Architects Report on LCLC Ready

The architects report on the proposed Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre will be publicly unveiled today. Councils for the the Town of Bridgewater and Municipality of the District of Lunenburg will hold a joint meeting at 12:30 to receive and discuss the report. The initial concept for the 31.5 million dollar facility to be built on York Street included two ice surfaces, an aquatic centre and public library. Today's meeting which is open to the public is set for 12:30 in Council Chambers of Bridgewater Town Hall, 60 Pleasant Street.

Roundabout Landscaping

Town Council has been asked for its input on landscaping the inner circle of a proposed roundabout at North Street and Aberdeen Road.The design engineers explained it's an important part of the project and offers a show opportunity. The area will not be accessible to the public and will act as a visual buffer from allowing the travelling public to see the traffic on the other side of the roundabout. Also, the area will act as a safety barrier to prevent traffic from accidentally driving through the centre creating an accident. Mayor Carroll Publicover says it's important for the area to look attractive and be well maintained as it will be one of the main entrances into the Town.

Wilsons Gas Bar in Lunenburg

Another hurdle has been cleared in the proposal for a gas bar on Falkland Street in Lunenburg. Wilsons Fuel Company is planning to re-develop the existing location to include a Gas Stop Bar, convenience store and fast-food drive through restaurant. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says the Town commissioned a traffic study of the area before proceeding to amend the Land Use By-law to permit the development.
The traffic study determined access management would be better for the site as there are currently no restrictions. The public hearing will be held in the Lunenburg Court House, 6 p.m., March 23rd.

Assessment Appeal

Lunenburg Town Council is appealing the assessment of the new Provincial building on Green Street .The building was officially opened July 25th, 2008 with a final price tag of 6.6 million dollars. The estimated cost of the building when it was announced in August 2004 was 2 million dollars. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says Council is appealing the assessment this year because it does not reflect construction value. The building currently houses the regional offices of the Departments of Natural Resources, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Emergency Management and Health Promotion and Protection and

School Board By-election

The South Shore Regional School Board has set April 17th the date of a by-election. The District 9 seat is vacant following the passing of former Board member Wanda Bezanson who lost her battle with cancer earlier this month. Bezanson was a dedicated Board member for 19 years and served as Chair for 6 years. The deadline for nominations is March 23rd, with an advance polling date set for April 9th.

Bowl for Kids Sake

It will be a fun filled weekend at the Bowl for Kids Sake event for the South Shore. The Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization is hosting the 25th annual event to raise money for the program. Executive Director, Sandra Murray says it's a very exciting event for the area. For more information on Big Brothers, Big Sisters and on how you can become involved visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/southshore.

Weight Restrictions Next Week

Winter's not officially over but come Monday Spring weight restrictions for heavy trucks go into effect across the province. Milder temperatures mean provincial roads are more susceptible to damage from heavy trucks. The restrictions are usually removed in late April or early May. The weight restrictions will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. March 1st.

New Baptist Church Proposed

Almost three years ago Bridgewater Town Council approved a Development Agreement for a seniors assisted living facility and the future construction of a new Baptist Church. An application is now before Town Council to amend the agreement to permit for its construction . The proposal calls for a 28 thousand square foot church with a 500 seat sanctuary and stage area, 10 classrooms, 5 plus offices along with kitchen facilities and a 6 thousand square foot gymnasium. The church along with the Drumlin Hills housing facility would complete the proposed campus on Glen Allan Drive. Construction of a new Baptist Church could start as early as this construction season, however, the timeline will be largely dependent on continuing fundraising efforts.
A public participation meeting has been scheduled for March 17th in council chambers.

Geriatric Clinic for FMH

Beginning next month South Shore Health will provide a geriatric clinic at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital. C-E-O Alice Leverman says the clinic is a partnership between the QE-2 in Halifax and South Shore'Health's seniors team focusing on providieng support and intervention to seniors who really have the most complex health issues.Leverman says the idea is to provide as much assessment, early identification and intervention of strategies that will allow seniors to be maintained at home in their own commuity as effectively as possible.

Shelburne Arena Improvements

The Shelburne Arena is getting more than 37 thousand dollars in federal funding under the Recreational Infrastructure program. Improvements to the arena include upgrades to the electrical system, new floor rubber, structural repairs, a new dehumidifier and enhancements to the compressor. South Shore/St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy made the announcement yesterday afternoon following similar funding announcements earlier in the day for the Liverpool Curling Club and Greenfield Recreation Centre.

Recreation Cash for Queens County

Two Queen’s County recreational facilities will receive significant upgrades, as a result of federal funding. South Shore/St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced a combined investment of 20 thousand 78 dollars in support of the Liverpool Curling Club and the Greenfield Recreation Centre. The Liverpool Curling Club has received $9,800 to complete a series of repairs and upgrades including the installation of a new main door replacement of 150 feet of window sills; the installation of new insulation and vinyl siding and the purchase of new heaters for the ice shed. Improvements to the Greenfield Rec Centre include repairs to its roof, corner boards, gymnasium floor and siding; the installation of a new security system and an overhaul of the Centre’s softball field.
Federal funding for both projects is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure program,

Arrests made in cross burning incident

Two men have been arrested in the cross burning incident in Hants County. 20-year-old Nathan Neil Rehburg, and 19-year-old Justin Chad Rehburg are charged with Public Incitement of Hatred, Mischief- Enjoyment of Property and Uttering Threats.They were expected to appear in court this morning.

Mayor to Meet with Class Afloat

Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney will meet with Class Afloat officials today to discuss the schools future plans and ongoing role in the community. The group rents space at the Lunenburg Academy. Mawhinney says having all come through a very traumatic week in their lives Class Afloat are now looking at what the future will hold and will be doing an assessment of what their needs may be. He says the Town will be open to looking at ways to encourage them to continue with the excellent work they have done. Mawhinney says he's approaching the dialogue with an open mind and positive attitude
The tall ship S-V Concordia sank off Brazil last Wednesday. All 64 students and crew were rescued after spending up to 40 hours in the Atlantic.

Digital Mammography Unit for SSRH

South Shore Health is getting some new modern machinery thanks to funding by the province. CEO Alice Leverman says the District is one of 5 in the province that will be receiving funding for a new digital mammography unit. The 600 thousand dollar cost is being fully funded by the Department of Health. The District will spend an additional 50 thousand on renovations to the Diagnostic Imaging Department. The new machine is expected to be in operation next month. Meantime, a new CT scanner will be operational in April. The Department of Health has provided 1.1 million towards the purchase of the new scanner to replace the current 11 year old model. South Shore Health will be looking to the hospital foundations to help raise the difference in cost of an additional 92 thousand dollars.

Farmington Fire

Five fire departments were called to battle a blaze in Farmington which started before six p.m.last night. New Germany got the initial call to a house fire at 451 Charles Hill Road at 5:37pm. The structure was fully engulfed when they arrived. Tankers were called in from Northfield, Hemford, Cornwall and Springfield Fire Departments to assist New Germany. Bridgewater was on standby for the Northfield Fire Department. The Red Cross was also contacted to provide assistance to the family.

Shelburne Family Escapes Fire

A Shelburne family is being assisted by the Red Cross following a weekend fire that is being deemed suspicious. All three family members were asleep when the fire broke out in their duplex which was extensively damaged around 3 o'clock Sunday morning . They escaped without injury and are staying with relatives for now. Shelburne firefighters prevented flames from spreading to the other half of the duplex. An investigation is ongoing.
The Red Cross has provided personal-care items and covered the cost of emergency purchases of clothing and food.

Agricultural Review Public Hearing

Residents of Lunenburg and surrounding area are invited to
the Provincial Agricultural Review public meeting this Wednesday night.
It's one of a series of public meetings focusing on determining the future of Nova Scotia's agricultural lands. A brief presentation from the Agricultural Land Review Committee Chair, Richard Williams will open the public discussion. Wednesday's meeting is scheduled for 7 o'clock a the Lunenburg Fire Hall

New CT Scanner for South Shore Health

A new CT scanner should be up and running at South Shore Regional Hospital in April. South Shore Health CEO Alice Leverman says the Department of Health contributed 1.1 million to purchase a new machine to replace their current 11 year old scanner. The cost is a little bit in addition to the money given by government, so Leverman says they'll be looking to the hospital foundations for support in filling the gap of 92 thousand dollars.
The Health Department is also providing 600 thousand dollars for a new digital mammography unit for South Shore Health. That's expected to be in place in March.

New Town Street

He owned a tannery, a boot and shoe factory and mercantile store. Now he's being honoured with a street named after him. Bridgewater Town Council has approved the new street leading to the future Lawton's store be named Waterman Street. The recommendation was put forward by the Heritage Advisory Committee. J.E. Waterman and Company , later called Waterman Tanning Limited was located on Victoria Road. In 1871 the company employed 6 men and 1 woman. The original tannery was torn down in 1904 and rebuilt on the same site.

Grants Policy on Hold

Bridgewater Town Council will see another budget year go by without having established a "Grants to Organizations Policy". Mayor Carroll Publicover says its been kicked around more times than most footballs in the playgrounds of the county. He says in the end of it all, it may not be something that a policy solves.He says there's always an exception to the rule, and it might be an issue Council has to sit down and use its best judgement and decide how much is given to which group and for what purpose. Publicover says it wouldn't be fair to the people who have already submitted requests for grants to change the process at this stage. However, he says a policy will definately be in place for the next fiscal year.