Chester: Municipality Providing Money To Philippine Relief Effort

The Municipality of Chester is giving money towards relief efforts in the Philippines. Council has agreed to send $100 to the Red Cross. Over 2,300 people have been confirmed dead after a typhoon struck the central Philippines almost a week ago. Warden Allen Webber says the people in that country need help.



The federal government has agreed to match any funding donated towards the effort until December 8.

School Board: Naugler Re-Elected Chair

The South Shore Regional School Board will continue to have familiar faces in key roles. Jennifer Naugler was re-elected as chair during the board`s annual general meeting last night in Bridgewater. She edged out Theresa Griffin in a vote for the board's top elected position. Naugler says she looks forward to another year in the role.



Meanwhile, Elliot Payzant will return as vice chair after edging out Elmer Garber. Payzant`s name had to be randomly selected out of a ballot box after three consecutive tied votes. The method is used to break a tie vote under a board by-law.  However, different rules apply if such a deadlock were to occur for the chairs position.

Little Change Likely Tonight In South Shore Gas Prices

Don't expect much change in gas prices along the South Shore when the utility and review board sets the coming week's rates at midnight tonight. A litre of regular self serve will likely increase by less than a cent.
Prices are up today in New Brunswick. Prices there went up 4/10ths of a cent overnight to a new maximum price of $125.2.

Bridgewater: Bottled Water Ban Among 'Blue Community' Request

Bridgewater has been approached with a request to ban bottled water in public facilities and at municipal events. The 'Blue Communities Project Guide' is driven by the Council of Canadians and CUPE. The two groups are hoping to make Bridgewater a 'Blue Community' by giving the town a framework that will also promote publicly financed owned and operated water and waste-water services. Mayor David Walker says the town plans to research the idea and bring it back to the table for further discussion.



The groups are hoping municipalities will also sign a declaration recognizing water as a human right.

MODL List Priority Projects

A parcel of land in Wileville is one of 10 priorities for the Municipality of Lunenburg. The municipality held an open space workshop recently, revealing projects they would like to complete over the next three to four years. Negotiations are underway for the Wileville land, which the municipality would like to develop for swimming, boat access, a picnic park and parking. Mayor Don Downe says the issue has been front and center for a while.



Other priorities for council include creating a day park on Big Tancook Island, a possible donation of land in Petite Riviere, developing 115 acres of land in New Germany, a boat launch in Oakland, and acquiring the Rose Bay wharf.

Queens: Joint Funding Supports Curling Championships

Queens County is gearing up to host the Junior Curling Championships in a few short weeks. Liverpool will be home to 28 curling teams, their families and hundreds of fans when the event kicks off January 18th. South Shore-St. Margaret`s MP Gerald Keddy announced just over $91,000 this afternoon to support renovations at the Liverpool Curling Club. Keddy called it a long term investment for the area.



The province of Nova Scotia is also committing $85,000 to help put on the event. The 2014 Canadian Junior Curling Championships will be held at the Liverpool Curling Club and Queens Place Emera Centre.

Lockeport's Crescent Beach Centre Gets Federal Support

Ottawa is contributing to upgrades being made to the Crescent Beach Centre in Lockeport. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy says the federal government will provide $128,586. It will help with installation of a new heat pump system, floor and ceiling upgrades, improvements to the exterior of the building and improvements to the showers and changing rooms. The renovations at the Crescent Beach Centre are expected benefit local businesses and tourism operators with an increasedc traffic flow and extended tourism season.

South Shore School Board Holds AGM

Members and staff with the South Shore Regional School Board will hold their AGM this evening. A new chair and vice-chair will be elected during the meeting. Jennifer Naugler has served as board chair for the past year while Elliott Payzant has held the vice-chair role. The chair is the spokesperson for the board and works with staff to set meetings and agendas. Naugler, who represents District 4, was elected chair last November in just her first year as a member of the board. The meeting begins at 8 o'clock at the board office in Bridgewater.

Patient Intake Set For This Evening

The phone lines will open this evening for those in needing a primary care provider in the Bridgewater area. Roughly 150 spaces are available for this intake. The number to phone is 527-4814. The lines will open at 5:30pm.

Information:

·Call 527-4814 beginning at 5:30 pm

· Please have your health care number, date-of-birth, address and a valid current telephone number ready

· Callers may only register immediate family members from the same household (ie spouses, children).

Callers who are successful in getting through the line, will hear a message telling them to stay on the line.

These callers will then be entered into a queue and processed in order. This takes time. Please be prepared to wait on the line for several hours.

Tree For Boston Heading South Of The Border

The tree for Boston has been cut, and after it stays overnight in Halifax, it begins its trek south of the border. Community members along with hundreds of young students watched today as the 15-metre white spruce was cut and lowered onto a flatbed truck. Mary Lou Milligan donated this year's tree from her property in Mill Cove. She says she always thought about donating a tree to Boston.



The tree will be transported by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal on the Digby ferry, across the Bay of Fundy to Saint John, New Brunswick, then down through Maine and on to Massachusetts. This is the 42nd year of the Boston tree tradition, in thanks for the medical personnel and supplies Bostonians provided following the Halifax explosion on December 6, 1917. The special tree-lighting ceremony will be televised to over 300,000 people. Milligan will travel to Boston with her daughter and two grandsons for the ceremony on December 5.

UPDATE: Province, STM Quest Reach Ferry Agreement

The Yarmouth to Maine ferry service is back. The province has signed a deal with STM Quest to re-establish the link starting May 1, 2014. The service will be known as Nova Star Cruises. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson made the announcement Tuesday afternoon in Halifax.



The province has committed up to $21-million of financial support over seven years, including $10.5-million in start-up costs. Both sides agreed to make amendments to the letter of offer announced in September including more auditing rights for the province. There are still challenges for the Yarmouth to Maine ferry to start next May including having border services in both ports, and getting all licenses and permits needed to operate a ferry service.

Queens: Bowater Tenders Issued

A pair of tenders have been issued to do with the former paper mill in Brooklyn. Deloitte Restructuring Inc. has put out a call to sell a paper-making machine and other equipment at Bowater Mersey. The money gathered will go to ReNova Scotia Bioenergy Inc., which took over the site. The second tender is out to demolish some structures on the site. Both tenders have a deadline of December 5.

BREAKING: Update On Yarmouth Ferry Expected

There will be an update on the Yarmouth ferry later today. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson will discuss the latest details on the process to re-establish the ferry service. He will be joined by Steve Durrell of STM Quest and Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood. Natural Resources Minister and MLA for Yarmouth Zach Churchill is also expected to take part in the press conference. The update will take place at 2 o`clock.

Trial Dates Set In Dog Dealer Court Case

A notorious puppy broker will go to trial on fraud related charges in April. Gail Benoit has pleaded not guilty to fraud charges relating to allegations that she sold two boxer dogs that didn't belong to her. The two-day trial will begin April 14 in Bridgewater. Benoit entered not guilty pleas earlier this month to fraud, theft under $5,000 and identity fraud. Those charges relate to an incident where it's alleged Benoit sold two dogs she was hired to look after while the owner was away.

Cape Breton MLA: Ferry Loss Felt Throughout Nova Scotia

An MLA in Cape Breton says even his area has felt the loss of the Yarmouth ferry service. Michel Samson says it's been a difficult adjustment for the entire province since the NDP government cut the subsidy to help run the ferry in 2009. Samson is now Minister of Economic Development and Tourism and working on the ferry file.



Samson says the province is still waiting for a signed agreement from potential ferry operator STM Quest. He says the government needs the company to confirm it has met all the conditions of the deal set out by the province.

Locals Pick Up Hardware At Nova Scotia Music Awards

A pair of South Shore musicians picked up some hardware Sunday at the Nova Scotia Music Awards. Yarmouth's Ryan Cook won Country-Bluegrass Recording of the Year for his album 'Wrestling with Demons.' Meanwhile, Chester's Old Man Luedecke will share Folk Recording of the Year with Dave Gunning. In other news, the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival was named Community Presenter of the Year. The awards were handed out in Sydney.

U.S. Wins World Junior 'A' Challenge

The United States defended its title at the World Junior 'A' Hockey Challenge in Yarmouth. The Americans defeated the Russians 4-1 in Sunday's final. It's the fifth gold medal for the U.S. in the tournament's eight-year history. Canada West won the bronze by beating Switzerland 5-3. The Czech Republic finished in fifth, beating Canada East 7-5 Saturday night in Liverpool.

Mustangs Fall To McDonalds

The Halifax McDonalds blew open a close game with three goals in the third period to dump the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs 7-4 Sunday afternoon in Bridgewater. It was the second home loss of the weekend for the local Major Midget Hockey club who fell 5-1 to Newbridge Academy on Saturday.

Lockeport: Funding Announcement Tuesday

The MP for the South Shore will be in Shelburne County for a funding announcement this week. Gerald Keddy will unveil details on new money earmarked for a community project in Lockeport. The announcement will be made Tuesday afternoon at the Crescent Beach Centre.

Mustangs Look For Weekend Split

In Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League action last night in Bridgewater Newbridge Academy dumped the Charlies Pizza South Shore Mustangs 5-1. Keith Getson gave the Stangs a 1-0 lead in the game's first minute but it was all Newbridge after that. The Mustangs are back on home ice today as they host the Halifax MacDonalds at 12:00pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Minister: Lobster Fishery Needs Industry/Govn't Cooperation

Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell says he's eager to get to work on implementing recommendations contained in a report examining what's wrong with the lobster fishery. However, Colwell says government, fishermen, buyers and processors all need to work together to strengthen the industry. He made the comments after a three member panel released its report along with dozens recommendations to help turn the industry around. Colwell says a number of factors play a big role in shaping the price of lobster.



The lobster panel would like to see the creation of a formal system where the industry would know the price of lobster before fishermen head out on the water. Meanwhile, dumping day for LFA's 33 and 34 is November 25.

Bridgewater: Patient Intake Rescheduled For Wednesday

There will be another patient intake Wednesday for residents of the Bridgewater area in need of a family doctor. It's a rescheduled intake after a glitch in the phone system wouldn't allow anyone to get through last week. Communications Director with South Shore Health, Theresa Hawkesworth, says tests were conducted on the phone lines to make sure everything is working properly for this Wednesday's intake. The phone lines will open that evening at 5:30pm. Just a reminder, if you hear a busy signal, it means the cue has filled up. The number to call is 527-4814.

AUS Football: Mounties Rally To Beat Huskies

The Mount Allison Football Mounties are heading to the Uteck Bowl. Yesterday in Halifax, Mount A scored ten points in the last three and a half minutes to upset Saint Mary's 20-17. The Mounties will host Laval next Saturday.

South Shore Veteran Remembers Fallen Comrades

Veterans are preparing for Remembrance Day observances on the South Shore. A major cenotaph service will be held at 11am Monday at Veterans' Memorial Park in Bridgewater. Hundreds of residents and veterans are expected to attend the annual ceremony along with government and present-day military representatives. Second World War veteran Ron Mosely of Bridgewater plans to be there. As an army chaplain, he was at the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 when the Germans stormed the allied front. On this Remembrance Day, he will remember the tens of thousands of Allied troops who died on the battle field.



Meanwhile, Mosely says the Bridgewater Remembrance Day service has always been well attended, and for good reason he says!



By the way, a broadcast of the annual Remembrance Day service in Bridgewater can be heard on
HANK-FM Monday morning.

Liberals Focused On Bringing Back Yarmouth Ferry

The province is said to be fast-tracking plans for a ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine. Economic development minister Michel Samson says plans were put on hold by the previous government when the election was called and now the Liberal government is trying to catch-up. Samson says getting the service up and running by next May is a priority.



A deal to resume the ferry link was announced in September and the former NDP government said STM Quest had agreed to run a daily service starting next May 1st and running until October 31st. Samson says the Liberal government is still waiting on the company to confirm that it has met all the conditions of the deal set out by the province.

13 New Doctors Coming to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is welcoming thirteen new family doctors to rural communities right across the province.  The doctors will begin seeing patients this fall and winter in Hubbards, Bridgewater, Yarmouth, Digby, Windsor, New Glasgow, Guysborough and Glace Bay. South Shore Health announced today they are welcoming two new doctors. It's a big relief to those in need of a family doctor. Dr. Reza Mehrpooya graduated with his Medical Doctor’s degree from the Shahid Sadoghi Medical School in Iran and completed 18 months of rotational internship with experience in emergency room and family practice. He will be setting up a practice in Hubbards. Dr. Hamidreza Koupaei graduated from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran and also completed 18 months of internship. He will be setting up practice in Bridgewater. Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine says timely access to a family doctor remains a key issue across Nova Scotia and the province is working hard to boost access. The family doctors are being recruited under the Clinician  Assessment for Practice Program, or CAPP. The program assesses the clinical skills of international medical graduate physicians to enter family practice without residency training in Canada.

Bridgewater: Police Focused On Taking Drugs Off Streets

Four people arrested in a drug bust in Bridgewater will appear before a judge this afternoon. Police seized more than 200 pain killers, 10 grams of cocaine and more than $1,200 in cash after they raided a home on Ron Street Thursday morning. Twenty year-old Rosina Ernst, 30 year old Robert Walsh, 39 year old Shannon Pollard and 52 year old Kevin Knickle are all facing drug related charges. Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer says they continue to work to take drugs - especially prescription medication - off the street.



Some of the pills seized have a street value of $40 to $50 each. The cocaine has a value of about $1,000. Collyer says the investigation into the matter has been ongoing for more than a year.

Remembering Our Local Soldiers

Veterans are preparing for Remembrance Day observances on the South Shore. Bridgewater Legion member and veteran Roger Purnell says November 11th is a difficult day for some. For him, its all about saying .. thank-you!



Purnell says interest in what Remembrance Day is all about is growing year to year.

A major Remembrance Day service will be held at 11am Monday at Veterans' Memorial Park in Bridgewater. Hundreds of residents, veterans, school children and others are expected to attend the annual ceremony along with government and present-day military representatives. A broadcast of the service can be heard on HANK FM around 11am Monday morning.

Gas Prices Down Some

Gas prices at South Shore pumps are down some this morning (Friday). Regular self serve has dropped 2.5 cents a litre overnight to $1.25.2. High test is selling for $1.34.2. Diesel is down slightly, by half a cent, to $1.34.4 per litre.

Coke, Pills & Cash Seized In Bridgewater Bust

Four people have been arrested after police raided a home earlier today in Bridgewater. Members of the Bridgewater Police Service arrested two men and two women after searching a home on Ron Street. Police say they seized prescription pills, cocaine, cash and a vehicle. All of the accused are expected to appear in court Friday morning. Police say they will release names and charges in the near future.

Human Error Behind Intake Phone Issues

There will be another patient intake for residents of the Bridgewater area in need of a family doctor. South Shore Health's Communications Director Theresa Hawkeswork says they have identified the glitch within the phone system which caused problems last night. Hawkesworth says human error on the phone company's end is to blame for the mishap.



Hawkesworth says another intake has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, November 13. A number of pretests will take place before the phone lines open at 5:30pm. The number to call has not changed it is 527-4814.

Lobster Panel Proposes Levy On Catches

A levy on lobster catches in the Maritimes is at the core of dozens of recommendations proposed by a three member panel examining the challenges in the industry. The panel was set up to look into low prices for lobsters. Last spring, lobsters sold for $3.00 per pound in some parts of the Maritimes. The panel is recommending a one cent per pound levy to be paid by fishermen in addition to a one cent per pound levy paid by buyers. The money would help fund a new lobster market intelligence institute and develop a comprehensive marketing campaign. Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell says government will play a big role in implementing the recommendations. The lobster panel also recommends options for a formal system where the industry would know the price paid harvesters before landings. Lobster in Atlantic Canada is a billion dollar industry with 90% of Canadian lobster landed in the Maritimes.

Approval Given For Rock Quarry Near East Chester

The provincial environment department has given the go-ahead for a rock quarry near East Chester. To be operated by Northern Construction, the quarry will supply materials needed for upcoming work on Highway 103. The approval contains terms and conditions adressing dust, noise, protecting water resources and returning the site to its original condition when the quarry closes. The environment department will monitor the operation.

Bridgewater: Health Officials Working To Solve Phone Issues

Health officials in the Bridgewater area are working to find the cause of a technical glitch that caused headaches for some people trying to secure a family doctor. A patient intake was planned to take place over the phone last night for Dr. Sheila Dwyer and nurse practitioner Cheryl Soroka. However, something went wrong and callers were unable to get through. Director of Communications Theresa Hawkesworth says they are trying to figure out what happened.



Hawkesworth says they will announced another patient intake in the near future. There were 150 spaces available for Bridgewater area residents looking for a family doctor.

South Shore Real Estate Market In Slump

There's no mistaking all those "For-Sale" signs on the front lawns of many South Shore properties. There is an abundance of listed properties and nothing seems to be selling. According to the President of the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors, Gary Mailman of Bridgewater, the closure of Bowater and job losses are contributing factors.



Mailman tells us its a buyers' market right now.



Mailman says South Shore real estate prices are also down about five percent from last year. He believes though the market will pick up again if the Yarmouth ferry service is restored, the economy improves and more jobs are created.

Phone Issues Disrupt Patient Intake

It was a frustrating night for hundreds of people trying to get through a patient intake phone line. There were 150 spaces open for Bridgewater area residents trying to secure a primary care provider. However, there was a problem with the phone line set up for Dr. Shelia Dwyer. Some callers tried for hours to get through but only got a busy signal. A recorded phone message was later put up apologizing for the inconvenience. It also states another intake will be announced in the near future.

Bridgewater: Stroll Through Military History

A local historian will highlight Bridgewater's rich military past during a guided tour through Brookside Cemetery. Peter Oickle will lead a walk through the historic graveyard on Saturday afternoon. The tour will visit the grave sites of local soldiers, nursing sisters and others from the area who served in the World Wars. Oickle says it a good opportunity to learn about the roles local people had during the war.



Those interested in taking part in the walk should meet on Saturday at the corner of Victoria Road and York Street at 2 o'clock. There is a small fee, all money raised will go back to the Desbrisay Museum.

Lunenburg: Temporary ER Closure Today

The emergency room at Fishermen's Hospital in Lunenburg is closed due to staff shortages. The ER will re-open at 7:00pm (today). Anyone needing emergency service should dial 9-1-1 or visit the regional hospital in Bridgewater.

Health Minister Says South Shore Health Care Workers Should Not Panic

The province is moving ahead with plans to reduce the number of health authorities. The Liberal government wants to reduce them from the current 9 down to 2, one for all of the province and one for the IWK. Health minister Leo Glavine says millions will be saved through cuts to administration and reduntant services. He says though ... employees at South Shore Health and others across the province shouldn't panic about possibly losing their jobs.



Glavine says he will be touring the province next year to guage support, opposition and collect public suggestions on how to streamline health care in general.

Glavine says it'll take some time to make the changes and he hopes to capitalize on already existing collaberation among health authorities.

Lobster Price Report Expected Thursday

A report examining lobster prices will be released tomorrow. Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell and members of an independent panel will unveil the finding of the report during a news conference in Halifax. The three member panel has a representative from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI. It was formed last spring to look into the factors behind the low price of lobster. Last season, fishermen were getting just over three dollars per pound in some areas of the Maritimes. Dumping day in LFA's 33 and 34 is set for November 25.

Two Arrested On Firearms Complaint Near Bridgewater

Two people have been arrested by Bridgewater RCMP and charges laid in connection with alledged firearms offences. This past Sunday morning, the RCMP with help from Bridgewater Police arrested two people after they received a complaint of pointing a firearm. Their investigation found a shotgun had been allegedly pointed at two people at a home in Hebbville. As a result, 27 year old Dakota James Parsons of Hebbville has been charged with 3 firearms offences, one Break and Enter offence and one Possession of Stolen Property. The last two are a result of a break and enter into a business in the Lunenburg area on November 1st. A second person arrested on Sunday morning has not been charged. Parsons has appeared in Bridgewater Provincial Court on the charges and the case has been held over for a later date. The investigation is continuing.

Former Minister Wants Report On Lobster Prices

The MLA for Queens-Shelburne wants to see the findings of a panel's work looking into the low price of lobster. Sterling Belliveau says those in the industry need to know what they will be faced with when the lobster fishing season opens later this month. He is asking Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell to release a report examining the factors behind poor lobster prices. Last season, fishermen were getting just over three dollars per pound in some areas. The panel was established last June and has members from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI. Belliveau says with dumping day less than three weeks away it's time the recommendations be made available to the industry. Lobster season is set to begin in LFA's 33 and 34 on November 25.

Trudeau's National Campaign Team Has Local Connection

A resident of Shelburne County has been appointed to Justin Trudeau's national campaign team. Kirk Cox has accepted a volunteer position to work at the ground level in Nova Scotia for the Liberal Party of Canada. Cox says he's looking forward to the new role. He says the federal Liberals have some work to do in this province.



The Liberals and Conservatives each hold four seats in Nova Scotia. The NDP have three. Cox is the CAO for the Municipality of Shelburne. He says the position will not affect his day job. Two people from each province were selected to help run the national campaign for the 2015 federal election. The other is Kristan Hines of Halifax.

Poll Results: Senate's Got To Go

With all the uproar inside and outside the Canadian Senate chamber, our latest poll at "CKBW.ca" and "HANK-FM.ca" has come up with interesting results. At CKBW's website, we asked the question: Should the Canadian Senate be eliminated. A whopping 90 percent want the Senate abolished. Only 10 percent want to keep the Senate should remain. At HANK's website meanwhile, the results of the poll were close to the same. 85 percent of respondents voted in favour of getting rid of the Senate. 15 percent said they opposed abolition of the Senate.

Charges Laid After Bridgewater Car Crash

A 44 year old Bridgewater man is facing charges related to a single vehicle accident in the town over the weekend. When responding to a 911 call, Bridgewater Police found a car that had crashed into trees and a large rock on Victoria Road. However, the driver was missing. Officers concluded speed and alcohol were involved. Police later found the alleged driver of the vehicle. He was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital for assessment where its alleged he refused to provide a blood sample to police. In addition to charges of impaired driving and leaving the scene of an accident, the suspect also faces an additional charge of Breach of Recognizance. He's been ordered to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on January 5th to enter a plea to the charges.

Lock Down Order Lifted At Hebbville Schools

A lockdown order at Hebbville Academy and Elementary was issued today after three non-students were on site at the school. The situation was resolved shortly after 2 o'clock. No students or staff were injured. No word on whether criminal charges will be laid against those individuals.

Liverpool: New Middle School To Open In 2014

The new South Queens Middle School in Liverpool will welcome students and staff early in 2014. The first day of classes will be January 8th. Communications Manager with the South Shore Regional School Board, Trish Smith, says everyone is looking forward to moving into the new school. She says they've done mid-school year opens in the past with success.



Sod was turned on the $15 million school project last fall. It was announced in June the facility would not be ready in time for the start of the school year. The new middle school would be home to students in Grades 6-8.

Bridgewater: Patient Intake Set For Wednesday

Residents in need of a primary care provider in the Bridgewater area will have an opportunity to secure a doctor or nurse practitioner on Wednesday. Dr. Shelia Dwyer and Cheryl Soroka will accept new patients over the phone beginning at 5:30pm that evening. There are 150 spaces available in total. Vice President of Health Services Janet Simm says they made some improvements to the phone system to make it easier on those trying to get through. She says when the intake has reached capacity, callers will hear a busy signal. That means there are no spaces left open for this specific intake.



Simm says more patient intakes will be held in the future and doctor recruitment remains a top priority. The number to phone is 527-4814.

Shelburne: New Doctor Accepting 300 Patients

The newest doctor for South West Health will hold a patient intake this week. The intake will take place Thursday with 300 spaces available. The health authority welcomed Dr. Aleksandra Malec during the summer months. Malec opened her family practice temporarily at Enterprise Square in Shelburne until the new medical centre near Roseway Hospital is complete. The intake will be held over the phone beginning at 12:30pm (on Thursday). The number to phone is 875-3370.

Municipalities Conference Focus' On Economy, Jobs, Planning

South Shore municipal leaders will be heading to Halifax for a conference focusing on local issues. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities annual conference kicks off tomorrow. Some agenda items include strategic planning, wind energy and developing a municipal alcohol policy. Lunenburg mayor Rachel Bailey says another focus of the conference will look at housing issues in municipalities and towns.



Ray Ivany will deliver a keynote address. He is the Chair of the Nova Scotia Commission on Building the Economy. Ivany is expected to provide an update on consultations held by the commission and its work to date.