The Western REN December Roundup
Our Second Annual Toy Drive Is On NOW
This season, let’s come together to make Christmas brighter for children in need.
Until Thursday, December 11th, we’re collecting new, unwrapped toys to help brighten Christmas for children in need across our region.
If you’d like to take part, simply drop your gift off under the Christmas tree at the Western REN office. Every donation—big or small—helps make the season a little brighter for a local family.
Thank you for helping spread kindness and joy again this year.
If you’d like to arrange a pick up, we’d be happy to do that as well! Just email Wade Cleveland.
Who’s Ready for a Holiday Social?
We’re teaming up with our partners at the Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce, CBDC, Yarmouth Employment Services, Ignite Atlantic, and Invest Nova Scotia to host a Holiday Social you won’t want to miss!
Join us Thursday, December 18th at the Pier One Complex (103 Water Street, Yarmouth) for an afternoon that blends inspiration, celebration, and great company.
We’ll kick things off at 3:00 PM with a talk from special guest Matt Rouse – author of eight business books – who’ll be sharing insights from his latest “Will AI Take My Job 2” along with a practical presentation on AI tools for business. If you’re curious about where AI is headed and how it can actually support your day-to-day work, this is a perfect chance to learn from someone who’s deep in the field.
Then from 4:00–6:00 PM, we shift into full holiday-social mode: good food and drinks, music, activities, and plenty of relaxed networking with folks from across the region.
Registration details will be coming soon, but for now, make sure to mark your calendar.
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic way to wrap up the year together!
Dark Sky T’Railway Update: New Washrooms & Artwork Unveiled
We’re excited to share two major updates: the installation of three new washrooms and the reveal of the custom artwork that brings each location to life.
New Washrooms Along the Trail
Construction is well underway on three new washrooms designed to improve comfort and convenience for trail users. The concrete pads were installed last week, and the buildings are now being assembled. The new facilities are located at:
- Smiths Cove – in the Lighthouse Park parking area
- Saulnierville Station – where the trail meets the main road
- Barrington – within the playground at the Barrington Leisure & Skate Park, adjacent to the trail.
These additions support growing trail use and help make the Dark Sky T’Railway more accessible to all.
Introducing the Trail’s Newest Artwork
Each washroom features a custom-painted door created by local artist Peter Lockerbie, whose work already appears along the trail. Two of the doors showcase Ghost Trains, nodding to the region’s railway past and the history beneath the T’Railway itself. The third piece is located at Saulnierville Station and features a design made specifically for that community.
These vibrant, story-rich pieces add colour, character, and local heritage to each stop along the trail.
More Art on the T’Railway
This fella is over six feet tall! He still needs a shiny clear coat but looks beautiful. It’s made by D. Murphy Spot Boats in Argyle, who makes all the fibreglass lobsters you find in the Barrington region. It is designed and painted by Danielle Mahood.
You will find our Lobster froend near the intersection on Station Road and the trail in Wood’s Harbour. He will be stored for the winter (with all its other lobster friends) and will come out for the spring.
Your Business, Our Support: Updated 2025 Resource Page
It takes a network to grow a business.
That’s why every year, the Western REN and our partners — CBDC Yarmouth, the Chamber of Commerce, Nova Scotia Works, CDÉNÉ, Ignite Atlantic, and local municipalities — update a shared Business Resources page for our region.
From start-up advice to expansion planning, workforce programs to innovation hubs — it’s all here in one place.
WesternREN.ca is Your New Home For Blogs and News
There are so many important stories to tell, news to keep you updated on, and events to connect you to within our business community. WesternREN.ca is the Hub for everything happening within that Community in Western Nova Scotia. Keep looking in our “News & Blogs” for all of it!