New Policy Halts Funding Request From YMCA

The town of Bridgewater will not take any action on a funding request by the YMCA Lunenburg County. The group missed council's deadline before the 2013-14 budget process. Council also approved its new grants to organizations policy in May, providing guidelines for awarding money to non-profit organizations or societies. The 'Y' was looking for support to help cover expenses associated with food and activities for an exchange event in mid-July with youth from the Driftpile Cree First Nations in Northern Alberta. Mayor David Walker says with any new policy, situations will pop-up that will make council wonder how they can address the issue.



Council is expected to follow-up with the YMCA to discuss the new policy and deadlines to ask for support.

Grand Opening Planned For New Visitor Information Centre

The new Bridgewater and Lunenburg District Visitor Information Centre will hold its grand opening Friday. The facility opened in May and will hold a meet and greet with speeches from local mayors David Walker and Don Downe. The municipality and the town helped fund the new centre, cost sharing $23,000 for at least the first five years of a 10-year lease. The Municipality of Lunenburg's Economic Development Officer, Dave Waters, says the new location is in a key area to direct tourists.



The event is planned to start at 10am Friday morning at the new facility along the Cornwall Road in Blockhouse.

South Shore: Paramedics Prepare To Picket This Weekend

South Shore paramedics will be out in full force this weekend in an effort to back contract demands. Members of EHS are set to host a picket in Bridgewater at the Canadian Tire on Saturday. Last week, union members voted 73 per cent against a deal with they employer, Emergency Medical Care, that would have given the province's 800 paramedics a defined benefits pension plan. Paramedics say they want better wages, with some saying they are looking for a 15 per cent pay hike over three years rather than the 11.1 per cent over almost five years that was offered in the tentative agreement. The paramedics won't be able to go on strike or be in a legal lockout position until July 5.

Cineplex Makes Big Move Buys 26 Theatres

Big changes are on the way at Empire Theatres. The Nova Scotia-based Empire Company is getting out of the movie-theatre business. The move is being made so the company can focus on Sobeys, the national grocery chain that accounts for most of its revenue. Canada's largest cinema company, Cineplex, will pay 200 million dollars cash to acquire 26 of the theatres. Empire operates the big screens in Bridgewater but it's not clear what the takeover will mean for the local movie theatre. Landmark Cinemas will buy 20 theatres in Ontario and Western Canada for up to 55 million dollars.

Yarmouth: Youth Transition Program Receives Federal Dollars

An outreach support program in the Tri-County area for homeless and at-risk youth has received some encouraging news.  The federal government has extended "Shyft Youth Services" funding for another 9 months to the tune of 130-thousand dollars. Director Bernadette MacDonald says she and her staff are thrilled and see it as an indication the issue of rural homelessness is being taken seriously in Ottawa.



The funding allows Shyft to continue employing outreach workers for Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby Counties and to staff and pay the rent and other bills at the actual homeless shelter in Yarmouth.  It also provides homeless youth with a chance to get their lives back in order, get a job and re-establish themselves in the community.

South Shore Students Awarded RRFB Scholarships

Two South Shore residents are being awarded with scholarships from the province's Resource Recovery Fund Board. The RRFB awarded 14 cash prizes to grade 12 students who submitted essays to the group's Nova Scotia Recycles contest earlier this spring. Both Sebastien Clairmont of Barrington Municipal High School and Julia Goodwin of Yarmouth Consolidated received runner-up prizes of $750. Roughly $55,000 was awarded to students across the province.

Coastline Closed to Shellfish Harvesting

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has closed a section of coastline to shellfish harvesting after encountering high counts of Paralytic Shellfish Poison. Shellfish harvesting has been banned along the coast from Stonehurst East in Lunenburg County to Cole Harbour. The ban includes all of Mahone Bay, St. Margaret's Bay, Blind Cove, Prospect Bay, and Terence Bay. The harvesting ban includes clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. The news release states shellfish closures can change frequently, and harvesters are encouraged to check with their local DFO offices for a listing of current closures prior to harvesting. Symptoms of PSP include nausea, tingling or burning lips, tongue, hands and feet, and shortness of breath. In more severe situations, PSP can be fatal. More information can be found here .

New Hunting Regulations In Effect

New hunting regulations came into effect this week. Hunters can now use crossbows for deer hunting, and rifles up to twenty-three calibre are allowed for species such as coyotes during the regular deer hunting season. The changes will make it easier to control wildlife that cause damage or pose other threats, and will help more Nova Scotians get involved in hunting and ensure its sustainability. Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says hunting has long been a part of our heritage and the province is working to  ensure it has a healthy future.

Metro-Company Appeals Proposal For Diversion Facility

A metro-based recycling company is appealing a decision by municipal council which rejected their proposal for a diversion facility in the Blockhouse area. Halifax C & D filed the appeal with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board on Tuesday. The issue has been a contentious one for residents in Lunenburg County. Business owners in the area are concerned because they feel the facility shouldn't be located near a new visitor information centre and will flood the area with more vehicle traffic and pollution. The Municipality of Lunenburg officially turned down the proposal earlier this month. The regulatory board has yet to set dates for a hearing before the panel.

Enviro Group Must Continue 3 Year Lease Of Blockhouse School

An environmental group will not be allowed to buy the former Blockhouse School for a buck, at least not for now! Municipality of Lunenburg Council decided last night to continue with a three year lease with the South Shore Society Venture Co-Op. Mayor Don Downe says he and council are impressed though with the sustainable development work of the group.



The group is entering the second year of its three year lease on the building with the municipality. The Mayor says if it meets its targets, including paying the rent and shows its a reliable group, then serious consideration will be given to allowing it to buy the school property.

Wolter Named To National World Youth Track Team

A Conquerall Mills runner has been named to the 2013 Canadian World Youth Track and Field team. Tobias Wolter will dawn the red and white during the competition from July 10-14 in Donetsk, Ukraine. He's expected to run the men's 2,000 metre steeplechase event. The 15-year-old was ranked number one in Canada after he beat the qualifying standard time by 14 seconds. Only the top two times were eligible to qualify. Wolter and Bluenose Athletics coach Tanya Daniels will represent the South Shore at the event.

Bridgewater To Purchase And Install LED Lights

The town of Bridgewater has decided to look after their own street lights instead of renting from Nova Scotia Power. Council decided to move ahead with replacing existing rented NSP street lights with LED lights purchased and installed by the town. The lights would be owned and maintained by the town. Council had to make a decision by the end of the month. Mayor David Walker says the decision could help save up to $30,000 a year, making it the best choice for taxpayers.



The town has to convert all their street lights to LED by 2020 under the mandate of the province. The approximate cost for 20 years is $3.7-million. Staff will get back to council on issues including the pros and cons and purchasing options for the LED lights.

Chester Basin House Fire Deemed Accidental

The provincial fire marshal's office has confirmed that the cause of Monday morning's house fire in Chester Basin was accidental. The deputy fire marshal wrapped-up his investigation today after spending most of Monday at the scene of the blaze at 20 Kitchener Daw Lane. A man and a woman along with two pets escaped the blaze around 4 a.m. The woman was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation and was later released. Chester Basin fire officials along with four other volunteer fire departments responded to the blaze.

Commanding Officer Leaving Bridgewater Squadron

The commanding officer at the 14 Construction Engineering Squadron in Bridgewater is leaving the position after her three-year mandate. Major Sarah House took over the position in July 2010 and will move to Trenton, Ontario for a job at the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre. House, who is originally from Shelburne, says she enjoyed her time but knew this day would come.



House will be replaced by Major Rick Leighton, who was previously at the Engineering School in Gagetown. The change of command ceremony will be held Thursday afternoon at the Best Western in Cookville.

Pool, Arena Under Town's Microscope

An evaluation is expected to be done to discuss the future of the Memorial Arena and outdoor swimming pool in Bridgewater. The two recreational facilities are under the microscope with the opening of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre just a few months away. Mayor David Walker says they will take a closer look at the facilities in the fall. He says they want to make sure both facilities are still being used.



Walker hopes a committee will be created with council members, staff and residents to discuss options and come up with recommendations. The rink will remain open for at least a year after the LCLC opens.

Local Women's Group Set For Summer Camps

The Second Story Women's Centre is preparing to to host their annual summer camp for girls aged nine to 12. It's the tenth year the non-profit organization will offer the camps throughout Lunenburg and Queens Counties. The four day retreat is designed to bring issues like bullying, self-esteem and body imagine to the forefront for girls getting set to enter junior high school. Facilitator Julie Venoit says its been extremely successful in the past.



Camps will be held in Bridgewater, New Germany, Liverpool, Lunenburg and Chester throughout July and August. Venoit says there are only 12 spots available for each camp and encourages those interested to pre-register.


The camps will be held:

 July 8-11 in Bridgewater
(St. Paul's  Lutheran Church Hall)

July 15-18 in New Germany
(Elementary School Gym)

July 22-25 in Lunenburg
(Central United Church Hall)

July 29-August 1 in Chester
(Forest Heights Community School)
   
August 6-9 in Liverpool (Queen's Family Resource Centre)
   
If there is enough interest we will hold a second camp in Bridgewater August 12-15,
location to be determined.

For more information, call 543-1315 ext. 15 or 640-3044 ext. 15. E-mail girltalk@eastlink.ca.

Delays Expected At New South Queens Middle School

The new South Queens Middle School in Liverpool will not be ready for classes in the fall. Instead, students and staff will remain in the existing school until some time in November. Officials with the local school board say they want to make sure the new building is safe, healthy and meets the needs of the students and staff. The delay will give workers more time clean up the school properly and ensure air quality standards are met. Sod was turned on the $15 million South Queens Middle School last fall. The new middle school would be home to students in Grades 6-8. Construction on the school is expected to be complete in October.

Canada Wins First Leg Of 61st Annual International Dory Races

It was a rare victory for the Canadian team of dory racers at the Jodrey State Fish Pier in Gloucester, Massachusetts over the weekend. Teams earned two victories in three races in the first leg of the 61st Annual International Dory Races. The Canadians surprised many, as rowers from Gloucester have been difficult to beat on their home turf in recent years. In mixed doubles, it was the Americans beating the Canadian pair of Kelly George and Robert Fox. Canada's Gail Atkinson and Kathryn Moore won the women's division and Markus Schmidt and Joel George got by the U.S. in the men's category. The second leg of the event will be held in Lunenburg August 24. Full results are below.

Mixed Doubles:

USA-Mike Frontiera and Elin di'Angelo 6:27
CAN-Kelly George and Robet Fox 6:35

Women's Division: 

CAN-Gail Atkinson and Kathryn Moore 6:48
USA-Samantha Rose and Alexandria Pizzimenti 7:53

Men's Division:

CAN- Markus Schmidt and Joel George 9:45
USA-Tom Jarvis and Jimmy Tarrantino 9:54

Seahawks Seek Town Support For Celebration Tour

The South Shore Seahawks Football Club are calling on the town of Bridgewater to rally behind them if they're selected for the next step of the Kraft Celebration Tour. The group asked council to help them further promote the chance to win $25,000 through the town's facebook and website. The Seahawks are hoping to be chosen, to help put money towards improving drainage at Kinsmen Field. One of the club's organizers, John Peters, says they're hoping to keep the field in good condition.



The group recently signed up more than 90 kids this season for teams in the atom, peewee and bantam divisions. The Seahawks will find out if they have been named to the final 20 nominations later this week.

Sportchek Moving Into Bridgewater Mall

A sports equipment and apparel store is coming to Bridgewater. The manager of the Bridgewater Mall, Jim Chambers, confirms in an email that Sportchek is expected to occupy some space in the former Zellers building. Chambers says construction will start soon. The email also suggests Dollarama will roughly double in size to 15,000 square feet. Chambers says two more tenants of 30,000 and 10,000 square feet will be announced shortly. He believes the changes will bring new and exciting retail offerings to the local market.