Bridgewater: Town Exploring Plastic Bag Ban

The town of Bridgewater is exploring the option of banning plastic bags. Council is directing staff to further research and engage the community on the issue. Councillor Andrew Tanner says banning the plastic carry-out bags would help reduce litter and protect water quality in the area. He says things need to change.



Tanner says people could adjust to using reusable bags or paper bags when shopping. He hopes staff will report back with a goal to create a by-law banning plastic bags in the town by January 1, 2014.

STM Quest, Province To Negotiate Yarmouth Ferry Service

The Nova Scotia government will enter into negotiations with STM Quest to set up and run a ferry between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele announced the decision today in Yarmouth. Three companies submitted business plans to operate the ferry service beginning next year.  A team of representatives from the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership and the province evaluated the plans based on financial stability, a management structure with expertise and a history of managing successful ferry services, and tourism and marketing experience. STM Quest is a joint venture between ST Marine Ltd. and Quest Navigation. The province has committed to investing up to $21-million over seven years for the service.

Chester: Public Hearing On Proposed Cell Tower

A communications tower will be topic for discussion Tuesday evening in Chester. Council is holding a public hearing on the matter, to gauge resident opinion on the installation of a 76-metre tower planned for 165 Beech Hill Road in Gold River. Eastlink is proposing the tower to meet the increasing demand of wireless services in the Chester, Chester Basin, Gold River and Western Shore areas. The hearing begins at 7pm at Chester Municipal Council Chambers.

Town Agrees To Sell King Street Library Building

The town of Bridgewater is selling the current library building on King Street. Council agreed to direct staff to advertise a tender that would list the property for sale, before the current tenants move to their new location in the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The decision was 5-2 in favour of the motion, with councillors Jennifer MacDonald and Michael Graves voting against it. Graves hopes council doesn't live to regret the choice.



Mayor David Walker says he's confident with council's decision.



The decision comes after the group known as Cafe 12 withdrew their proposal to use the building for a non-profit community cafe.

Riverfest Founder Reflects On Summer Festival

Final prep work is underway before the start of Riverfest. The popular grassroots festival - which is held in the heart of a Lunenburg County turnip field - is entering it's ninth year. Organizer Jonathan Crouse says the concert grounds have been cleared and staging is being assembled today (Tuesday). Crouse says it's been special to watch the event grow over the years.



All the proceed from the event go toward Lunenburg County 4-H and St. Andrews Lutheran Church. For more information on tickets and performers - log on to www.rockthebush.com.