Monday, December 12, 2011

GAP final plan receives in principle approval


Generations Active Park has been given a preliminary go-ahead. Bridgewater town council approved the Ekistics Planning and Design final plan in principle during Monday night's meeting. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he's pleased that the plan will not only attract Bridgewater residents but other visitors from across the region. The park's plan includes a leash free dog space, a splash pad, over eight kilometres of trail and multi-use courts. The plan would cost the town approximately $3.1-million over 12 years. The Department of Parks and Recreation will study the Generations Active Park plan over the next month before the issue is expected to be back in front of council in January.

Fryday Dorey running for provincial PC party presidency


The first name has been thrown into the hat to become the new president of the Nova Scotia PC party. The current executive vice-president, Janet Fryday Dorey, announced her decision to run late last week. Fryday Dorey says she believes in helping party leader Jamie Baillie form the next provincial government. She has served the party in many roles including manager for South Shore - St. Margaret's and Chester - St. Margaret's campaigns. Fryday Dorey is looking to replace current PC party president Robert Batherson, who recently said he's stepping down to spend more time with his family.

South West Health: Tick Update in Yarmouth Co

Those ticks collected from wooded areas in Gavelton in Yarmouth County carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Officials at South West Health says there's no reason for alarm if people keep protection in mind when outdoors during the mild temperatures. Wearing light-colored, long sleeve shirts, pants and socks so the ticks show up, checking clothing and exposed skin after being outside and making sure grass is kept well trimmed are among suggestions. The Black-Legged tick has also been found recently in parts of Lunenburg County, Blue Rocks, Garden Lots, Heckman's Island and First Peninsula. The unusually mild weather this fall has been keeping ticks active. Usually they die-off in cold conditions.

Acadian Lines Hoping for an end to Lockout

A lockout of Acadian Lines bus drivers is at a standstill with Christmas only two weeks away. It's the busiest time of the year for the bus company as people are shipping packages and trying to get home for the holidays. The labour dispute isn't disrupting service within Nova Scotia but those hoping to get back home from either New Brunswick or PEI are out of luck. Company spokesperson Marc Varin says they are hoping for a resolution soon. "We realize this is a very bad time of year, not only for passengers but we also carry parcels and envelopes as part of our express service and that's also a busy part of our operation but right now unfortunately we're can't ship in those two provinces," Buses are still running in Nova Scotia because the company's employees are part of a different union. However, packages can only be shipped as far as Amherst.

Baillie Disappointed with First Contract decision

Nova Scotia PC Leader Jamie Baillie
The leader of Nova Scotia's PC party says South Shore MLAs have let their constituents down. Jamie Baillie says Gary Ramey, Pam Birdsall, Vicki Conrad and Denise Peterson-Rafuse decided not to listen to resident concerns after voting in favour of First Contract Arbitration. The bill passed by a 27-18 vote in the legislature late last week. Baillie says it's a bad decision because it could kill future investment in the province by local companies like Michelin, Sobeys and Clearwater. The NDP government believes the legislation will increase productivity by avoiding strikes or lockouts.

Man Charged with Child Luring

A Lower Northfield man has been arrested following an investigation into luring a child over the internet. The 30-year-old appeared in court Friday afternoon and was remanded in custody until December 14. The man has been charged with three counts each of luring a child, invitation of sexual touching and sexual interference. He's also been charged with two counts of trafficking a controlled substance and one count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of a prohibited weapon.