MODL Supports Joint Transportation Committee

Four municipalities are planning to work together to explore transportation options for their residents. Council members from the towns of Bridgewater, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg and the District of Lunenburg have created a Joint Transportation Committee. The group will work on establishing dial-a-ride services that could have a route for broader community outreach. Mayor Don Downe says it's still early in the process and things will have to be determined.



The service is considered to have the most potential for long-term sustainability under current government-funding programs. The committee is planning to seek funding from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations to carry out its work.

Federal Gov't Supports Four Shelburne County Project

Four projects in Shelburne County will receive support from Ottawa. ACOA Minister, Gail Shea, says nearly $500,000 will be used to transform 12 hectares of land in the Shelburne Industrial Park into investment-ready lots with electricity, water and sewer services. A business loan of $208,000 will help a local company upgrade buildings. Kenney & Ross Limited manufactures fish gelatins, collagens and adhesives. ACOA is also spending $35,000 to help Aylward Fibreglass Inc develop expertise to export its fiberglas fuel tanks. Another $42,000 has been invested to help the District of Barrington to complete work on the Seal Island Light Museum. Meanwhile, the Nova Scotia government is investing $21,000 in the museum.

Projects Details

• An investment of $496,294, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, enables the Municipality of the District of Shelburne to transform 30 acres of land in the Shelburne Industrial Park into investment-ready lots for marine sector businesses. The Municipality will construct a road connecting to the existing Industrial Park and extend power, water and sewer services to the lots.

• A business loan of $208,107 through ACOA’s Business Development Program enables Kenney & Ross Limited to complete a variety of building upgrades. The company manufactures a full line of Kosher and Halal-certified fish gelatins, collagens and adhesives for global pharmaceutical, food and technical markets. Upgrades are being undertaken to the ceilings, walls and floors in the company’s production areas.

• An investment of $35,250 through ACOA’s Business Development Program assists Aylward Fibreglass Incorporated (AFI) in hiring necessary expertise to obtain certification to manufacture and export its fiberglass fuel tanks. The company is an industry leader in developing new eco-friendly products for export―including non-metallic fuel tanks.

• An investment of $42,750 through ACOA’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) supports the Municipality of the District of Barrington as they complete work on the Seal Island Light Museum. The work will enable visitors to have continued access to the look-off area at the top of the structure. The Museum is a replica of the lighthouse that was constructed on the site in 1831.

Town Continues To Mull Future Library Space

The town of Bridgewater remains undecided about the future space of the current library building on King Street. Councillors voted 4-3 not to lease the space to the non-profit group, Cafe 12. But they also voted 5-2 against selling the property. Mayor David Walker says there were good points on both sides of the argument.



Walker says they're in no rush to make a decision with the library building in use until roughly the beginning of September. The issue is expected to be brought back up at council during their April 22 meeting.

Former Habs Coach, Cup Winner, Headlines 'Jacks Dinner

The last man to coach a Canadian team to a Stanley Cup title is coming to Bridgewater.  Jacques Demers was behind the bench when the Montreal Canadiens won the NHL crown in 1993. The 68 year old's impressive resume also includes head coaching stints with Detroit, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and Quebec. He twice won the Jack Adams' award as NHL coach of the year.  Prime Minister Stephen Harper named him to the Senate in 2009. Demers will be the guest speaker at the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks' annual Celebrity Dinner & Auction at the Bridgewater Best Western Plus on Friday, May 24th. Veteran CBC sportscaster Steve Armitage will also be at the head table. Ticket information will be released soon

Elderly Woman Taken To Hospital After Highway Collision

One person was sent to hospital after a two-vehicle collision on Highway 103 late Monday afternoon between Exits 6 and 7. Cpl. David Ferguson with Lunenburg County RCMP says a car collided a semi-truck and went into the ditch around 4:30pm. RCMP closed down a section of the highway for roughly two-and-a-half hours because of the incident. Ferguson says the driver of the car was an elderly woman. She was sent to South Shore Regional in Bridgewater with non life-threatening injuries.

UPDATED: Highway 325 Re-Opened Following Garage Fire

A number of Lunenburg County fire departments have left the scene of a garage fire along Highway 325 in Blockhouse. Fire crews from Blockhouse, Oakhill, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg responded shortly around 1pm this afternoon. Parts of Highway 325 between the Big Lots Road and School Street were blocked off for a couple hours. The highway re-opened at 4pm.

UPDATED: RCMP Deem Beech Hill Fire 'Suspicious'

RCMP have solely taken over the investigation into the cause of a weekend fire in Beech Hill. Staff Sgt. Bruce Hill with Lunenburg County RCMP says they're treating the fire as suspicious. Firefighters from the Western Shore Department along with a deputy fire marshal were on the scene for most of yesterday. The fire marshal's office says they will continue to assist police, if requested. The mobile home was gutted by fire late Saturday night.

BREAKING: Fire Forces Highway Closure In Blockhouse

A number of Lunenburg County fire departments are at the scene of a garage fire along Highway 325 in Blockhouse. Fire crews from Blockhouse, Oakhill, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg responded shortly after 1pm. Parts of Highway 325 between the Big Lots Road and School Street are blocked off while officials battle the blaze. Meanwhile, the School Board's bus garage says any buses serving Bayview Community School and Park View Education Centre travelling the Highway between Bridgewater and Mahone Bay will be delayed due to the road closure. The delay will be in effect until the road is open.

South Shore Mustangs Hand Out Season-Ending Awards

The two goalies between the pipes for the South Shore Mustangs not only share time in the crease, but also the most valuable player award. Cole Skinner and Corey Peterson were recognized for their play during the team's season-ending awards banquet Sunday night in Bridgewater. Also, Alex Nauss was named top forward and Riley Strowbridge picked up top defenseman honours. Other awards include Jordan Messenger for top rookie forward, Zach Miller for rookie defenseman and Christian Tufts for unsung hero. Scott Perry received the coaches award.

UPDATED: Caledonia Crash Victims Remain In Hospital

Mounties are trying to determine the factors behind a serious crash last night in Caledonia. A young man and woman remain in hospital after a single vehicle rollover on Highway 8 in Queens County. The 29 year-old Caledonia man along with a 24 year-old Mahone Bay woman were both ejected from their vehicle. Police say they suffered serious injuries and their status has not changed. The woman was airlifted to hospital in Halifax, while the man was taken to hospital in Bridgewater.

RCMP, Fire Marshal Still Investigating Beech Hill Blaze

RCMP and the fire marshal's office are still investigating the cause of a weekend fire in Beech Hill. Firefighters from the Western Shore Department along with a deputy fire marshal were on the scene for most of Sunday. The mobile home was gutted by fire late Saturday night. A neighbour reportedly alerted authorities of the fire.

Upset During Liberal Nomination In Queens-Shelburne

An upset in Queens County during a nomination meeting for the provincial Liberals. Caledonia`s Benson Frail will carry the banner for the grits in the new riding of Queens-Shelburne. He defeated odds-on favourite Sheldon Brannen in the process 101-74. Liberal leader Stephen MacNeil was guest speaker for the occasion. Residents of Queens will have new representation after the next election following Vicki Conrad`s decision to exit politics after serving the county since 2006. Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau is expected to run for the NDP in her place.

Local Women's Hockey Players Set For Nationals

Local hockey players Kristen Gordon of Liverpool and Rebecca Weagle of Lunenburg are off to the Esso Cup Nationals in Burnaby,  Bristish Columbia. Their team, Metro Boston Pizza, won the right to represent Nova Scotia in Burnaby by winning the Atlantic Championship in Pictou County over the weekend. They defeated New Brunswick 2-1 in Championship game on Sunday morning. The National tournament begins April 21st.

Liverpool's Whalen In Midst Of Breakout Season

Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool continues to re-write the record books. Whalen set another provincial Senior Womens' shot put record this weekend at the Florida relays. Her throw of 16.15m eclipsed her previous throw of 15.68m and it also ranks her 19th in the NCAA. Whalen`s throw puts her 2nd in the history of female shot put throwers at Florida State University.

Chester: Council Agrees To Widen Part Of Water Street

Chester council has given the green light to make a part of Water Street a little wider. Warden Allen Webber says there's a long-standing issue of parking and because it's so narrow, it could be a one-way street. Council has agreed to remove some rose bushes and curb opposite to the Rope Loft. Webber says it may be a temporary solution.


He says they will request additional parking signs from the Department of Transportation to be put up once the work is complete. The cost to remove the bushes and curb and add some gravel is approximately $1,000.

Town Developing Committee To Create Grant Policy

The town of Bridgewater is creating a new committee to deal with the way it doles out money for community groups. Mayor David Walker says they don't have a clearly defined policy for organizations to apply for grants. The committee will consist of four councillors along with a town staff member. Walker says it will be their job to provide clarity to the issue.



The committee is expected to be approved during this evening's town council session.

Serious Injuries In Caledonia Crash

Two people have been taken to hospital following a single vehicle crash in Caledonia. The incident occurred around 8:30pm Sunday evening along Highway 8. Sgt. Alain LeBlanc says a car was traveling southbound when it overturned into a ditch. He says a 29-year-old man from Caledonia and 24-year-old woman from Mahone Bay were both ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries. The woman was taken by lifeflight to the QEII Hospital in Halifax while the man was transported to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. The cause of the incident is under investigation. 

Valley Wildcats Win Major Midget Hockey Atlantics, Move On to Telus Cup

The Valley Wildcats captured the Atlantic Major Midget Hockey championship today in Moncton with a 4-3 victory over Cornwall, PEI. The Cats move on to the Telus Cup National championship in Sault St. Marie, Ontario later this month.

Liberals Nominate Former Social Worker In Barrington-Argyle

A former social worker in Yarmouth, has won the Liberal nomination for the new riding of Argyle-Barrington. Kent Blades secured the nomination during a meeting Saturday in Barrington. Blades served three terms on Barrington Municipal Council. The 63-year old native of Cape Sable Island attributed his win to the establishment of a vigorous campaign with supporters from all corners of the constituency. Blades believes key issues in the upcoming campaign will include the return of the Yarmouth ferry, the local economy, power rates, health care and education.

Officials Investigate Beech Hill Fire

 

A mobile home in Beech Hill was gutted by fire last night. Firefighters with the Chester Basin and Western Shore Fire Departments were called to the scene  around mignight after a neighbour reported the blaze. Western Shore Fire Chief Scott Rafuse says they had the fire knocked down quickly but they are unsure how it started. It also wasn't known if anyone was still in the home at the time of the fire. RCMP and the provincial fire marshal's office are investigating.