic news comes as Atlantic Canada seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen trade connections with international markets.

3. New Brunswick Announces Major Investment in Rural Internet Infrastructure

The New Brunswick government unveiled a $150 million initiative today to expand high-speed internet access to rural and underserved communities across the province. The announcement, made by Premier Susan Holt, represents one of the largest single investments in digital infrastructure in the province’s history.

Under the program, approximately 28,000 households in rural New Brunswick will gain access to high-speed internet by the end of 2027. The investment will prioritize communities in northern New Brunswick, the Acadian Peninsula, and southwestern regions where connectivity has lagged behind urban centers like Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John.

“Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury: it’s essential for education, healthcare, business, and staying connected with family,” Premier Holt said during the announcement in Miramichi. “This investment will help level the playing field for rural New Brunswickers and support economic growth across our province.”

The initiative will leverage a combination of provincial funding, federal contributions through the Universal Broadband Fund, and private sector partnerships. Multiple internet service providers are expected to participate in the buildout, which will utilize a mix of fiber optic cable and fixed wireless technology depending on community needs and geography.

Business groups and rural advocacy organizations have welcomed the announcement, noting that improved connectivity will help attract remote workers, support home-based businesses, and enable better access to telehealth services.

4. Charlottetown Islanders Clinch Playoff Spot with Weekend Victories

In Prince Edward Island news, the Charlottetown Islanders secured a playoff berth in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) following back-to-back victories over the weekend. The team defeated the Acadie-Bathurst Titan 4-2 on Saturday before taking down the Cape Breton Eagles 5-3 on Sunday at the Eastlink Centre.

The Islanders’ playoff qualification marks the team’s third consecutive postseason appearance and continues a successful period for the franchise. Forward Marcus Thompson led the team with two goals and three assists over the weekend, extending his point streak to nine games.

Charlottetown currently sits in fifth place in the QMJHL’s Eastern Conference with a record of 35-24-4. The team has been boosted by strong goaltending from 18-year-old netminder Jacob Matheson, who posted a .921 save percentage over the weekend games.

Season ticket holders and fans across Prince Edward Island have supported the team throughout the season, with several sellout crowds at the Eastlink Centre. The Islanders will look to build momentum heading into the playoffs, with eight regular season games remaining to improve their seeding.

Hockey remains a significant part of Maritime culture and community identity, with junior hockey teams serving as important gathering points for local fans and families throughout the long winter months.

5. Cape Breton Regional Municipality Launches New Tourism Campaign

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality unveiled its 2026 summer tourism campaign today, targeting visitors from central Canada and the northeastern United States. The “Cape Breton Calls” campaign emphasizes the region’s natural beauty, Celtic heritage, world-class golf courses, and the iconic Cabot Trail.

Tourism officials are optimistic about the upcoming season following strong 2025 numbers that showed a 12 percent increase in visitor spending compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Cape Breton region continues to rank as one of Atlantic Canada’s premier tourist destinations, attracting visitors interested in outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and scenic coastal drives.

The new campaign includes digital advertising, social media content, and partnerships with travel influencers and media outlets in key markets including Toronto, Boston, and New York. A particular focus will be placed on attracting visitors during the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October, when the region offers excellent weather with fewer crowds.

“Cape Breton offers a unique combination of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm Maritime hospitality,” said Sarah MacNeil, CEO of Destination Cape Breton. “We’re confident this campaign will inspire travelers to experience everything our island has to offer.”

The tourism sector remains a crucial component of the Nova Scotia economy, supporting thousands of jobs in hospitality, retail, and related services. Cape Breton businesses are preparing for the season by hiring seasonal staff and ensuring facilities are ready for the influx of summer visitors.

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Stay connected with Maritimes Bureau for daily updates on Nova Scotia news, New Brunswick news, Prince Edward Island news, and Newfoundland and Labrador news. From Halifax to St. John’s NL, from Moncton to Charlottetown, we bring you the stories that matter most to Atlantic Canadians.