The Department of Natural Resources is closing trails as a safety precaution on the abandoned rail corridor in Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis and Kings counties. Because of the significant amount of rainfall in the past few days bridges, culverts and the corridor are in danger of sustaining structural damage. The closure includes all sections of the 750-kilometre rail corridor that are under development agreements with local trail groups and undeveloped sections of the corridor. The rail corridor will remain closed until it passes inspections by Department of Natural Resources staff and local trail groups.Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Trails Closed for Safety Precaution
The Department of Natural Resources is closing trails as a safety precaution on the abandoned rail corridor in Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis and Kings counties. Because of the significant amount of rainfall in the past few days bridges, culverts and the corridor are in danger of sustaining structural damage. The closure includes all sections of the 750-kilometre rail corridor that are under development agreements with local trail groups and undeveloped sections of the corridor. The rail corridor will remain closed until it passes inspections by Department of Natural Resources staff and local trail groups.
MP Keddy Makes Funding Announcements
Fittingly enough a funding announcement for the New Ross Legion will be made on Remembrance Day. South Shore/St. Margaret's MP, Gerald Keddy will provide the details during the event which is slated for 5 p.m. Thursday, November 11th at the Legion in New Ross. There will also be an awards presentation for Legion members followed by a dinner.On Friday morning at 10 a.m., Keddy will make another announcement regarding seniors funding at the Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum in Maplewood.
Lee Nauss Named Deputy-Mayor of MODL
Beach Infrastructure, Cape Sable Island
Cape Sable Island celebrated the official re-opening of South Side Beach on Wednesday, (November 10th). Important improvements to the beach infrastructure were made possible thanks to support from the Government of Canada. South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced an investment of more than 11 thousand dollars from ACOA. The investment covers beach infrastructure improvements at the popular tourism and bird-watching area. Additional funding is coming from the Municipality of the District of Barrington, the Town of Clark's Harbour, international conservation group Cape Sable Important Bird Area, and Sable Fish Packers Limited.
OIL SLICK
Emergency officials are advising motorists to use caution when driving along trunk 3.
An unknown vehicle leaked hydraulic fluid along the highway leading down the 332 in Riverport, causing slippery road conditions.
Emergency officials are now applying sand to alleviate the problem.
An unknown vehicle leaked hydraulic fluid along the highway leading down the 332 in Riverport, causing slippery road conditions.
Emergency officials are now applying sand to alleviate the problem.
VETERAN FIGHTS BACK
A South Shore Veteran says he's not the only one the federal government left out in the cold.
Last Saturday, Craig Leonard and a dozen protesters stood in a torrential downpour outside M-P Gerald Keddy's Bridgewater office to demand better benefits for wounded soldiers .
The MP for South Shore-St.Margarets had promised to face their concerns on the picket line that day but never showed.
Leonard says the government has neglected veterans affairs and forgotten its soldiers.
"The thousand dollars a month, taxable, ends at age sixty five, the seventy-five percent long-term disability ends at age sixty five, Service and Canada Pensions disability pensions are reduced at age sixty-five. So what then? Are veterans to go to the food banks, are they to go on the streets?" says Leonard.
Leonard was one of thousands nationwide who protested the Harper Governments New Veterans Charter last weekend.
Last Saturday, Craig Leonard and a dozen protesters stood in a torrential downpour outside M-P Gerald Keddy's Bridgewater office to demand better benefits for wounded soldiers .
The MP for South Shore-St.Margarets had promised to face their concerns on the picket line that day but never showed.
Leonard says the government has neglected veterans affairs and forgotten its soldiers.
"The thousand dollars a month, taxable, ends at age sixty five, the seventy-five percent long-term disability ends at age sixty five, Service and Canada Pensions disability pensions are reduced at age sixty-five. So what then? Are veterans to go to the food banks, are they to go on the streets?" says Leonard.
Leonard was one of thousands nationwide who protested the Harper Governments New Veterans Charter last weekend.
NEW PARK FOR MAHONE BAY
The Town of Mahone Bay is hoping some new signs will keep loud music, bad language and drinking away from the waterfront.
The greenspace along Edgewater street and the Harbour, from the "Young Teazer" property, to the Lutheran Church grounds, is now an official park.
Mayor Joe Feeny says council created "Edgewater Park" to help provide leverage to police.
Feeny says new signs will give the town constable more leverage when patrolling the known party spot.
The park will now be closed to the public from 11pm to 5am.
The greenspace along Edgewater street and the Harbour, from the "Young Teazer" property, to the Lutheran Church grounds, is now an official park.
Mayor Joe Feeny says council created "Edgewater Park" to help provide leverage to police.
Feeny says new signs will give the town constable more leverage when patrolling the known party spot.
The park will now be closed to the public from 11pm to 5am.
STIFFER CONSEQUENCES FOR DRUNK DRIVERS
New provincial laws will have drunk drivers facing stiffer consequences.
If found driving with a blood alcohol level between 50 and 80 milligrams, you could face a seven day suspension of your licence, and over 600 dollars in re-reinstatement fees.
Drivers who blow over 80 milligrams will face a three month suspension, and if convicted, at least one-thousand dollars in court fees.
RCMP will start doing road checks right away under the new regulations.
HIGHWAY 3 BRIDGE COLLAPSES NEAR YARMOUTH
A bridge over one of two main highways in southwestern Nova Scotia collapsed last night when powerful floodwaters caused by days of heavy rain broke a support column.
No one was believed to be on the 20-metre bridge over Highway 3 near Yarmouth when it fell into the Tusket River.
R-C-M-P Sergeant Michel Lacroix says it's believed that the force of flood waters took out the structure.
The bridge is downstream from a Nova Scotia Power dam that officials have been watching nervously for days for signs of possible breaches.
No one was believed to be on the 20-metre bridge over Highway 3 near Yarmouth when it fell into the Tusket River.
R-C-M-P Sergeant Michel Lacroix says it's believed that the force of flood waters took out the structure.
The bridge is downstream from a Nova Scotia Power dam that officials have been watching nervously for days for signs of possible breaches.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Centre Jail to be Demolished
Sewer Hook-Up Request
The Municipality of Lunenburg is taking a two prong approach regarding a request from 14 residents on Shore Road who want to hook into the Town of Lunenburg's wastewater treatment plant. MODL Mayor Don Downe says Council approved a recommendation to ask the Department of Environment for a capacity and efficiency report for the treatment plant. As well, the Municipality will advise the Town to prepare a Call for Proposals for a Feasibility Study and ask that the Municipality's assistant engineer have input into the Scope of Work. Downe says there's no commitment of any expenditure at this point in time, simply to take a look at the terms of reference of what the agreement would be between the Town and Municipality.
Health Information Protected
Nova Scotians can feel confident that their personal health information will be better protected. The government introduced a new Personal Health Information Act in the House of Assembly today (November 9th). Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says the legislation will allow for information sharing and support better care, while better protecting patient privacy. Rules for sharing patient lists with hospital foundations remain unchanged. The minister says that while foundations do important work, government must ensure that patients are not contacted for fundraising purposes without their consent.Nova Scotia joins eight other provinces with comprehensive legislation to manage personal health information.
COUNCIL PUTS THE BRAKES ON NEW PARKING BY-LAW
The Town of Bridgewater is moving a proposed parking by-law to the back seat.
The planning document will be shelved indefinitely as town councillors and staff continue consultation with King Street merchants.
Mayor Carroll Publicover says changes in parking can improve business and change the face of a community.
" King Streets, Main Streets across this province are vital to the lifeblood to of their communities...And we've been ill for a long time on King street. We're getting better but we still have a long way still to go," says Publicover.
The draft policy would allow for two-hour parking instead of the current one-hour policy.
The planning document will be shelved indefinitely as town councillors and staff continue consultation with King Street merchants.
Mayor Carroll Publicover says changes in parking can improve business and change the face of a community.
" King Streets, Main Streets across this province are vital to the lifeblood to of their communities...And we've been ill for a long time on King street. We're getting better but we still have a long way still to go," says Publicover.
The draft policy would allow for two-hour parking instead of the current one-hour policy.
COUNCIL DOOR CLOSED TO HOUSING COMANY
The Town Of Bridgewater doesn't like to mix business with council.
Town council has refused to provide promotional and community support to one Nova Scotia company.
"BFree Homes" is a consultation service that helps homeowners get the most out of energy audits by recommending what improvements should be made.
Mayor Carroll Publicover moved to have the Engineering and Sustainability departments take a look at their proposal.
He was outvoted in council "6-1".
"Just because a company makes that is can't do also a vital community role. What I understood from them is that they were going help facilitate groups of citizens who need energy upgrades in their homes and helping by means of volume purchasing get better quality and quantity," says Publicover.
Councillors voted at last night's regular monthly meeting.
Town council has refused to provide promotional and community support to one Nova Scotia company.
"BFree Homes" is a consultation service that helps homeowners get the most out of energy audits by recommending what improvements should be made.
Mayor Carroll Publicover moved to have the Engineering and Sustainability departments take a look at their proposal.
He was outvoted in council "6-1".
"Just because a company makes that is can't do also a vital community role. What I understood from them is that they were going help facilitate groups of citizens who need energy upgrades in their homes and helping by means of volume purchasing get better quality and quantity," says Publicover.
Councillors voted at last night's regular monthly meeting.
RED CROSS SETS UP SHELTERS FOR EVACUEES
The Canadian Red Cross is maintaining shelters or comfort centres in areas of southwest Nova Scotia where municipalities have declared states of local emergency due to flooding and may have evacuation orders in place.
However, most of the affected residents have remained in their homes, or have made their own arrangements to stay with family or friends in safer areas.
Comfort centres are set up for people to pass the time in safety, have access to electricity and water, and may receive periodic updates from municipal authorities.
Shelters are equipped by the Red Cross with cots, blankets and other items for overnight stays for evacuees who have nowhere else to go.
There's a Canadian Red Cross shelter at the recreation centre in Hebron, and comfort centres at Club des Audacieux in Quinan and at the Lake Vaughn fire hall in Tusket.
While about 120 households have received evacuation notices and some have made daytime use of reception centres, none have required overnight stays in shelters.
However, most of the affected residents have remained in their homes, or have made their own arrangements to stay with family or friends in safer areas.
Comfort centres are set up for people to pass the time in safety, have access to electricity and water, and may receive periodic updates from municipal authorities.
Shelters are equipped by the Red Cross with cots, blankets and other items for overnight stays for evacuees who have nowhere else to go.
There's a Canadian Red Cross shelter at the recreation centre in Hebron, and comfort centres at Club des Audacieux in Quinan and at the Lake Vaughn fire hall in Tusket.
While about 120 households have received evacuation notices and some have made daytime use of reception centres, none have required overnight stays in shelters.
LUNENBURG-QUEENS-SHELBURNE ROADS CLOSED
A number of Lunenburg County roads are closed this morning because of flooding.
Here's the list...
Trunk 10 from Feeners Corner Intersection to Goose Chase Road.
Hanes Road.
Lower Branch Road from Osborne Road to Trunk 10.
Veinot Road from Osborne to Trunk 10.
Trunk 10 end of McKeen Road.
Chester Grant Road.
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In Queens County ...
-- Corkum Road,at Minard Brook bridge between Grafton and West Caledonia is closed.
-- Medway River Road, at Deans Brook to Buggy Hole in Bangs Falls
-- Westfield Road, at both bridge locations
-- Old Westfield Road
-- Murley Road
-- Trunk 8, between South Brookfield and Caledonia
And in Shelburne County:
-- Upper Clyde Road (West End by Bloody Creek)
-- Back Lake Road bridge, Upper Ohio
Here's the list...
Trunk 10 from Feeners Corner Intersection to Goose Chase Road.
Hanes Road.
Lower Branch Road from Osborne Road to Trunk 10.
Veinot Road from Osborne to Trunk 10.
Trunk 10 end of McKeen Road.
Chester Grant Road.
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In Queens County ...
-- Corkum Road,at Minard Brook bridge between Grafton and West Caledonia is closed.
-- Medway River Road, at Deans Brook to Buggy Hole in Bangs Falls
-- Westfield Road, at both bridge locations
-- Old Westfield Road
-- Murley Road
-- Trunk 8, between South Brookfield and Caledonia
And in Shelburne County:
-- Upper Clyde Road (West End by Bloody Creek)
-- Back Lake Road bridge, Upper Ohio
NS PREMIER TO INSPECT FLOOD DAMAGE
Premier Darrell Dexter will travel to the Barrington, Shelburne and Yarmouth areas tomorrow for a first-hand look at the flood damage.
Speaking at the legislature last night, Dexter says flooding will remain an immediate concern for the next day or so as the runoff from swollen lakes and rivers crests.
The premier says it will likely take weeks for provincial infrastructure officials to assess the extent of the damage.
He says officials will prioritize the needs of various communities and quickly put in place temporary solutions before looking at longer-term replacements for damaged bridges and dams.
Dexter says it's likely the damage will surpass that suffered by the remote Cape Breton community of Meat Cove.
Rain and flash flooding in August caused an estimated 7.2 (m) million dollars in damage to roads, bridges, culverts and homes in that village.
Speaking at the legislature last night, Dexter says flooding will remain an immediate concern for the next day or so as the runoff from swollen lakes and rivers crests.
The premier says it will likely take weeks for provincial infrastructure officials to assess the extent of the damage.
He says officials will prioritize the needs of various communities and quickly put in place temporary solutions before looking at longer-term replacements for damaged bridges and dams.
Dexter says it's likely the damage will surpass that suffered by the remote Cape Breton community of Meat Cove.
Rain and flash flooding in August caused an estimated 7.2 (m) million dollars in damage to roads, bridges, culverts and homes in that village.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Ground Search & Rescues Get Communications Upgrade
Nova Scotians and search volunteers will soon be even safer thanks to a new project to upgrade Ground Search and Rescue voice communications. A 1.3-million dollar federal grant from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat New Initiative Fund will provide all search and rescue volunteers in Nova Scotia with updated, standardized handheld communications equipment. Emergency Management Minister Ramona Jennex says Ground Search and Rescue teams are there for Nova Scotians when they are in desperate trouble. She says these new radios will help find people more quickly, and help ensure the safety of the ground search and rescue teams. The grant also includes funding for a project co-ordinator.
UPDATED ROAD CLOSURES (5PM, MON.NOV.8)
A number of South Shore roads are closed because of flooding.LUNENBURG COUNTY;
--Trunk 10, through Pinehurst area from Feeners Corner Road to Goose Chase Road (Detour route is Feeners Corner Road to Northfield Road to Goose Chase Road)
QUEENS COUNTY
--Rosette Road closed between Harlow and Moose Pit --Old Westfield Road, intermittently closed between Trunk 8 in Harmony to Westfield at MacGowan Lake
SHELBURNE COUNTY:
--Back Hill Road
--Upper Clyde Road West
--Upper Clyde Road East (Local traffic only at the Hemlock Branch Bridge)
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The Municipality of Lunenburg is urging the public to stay away from walking routes as they many be unsafe, flooded and washed-out.
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Local emergency officials are cautioning people to keep a watch on their properties as water levels continue to rise along the Lahave River and in Petite Riviere. Heather Mackenzie-Carey, the regional emergency management coordinator for Lunenburg County says road and water systems are being monitored. Carey reminds residents who have wells in flooded areas they should consider the need to test their water supply to ensure it has not been contaminated.
QUEENS COUNTY ROAD CLOSURES
Several roads in Queens County are now inaccessible.
County RCMP and Emergency Measures have closed several roads in the region due to high water levels.
The Old Westfield Road and the Westfield Road between the Bridges,
The Murley Road, the Corkum Road, The Medway River Road at Deans Brook are all closed. Highway Eight is also closed for smaller vehicles at the Hunts flat area.
Sections of the River Road in Milton area are also closed.
RCMP are reminding the public to be aware that as water levels rise more roads could be effected and to use extra caution during this time.
County RCMP and Emergency Measures have closed several roads in the region due to high water levels.
The Old Westfield Road and the Westfield Road between the Bridges,
The Murley Road, the Corkum Road, The Medway River Road at Deans Brook are all closed. Highway Eight is also closed for smaller vehicles at the Hunts flat area.
Sections of the River Road in Milton area are also closed.
RCMP are reminding the public to be aware that as water levels rise more roads could be effected and to use extra caution during this time.
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