Anti-Tethering March Planned For Saturday

Hundreds of animal-lovers and their canines will take to the streets in Bridgewater tomorrow. They'll be marching to support planned amendments to the province's Animal Cruelty laws. The changes would ban the chaining of dogs over long periods of time and provide stiff penalties for those who break the laws. One of the march's co-ordinators Lindsey Parnell says the movement for change began here on the South Shore.



Saturday's march begins at the former Appleberry property on LaHave Street and will wind its way through the town. There will be similar marches tomorrow in other parts of the province including Halifax and Yarmouth.

Queens: Mounties Searching For Answers On Suspicious Fire

Queens RCMP are hoping public tips will help make a difference in finding individuals responsible for a fire in Liverpool earlier this month. Police have received very few leads or new information regarding a blaze January 18 at the former Wong's restaurant on Market Street. Investigators say the blaze appears to have been deliberately set. The building has been vacant for several years. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Queens RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Minimum Wage Increasing April 1

Minimum wage is going up in Nova Scotia. The province has agreed to increase minimum wage by 10 cents, to $10.40 an hour beginning on April 1. Rates are adjusted annually, based on the previous year's national Consumer Price Index.  Nova Scotia has the fourth highest minimum wage rate in the country, behind Nunavut, the Yukon, and Manitoba.

Taxpayers Federation & NS Government Seek Answers

The Nova Scotia government is asking the auditor-general to review those huge cost overruns related to the Bluenose II rebuild in Lunenburg. Premier Stephen McNeil says there are too many questions surrounding the project and he wants a full accounting of why the project is so far over budget. Earlier this week, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation revealed to us through a freedom of information request that some supplies for the schooner were purchased at a 43 percent mark-up. Now, CTF Atlantic director Kevin Lacey says its important for the auditor-general to look into the goings-on around the rebuild.



It's believed the cost of the project has soared way past it's original $16 million price-tag.

A Hike At The Gas Pumps

As expected, gasoline prices took a hike overnight, heading northward at South Shore pumps! Regular self serve has increased two cents and is selling now for $1.34.7 a litre. High test is selling for $1.43.6. Diesel is now up to $1.50.5 a litre at many South Shore locations.

Jerry's Diner Sold To Wilson Fuels

It's been a mainstay in Bridgewater for 34 years, and now it's changing hands. Jerry's Diner is being sold to Wilson Fuels. The sale is expected to be approved before the end of the day on Friday. The popular restaurant opened in 1980 under owners Jerry and Vera Swain. The couple has decided to sell the restaurant and retire after a recent health scare. Jerry Swain says it wasn't an easy decision.



Swain expects Wilsons to make a few minor changes, but adds there are no job losses and the diner is there to stay. He says the couple will remain in Bridgewater and enjoy time with family.

Fay Gets Back To Work At Under-18 Curling Championship

Ten South Shore curling rinks are vying to be the next provincial curling champion. Play gets underway Friday at the 2014 Nova Scotia Under-18 championships in Bridgewater and Chester. Mary Fay's rink of Chester is the number one seed on the women's side. The team is the reigning provincial and Atlantic champions in the age group. They're also coming off a bronze medal at the national junior championship in Liverpool. There will be plenty of competition among the 12 women's teams including the second seed, Brooke Demone of Lunenburg. On the boys side, there are 16 teams including Matthew Manuel of Mayflower. He is the defending champ and ranked number one followed by Chester's Adam Cocks. The winners will represent Nova Scotia at the Atlantic Under-18 Championship.

NS Gov't Wants Auditor General Reviewing Bluenose II

The Nova Scotia government wants the auditor general to review ballooning costs related to the Bluenose II rebuild in Lunenburg. Premier Stephen McNeil states there are too many questions surrounding the project. The AG's review will shed some light on why the project is so over budget.. Earlier this week, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation revealed through a freedom of information request that some supplies for the schooner were purchased at a 43 percent mark-up price. It's believed the cost of the project has soared over its $16 million price-tag.

Martin, Whalen Among Nominees For Athletics Nova Scotia Awards

A number of South Shore athletes have been nominated for awards from Athletics Nova Scotia. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh and Jenna Martin along with Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen are up for top senior female. Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan and Conquerall Mills' Mattias Wolter are up for top senior male. Tobias Wolter, also of Conquerall Mills, is nominated for youth male athlete of the year. Bluenose Athletics coach Tanya Daniels is in the running to win the High Performance Coach Excellence award. The awards will be handed out March 1.

Ready! Set! Zoom! Gas Prices Expected To Rise Again!

Gas prices at South Shore pumps will likely rise again overnight tonight when the provincial utility and review board sets prices for the coming week. In New Brunswick today, regular self serve there is up two cents a litre. Diesel is up 5 cents. The Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board will set our prices at midnight and the increases are expected to be similar to those in New Brunswick. Diesel may remain unchanged here though after this week's increase of 6 cents a litre.

Queens-Shelburne Tories To Hear From Leader Baillie

Provincial Progressive Conservatives in Queens-Shelburne will meet tonight. Leader Jamie Baillie will be the keynote speaker at their annual general meeting. He will outline how the party's new role as official opposition will work.



Queens-Shelburne was a seat the Progressive Conservatives narrowly lost in the October election. NDP MLA Sterling Belliveau held on to the seat by 363 votes over the PC's Bruce Inglis - who finished second.

Tonight's AGM begins at 7:30 at the Liverpool Lions Hall.

Ice Creating Challenge For LaHave Ferry Resumption

The Department of Transportation remains optimistic that the LaHave River Ferry will be back in service by the end of the week. Spokeswoman Pam Menchenton says there is a considerable amount of ice in the river. She says crews on site are hoping for wind and good tides to shift the ice that would allow the ferry to be hooked back up to the cable. The ferry has been out of service since January 3 after it broke free from its cable during a strong wind and snowstorm.

Flag Signing Held For Alex Duckworth

Lunenburg County's newest Olympian is about to get an extra push from local residents. The Municipality of Lunenburg and town of Bridgewater are giving people a chance to sign flags that will be given to Alex Duckworth before she competes in the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The flag signing will begin Friday night at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. One of the mayors, Don Downe, feels the support will mean a lot to Duckworth.



Both councils have also agreed to contribute $1,000 to help support Duckworth and her training. Flags will be available to sign until February 6 before Duckworth's parents take them to Sochi. Duckworth competes in the women's half-pipe snowboarding event on February 12. Below are the the dates when the flags will be available to sign at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre.

Flag signing dates and times

January 31 - 6pm to 9pm
February 1 - 10am to 6pm
February 2 - 10am to 5pm
February 3 - 3:30pm to 5pm
February 4 - 3:30pm to 8pm
February 5 - 3:30pm to 8pm
February 6 - 3:30pm to 5pm

Less Than Ideal Driving Conditions

A reminder of road conditions this morning (Thursday) along the South Shore. Most have been ploughed overnight but most are still snow covered and ice underneath. The 103 is snow packed this morning so drive carefully, especially along the stretch from Bridgewater to Upper Tantallon. By the way, the back road closure plan is in effect for Lunenburg & Queens school buses.

Power Out In Eastern Section of South Shore

There's a power outage this morning in the eastern portion of the South Shore! Some 1200 homes are without power in the St. Margarets Bay area including areas along Highway 333 from Upper Tantallon to McGraths Cove including Tantallon, Glen Haven, French Village, Seabright, Glen Margaret, Hacketts Cove, Indian Harbour, Peggy's Cove, Middle Village, East and West Dover. Also without electricity, Upper Tantallon to Ingramport including Allen Heights, Head of St. Margarets Bay, Masons Point and Boutiliers Point. NSP hopes to have the power back on to everyone around 8am.

South Shore Curlers Ready For Scotties

A pair of South Shore curlers are about to begin their quest to bring a national women's curling title back to Nova Scotia for the first time since 2004. Jill Brothers of Liverpool and Blisse Joyce of Lunenburg will represent the province as part of Team Smith when the Scotties Tournament of Hearts kicks off on Saturday in Montreal. Joyce is competing in her third Scotties. For Brothers, it's only her second time competing at the national event after playing in 2007. She says she's better prepared for this year's event.



Nova Scotia opens up play Saturday afternoon against Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bridgewater: Councillor Concerned About Missing Civic Numbers

A town councillor is concerned about the status of civic numbering in Bridgewater. Wayne Thorburne says improvements have been made but there are still too many issues. He says some numbers aren't visible, others have contrasting colors and many are missing. Thorburne says that's a problem for emergency services, who have difficulty finding homes in the area.



Thorburne is looking for a by-law to be created to help fix the issue. More discussion is expected between council, the public and emergency officials.

Interim NDP Leader Making South Shore Tour

The interim leader of the NDP is making a swing through the South Shore. Maureen MacDonald says she will be meeting with some residents over the next few days to hear their concerns and gather feedback in advance of the spring session of the legislature. MacDonald says the party is moving on from a disappointing October election where they were left with just seven seats.



MacDonald says she will join MLA Sterling Belliveau for community consultations in the riding of Queens-Shelburne. There's no date for a leadership election for the NDP, who are seeking a new leader after Darrell Dexter stepped down following the last election.

Former Lunenburg MLA Eyes Federal Politics

A former MLA in Lunenburg is throwing her hat into the federal ring. Pam Birdsall has announced her intention to run for the NDP in the South Shore - St. Margaret's constituency in the next federal election. Birdsall spent four years in provincial politics before she was ousted from office by Liberal member Suzanne Lohnes-Croft in last October's election. Birdsall feels she's ready for a new chapter in her life.



Birdsall is the first person to announce their intention, and she expects to be challenged by others. She feels it's time to reign out the Conservatives.



The next federal election is planned for the fall of 2015 or sooner.

Halifax Wins Bid To Host World Men's Curling Event

Halifax will host the best men's curling teams in the world in 2015. The city has won hosting rights for the Ford World Men's Curling Championship. It will be played at the Metro Centre from March 28 to April 5 next year. It's the first time the world men's championship has been played in Nova Scotia. Halifax has hosted several major curling events in the past, including three Tim Hortons Brier events and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. They've also hosted the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings Canadian Curling Trials in 2005.

Snow In Forecast Closes Schools

Schools are closed all along on the South Shore. No classes for students under the South Shore or Tri County Regional School Board. The French School in Cookville and Waldorf School in Blockhouse is also closed today. Schools in the Annapolis Valley are also closed. Park View Education Centre in Bridgewater says in a tweet, exams will be written tomorrow instead. Environment Canada is predicting 10 to 15 centimeters of snow for the region.

Italy Cross: Couple Arrested, Face Murder Charges In Ontario

Two people were arrested Tuesday morning in Italy Cross in connection with a pair of deaths in Ontario. Sgt. Al LeBlanc says their major crimes unit assisted Peel Regional Police in helping carry out the arrests. Peel Regional Police Inspector George Koekkoek confirms 33-year-old Melissa Merritt and 36-year-old Christopher Fattore were arrested around 10am. They face first degree murder charges in the deaths of Caleb Harrison and his 63-year-old mother Bridget. Harrison was found dead in his Mississauga home last summer. His mother had died in the same home several years earlier. Her death had been considered suspicious. Koekkoek says it brings closure to the case for the families.



Both accused will make a court appearance in Halifax Wednesday morning. They're expected to return to Ontario on Friday.

Updated: Man In Serious Condition Following Barrington Fire

RCMP are investigating after a fire Tuesday afternoon in Barrington Passage. Police say a blaze broke out around 12:50pm in a mobile home that was under construction along Highway 3. A 69-year-old man from Barrington Passage sustained serious burn injuries and was airlifted by LifeFlight to the QEII Hospital in Halifax for further treatment. Fire officials were called to the scene along with police and EHS.

LaHave River Ferry Close To Return

The return of service for the LaHave River Ferry depends on the weather. An official with Department of Transportation, Pam Menchenton, says the ferry has to be moved to its original berth and it has to be attached to the cable. She says testing will follow, before the ferry can start crossing again. Menchenton says they're proceeding with caution.



She says they want to get it up and running as soon as possible to help local residents. The ferry broke free from its cable during a January 3rd snowstorm. It travels daily from East LaHave to LaHave.

Local Mayors, Wardens Push For Highway Twinning

The province is sticking to its plan when it comes to twinning Highway 103. Eight mayors and wardens from across the South Shore wrote letters to the minister of transportation and infrastructure renewal, urging him to consider a larger scale of the project. However, the minister says twinning the highway depends on cost-sharing opportunities with the federal government. Chester Warden Allen Webber says he understands the province's stance, but would like to see more being done.



The province is expected to start construction on phase one this year on a new interchange and connector road in Ingramport, which is included in their five-year highway improvement plan. Other phases are planned between Tantallon and Hubbards. They are currently in the planning and design work stages.

New Doctors Favour Quality Of Life, Shorter Patient Lists

A group representing doctors in Nova Scotia says they know many people in rural areas need a family physician. Kevin Chapman of Doctors Nova Scotia says shortages are creating pressure on the health care system across the province. He says 55 doctors have left their practice over the past five years. Chapman says it doesn't sound like a large number, but it's subtracting numbers from an already weak equation.



Meanwhile, Champman says new doctors are putting more weight into quality of life and balance when deciding where to open their practice. He says it's part of the reason patient lists are shorter than they were 10 or 20 years ago.

School Board Looks To Control Spending

Cost saving measures are being introduced within the South Shore Regional School Board in order to avoid a deficit. The belt tightening will hit substitutes in certain positions the hardest. However, Director of Finance Wade Tattrie says the cutbacks won't have any impact inside the classroom. He says if they kept the status quo, the board would be looking at a deficit of more than $360,000.



As of Monday - administrative, guidance and library staff will not be replaced if they can't be at work. Meanwhile, custodians will not be replaced on their first day off work. Tattrie says the board is confident they'll be able to save enough money to balance the books. The cost saving measures will be in effect until March 31.

Gas Prices: Diesel Shoots Up Over 6 cents

The price of diesel fuel is up more than six cents. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board used a special clause to change the prices at midnight. Diesel is now selling for just over $1.50 per litre.
The regulatory board says the change is necessary due to significant shifts in the market price of oil. The price of gas did not change.

Nova Scotia: Diesel Could Go Way Up

There could be a big spike coming in the cost of diesel fuel. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will invoke its interrupter clause at midnight. A news release says the change is necessary due to significant shifts in the market price of oil. The interrupter clause is only used when the price of a fuel changes by 6 to 8 cents per litre, and the price is sustained.  That means prices will either rise by at least 6 cents, or fall by at least 6 cents per litre. However, diesel prices have climbed significantly in Toronto over the past few days. That could spell bad news if you drive a diesel in Novs Scotia. For now, the price of gas will not change.

Provincial Funding For Yarmouth Youth Shelter

A homeless shelter for youth in Yarmouth and the surrounding area will be funded annually now on by the province. Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard was in Yarmouth earlier this afternoon to announce 350-thousand dollars in funding for the Supportive Housing Youth Focus Team, or S.H.I.F.T. Yarmouth MLA and Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill says the provincial backing is long over due.



As a result of the guaranteed financial funding, SHIFT won't be forced year after year to appeal to Ottawa for assistance.

Health Minister Begins Consultations

A series of province-wide meetings begins today between the Health Minister and health board members, executives and other health care personnel. They'll be discussing how best to reduce the number of health authorities in the province from 9 to 2. The first meeting with be tonight and tomorrow with South West Health. The eventual change would mean a board for the IWK-Capital Health, and a provincial board, with four regional management zones. Health Minister Leo Glavine tells us its important to get lots of input to help establish the right kind of system for the province.



Another meeting will be held February 19th with South Shore Health. Reducing the number of health authorities was a key election promise by the Liberals before they took office in the October election.

Watchdog: Auditor General Reviewing Bluenose II

A watch-dog group wants Nova Scotia's Auditor General to investigate the Bluenose II restoration project. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation claims some materials purchased by the province for the project were sold at a 43 percent markup. For instance, new portholes for the vessel were bought for more than $12,000, almost $6,000 more than normal. Kevin Lacey is calling for an "independent" review to get to the bottom of it.



Meanwhile, Lacery says even the consultants hired to make sure Bluenose was finished on time and on budget, have charged more than a million dollars above the original contracted amount. He says its time to "smoke-out" those who've been profiting and using the Bluenose rebuild project to do so.

Queens-Shelburne: PC Leader Baillie Guest Speaker During AGM

The leader of the official opposition will make a stop this week in Queens County. Jamie Baillie will deliver the keynote addresss at the annual general meeting for the Queens-Shelburne PC riding association. It was a seat the Progressive Conservatives narrowly missed in the last election. NDP MLA Sterling Belliveau held on to the seat by 363 votes over the PC's Bruce Inglis. The meeting will take place on Thursday at the Lions' Hall in Liverpool. It gets underway at 7:30pm. A new executive will also be elected at the AGM.

Hurricanes Storm Past Pictou County

The BMO Western Hurricanes Major Bantam Hockey team had two big wins over the weekend as they hosted the Scotsburn Crushers. The Hurricanes defeated the visiting team Saturday 4-1 and a strong performance on Sunday saw the Hurricanes also defeat the Crushers with a score of 12-1. The Hurricanes play their next home game Saturday evening against the Breton Sport Cougars at Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool.

Whalen Posts New Record

Some more records for Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool. She threw an indoor personal best and set another new Nova Scotia indoor Shot Put record over the weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her throw of 16.08 meters was good for 2nd place in a field of 42 competitors. Whalen is back in action this coming weekend at the Arkansas Invitational.

Curling Championships A Big Boost For Liverpool & Area

At the end of the 10 day Canadian Junior Curling Championships, everyone in Liverpool is congratulating themselves for a job well done. And, rightly so, says the Region of Queens Mayor Christopher Clarke.



Its estimated those attending the championships, families, friends and players, contributed more than 2 million dollars to the local economy. Mayor Clarke says the success of this major event is not going unnoticed by the sporting community and he expects other events will be coming to Queens as a result.

Curling: Fay Team Receive Bronze, Excited About Future

One win away from a national final and a third place finish are enough to make Mary Fay and her curling team happy with their week in Liverpool. The Chester rink fell to British Columbia in the girl's semi-final 8-4 in 11 ends on Saturday, putting the finishing touches on their competition at the M and M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Championships. The 15 year-old Fay says it was a great experience and should help the team grow.



The team includes Karlee Burgess, Jennifer Smith and Janique LeBlanc. Their coach is Andrew Atherton. Fay's team went 8-3 in their first trip to this national championship, not bad considering the oldest person on the club is 16 years-old in an under-21 event. Fay says she's proud of the team's results.



Alberta won the national title, 7-6 over B.C. while Nova Scotia received bronze medals during the awards ceremony. There will be no rest for the Fay club though. They will be back on the ice Friday at the Bridgewater Curling Club along with nine other South Shore teams for the provincial under-18 championships.

MODL: Petition Circulating After Lights Removed From Leary Fraser Road

Some residents of Leary Fraser Road in Whynott's Settlement have started a petition to get street lights re-installed. The councillor for the area, Frank Fawson, had six lights removed from the road after he understood it was his right to do so under municipal policy. However, that doesn't sit well with homeowners. Carmen Fraser says he's upset that residents didn't get a say.



This also bothers the LaHave Manor Organization, who feel the road is too dark for their clients. Homeowner Jeff Whynot agrees, saying it's unsafe.



Whynot and Fraser say they have about 80 percent of signatures collected from residents on the road. It's hoped the petition will be presented to the Municipality of Lunenburg next month to have the lights re-installed as quickly as possible.

Minister Begins Health Authority Tours

It's a move toward reducing the number of health authorities in Nova Scotia. Health Minister Leo Glavine will begin a province-wide tour Monday. He will meet with board members, executives and other health care personnel to discuss how best to move the process forward. The first meeting with be with South West Health. The goal is to shift to two authorities by 2015-16. It would mean a board for the IWK, and a provincial board, with four regional management zones. Another meeting with South Shore Health will be held February 19. It was a key election promise by the Liberals before they took office in the October election.

Top Ten List: How To Avoid Getting Scammed

Many Maritimers are astute shoppers when it comes to tracking down something to buy on the Internet. However, if you're afraid of being duped into buying something you don't want or getting hooked into an ongoing scam, the Maritime Better Business Bureau wants to help you avoid problems. The consumer group is out with its annual top ten list of ways to fight scammers. Included on the list, Jill Atkinson of the BBB says you should beware of job offers to make quick, easy money. Have anti-virus software on your computer and never wire or transfer money to someone you don't know. Then, there's reading the fine print on everything.



Atkinson also says you can fight identity theft by shredding sensitive documents. She also suggests creating a shopping budget and sticking to it, getting everything in writing, watching for checks in your name claiming you've won a bundle of money in a lottery and checking your local Better Business Bureau office for advice.
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Here is the BBB's complete Top Ten List:

1.         Beware of “job” offers to make easy money. Unemployment is high and scammers are targeting the large pool of job hunters. Beware of any job offer, especially unsolicited mystery shopping offers, work-at-home schemes or business opportunity that promises big money for little work and no experience.

2.         Always check a business out with BBB before you buy.  Nearly 400,000 businesses across North America bear the BBB seal of accreditation and meet our standards; you can find the seal on Web sites and at business locations.  But BBB doesn’t just report on accredited businesses. You can locate trustworthy businesses by visiting www.atlanticprovinces.bbb.org. 

3.         Always read the fine print—especially for “free” trial offers. Each year, thousands of consumers signup for a “free” trial offer online that resulted in repeated charges to their credit or debit cards sometimes amounting to as much as hundreds of dollars every month. Read the terms and conditions of any “free” trial offer before handing over credit or debit card numbers. 

4.         Keep your computer safe. If you haven’t already, install anti-virus software onto your computer and don’t forget to regularly check for software and operating system updates and patches. Don’t open attachments or click on links in e-mails unless you can confirm the e-mail came from someone you trust. 

5.         Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Many scams require that the victim wire money back to the scammers. Scammers know that tracking money sent via MoneyGram or Western Union is extremely difficult. Even more troubling for victims is the fact that it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. 

6.         Fight identity theft.  Always shred paper documents that include sensitive financial data and dispose of computers, cell phones and digital data safely.

7.         Ask BBB for help. File a complaint with your BBB if you have a disagreement with a business or have been ripped off by a scammer.

8.         Create a budget and stick to it.  If you’re a cash-strapped consumer, setting a budget can help you stay afloat in 2014.  

9.         Fight fake check fraud.  Thanks to advances in printing technology, scammers have the ability to create very real-looking phony checks. Be extremely wary of checks that come with claims that you’ve won the lottery, are eligible for a government grant or have landed a job as a secret shopper. 

10.       Get everything in writing. Don’t just take a business’ word for it. Get every verbal agreement in writing to limit miscommunication and misunderstandings between your expectations and what the business delivers.

Updated: Fay Reaches Semi-Finals At Curling Juniors

Call it fate, call it destiny. Mary Fay says it's hard work paying off. The Chester skip and her team have earned a spot in the semi-finals at the M and M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool. Fay defeated Quebec 9-5 Friday morning to reach the semi-finals. They face B.C. Saturday morning at Queens Place Emera Centre. Fay says the team isn't feeling any pressure.



The winner between Fay and British Columbia will take on Alberta in the championship game Saturday evening. Meanwhile, Robert Mayhew wasn't as lucky. Although the Windsor team won 6-3 this morning over Saskatchewan, they needed Alberta to lose to Northern Ontario to clinch at least a tie-breaking game. However, it wasn't meant to be, as Alberta won the game and knocked the Nova Scotia men's team out of the competition.

Updated: URB Dismisses Halifax Group's Appeal To Construct Blockhouse Facility

The province's Utility and Review Board is dismissing an appeal by group in the city to build a construction and demolition transfer and processing facility in Blockhouse. The regulatory board released their final decision in a 118-page document this morning. In their decision, the board says a draft version of a development agreement by Halifax C and D was not complete and lacked provisions which addressed various policies of the Blockhouse Secondary Planning Strategy. Municipality of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe feels the URB made the decision based on compatibility and nuisance.



Municipal council rejected the development agreement in June, which prompted the appeal from Halifax C and D. Downe feels it was municipal process that helped quash the move.



The mayor expects residents to be pleased with a decision today by the Utility and Review Board. The facility was being proposed for the Cornwall Road. Halifax C and D has 30 days to appeal the URB decision to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

Cdn Jr. Curling Championships: Win & Stay! Lose & Go!

Win and you're in! That's the simple scenario for Mary Fay's Nova Scotia curling team as they get set for their final championship pool game this morning at the M and M Juniors in Liverpool. Last night, the Chester rink came back from a 4-1 deficit to edge Saskatchewan 7-6 and improve their record to 7-2. The Fay foursome meets 3-6 Quebec this morning at 8 o'clock. A win would secure a semi-final berth against BC tomorrow. A loss might mean a tie-breaker later today. Alberta has already clinched top spot and a trip to tomorrow afternoon's final.
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Meanwhile, in the Mens division, Nova Scotia's Robert Mayhew needs to win and needs some help to stay alive. After a 5 and 4 record, the Windsor team must beat 6-3 Saskatchewan to remain in the hunt. They also need Northern Ontario to beat Alberta. If those results unfold, there will be tiebreakers to determine who heads to the playoffs. Those matches are also this morning at 8 at Queens Place Emera Centre. Manitoba will be in Sunday's final after going 9-1.

Higher Gasoline Prices

Gas is up in price this morning at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve has risen almost 1.5 cents to $1.32.8 a litre. High test is up by a similar amount to $1.41.8. Diesel is up about 3 cents this morning and varies some in price from station to station. The highest is $1.46.9.

Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation Celebrating 20 Years

An environmental group is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. The Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation is marking the milestone with a get together this evening in Lunenburg. The evening will focus on the Foundation's 20 years of leading the protection, enhancement and restoration of the ecosystem and will include special guests like former town mayor Laurence Mawhinney. The group's chair, Rick Welsford, says the goal for the group started in 1993 by trying to bring a sewage treatment plant to Lunenburg.



Welsford says he's excited about new projects including one with Acadia University, to provide summer day camp opportunities for kids in the area. He says the first 20 years went quickly but says it's been rewarding work to be a part of.

Curling: Fay, Mayhew Back In Action In Liverpool

Both Nova Scotia teams control their own destinies, heading down the home stretch, at the M and M Canadian Junior Curling Championships. Mary Fay of Chester is in third place in the championship pool with a 6-2 record. If she wins her last two games she's guaranteed a playoff spot. If she splits them she can do no worse than a tiebreaker. The Nova Scotia girls face Saskatchewan tonight at 6:30pm before facing Quebec tomorrow morning (Friday) at 8am.  Robert Mayhew of Windsor is in a tougher spot. With a 5-3 mark, he must win his remaining two games to assure a tie-breaker. That task won't be easy. Nova Scotia faces Manitoba today at 2 o'clock followed by a match Friday morning at 8 against Saskatchewan. All contests are at the Queens Place Emera Centre. The Junior Womens Final goes Saturday at 4 with the Mens Championship game on Sunday at 4. Both matches will be shown live on TSN.

Chester Keeping Warden System Of Government

Chester is staying put with a warden. Council voted unanimously today to keep a warden style of government instead of switching to a mayoral system. The on-going consultation with community residents is complete after only 50 people responded to council out of a population of 11,000 in the municipality. Warden Allen Webber says he was hoping for a better response.


The municipality operates in a warden system, which allows councillors to choose the head of council. The other option gives voters in the municipality the choice. The issue was brought up late last summer because the municipality is required to review its electoral boundaries this year. Webber says he doesn't expect any further discussion to happen until after the next municipal election.

Lobster Industry Future To Be Discussed

Maritime fisheries ministers will meet in March to discuss the future of the lobster industry. The meeting will focus on recommendations made by an independent panel the provinces created to combat slumping lobster prices. Among other things, it called for a levy on each pound of lobster caught to pay for a marketing campaign aimed at boosting the fishery's profile. The panel estimated the levy would raise about $2.5 million a year. The meeting in March is being organized by the Lobster Council of Canada and will also include representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec.

MODL: Councillor Removes Street Lights; Staff Review Policy

The councillor for Dayspring and area is taking a bit of heat after removing six street lights along the Leary Fraser Road. Frank Fawson says he was under the influence the Municipality of Lunenburg's policy allowed for a 10% reduction or addition of existing street lights in a fiscal year. However, the move concerns the LaHave Manor Corporation, which is located near Fawson's home. They fear for the safety of their 66 clients and employees at the facility with the loss of lighting. Fawson says the lights have bothered him for many years.



The LaHave Manor Corporation is looking to have the lights reinstalled. Municipal staff will issue a report back to council providing options for a process to be followed.

Fay & Mayhew Win Evening Matches At Curling Championships

Chester's Mary Fay played giant killer last night at the M & M Canadian Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool. The team handed Alberta's Kelsey Rocque her first loss of the event, 6-3. The win gives Nova Scotia a 6-2 record, tied for second place with BC in the championship pool. Alberta leads at 7-1. The top three teams will advance to the weekend playoffs. Fay's next match is against 4-4 Saskatchewan this evening (Thursday) at 6:30.
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In the Mens division Nova Scotia's Robert Mayhew kept his playoff hopes alive with a convincing 10-5 win over Northern Ontario. The Windsor team has a 5-3 record, tied with four others for third place. Manitoba leads at 8-0 with New Brunswick next at 6-2. Mayhew battles unbeaten Manitoba this afternoon (Thursday) at 2 o'clock. All of today's draws are at Queens Place Emera Centre.