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.

Bridgewater School Board Contract

The final two School Board CUPE groups in Bridgewater have ratified their new contract in strong numbers. Betty Jean Sutherland, the CUPE National Representative says close to 500 members of Local 3890, employees of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, voted 88% in favour of the five-year deal. Meanwhile, CUPE National Representative Carl Crouse says employees with the CSAP, the French school board, voted 98% in favour of the package.

Navy Celebrations set for Lunenburg

The date hasn't been set but the Town of Lunenburg will be hosting a celebration this year in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says he 's been contacted by Rear Admiral P.A. Madison on behalf of the Navy. Mawhinney says it is the intent of the Navy to honour each of the 320 Canadian communities whose names have been shared with Canadian warships since 1910. Lunenburg is one of those communities, and Mawhinney says the Town will undertake plans with the Navy to make it a memorable occasion.
Meantime the Town is aiming for May 17th, the Norwegian national holiday to have the Norwegian Plaque moved to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic so more visitors will be able to share the story it tells.

Spring Break Concerns

CORRECTION..on school calendar for 2011-12

The South Shore Regional School Board is objecting to the 2011-12 school calendar which gives Halifax Region and area students a spring break in February. Following that comes a Canada-Games-break that will allow them to attend or participate in the Games. Students in the rest of the province , however, get their spring-break in March.
The South Shore Board says spring break should be consistent for all schools across the province. The Board will send a letter to Education Minister Marilyn Moore expressing its concerns the calendar denies other students in the province an equal opportunity to attend the Games.

S.O.S...Shovel Out Seniors

Their motto is "Be Prepared"...now they're committed to helping seniors shovel snow. The local 3rd Bridgewater Scout Troop is getting set to dig out local seniors with a new program called Operation S.O.S. The service is for seniors who do not have the means or connections to have their walks or driveways shoveled after a snowstorm. Shoveling is offered as a stop-gap measure until seniors can find family, friends, or a paid service to help them out. The program was started after Bridgewater Police Service received a call from an elderly woman who needed help to clear her driveway. Her son, who usually cleared her driveway, was away taking his children to university. With serious health concerns, the snow filled driveway was considered a safety issue, and the request was passed to the town's Seniors Safety Coordinator, Beth George, who contacted Scouts Canada - South Shore Area to see if they could help. Area Commissioner & Troop Scouter Peter Biddle came to the rescue, and offered to visit the woman to see how the Scouts could help. The visit turned into a quick shovel job, and the problem was resolved. The incident gave rise to an idea to offer a pilot project to have Scouts shovel out seniors that need their snow cleared.
Seniors can register for the pilot program through the Bridgewater Police Service. or contact Peter Biddle at 543-2445 .

Name the New Lunenburg School

The South Shore Regional School Board has approved the process to name the new P-to-9 school for Lunenburg. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says the School Steering Committee forwarded the recommendation which was accepted by the Board at its monthly January meeting . Suggested names will be invited from all stakeholders including the students who will be attending the new facility. A shortlist of five names will be voted on by the students with the three names that get the most votes presented to the Board, which will make the final decision.
The new 23 million dollar school will be built on the same site as the old school on Knickle Road.

2nd Annual Memorial Pet Food Drive

The 2nd annual Memorial Pet food drive in honour of Karissa Boudreau was a major success. The event took place this past Wednesday at Cardinal Outfitters in the Bridgewater Mall.
More than $1000 was raised, as well as a truck and van load of pet food and supplies.

South Shore School Board Beliefs

The South Shore Regional School Board has adopted a "Belief Statement". Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says it will frame the work of the Board in the region. As part of a multi-year strategic plan the Board has already
approved its Mission Statement. It has three goal areas which are Student Achievement, Efficiency and Effective Operations and Board Governance.
There are seven beliefs in the statement and are as follows:
WE BELIEVE:
1/ Student learning is our primary responsibility.
2/ All students have the ability to learn
3/ Students learn at their own pace and in different ways.
4/ Learning is a partnership among home, school and community.
5/ Schools must be safe, supportive and socially just where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
6/ In the development of the whole person (cognitive, social, emotional physical and artistic)
7/ Learning is a lifelong process

Student Ambassador

A Bridgewater student has been chosen to be an ambassador of bilingualism. Madison Acker will represent Nova Scotia at French for the Future’s National Ambassador Youth Forum in Halifax from February 13th to 16th. During the four-day forum in Halifax, ambassadors will explore topics related to Canada’s Francophone cultures and the advantages and challenges of bilingualism. The Forum brings together 30 high school students from across Canada and is held in a different Canadian city each year.
Madison is a grade 12 student at Bridgewater High School. She is enrolled in the French Immersion program and is the secretary of the student council.

Retirement Allowance on the Table

There's still more bargaining ahead for the South Shore Regional School Board. NSGEU President Joan Jessome was at the Board's meeting Wednesday night to pitch a plea on behalf of the local union . She says one of the issues on the table is the retirement allowance. which comes in many different formulas such as a week of salary for every year of service . Jessome says the proposal they put forward is very very moderate compared to what many public sector employees already enjoy. Jessome admitted it's very irregular for any union to make a pitch at a school board on a labour relations issue that's at the bargaining table.In fact, she says she has never done it before.

School Board Workers Ratify Deal

CUPE school board workers with the South Shore Regional School Board have overwhelmingly ratified their new contract. CUPE National Representative Carl Crouse says the members of Local 46-82 have voted 97% in favour of the five-year deal which sees a 2.9 percent increase retroactive for the years 2007,
08 and 09.. There is also a one percent wage increase for the years 2010 and 2011. The contract contains wage hikes totalling more than 10 percent over the life of the deal. As well the South Shore Board has also agreed to adjust the Head Mechanic rate to $22.46 effective April 1, 2009.

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