News
RNS Announces New Executive Director
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The Recreation Nova Scotia Board of Directors is pleased to announce Graham Mounsey as the new Executive Director. Graham has been with Recreation Nova Scotia since 2018 and has led and supported various projects, most recently leading the Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation portfolio. Before this, Graham worked with the Scottish Sport Governing Bodies for Basketball and Snowsport in Sport Development, where he helped build participation and develop the workforce amongst clubs. Graham comes to the position with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Sport Science and is pursuing an MA in Leisure Studies at Dalhousie University.
“We are excited to have Graham step into the role of Executive Director,” said Rachel Bedingfield, President of Recreation Nova Scotia, “It’s a critical time for our sector. Communities across Nova Scotia depend on recreation and leisure services to provide safe spaces that support opportunities for community and individual well-being. These past years, we have especially seen our membership provide emergency responses to pandemic needs, climate emergencies, and the housing crisis. Our members are responsible for public parks and conservation awareness, accessibility planning, skill development, community planning strategies and ensuring that Nova Scotians have everything they need to thrive. I am confident that Graham is the leader who will continue to grow our organization to support our members better as the role of recreation continues to evolve in communities throughout our province.”
“I’m delighted to be taking on this role, and I’m really grateful to Rachel and the Board of RNS for their support as I take this step,” said Graham. “There is such great opportunity ahead for Recreation Nova Scotia as we look to renew our strategic plan and find new and improved ways to support the recreation sector across the province meaningfully. I’m thrilled to be able to contribute and serve our members in the Executive Director role and continue to work with the staff and the Board at RNS.”
The Board wishes to thank Marc Seguin for serving in this position for the past two years and for his dedication and support to the organization. We wish him the best of luck on his next adventure.
Graham will begin his new role on June 17, 2024, and can be reached at
EDIA Success Stories
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Recreation Nova Scotia (RNS) looks to highlight EDIA success stories and best practices. Provincial recreation groups and municipal recreation departments are often leaders in EDIA efforts. We want to share ways the industry is breaking barriers for people to access recreation. Complete a short online form to submit your project or practice here.
We may reach out for more information.
Contact Kerri Jack, Inclusion and Accessibility Coordinator for any questions. i
June Education Opportunities
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Join us this June for these education opportunities! Set your team up for success this summer!
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
Whether it’s domestic or family violence, stranger violence, cultural violence, childhood aggression, workplace harassment, mental illness or disorder, sexual assault, or dealing with a bully, a non-violent response can de-escalate a situation that could become dangerous for the individual or the person responding and trying to find a peaceful outcome.
The objective of this training is to provide you with tools that can help you manage those who may be potentially violent either verbally or physically. You will discuss well-tested techniques that may help you become more confident, calm, consistent and successful when interacting with potentially violent individuals.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Multipurpose Room, RBC Centre,
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
$325 for RNS Members | $350 for non-members
Principles of Healthy Child Development
The Principles of Healthy Child Development (PHCD) is a 4-hour training that equips front-line leaders (anyone working with children aged 4 to 12 – i.e. camp counsellors, coaches, after-school staff, swim instructors, etc.) with the tools to enhance the quality of the programs they are leading. The course provides essential training in the HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development so front-line leaders understand what they need to do to ensure each child’s social, emotional and cognitive needs are met.
This training will be offered VIRTUALLY on the following dates:
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, June 15, 2024 - 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, June 29, 2024 - 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
$45 for RNS Members | $55 for non-members
Questions? Contact Alan MacKeigan, RNS Education Coordinator at
Burn Safe - Wildfire Prevention
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Nova Scotia is in the heart of wildfire season. The weather is getting warmer and dryer, putting us at greater risk this time of year.
In Nova Scotia, almost all wildfires are caused by people, so prevention is our first line of defence. Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s not have another season like last year’s.
Burn restrictions are in place during wildfire season to help protect you and your community. Here’s what you need to know and do:
- No open fire burning is allowed between 8 am and 2 pm because that’s often when the risk of wildfires is greatest. That’s why the BurnSafe map is red during those hours.
Check the map at 2 p.m. daily to see if burning is allowed in your county:
You also need to check municipal bylaws – if they are stricter, they take precedence over provincial burn restrictions.
During wildfire season, burn restrictions apply to domestic open-fire burning. This includes campfires, burn pits, brush burning, backyard fires and bonfires, backyard chiminea and similar appliances.
Burn restrictions do not apply in any federal, provincial, municipal or privately operated campgrounds, as long as the fire is enclosed in grills designed for that purpose.
Learn about preventing wildfire at: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/
Healthy Boundaries For Work-Life Balance And Resiliency Workshop
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Join Bonita Eby, Burnout Prevention and Organizational Culture Consultant and CEO of Breakthrough Personal & Professional Development Inc., for this interactive workshop giving participants essential boundaries for creating a resilient life and balancing work and competing demands. Participants will be equipped with practical strategies and a personalized plan that works for their lives.
Learning objectives include:
- Practical strategies for creating work-life balance
- Technology management skills
- Connecting with your values
- Unpacking key challenges
- Creating a personalized action plan
May 30, 2024
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
181 Coldbrook Village Park Drive, County of Kings
$50 for Valley Recreation members and $75 for non-members
Become a Sponsor of the 2024 RNS Annual Conference
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It's your opportunity to connect with an enthusiastic and dedicated audience in the Nova Scotia recreation sector and to invest in healthier futures through recreation. Join us and take a leadership role in advancing recreation in Nova Scotia!
By partnering with us as a conference sponsor, you can strategically position your company in front of a diverse community of recreation practitioners, students, municipalities, volunteers, community groups, provincial recreation organizations and other decision-makers who share a passion for advancing recreation.
Some of the benefits you can experience include:
- Logo representation on static display for the duration of the conference or awards
- Logo representation within the main lobby continuous slideshow
- Link on the Recreation Nova Scotia website (conference page)
- Ad Space in the on-site guide
View the 2024 Sponsorship Package here!
Questions? Contact Alan at