Green Light For Upgrades At IWK Health Centre

A power outage won't cause any problems at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. The hospital is about to get a number of upgrades which include a new generator. Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson says when children need medical attention they shouldn't have to worry about things like a power failure, or the condition of the hospital's energy sources. The IWK upgrades have been given approval and they will now issue a request for proposal, the work scheduled to be completed within 18 months of the tender being awarded. The upgrades were part of the hospital's annual wish list and will include a new generator and transformers. The generator at the IWK is currently 35 years-old.

New Ambulance Makes South Shore Stops

A local paramedic is looking forward to the next wave of ambulances. The province spent today showing off one of the new series of ambulances in Bridgewater, Shelburne, Yarmouth and Meteghan. The new ambulances include a redesigned patient care area with safer seating and reflective graphics on backs and sides to make the vehicles more visible to other drivers. Private-care paramedic Kyle Mohammed says he's pleased with how it looks.



The new ambulances are expected to begin rolling out in November for the next four years. The older models will be refurbished and sold outside the province. The province signed a contract with Tri-Star Industries of Yarmouth to lease 150 ambulances. The eight-year contract is worth $31.4 million.

Bridgewater: Design Work Planned For Four Projects

The town of Bridgewater is increasing the number of projects receiving detailed designs in the downtown and waterfront master plan. Mayor David Walker says two components were originally slated for the preliminary work including wider sidewalks and resting places on King Street and re-development of the south parkade. However, the town would like to prepare detailed designs for the Old Bridge and parking options on King Street after it was awarded a $60,000 grant from the province. Walker says there are a few options to consider for the bridge.



The total cost of the preliminary design work was $150,000 until the town received the grant. Staff will ask council September 9 to approve increasing the budget to $210,000.

News Regarding Yarmouth Ferry Expected Thursday

It's getting close now. An update is expected tomorrow (Thursday) on negotiations between the Nova Scotia government and STM Quest to restart the Yarmouth ferry service. Both sides have been deep in talks since the middle of August. Economic Development Minister Graham Steele is expected to deliver the latest on efforts to bring back the ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine. The government has stated that if a deal can't be reach with STM Quest, it will look at the next proponent in line that's capable of running the ferry. The current proposal would see the ferry operate between May and October.

Friday: Bluenose II Set For Return In Lunenburg

Its been more than 3 years since the restoration began. Now, preparations are underway to return Bluenose II to the water on Friday. There will then be sea-trials for several weeks. The last major job in the $16-million refit was installation of the schooner's steel rudder. Its still unknown when the famous replica will resume its role as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador.

Liberals Hold 10 Point Lead In Latest Poll

The latest political poll in Nova Scotia has the Liberals maintaining a comfortable 10 point lead among decided voters. However, the governing NDP has closed the gap since the last poll was released in May. The Liberal have 41 percent of decided voters backing their party. The NDP sit in second with 31 percent and the PC's are in third at 25 percent. Meanwhile, Stephen McNeil is the most popular leader among decided voters at 30 percent. Darrell Dexter and Jamie Ballie are tied at 19 percent. The number of Nova Scotians who are undecided remains high and rests at 41 percent. The Corporate Research Associates poll is considered accurate to within 2.4 percentage points or 95 out of 100 times.

Lumberjacks: Cuts Made Ahead Of Valley Game

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have made more cuts ahead of their game Wednesday night against the Valley Wildcats. Owner Ken Petrie says the team has cut Braden Kamarmens, Brett Tidman, Gavyn Connell-Helle and Isaac Bridge. Petrie also revealed the team has traded forward Josh Bowman to Woodstock for a ninth round pick in 2014. Lunenburg native Brennan Bailey is scheduled to be in the line-up tonight for his first game in a Lumberjacks jersey. The Jacks and Wildcats face-off at 7pm at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena.

Day Two Of Bridgewater Eisnor Trial

The trial of a South Shore man, accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife, moves into its 2nd day today. Jury selection continues. Hundreds of potential jurors filled the courthouse in Bridgewater yesterday as the process began for the trial of Wayne Paul Eisnor. The 50-year-old Barss Corner man is accused of shooting Tina Mae Eisnor in a New Germany grocery store parking lot on June 30th, 2010. Eisnor then turned the gun on himself. He suffered brain damage as a result of the wound. However, he's been deemed fit to stand trial.