Temporary VIC at Exit 12

Looks like there will be a tourist bureau to serve the area this year. Bridgewater Town Council has endorsed a recommendation for a temporary VIC to be located at Exit 12 for the next two seasons. The Town along with the Municipality of Lunenburg formed a partnership to explore options for Visitor Information Services. A joint committee has recommended the Exit 12 SmartCentres option, given the visibility of the location, the easy access off Highway 103 and the ample parking. The former VIC was located on Aberdeen Road and was run by the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce which pulled out in 2007 saying it wasn't financially sustainable. Councillor Bill McInnis says the Town cannot afford to be subsidizing tourism and other like businesses which should be stepping up to the plate.He says all parties should be contributing financially.Bridgewater has pre-approved funding of almost 16 thousand dollars from the next two budgets for the development of a temporary VIC, providing the Municipality agrees to an equal financial contribution.

Cadets Recognized

**Photo from Regional Cadet Support Unit, Atlantic**

The first Saturday in November will be declared Sea, Army, Air and Navy League Cadets Day in Nova Scotia. Premier Darrell Dexter introduced a bill Monday to recognize, celebrate and honour Nova Scotia's cadets. Dexter says as a former cadet, he is proud to support a bill that recognizes a program that helps youth develop self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership and teamwork skills. Sea,Army,and Air Cadets are national programs for youth aged 12 to 18. They are a partnership between the Canadian Forces and three civilian organizations -- Navy League, Army Cadet League and Air Cadet League. The Navy League also sponsors the Navy League Cadets for youth aged 9 to 13. There are 3,600 Sea, Army, and Air Cadets in 86 corps and squadrons across Nova Scotia with a history that dates back more than a century. Among the notable Nova Scotians who have been cadets are former premier John Hamm, Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly and country singer George Canyon.

Affordable Child Care

The province is investing five-million dollars to help make child care more affordable for families and provide more support for the child-care sector.
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse was in Dartmouth today (April 12th) to announce 400 child-care subsidies, the elimination of a parent fee for families and a new grant for child-care providers. Peterson-Rafuse says the funding will make child care more affordable for Nova Scotia families and help strengthen the child-care sector. The funding is provided through Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Plan.

Carroll Baker at Privateer Days

Canada's Queen of Country is coming to Privateer Days this summer. Liverpool will welcome home Juno Award winner and Country music great, Carroll Baker, for a free outdoor concert on Friday, July 2nd at Privateer Park starting at 7 pm. Although born in Bridgewater, Baker grew up in Port Medway and attended high school in Liverpool. She moved with her family to Ontario in 1969 and was discovered when sang "Stand By Your Man" with a local bar band. In the last 35 years, Baker has had more than 20 number one records, is a three time Juno award winner for Female Vocalist of the Year, multiple Canadian Country Music Award winner, and inductee of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour.

Volunteers Honoured

Eighteen year old Gillian Bond of Chester among the volunteers from across Nova Scotia honoured today (Monday, April 12th) at the 36th annual Provincial Volunteer Awards in Halifax. Bond, who volunteers with several organizations including Junior Achievement, Cadets Canada, the Chester United Baptist Church and the local legion is one of the nominees for Youth Volunteer of the Year. More than 70 dedicated volunteers, nominated by people in the communities they work so hard to improve, received a well-deserved thank you. The Provincial Volunteer Awards serve as an early kick-off to National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 18 to 24. Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of volunteering in Canada.

ER Overcrowding Update

South Shore Health’s emergency departments remain over capacity.

As of 11am this morning there were eight admitted patients in to the ER at South Shore Regional, four at Queens General Hospital and four at Fisherman's Memorial Hospital.

The emergency departments remain open, however the public should expect longer than normal delays for non-urgent services.

People with non-urgent medical problems should contact their family doctor or nurse-practitioner, visit a walk-in clinic, or call NS HealthLink 811 to speak to a registered nurse.

Court appearance for Italy Cross man

A 31 year old Italy Cross man will appear in court this morning after pointing a firearm at an Italy Cross woman and her son.

The man will also answer to charges of impaired driving, breach of undertaking and uttering threats.

Canoe overturn in LaHave River

No injuries reported in connection with the sighting of a canoe floating upside down on the LaHave River.

The "Bridgewater Fire Department" received a call shortly after 5:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon after people reported seeing an overturned canoe floating in the LaHave River.

The Bridgewater Department called in boats from Northfield and Dayspring to search the waters and the surrounding area.

Everyone who had been in the boat had made it to shore safely.