Maple Hill Manor residents in New Waterford, N.S., stayed in the shade to beat the heat on Friday. “I don’t like it,” said one resident. “Too hot.” “It’s wonderful,” said another. Others at the long-term care facility took refuge from the heat wave enveloping the Maritimes by sitting inside next to a big fan. However, residents are still going on trips outdoors. “Bus outings, we do afternoon and evening drives to get ice cream, cool off a little bit more,” said Jeffrey Genter, a recreation coordinator at Maple Hill Manor. With Friday’s temperatures well into the high 20’s in Cape Breton – not factoring in the humidex – those taking care of some of the most vulnerable took precautions. “We have an amazing nursing team with CCAs and nurses,” Genter said. “We make them aware of different things that we notice and we make sure that residents drink a lot of fluids throughout the day and reapply that sunscreen when they’re in the sun.” “It’s warm, but, you know, I’m trying to survive,” said Don Muszalskin, who has sold hot dogs on Spring Garden Road in Halifax for the past 31 years. On Friday, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia said 201 people have needed medical attention or lost time from work due to heat-related injuries or conditions since 2015. The WCB said a quarter of those claims – 50 of them – are from last year and the year before as our summers have gotten hotter. There have also been eight claims to date in summer 2026. “I don’t mind the heat from the sun, but the heat from the grill, that’s the worst part of my job,” Muszalskin said with a laugh. In parts of New Brunswick, things may have been even warmer with Friday’s high in Fredericton coming in at above 30 C. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
