Chester Group Selected To Test Segways

A Chester group is one of three chosen to test segways on streets and sidewalks. The Nova Scotia government approved applications from Chester Marine Services Ltd., as well as groups in the HRM and Truro. The owner of Chester Marine Services Ltd., Wynand Baerken, says they operate tours in Western Shore for people interested in using the vehicles. He says they take safety seriously.



There are strict rules under the pilot program. Segways can not operate on roads with a speed limit higher than 60 kilometres per hour, or travel faster than 20 kilometres per hour. The Department of Transportation says other groups can still apply to participate in the pilot period, which ends in January, 2016. They will then evaluate results and determine whether amendments will be made to the Motor Vehicle Act to permanently allow segway use in the province.

Royal Tour: Public Events Planned In Halifax

Residents of the South Shore hoping to get a chance to rub shoulders with members of The Royals Family may get a chance during a number of public events in Halifax. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will be in the city over the Victoria Day long weekend. Prince Charles, Governor General David Johnston and Premier Stephen McNeil will each give remarks on Monday starting at 10am in Grand Parade. There will be a 21-gun-salute, a guard of honour from the Canadian Armed Forces, an aboriginal blessing, a band and a choir performance. Those planning to attend should arrive early because of street closures. It is common courtesy to bow or curtsy when meeting members of the Royal Family, and refer to them as "Your Royal Highness" initially, and "Sir/Ma'am" as the conversation continues. The tour also includes stops in Pictou County, PEI and Manitoba.

Itinerary for event at Grand Parade:

The official party and The Prince of Wales will give remarks, then the couple will lay a wreath at the cenotaph and sign guest books before a walkabout. This will be the only time His Royal Highness will give remarks during his stay in the province.

The Royal Couple will tour the Halifax and Region Military Family Resource Centre, which will be open to military families only. They will meet with groups that provide support to military families, participate in a Victoria Day Military Family Festival, watch a youth ball hockey game, and take part in a coin presentation and plaque unveiling.

Tour of Public Gardens:

The Prince of Wales will tour the Public Gardens at 12:30 p.m., where he will learn about the history of the gardens and its role in the city, and the restoration of the Jubilee Fountain. He will attend a bandstand concert, and meet members of the Dahlia Society and other groups. His Royal Highness will plant a tree beside an oak tree planted by His Royal Highness's grandfather King George VI in 1939. A set of coins honouring the 75th anniversary of the 1939 Royal Tour will be presented to His Royal Highness by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Tour of Northbrook Community Centre:

The Duchess of Cornwall will tour Northbrook Community Centre at 12:35 p.m., where she will have a private meeting with a family who has benefited from Alice Housing programs and tour the centre. Her Royal Highness will proceed outside to a community barbecue and do a walkabout during Family Fun Day celebrations.

Tour of Halifax Seaport Farmers Market:

A visit to the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will be the last stop of the day in Halifax. The Prince of Wales will tour the market at 1:15 p.m. and will meet with vendors, a youth farmer and young entrepreneurs. He will be joined by the Duchess of Cornwall for performances by local musical artists, and meet with urban farming groups, including Hope Blooms, before proceeding to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to join in a tea with war brides and Second World War veterans.


The following streets near Grand Parade will be closed from 7 a.m. until noon, Monday, May 19:

 

-- Barrington and Argyle, between Duke and Prince streets

 

-- Carmichael, from Grafton to Argyle streets

 

-- George, from Granville to Barrington streets.

 

Lunenburg MLA: Governor General Visit "Exciting"

The MLA for Lunenburg is pleased to see Canada's Governor General coming to Mahone Bay. David Johnston will be along the South Shore Wednesday afternoon. He will attend the launch of the Smart and Caring Community Fund of Lunenburg County at the Mahone Bay Centre. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft says she looks forward to the visit.



The governor general is also expected to present several Caring Canadian Awards to local residents. Johnston is also expected to visit Gold River and Bonny Lea Farm just outside Chester before visiting Halifax on Thursday.

Yarmouth Mayor Christens New Ferry

The Mayor of Yarmouth has attended a ship christening ceremony in Boston. Pam Mood and other dignitaries were on board the new Yarmouth-Maine ferry Nova Star for the noon time christening. The mayor cracked the traditional bottle of champagne on the side of the newly built 530 foot vessel which will begin regular daily crossings between Portland and Yarmouth on Thursday. Mayor Mood says she will be aboard the ferry for its inaugural trip. The mayor says she's excited to be a part of history and is spreading the word in Massachusetts that Nova Scotia and her town in particular are great places to visit.

Ferry Schedule Should Be Adjusted: PC Leader Baillie

There are fears the daily arrival time in Yarmouth for the new ferry may hamper efforts to increase tourism and business along the South Shore. The province's PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says it will be arriving too early, before businesses are open.



Baillie suggests a 9 or 10am arrival time might make a difference in people staying in the area to visit and shop. The Nova Star begins service on Thursday, arriving in Yarmouth from Portland, Maine daily at 8am with passengers and vehicles.