Shelburne Kayak Festival Looking For Volunteers

The Shelburne Kayak Festival is back for another year and officials are in search of volunteers. The event is entering its second year and will feature a series of instructional activities for people who already kayak, or may be interested in getting started. Volunteers are needed to help the group that is returning from last year. Manager of Community and Economic Development, Jerry Locke, says they're looking for help right away.



The festival will be held in mid-August around Islands Park. People who are interested in helping can contact the Town of Shelburne or go here .

New After School Program To Promote Physical Activity

The provincial government has announced money for six South Shore communities to develop after-school programming. The 'After the Bell' initiative was designed to provide physical activity in 12 to 15-year-olds. Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall announced details recently in Mahone Bay. She says the program can help address some glaring issues that need to change.



The province is providing $23,000 for programs in Argyle, Barrington, Mahone Bay, Shelburne, South Queens and Yarmouth. The World Health Organization recommends kids participate in an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.

Lunenburg "Smart Metering" Needs Volunteers

Homeowners in Old Town Lunenburg looking for further knowledge into their power usage are being asked to participate in a "Smart Metering Project". The pilot project is being led by the Lunenburg Board of Trade. Coordinator Doug Hodges says those who take part in the project will have their electricity meters swapped with new smart meters. He says there is no charge to participate.



Interested homeowners will then be able to watch their electricity usage and patterns online on a secure website. Those looking to take part in the pilot need to contact the Lunenburg Board of Trade.

Council Sends Budget Message To Finance Director

It was a clear message from Bridgewater council to their finance director. No more debt increase and don't raise the sewer or tax rates. Council members met last night to discuss the 2013-14 budget and a $400,000 surplus in their operating budget. There were many ideas floated around including putting the brakes on big projects for now like the Downtown and Waterfront Plan and LED Lighting project to help balance the capital budget. Mayor David Walker says it's all preliminary talk and nothing is final, just yet.



The director of finance will take the input back to staff to create a draft version of the budget. Another discussion session will be held April 2nd.

Winter Hanging On - Nasty Weather Forecasted

"Old Man Winter" is hanging around and is expected to deliver another blast of nasty weather tonight. Environment Canada has issued a winter storm watch for the region. Flurries are expected to begin this afternoon but the brunt of the storm won't hit until later on. The weather agency predicts the South Shore will be hit with 10-15 centimetres of snow mixed with ice pellets this evening. Winds will be whipping up around 70 kilometres per hour and reduced visibility on highways should be expected. Rain or snow is also expected to hit the region on Wednesday.