Challenges Ahead For NSP & Customers

The CEO of Nova Scotia Power says the biggest factor pushing up power bills is the situation within the pulp and paper sector. The utility has lost two of its largest customers with the closure of Bowater Mersey and struggles at NewPage Port Hawkesbury. It's prompted the company to apply for another rake hike of six percent over the next two years to minimize the impact. Rob Bennett says they are also dealing with the cost of adding more renewable energy to the grid as mandated by the province.



If approved, the rate hikes will amount to about $3.50 a month to an average household’s power bill. Bennett addressed the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce in a speech on Thursday at the Best Western.

Chester Council Opposes Tower In Western Shore

Chester Council will send a letter to Industry Canada over the proposed location of a a cell phone tower in Western Shore. Eastlink is proposing to construct a large telecommunications tower near Frank Swinimar Road. However, residents and council are opposed to its proposed location because its so close to a residential area. Councillor Bob Myra says people simply don't want the tower near their homes.

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Myra is hopeful the company will reconsider the location of the tower and select another location. The letter from council will also be sent to MP Gerald Keddy and Chester-St Margaret's MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse.

Bluenose II Table Open To Public

A table dawning items from every province and territory is up for public viewing. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in Lunenburg will give people a chance to see the hand-crafted table in the Bluenose exhibit in the second floor gallery. The one-of-a-kind table is made of items like wood, stone and mineral that was donated during this summer's Council of the Federation meeting. The table will eventually be installed on the schooner as part of its restoration. It was built by Colin O'Toole of Covey Island Boatworks, one of three companies in the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance rebuilding Bluenose II for the province.

High Liner Foods Reports Revenue Surge, Less Profit

The acquisition of Icelandic USA has resulted in less profit for High Liner Foods in its second quarter financial outlook. The Lunenburg-based company says its net income fell to $995,000, down from $4.8-million a year earlier. Despite the decrease in profit, revenue rose over $65-million in the second quarter to $219-million. President and CEO, Henry Demone, says he's pleased with the results.



Demone says new product helped contribute to increased sales in Canada.



The $230.6-million U.S. purchase of Icelandic was announced last November and closed in December.

Gasoline Prices Heading Up Again!

Get set! South Shore gasoline prices will likely take a sizeable jump overnight tonight. That is if New Brunswick prices are an early indicator and often .... they are! That province's Energy and Utilities Board has boosted the price ceiling on regular self-serve gas by 4.9 cents a litre. It's now at $1.30. The jump had been predicted by analysts. Gasoline prices are now approaching those of diesel, which rose 1.3 cents overnight in New Brunswick to a-dollar-32.5

Folk Harbour Festival Back For 27th Year

Over 30 musicians will hit the stage in Lunenburg over the next four days as the 27th annual Folk Harbour Festival gets underway Thursday. The festival features local music acts and musicians from away. This year will feature performances by Dave Gunning, Kim Stockwood, Garnet Rogers and many more. Communications Chair Nancy Wilson says the festival grabs people's attention.



One of the headliners this year includes Juno and East Coast music award-winning Ashley MacIsaac. Wilson says MacIsaac should draw a big crowd.



The acts are expected to play at several venues including along Lunenburg's waterfront, at the Opera House and at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.Wilson says tickets are still available to purchase. You can find out more details by going to http://www.folkharbour.com/ .