Bridgewater: Coast Guard Removing Oil From Cape Rouge

Fuel is starting to be pumped out of the main fuel tank of the Cape Rouge. Most of the ship is now under water after it began sinking Monday afternoon at the Port of Bridgewater. Canadian Coast Guard senior response officer, Keith Laidlaw, says removing all the fuel from the vessel will take several days. They continue to have a boom surrounding the vessel, as well as absorbing pads soaking up fuel. He says their main concern is the environment and feels they're on top of any concerns.



A cause still hasn't been determined. Laidlaw says it's a slow process but the clean-up is a top priority.



The cost also isn't known, but it will be up to the owner to cover the fuel spill and vessel sinking. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook)

Bridgewater: Mayor Welcomes New Municipal Affairs Department

At least one local municipality is giving a thumbs up to the province for creating a stand-alone department for municipal affairs. The mayor for the town of Bridgewater called it wonderful news. The Nova Scotia government is making the adjustment to provide better service to residents. The change is expected to  allow government to provide better tools and guidance to create strong communities. David Walker agrees.



Walker says he's glad to see the province take action and make the switch. The new department is scheduled to be in place April 1.

Gary L. Wentzell Hockey Tournament Back For Sixth Year

Local hockey teams are gearing up for one of the biggest tournaments on the South Shore. The Gary L. Wentzell March Break tournament opens up play Thursday and goes all weekend in Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Liverpool. Fifty-two teams will play in this year's event, the most-ever in the tournament's short six year history. The first year, it had just four teams. One of the organizers, Devan Naugler, says they try and create an enjoyable time.



Teams are coming from as far as Cape Breton and New Brunswick for the event. A skills competition and a pair of auctions will also be held during the hockey tournament.

Economist Predicts Higher Prices At South Shore Retailers

Stagnant wage and employment growth combined with higher energy costs and a weak dollar will result in higher retail prices this year at South Shore retail stores and those elsewhere in the country. That prediction from the Chief Ecomist at CIBC. Avery Shenfeld says little's changing for lower wage earners. However, high-paid workers are receiving steep increases in their salaries and its all reflected in what both sides are buying.



Shenfield predicts inflation will climb to 2 percent this year, there will be a slight increase in interest rates and the Canadian dollar will remain lower.

Chester: Cost Savings Expected With Blue Bag Switch

Chester is gearing up to start saving roughly $60,000 by switching blue bag processors. The municipality recently approved the recommendation to send their recyclable material from the Annapolis Valley to Bayers Lake. The municipality currently pays about $130 per ton. The new provider in Bayers Lake is expected to charge just under $70 per ton. Warden Allen Webber expects some additional cost savings.



Webber says it good news to find a more cost-effective solution. The new agreement is with the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Bridgewater Snow Removal Budget Way Over

Bridgewater's snow removal budget has taken a major hit from all the winter storms! It's projected to be now about $135,000. over and counting and winter isn't quite finished yet. The town's Director of Finance Dawn Kaizer says if there aren't many more storms, there should be a safe way around the dilemma.



Kaizer says another snow storm could push the cost for the year to more than $500,000. The town will deal with the situation when budget deliberations go into high gear in April.

Big Rainfall Ahead

Its the middle of the week and there is yet another storm about to bear-down on us! Big difference for our area this time though! Meteorologist Bruno Marquis of Environment Canada tells us we're going to get a big downpour of rain instead of snow.



There will also be strong gusty winds through tonite and into tomorrow.