Provincial Parks Open For Bookings

You can start planning trips to provincial parks this summer. They are open between May 17 to October 14. On the South Shore, new serviced sites and a new administration building will open this season as a result of renovations at Graves Island Provincial Park. Meanwhile, serviced sites are being made available for the first time at Rissers Beach. Further information on the parks availability and services can be found at www.novascotiaparks.ca

Bridgewater: Premier Speaking At Chamber Of Commerce Luncheon

The premier will make a stop along the South Shore this week. Stephen McNeil will be a guest speaker for the Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday from 11:30am until 1:30pm. McNeil will focus on the province's budgetary plans with an emphasis on growing Nova Scotia's economy and population. Manager Dan Hennessey says they're excited to have McNeil back.



Friday's talk will be held at the Osprey Ridge Golf Club. Tickets are available through the chamber website here . The Liberal leader will also be in town for a health-related announcement at 10:45am.

No Major Tax Hikes In Queens County

Good news for residents and businesses in Queens County. Residential and commercial tax rates will remain the same over the coming year and there will be no cutback in services. Region of Queens Council approved the budget this morning. Mayor Christopher Clarke says its taken a lot of penny-pinching and watching every dollar being spent to maintain the status-quo.



The Mayor says in fact the residential rate in a few locations like Liverpool will actually be slightly lower in the coming year. The capital budget for the municipality will be $1,740,000. The residential tax rate in Districts 1-12 is 97 cents per $100. assessment and the commercial is $2.07 per $100. assessment. District 13 has a residential rate of $1.85 and $2.95 for commercial. The 2014-15 Region of Queens Municipality Budget is posted on the Region's website:
www.regionofqueens.com/finance/financial-statements/budget.

South Shore In Motion Looking For New Venue

A popular summer event in Bridgewater is looking for a new home. South Shore in Motion will not use the South Shore Exhibition grounds as their venue this year. Chairperson Darren Wentzell says the two sides could not come to an agreement. He says it's discouraging to think they may have to move the event out of Bridgewater.



Wentzell says they're still planning to hold an event in mid-August. The group is hoping to negotiate with the town to host their event at several locations. However, he says it will be scaled back if it stays in Bridgewater.



The group is also looking at using an old dirt race track in the Liverpool-area if things don't work out in Bridgewater. This year is the 10th anniversary for South Shore in Motion. A spokesperson for the South Shore Exhibition is expected to comment this afternoon.