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.