Seniors Funding for New Ross Area

The Forties Communities Centre getting some federal funding for its “Greetings & Wildlife Preservation.” project. The project will provide local seniors with the opportunity to teach other seniors the art of card making and the construction of wood duck nesting boxes. Once the wood duck nesting boxes are constructed, seniors will partner with local youth to place and care for these nesting boxes to protect the endangered wood duck. MP Gerald Keddy announced federal support of 12 thousand ,420 dollars under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

CAP costs Region of Queens

The Region of Queens is losing about 500 thousand dollars in revenue as a result of the provincial CAP. Mayor John Leefe says the Cap Assessment Program has reduced in Queens the amount of taxable property by 130 million dollars, and that's a lot of money. Leefe says the largest cost for the Region is Education which is roughly two and a-half million. Policing is in the 1.5 to 2 million dollar range and there are landfill fees and others costs as well.
A presentation to Council by Property Valuation Services shows residential and commercial properties in the Municipality are valued at 932 million. However, that figure drops to 802 million because the CAP protects more than 8 thousand properties from large assessment hikes .

Queen's Manor Requests Sidewalk

It's been an ongoing issue since 1994. Queen's Manor was back before Municipal Council on Monday to request the installation of a sidewalk on Hollands Drive leading from Waterloo Street to the Manor. The Board of the Directors would like the project to be considered for this budget year citing safety reasons. Mayor John Leefe says the initial request goes back to Liverpool Town Council and was for a full blown sidewalk, curb and gutter, which is an expensive proposition. Leefe says the Board has since agreed a walkway will be sufficient, and will agree to asphalt being used for the surface rather than concrete. Leefe says the matter will be taken into account when the Municipality does it budget.

Bogus Bills

Some bogus bills are making their way around Lunenburg County. During the past week, approximately ten counterfeit 100 dollar bills have been offered as genuine currency to various retailers in Lunenburg County. RCMP say the bills in question were part of the 1986 series of bank notes often referred to as the "Birds of Canada" series. All Canadian bank notes have security features that are reliable, quick and easy to use. Police say by making it a habit to check two or more of the features when you accept cash, you can avoid being stuck with a counterfeit.
For further information on Canadian banknotes and the security features, you can refer to the Bank of Canada website. www.bankofcanada.ca

Council Concerned over Crown Office Closure

The Region of Queens Municipal Council will put up a fight to keep a Crown prosecutor's office in Liverpool. Amid reports the office could be one of a number considered for closure, Mayor John Leefe is going to the top. He's writing the Director of Crown Prosecutions expressing councils concerns over the potential office closure. Leefe says such a move will impact witnesses for the Crown, costs to the defendant, the RCMP and the Municipality itself. He says it would pose a challenge in terms of time and transportation. The Mayor sought input from the Region's solicitor Jim Dipersio and Queen's RCMP Staff Sergeant Bruno Deveau . Leefe says there are all kinds of very valid reasons with respect that the justice system functions properly that the Crown office remains in Liverpool, and that will be his core message to Martin Herschorn.
As well, Leefe has taken the matter up with MLA Vicki Conrad who plans to speak to the Justice Minister on the issue.

Up in Smoke

A Yarmouth County man has been handed one of the highest fines ever imposed in Bridgewater Provincial Court last Thursday,February 11th for having illegal cigarettes. Fifty-two year old Richard Lee White was fined a total of 335 thousand dollars under the provincial Revenue Act and federal Excise Act. White was arrested following a routine traffic stop near Maitland on March 19th/2008. Police found 50 cases containing 500 thousand illegal smokes in the cube van at the time the vehicle was stopped on Highway 103. His lawyer says it will take years , maybe his client's entire lifetime to pay off the fines.

Transit Service Still a Possibility

The possibility of a transit system for Lunenburg County is still very much alive. The Municipality of Lunenburg defeated a motion calling for a hybrid/Lunenburg County model integrating fixed services with on demand services. TRIP funding would be allocated for a detailed analysis and action plan. The recommendation by the Joint Transit Committee was defeated by a vote of 7 to 6. Mayor Don Downe says that doesn't mean the project is dead. He says the matter has been referred back to the Transit Committee to do some due diligence and bring back a recommendation that Councillors can see first hand what is needed to move forward. Bridgewater Town Council had concerns that without the Municipality's support the other partner units would not be able to proceed. The next meeting of the Joint Transit Committee is set for February 23rd.

Teen Place Youth Nights Grant

New Germany Area Promotion Society, Teen Place Youth Nights is one of 15 organizations involved in community recreational activities to receive $12,000 from the province's Lighthouses Program,
The program helps community groups provide recreational, educational, cultural and life skills programs for Nova Scotia youth. Justice Minister Ross Landry says it's important to prevent crime before it happens and these grants will help youth get involved in after school recreational programs. The grant applications were reviewed by a crime prevention advisory committee. An additional $180 thousand dollars will be awarded again next year.

J.C. Wickwire Study

A feasibility study of the Dr. J.C. Wickwire Academy in Liverpool concludes the school was not designed to accommodate expansion.. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says the province requested the South Shore Regional School Board to carry out the study to determine the appropriateness of renovating the facility to address the need to replace the existing South Queens Junior High School. The architects suggest a new middle school could be constructed for approximately the same cost as renovating J.C. Wickwire.
Currently Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy includes grades two to six , in a 45 thousand square foot building that was constructed in 1995. Pynch-Worthylake says the Board passed a motion to request a new grades 6 to 8 middle school, and also wants a meting with the Minister of Education to discuss the matter.

Bolivar-Getson Returns Items

Former Lunenburg West MLA Carolyn Bolivar-Getson will be returning items to government surplus that were purchased during her time as MLA. Bolivar-Getson says she has consulted with the Speakers Office on numerous occasion since she ceased to be an MLA last June, on how to handle the items in her possession. She says she was advised on a course of action and adhered to it. Bolivar-Getson says all the items were purchased under the rules and approved by the Speakers Office. She wants to give all the items over to government surplus as soon as possible.
Among the items being returned are computers, digital cameras, desks, printers, a generator, a television and other general office items.

Floating Fountain

A floating fountain for the LaHave River has been approved by Town Council at a cost of almost 70 thousand dollars. Bridgewater Mayor Carroll Publicover says it's part of phase one of the overall waterfront improvement plan for the downtown area. Other components for renovations to King Street Court include a floating dock and gangway, a look-off and the installation of interpretative panels. Both the provincial and federal governments have provided funding for the multi-year Riverfront Renaissance project.

Raw Sewage in the River

A county resident says there needs to be more action and less talk on the issue of raw sewage being dumped in the LaHave River. In a presentation to Lunenburg Municipal Council, Linda Maxwell says there's a growing sense of chagrin and disgust at what is happening in the river. Maxwell,who lives in Middle Lahave says the Porter Dillon report in 1993 was a laudable firs step but it appears its findings and suggestions for remediation have been shelved as was the report. She says although a few problematic septic systems may have been upgraded, essentially it's business as usual.
Maxwell says there appear to be no by-laws forcing upgrades to code, nor any pro-active involvement in testing or in requiring upgrades from either the Department of the Environment or the Department of Health, both who whom were participants in the Porter Dillon report. Maxwell adds she's certain there is "no one size fits all" answer to the problem, but is equally certain that it must be dealt with immediately.

DriveWiser Program

The Town of Bridgewater is one of six municipal units to enroll in the provincial "DriveWiser Active Communities" program. The program through Clean Nova Scotia is designed to reduce municipal fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to cleaner air. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the program will allow the town to build on existing initiatives so that transportation fuel consumption can be minimized for its vehicle fleet and the wider community. Council has committed to develop an Idle-Free Policy for town properties and display Idle Free signs on town buildings.

Skilled Trade & Technology Opportunities

Grade nine students will get an opportunity today to try out skilled trade and technology careers that are in demand. A youth event organized by Skills Canada- Nova Scotia and its partners called the TechShop will be held at the Nova Scotia Community College, Lunenburg Campus in Bridgewater. TechShop is a one-day career exploration event of skilled trades and technology careers. Students experience opportunities in skilled trades and technologies through a hands-on approach. Workshops explore careers such as heritage carpentry and mechanical drafting, and stress the importance of strong math, science, and communications skills to maximize career choices.
Skills Canada - Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit organization that promotes skilled trades and technologies to Nova Scotia youth through a variety of programs and events.

MODL Operations Review

A draft scope of work has been approved for an Operations Review of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. The overall objective of the study is to review the effectiveness of the organization and ability to meet current and future service level expectations. Mayor Don Downe says it gives Council the foundation to go forward . He says as well the taxpayers and public are interested in getting value for money, and know the Municipality is being run efficiently and effectively. To complete the Operations Review in the 2010/11 fiscal year a budget commitment of 35 thousand dollars will be required. There is the possibility of obtaining provincial funding to a maximum of 10 thousand dollars.

Porn Theatres Can't be Banned

Bridgewater Council is looking at options to control adult entertainment uses in the Town. Mayor Carroll Publicover says Council can't outright ban a legitimate applicant but can implement measures of control. A number of options have been compiled by the Town Planner but Councillors want more time before considering which direction to follow. They have narrowed down the options to permit adult entertainment uses in certain existing zones by development agreement, or by site plan approval. The proactive stance is being taken as a result of possible concerns the owner of Sister Sarah's was considering opening an adult movie theatre. Franklyn Rhyno a former resident of the Town was looking at opening a number of the cinema's to recoup lost revenue relating to fees charged by the province to rate the movies sold in his stores.

Lifestyle Centre Update

It's another step forward for the long awaited Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Chair Paul Belliveau appeared before Bridgewater Council Monday night with an update on the status of the project. He says they have now moved to the stage that a Project Manager is required to be able to move forward. The cost of the project manager over the term of the construction is 471 thousand dollars plus HST. Belliveau says they are still in the "Quiet Phase" of the fundraising program but to date have received or have pledges for 424 thousand dollars.
With respect to the site, Belliveau says they will not be doing any work on it until they confirm what the actual facility will consist of and where it will actually be placed. A meeting with the Architect is planned for later this month to receive preliminary Class "C" budgets as well as preliminary conceptual drawings.

Remembering Wanda

A long time member of the South Shore Regional School Board has lost her battle with cancer. Fifty-four year old Wanda Bezanson (Broome) of Fraxville, New Ross passed away peacefully at home Thursday evening after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. A dedicated Board member for 19 years, Bezanson served as Chair for 7 years and was actively involved in Nova Scotia School Board Association activities. She was the elected official for District nine, . Bezanson had also been a Councillor for District 6 in the Municipality of Chester for 6 years. Making wreaths in her basement with her mom turned into a business, Norwood Farms. This business evolved into her CropHopper business and she nurtured scrapbooking for many across Nova Scotia. Wanda will be dearly missed by her special mom, Pansy Bezanson, son Mark, daughter Laura and grandchildren Brooke and Madyson Bent, all of New Ross
There will be a celebration of Wanda's life at 2 p.m. on Tuesday,February 9th at the Forties Community Centre.

Bridgewater Police at the Olympics

Two of Bridgewater's finest are heading off to the Olympics... but not as competitors. Deputy-Chief John Collyer and Constable Jamie Dearing will be part of a 6 thousand strong security force tasked with providing security at the various venues of the games. Collyer says about a year and a-half ago the RCMP put out a call for volunteers and he put his name forward. Because there was so much competition for the other spot, they had a draw and Cst. Dearing was the winner. The Deputy Chief leaves for the Games on Friday and will be stationed at the Cypress Mountain venue while Cst. Dearing will be deployed to Whistler. Both members return March 1st.

Beware of Scam

A fraudulent scam is making its rounds in Lunenburg County. A resident of Garden Lots was contacted by phone and advised her grandson was incarcerated in jail in the Montreal area. She was then requested to send 5 thousand dollars to bail him out. When the woman asked specific questions about her grandson, the male on the other end got annoyed and hung up. RCMP are advising the public to be mindful of these possible scams and be wary asking for large sums of money. If the public is suspicious, they should hang up and call the police.