Alerts

Tribute to the Legacy of the Run Against Racism and Henderson Paris

Media Release

For Immediate Release

 

Tribute to the Legacy of the Run Against Racism and Henderson Paris

New Glasgow, September 23, 2025:

A tribute to the legacy of the Run Against Racism and Henderson Paris will be held on Friday, October 3 as part of the New Glasgow 150 Anniversary celebrations. The run, which began 35 years ago, and which lasted for two decades, made a lasting and enduring impact on the region as well throughout Nova Scotia and beyond. A walk will take place from Abercrombie Road, down to George Street and across the bridge and will be followed by a special rally at Glasgow Square Theatre.

“Henderson Paris made a lasting impact with his stand against racism.” states New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks. “As a human rights leader, and as a community leader, Henderson’s story deserves to be celebrated. He inspired generations and today’s generations will also be uplifted by his story.”

“All kids seek connections; this event brings energy, enthusiasm and hope with messages of empowerment and a focus on what unites us!” adds Erin Cormier, Supervisor, Celtic Family of Schools, Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education.

The 38 mile (km) run which Paris initiated in 1990 followed a racial incident that one of his sons experienced. He assured the run was designed to include the communities of the area- Pictou Landing First Nation, his hometown of New Glasgow, Stellarton, Westville, Trenton, Pictou and the rural municipality of Pictou County and that it be a catalyst for change. It was also important to the run’s founder to engage youth and throughout the years, thousands of students and community members took part, united in a cause to nurture respect for diversity, unity and inclusion. Throughout the 20 years of the run as well as the 10 years that followed with another event in his honour, the Marathon of Respect and Equality (MORE) that Henderson served as honorary chair, he was officially recognized by local, provincial and national organizations. 

“It is my belief that the R.A.R. event, which over its twenty-year existence, positively impacted and created an awareness that racial discrimination in all forms must be eliminated! This tribute speaks volumes as to how far we have advanced over the course of 150 years.” comments Henderson Paris.

“Then, and even more so now, with global troubling times that we are experiencing, the Run’s logo is just as relevant today, thirty-five years later.” - “Together We Can Make a Difference.”

Members of the public wishing to take part in the tribute walk may gather at the Maranatha Bible Church by 9:45 a.m., while authorized students from the Celtic Family of Schools will be bused and meet at the Christian Fellowship Church. The student procession will lead the walk with Henderson, members of his family and town representatives at 10:00am. Public participants will proceed immediately after the student group. More students will join their student peers at Carmichael Park. The rally will feature student musical performances along with presentations and remarks all in tribute to Henderson and the legacy of his run. This tribute has been created with the goal of continuing his message of respect, harmony and equality for all. The motto “together we can make a difference” was the motto of the original run and is a mantra Henderson still believes in. 

Please note there will be a police escort, brief road closures and other safety measures in place for this special event. The community is also invited to the rally at Glasgow Square which will begin at approximately 10:40a.m., on October 3, 2025.

 

 Mayor Nancy Dicks, Henderson Paris, Kristen Paris, Carol Paris, Jordan Paris.

 

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Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782

High-Risk Sex Offender Notification: George Durling

September 10 , 2025 

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

News Release

In accordance with the Nova Scotia Release of High-Risk Offender Information Protocol, the New Glasgow Regional Police is advising the public that a High-Risk Sex Offender is residing in the Marsh Street area of New Glasgow.

George Durling, 57-year-old male is a federal offender and has been released after serving a two-year sentence for convictions of:

  • Distribution of Child Pornography
  • Print/Publish Child Pornography (x3)
  • Failure to Comply with Probation Order (x2)
  • Harassing Communication and Indecent Communication

George Durling was known to text and call random phone numbers with sexually explicit content. 

These offences occurred in the Truro and Maitland Nova Scotia area. He has previously been sentenced to:

  • Three years of probation related to a sexual assault in Manitoba (1992)
  • Eighteen months of probation for an assault in Truro (2019)
  • One year of probation for an indecent act in Truro (2022)

Geroge Durling is on conditions to restrict him from being around children under 16 years of age. He must not attend a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, schoolground, playground or community centre. He cannot seek, obtain or continue any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or become or be a volunteer in a capacity, that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16 years and he cannot  have any contact — including communicating by any means — with a person who is under the age of 16 years, unless the offender does so under the supervision of a person whom the court considers appropriate.

This High-Risk Offender Information is provided to alert members of the public of his presence in our community and is not intended to encourage any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct.

New Glasgow Regional Police will continue to monitor the situation and will be completing regular compliance checks. Police also encourages the public to report any suspicious activity by calling 902-752-1941. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

Photo of Geroge Durling enclosed. Police remind the public that the  photograph of the person taken at the time may not accurately represent their current appearance.

Sex OffenderHigh Risk Offender Notificaiton

Volunteer Coordinator

The Town of New Glasgow is hiring for the position of Volunteer Coordinator

THIS MOMENT, THIS POSITION

The Volunteer Coordinator is a part-time position (5–10 hours weekly), offering flexibility around event schedules

Reporting to the Program, Culture and Events Manager, the Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for recruiting, training, and scheduling volunteers for front-of-house duties such as ushering, ticket scanning, and hospitality. This role maintains an up-to-date volunteer database, creates schedules to ensure event coverage, and fosters a welcoming and professional environment through ongoing training and recognition.

For more details about this job, please visit:  Volunteer Coordinator.pdf

Events Lead

The Town of New Glasgow is hiring for the position of Events Lead.

THIS MOMENT, THIS POSITION

The Events Lead is a part-time position (4–20 hours weekly), offering flexibility around event schedules

Reporting to the Program, Culture and Events Manager, Events Lead is responsible for managing the smooth delivery of events from start to finish. This includes serving as the primary contact for day-ofevent logistics, liaising with performers, renters, promoters, and technical staff to confirm event requirements, and coordinating setup, strike, and turnover between bookings.

All interested applicants are asked to submit their resume and cover letter to Rebecca Lewis-MacNeil, Director of Human Resources & Corporate Communications () on or before end of day Friday October 3,2025

For more details about this job, please visit:  Events Lead.pdf

NG 150 International Town Criers Competition Brings Global Tradition to downtown New Glasgow

Media Release

NG 150 International Town Criers Competition Brings Global Tradition to downtown New Glasgow


New Glasgow, September 9, 2025:

The Town of New Glasgow is proud to announce the New Glasgow 150 International Town Criers Competition will be hosted in Downtown New Glasgow from September 18 - 21, 2025 as part of the town’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. This event will welcome town criers and their consorts from across Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, filling Downtown New Glasgow with history, celebration and pageantry.

The competition schedule includes:

  • Home Cry - Friday, September 19 at 1:00 p.m. at Carmichael Park
  • Open Cry - Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Glasgow Farmers Market
  • New Glasgow 150 Theme Cry - Saturday, September 20 at 2:00 p.m. at Carmichael Park

Throughout the event, criers will showcase their skills through traditional proclamations, heritage-themed cries, and celebratory performances, with judging based on voice, clarity, and showmanship.

“Hosting the New Glasgow 150 International Town Criers Competition right here in our community is a truly exciting way to celebrate our milestone anniversary,” said Nancy Dicks, Mayor of New Glasgow and Co-Chair of the New Glasgow 150 Committee. “This event will honour a changing tradition while showcasing our town and region to visitors from across Canada and abroad. We look forward to welcoming this diverse and eclectic group of criers and their consorts as they bring their uplifting energy and talent to our town.”

Jim Stewart, New Glasgow’s Town Crier, added, “Town criers are keepers of history, heritage, and voice. This competition is an opportunity to not only showcase our craft but also to bring communities together in the spirit of celebration. We’re thrilled to share this tradition with New Glasgow during such a historic year and to show the breadth and versatility of today’s town criers. I am honoured to showcase my hometown, our County and Nova Scotia to my colleagues.”

The competition is expected to draw local audiences and tourists, creating a festive downtown atmosphere that complements New Glasgow’s year-long anniversary celebrations. Also in attendance will be an international film crew from New York City who are working on a film about the contemporary town crier.

The Town of New Glasgow thanks all sponsors, volunteers, New Glasgow 150 Committee members and community partners who are helping to bring this world-class event to life.

Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782