Shelburne Event..Something for Everyone

Our Community – Something for Everyone will be showcasing various activities and events that take place in the various communities that make up Shelburne County. The event is set to take place April 24th at the Shelburne Regional High School. To date more than 20 booths are registered. The Planning Committee is working on other activities to round out the day including musical performances, demonstrations, presentations, and games . Further information can be obtained at
your local Recreation Department, Volunteer Services, or King Street Family Resource .

ICSP Adopted by Municipality

A final draft of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan has been adopted by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Deputy-Mayor Martin Bell says it will now be submitted to the province for approval. He says they have looked at the preliminary copy so they know they're aligned with other municipal units in the province. Bell says the information has been passed onto the budget committee so they can start moving as early as next year. He says there are some certain budget implications.
The intent of the ICSP is to provide strategic direction to the Municipality on identified issues, which can then be recognized and incorporated into the Municipality's Corporate Strategic Plan and into its general operational plans. Bell says the ICSP plan had to be adopted and submitted by March 31st in order to receive the gas tax funds.

Wind Energy

The Municipality of Chester in the running to develop a template for large scale wind energy projects. Warden Alan Webber says they've submitted an expression of interest to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. The template would be used by the rest of the province with regards to developing such wind energy projects. The province will fund up to 50 thousand dollars to assist with the development of the plan. Webber says the Municipality could know by late next week whether it has been chosen for the wind energy development plan.

Infrastructure Adjacent to Water

Road washouts are becoming more common in the Municipality of Chester. Warden Alan Webber says the water is coming over the roads much more frequently. He says following the last big rain and wind storm some significantly sized rocks washed up into the roadway in Western Shore. Webber says the concerns are being forwarded to the Department of Transportation. Webber suggests consideration be given to place more effective barriers such as rock walls to prevent the smaller rocks and gravel washing away from the shoulders of roads when storm surges take place.

Outdoor Ice Rink Proposed

It's a little late for this season, but Bridgewater Town Council will consider an outdoor ice rink for next winter. Councillor David Mitchell says the initiative was first discussed at council and a resident came forward with a proposal which included 5 thousand dollars in start up money. Such funding will be considered during budget deliberations. Mitchell says it's worth exploring a number of venues which have been suggested including the Exhibition grounds.

Liberal Leader visits the South Shore

Liberal Leader Stephen MacNeil has made his way to the South Shore for a visit. MacNeil says this visit is a way to reach out to different organizations. This morning MacNeil attended meetings in Bridgewater, this afternoon he will be visiting business' in the Shelburne County, then he'll be traveling into Yarmouth for the evening. He says this trip is a way to meet, talk and listen to the people of these communities.

MISSING Lobster

Someone may have been enjoying lobster over the past recent months. RCMP has reported that 300 lbs of lobster was stolen from a holding container next to the wharf in Port Mouton. RCMP say the theft took place between January 4th and 5th. If you have any information you are asked to contact RCMP.

West Dublin Barn Burns

Fire has destroyed a barn in Lunenburg County.

Members of the LaHave Fire Department recieved a call around 2:00 o'clock this morning to a blaze on Massie Road in West Dublin.

The fire destroyed the barn and damaged a car on the property.

Petite Riviere and Pleasantville firefighters were called in to help the LaHave Fire Department.

Conquerall Bank remained on "standby" for Pleasantville, while Italy Cross was on "standby" for Petite Riviere.

LCLC Design Presented to Public

About a hundred people turned out to a public meeting in Bridgewater last night to see and hear about the design of the proposed Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Chair Paul Belliveau says there were some concerns and comments both for and against the project. He says the next step is to take a look at the numbers and determine what they can build at what cost. He says what they have to do is come up with as close to a capital program as they can and at the same time work on the operating budget so the joint councils can determine their budgeting.
Belliveau says he hopes the Committee will have a recommendation to take to the councils within a month or two. In the meantime, he says they're trying to get the fundraising campaign going without really being able to tell the people exactly what they'll be building.If the facility were to include the original components of 2 ice rinks a pool and a library, the projected cost will be 42 million dollars.

4-H Leadership Tour

Marja Himmelman, of Shelburne County is one of ten 4-H members from across the province attending the Kevin Grant Memorial 4-H Leadership Tour in Yarmouth next week. Participants will meet community leaders, visit rural employers, tour resource-based businesses and learn about an area different from their hometown. The program offers 4-H members
leadership and career skills that may help keep them in the province. Mr.Grant was a long-time 4-H participant, public servant,and avid supporter of the 4-H program. The conference and tour which runs from March 15th to 17th are sponsored by a memorial fund in his name.

New P to 9 School Name Vote

Students are voting today on a name for their new P to 9 school to be built in Lunenburg. Students from Lunenburg Academy, Riverport District Elementary School and Centre Consolidated School are voting for their favourite from five submissions. Those include Bluenose Academy, Bluenose Community School , Harbourfront Academy , Michael G. Baker Community School and Lunenburg Community School. The student votes will be tallied and presented to the Steering Committee which will then send the top 3 names to the South Shore Regional School Board for consideration. The Board will make the final decision and communicate the name of the new school to all stakeholders.

LCLC Public Meeting

It was officially unveiled February 26th,tonight(Wednesday, March 10th)the general public is invited to discuss the architects report on the proposed Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Following a conceptual design presentation by the architects there will be a question and answer session. The facility to include the original discussed components of 2 ice rinks an indoor pool and library is now estimated to cost 42 million dollars. That's almost 11 million dollars more than the original estimated cost. Options include additional fundraising efforts or phasing in some of the components. Tonights meeting is set for 7 o'clock at the Days Inn on North Street.

Regional Transit Study

It's a change of mind for the Municipality of Lunenburg to get back aboard a possible regional transit operation. Council voted to explore the
feasibility of a hybrid transit model for the partner units that integrates a fixed route service with a dial-a-ride service. Deputy-Mayor Martin Bell says Council backed off because there seemed to be an abrupt change from the original agreement which was based on a fixed route model. Bell says Council slowed down and reassessed how the other municipal units were proceeding. He says once they were confident the end result could be met and move on with the study, that's when they decided to become a partner again. A detailed analysis will be undertaken to explore existing services and how they can be integrated, then an action plan will be developed to implement such a model if deemed feasible

Council & Boundary Review

The Municipality of Lunenburg is planning a review of the size of its Council and the Polling District Boundaries. Deputy-Mayor Martin Bell says it's a proactive move to make sure the proper boundaries are being addressed. He says in the last review some of the districts ended up being rather large, but it was based on population. Bell says there is also a second consideration. He says under a Mayor instead of a Warden, the Mayor is out and involved in each and every district. He says a lot of the issues that come before Council are being worked together both by the local Councillor and the Mayor sharing the responsibility and looking for solutions. Bell says with that consideration they're looking at the fact that maybe they could reduce the number of councillors that are actually in the District of Lunenburg. Any proposed changes would have to be approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, with the intent to take effect with the 2012 Municipal Election.

Sewer Rates Reduced

The Municipality of Lunenburg is reducing some sewer rate charges . Council voted that the sewer rate charges for Global Sewer Rate and Hebbville Sewer Rates be reduced by 10 percent for commercial properties connected to sewer systems. Councillor Milton Countway spoke against the motion saying it's not right for one area to receive preferential treatment. He says it's a case of some businesses having to pay to support their competition and it should be fair all across the municipality.The deficit created by the reduction will be funded through the general tax rate.

Police Car Purchase

Bridgewater Town Council has given pre-budget approval for the police department to buy back the vehicle used by the South Shore Street Crime Enforcement Unit. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the lease expires April 1st, and it's a cost saver for the Town. He says although the Chev Impala is a 2007, it doesn't get severe use and has been fairly well treated. He says the mileage is not extreme and the Town can purchase out the lease and still get a good number of years of use out of the vehicle.The matter was brought to Council for early approval of the capital budget in the amount of 11 thousand, 245 dollars and 50 cents plus taxes.

Performing Arts Venue in Bridgewater

A business relationship has been reached between a newly established Performing Arts group in Bridgewater with Empire Theatres Studio 7. The Performing Arts group was formed to help create a venue for live performances in the Town. Empire Theatre will provide use of one of its studios for live performances as scheduling permits. Mayor Carroll Publicover says a venue for live performances has been needed in Bridgewater for a long time . The Performing Arts Group hopes to hold at least one event each month, with the exception of May and November. The first event has already been booked for April 28th at 7p.m. Air Traffic Control will launch their newest CD.."Can't Kill Love."
The Performing Arts Group is asking for people wishing to become a volunteer with the performing arts group to contact Ida Scott, Manager, Bridgewater Development Association by phone 902-527-6278,or by email at manager@smartbridgewater.ca.

Interpretive Panel Project

Sperry Design Inc. has been awarded the proposal for the Town's Riverfront Renaissance Interpretive Panel Project at a cost of almost 4 thousand dollars per panel. Council endorsed the proposal even though it was not the lowest price submitted . Councillor David Mitchell voted against the proposal saying the cost issue should be looked at as well as the scoring criteria. Six companies responded to the call for proposals with prices ranging from 17 to 58 thousand dollars for the design, production and installation of up to 14 interpretive panels.
The approved budget by Town Council for the project with the inclusion of a separate mural is 90 thousand dollars.

Bread and Roses Bursary

Women studying sciences, trades and technology at Nova Scotia Community College can apply for a bursary that aims to advance the economic quality of women. The Advisory Council on the Status of Women established the Bread and Roses Bursary in 2009 to encourage more women to enter higher-paying work and to mark International Women's Day. Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, says the bursary is an investment in a better future for families. The 20 thousand dollar fund, which will provide two $3,500 awards and 13 $1,000 awards for students entering or continuing studies in trades, technology and science-related programs at NSCC's campuses. Women can use the money to pay for child care, transportation, tuition, school supplies and other necessities.

Keddy on Federal budget

The Member of Parliament for the South Shore - St. Margaret's, Gerald Keddy has spoken out about the recent federal budget. He says Our Government presented a jobs and growth budget, and they are completing year Two of our Economic Action Plan to create and protect jobs now. Nova Scotia will continue to receive increased federal support through Budget 2010. Total transfers will hit $2.9 billion in 2010-11, an increase of $574 million from under the old Liberal government.