Queens Mayor Wins Tourism Ambassador Award

He's worn many hats, now there's a new feather to add. Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe has been honoured with the Ambassador award by the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia. The Ambassador award is presented each year to a recipient who has impacted Tourism on a national or international basis. As the only municipal leader to consistently participate in industry events, Mayor Leefe was this year’s recipient. Fostering event development while championing the history and culture of the area, the Mayor has always been a strong advocate for the industry in the Region of Queens Municipality. Throughout his career as teacher, MLA and Mayor, Mayor Leefe has recognized the power of tourism and its impact on the economy.

Union Agreement with School Board

Administrative and IT support workers for the South Shore Regional School Board have voted 100 percent to accept a tentative agreement through March 2012. The workers will see wage increases of 2.9% in the first year, 1% in second, 1% in the third year. There will also be an increase from 55 to 65 percent employer paid benefit plan. As well, workers will receive an additional week vacation after 30 years of service. There are approximately 72 members of the Local represented by the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union

Power Rate Increase for Lunenburg

Lunenburg residents could be looking at a power rate increase next year. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says the Electric Utility may have to increase rates because they've been falling behind NSPI cost increases and running close to a deficit.  Mawhinney says a meeting is planned to discuss options for the six municipal owned electrical utilities in the province.  He says Nova Scotia Power has the capacity to do more to assist the small utilities with helping their citizens learn how to conserve energy, and what measures should be adapted in homes and businesses to do that.  Lunenburg, Riverport and Mahone Bay along with  Antigonish, Berwick, and Canso make up Nova Scotia's first ever inter-municipal electrical co-operative.

TWELVE DAYS OF CRIME PREVENTION UNDERWAY

Making the Christmas shopping period easier and safer for everyone is the goal of a crime prevention campaign thats been launched by South Shore RCMP detachments.
The 12 days of Christmas Crime Prevention campaign is aimed at eliminating crimes of opportunity during the holiday season.
Sgt. Brigdit Leger (bridge-IT la-jeer) is the RCMP's media relations officer for the area.
Among other things, Sgt. Leger says its particularly important to keep your vehicle locked when shopping and keeping your purchases locked up in the trunk and out of sight while going from store to store.
Also, remove GPS systems, cell phones, MP3 players and othetr electronic devices when you are not in your vehicle.

MOVE AFOOT TO REDUCE CLEARCUTTING OF FORESTS

Nova Scotia is looking to reduce clearcutting of provincial forests by 50 per cent over five years.

Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell says such a reduction would be significant in a province where 95 per cent of harvesting is done through clearcutting.
Under the plan all commercial harvesters would have to register with the department and submit annual reports.
MacDonell says violators would face stiff fines.