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.

Top Ten Finishes For Chester Curling Teams In B.C.

No medals for a pair of South Shore curling teams at an international curling tournament. Adam Cocks' team lost in the bronze medal game to Washington at the Optimist under-18 curling event in British Columbia. Meanwhile, Cassie Cocks' team finished in ninth place with a win over Michigan. Both South Shore teams were representing the Chester curling club.

Legislation Eliminates Efficiency Tax, Lower Power Bills

Nova Scotians will get a break on their power bills starting in 2015. Legislation has been introduced which will remove the energy efficiency tax from electricity bills. Energy Minister Andrew Younger says the legislation improves how energy efficiency programs are delivered and introduces  competition for Nova Scotia Power. He says the amendments should be a big help to keep power bills down. The province's energy efficiency plan was also introduced and sets objectives that will save energy, lower costs and  reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The change could mean a savings of roughly $180 per year for homeowners.

Bridgewater: Civic Numbers By-Law Nearly Complete

Bridgewater residents could soon be tasked with making sure their homes are clearly identified. The town is close to revealing its civic numbering by-law. The main issues revolve around enforcement, penalties and reflective lighting. Mayor David Walker says they're all important points.



Councillor Wayne Thorburne wants to see the by-law in place to help first responders locate homes quickly in an emergency. The town still has to agree to the document before further public meetings will be held. It's expected to be in front of council this month.

Nothing In Provincial Budget For South Shore Job Seekers: NDP Leader

Members of the Legislature get back to work in the House later today after last Thursday night's marathon session which led to passage of essential workers legislation. The 3-week budget debate begins tonight. The McNeil government unveiled the coming year's financial projections last Thursday. However, according to NDP interim leader Maureen MacDonald, it doesn't explain how the government plans to tackle the economic problems along the South Shore.
She says there's nothing in the budget to encourage people, who have lost their jobs, to stay in the area.



MacDonald accuses the government of padding last year's NDP budget with all kinds of unnecessary spending this year, taking the province from a $16-million surplus to a $279-million deficit.

MODL: Northfield Fire Department Requests Access Road

A local fire department is requesting an access road in Cookville. The Northfield District Fire Rescue is appealing to the Municipality of Lunenburg for a road to a pond off of the Pine Grove Road. The fire department is looking for secondary water, other than hydrants. CAO Tammy Wilson says officials are thinking about safety.



A committee will determine if there is an opportunity for emergency vehicle access to the pond.

South Shore Road Among Worst In Atlantic Canada

Is that pot-hole-riddled road in your area the worst in the region? The Canadian Automobile Association is trying to determine that, through its 4th annual "Worst Roads" campaign. The New Elm Road in Lunenburg County is in the Top-10 this season and the CAA's Gary Howard says its in really bad shape!



The campaign runs until April 25th after which all votes will be tallied and the worst road crowned the winner. You can vote for the nasty road in your area at .. atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads.

Here is the Top 10 list of bad roads as of last week:
1. Highway 630, Andersonville, NB
2. Hanwell Rd, Fredericton, NB
3. Highway 360, Milltown, NL.
4. Leslie Rd, East Lawrencetown, NS
5. Old Route 630, Saint Croix, NB
6. Highway 360, Bishop's Falls, NL
7. Church Rd, Gambo, NL
8. Kempt Head Rd, Ross Ferry, NS
9. New Elm Rd, Lunenburg County, NS
10. A. Morrison Rd, Sydney, NS
      B. Highway 616, Keswick Ridge, NB

Tourism Promotion Boost Needed In Lunenburg County: Mayor

The South Shore economy and Lunenburg County in particular would benefit from a provincial promotion of the area as a tourist destination. The Mayor of the District of Lunenburg sees it as a means of giving the region an economic boost. Don Downe says tourism is already a big business in the area but he says there are so many opportunities being missed.



Among the jewels he says is Oak Island which he agrees is sometimes missed in tourist destination promotions.

Better Access To Specialized Health Care Sought In Southwest NS

Residents of Southwestern Nova Scotia are finding it difficult travelling long distances for specialized health care. PC Health critic and Argyle-Barrington MLA Chris d'Entremont says he will be seeking answers this spring from the health minister during the current legislature sitting.



d'Entremont says health care must be de-centralized and spread out more into rural areas to make getting to see a specialist less challenging and less stressful for patients.

Bridgewater Man Recognized During Adult Learner's Week

International Adult Learner's Week wraps up today and the Nova Scotia government is recognizing individuals across the province. Four adult learners were honoured at an event held late last week in Halifax including Scott Vaughan of Bridgewater. He wrote a poem describing the different ways people learn and about having pride in success. The four individuals were among more than 50 adult learners from Nova Scotia who submitted essays about how learning has changed their lives. Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan says they now have the tools to access new learning and career opportunities, and the confidence of knowing they can achieve anything they set their minds to

Mooseheads Keep Rolling In 2014 Playoffs

The Halifax Mooseheads drew first blood in their second round series against Gatineau. The Herd scored a 4-1 victory last night at the Metro Centre. The Best of 7 second round series continues tonight in Halifax.

Updated: RCMP Locate Kentville Woman

A 47 year-old Kentville woman has been located. Colleen Jane Hopkins was found Saturday afternoon in Hants County. She was checked over by paramedics and was fine. Police are thanking the public for their help finding the woman.

Bridgewater: Sustainability Expo Held Saturday

Sustainability will be front and centre Saturday around the Bridgewater-area. The third annual expo will be featured at the Nova Scotia Community College and at Osprey Ridge. Over 30 exhibitors have booths set up at the school for people to check out. Faculty of marketing member, Di Best, says special guest Dr. Edith Callaghan will talk at the golf course.



The expo begins at 9am Saturday at the college. The talk begins at 2:30 at the golf course.

Mooseheads Face Gatineau In Second Playoff Round

The Halifax Mooseheads open up the second round of the playoffs on home ice tonight against the Gatineau Olympiques. The Moose have enjoyed a nice layoff after a four game sweep over the Charlottetown Islanders in the opening round. However, it's about to get tougher. The voice of the Mooseheads, John Moore, says Gatineau is no pushover.



Halifax and Gatineau split their two games during the regular season. Lunenburg's Brennan Bailey is playing with Halifax during their playoff run. Moore believes Bailey played solid in round one.

Game one opens tonight at 7pm at the Halifax Metro Centre.

Opposition Leader Pans Provincial Budget

The Nova Scotia government will invest more money in health care and education. Finance Minister Diana Whalen unveiled her governments budget Thursday in the legislature. It includes $9.6 billion in revenues, $9.9 billion in total spending, and a $279 million deficit. Nova Scotia's net debt sits at $14.6 billion. It's expected to rise to over $15 billion by the end of the fiscal year. PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says he wants to know why the debt keeps on rising in light of the Liberals campaigning in the election last year to slash the debt.



Other budget highlights include, $19 million more for public schools, class sizes to be capped from primary to Grade 3, more support for math and literacy programs, nearly $200 million more to support home care, improved access to cancer drugs and cutting down wait times for hip and knee surgeries.

Labour Relations Setback By Essential Workers Bill: Rick Clarke

Halifax area nurses have returned to work following their one day strike. This follows passage earlier today of essential workers legislation by members of the legislature, which essentially forced them back to work and to the bargaining table. Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke tells CKBW & HANK-FM News, he's outraged by the attitude of the McNeil government which he says has setback labour relations in the province by decades.



As a result of the legislation passed this morning, HRM nurses will now be required to go back to the bargaining table with Capital Health to try and settle on a contract.

Bridgewater: Proposed Big Rig Event Changing Locations

A proposed event in Bridgewater has changed its location. South Shore in Motion was looking to hold a 'Big Rig Drag Racing' event on a section of Dufferin Street. However, they have decided to change their request to a part of Exhibition Drive. Mayor David Walker says the group is making an effort to speed up the process.



South Shore in Motion is hoping to hold the event in August. Walker expects a meeting will be held this month for council to make a decision.