NEWS

**Parts of the following obituary for Lorne Seymour Johnstone were taken from the original posting from Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services. Click the link below to access the full obituary.**

https://personalcarecremations.ca/memorial/lorne-seymour-johnstone/

Lorne S. Johnstone, 87, of Head of St Margarets Bay / Macleod Cares Nursing Home, Mahone Bay, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of February 8th, 2026.

Born July 15, 1938, in Carleton, Yarmouth county to the late Milton and Edna (Allen) Johnstone. He grew up in Waterville, Kings county and Carleton, Yarmouth county.

He met Ruby in Yarmouth; they had both moved to Ontario for work and were married there in 1958 then returned to Carleton. In 1962 they settled in Head of St Margaret’s Bay for 60 years as Lorne came to work for Wiles Electric. He eventually took over the business from Mr. Wiles and ran it as L.S. Johnstone TV and Electric until he was in his late sixties. Lorne was a member of the District #1 Volunteer Fire Department and served in various positions. He was a founding member and first president of The Safety Minded ATV Association (SMATVA), based in Head of St Margarets Bay and served as the first president of the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS).

Lorne is survived by his daughter; June (Dieter) Haas Martins River; sons, Ronald (Carla) Johnstone Boutiliers Point, Corey (Ken), Ottawa ON; grandchildren, Matthew (Stephanie), Amber (Colton), Andrea (Derek), Emily, Anna (Kyle), and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Link, and Archer; brother Wayne, Boutiliers Point and sister Rose, Pleasant Lake.

Lorne was predeceased by his wife, of 65 years, Ruby, and his brother Arthur.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Lorne’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations and Memorial Services.

Donations in Lorne’s memory to the St. Margaret’s Bay United Baptist Church would be appreciated by the family.

The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Esther Raymond, the staff of Harbour View Haven nursing home in Lunenburg for their care and the staff at Macleod Cares, Mahone Bay, where he resided since October 2025 for their love, care, and compassion.

ATVANS extends it's heartfelt sympathy to Lorne's family.

Great news for Nova Scotia’s OHV community - riders now have even more options to explore!

The Department of Public Works has officially released the latest batch of approved road trail sites, effective December 8. These 27-new connections expand and connect trail networks, making it easier for riders to reach local businesses and services along the way - whether it’s lodging, restaurants, or fuel stops.

Newly approved sites include:

ANTIGONISH COUNTY (multiple trails on same map)

• IRISH ROAD: 3.85 km, Trail 121 – Upper Springfield Road – Irish Road – Trail 529D
• LOWER SPRINGFIED: 1.06 km, Trail 529 – Springfield Road – Trail 529
  
• MARYDALE: 0.43 km, Trail 529 – Springfield Road – Trail 529
  
• ST.ANDREW'S: 1.84 km, Trail 529 – Highway 316 – MacDonald’s Convenience Store.                                                                                 

CALEDONIA (Guysborough County)

• 2.23 km Trail 526 – Cameron Settlement Rd – Highway 348 – Calgar Rd 0.68 km to the K-Unmaintained part of Calgar Rd Trail 533.

CAMERON MOUNTAIN - WEST BAY ROAD (Richmond County):

• 20.2 km, Trail 65 begins at the parking area on Cameron Mountain Road – Cameron Mountain Road – Roack Bay Road right up to Inspiration Point Lodge.

CAPE ROAD EXTENSION (Annapolis County):

• 0.54 km, from civic address 76 Cape Road to Highway 8.

DICK THERIAULT ROAD (Digby County)

• 3.32 km, Clare Trail 102 – Dick Theriault Road – Highway 1 – The Wheelhouse Seafood & Pasta.
  

FORT LAWRENCE ROAD - EDDY ROAD (Cumberland County)

• 6.29 km, Fort Lawrence Road – Eddy Rd to the municipality of Amherst. No access to municipality yet.
  

GLEN ROAD (Pictou County)

• 1.34 km, Trail 522 K-Unmaintained - Glen Road – Trail 559.
  

GLEN ROAD - DALHOUSIE ROAD (Pictou County)

• 7.74 km, Gunshot Road K-Unmaintained – Gunshot Road I-Local – Glen   Road – Dalhousie Road - Dalhousie Road K-Unmaintained Trail 551.
  

GLENELG CHURCH ROAD (Guysborough County)

• 5.78 km, Trail 520 – Leads Mines Road – Waternish Road – Glenelg Church   Road – Trail 534.
  

LOCH LOMOND ROAD (Richmond County)

• 18 km, Trail 681- Stirling Road – Loch Lomond Road – Trail 616.

LOWER CALEDONIA (Guysborough County)

• 2.54 km, Trail 522 Highway 348 – Southerland Brook Rd Trail 531.   

MABOU CEILIDH TRAIL MOTEL (Inverness County)

• 1.25 km, Trail 105 Celtic Shores Coastal Trail – Highway 19 – Ceilidh Trail Motel
  

MARGAREE VALLEY (Inverness County)

• WEST BIG INTERVALE ROAD: 1.3 km, Trail 105 at the Irving – West Big Intervale   Road Trail 105A – River Trail Cottages.
  
• EGYPT ROAD - OLD RYAN ROAD: 0.6 km, Crowdis Rd (K-Unmaintained) Egypt Rd - Old Ryan Rd – Old Egypt Loop (K-Unmaintained)   
  
• EGYPT ROAD2: 4.88 km, Trail 106 to Egypt Rd (passes Ross's Cottages) –  East Big Intervale Road – Fielding Road – Stops at Valley View Chalets.
  

NEW HARBOUR WEST ROAD (Guysborough County)

• 5.82 km, Trail 701 by Harbourview Community Centre – Highway 316 – Lonely Rock Seaside Bungalows.
  

NORTH FRAMBOISE ROAD (Richmond County)

• 9.3 km, Trail 652 – North Framboise Road – Grand Mira North Road – Trail 652C.
  

NUTTBY - Highway 311 (Colchester County)

• 0.11 km, Trail 410 – Highway 311 – Trail 410.
  

OLD MARGAREE ROAD (Victoria County)

• 4.51 km, Trail 710 Landfill Site (Parking) - Old Margaree Rd – Westside Baddeck Rd to Trailhead 710.
  

PICTOU ROAD - 104 TUNNEL (Colchester County)

• 3.55 km, Trail 410 – Kemptown Road – Old Highway 4 Loop – Old Riversdale Road – Pictou Road – Service Road COL 104-12 – Trail 410A.
  

PONDVILLE (Richmond County)

• 3.79 km, Trail 601 – Highway 320 – Pondville North Road – Gibbs Lane – Rockey Bay Road – Trail 601.
  

PORT HOOD / DUNMORE (Inverness County)

• 4.3 km, Celtic Shores Coastal Trail 520 – length of Dunmore right to the Ultramar – to get to Port Hood Main Street go back to - Highway 19 that intersects with Dunmore – Main Street Port Hood – High Road – Wharf Road – Water Street to Breakwater Beach Parking area.2.5 km, Trail 253 – River Road – Trail 256.
  

RIVER ROAD (Queens Region)

• 2.5 km, Trail 253 – River Road – Trail 256.       

These newly approved road trails bring the total to 74-provincially approved and five municipal sites, totaling 260 km of connections (including municipal road trails).

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below:

All Approved Road Trails in Nova Scotia

Link to the Road Trails Act

         Photo: Government of Nova Scotia

Great news for OHV riders in the valley!

Open fire and woods access bans have been lifted in Annapolis County as of 2 p.m. today (October 15), thanks to cooler temperatures and recent rainfall. However, daily burn restrictions remain in place across Nova Scotia until October 31 due to ongoing wildfire risk.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton urges residents to stay cautious: “We’re seeing improvement, but it’s still dry. Please follow the daily burn rules to keep communities safe.”

What You Need to Know:

• ❌ Burning is never allowed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Daily burn status updates are posted at 2 p.m. on the BurnSafe map.
• Restrictions apply to open wood fires (campfires, brush fires, chimeneas).
• ✅ Charcoal and gas devices are permitted if used properly.
• Violations carry a $25,000 fine.
• Wildfire season has been extended to October 31.

Stay informed. Burn safely. Protect your community.

LINK TO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS RELEASE

LINK TO NOVA SCOTIA BURNSAFE MAP

An unfortunate development for off-road enthusiasts in Atlantic Canada.

The reciprocal agreement between the Prince Edward Island ATV Federation and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS) will officially come to an end on January 1, 2025.

The P.E.I. ATV Federation has exercised the cancellation clause in the longstanding agreement, meaning riders will no longer be able to use a single permit to access trails in both provinces. Starting in the new year, ATV users will need to obtain separate trail permits for each jurisdiction.

ATVANS has a 30-day trail permit option specifically for out-of-province riders, allowing short-term access to Nova Scotia’s trail network.  Meanwhile, ATVANS' 2026 trail permits are now available for purchase online and will soon be stocked at all affiliated clubs across the province.

In response to an intensifying wildfire threat fueled by weeks of hot, dry weather, the Nova Scotia government has enacted sweeping restrictions on travel and activities in wooded areas across the province.

Effective as of 4 p.m. on August 5, the ban prohibits hiking, camping, fishing, and the use of vehicles such as ATVs in forested regions, including both Crown and private lands. The restrictions are expected to remain in place until October 15, or until conditions improve.

Premier Tim Houston urged residents to take the warning seriously:

“We are telling Nova Scotians to stay out of the woods,” he said during a press conference.

What’s Off-Limits?

• All trail systems through wooded areas
• Forested land, rock barrens, brush land, dry marshes, bogs, and muskeg
• Use of vehicles in wooded terrain
• Hosting guests for outdoor activities on private forested property

Parks Canada also announced several closures effective as of 12 p.m. on Aug. 6:

• All trails in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
• Backcountry camping at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
• All trails at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside
• York Redoubt National Historic Site
• Fort McNab National Historic Site
• Melanson Settlement National Historic Site

✅ What’s Still Allowed?

• Camping in designated campgrounds
• Access to beaches, playgrounds, sports fields, and other non-wooded park areas
• Use of charcoal and gas barbecues, as long as they’re enclosed and follow safety guidelines

Penalties & Enforcement
Violators of the ban face a $25,000 fine, matching the penalty already in place for the province-wide burn ban. Officials have already issued several fines for breaches of fire restrictions.

️Why Now?
The province has seen minimal rainfall in recent weeks, and forecasts show no significant precipitation ahead. Fire departments have raised concerns about low water levels and their ability to respond to emergencies.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton emphasized the urgency:

“We’ve had a lot of hot, dry weather, very little rain, and there’s no significant rain in the forecast,” he said, urging forestry operations to shift to nighttime hours to reduce fire risk.

️Looking Ahead
While the woods are off-limits, officials encourage residents and tourists to explore Nova Scotia’s coastal parks, beaches, and open green spaces. Businesses and tour operators are being asked to adjust programming and inform visitors of the new rules.

In an interview with CBC News, ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet says the member clubs have about six or seven events planned over the next month but it's not the first time rallies and runs have had to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions.

"They're all things that can occur later in the year, so its a matter of waiting for the rain and then moving the dates so they comply with the Ministerial order"

For updates and details on the restrictions, visit Nova Scotia’s wildfire prevention page.

More options and improved access for off-highway vehicle riders in Nova Scotia!

The Department of Public Works has released the next batch of approved road trail sites, effective July 1st. These roadways provide OHV riders with additional trail connectivity and access to businesses and services, including lodging, restaurants, and fuel. The new sites are as follows: 

1. Back Road (Richmond County) 0.16 km on Back Road, connects the Richmond County Rail Trail to the K class unmaintained section of Back Road.

2. Birchtown (Shelburne County) 0.17 km on Hartz Point Road, 1.2 km on Highway 3 and 1.62 km of Shore Road completing the connection of Trail 102.
   

3. Black River Road (Richmond County) (two road trails)  2.7 km on Black River Road and 2 km on Balmoral Road assisting in connecting the Richmond County Rail Trail to Cooper Road to connect to Trail 60.

4. Cooper Road (Richmond County) 0.81 km on Cooper Road connecting to Trail 60.

5. Flat Iron Road (Digby County) 0.12 km on Service Road, 0.05 km on Flat Iron Road connecting Digby County Rail Trail to Trail 101C to amenities.

6. Lequille (Annapolis County) (two road trails) 0.22 km on Highway 201, 0.29 km of Cape Road and 0.25 km on Highway 8 connecting Trail 151A to amenities.

7. Maccan (Cumberland County) 0.24 km on Mines Road, 1.06 km on Highway 302, 1.31 km on Highway 242, and 0.46 km on Harrison Lake Road connecting Trail 472 to Trail 32B

8. Mira Gut (Cape Breton County) 2 km on Mira Bay Drive, and 1 km on Highway 255 connecting Trail 645 to Trail 623.

9. Moser River North Road (Halifax Regional Municipality) 6.2 km on Moser River North Road connecting Trail 112 to amenities.

10. Nictaux (Annapolis County) 0.4 km on Highway 201 connecting South Shore Annapolis Trail 101 to amenities.
    

11. Northern Spur Line (Annapolis County) 1.45 km on Messenger Road, 0.75 km on Service Road ANN-101-10, 0.42 km on Service Road ANN 101-09, and Highway 101 Right-of-Way connecting the Northern Spur Line to the Harvest Moon Trailway 
    

12. Old Guysborough Road (Halifax Regional Municipality) 1.39 km of Highway 212 Old Guysborough Road connecting Trail 503- ATV Pipeline Trail Old Guysborough to Trail 504 Mary Jane.
    

13. Old Road Hill (Guysborough County) 2.69 km on Old Road Hill  connecting Trail 512 to 512B Sonora Trail.
    

14. Port Hilford (Guysborough County) 6.13 km on Sonora Road and 1.4 km on Highway 211 connecting the Sonora Trail 512B to amenities.
    

15. Prince Street (Guysborough County) 0.85 km on Prince Street and 0.18 km on Church Street connecting Rail Trail 528 to Prince Street K class Trail 528.
    

16. Pugwash (Cumberland County) 2.13 km on Highway 6 and 0.59 km on Water Street connecting Trail 263 to amenities.
    

17. Spanks Bridge (Guysborough County) 0.09 km on Larry’s River Road connecting Rail Trail 528 to Trail 528 on Larry’s River Road.
    

18. St. Peters Access (Richmond County) 5.75 km on Oban Road and 0.7 km on Pepperell Street connecting Trail 64 to amenities.
    

19. Stewart Hill (Halifax Regional Municipality) 1.22 km on Stewart Hill Road, 2.26 km on Mountain Road and 1.36 km on Highway 336 connecting Trail 311 to Trail 336.
    

20. Strathglass Road (Antigonish County) 5.2 km on Browns Mountain Road, 2.6 km on Strathglass Road and 1.6 km on Highway 4 connecting Trail 700 north of Highway 104 to Trail 700 south of Highway 104.
    

21. Wallace (Cumberland County) 0.7 km on Highway 307 and 0.2 km on Highway 6 connecting Wallace Quarry Branch Trail 265 to amenities.
    

These newly approved road trails bring the total to 49-provincially approved and five municipal sites. Additional proposed sites continue to be assessed by the province and ATVANS will share any updates when they become available.

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below.

All Approved Road Trails in Nova Scotia

Link to the Road Trails Act

ATVANS is proud to announce it's 48th club!

The Marble Mountain Trail Riders & Conservation Society (MMTRACS) are now registered with the Registry of Joint Stocks and already have 45 members. The new Cape Breton club is based out of the Marble Mountain area in southern Inverness County and includes the nearby communities of Valley Mills, Malagawatch and Orangedale.

MMTRACS has already been busy planning the mapping and maintenance of their trail system, discussing future corridors and inquiring about funding.

Good luck going forward to the Marble Mountain Trail Riders & Conservation Society!

We look forward to supporting your plans to develop your trail systems and serve your members.

 

LEFT: From left to right - Adventure Motors General Manager, Kevin Crawford, Mekelle (daughter of Grand Prize Winner, Dennis Manuge), Grand Prize Winner, Dennis Manuge, ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet. (March 19)

RIGHT: A very happy Dennis Manuge giving the thumbs-up in his new ride. (March 19)

After winning the grand prize draw in the 2025 ATVANS Lottery, Dennis Manuge finally claimed his new Kawasaki Teryx S LE side-by-side on March 19 at Adventure Motors in New Glasgow. 

The Musquodoboit Harbour resident was out for supper with his wife on March 9 when he received a phone call from ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet. Dennis says he was in shock when Barry told him his ticket was just drawn as the winner of the side-by-side.  The lucky winner bought that ticket back in September from the Musquodoboit Harbour Trail Runners Association at the iconic local train station. He says his daughter and him would look at the tickets occasionally over the past several months and dream of winning.

Congratulations again, Dennis!

RECAP OF THE LOTTERY WINNERS:

GRAND PRIZE: 2024 Kawasaki Teryx S LE Side by Side

Winner: Dennis Manuge (Musquodoboit Harbour)

Ticket# 04044

SECOND PRIZE: Yamaha EF2000iS Inverter

Winner: Shelly MacDougall (West Richmond)

Ticket# 42188

THIRD PRIZE: Stihl MS 171 Chainsaw

Winner: Cory Henwood (Prospect)

Ticket# 28187

(Left) ATVANS Trails Coordinator Eric Rideout behind the grand prize Kawasaki Teryx S LE side-by-side at the Atlantic Sports and RV Show.

(Right) Adventure Motors General Manager, Kevin Crawford drawing the winner of the side-by-side alongside ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet

After an eight month campaign, a successful 2025 ATVANS Lottery is in the books.

The grand prize draw capped a busy weekend at the 41st Atlantic Outdoor Sports and RV Show. Ticket sales were brisk at the Halifax Exhibition Centre during the three day event, (March 7-9) with the draw taking centre-stage Sunday afternoon in the arena area.

The prize winners were as follows:

GRAND PRIZE: 2024 Kawasaki Teryx S LE side by side

Winner: Dennis Manuge (Musquodoboit)

Ticket# 04044

SECOND PRIZE: Yamaha EF2000iS Inverter

Winner: Shelly MacDougall (West Richmond)

Ticket# 42188

THIRD PRIZE: Stihl MS 171 Chainsaw

Winner: Cory Henwood (Prospect)

Ticket# 28187

ATVANS would like to thank our lottery sponsors - Adventure Motors, Canadian Kawasaki Motors, The Shack, and Bay Equipment Rentals.

Proceeds from the annual lottery go to support ATVANS clubs across the province, with a large portion of the money going back into trail maintenance and development.

Planning is already underway for the 2026 Lottery. ATVANS hopes to see you back at the Halifax Exhibition Centre next year for another exciting draw.

You may have noticed new Road Trail signs being installed in various areas of the province over the past few weeks. The Department of Public Works has now officially released the next group of approved Road Trail sites, which are already in effect. These roadways provide OHV riders with more options for trail connectivity and accessing services and amenities. The new sites are as follows:

1. Bloomfield Cross Road (Digby County): 1km on Bloomfield Cross Rd and 100m on Ridge Rd to connect the rail trail (trail #101) to amenities at Haines Lake.

2. Broad River_ Beech Hill Road (two road trails), (Queens Municipality): Two road trails comprised of 3.8km on Beech Hill Rd, 1.5km on Hwy #3 and 1.1km on River Head Rd. to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to Liverpool and the rail trail (trail #102) to Jordan River.

3. Churchover (Shelburne County): 1.9km on Shore Rd, 150m on Goulden Rd and 350m on Old Shore Rd to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to lodging at Boulder Cove Rd.

4. Cranton Crossing Road (Inverness County): 640m on Cranton Cross Rd and 1.6km on West Big Interval Rd to connect trail #105 to Highland Rd and trail #105 to Cheticamp and also to connect to amenities in the area.

5. Lennox Passage 2 (Richmond County): 500m on Rogers Rd, 150m on Hwy 206 and 7.7km on Hwy 320 to connect trails on Isle Madame to the rail trail (trail #2) into River Tillard.

6. Port Clyde (Shelburne County): 600m on Hwy #309, 1.65km on Greenwood Rd and 1.9km on Shore Rd to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to Gunning Cove to the rail trail (trail #102) to Yarmouth.

7. Pubnico Access 2 (Yarmouth County): 450m on Hwy #3 to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to amenities.

8. Spa Road 2 (Shelburne): 320m on Spa Rd to connect the Town of Shelburne road trails to the rail trail (trail #102) to Jordan River.

These newly approved Road Trails bring the total to 26-provincially approved and four municipal sites. Additional proposed sites continue to be assessed by the province and ATVANS will share any updates when they become available.

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below.

Approved Road Trails

Road Trails Act