Barracudas Win Third Straight Provincial Swimming Title

Make it three straight provincial swimming titles for the Bridgewater Barracudas. The swimming club owned the podium over the weekend in Halifax, winning the overall large-team title, along with placing first in the 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18 age groups. The team won the overall title by roughly 170 points over the Cole Harbour Hurricanes. Head Coach Ian Smith says the team had some odds against them.



Smith was named coach of the year while Barracudas swimmer Fletch Selig was named one of the top men's performers, earning high points at the competition. Eleven barracudas were named all-stars. The provincial title wraps up the swim season for the Bridgewater club.

MODL: First South Property To Be Demolished

Third time was not a charm for a First South resident with an unsightly property. The Municipality of Lunenburg had given the property owner a pair of extensions to repair the home and shed along Highway 332. However, she will now have a 30 day deadline to demolish the two buildings. Mayor Don Downe says they've agreed to take the next steps.



The initial complaint on the property was received last November. The home and shed are listed in a state of non-repair and no longer suitable to live in.

Bridgewater: Mayor Weighs In On Plastic Bag Ban

Bridgewater is looking to become one of the provincial leaders by banning plastic bags at grocery stores. The town discussed the option last week and has directed staff for further research and community engagement. The issue has become a recent concern after complaints of bags being found in local waterways and clogging septic systems. Mayor David Walker says people can do their part to stop using plastic.



Leaf Rapids, Manitoba became the first town to ban plastic bags in 2007. Fort McMurray also banned them in 2010. Walker says anything the town can do to ban plastic bags would be a step forward. One town councillor hopes staff will report back with a goal to create a by-law banning plastic bags in the town by January 1, 2014.

Inspectors Probe Bayswater Beach Closure

Environmental inspectors are at Bayswater Beach to try and find the source of bacteria that's keeping the popular swimming area off-limits. The beach has been closed since August 14 because of unsafe levels of bacteria in the water. Lori Errington is a communications advisor with the Department of Environment. She says they don't normally don't get called in to inspect beach closures.



The province announced yesterday they would inspect the area to see if there is a specific source causing the problem in the ocean water. Bayswater is located on Highway 329 between Blandford and Aspotogan.