Royal Tour: Public Events Planned For Halifax

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Canada. A special event is planned for today at the Halifax Public Gardens.



Below is a video of the motorcade carrying Prince Charles and his wife Camilla as they head off to a private function hosted by Govenor General David Johnston in Halifax.

Royal Tour: Prince Charles & Wife Camilla Arrive In Halifax

They rolled out the red carpet as Prince Charles and his wife Camilla touched down in Nova Scotia. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Halifax shortly after 6:30pm last night for the start of a four day visit to Canada. Public events will take place throughout Monday in Halifax. An official "Welcome" ceremony will be held in the city to start the day. Prince Charles will also plant a tree in Halifax Public Gardens. It will be rooted right next to a tree planted by his grandfather in 1939. That's when King George VI planted a tree to mark the Royal families first visit to Canada. Later in the day, Prince Charles and Camilla will be presented with three coins produced by the Royal Canadian Mint commemorating the 75th anniversary of the first visit by the Royal family to Canada. They will spend a portion of the day in Pictou County then move on to Prince Edward Island and finish their tour in Manitoba on Wednesday.(Photo: Justice Minister Peter MacKay, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage and Premier Stephen McNeil await arrival of members of the Royal family).

Here's CKBW/HANK FM's Steve MacArthur on the arrival on Prince Charles and Camilla

Award Created For Best Wines

The best in Nova Scotia wines will be recognized by the lieutenant governor's office. Wineries are being encourage to submit their very best wines to be considered for a new award. The award is called the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines. An independent panel of experts will select three to five wines as the best in the province. The winner will be picked through a blind selection. Winning wines will be announced in July and recognized at Government House in a special ceremony.

No Injuries After Major Fire At Milford Lodge

There has been a major fire in Annapolis County which has completely destroyed the historic Milford House Lodge. Roughly 75 firefighters responded early this morning. More than 20 cabins near the lodge had been rented out for the long weekend but there are no reported injuries. There had been a fire at Milford Lodge back in 2000 but it was then rebuilt.

Committee Appointed To Develop Dementia Strategy

Several health professionals and a family caregiver are among a large committee tasked with developing Nova Scotia's first strategy for people with dementia. The province has appointed 17 members to be part of the group. The executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, Lloyd Brown and Ruby Knowles, executive director of Continuing Care at the Department of Health and Wellness are the committee co-chairs. The dementia strategy initiative was first announced in January. It aims to improve access to services, provide support for caregivers, and ensure people affected by dementia can remain independent for as long as possible. The strategy will be delivered to the minister next spring.

Royal Tour: Prince Charles Makes First Halifax Stop In 30 years

It will mark his first visit to Halifax since 1983. Steve MacArthur is covering the Royal Tour.

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.

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.

Shelburne: ER Closures At Roseway Hospital

Some local residents could be forced to go to a different hospital over the Victoria Day long weekend. The emergency department at Roseway Hospital in Shelburne will be closed beginning at 7pm on Saturday. Emergency services will be available beginning at 8am Sunday morning. Meanwhile, a doctor will be available on Monday. The closure was caused by unexpected unavailability of a physician. Shelburne area residents requiring emergency services should visit the nearest open emergency department or collaborative health centre. The public is reminded to dial 911 in the case of a health emergency or 811 to speak to a registered nurse.

Kentville: Woman In Serious Condition After Violent Assault

A 50 year old man has been arrested following a pair of violent assaults in the Annapolis Valley. Police say a 41 year old woman has serious injuries after she was badly beat inside her home in Kentville. She needed to be transferred to hospital in Halifax for treatment. A 41 year old man - also at the home - suffered injuries but they were less serious. The incident happened around 10pm on Friday night. Mounties say charges will be laid in the near future.

N.B. Woman Killed In Water Mishap

A 66 year-old New Brunswick woman is dead after an incident on the water last night. The woman was using an inflatable dinghy in Marshville, Nova Scotia. Police say she got caught in the current and changing tides which began carrying her out into the Northumberland Strait. Fire crews, paramedics and the Canadian Coast Guard were each called in to help but by the time they located the woman she was unconscious. The woman - believed to be from Moncton - was later pronounced dead at a hospital in New Glasgow. Police in Pictou County are not releasing her name or any other details. They are trying to make sure the family has been notified.

Canadian Mint Remembers First Royal Visit

The Canadian Mint is out with three collector coins celebrating the first Royal visit to Canada in 1939. That's when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth began a 29 day visit across Canada. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the reigning monarchs first steps on Canadian soil. Mint spokesperson Alex Reeves says the stars aligned for the mint when they rolled out the coins just before another Royal visit.



The Princes and Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have stops planned in Nova Scotia, PEI and Manitoba over the next few days. They arrive in Halifax on Sunday evening.

Police: Don't Leave Pets In Vehicles In Warm Weather

Tis the season to not leave your pets unattended in vehicles. RCMP are asking motorists to leave their pets at home or at a neighbours house if they're travelling on a hot day. Sgt. Al LeBlanc says it doesn't take long before tragedy can strike.




Police encourage people to call them with a license plate number and vehicle description if they see a pet unattended in a vehicle.

Yamouth Ferry Completes Maiden Voyage

The NovaStar ferry has docked in Yarmouth following a successful maiden voyage from the United States. Passengers on the NovaStar were greeted in the town with music along with residents and town officials. The NovaStar left Portland last night and arrived at 8am this morning in Yarmouth. Mayor Pam Mood says it is something she will never forget. She called it a significant moment for the province. The new 161 metre ferry is expected to make daily round trips until November 22.

Lunenburg Fisheries Museum Of The Atlantic Re-Opens

A heritage hotspot in Lunenburg is set to re-open just in time for the long weekend. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic will open its doors Saturday after it was closed for several months while workers replaced the building's foundation with new concrete. The province's Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage made the announcement. Minister Tony Ince says it's an essential piece of Lunenburg's proud maritime heritage. The majority of exhibit space will be open as well as the restaurant and gift shop. The In-Shore Fisheries section will be closed while workers put the interior back together. However, there is expected to be minimal disruption for visitors. Over the next few weeks, some of the larger exhibits and boats will be put back into the museum. The museum will have about 6,000 square feet of additional exhibit space when work is completed later this summer.

New Stamps Celebrate UNESCO Heritage Sites

Canada Post is revealing five stamps celebrating our country's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They will feature two Nova Scotia sites - including Old Town Lunenburg, the Grand Pre landscape. Others sites to be recognized in a new stamp include Rideau Canal in Ontario, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Alberta and SGang Gway in BC. The stamps will be available in books of six. There are 17 World Heritage Sites in Canada. The site are considered by the World Heritage Committee to be of outstanding cultural or natural important.

Cole Harbour: Teen Stabbed Near High School

An 18 year old man is recovering after a stabbing at a high school in Cole Harbour. Police say it happened during an altercation at Auburn Drive High School yesterday afternoon. The teenager was stabbed in the leg and has minor injuries. A 17 year-old left the area before polce arrived. Police say they haven't been able to locate the man believed to be from East Preston. However, they say the two teenagers know each other.

Baseball: Bulldogs Gear Up For Selects Tournament

Some of the top under-15 baseball players are coming to Bridgewater next weekend. They're in town for Baseball Nova Scotia's selects tournament. Six teams will compete including the host Bridgewater Bulldogs, Halifax Braves, Tri-County Rangers, Dartmouth Arrows, Woodlawn Wildcats and Hammonds Plains A's. Games begin next Friday night, with the championship game held at 3pm on May 25th.

New Business Network Picks Up Support

Another South Shore municipal unit will join a new group striving to support small and local businesses. The Municipality of Shulburne will join the Regional Enterprise Network 2. The network also consists of the Region of Queens. The province is hoping to see six REN's formed in Nova Scotia. It's in response to the dissolution of Regional Development Authorities. The REN will consist of a business person from each municipal unit along with an elected official. All members will provide equal annual funding to support the network.

Weekend: 7 Provincial Parks Set To Open

It's the unofficial kick off to the camping season - and seven provincial parks are set to open for visitors. Some of the parks that will open beginning today, include Graves Island and Rissers Beach in Lunenburg County. Upgrades at Graves Island will give campers more water and electricity serviced sites and a new main office. Thomas Raddal in Queens County, Porters Lake in Halifax and Ellenwood Lake in Yarmouth County are each set to open as well. The remaining parks will welcome guests in June. Campers should remember dogs need to be on a leash and alcohol is not allowed in any park before June 2.

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.

Older Moms Want To Stay In Own Homes

On this Mothers Day, it seems many aging moms would prefer to stay at home, live independently, cook meals, clean and do gardening work. Those thoughts result from a new national survey of mothers who are approaching retirement. Jackie Hickey of Bayshore Healthcare in Toronto says many moms could care less about pricey flowers, gifts or restaurant meals.



Hickey suggests the best Mothers Day gift for older moms on their special day is to take the whole family to her place, roll up the sleaves, help her cook dinner and dig in the garden beside her. About a thousand aging Canadian mothers were questioned for the survey.

Yarmouth Ready To Welcome First Ferry Passengers

Final touches are being made in Yarmouth to the town's downtown area as the May 15th startup date for the ferry service to Maine approaches. Mayor Pam Mood says with federal and provincial financial help and the work of townsfolk, the town is ready to showcase itself once again.



The NovaStar arrives in Yarmouth from Portland, Maine with its first passengers and vehicles at 8 o'clock Thursday morning.

Health Care Reform & Labour Designation Doesn't Mix Well With Labour Federation

Nova Scotia's Federation of Labour is calling upon the McNeil government to back off on its efforts to settle union issues surrounding health care reform. President Rick Clarke accuses the government of creating chaos in the system. He says unions have created a plan for health care workers to remain with their current union.
However, Clarke says the government seems intent on imposing its own plan.



Clarke is urging the government to allow unions to represent their members without interference and spend more time and energy instead on fixing problems in the health care system.

Former South Shore MLA Helping Bridgetown Through Dissolution

A former cabinet minister and South Shore MLA will lead a town in the Annapolis Valley through dissolution. Council in Bridgetown voted in March to drop its town status and join the Municipality of Annapolis County. A declining population and loss of jobs were cited as reasons for the move. Allister Surette has been appointed to transition Bridgetown through the process. Surette was the MLA for Argyle from 1993 to 1998 and served a Minister of Human Resources. He is now the president of Sainte-Anne's University. Municipal Affairs Minister and Lunenburg West MLA Mark Furey made the appointment official earlier today. The dissolution process is expected to be complete by April 1, 2015.

NS: Teenager, 14, Charged With Impaired Driving

A 14 year old has been charged with impaired driving after a crash in Antigonish County. The teenager was caught after he put the car in a ditch on Highway 245 in Clydesdale. Mounties say the boy was not injured and was the only person in the vehicle. He's facing charges of impaired driving and taking a vehicle without consent. Mounties are still gathering details on the matter. The teen will appear in youth court in July.

The Legacy of Westray

Today is the anniversary of the Westray mine disaster in Pictou County. On May 9th, 1992, 26 coal miners died in the worst mining incident in the country since Springhill in 1958. Years later with the passing of Bill C-45 - known as the Westray Bill - in 2004, Canada has some of the strongest health and safety laws in the world. However, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke says they're not used enough nor fully embraced.



Clarke says its time to send a strong message to employers that the health and safety of their workers is their top priority. To date, there has not been a single prosecution under the legislation.

Baillie Calls For Marketing Bowater Land Wood

Nearly two years since the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Nova Scotia's Queens County closed, there is still no word on what will become of all the forest land aquired by the province. With the US housing market on the comeback and the demand for cut lumber rising, Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie is urging the government to aggressively market the wood.



Baillie says everyone accepts the decline of the world newsprint market but he says there's no excuse to pursuing markets for other wood products such as lumber. He says it would boost the economy of the area and create jobs.

Day To Remember Canadian Veterans Of Afghanistan

Today is a National Day of Honor, recognizing Canadian Forces men and women who served in Afghanistan. On the South Shore, Legion branches and the 14 Construction Engineering Squadron will hold a service this afternoon at the cenotaph at Veterans Memorial Park in Bridgewater. Captain Norm Clancy of the Engineers says its important to recognize the service and sacrifices of Canadians in Afghanistan, even though it was a small war compared to others in the past.



Today's service in Bridgewater begins at 1:45pm. It'll be held at the same time as the National service in Ottawa.

International & Aboriginal Students To Benefit From Universities Projects

A series of new projects will launch at Nova Scotia universities designed to attract international and aboriginal students. Education Minister Kelly Regan has announced $5 million in funding for nine different projects that will help recruit and support new students. The money will also help create an easier application process for students through an online application portal and electronic transcript system. Cape Breton, Saint Mary's and Acadia will study ways to create a Nova Scotia-China learning campus to offer local academic programs in China. Meanwhile, Kings College will pilot a new approach gear toward students from the United Stated. The money for the projects is funneled through the Excellence and Innovation Fund.

Fishermen's ER Closed Most Of The Weekend

The emergency department at the hospital in Lunenburg will be closed for most of the weekend. The ER will not be staffed beginning tonight at 7:30pm. South Shore Health says it's due to the unavailability of a doctor. It will reopen on Sunday morning at 7:30am. Residents that live near the hospital and need urgent medical attention should dial 9-1-1 or go to the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Gas Prices Substantially Lower

As predicted, gas prices are lower this morning at South Shore pumps and even lower than expected. Regular self serve is down 5 cents to $1.38.1 per litre. High test is down the same to $1.47.1. Diesel has fallen by 2.5 cents a litre and is selling at many locations for $1.35.1.

Softball: Season Kicks Off Tonight

The summer softball season in Lunenburg County kicks off tonight. The popular co-ed league gets underway tonight in Dayspring. The "BMI Freaks" will be looking to defend their title in the mixed league. The women's league will begin Monday. Eight teams make up the league which is set to enter its third season. Last season, the Pitch Slappers won the league championship over the Lady Alers. The men's season begins on Tuesday. There are seven teams in the league this year. The Apple Auto Glass Impact will be looking to defend their title after winning the league in October last season over the Assassins. The opening of the season was delayed because of poor weather.