Temporary VIC at Exit 12

Looks like there will be a tourist bureau to serve the area this year. Bridgewater Town Council has endorsed a recommendation for a temporary VIC to be located at Exit 12 for the next two seasons. The Town along with the Municipality of Lunenburg formed a partnership to explore options for Visitor Information Services. A joint committee has recommended the Exit 12 SmartCentres option, given the visibility of the location, the easy access off Highway 103 and the ample parking. The former VIC was located on Aberdeen Road and was run by the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce which pulled out in 2007 saying it wasn't financially sustainable. Councillor Bill McInnis says the Town cannot afford to be subsidizing tourism and other like businesses which should be stepping up to the plate.He says all parties should be contributing financially.Bridgewater has pre-approved funding of almost 16 thousand dollars from the next two budgets for the development of a temporary VIC, providing the Municipality agrees to an equal financial contribution.

Cadets Recognized

**Photo from Regional Cadet Support Unit, Atlantic**

The first Saturday in November will be declared Sea, Army, Air and Navy League Cadets Day in Nova Scotia. Premier Darrell Dexter introduced a bill Monday to recognize, celebrate and honour Nova Scotia's cadets. Dexter says as a former cadet, he is proud to support a bill that recognizes a program that helps youth develop self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership and teamwork skills. Sea,Army,and Air Cadets are national programs for youth aged 12 to 18. They are a partnership between the Canadian Forces and three civilian organizations -- Navy League, Army Cadet League and Air Cadet League. The Navy League also sponsors the Navy League Cadets for youth aged 9 to 13. There are 3,600 Sea, Army, and Air Cadets in 86 corps and squadrons across Nova Scotia with a history that dates back more than a century. Among the notable Nova Scotians who have been cadets are former premier John Hamm, Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly and country singer George Canyon.

Affordable Child Care

The province is investing five-million dollars to help make child care more affordable for families and provide more support for the child-care sector.
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse was in Dartmouth today (April 12th) to announce 400 child-care subsidies, the elimination of a parent fee for families and a new grant for child-care providers. Peterson-Rafuse says the funding will make child care more affordable for Nova Scotia families and help strengthen the child-care sector. The funding is provided through Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Plan.

Carroll Baker at Privateer Days

Canada's Queen of Country is coming to Privateer Days this summer. Liverpool will welcome home Juno Award winner and Country music great, Carroll Baker, for a free outdoor concert on Friday, July 2nd at Privateer Park starting at 7 pm. Although born in Bridgewater, Baker grew up in Port Medway and attended high school in Liverpool. She moved with her family to Ontario in 1969 and was discovered when sang "Stand By Your Man" with a local bar band. In the last 35 years, Baker has had more than 20 number one records, is a three time Juno award winner for Female Vocalist of the Year, multiple Canadian Country Music Award winner, and inductee of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour.

Volunteers Honoured

Eighteen year old Gillian Bond of Chester among the volunteers from across Nova Scotia honoured today (Monday, April 12th) at the 36th annual Provincial Volunteer Awards in Halifax. Bond, who volunteers with several organizations including Junior Achievement, Cadets Canada, the Chester United Baptist Church and the local legion is one of the nominees for Youth Volunteer of the Year. More than 70 dedicated volunteers, nominated by people in the communities they work so hard to improve, received a well-deserved thank you. The Provincial Volunteer Awards serve as an early kick-off to National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 18 to 24. Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of volunteering in Canada.

ER Overcrowding Update

South Shore Health’s emergency departments remain over capacity.

As of 11am this morning there were eight admitted patients in to the ER at South Shore Regional, four at Queens General Hospital and four at Fisherman's Memorial Hospital.

The emergency departments remain open, however the public should expect longer than normal delays for non-urgent services.

People with non-urgent medical problems should contact their family doctor or nurse-practitioner, visit a walk-in clinic, or call NS HealthLink 811 to speak to a registered nurse.

Court appearance for Italy Cross man

A 31 year old Italy Cross man will appear in court this morning after pointing a firearm at an Italy Cross woman and her son.

The man will also answer to charges of impaired driving, breach of undertaking and uttering threats.

Canoe overturn in LaHave River

No injuries reported in connection with the sighting of a canoe floating upside down on the LaHave River.

The "Bridgewater Fire Department" received a call shortly after 5:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon after people reported seeing an overturned canoe floating in the LaHave River.

The Bridgewater Department called in boats from Northfield and Dayspring to search the waters and the surrounding area.

Everyone who had been in the boat had made it to shore safely.

Off-duty Mountie Charged with Impaired Driving

The Mounties have charged one of their own with impaired driving . Lunenburg County RCMP received a call April 4th reporting a vehicle had gone off the road by Risser's Beach. Witnesses reported the driver was intoxicated , and had identified herself as an RCMP officer. The vehicle was pulled out of the ditch and the driver left the area before the Mounties arrived, however, the parked vehicle was located in Conquerall Bank. After searching the local area, the driver was located and arrested. Forty-three year old Catherine Frances Mansley has been charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle. She is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on June 9th. The officer was off duty at the time of the incident.

Finance Minister visits Bridgewater

Finance Minister, Graham Steele was in Bridgewater this afternoon for his first public meeting after releasing the Provincial Budget on Tuesday.

Steele spoke with CKBW News on what his main focus was in today's meeting.

"I wanted to talk to the people from the Bridgewater area and the Chamber of Commerce about what was in the budget and about the governments plan to return to a balanced budget."

Steele and his Cabinet Colleges plan to visit many communities across the Province in the weeks to come to talk about the budget and what it means for the Province

Overcrowding Protocol Initiated

South Shore Health has initiated its overcrowding protocol this afternoon due to large numbers of patients in the emergency departments.. Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says as of this morning, there were 11 admitted patient in the emergency department at South Shore Regional Hospital. Although the emergency departments remain open, the public should expect longer than normal delays for non-urgent services, especially at South Shore Regional Hospital. Patients may also experience delays in admission and possible transfers to another hospital for care. Surgeries may also be cancelled and the District will seek support from neighbouring Health Authorities.

Budget Affordability for Seniors

Chester/St. Margaret's MLA and Minster of Seniors, Denise Peterson -Rafuse says a new Poverty Reduction Credit will help about 15-thousand Nova Scotians living in poverty, many of whom are disabled.Peterson- Rafuse along with Finance Minister Graham Steele visited Sackville Heights Community Centre on Wednesday (April 7th) to discuss how the budget makes life more affordable for seniors. Steele says
removing the Guaranteed Income Supplement from calculation of the adjusted family income will benefit roughly 18-thousand low-income seniors. The minister says the new Affordable Living Tax Credit is a way to alleviate any tough measures in the budget.

***Photo from Government of Nova Scotia***

Four Homeless After Morning Fire

A family of four is temporarily homeless after fire this morning gutted their two-storey house near the rural community of Allendale, a few kilometres northeast of Lockeport Volunteer fire departments from Lockeport, Little Harbour and Sable River responded to the blaze,at 2784, Highway 3 around 10 a.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The couple, their two teenaged boys and several pets are staying with nearby relatives and neighbours for now. Canadian Red Cross volunteers have arranged emergency purchases of clothing and food, and provided them with some personal-care kits and blankets. A number of groups and the teenagers' school are also looking at fund-raising activities to help out.

Crosswalk Accident

Three people were taken to hospital following a car pedestrian accident on High Street earlier this afternoon. The adults were in the crosswalk adjacent to the Community College at the time of the accident around 12:45 p.m. The three adults were taken to hospital for assessment. It's not believed there were any serious injuries. A 79 year old male driving a silver Ford Taurus was being questioned by police. Any witnesses to the accident are asked to contact the Bridgewater Police.

Design 2011 Canada Games medals

People in the South Shore have a chance to show their creativity in designing the 2011 Canada Games medals.
The Halifax Host society for the Games is accepting original designs that can be any shape but must incorporate the 2011 Games logo, and reflect the unique nature, theme and culture and spirit of the Games and the Province.
The competition is open to Nova Scotia residents ages 13
and up.
For more information visit

Smart Growth for Bridgewater

The Bridgewater Development Association is hosting an event to showcase and share success stories of the communities growth. BDA Manager Ida Scott says anyone can attend to learn more, share successes and celebrate while enjoying a complimentary breakfast. The public, partners, and developers are invited to attend on Thursday, April 22nd 7:30 am – 9:30 am at the Michelin Social Club. The BDA is the lead development agency that has been behind many of the initiatives and work that keeps Bridgewater’s growth at the forefront. Also partnering on this event is the Town of Bridgewater. If you are not able to attend the event, you can “visit growbridgewater.com to hear some of the stories about what’s happening and to discover how you can get involved in helping

Roseway ER Meeting

The Roseway Hospital Emergency Department the focus of a public consultation meeting next Wednesday April 14th at Shelburne High School.The meeting by South West Health is a chance to talk with the public about what is being done to improve coverage for the Roseway Hospital Emergency Department. It is also an opportunity for the public to share their ideas and solutions to help South West Health fulfill its commitment to minimize temporary closures and keep the Roseway Hospital Emergency Department OPEN 24/7.All information gathered at the meeting will be shared with the Minister of Health in accordance with the Nova Scotia Government Emergency Room Accountability Act which requires District Health Authorities to consult with communities affected by temporary Emergency Department closures. People unable to attend the meeting can still provide input by sending it to:
Blaise MacNeil, CEO, South West Health
60 Vancouver St.,
Yarmouth, NS, B5A 2P5
Fax: 742-0369

Nova Scotia Budget Tabled

An increase in the harmonized sales tax by 2 percentage points was unveiled in the provincial budget today, April 6th. Finance Minister Graham Steele says this is the first year of a four year fiscal plan to return to a balanced budget. Among the Nova Scotia budget highlights:

_ Total spending for 2010-2011 forecast at $9.0 billion with a $222 million deficit, less than half as big as this year's deficit.

_ Harmonized sales tax to rise by two percentage points to 15 per cent as of July 1, generating $215 million in revenue this fiscal year.Other measures will see the province remove the provincial portion of the H-S-T on children's clothing and footwear through a new point-of-sale rebate.

_ To offset the tax increase, rebates will be offered to households earning less than $30,000 annually, amounting to about $240 per household.
Meanwhile, the 18-thousand seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement will no longer have to pay any provincial income tax. That measure is expected to save the province's seniors about 12.5 million dollars.
_ No increases to corporate or personal income taxes, which are already the highest in Canada.

_ Those earning more than $150,000 annually will be subject to a new tax bracket that will claim 21 per cent of earnings over that amount.


_ The NDP government will also eliminate 1,000 jobs from the public service over the next four years through attrition, while imposing wage restraints and a pension earnings cap on those who remain.

Complete budget details are available at the Department of Finance website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .

*** Budget Details & Photo courtesy Government of Nova Scotia***

Identity Theft

A man who police arrested for possession of stolen credit cards and impersonation will appear in court today.

Gary David Daigle was arrested last Friday and police later executed a search warrant on a Bridgewater residence.

Daigle was in possession of a number of other people's names throughout the Atlantic Provinces.

If anyone has any information on this matter you are asked to contact the Bridgewater Police.

ER Closures Reduced

An improvement in the number of ER closures at Fishermen's Memorial in Lunenburg. Between March 5, 2009 and March 5, 2010, there were 14 closures, representing approximately 3 % of available hours. South Shore Health C-E-O Alice Leverman says all closures were due to an unavailability of staff to cover the shifts. Efforts taken to minimize closures include cross training of staff between South Shore Regional and Fishermen's Memorial hospitals, active recruitment of experienced staff and promotion of 811. The department is also exploring the possibility of using advanced paramedics for casual staffing.