Bridgewater: Council Size To Be Reviewed

The public can soon have their say on the size of Bridgewater town council. Currently, there are six councillors and a mayor. However, a mandatory review is required this year by the province. The study is done every eight years by all Nova Scotia municipalities on the number of councillors in their area. The town will begin engaging the community in June and July with information presented through its newsletter, website and public meetings. Mayor David Walker says he's optimistic people will state their thoughts.



The last review completed by the town was in 2006. A decision needs to be made to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board by December 31.

Chester: Sewer Rates Moving To Next Step

Chester will move ahead to a public hearing to get more input on sewer rates. The municipality agreed on an equivalent dwelling unit system that will see all users pay a basic rate of $522.89, with rates increasing based on usage. It was a unanimous decision by council members. Warden Allen Webber feels it's a fair way of doing things.



Five of the six existing sewer systems in the municipality are running a deficit. Webber says with this option, they will have to pay down the debt in a different way. A public meeting to discuss sewer rates will be held on June 4th at 7pm at Forest Heights Community School.

New Webcam Launches In Liverpool

Liverpool can now be seen by anyone across the world. A webcam has been installed at the Visitor Information Centre and went live on Wednesday. The webcam is one of several located in the Liverpool area and around the South Shore on Tancook Island, Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. Region of Queens Councillor Brian Fralic came up with the idea. He says it's a good opportunity for people to see what's happening in Liverpool.



The webcam points towards the Mersey River and Privateer Park. The Region of Queens approved the webcam in this year's budget for just over $3,000, and also pays a monthly operational fee. People can view the webcam here .

Mounties Gearing Up For Road Safety Week

Mounties are going to be out in full force patrolling highways heading into the long weekend. It's Road Safety Week - a country wide initiative aimed at making the roads in Canada the safest in the world. Constable Mark Skinner says they will focus on dangers such as impaired driving and distracted driving. He says it's best to use a headset or put your phone away while behind the wheel.



Road safety week runs through until Monday.

VIDEO: Governor General Visits Mahone Bay

Eleven people including nine from Lunenburg County have been recognized for their hard work and compassion in their community. Governor General David Johnston presented Caring Canadian awards during a ceremony in Mahone Bay on Wednesday. The award was first established in 1995 to recognize volunteers. One of the recipients, Jim Barkhouse of Chester, says it was a great surprise.



Other award winners are from New Ross, New Germany, Chester Basin and Tancook Island. The Smart and Caring Community Fund also received $125,000 to help mobilize residents, organizations and resources in Lunenburg County. The following people received the awards:

Leslie Gary Stewart - Stellarton
Joseph Vidito - Tancook Island
Gerri Allen - Chester
Alberta P. Baker - Chester
James Barkhouse - Chester
Hiram Carver - New Germany
Florence Joyce Hiltz - Chester Basin
Daniel Edward (Ted) Hobson - Mahone Bay
Robert Hutt - New Ross
Ken Power - Halifax
Sandra Zwicker - Chester Basin

Ferry Company Tweeks Fares To Attract More Customers

As ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine is about to resume after almost 5 years, the operator of the NovaStar has already tweeked fares. Children under 18 will now travel on the ferry at no charge which saves parents a considerable amount of money. NovaStar Cruises is also offering a 20 percent discount off ticket prices if you book early. The changes reflect the company's concern about possibly lower-than-expected passenger revenues in its first year. The Mayor of the Region of Queens, Christopher Clarke, says lower than expected ridership on the ferry should not be interpreted as a failed service.



The ferry begins daily service on Thursday, leaving Portland at 10pm and arriving in Yarmouth at 8 o'clock the following morning.

Bridgewater: Apartment Building Requested For King Street Property

It could be a new opportunity for people to live in the heart of Bridgewater. Milestone Properties has applied to the town to develop a three-story multi-unit apartment complex at 356 and 388 King Street. The town has endorsed the idea and has set up a public meeting to talk about request on May 28. Mayor David Walker says the new property would benefit the town.



The properties are currently owned by Nauss Brothers Holdings Ltd.  The proposal states that there would be 18 two-bedroom apartments, each with window and balcony views of the LaHave River. Milestone Properties is also proposing 28 parking spaces. Construction could begin as early as this year if the request is approved.

Has Little Advertising Harmed Ferry's Success In Year-One?

A veteran tourism operator in Lunenburg is worried about a lack of advertising, promoting the return of ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine. In business for nearly 20 years, Basil Oickle operates "Trot In Time" horse and buggy rides in Old Town Lunenburg. He says despite the provincial government trumpetting the return of the ferry, there's been little spent on advertising, here and in New England.



Oickle says its going to take some time for word to spread. He believes eventually though South Shore busineses and many others across the province will see renewed growth resulting from the return of the ferry service.

Municipality Of Lunenburg Approves 2014-15 Budget

The Municipality of Lunenburg will not borrow to pay for capital projects for the fourth year in a row. Council members voted unanimously to approve this year's budget. It includes an operating budget of $29.4-million and a capital budget over $3.5-million. Mayor Don Downe says he's proud of not having to borrow money.



The municipality's residential tax rate remains at $0.81 cents while the commercial tax rate stays at $1.95. However, sewer rates have dropped. In Cookville, New Germany and Conquerall Bank, it's down to $0.75 cents from $0.84. It also dropped in Hebbville from $0.49.9 cents to $0.45.

Chester Group Selected To Test Segways

A Chester group is one of three chosen to test segways on streets and sidewalks. The Nova Scotia government approved applications from Chester Marine Services Ltd., as well as groups in the HRM and Truro. The owner of Chester Marine Services Ltd., Wynand Baerken, says they operate tours in Western Shore for people interested in using the vehicles. He says they take safety seriously.



There are strict rules under the pilot program. Segways can not operate on roads with a speed limit higher than 60 kilometres per hour, or travel faster than 20 kilometres per hour. The Department of Transportation says other groups can still apply to participate in the pilot period, which ends in January, 2016. They will then evaluate results and determine whether amendments will be made to the Motor Vehicle Act to permanently allow segway use in the province.

Royal Tour: Public Events Planned In Halifax

Residents of the South Shore hoping to get a chance to rub shoulders with members of The Royals Family may get a chance during a number of public events in Halifax. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will be in the city over the Victoria Day long weekend. Prince Charles, Governor General David Johnston and Premier Stephen McNeil will each give remarks on Monday starting at 10am in Grand Parade. There will be a 21-gun-salute, a guard of honour from the Canadian Armed Forces, an aboriginal blessing, a band and a choir performance. Those planning to attend should arrive early because of street closures. It is common courtesy to bow or curtsy when meeting members of the Royal Family, and refer to them as "Your Royal Highness" initially, and "Sir/Ma'am" as the conversation continues. The tour also includes stops in Pictou County, PEI and Manitoba.

Itinerary for event at Grand Parade:

The official party and The Prince of Wales will give remarks, then the couple will lay a wreath at the cenotaph and sign guest books before a walkabout. This will be the only time His Royal Highness will give remarks during his stay in the province.

The Royal Couple will tour the Halifax and Region Military Family Resource Centre, which will be open to military families only. They will meet with groups that provide support to military families, participate in a Victoria Day Military Family Festival, watch a youth ball hockey game, and take part in a coin presentation and plaque unveiling.

Tour of Public Gardens:

The Prince of Wales will tour the Public Gardens at 12:30 p.m., where he will learn about the history of the gardens and its role in the city, and the restoration of the Jubilee Fountain. He will attend a bandstand concert, and meet members of the Dahlia Society and other groups. His Royal Highness will plant a tree beside an oak tree planted by His Royal Highness's grandfather King George VI in 1939. A set of coins honouring the 75th anniversary of the 1939 Royal Tour will be presented to His Royal Highness by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Tour of Northbrook Community Centre:

The Duchess of Cornwall will tour Northbrook Community Centre at 12:35 p.m., where she will have a private meeting with a family who has benefited from Alice Housing programs and tour the centre. Her Royal Highness will proceed outside to a community barbecue and do a walkabout during Family Fun Day celebrations.

Tour of Halifax Seaport Farmers Market:

A visit to the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will be the last stop of the day in Halifax. The Prince of Wales will tour the market at 1:15 p.m. and will meet with vendors, a youth farmer and young entrepreneurs. He will be joined by the Duchess of Cornwall for performances by local musical artists, and meet with urban farming groups, including Hope Blooms, before proceeding to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to join in a tea with war brides and Second World War veterans.


The following streets near Grand Parade will be closed from 7 a.m. until noon, Monday, May 19:

 

-- Barrington and Argyle, between Duke and Prince streets

 

-- Carmichael, from Grafton to Argyle streets

 

-- George, from Granville to Barrington streets.

 

Lunenburg MLA: Governor General Visit "Exciting"

The MLA for Lunenburg is pleased to see Canada's Governor General coming to Mahone Bay. David Johnston will be along the South Shore Wednesday afternoon. He will attend the launch of the Smart and Caring Community Fund of Lunenburg County at the Mahone Bay Centre. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft says she looks forward to the visit.



The governor general is also expected to present several Caring Canadian Awards to local residents. Johnston is also expected to visit Gold River and Bonny Lea Farm just outside Chester before visiting Halifax on Thursday.

Yarmouth Mayor Christens New Ferry

The Mayor of Yarmouth has attended a ship christening ceremony in Boston. Pam Mood and other dignitaries were on board the new Yarmouth-Maine ferry Nova Star for the noon time christening. The mayor cracked the traditional bottle of champagne on the side of the newly built 530 foot vessel which will begin regular daily crossings between Portland and Yarmouth on Thursday. Mayor Mood says she will be aboard the ferry for its inaugural trip. The mayor says she's excited to be a part of history and is spreading the word in Massachusetts that Nova Scotia and her town in particular are great places to visit.

Ferry Schedule Should Be Adjusted: PC Leader Baillie

There are fears the daily arrival time in Yarmouth for the new ferry may hamper efforts to increase tourism and business along the South Shore. The province's PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says it will be arriving too early, before businesses are open.



Baillie suggests a 9 or 10am arrival time might make a difference in people staying in the area to visit and shop. The Nova Star begins service on Thursday, arriving in Yarmouth from Portland, Maine daily at 8am with passengers and vehicles.

MODL: New Strategic Plan Puts Strong Focus On Agriculture

A new strategic action plan hopes to grow the agriculture and food products sector in the Municipality of Lunenburg. The five-year-plan for 2014-19 was introduced recently. It points to goals for agriculture like doing a better job of connecting resources with potential owners, investors or producers.  The municipality also wants to develop a marketing plan. Economic Development officer, Dave Waters, says the timing makes sense to focus more on agriculture.



Waters says there will be a lot of focus spent on promoting the Haskap berry and local wineries. The plan also looks to tourism and promoting arts and culture as a key direction in the future. The municipality will endorse or deny the plan at their meeting on Tuesday.

New Crown Attorney In Bridgewater

There's a new crown attorney on the South Shore. A native of Sydney, John Todd Martin has been appointed to work out of the Bridgewater office. He graduated in 2008 from St. F.X. and from the University of New Brunswick Law School in 2012. Martin had been working with Sampson McDougall Barristers and Solicitors in Sydney. Last year, he was appointed as Crown attorney in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Events Lunenburg County Taking Shape

A number of business and industry leaders feel there needs to be a part-time person in place to help bring major events to the area. The idea is listed in the terms of reference for Events Lunenburg County. The group involved in today's discussion agreed that a part-time person focusing on attracting events would be a better option than a group of volunteers. Andrew Tanner feels they made progress with the discussion.



Events Lunenburg County will hold another meeting this month for further talks on the issue. Almost a dozen people signed up to be part of a committee going forward. They're expected to start looking for a part-time employee in the near future.

Improvements Coming To Nova Scotia Palliative Care

Palliative Care in the province is being improved with a million dollars being pumped into the system. Health Minister Leo Glavine says it will promote a more combined approach to end-of-life care, involving health professionals, community groups and patients themselves. A co-ordinator will be appointed to handle it and the minister also says ....



Glavine says the improvements reflect the increasing number of Nova Scotians prefering to spend their final days at home with family and friends, rather than in a hospital setting.

Exhibition Expects $7,000 Loss Due To Cancelled Festival

The manager of the South Shore Exhibition is holding out hope that a decision between the town of Bridgewater and South Shore in Motion can find a resolution. The festival cancelled their event this year after losing 40 per cent of their trucks and sponsors following the town's decision not to endorse a big rig hill climb. However, Christine Sarty feels the loss of South Shore in Motion will be a huge economic loss. She says the two sides need to try and meet in the middle.



Sarty estimates the Exhibition will lose roughly $7,000 with the departure of South Shore in Motion from their grounds in August. She says they will lose money on things like the grounds rental and canteen sales.

New RCMP District Commander In Queens

There is a new person in charge of the RCMP in Queens County. Staff Sgt. Paul MacDougall has taken over as the new district commander, replacing Corporal Victor Whalen who was filling in on an interim basis. MacDougall comes to Queens following five years at RCMP headquarters in the Halifax-area. He says he's looking forward to the challenge and getting his feet wet in the new role.



MacDougall points to ongoing concerns regarding break and enters in rural parts of the county as things the Mounties are focusing on. He says they're also trying to crack down on the number of impaired or distracted drivers.