Province Opens Proposal Call For Yarmouth Ferry

A future ferry operation is one step closer to returning to Yarmouth. The province announced today they have opened up a request for proposals for a ferry to operate once again between the town and the United States. The government used a draft request for proposals to consult with potential ferry operators. Premier Darrell Dexter says that step helped gather interest.




Dexter says the province is prepared to commit as much as $21-million over seven years to attract a long-term ferry service in Yarmouth. He is hopeful the federal government will partner with the province on the new ferry. The deadline to submit a proposal is January 24.

Dexter: Bowater Land Deal Close

Premier Darrell Dexter says a tentative deal involving thousands of hectares of Nova Scotia woodlands could be announced as early as next week. Dexter made the comments in Liverpool today while at an announcement unveiling a report discussing the economic future of communities impacted by the closure of the Bowater Mersey paper mill. Resolute Forest Products is the former operators of the Brooklyn-based mill. The Montreal based company still owns more than 220,000 hectares of woodland in various parcels of land around Nova Scotia. Dexter would not reveal details of the deal but stated Nova Scotians will have greater control of their destiny The Bowater mill closed in June throwing about 320 people out of work.

Aquaculture Jobs Set To Move Into Shelburne

Government employees within the province's aquaculture division will move to Shelburne early in the new year. The move will bring about 15 full time jobs to the area. The aquaculture offices will be located at the Nova Scotia Community College's Shelburne campus. Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau says using available space at NSCC is a responsible use of taxpayers' money and will encourage greater collaboration between the department and the college. Premier Darrell Dexter announced in May that the province would relocate its aquaculture division from Halifax to Shelburne County. Another 22 positions along with headquarters is moving to the Digby area.

Parkview Panthers Split Games In NFLD

The Park View Division-1 boys basketball team split a pair of games in St.John's Newfoundland on Thursday. The Panthers dropped a 91-79 decision to Mount Pearl High School. Jake Langille had 26 points, Adam Fitzgerald added 24 points. In the second game, Park View had nine players score in a 62-47 victory over Bishop's College.

Shelburne County Arena Receives Strong Support

An overhaul of the Shelburne County Arena is helping to extend the life of the 30 year-old rink. The arena has entered the second stage of a four phase project which has seen the rink become more accessible for those with mobility issues. A new ramp at the front entrance has been added to the facility along with a special viewing area in the stands. Spokesperson Tony Mahaney says the rink has received tremendous support from all levels of government to help with the renovations. He says it's proof the local arena is an important part of the community.



During phase one of the project, the facility received 500-thousand dollars in upgrades - some of that work focused on electrical improvements and repair work to their ice making machines. Further improvements to the washrooms will take place in the Spring.

Liverpool Call Centre Nearing Goal Of 100 New Hires

A call centre in Queens County is more than half way to their goal of hiring 100 new employees. HGS Canada in Liverpool has taken on 60 workers since they announced an expansion last month. The new jobs are full time and will be in customer service. The inbound call centre will look to hire 40 more people in the new year. HGS Canada is one of the largest employers in the area, and has seen steady growth since opening in 2006.