Bear River & Area Community Health ClinicClinic Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pmEmail: bear.riverclinic@ns.sympatico.caWebsite: bearriverandareaclinic.caPhone: 467-3611Fax: 467-3339
June 2010Acupuncture – Traditional Chinese Acupuncture by Joe Kubinec. Traditional Chinese Acupuncture by JoeKubinec is available on Wednesdays unless otherwise posted. This treatment is good for back pain,arthritis, menopause, headaches, insomnia, stop smoking and many other conditions. Appointments arebooked through the Clinic.
Audiology – Neil Hackett is in every other Friday to help with your hearing needs. Please call 1-866-299-2016 to book appointment.BodyTalk System –Jocelyn incorporates balancing techniques using muscle testing. Your body determineshealing priorities. Book appointments through the Clinic. For further information call Jocelyn at467-0771 or visit www.bodytalksystem.com
Counselling/Clinical Hypnotherapy – Gayle Allen is in once a month, beginning the 18thof this month, tohelp you with a great number of concerns. Call the Clinic to book appointments and for more info.You can also call Gayle for more info at 526-2850.
Electrolysis – Ronda Best is in once a month for all your hair removal needs. Call 1-902-791-0953 formore information or to book your appointment.Esthetics –Charlene Decker is in monthly for waxing, manicures and pedicures. To book an appointmentor for more information, call 1-902-362-2137.
Juniper House Outreach – Lori is available to see clients at our Clinic. Please call 245-4789 to book yourappointment.
Physician Services – Dr. Roy Harding is seeing patients by appointment only. Due to high patientnumbers, Dr. Harding has had to limit his practice to those he has already seen here at our Clinic.
Senior Services – Nurse Practitioner, Dianne Corbett, RN specializes in concerns specific to the elderly,such as memory loss, complicated medical conditions and poor coordination/balance. For moreinformation or to book an appointment, call the Clinic.
Note: Times and dates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
You are invited…Ladies’ Prayer Meeting at theAdvent Christian ChurchThursdays at 10:30 amAll are welcome!Remember:If you have time to worry about ityou have time to pray about it
Relay for LifeJoin us at the Digby Baseball Diamond at 7:00 pmfor the Relay for Life 2010 events.Thanks to all who sponsored or donated to theB.R.A. CHiCs.We will be walking from 7 pm Friday night todaybreak Saturday morning.Luminaries will be lit at 10:00 pmBoard meetings are the first Tuesday of each month and are open to the public.Please note the Board does not meet in July and August.
NOTICE: The Board of Directors for the Bear River & Area Community Health Clinic is in need of newBoard Members. Please consider getting involved in decisions about our Community’s health!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Fire and Injury In Lequille on Friday
Blogger's Note: The Annapolis Choir's concert in Annapolis Royal Friday evening had extra accompaniment to the vocal performance. Many barely muted sirens and wails and the sound of lumbering heavy vehicles told of another event taking place in the area. It was worrisome, wondering what emergency was taking place nearby, and if anyone was in peril. Indeed there was.
Valley fire victim critically burned
Landlord lauded as hero for pulling man from blaze
By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE Staff Reporter
Sun. May 30 - 4:53 AM
A Bell Aliant technician works Saturday to repair telephone service knocked out by a house fire at 94 Old Trunk 8 in Lequille, Annapolis County, on Friday night. All that remained of the home was a pile of burnt rubble. Reports say a man who was renting the home was pulled from the flames by the owner of the property, who lives nearby. (Bill Roberts )
A burn victim is in hospital in Halifax and his landlord is being praised for pulling him out of an Annapolis County house fire Friday evening.
The victim, who is in his early 60s, is in critical condition after sustaining injuries in the blaze that destroyed the home he was renting in Lequille, an RCMP spokesman said Saturday.
Const. Dale Guy said the man was saved by his landlord, and friend, who pulled him from harm’s way at risk to his own safety.
Television news identified the rescuer as Kevin Daniels.
The officer told CTV News the dramatic rescue occurred under harsh, frightening conditions.
It happened at about 7:30 p.m. in a house at 94 Old Trunk 8.
Guy said the rescuer "quickly ran maybe 150 feet (45 metres) to the burning structure, checked inside (and) found the victim lying on the floor. Through a hail of smoke and flame (he) went inside and pulled him" from the fully engulfed home.
Daniels made it out unharmed, CTV reported.
Neighbour, Janet Berry, said it didn’t take long for the home to burn.
"The whole house was engulfed in flames — there was black smoke everywhere," Berry told CTV.
She said "for (Daniels) to actually go in there and pull him out to safety was amazing."
Another neighbour, Joanne Nash, said she lives two doors away but was at work at the time of the fire.
"When I came home from work (Friday) night there were a few fire trucks still up there and that was after midnight," she told The Chronicle Herald.
Nash said the small, two-storey house was one of the older properties in the area.
"I knew what had happened before (returning home) because you could see the fire trucks going by from where I work, and then one of the nurses that came in said the house was on fire," Nash, who works at a nursing home, said.
Guy said the victim was taken to a local hospital and then transferred to the burn unit at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre. He said the man "has severe burns to the upper portion of his body."
The victim’s name hasn’t been released by police.
Nash said remnants of the gutted home are in a debris pile at the fire scene.
"When I went by it (Saturday) morning the house was still standing, but it was totally burnt. When I came back this evening, the house was down — somebody tore it right down today."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
( mlightstone@herald.ca)
Valley fire victim critically burned
Landlord lauded as hero for pulling man from blaze
By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE Staff Reporter
Sun. May 30 - 4:53 AM
A Bell Aliant technician works Saturday to repair telephone service knocked out by a house fire at 94 Old Trunk 8 in Lequille, Annapolis County, on Friday night. All that remained of the home was a pile of burnt rubble. Reports say a man who was renting the home was pulled from the flames by the owner of the property, who lives nearby. (Bill Roberts )
A burn victim is in hospital in Halifax and his landlord is being praised for pulling him out of an Annapolis County house fire Friday evening.
The victim, who is in his early 60s, is in critical condition after sustaining injuries in the blaze that destroyed the home he was renting in Lequille, an RCMP spokesman said Saturday.
Const. Dale Guy said the man was saved by his landlord, and friend, who pulled him from harm’s way at risk to his own safety.
Television news identified the rescuer as Kevin Daniels.
The officer told CTV News the dramatic rescue occurred under harsh, frightening conditions.
It happened at about 7:30 p.m. in a house at 94 Old Trunk 8.
Guy said the rescuer "quickly ran maybe 150 feet (45 metres) to the burning structure, checked inside (and) found the victim lying on the floor. Through a hail of smoke and flame (he) went inside and pulled him" from the fully engulfed home.
Daniels made it out unharmed, CTV reported.
Neighbour, Janet Berry, said it didn’t take long for the home to burn.
"The whole house was engulfed in flames — there was black smoke everywhere," Berry told CTV.
She said "for (Daniels) to actually go in there and pull him out to safety was amazing."
Another neighbour, Joanne Nash, said she lives two doors away but was at work at the time of the fire.
"When I came home from work (Friday) night there were a few fire trucks still up there and that was after midnight," she told The Chronicle Herald.
Nash said the small, two-storey house was one of the older properties in the area.
"I knew what had happened before (returning home) because you could see the fire trucks going by from where I work, and then one of the nurses that came in said the house was on fire," Nash, who works at a nursing home, said.
Guy said the victim was taken to a local hospital and then transferred to the burn unit at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre. He said the man "has severe burns to the upper portion of his body."
The victim’s name hasn’t been released by police.
Nash said remnants of the gutted home are in a debris pile at the fire scene.
"When I went by it (Saturday) morning the house was still standing, but it was totally burnt. When I came back this evening, the house was down — somebody tore it right down today."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
( mlightstone@herald.ca)
Labels:
Annapolis County fire Lequille
The EDC Says...
NS: Nova Scotia will lead nation in export growth, says EDC
By Jennifer Taplin, Metro Halifax
Source: Metro Halifax, May 27, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — Nova Scotia’s exports will not only rebound but outperform the rest of the country by next year, according to Export Development Canada (EDC).
The EDC is predicting a 12 per cent growth for this province’s exporters and 17 per cent growth in 2011, which is better than any other province. Nova Scotia’s exports shrunk by 26 per cent in 2009.
“Nova Scotia’s strong performance is based on improved demand from the United States, which translates into a broad-based rebound of Nova Scotia’s main export sectors including natural gas, fish, tires, and newsprint,” said Peter Hall, EDC’s chief economist, in a release yesterday. “Natural gas exports in particular will drive the province’s exceptional export growth in 2011.”
He’s predicting the energy sector will grow 21 per cent this year and a whopping 57 per cent in 2011.
But this province’s biggest export sector remains agrifood, which has less impressive growth numbers (two per cent in 2010 and eight per cent in 2011).
“Although EDC does not anticipate a dramatic rebound in prices for lobster or crab, ground fish, herring and shrimp stocks have remained stable and crab has increased,” Hall said.
Earlier this month, Clearwater Seafoods reported first-quarter sales of $62.7 million. The company, one of the big exporters in the HRM, said strong volumes, price increases and lower costs helped to offset the impact of a high Canadian dollar.
It should also be a busy year for the Michelin plant in Waterville. Hall said high sales activity together with low inventory levels will drive demand for tire exports.
“As a result, we expect the Michelin plant should operate at full capacity starting this year,” he said.
Growth on the rise:
• Canadian exports are expected to grow by 11 per cent in 2010 and 7.6 per cent in 2011.
• National economic growth is expected to hit 2.5 per cent growth this year and 2.9 per cent next year.
• Globally, economies are expected to grow by 3.7.
By Jennifer Taplin, Metro Halifax
Source: Metro Halifax, May 27, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — Nova Scotia’s exports will not only rebound but outperform the rest of the country by next year, according to Export Development Canada (EDC).
The EDC is predicting a 12 per cent growth for this province’s exporters and 17 per cent growth in 2011, which is better than any other province. Nova Scotia’s exports shrunk by 26 per cent in 2009.
“Nova Scotia’s strong performance is based on improved demand from the United States, which translates into a broad-based rebound of Nova Scotia’s main export sectors including natural gas, fish, tires, and newsprint,” said Peter Hall, EDC’s chief economist, in a release yesterday. “Natural gas exports in particular will drive the province’s exceptional export growth in 2011.”
He’s predicting the energy sector will grow 21 per cent this year and a whopping 57 per cent in 2011.
But this province’s biggest export sector remains agrifood, which has less impressive growth numbers (two per cent in 2010 and eight per cent in 2011).
“Although EDC does not anticipate a dramatic rebound in prices for lobster or crab, ground fish, herring and shrimp stocks have remained stable and crab has increased,” Hall said.
Earlier this month, Clearwater Seafoods reported first-quarter sales of $62.7 million. The company, one of the big exporters in the HRM, said strong volumes, price increases and lower costs helped to offset the impact of a high Canadian dollar.
It should also be a busy year for the Michelin plant in Waterville. Hall said high sales activity together with low inventory levels will drive demand for tire exports.
“As a result, we expect the Michelin plant should operate at full capacity starting this year,” he said.
Growth on the rise:
• Canadian exports are expected to grow by 11 per cent in 2010 and 7.6 per cent in 2011.
• National economic growth is expected to hit 2.5 per cent growth this year and 2.9 per cent next year.
• Globally, economies are expected to grow by 3.7.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Deforestation Prevention Funding
Rich countries pledge $4B to stop deforestation
By IAN MacDOUGALL (AP) – 2 days ago
OSLO, Norway — Developed nations pledged more than $4 billion Thursday to finance a program meant to help poor countries protect their forests and slow global warming.
An agency monitoring the aid will be up and running before U.N. climate talks start in Cancun, Mexico, later this year, the European Union's climate commissioner said at a conference on deforestation in Oslo.
Also, Indonesia agreed to a two-year moratorium on issuing new permits for forest destruction as part of a $1 billion deal with Norway that would pay Indonesia a fixed sum per ton of CO2 emissions reduced through rain forest preservation. Norway has had a similar deal with Brazil since the mid-1990s.
Deforestation, the burning of woodlands or the rotting of felled trees, is thought to account for up to 20 percent of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere — as much as is emitted by all the world's cars, trucks, trains, planes and ships combined.
The new program — called REDD Plus, for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation — will encourage rich nations to voluntarily finance forest-protecting projects while coordinating that aid to avoid waste and ensure transparency.
It was approved — but not implemented — at the U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December.
In Oslo, Germany, France, Norway, the U.S., Britain, Australia and Japan pledged $4 billion to finance REDD Plus through 2012, with Denmark and Sweden adding $73 million more to the effort on Thursday.
The new monitoring agency would oversee individual agreements between countries to fight deforestation and educate local populations who live off forests — estimated at more than 1 billion worldwide — to do so in a sustainable way.
EU climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard said the new agency, and a comprehensive database that will help streamline aid combating deforestation, were tangible results that would build momentum in climate talks ahead of the Cancun summit.
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the new agency would "decrease a trust deficit" that has stymied progress in wider climate talks, as wealthy countries express concern about how aid money is used in poor nations.
"Forests are worth more dead than alive. Today we commit to change that equation," said Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who was co-chairing the conference with the Indonesia president.
A political agreement at the U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen last year called for warming to be kept from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels by 2020 — which scientists say could trigger a climate catastrophe. But the Copenhagen conference disappointed many in failing to produce a legally binding deal for countries to limit emissions.
Thursday's meeting was the last on REDD Plus planned before Cancun, with work now starting on establishing the agency's infrastructure.
Britain's Prince Charles agreed that transparency was key in brokering a binding global climate agreement.
"In this period of increased stringency, governments will need to know that every dollar made available will be spent wisely in order to avoid any unnecessary duplication," he said in a speech.
While the $4 billion is only two-thirds of the $6 billion Brazilian Environment Minister Carlos Minc said he hoped would be in place by the Oslo conference, environmentalists said it was a good start for the fledgling program.
"For early phases, the kind of money we're talking about is probably sufficient," said Mark Tercek, the head of U.S. conservation group the Nature Conservancy.
Greenpeace welcomed the pledges of financing but warned that it remains unclear how the funds will be spent.
The funding so far comes exclusively from government budgets, and Stoltenberg called for "voluntary contributions" from private sector and industry players. He also said that ultimately "the most important source of money will be carbon pricing" — from carbon trading and carbon taxation schemes.
About 32 million acres (13 million hectares) of forests are cut down each year — an area about the size of England or New York state — and the emissions generated are comparable to those of China and the United States, according to the independent U.K. Eliasch Review on forest loss.
By IAN MacDOUGALL (AP) – 2 days ago
OSLO, Norway — Developed nations pledged more than $4 billion Thursday to finance a program meant to help poor countries protect their forests and slow global warming.
An agency monitoring the aid will be up and running before U.N. climate talks start in Cancun, Mexico, later this year, the European Union's climate commissioner said at a conference on deforestation in Oslo.
Also, Indonesia agreed to a two-year moratorium on issuing new permits for forest destruction as part of a $1 billion deal with Norway that would pay Indonesia a fixed sum per ton of CO2 emissions reduced through rain forest preservation. Norway has had a similar deal with Brazil since the mid-1990s.
Deforestation, the burning of woodlands or the rotting of felled trees, is thought to account for up to 20 percent of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere — as much as is emitted by all the world's cars, trucks, trains, planes and ships combined.
The new program — called REDD Plus, for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation — will encourage rich nations to voluntarily finance forest-protecting projects while coordinating that aid to avoid waste and ensure transparency.
It was approved — but not implemented — at the U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December.
In Oslo, Germany, France, Norway, the U.S., Britain, Australia and Japan pledged $4 billion to finance REDD Plus through 2012, with Denmark and Sweden adding $73 million more to the effort on Thursday.
The new monitoring agency would oversee individual agreements between countries to fight deforestation and educate local populations who live off forests — estimated at more than 1 billion worldwide — to do so in a sustainable way.
EU climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard said the new agency, and a comprehensive database that will help streamline aid combating deforestation, were tangible results that would build momentum in climate talks ahead of the Cancun summit.
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the new agency would "decrease a trust deficit" that has stymied progress in wider climate talks, as wealthy countries express concern about how aid money is used in poor nations.
"Forests are worth more dead than alive. Today we commit to change that equation," said Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who was co-chairing the conference with the Indonesia president.
A political agreement at the U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen last year called for warming to be kept from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels by 2020 — which scientists say could trigger a climate catastrophe. But the Copenhagen conference disappointed many in failing to produce a legally binding deal for countries to limit emissions.
Thursday's meeting was the last on REDD Plus planned before Cancun, with work now starting on establishing the agency's infrastructure.
Britain's Prince Charles agreed that transparency was key in brokering a binding global climate agreement.
"In this period of increased stringency, governments will need to know that every dollar made available will be spent wisely in order to avoid any unnecessary duplication," he said in a speech.
While the $4 billion is only two-thirds of the $6 billion Brazilian Environment Minister Carlos Minc said he hoped would be in place by the Oslo conference, environmentalists said it was a good start for the fledgling program.
"For early phases, the kind of money we're talking about is probably sufficient," said Mark Tercek, the head of U.S. conservation group the Nature Conservancy.
Greenpeace welcomed the pledges of financing but warned that it remains unclear how the funds will be spent.
The funding so far comes exclusively from government budgets, and Stoltenberg called for "voluntary contributions" from private sector and industry players. He also said that ultimately "the most important source of money will be carbon pricing" — from carbon trading and carbon taxation schemes.
About 32 million acres (13 million hectares) of forests are cut down each year — an area about the size of England or New York state — and the emissions generated are comparable to those of China and the United States, according to the independent U.K. Eliasch Review on forest loss.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Quarry Expansion
NS: Municipal Enterprises faces backlash over quarry expansion
By Christy Marsters, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Hants Journal, May 26, 2010
[HANTS CO., NS] — Earlier this year, Panuke Road residents received notification of a proposed extension of a nearby quarry.
Municipal Enterprises Limited plans to combine the existing Panuke Quarry with the operations of a Hants County Aggregates Quarry Project increasing the size of the existing four-hectare quarry to nearly 14 hectares.
Municipal Enterprises’ David Clifton says the desired extension will begin, “as needed, upon approval.”
He says measures to protect the environment and community around Panuke Road will be taken “as required by environment department and as need arises.”
Panuke Quarry — Hants Journal Photo
According to a project information sheet provided by Municipal Enterprises, an environmental registration document — currently being prepared by environment consulting firm Stantec Consulting — will minimize the environmental effects of the project with appropriate mitigation and monitoring.
Elements to be evaluated in this document include: surface water resources; rare and sensitive flora; wetlands; groundwater resources; socio–economic environment; archaeological and heritage resources; wildlife; atmospheric environment, including considerations of dust and noise.
Panuke Road resident Garth Hazel says safety and lifestyle are already being interrupted by these quarries.
The community has put up with the noise, dust, dirt, fumes, trucks and pollution long enough, Hazel says.
“I do not think it should be allowed to continue unless [concerns] are addressed.”
There are no sidewalks on the shoulders of the narrow road, half paved and half dirt, he says. “I can’t open my window without dust and fumes from the trucks getting in.”
At one time, the road handled only local traffic and, occasionally, people going back and forth to the lake, Hazel adds.
“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else , but, with all of these trucks going now, I might as well live in Halifax.”
Watershed protection should be considered a concern as well, he says.
“As of now, the water is fine but over time pollution builds up and we are going to have to have to pay for it in the end.”
At Panuke Road Recreation Park, not far from Panuke Quarry, there is a basketball court, a baseball field and a small playground.
Nobody wants kids traveling up and down the road though… it’s so dangerous, Hazel says. “From 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. trucks and trailers are constantly hauling. It’s driving the values of our homes down and down.”
A petition with over 200 names on it proves a high percentage of residents don’t want the quarries expanded, Hazel adds.
“Nobody, in any other community, would accept it. There’s been no consideration for people living in this area.”
Warden Richard Dauphinee says a letter was sent off to the Minister of Environment, shortly after April 13, to address safety issues on Panuke Road.
These properties are on a narrow street and a lot of the buildings are set close to the road, Dauphinee says.
“We could set up an area rate, but then they’d end up paying for their sidewalks and that’s not really fair,” he says.
“The municipality is trying to represent the people and I’ll take their side on this issue. It is up to the provincial government to do something here; it’s just getting worse and worse.”
A liaison committee should be established between the company and community, to improve communications, he says.
“It’s frustrating. The residents just want somebody to talk to.”
By Christy Marsters, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Hants Journal, May 26, 2010
[HANTS CO., NS] — Earlier this year, Panuke Road residents received notification of a proposed extension of a nearby quarry.
Municipal Enterprises Limited plans to combine the existing Panuke Quarry with the operations of a Hants County Aggregates Quarry Project increasing the size of the existing four-hectare quarry to nearly 14 hectares.
Municipal Enterprises’ David Clifton says the desired extension will begin, “as needed, upon approval.”
He says measures to protect the environment and community around Panuke Road will be taken “as required by environment department and as need arises.”
Panuke Quarry — Hants Journal Photo
According to a project information sheet provided by Municipal Enterprises, an environmental registration document — currently being prepared by environment consulting firm Stantec Consulting — will minimize the environmental effects of the project with appropriate mitigation and monitoring.
Elements to be evaluated in this document include: surface water resources; rare and sensitive flora; wetlands; groundwater resources; socio–economic environment; archaeological and heritage resources; wildlife; atmospheric environment, including considerations of dust and noise.
Panuke Road resident Garth Hazel says safety and lifestyle are already being interrupted by these quarries.
The community has put up with the noise, dust, dirt, fumes, trucks and pollution long enough, Hazel says.
“I do not think it should be allowed to continue unless [concerns] are addressed.”
There are no sidewalks on the shoulders of the narrow road, half paved and half dirt, he says. “I can’t open my window without dust and fumes from the trucks getting in.”
At one time, the road handled only local traffic and, occasionally, people going back and forth to the lake, Hazel adds.
“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else , but, with all of these trucks going now, I might as well live in Halifax.”
Watershed protection should be considered a concern as well, he says.
“As of now, the water is fine but over time pollution builds up and we are going to have to have to pay for it in the end.”
At Panuke Road Recreation Park, not far from Panuke Quarry, there is a basketball court, a baseball field and a small playground.
Nobody wants kids traveling up and down the road though… it’s so dangerous, Hazel says. “From 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. trucks and trailers are constantly hauling. It’s driving the values of our homes down and down.”
A petition with over 200 names on it proves a high percentage of residents don’t want the quarries expanded, Hazel adds.
“Nobody, in any other community, would accept it. There’s been no consideration for people living in this area.”
Warden Richard Dauphinee says a letter was sent off to the Minister of Environment, shortly after April 13, to address safety issues on Panuke Road.
These properties are on a narrow street and a lot of the buildings are set close to the road, Dauphinee says.
“We could set up an area rate, but then they’d end up paying for their sidewalks and that’s not really fair,” he says.
“The municipality is trying to represent the people and I’ll take their side on this issue. It is up to the provincial government to do something here; it’s just getting worse and worse.”
A liaison committee should be established between the company and community, to improve communications, he says.
“It’s frustrating. The residents just want somebody to talk to.”
Labels:
Quarry Panuke Hants
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Promotion Opportunities
Marketing Update from DSWNA!
In This Issue:
DSWNA Marketing & Media Plan 2010-11, Booking Form
Explore Our Shores Advertising Campaign
2010-11 DSWNA Strategic Highlights
2010-11 DSWNA Advertising Campaign
Atlantic Market
Travel/Trade Market & Media
Consumer Events & Trade Shows
Dot-com Markets
NS Tourism Media Plan 2010
Municipal & Community Pages on dswna.com
Visitor Information Centre brochure distribution - deadline Friday June 4th
Chronicle Herald Opportunities
Where to Guide
Nova Scotia this Summer
Share Nova Scotia Favourites
2010 Newspaper Advertising Program
novascotia.com - advertising opportunities
Adventures in Taste: How you can Participate! Visit their website for more information
* Please note: all invoices will be submitted to partners via email where possible
Brochure distribution at regional and local Visitor Information Centres
Current partners of DSWNA are able to have their brochures delivered to the 25 visitor information centres in the region. You'll notice on the partnership form that the deadline for the first distribution (June) is Friday June 4th so please arrange to have your brochures at the Kentville VIC/DSWNA satellite office (341 Main St. Kentville) or at the Lunenburg office (18 Dufferin St) by this date. The second distribution deadline is Tuesday July 20th. The cost for parters is $25. Please contact abartram@dswna.com or call (902) 678-1728 if you have any questions.
Top of page
Municipal & Community Pages - content needed
As part of our ongoing work to refresh our website content and provide visitors with the most accurate and up to date information, we are revamping all existing community pages and creating new Municipality Pages for the "Explore The Area" section of the Destination website.
We encourage each community, town and municipality in the region to gather together a handful of images, including crests and logos and a few paragraphs of text that best describes the most important and interesting aspects of your area, and to send them to Kevin Estey at kestey@dswna.com, to be included in this refresh.
Top of page
In This Issue:
DSWNA Marketing & Media Plan 2010-11, Booking Form
Explore Our Shores Advertising Campaign
2010-11 DSWNA Strategic Highlights
2010-11 DSWNA Advertising Campaign
Atlantic Market
Travel/Trade Market & Media
Consumer Events & Trade Shows
Dot-com Markets
NS Tourism Media Plan 2010
Municipal & Community Pages on dswna.com
Visitor Information Centre brochure distribution - deadline Friday June 4th
Chronicle Herald Opportunities
Where to Guide
Nova Scotia this Summer
Share Nova Scotia Favourites
2010 Newspaper Advertising Program
novascotia.com - advertising opportunities
Adventures in Taste: How you can Participate! Visit their website for more information
* Please note: all invoices will be submitted to partners via email where possible
Brochure distribution at regional and local Visitor Information Centres
Current partners of DSWNA are able to have their brochures delivered to the 25 visitor information centres in the region. You'll notice on the partnership form that the deadline for the first distribution (June) is Friday June 4th so please arrange to have your brochures at the Kentville VIC/DSWNA satellite office (341 Main St. Kentville) or at the Lunenburg office (18 Dufferin St) by this date. The second distribution deadline is Tuesday July 20th. The cost for parters is $25. Please contact abartram@dswna.com or call (902) 678-1728 if you have any questions.
Top of page
Municipal & Community Pages - content needed
As part of our ongoing work to refresh our website content and provide visitors with the most accurate and up to date information, we are revamping all existing community pages and creating new Municipality Pages for the "Explore The Area" section of the Destination website.
We encourage each community, town and municipality in the region to gather together a handful of images, including crests and logos and a few paragraphs of text that best describes the most important and interesting aspects of your area, and to send them to Kevin Estey at kestey@dswna.com, to be included in this refresh.
Top of page
Labels:
DSWNA tourism nova scotia
Water Levels Low
N.S. dry spring equals low lakes
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | 9:35 AM AT Comments14Recommend6CBC News
A record hot and dry spring in Nova Scotia means that the province's more than 5,100 lakes are getting low already.
Mike Taylor, who walks his dog regularly at Long Lake in Halifax, has noticed the drop.
"I haven't seen it this low ever before, and I've been coming here for years - six or seven years. For this time of year, it's pretty amazing how low it is," he said Tuesday.
According to Environment Canada, 2010 has so far been the driest year on record in the Maritimes.
For example, Halifax's Stanfield International Airport has received barely one half of its normal rain and snow. At the same time, the average temperatures were between one and three degrees above normal.
The province doesn't monitor water levels in rivers and lakes, but Dave Doggett of novascotiafishing.com can see the difference.
"It's the lowest I've ever seen in my 25 years of angling," Doggett said.
Many municipalities in Nova Scotia, including Halifax Regional Municipality, draw their drinking water from lakes.
Carl Yates, general manager of Halifax Water, said dams are so far keeping the utility's reservoir topped up.
"Right now, our lakes are full. We're not spilling anything, but we don't spill if we don't have to at this time of year to make sure we start the season full to the gunwales. And, right now, we're full to the gunwales," Yates said.
He said dry years are all part of the natural cycle. But, if there were several back-to-back dry years, the public could face more aggressive conservation measures.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/26/ns-lakes-water-low.html#ixzz0pAvdzHwn
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | 9:35 AM AT Comments14Recommend6CBC News
A record hot and dry spring in Nova Scotia means that the province's more than 5,100 lakes are getting low already.
Mike Taylor, who walks his dog regularly at Long Lake in Halifax, has noticed the drop.
"I haven't seen it this low ever before, and I've been coming here for years - six or seven years. For this time of year, it's pretty amazing how low it is," he said Tuesday.
According to Environment Canada, 2010 has so far been the driest year on record in the Maritimes.
For example, Halifax's Stanfield International Airport has received barely one half of its normal rain and snow. At the same time, the average temperatures were between one and three degrees above normal.
The province doesn't monitor water levels in rivers and lakes, but Dave Doggett of novascotiafishing.com can see the difference.
"It's the lowest I've ever seen in my 25 years of angling," Doggett said.
Many municipalities in Nova Scotia, including Halifax Regional Municipality, draw their drinking water from lakes.
Carl Yates, general manager of Halifax Water, said dams are so far keeping the utility's reservoir topped up.
"Right now, our lakes are full. We're not spilling anything, but we don't spill if we don't have to at this time of year to make sure we start the season full to the gunwales. And, right now, we're full to the gunwales," Yates said.
He said dry years are all part of the natural cycle. But, if there were several back-to-back dry years, the public could face more aggressive conservation measures.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/26/ns-lakes-water-low.html#ixzz0pAvdzHwn
Labels:
water Nova Scotia climate
SWSDA Under Fire
Report blasts south shore authority
Proper accounting procedures not followed at SWSDA
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | 6:14 PM AT
CBC News
The report criticized the way CEO Frank Anderson's organization was run. (SWSDA) An audit firm hired by the Nova Scotia government has found serious deficiencies at the South West Shore Development Authority.
Ernst and Young's report was released Wednesday. It suggests there was little control over the way CEO Frank Anderson ran the authority and another group, the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission.
Ernst and Young said the board of directors had no clear mandate, lacked key skills and had little information on which to base decisions.
The authority is a regional development agency that represents nine towns, including Yarmouth and Shelburne.
The 73-page document examined the administration of the regional development authority from January 2008 to February 2010, the sale of the Shelburne Youth Centre and the relationship with the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission.
The province was the authority's biggest funding partner.
Percy Paris, the minister of economic development, briefed reporters about the audit Wednesday afternoon.
"The question is, are taxpayers out of money? And I would say no, not that we know of," he said.
"However, having said that, is there still monies that are owed people in Yarmouth? Absolutely. Proper accounting procedures were not followed."
$500,000 missing
The report found the board of the organization didn't have the necessary skills or information to oversee the running of the development authority.
Paris said those who are owed money should sue the authority to try to recoup their losses.
The government audited the authority's books after irregularities in their accounting procedures were found by the Ombudsman's office.
Neal Conrad, executive director of community and rural development, says the authority owes or cannot account for close to $500,000.
"Board effectiveness and oversight needs significant improvement and immediate attention," the report states.
It calls for the hiring of a board advisor to help implement the report's recommendations.
Those recommendations include the creation of a board mandate, a code of conduct and a CEO position description. It also urges the board to develop executive policies that clearly set out the parameters in which the CEO can operate.
"The board has started the process of reviewing this report and has already started to act on these findings," said Phil LeBlanc, chairman of the South West Shore Development Authority.
Proper accounting procedures not followed at SWSDA
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | 6:14 PM AT
CBC News
The report criticized the way CEO Frank Anderson's organization was run. (SWSDA) An audit firm hired by the Nova Scotia government has found serious deficiencies at the South West Shore Development Authority.
Ernst and Young's report was released Wednesday. It suggests there was little control over the way CEO Frank Anderson ran the authority and another group, the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission.
Ernst and Young said the board of directors had no clear mandate, lacked key skills and had little information on which to base decisions.
The authority is a regional development agency that represents nine towns, including Yarmouth and Shelburne.
The 73-page document examined the administration of the regional development authority from January 2008 to February 2010, the sale of the Shelburne Youth Centre and the relationship with the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission.
The province was the authority's biggest funding partner.
Percy Paris, the minister of economic development, briefed reporters about the audit Wednesday afternoon.
"The question is, are taxpayers out of money? And I would say no, not that we know of," he said.
"However, having said that, is there still monies that are owed people in Yarmouth? Absolutely. Proper accounting procedures were not followed."
$500,000 missing
The report found the board of the organization didn't have the necessary skills or information to oversee the running of the development authority.
Paris said those who are owed money should sue the authority to try to recoup their losses.
The government audited the authority's books after irregularities in their accounting procedures were found by the Ombudsman's office.
Neal Conrad, executive director of community and rural development, says the authority owes or cannot account for close to $500,000.
"Board effectiveness and oversight needs significant improvement and immediate attention," the report states.
It calls for the hiring of a board advisor to help implement the report's recommendations.
Those recommendations include the creation of a board mandate, a code of conduct and a CEO position description. It also urges the board to develop executive policies that clearly set out the parameters in which the CEO can operate.
"The board has started the process of reviewing this report and has already started to act on these findings," said Phil LeBlanc, chairman of the South West Shore Development Authority.
Labels:
Southwest Shore SWSDA
Bear River Farmer and Artists Market
Bear River Farmers and Artists Market opening
Flora Doehler | May 27, 2010 at 6:19 pm | Categories: Bear River Board of Trade, artists, gardening | URL: http://wp.me/pfgTD-76
June 13 - 1-4 pm Grand opening of Bear River Farmers and Artists market. On the waterfront. Produce, artisans, musician Bob Snider, face painting, smokin' with Jeff.
info: 467 0469
Flora Doehler | May 27, 2010 at 6:19 pm | Categories: Bear River Board of Trade, artists, gardening | URL: http://wp.me/pfgTD-76
June 13 - 1-4 pm Grand opening of Bear River Farmers and Artists market. On the waterfront. Produce, artisans, musician Bob Snider, face painting, smokin' with Jeff.
info: 467 0469
Labels:
Bear River farm markets
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Council - April Minutes
Call to Order The Council meeting was called to order with Warden Thurber in the chair at 6:00 p.m.
Attendance
Councillors present:
Jim Thurber, Warden
Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden
Randall Amero, Councillor
Maritza Adams, Councillor
Staff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer
Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Cora Lee Bremner, Executive Secretary
Regrets: Linda Gregory, Councillor
Prayer Warden Thurber welcomed everyone to the meeting, read the Municipality’s mission statement and then asked everyone to pause to seek guidance for the meeting.
Agenda Councillor Adams added Maud Lewis Signage to Old Business.
MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
Presentations
Mike Gushue, ADEDA - 2010/2011 Business Plan MOVED and seconded that Mr. Mike Gushue from ADEDA come before Council to make a presentation on the 2010/2011 Business Plan.
MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Gushue came before Council to present ADEDA’s 2010-11 Business Plan. This document represents year one of their new 5 Year Investment Strategy, which forms the basis of the region’s economic transition plan.
The key to building our regional economy is to grow our population. The way to grow our population is to identify investment opportunities which will, in turn, create jobs. Therefore, with the goal to positively affect population growth, ADEDA has developed four key strategic pillars:
1. Strengthen the region’s existing businesses through their Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE)
2. Attract new business and investment using an innovative 5 year strategic plan
3. Attract new residents via immigration, in-migration and tourism
4. Support the region’s creative economy (arts, culture and technology)
Of particular significance to the Agency’s 2010-11 Business Plan is their new 5 Year Investment Strategy. This series of documents provides a framework for future economic development based on a comprehensive understanding of the people, skills, businesses and natural assets in this Region.
A question and answer period followed the presentation.
Council commended the agency on the great job that they are doing and they look forward to working with them through the next five years of their plan.
Minutes
March 22, 2010
MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council of March 22, 2010 be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
Business Arising from Minutes NIL
Old Business
#1 Maud Lewis Signage Councillor Adams added this item to the agenda to find out the status of the signage for the Maud Lewis Site. The CAO advised that the funding was sent out last year and the signs have yet to be placed. The CAO will follow up on this as well as the upkeep for the lawn and gardens.
Warden Thurber No Old Business.
Deputy Warden
MacAlpine
No Old Business.
Councillor Gregory Absent.
Councillor Amero No Old Business.
Councillor Adams No Old Business.
New Business
#1 New Weymouth Library – Recommendation from Building Committee for name The Weymouth Library Building Committee met a couple weeks ago and is pleased with the progress. The project should be finished up within next couple weeks. The furniture has been ordered and will be set up by the company. They are estimating it will take a week to move. The plan is to have a grand opening this summer.
The Building Committee for the Weymouth Library has been working on a name for the new library and they are recommending that the Library be named “Weymouth Waterfront Library” as this name would recognize all the work the Weymouth Waterfront Committee has done as well as recognizing Weymouth.
There was a discussion of Council on the recommended name.
MOVED and seconded that Council accept the recommendation from the Weymouth Library Building Committee that the new library be named Weymouth Waterfront Library.
MOTION CARRIED
#2 Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre Association – Balancing Rock Trail – Signage The Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre Association is requesting permission to place signage along the balancing rock trail and in the parking lot.
MOVED and seconded that Council grant permission for the Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre to install signage on the Balancing Rock Trail and parking area as stipulated in their letter.
There was also a discussion regarding the need for signage to direct people to the trail. The Warden stated that if this hasn’t been done, it can be done prior to the trail’s opening.
MOTION CARRIED
#3 Planning Advisory Committee – Patricia MacConnell Application MOVED and seconded that Council accept Patricia MacConnell as citizen member for the Planning Advisory Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
#4 Plympton & Gilbert’s Cove Fire Department – Guarantee of $100,000 loan The Plympton and Gilbert’s Cove Fire Department is requesting that Council guarantee a loan of $100,000 from the Bank of Nova Scotia to pay off existing loans and purchase a used truck.
MOVED and seconded that Council do a loan guarantee resolution to be forwarded to the Province for approval for the Fire Department in the sum of $100,000.
MOTION CARRIED
#5 Trinity Anglican Church – Funding Request The Trinity Anglican Church is requesting funding to help with summer student wages.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine declared a conflict of interest. Warden Thurber asked him to stay as the item was going to be referred to the budget process.
MOVED and seconded that the funding request from Trinity Anglican Church be referred to the budget process.
MOTION CARRIED
#6 Wharf Rat Rally – Funding Request $5,000 The CAO recommended that the funding request from the Wharf Rat Rally be referred to the budget process.
There was a short discussion regarding the time sensitivity of this request.
MOVED and seconded that the funding request from the Wharf Rat Rally be referred to the budget meeting scheduled for April 3, 2010.
MOTION CARRIED
Administration
Request for decision/direction NIL
CAO Report
Rural Post Offices
Funding to Expand Smith’s Cove Sewer Connections
Municipal Office Renovations
The CAO report for April 26, 2010 was included in the meeting package.
The CAO wanted to note that the UNSM President has written a letter to Canada Post expressing municipal concerns over the Rural Mailbox Delivery Review Program. She noted that there has been no response to the two letters from Council. It was agreed by Council that Canada Post be contacted to invite them to make a presentation to Council when they are in this area.
The CAO is unaware of any funds available through the Build Canada fund or any other cost-sharing funds that could be accessed to extend sewer connections in Smith’s Cove. The CAO will follow up with the Municipal Advisor for the Province to see if there are any funding opportunities.
The advertisement for the tender for the building renovations will be placed in the Chronicle Herald either this Saturday or the following Saturday. The date for moving out is still scheduled for May 28, 2010.
Payables MOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of $658,161.71 for the month of March 2010 be approved as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Financial Report The financial report for March 31, 2010 was not available.
Council Committees
Committee of the Whole
Tax Exemption By-law – First Reading of amendment to add Nova Scotia Bird Sanctuary & Trust property
MOVED and seconded that first reading be held for the amendment to the Tax Exemption By-law adding Nova Scotia Bird Sanctuary & Trust property (Peter’s Island)
MOTION CARRIED
1 OPPOSED – Councillor Amero
Bylaw & Policy Review N/A
Advisory Committees
#1 REMO Management Planning Committee The REMO Management Planning Committee has not met since the last Council meeting. There is a meeting planned for May 4, 2010 for coordinators.
#2 Heritage Advisory Committee There has been no Heritage Advisory Committee meeting since the last Council meeting; however, there is a meeting scheduled for this week.
#3 Planning Advisory Committee The third spot for citizen representative has just been filled.
#4 Police Advisory Committee The Police Advisory Committee minutes for January 12, 2010 were included in the meeting package. There was a meeting on April 20, 2010. All three citizen representatives’ terms are up in July. The CAO wants to advertise in June. Wendell Gregory, who is currently a citizen representative, has resigned from the committee.
The CAO is going to follow up with the RCMP Staff Sergeant regarding the Share the Road Program.
#5 Tri County Housing Authority The Tri County Housing Authority was last reported on in October 2009. There is a report due; the CAO has requested one for the last two meetings.
Regional / Joint Committees
#1 Airport Working Group There is an Airport Working Group meeting scheduled for May 5, 2010.
#2 Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency The ADEDA meeting minutes for March 2010 as well as the Managing Director report were included in the meeting package. There have been two meetings since the last Council meeting. Mr. Gushue reported on the outcome of the meetings in his earlier presentation.
There were representatives from the YMCA at the last meeting who are looking into the possibility of taking over Lifeplex. There has not been a decision made on this at this time.
Kathleen Shea’s last day working for ADEDA was on April 23, 2010. She was a great asset to the organization and it is hoped that they can find someone who can fill her shoes.
#3 Digby Annapolis Development Corp The April DADC meeting has been postponed until May. It is hoped to schedule a meeting before FCM.
#4 Digby Area Learning Association DALA had a special meeting on April 14, 2010. Their regular meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2010.
#5 Digby Area Tourism Association No report.
#6 Digby Area Recreation Committee DARC didn’t have a regular April meeting. They held the annual volunteer recognition awards. The event was well attended and was a successful ceremony.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine would like Councillor Amero to raise his concern with the capital expenditures in relation to the Curling Club at the next DARC meeting.
#7 Digby Harbour Port Association No report.
#8 Fundyweb Broadband The Fundyweb Broadband meeting minutes from March 12, 2010 were included in the meeting package. The last meeting was held on April 15, 2010. The main discussions were the sale of fibre to Eastlink and also a review whether municipal representation on the board should be phased out. The CAO’s were asked to review this option. It is the feeling of the Board that the intent to provide a service has been met. They are holding regular meetings in an attempt to move forward.
#9 Industrial Commission The Industrial Commission meeting for April has been postponed. There has been no date set.
#10 Kings Transit Authority The Kings Transit Authority April board package was included in the meeting package. Councillor Amero was unable to attend the last board meeting. The Warden and CAO had a meeting with representatives from Kings Transit at which time they discussed their desire to use the transit funds to build a garage in the Valley. The Warden and CAO asked Kings Transit to present them with a business plan so that they would be able to see the savings that would take place by building the garage. Also discussed that this meeting was the desire to change the structure of the board to allow the non-voting partners to become voting partners on the board.
#11 Senior Safety Committee There is a Senior Safety Committee meeting scheduled for May. There is a special senior’s day planned for May, 2010 at the Digby Elementary School.
#12 Tideview Terrace There wasn’t a regular Tideview Terrace meeting this month as there was a retreat. Councillor Adams was unable to attend due to sickness. New mission statements and visions were established at the retreat. It was a good retreat and will help everyone to work together better.
Everything is on schedule for the new site. The target move in date is still scheduled for middle June 2011.
Councillor Adams and Councillor Gregory were both able to attend the volunteer tea.
#13 Waste Check There was no Waste Check meeting in April. They did have a strategic planning session on April 8, 2010. There was good representation from our Municipality. This will help with the goals of waste diversion.
The winners have been announced for the 2009-2010 Nova Scotia Recycles Contest. There were three winners in the Municipality of Digby. In the grade 4-6 category, Lacey Lewis from Digby Elementary School placed first. The school also received a cheque for $500. In the grade 2-3 category, Sawyer Burns from Islands Consolidated School received Runner-Up and the school received a cheque for $250. In the P-1 category, Ms. Theresa Nickerson’s class from Barton Consolidated School received Runner-Up and the school received a cheque for $250.
It was mentioned that there is a new garbage truck that can haul two streams. It is being hauled that way. There will be advertising done to help residents sort properly and as of June 1, 2010 people that do not comply will have their bags stickered.
#14 Western Counties Regional Library Western Counties Regional Library hasn’t met since the last Council meeting.
There is an adopt-a-book program going on and Deputy Warden MacAlpine encouraged everyone to go to a local library and adopt a book.
Council Reports
Warden Thurber Warden Thurber gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Councillor Gregory Absent.
Councillor Amero Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Councillor Adams Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings she has attended during the past month.
Comments from the gallery The meeting was opened up to the gallery for questions. There were no questions.
Recess MOVED and seconded that Council take a five minute recess before proceeding in camera.
MOTION CARRIED
In Camera MOVED and seconded that Council move in camera.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular session resumed.
Adjournment
MOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 7:55 PM.
MOTION CARRIED
Call to Order The Council meeting was called to order with Warden Thurber in the chair at 6:00 p.m.
Attendance
Councillors present:
Jim Thurber, Warden
Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden
Randall Amero, Councillor
Maritza Adams, Councillor
Staff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer
Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Cora Lee Bremner, Executive Secretary
Regrets: Linda Gregory, Councillor
Prayer Warden Thurber welcomed everyone to the meeting, read the Municipality’s mission statement and then asked everyone to pause to seek guidance for the meeting.
Agenda Councillor Adams added Maud Lewis Signage to Old Business.
MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
Presentations
Mike Gushue, ADEDA - 2010/2011 Business Plan MOVED and seconded that Mr. Mike Gushue from ADEDA come before Council to make a presentation on the 2010/2011 Business Plan.
MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Gushue came before Council to present ADEDA’s 2010-11 Business Plan. This document represents year one of their new 5 Year Investment Strategy, which forms the basis of the region’s economic transition plan.
The key to building our regional economy is to grow our population. The way to grow our population is to identify investment opportunities which will, in turn, create jobs. Therefore, with the goal to positively affect population growth, ADEDA has developed four key strategic pillars:
1. Strengthen the region’s existing businesses through their Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE)
2. Attract new business and investment using an innovative 5 year strategic plan
3. Attract new residents via immigration, in-migration and tourism
4. Support the region’s creative economy (arts, culture and technology)
Of particular significance to the Agency’s 2010-11 Business Plan is their new 5 Year Investment Strategy. This series of documents provides a framework for future economic development based on a comprehensive understanding of the people, skills, businesses and natural assets in this Region.
A question and answer period followed the presentation.
Council commended the agency on the great job that they are doing and they look forward to working with them through the next five years of their plan.
Minutes
March 22, 2010
MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council of March 22, 2010 be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
Business Arising from Minutes NIL
Old Business
#1 Maud Lewis Signage Councillor Adams added this item to the agenda to find out the status of the signage for the Maud Lewis Site. The CAO advised that the funding was sent out last year and the signs have yet to be placed. The CAO will follow up on this as well as the upkeep for the lawn and gardens.
Warden Thurber No Old Business.
Deputy Warden
MacAlpine
No Old Business.
Councillor Gregory Absent.
Councillor Amero No Old Business.
Councillor Adams No Old Business.
New Business
#1 New Weymouth Library – Recommendation from Building Committee for name The Weymouth Library Building Committee met a couple weeks ago and is pleased with the progress. The project should be finished up within next couple weeks. The furniture has been ordered and will be set up by the company. They are estimating it will take a week to move. The plan is to have a grand opening this summer.
The Building Committee for the Weymouth Library has been working on a name for the new library and they are recommending that the Library be named “Weymouth Waterfront Library” as this name would recognize all the work the Weymouth Waterfront Committee has done as well as recognizing Weymouth.
There was a discussion of Council on the recommended name.
MOVED and seconded that Council accept the recommendation from the Weymouth Library Building Committee that the new library be named Weymouth Waterfront Library.
MOTION CARRIED
#2 Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre Association – Balancing Rock Trail – Signage The Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre Association is requesting permission to place signage along the balancing rock trail and in the parking lot.
MOVED and seconded that Council grant permission for the Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre to install signage on the Balancing Rock Trail and parking area as stipulated in their letter.
There was also a discussion regarding the need for signage to direct people to the trail. The Warden stated that if this hasn’t been done, it can be done prior to the trail’s opening.
MOTION CARRIED
#3 Planning Advisory Committee – Patricia MacConnell Application MOVED and seconded that Council accept Patricia MacConnell as citizen member for the Planning Advisory Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
#4 Plympton & Gilbert’s Cove Fire Department – Guarantee of $100,000 loan The Plympton and Gilbert’s Cove Fire Department is requesting that Council guarantee a loan of $100,000 from the Bank of Nova Scotia to pay off existing loans and purchase a used truck.
MOVED and seconded that Council do a loan guarantee resolution to be forwarded to the Province for approval for the Fire Department in the sum of $100,000.
MOTION CARRIED
#5 Trinity Anglican Church – Funding Request The Trinity Anglican Church is requesting funding to help with summer student wages.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine declared a conflict of interest. Warden Thurber asked him to stay as the item was going to be referred to the budget process.
MOVED and seconded that the funding request from Trinity Anglican Church be referred to the budget process.
MOTION CARRIED
#6 Wharf Rat Rally – Funding Request $5,000 The CAO recommended that the funding request from the Wharf Rat Rally be referred to the budget process.
There was a short discussion regarding the time sensitivity of this request.
MOVED and seconded that the funding request from the Wharf Rat Rally be referred to the budget meeting scheduled for April 3, 2010.
MOTION CARRIED
Administration
Request for decision/direction NIL
CAO Report
Rural Post Offices
Funding to Expand Smith’s Cove Sewer Connections
Municipal Office Renovations
The CAO report for April 26, 2010 was included in the meeting package.
The CAO wanted to note that the UNSM President has written a letter to Canada Post expressing municipal concerns over the Rural Mailbox Delivery Review Program. She noted that there has been no response to the two letters from Council. It was agreed by Council that Canada Post be contacted to invite them to make a presentation to Council when they are in this area.
The CAO is unaware of any funds available through the Build Canada fund or any other cost-sharing funds that could be accessed to extend sewer connections in Smith’s Cove. The CAO will follow up with the Municipal Advisor for the Province to see if there are any funding opportunities.
The advertisement for the tender for the building renovations will be placed in the Chronicle Herald either this Saturday or the following Saturday. The date for moving out is still scheduled for May 28, 2010.
Payables MOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of $658,161.71 for the month of March 2010 be approved as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Financial Report The financial report for March 31, 2010 was not available.
Council Committees
Committee of the Whole
Tax Exemption By-law – First Reading of amendment to add Nova Scotia Bird Sanctuary & Trust property
MOVED and seconded that first reading be held for the amendment to the Tax Exemption By-law adding Nova Scotia Bird Sanctuary & Trust property (Peter’s Island)
MOTION CARRIED
1 OPPOSED – Councillor Amero
Bylaw & Policy Review N/A
Advisory Committees
#1 REMO Management Planning Committee The REMO Management Planning Committee has not met since the last Council meeting. There is a meeting planned for May 4, 2010 for coordinators.
#2 Heritage Advisory Committee There has been no Heritage Advisory Committee meeting since the last Council meeting; however, there is a meeting scheduled for this week.
#3 Planning Advisory Committee The third spot for citizen representative has just been filled.
#4 Police Advisory Committee The Police Advisory Committee minutes for January 12, 2010 were included in the meeting package. There was a meeting on April 20, 2010. All three citizen representatives’ terms are up in July. The CAO wants to advertise in June. Wendell Gregory, who is currently a citizen representative, has resigned from the committee.
The CAO is going to follow up with the RCMP Staff Sergeant regarding the Share the Road Program.
#5 Tri County Housing Authority The Tri County Housing Authority was last reported on in October 2009. There is a report due; the CAO has requested one for the last two meetings.
Regional / Joint Committees
#1 Airport Working Group There is an Airport Working Group meeting scheduled for May 5, 2010.
#2 Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency The ADEDA meeting minutes for March 2010 as well as the Managing Director report were included in the meeting package. There have been two meetings since the last Council meeting. Mr. Gushue reported on the outcome of the meetings in his earlier presentation.
There were representatives from the YMCA at the last meeting who are looking into the possibility of taking over Lifeplex. There has not been a decision made on this at this time.
Kathleen Shea’s last day working for ADEDA was on April 23, 2010. She was a great asset to the organization and it is hoped that they can find someone who can fill her shoes.
#3 Digby Annapolis Development Corp The April DADC meeting has been postponed until May. It is hoped to schedule a meeting before FCM.
#4 Digby Area Learning Association DALA had a special meeting on April 14, 2010. Their regular meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2010.
#5 Digby Area Tourism Association No report.
#6 Digby Area Recreation Committee DARC didn’t have a regular April meeting. They held the annual volunteer recognition awards. The event was well attended and was a successful ceremony.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine would like Councillor Amero to raise his concern with the capital expenditures in relation to the Curling Club at the next DARC meeting.
#7 Digby Harbour Port Association No report.
#8 Fundyweb Broadband The Fundyweb Broadband meeting minutes from March 12, 2010 were included in the meeting package. The last meeting was held on April 15, 2010. The main discussions were the sale of fibre to Eastlink and also a review whether municipal representation on the board should be phased out. The CAO’s were asked to review this option. It is the feeling of the Board that the intent to provide a service has been met. They are holding regular meetings in an attempt to move forward.
#9 Industrial Commission The Industrial Commission meeting for April has been postponed. There has been no date set.
#10 Kings Transit Authority The Kings Transit Authority April board package was included in the meeting package. Councillor Amero was unable to attend the last board meeting. The Warden and CAO had a meeting with representatives from Kings Transit at which time they discussed their desire to use the transit funds to build a garage in the Valley. The Warden and CAO asked Kings Transit to present them with a business plan so that they would be able to see the savings that would take place by building the garage. Also discussed that this meeting was the desire to change the structure of the board to allow the non-voting partners to become voting partners on the board.
#11 Senior Safety Committee There is a Senior Safety Committee meeting scheduled for May. There is a special senior’s day planned for May, 2010 at the Digby Elementary School.
#12 Tideview Terrace There wasn’t a regular Tideview Terrace meeting this month as there was a retreat. Councillor Adams was unable to attend due to sickness. New mission statements and visions were established at the retreat. It was a good retreat and will help everyone to work together better.
Everything is on schedule for the new site. The target move in date is still scheduled for middle June 2011.
Councillor Adams and Councillor Gregory were both able to attend the volunteer tea.
#13 Waste Check There was no Waste Check meeting in April. They did have a strategic planning session on April 8, 2010. There was good representation from our Municipality. This will help with the goals of waste diversion.
The winners have been announced for the 2009-2010 Nova Scotia Recycles Contest. There were three winners in the Municipality of Digby. In the grade 4-6 category, Lacey Lewis from Digby Elementary School placed first. The school also received a cheque for $500. In the grade 2-3 category, Sawyer Burns from Islands Consolidated School received Runner-Up and the school received a cheque for $250. In the P-1 category, Ms. Theresa Nickerson’s class from Barton Consolidated School received Runner-Up and the school received a cheque for $250.
It was mentioned that there is a new garbage truck that can haul two streams. It is being hauled that way. There will be advertising done to help residents sort properly and as of June 1, 2010 people that do not comply will have their bags stickered.
#14 Western Counties Regional Library Western Counties Regional Library hasn’t met since the last Council meeting.
There is an adopt-a-book program going on and Deputy Warden MacAlpine encouraged everyone to go to a local library and adopt a book.
Council Reports
Warden Thurber Warden Thurber gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Councillor Gregory Absent.
Councillor Amero Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Councillor Adams Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings she has attended during the past month.
Comments from the gallery The meeting was opened up to the gallery for questions. There were no questions.
Recess MOVED and seconded that Council take a five minute recess before proceeding in camera.
MOTION CARRIED
In Camera MOVED and seconded that Council move in camera.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular session resumed.
Adjournment
MOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 7:55 PM.
MOTION CARRIED
_______________________________ _____________________________
WARDEN CLERK
_______________________________ _____________________________
WARDEN CLERK
Attendance
Councillors present:
Jim Thurber, Warden
Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden
Randall Amero, Councillor
Maritza Adams, Councillor
Staff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer
Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Cora Lee Bremner, Executive Secretary
Regrets: Linda Gregory, Councillor
Prayer Warden Thurber welcomed everyone to the meeting, read the Municipality’s mission statement and then asked everyone to pause to seek guidance for the meeting.
Agenda Councillor Adams added Maud Lewis Signage to Old Business.
MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
Presentations
Mike Gushue, ADEDA - 2010/2011 Business Plan MOVED and seconded that Mr. Mike Gushue from ADEDA come before Council to make a presentation on the 2010/2011 Business Plan.
MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Gushue came before Council to present ADEDA’s 2010-11 Business Plan. This document represents year one of their new 5 Year Investment Strategy, which forms the basis of the region’s economic transition plan.
The key to building our regional economy is to grow our population. The way to grow our population is to identify investment opportunities which will, in turn, create jobs. Therefore, with the goal to positively affect population growth, ADEDA has developed four key strategic pillars:
1. Strengthen the region’s existing businesses through their Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE)
2. Attract new business and investment using an innovative 5 year strategic plan
3. Attract new residents via immigration, in-migration and tourism
4. Support the region’s creative economy (arts, culture and technology)
Of particular significance to the Agency’s 2010-11 Business Plan is their new 5 Year Investment Strategy. This series of documents provides a framework for future economic development based on a comprehensive understanding of the people, skills, businesses and natural assets in this Region.
A question and answer period followed the presentation.
Council commended the agency on the great job that they are doing and they look forward to working with them through the next five years of their plan.
Minutes
March 22, 2010
MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council of March 22, 2010 be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
Business Arising from Minutes NIL
Old Business
#1 Maud Lewis Signage Councillor Adams added this item to the agenda to find out the status of the signage for the Maud Lewis Site. The CAO advised that the funding was sent out last year and the signs have yet to be placed. The CAO will follow up on this as well as the upkeep for the lawn and gardens.
Warden Thurber No Old Business.
Deputy Warden
MacAlpine
No Old Business.
Councillor Gregory Absent.
Councillor Amero No Old Business.
Councillor Adams No Old Business.
New Business
#1 New Weymouth Library – Recommendation from Building Committee for name The Weymouth Library Building Committee met a couple weeks ago and is pleased with the progress. The project should be finished up within next couple weeks. The furniture has been ordered and will be set up by the company. They are estimating it will take a week to move. The plan is to have a grand opening this summer.
The Building Committee for the Weymouth Library has been working on a name for the new library and they are recommending that the Library be named “Weymouth Waterfront Library” as this name would recognize all the work the Weymouth Waterfront Committee has done as well as recognizing Weymouth.
There was a discussion of Council on the recommended name.
MOVED and seconded that Council accept the recommendation from the Weymouth Library Building Committee that the new library be named Weymouth Waterfront Library.
MOTION CARRIED
#2 Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre Association – Balancing Rock Trail – Signage The Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre Association is requesting permission to place signage along the balancing rock trail and in the parking lot.
MOVED and seconded that Council grant permission for the Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre to install signage on the Balancing Rock Trail and parking area as stipulated in their letter.
There was also a discussion regarding the need for signage to direct people to the trail. The Warden stated that if this hasn’t been done, it can be done prior to the trail’s opening.
MOTION CARRIED
#3 Planning Advisory Committee – Patricia MacConnell Application MOVED and seconded that Council accept Patricia MacConnell as citizen member for the Planning Advisory Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
#4 Plympton & Gilbert’s Cove Fire Department – Guarantee of $100,000 loan The Plympton and Gilbert’s Cove Fire Department is requesting that Council guarantee a loan of $100,000 from the Bank of Nova Scotia to pay off existing loans and purchase a used truck.
MOVED and seconded that Council do a loan guarantee resolution to be forwarded to the Province for approval for the Fire Department in the sum of $100,000.
MOTION CARRIED
#5 Trinity Anglican Church – Funding Request The Trinity Anglican Church is requesting funding to help with summer student wages.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine declared a conflict of interest. Warden Thurber asked him to stay as the item was going to be referred to the budget process.
MOVED and seconded that the funding request from Trinity Anglican Church be referred to the budget process.
MOTION CARRIED
#6 Wharf Rat Rally – Funding Request $5,000 The CAO recommended that the funding request from the Wharf Rat Rally be referred to the budget process.
There was a short discussion regarding the time sensitivity of this request.
MOVED and seconded that the funding request from the Wharf Rat Rally be referred to the budget meeting scheduled for April 3, 2010.
MOTION CARRIED
Administration
Request for decision/direction NIL
CAO Report
Rural Post Offices
Funding to Expand Smith’s Cove Sewer Connections
Municipal Office Renovations
The CAO report for April 26, 2010 was included in the meeting package.
The CAO wanted to note that the UNSM President has written a letter to Canada Post expressing municipal concerns over the Rural Mailbox Delivery Review Program. She noted that there has been no response to the two letters from Council. It was agreed by Council that Canada Post be contacted to invite them to make a presentation to Council when they are in this area.
The CAO is unaware of any funds available through the Build Canada fund or any other cost-sharing funds that could be accessed to extend sewer connections in Smith’s Cove. The CAO will follow up with the Municipal Advisor for the Province to see if there are any funding opportunities.
The advertisement for the tender for the building renovations will be placed in the Chronicle Herald either this Saturday or the following Saturday. The date for moving out is still scheduled for May 28, 2010.
Payables MOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of $658,161.71 for the month of March 2010 be approved as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Financial Report The financial report for March 31, 2010 was not available.
Council Committees
Committee of the Whole
Tax Exemption By-law – First Reading of amendment to add Nova Scotia Bird Sanctuary & Trust property
MOVED and seconded that first reading be held for the amendment to the Tax Exemption By-law adding Nova Scotia Bird Sanctuary & Trust property (Peter’s Island)
MOTION CARRIED
1 OPPOSED – Councillor Amero
Bylaw & Policy Review N/A
Advisory Committees
#1 REMO Management Planning Committee The REMO Management Planning Committee has not met since the last Council meeting. There is a meeting planned for May 4, 2010 for coordinators.
#2 Heritage Advisory Committee There has been no Heritage Advisory Committee meeting since the last Council meeting; however, there is a meeting scheduled for this week.
#3 Planning Advisory Committee The third spot for citizen representative has just been filled.
#4 Police Advisory Committee The Police Advisory Committee minutes for January 12, 2010 were included in the meeting package. There was a meeting on April 20, 2010. All three citizen representatives’ terms are up in July. The CAO wants to advertise in June. Wendell Gregory, who is currently a citizen representative, has resigned from the committee.
The CAO is going to follow up with the RCMP Staff Sergeant regarding the Share the Road Program.
#5 Tri County Housing Authority The Tri County Housing Authority was last reported on in October 2009. There is a report due; the CAO has requested one for the last two meetings.
Regional / Joint Committees
#1 Airport Working Group There is an Airport Working Group meeting scheduled for May 5, 2010.
#2 Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency The ADEDA meeting minutes for March 2010 as well as the Managing Director report were included in the meeting package. There have been two meetings since the last Council meeting. Mr. Gushue reported on the outcome of the meetings in his earlier presentation.
There were representatives from the YMCA at the last meeting who are looking into the possibility of taking over Lifeplex. There has not been a decision made on this at this time.
Kathleen Shea’s last day working for ADEDA was on April 23, 2010. She was a great asset to the organization and it is hoped that they can find someone who can fill her shoes.
#3 Digby Annapolis Development Corp The April DADC meeting has been postponed until May. It is hoped to schedule a meeting before FCM.
#4 Digby Area Learning Association DALA had a special meeting on April 14, 2010. Their regular meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2010.
#5 Digby Area Tourism Association No report.
#6 Digby Area Recreation Committee DARC didn’t have a regular April meeting. They held the annual volunteer recognition awards. The event was well attended and was a successful ceremony.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine would like Councillor Amero to raise his concern with the capital expenditures in relation to the Curling Club at the next DARC meeting.
#7 Digby Harbour Port Association No report.
#8 Fundyweb Broadband The Fundyweb Broadband meeting minutes from March 12, 2010 were included in the meeting package. The last meeting was held on April 15, 2010. The main discussions were the sale of fibre to Eastlink and also a review whether municipal representation on the board should be phased out. The CAO’s were asked to review this option. It is the feeling of the Board that the intent to provide a service has been met. They are holding regular meetings in an attempt to move forward.
#9 Industrial Commission The Industrial Commission meeting for April has been postponed. There has been no date set.
#10 Kings Transit Authority The Kings Transit Authority April board package was included in the meeting package. Councillor Amero was unable to attend the last board meeting. The Warden and CAO had a meeting with representatives from Kings Transit at which time they discussed their desire to use the transit funds to build a garage in the Valley. The Warden and CAO asked Kings Transit to present them with a business plan so that they would be able to see the savings that would take place by building the garage. Also discussed that this meeting was the desire to change the structure of the board to allow the non-voting partners to become voting partners on the board.
#11 Senior Safety Committee There is a Senior Safety Committee meeting scheduled for May. There is a special senior’s day planned for May, 2010 at the Digby Elementary School.
#12 Tideview Terrace There wasn’t a regular Tideview Terrace meeting this month as there was a retreat. Councillor Adams was unable to attend due to sickness. New mission statements and visions were established at the retreat. It was a good retreat and will help everyone to work together better.
Everything is on schedule for the new site. The target move in date is still scheduled for middle June 2011.
Councillor Adams and Councillor Gregory were both able to attend the volunteer tea.
#13 Waste Check There was no Waste Check meeting in April. They did have a strategic planning session on April 8, 2010. There was good representation from our Municipality. This will help with the goals of waste diversion.
The winners have been announced for the 2009-2010 Nova Scotia Recycles Contest. There were three winners in the Municipality of Digby. In the grade 4-6 category, Lacey Lewis from Digby Elementary School placed first. The school also received a cheque for $500. In the grade 2-3 category, Sawyer Burns from Islands Consolidated School received Runner-Up and the school received a cheque for $250. In the P-1 category, Ms. Theresa Nickerson’s class from Barton Consolidated School received Runner-Up and the school received a cheque for $250.
It was mentioned that there is a new garbage truck that can haul two streams. It is being hauled that way. There will be advertising done to help residents sort properly and as of June 1, 2010 people that do not comply will have their bags stickered.
#14 Western Counties Regional Library Western Counties Regional Library hasn’t met since the last Council meeting.
There is an adopt-a-book program going on and Deputy Warden MacAlpine encouraged everyone to go to a local library and adopt a book.
Council Reports
Warden Thurber Warden Thurber gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Councillor Gregory Absent.
Councillor Amero Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Councillor Adams Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings she has attended during the past month.
Comments from the gallery The meeting was opened up to the gallery for questions. There were no questions.
Recess MOVED and seconded that Council take a five minute recess before proceeding in camera.
MOTION CARRIED
In Camera MOVED and seconded that Council move in camera.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular session resumed.
Adjournment
MOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 7:55 PM.
MOTION CARRIED
Call to Order The Council meeting was called to order with Warden Thurber in the chair at 6:00 p.m.
Attendance
Councillors present:
Jim Thurber, Warden
Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden
Randall Amero, Councillor
Maritza Adams, Councillor
Staff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer
Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Cora Lee Bremner, Executive Secretary
Regrets: Linda Gregory, Councillor
Prayer Warden Thurber welcomed everyone to the meeting, read the Municipality’s mission statement and then asked everyone to pause to seek guidance for the meeting.
Agenda Councillor Adams added Maud Lewis Signage to Old Business.
MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
Presentations
Mike Gushue, ADEDA - 2010/2011 Business Plan MOVED and seconded that Mr. Mike Gushue from ADEDA come before Council to make a presentation on the 2010/2011 Business Plan.
MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Gushue came before Council to present ADEDA’s 2010-11 Business Plan. This document represents year one of their new 5 Year Investment Strategy, which forms the basis of the region’s economic transition plan.
The key to building our regional economy is to grow our population. The way to grow our population is to identify investment opportunities which will, in turn, create jobs. Therefore, with the goal to positively affect population growth, ADEDA has developed four key strategic pillars:
1. Strengthen the region’s existing businesses through their Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE)
2. Attract new business and investment using an innovative 5 year strategic plan
3. Attract new residents via immigration, in-migration and tourism
4. Support the region’s creative economy (arts, culture and technology)
Of particular significance to the Agency’s 2010-11 Business Plan is their new 5 Year Investment Strategy. This series of documents provides a framework for future economic development based on a comprehensive understanding of the people, skills, businesses and natural assets in this Region.
A question and answer period followed the presentation.
Council commended the agency on the great job that they are doing and they look forward to working with them through the next five years of their plan.
Minutes
March 22, 2010
MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council of March 22, 2010 be approved as circulated.
MOTION CARRIED
Business Arising from Minutes NIL
Old Business
#1 Maud Lewis Signage Councillor Adams added this item to the agenda to find out the status of the signage for the Maud Lewis Site. The CAO advised that the funding was sent out last year and the signs have yet to be placed. The CAO will follow up on this as well as the upkeep for the lawn and gardens.
Warden Thurber No Old Business.
Deputy Warden
MacAlpine
No Old Business.
Councillor Gregory Absent.
Councillor Amero No Old Business.
Councillor Adams No Old Business.
New Business
#1 New Weymouth Library – Recommendation from Building Committee for name The Weymouth Library Building Committee met a couple weeks ago and is pleased with the progress. The project should be finished up within next couple weeks. The furniture has been ordered and will be set up by the company. They are estimating it will take a week to move. The plan is to have a grand opening this summer.
The Building Committee for the Weymouth Library has been working on a name for the new library and they are recommending that the Library be named “Weymouth Waterfront Library” as this name would recognize all the work the Weymouth Waterfront Committee has done as well as recognizing Weymouth.
There was a discussion of Council on the recommended name.
MOVED and seconded that Council accept the recommendation from the Weymouth Library Building Committee that the new library be named Weymouth Waterfront Library.
MOTION CARRIED
#2 Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre Association – Balancing Rock Trail – Signage The Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre Association is requesting permission to place signage along the balancing rock trail and in the parking lot.
MOVED and seconded that Council grant permission for the Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre to install signage on the Balancing Rock Trail and parking area as stipulated in their letter.
There was also a discussion regarding the need for signage to direct people to the trail. The Warden stated that if this hasn’t been done, it can be done prior to the trail’s opening.
MOTION CARRIED
#3 Planning Advisory Committee – Patricia MacConnell Application MOVED and seconded that Council accept Patricia MacConnell as citizen member for the Planning Advisory Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
#4 Plympton & Gilbert’s Cove Fire Department – Guarantee of $100,000 loan The Plympton and Gilbert’s Cove Fire Department is requesting that Council guarantee a loan of $100,000 from the Bank of Nova Scotia to pay off existing loans and purchase a used truck.
MOVED and seconded that Council do a loan guarantee resolution to be forwarded to the Province for approval for the Fire Department in the sum of $100,000.
MOTION CARRIED
#5 Trinity Anglican Church – Funding Request The Trinity Anglican Church is requesting funding to help with summer student wages.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine declared a conflict of interest. Warden Thurber asked him to stay as the item was going to be referred to the budget process.
MOVED and seconded that the funding request from Trinity Anglican Church be referred to the budget process.
MOTION CARRIED
#6 Wharf Rat Rally – Funding Request $5,000 The CAO recommended that the funding request from the Wharf Rat Rally be referred to the budget process.
There was a short discussion regarding the time sensitivity of this request.
MOVED and seconded that the funding request from the Wharf Rat Rally be referred to the budget meeting scheduled for April 3, 2010.
MOTION CARRIED
Administration
Request for decision/direction NIL
CAO Report
Rural Post Offices
Funding to Expand Smith’s Cove Sewer Connections
Municipal Office Renovations
The CAO report for April 26, 2010 was included in the meeting package.
The CAO wanted to note that the UNSM President has written a letter to Canada Post expressing municipal concerns over the Rural Mailbox Delivery Review Program. She noted that there has been no response to the two letters from Council. It was agreed by Council that Canada Post be contacted to invite them to make a presentation to Council when they are in this area.
The CAO is unaware of any funds available through the Build Canada fund or any other cost-sharing funds that could be accessed to extend sewer connections in Smith’s Cove. The CAO will follow up with the Municipal Advisor for the Province to see if there are any funding opportunities.
The advertisement for the tender for the building renovations will be placed in the Chronicle Herald either this Saturday or the following Saturday. The date for moving out is still scheduled for May 28, 2010.
Payables MOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of $658,161.71 for the month of March 2010 be approved as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Financial Report The financial report for March 31, 2010 was not available.
Council Committees
Committee of the Whole
Tax Exemption By-law – First Reading of amendment to add Nova Scotia Bird Sanctuary & Trust property
MOVED and seconded that first reading be held for the amendment to the Tax Exemption By-law adding Nova Scotia Bird Sanctuary & Trust property (Peter’s Island)
MOTION CARRIED
1 OPPOSED – Councillor Amero
Bylaw & Policy Review N/A
Advisory Committees
#1 REMO Management Planning Committee The REMO Management Planning Committee has not met since the last Council meeting. There is a meeting planned for May 4, 2010 for coordinators.
#2 Heritage Advisory Committee There has been no Heritage Advisory Committee meeting since the last Council meeting; however, there is a meeting scheduled for this week.
#3 Planning Advisory Committee The third spot for citizen representative has just been filled.
#4 Police Advisory Committee The Police Advisory Committee minutes for January 12, 2010 were included in the meeting package. There was a meeting on April 20, 2010. All three citizen representatives’ terms are up in July. The CAO wants to advertise in June. Wendell Gregory, who is currently a citizen representative, has resigned from the committee.
The CAO is going to follow up with the RCMP Staff Sergeant regarding the Share the Road Program.
#5 Tri County Housing Authority The Tri County Housing Authority was last reported on in October 2009. There is a report due; the CAO has requested one for the last two meetings.
Regional / Joint Committees
#1 Airport Working Group There is an Airport Working Group meeting scheduled for May 5, 2010.
#2 Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency The ADEDA meeting minutes for March 2010 as well as the Managing Director report were included in the meeting package. There have been two meetings since the last Council meeting. Mr. Gushue reported on the outcome of the meetings in his earlier presentation.
There were representatives from the YMCA at the last meeting who are looking into the possibility of taking over Lifeplex. There has not been a decision made on this at this time.
Kathleen Shea’s last day working for ADEDA was on April 23, 2010. She was a great asset to the organization and it is hoped that they can find someone who can fill her shoes.
#3 Digby Annapolis Development Corp The April DADC meeting has been postponed until May. It is hoped to schedule a meeting before FCM.
#4 Digby Area Learning Association DALA had a special meeting on April 14, 2010. Their regular meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2010.
#5 Digby Area Tourism Association No report.
#6 Digby Area Recreation Committee DARC didn’t have a regular April meeting. They held the annual volunteer recognition awards. The event was well attended and was a successful ceremony.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine would like Councillor Amero to raise his concern with the capital expenditures in relation to the Curling Club at the next DARC meeting.
#7 Digby Harbour Port Association No report.
#8 Fundyweb Broadband The Fundyweb Broadband meeting minutes from March 12, 2010 were included in the meeting package. The last meeting was held on April 15, 2010. The main discussions were the sale of fibre to Eastlink and also a review whether municipal representation on the board should be phased out. The CAO’s were asked to review this option. It is the feeling of the Board that the intent to provide a service has been met. They are holding regular meetings in an attempt to move forward.
#9 Industrial Commission The Industrial Commission meeting for April has been postponed. There has been no date set.
#10 Kings Transit Authority The Kings Transit Authority April board package was included in the meeting package. Councillor Amero was unable to attend the last board meeting. The Warden and CAO had a meeting with representatives from Kings Transit at which time they discussed their desire to use the transit funds to build a garage in the Valley. The Warden and CAO asked Kings Transit to present them with a business plan so that they would be able to see the savings that would take place by building the garage. Also discussed that this meeting was the desire to change the structure of the board to allow the non-voting partners to become voting partners on the board.
#11 Senior Safety Committee There is a Senior Safety Committee meeting scheduled for May. There is a special senior’s day planned for May, 2010 at the Digby Elementary School.
#12 Tideview Terrace There wasn’t a regular Tideview Terrace meeting this month as there was a retreat. Councillor Adams was unable to attend due to sickness. New mission statements and visions were established at the retreat. It was a good retreat and will help everyone to work together better.
Everything is on schedule for the new site. The target move in date is still scheduled for middle June 2011.
Councillor Adams and Councillor Gregory were both able to attend the volunteer tea.
#13 Waste Check There was no Waste Check meeting in April. They did have a strategic planning session on April 8, 2010. There was good representation from our Municipality. This will help with the goals of waste diversion.
The winners have been announced for the 2009-2010 Nova Scotia Recycles Contest. There were three winners in the Municipality of Digby. In the grade 4-6 category, Lacey Lewis from Digby Elementary School placed first. The school also received a cheque for $500. In the grade 2-3 category, Sawyer Burns from Islands Consolidated School received Runner-Up and the school received a cheque for $250. In the P-1 category, Ms. Theresa Nickerson’s class from Barton Consolidated School received Runner-Up and the school received a cheque for $250.
It was mentioned that there is a new garbage truck that can haul two streams. It is being hauled that way. There will be advertising done to help residents sort properly and as of June 1, 2010 people that do not comply will have their bags stickered.
#14 Western Counties Regional Library Western Counties Regional Library hasn’t met since the last Council meeting.
There is an adopt-a-book program going on and Deputy Warden MacAlpine encouraged everyone to go to a local library and adopt a book.
Council Reports
Warden Thurber Warden Thurber gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Deputy Warden MacAlpine Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Councillor Gregory Absent.
Councillor Amero Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings he has attended during the past month.
Councillor Adams Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Council outlining the various meetings she has attended during the past month.
Comments from the gallery The meeting was opened up to the gallery for questions. There were no questions.
Recess MOVED and seconded that Council take a five minute recess before proceeding in camera.
MOTION CARRIED
In Camera MOVED and seconded that Council move in camera.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular session resumed.
Adjournment
MOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 7:55 PM.
MOTION CARRIED
_______________________________ _____________________________
WARDEN CLERK
_______________________________ _____________________________
WARDEN CLERK
Labels:
Digby Municipal Council
DATA News
Tourism Planning Framework
March 2008
Today’s Presentation
Tourism, Culture and Heritage – Tourism Division
Who’s Who in Tourism Development
Current initiatives
Funding programs and Development priorities
Tourism Division
Tourism Development
Bob Book, Director
Lisa MacIsaac, Acting Manager
Lori Blackburn, Tourism Development Officer
Heather Yule, Tourism Development Officer
Jennifer MacIntyre, Tourism Development Officer
Vacant, Tourism Development Officer
Mireille Roach, Acadian Tourism Officer
Jennifer Halliwell, Administrative Assistant
Response to changing times:
2010 Tourism Plan
The three key pillars:
Core experiences
Differentiate based on
experiences that match
our consumers’ passions
Focus on product areas
where Nova Scotia has
a competitive advantage
Core Experiences – Recent Initiatives
Connecting visitors with experiences
- Product Development Day
Destination development
- Experience Nova Scotia Tool Kit
- Outdoor Interpretation Guide
- Kiosk “how to” guide
- Bay of Fundy plan
- Roger Brooks Assessment
Core experiences – Recent Initiatives
Sustainable coastal development
- Communicating successes
- Develop coastal experiences
Industry Development
- Tourism Human Resource
Council
- Nova Scotia focused Best
Practices Missions
Tourism Development Investment Program
Destination Development
Tourism Planning
Interpretation Development
Tourism Infrastructure
Tourism Programming
Up to 50% of eligible project costs
Eligible Costs
Planning & Design
Capital Costs
Interpretation
Ineligible Costs
Land acquisition
Purchase of equipment
Operating Costs
Marketing Initiatives, Plans
Development Priorities
Destination Development
Destination / Community Planning
Living History – Making history come alive!
Attraction Development
Watchable Wildlife
Cultural Experiences
Beaches / Coastal
Hiking / Walking
Culinary and Wine
Sustainable / Responsible Tourism
Tourism Development Investment Program
Industry Development
Study Tours / Best Practice Missions
Seminars, workshops, conferences
Market-readiness Assessments
Strategic Community Tourism Planning
Professional Development
Up to 75% of eligible project costs
Development Priorities
Industry Development
Best Practice Missions
Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism
Bonavista Institute of Cultural Tourism
Market Readiness Programs
Study Tours
Training / Workshops
Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council
Other stuff…
Environmental Assessments
Investment Portfolio
Business Counseling
Signage
Thank you!
March 2008
Today’s Presentation
Tourism, Culture and Heritage – Tourism Division
Who’s Who in Tourism Development
Current initiatives
Funding programs and Development priorities
Tourism Division
Tourism Development
Bob Book, Director
Lisa MacIsaac, Acting Manager
Lori Blackburn, Tourism Development Officer
Heather Yule, Tourism Development Officer
Jennifer MacIntyre, Tourism Development Officer
Vacant, Tourism Development Officer
Mireille Roach, Acadian Tourism Officer
Jennifer Halliwell, Administrative Assistant
Response to changing times:
2010 Tourism Plan
The three key pillars:
Core experiences
Differentiate based on
experiences that match
our consumers’ passions
Focus on product areas
where Nova Scotia has
a competitive advantage
Core Experiences – Recent Initiatives
Connecting visitors with experiences
- Product Development Day
Destination development
- Experience Nova Scotia Tool Kit
- Outdoor Interpretation Guide
- Kiosk “how to” guide
- Bay of Fundy plan
- Roger Brooks Assessment
Core experiences – Recent Initiatives
Sustainable coastal development
- Communicating successes
- Develop coastal experiences
Industry Development
- Tourism Human Resource
Council
- Nova Scotia focused Best
Practices Missions
Tourism Development Investment Program
Destination Development
Tourism Planning
Interpretation Development
Tourism Infrastructure
Tourism Programming
Up to 50% of eligible project costs
Eligible Costs
Planning & Design
Capital Costs
Interpretation
Ineligible Costs
Land acquisition
Purchase of equipment
Operating Costs
Marketing Initiatives, Plans
Development Priorities
Destination Development
Destination / Community Planning
Living History – Making history come alive!
Attraction Development
Watchable Wildlife
Cultural Experiences
Beaches / Coastal
Hiking / Walking
Culinary and Wine
Sustainable / Responsible Tourism
Tourism Development Investment Program
Industry Development
Study Tours / Best Practice Missions
Seminars, workshops, conferences
Market-readiness Assessments
Strategic Community Tourism Planning
Professional Development
Up to 75% of eligible project costs
Development Priorities
Industry Development
Best Practice Missions
Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism
Bonavista Institute of Cultural Tourism
Market Readiness Programs
Study Tours
Training / Workshops
Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council
Other stuff…
Environmental Assessments
Investment Portfolio
Business Counseling
Signage
Thank you!
Labels:
DATA news tourism planning
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
ADEDA News
It’s a time of seasonal contradictions for many of us here in Annapolis Digby. On one hand, we’re getting ready to herald the arrival of summer in our beautiful area. And nothing signals this perhaps more than the annual Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival which begins this week. That long standing celebration has its official opening ceremony in Digby on May 27th, and detailed information is available at www.appleblossom.com.
On the other hand, the last reminder of winter past lingers with the seemingly interminable Stanley Cup hockey playoffs. It’s been good news for those many Montreal Canadiens supporters here who are following the surprising fortunes of their team – and particularly for me, a long time, and long suffering, Blackhawks fan who remembers (yes I can) their last Cup victory in 1961.
The Puck Stops – and Starts – Here
But a recent story reminds us that the soul of our national pastime still firmly resides – not in Montreal or Chicago – but in the dedication of all those local volunteers who make things happen in their home towns. So it was great to see Bridgetown’s Steve Clayton honoured nationally as part of RBC’s Local Hockey Leaders program.
A Legacy of Learning Leadership
And speaking of local leadership, for both our area’s young students as well as our lifelong learners, I couldn’t let this edition of the newsletter pass without a heartfelt “hats off” to Clyde Baltzer who is moving on from his latest stint as one of our premier educators. Clyde is winding up a crucially important six year term with the renowned Digby Area Learning Association (DALA) and taking a well deserved break. I was the Board Chair when Clyde was retained to lead DALA. We believed then that he was just the person to take DALA to the next level – and we were right.
High Acclaim on the High Seas
In a recent column in the Halifax Chronicle Herald, my friend Jim Meek wrote about the manner in which dogged economic optimism combined with a special lifestyle combine to make rural Nova Scotia a special place to live and work. And while his piece was set in our neighbouring area, it holds true for this region as well. Evidence of the ability of our traditional businesses to succeed in world markets was reported this week in the accolades accorded to Meteghan River’s A.F. Theriault & Son Boatyard.
New Site to House Ongoing Challenge
While the success of companies such as the Theriault Boatyard show the continuing vibrancy in our regional economy, challenges still remain in creating and maintaining a relevant workforce. That’s why it was encouraging to learn that PeopleWorx, a non-profit group that, since 1986 has run innovative programs for the unemployed and underemployed in this area, is getting a new, “green”, training facility.
I had a great time this past long weekend with visiting family attending local farm markets – and there are even more opening soon. Check our web site events listing for updates. Remember to take in the Blossom Festival activities if – and where – you can. And if you’re getting ready to finish those summer garden preparations, and at the same time support our own award winning Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, you may want to put aside next Sunday to attend the Gardens Society’s Spring Gala and Auction; check the events listings for time and place.
As for me, I’ll be alternating the begonias and the “boob tube”. Go ‘Hawks – and, OK, Go Habs Too!
Till next week;
Peter
Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0
Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com
We invite you to visit us anytime at www.annapolisdigby.com.
On the other hand, the last reminder of winter past lingers with the seemingly interminable Stanley Cup hockey playoffs. It’s been good news for those many Montreal Canadiens supporters here who are following the surprising fortunes of their team – and particularly for me, a long time, and long suffering, Blackhawks fan who remembers (yes I can) their last Cup victory in 1961.
The Puck Stops – and Starts – Here
But a recent story reminds us that the soul of our national pastime still firmly resides – not in Montreal or Chicago – but in the dedication of all those local volunteers who make things happen in their home towns. So it was great to see Bridgetown’s Steve Clayton honoured nationally as part of RBC’s Local Hockey Leaders program.
A Legacy of Learning Leadership
And speaking of local leadership, for both our area’s young students as well as our lifelong learners, I couldn’t let this edition of the newsletter pass without a heartfelt “hats off” to Clyde Baltzer who is moving on from his latest stint as one of our premier educators. Clyde is winding up a crucially important six year term with the renowned Digby Area Learning Association (DALA) and taking a well deserved break. I was the Board Chair when Clyde was retained to lead DALA. We believed then that he was just the person to take DALA to the next level – and we were right.
High Acclaim on the High Seas
In a recent column in the Halifax Chronicle Herald, my friend Jim Meek wrote about the manner in which dogged economic optimism combined with a special lifestyle combine to make rural Nova Scotia a special place to live and work. And while his piece was set in our neighbouring area, it holds true for this region as well. Evidence of the ability of our traditional businesses to succeed in world markets was reported this week in the accolades accorded to Meteghan River’s A.F. Theriault & Son Boatyard.
New Site to House Ongoing Challenge
While the success of companies such as the Theriault Boatyard show the continuing vibrancy in our regional economy, challenges still remain in creating and maintaining a relevant workforce. That’s why it was encouraging to learn that PeopleWorx, a non-profit group that, since 1986 has run innovative programs for the unemployed and underemployed in this area, is getting a new, “green”, training facility.
I had a great time this past long weekend with visiting family attending local farm markets – and there are even more opening soon. Check our web site events listing for updates. Remember to take in the Blossom Festival activities if – and where – you can. And if you’re getting ready to finish those summer garden preparations, and at the same time support our own award winning Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, you may want to put aside next Sunday to attend the Gardens Society’s Spring Gala and Auction; check the events listings for time and place.
As for me, I’ll be alternating the begonias and the “boob tube”. Go ‘Hawks – and, OK, Go Habs Too!
Till next week;
Peter
Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0
Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com
We invite you to visit us anytime at www.annapolisdigby.com.
Labels:
ADEDA
A Simple Way to Help Fight Climate Change
A draft of the Green India [ Images ] Mission to double India's forest cover in 10 years at a cost of Rs 44,000 crore (Rs 440 billion) was released in New Delhi [ Images ] on Monday as part of the national action plan on climate change.
An environment and forest ministry spokesman said the draft, based on discussions with all the stakeholders, will be finalised after a series of public consultations across the country. The feedback has been solicited by email to kbthampi-mef@nic.in, varad.pande@nic.in, bmsrathore@yahoo.co.in.
As the executive summary of the draft stresses, the mission takes holistic view of 'greening' as it will not be limited to just trees and plantation but lay emphasis on restoration of eco-system and habitat diversity through development grassland and pastures, more so in arid/semi arid regions, mangroves, wetlands and other critical ecosystems.
Local communities will get a key role in project governance and implementation under the mission. Besides addressing climate change through carbon sinks in forests and other ecosystems, the mission will adapt vulnerable species/ecosystems as also the forest dependant-local communities.
The mission's goals include doubling the area of afforestation or eco-restoration to 20 million hectares in the next 10 years by 2020. The first year would be utilised in institution building, sensitisation, capacity building and baseline research. Actual field operations will commence from the second year of the Mission.
According to Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh [ Images ], the Green India Mission will not only affect the climate change but also influence food, water, environment and livelihood security of tribal and forest dwellers.
He says the biggest challenge before the mission is the demand-supply gap of various provisioning services from forests, particularly fuel wood, fodder, grass, grazing, timber, cane and bamboo, creating unsustainable pressure and degrading forests and their ecosystems. Its goals include adaptation of forest-dependent local communities in the face of climatic variability.
An environment and forest ministry spokesman said the draft, based on discussions with all the stakeholders, will be finalised after a series of public consultations across the country. The feedback has been solicited by email to kbthampi-mef@nic.in, varad.pande@nic.in, bmsrathore@yahoo.co.in.
As the executive summary of the draft stresses, the mission takes holistic view of 'greening' as it will not be limited to just trees and plantation but lay emphasis on restoration of eco-system and habitat diversity through development grassland and pastures, more so in arid/semi arid regions, mangroves, wetlands and other critical ecosystems.
Local communities will get a key role in project governance and implementation under the mission. Besides addressing climate change through carbon sinks in forests and other ecosystems, the mission will adapt vulnerable species/ecosystems as also the forest dependant-local communities.
The mission's goals include doubling the area of afforestation or eco-restoration to 20 million hectares in the next 10 years by 2020. The first year would be utilised in institution building, sensitisation, capacity building and baseline research. Actual field operations will commence from the second year of the Mission.
According to Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh [ Images ], the Green India Mission will not only affect the climate change but also influence food, water, environment and livelihood security of tribal and forest dwellers.
He says the biggest challenge before the mission is the demand-supply gap of various provisioning services from forests, particularly fuel wood, fodder, grass, grazing, timber, cane and bamboo, creating unsustainable pressure and degrading forests and their ecosystems. Its goals include adaptation of forest-dependent local communities in the face of climatic variability.
Fort Anne, Port Royal Plan Events
Big year ahead for Fort Anne, Port Royal
By GLEN PARKER
Tue. May 25 - 4:53 AM
This is a special year for Parks Canada’s Fort Anne and Port Royal National Historic Sites.
Celebrations this summer will include the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Grand Chief Membertou on June 24 at Port Royal and A Heritage Snapshot on Aug. 29 at Fort Anne.
"It’s a busy time of year for us right now with school groups visiting the parks," said Lillian Stewart, National Historic Site manager for Fort Anne and Port Royal. "The events planned for this summer are pretty exciting."
The season opened May 15.
The two sites are minutes apart in the Annapolis Royal area. Last year, Fort Anne had 30,650 visitors and Port Royal 22,230, Stewart said.
The loss of the Cat ferry running from Maine to Yarmouth will likely adversely affect those numbers this year, but Stewart said Parks Canada is making an effort to increase visitation from the Halifax region.
"We know a lot of our visitors come from the U.S. but we don’t track how they come," Stewart said. "Halifax is an important market for us. It’s close, two hours and 15 minutes away. We’ve participated in trade shows like the Saltscapes East Coast Expo in Halifax with an effort to raise awareness."
The Fort Anne and Port Royal National Historic Sites are open daily from May 15 to Oct. 15. For more information on this year’s special events, visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortanne.
( gparker@herald.ca)
By GLEN PARKER
Tue. May 25 - 4:53 AM
This is a special year for Parks Canada’s Fort Anne and Port Royal National Historic Sites.
Celebrations this summer will include the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Grand Chief Membertou on June 24 at Port Royal and A Heritage Snapshot on Aug. 29 at Fort Anne.
"It’s a busy time of year for us right now with school groups visiting the parks," said Lillian Stewart, National Historic Site manager for Fort Anne and Port Royal. "The events planned for this summer are pretty exciting."
The season opened May 15.
The two sites are minutes apart in the Annapolis Royal area. Last year, Fort Anne had 30,650 visitors and Port Royal 22,230, Stewart said.
The loss of the Cat ferry running from Maine to Yarmouth will likely adversely affect those numbers this year, but Stewart said Parks Canada is making an effort to increase visitation from the Halifax region.
"We know a lot of our visitors come from the U.S. but we don’t track how they come," Stewart said. "Halifax is an important market for us. It’s close, two hours and 15 minutes away. We’ve participated in trade shows like the Saltscapes East Coast Expo in Halifax with an effort to raise awareness."
The Fort Anne and Port Royal National Historic Sites are open daily from May 15 to Oct. 15. For more information on this year’s special events, visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortanne.
( gparker@herald.ca)
Freeport Opens New Firehall
Firehall opens doors in Freeport
Mon. May 24 - 4:53 AM
Residents of Freeport celebrated the Victoria Day weekend with the grand opening of the Digby County community’s new firehall.
Freeport, on Long Island off the tip of Digby Neck, now boasts a 6,000-square-foot hall with an accessible community room and kitchen able to serve up to 161 people.
The facility will also serve as the local Emergency Management Office and an emergency gathering place for the nearby school and seniors complex, a federal government release states.
Ottawa contributed $240,000 to the project through its community adjustment fund, part of its economic stimulus plan.
"This new firehall is the result of a vision and many hours of hard work by the firemen of this department," Freeport Fire Chief Gerald Moore said in the release.
"It was also made possible with the support of the local communities and grants from both the provincial and federal governments."
Mon. May 24 - 4:53 AM
Residents of Freeport celebrated the Victoria Day weekend with the grand opening of the Digby County community’s new firehall.
Freeport, on Long Island off the tip of Digby Neck, now boasts a 6,000-square-foot hall with an accessible community room and kitchen able to serve up to 161 people.
The facility will also serve as the local Emergency Management Office and an emergency gathering place for the nearby school and seniors complex, a federal government release states.
Ottawa contributed $240,000 to the project through its community adjustment fund, part of its economic stimulus plan.
"This new firehall is the result of a vision and many hours of hard work by the firemen of this department," Freeport Fire Chief Gerald Moore said in the release.
"It was also made possible with the support of the local communities and grants from both the provincial and federal governments."
Labels:
Freeport nova scotia firehall
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Coyote Risk Low
Coyote encounter risk low: parks director
CBC News
Nova Scotia provincial parks officials aren't concerned about the potential for human interaction with coyotes during the first big camping weekend of the season.
The risk of encountering a coyote is low, said provincial parks director Harold Carroll.
"We've never had major issues in our camping parks," said Carroll, adding that information is made available to campers and other park visitors about coyote awareness.
"But you know you're in nature and they're certainly probably going to be out and about."
The Department of Natural Resources has received a record number of calls about coyotes this spring.
An official at Kejimkujik National Park said Saturday there have been no issues so far with coyotes in the park.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/22/ns-coyote-parks-camping.html#ixzz0omhBREXY
CBC News
Nova Scotia provincial parks officials aren't concerned about the potential for human interaction with coyotes during the first big camping weekend of the season.
The risk of encountering a coyote is low, said provincial parks director Harold Carroll.
"We've never had major issues in our camping parks," said Carroll, adding that information is made available to campers and other park visitors about coyote awareness.
"But you know you're in nature and they're certainly probably going to be out and about."
The Department of Natural Resources has received a record number of calls about coyotes this spring.
An official at Kejimkujik National Park said Saturday there have been no issues so far with coyotes in the park.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/22/ns-coyote-parks-camping.html#ixzz0omhBREXY
Labels:
coyotes Kejimkujik Park
Friday, May 21, 2010
Hope for a Yarmouth Ferry?
NS: Hope still remains for ferry service in 2011
By Tina Comeau, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Vanguard, May 20, 2010
[YARMOUTH, NS] — Town councillors were told on Tuesday that there has been a flurry of activity concerning the ferry terminal in Yarmouth and the port manager says this area has a viable shot of seeing a ferry operation in place for 2011.
During a presentation to the town’s committee of the whole meeting, Dave Whiting said seven proponents have expressed interest in a ferry operation. Four of them he described as very viable and two, he said, are existing operations.
“I’m optimistic at this point that if we can get over this quickly,” Whiting said — “this” referring to gaining control of the terminal facility — “we will have a lot of interest. If it takes a little longer to get over the terminal issue, we will still have a viable shot at an operation for 2011 because there are already existing operations and you don’t have to worry about sourcing investors, setting up operations.”
Ferry terminal in Yarmouth — Vanguard photo
Whiting, who was receiving phone calls about the terminal facility as he sat at the town hall awaiting his opportunity to speak to councillors, said Transport Canada regional staff in Ottawa, MP Greg Kerr and other federal bureaucrats are all working towards the same goal: “A method so that we can control the terminal operation so that we can proceed for a request for proposals for a service.”
Whiting mentioned, as he has in earlier conversations about the terminal, that there is no process already in place to follow.
But to be able to build a business plan to move forward with a ferry service, he said it’s important to have control of the terminal. An operator has to know what the conditions of docking are going to be, what the cost is going to be. Without that information you can’t put forward a business plan he said.
“Both the province and the feds have asked for a business plan for at least the next five years,” said Whiting.
Another issue that will have to be addressed, said Whiting, is the fact that there hasn’t been a proper engineering investigation of the facility for about 12 years. Asked to comment on rumours of air quality concerns, Whiting said to his knowledge there’s been no testing of that either.
“We’ve proposed to Transport Canada that a proper engineering study be done,” he said, telling councillors that if they had heard rumours about the facility being condemned, none of these rumours are true.
MacKenzie Security and its stevedores are maintaining and keeping the facility “up to par” Whiting said, so that when a ferry operation is ready to go it can hit the ground running.
As for who controls the terminal facilities on the U.S. side, Whiting said the terminal in Bar Harbor is controlled by Marine Atlantic and the one in Portland is owned by the city.
Whiting doesn’t foresee these arrangements causing any problems in Yarmouth, although he did note that with mayoralty elections happening in Portland it does delay the opportunity to talk to the city about potential ferry service.
By Tina Comeau, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Vanguard, May 20, 2010
[YARMOUTH, NS] — Town councillors were told on Tuesday that there has been a flurry of activity concerning the ferry terminal in Yarmouth and the port manager says this area has a viable shot of seeing a ferry operation in place for 2011.
During a presentation to the town’s committee of the whole meeting, Dave Whiting said seven proponents have expressed interest in a ferry operation. Four of them he described as very viable and two, he said, are existing operations.
“I’m optimistic at this point that if we can get over this quickly,” Whiting said — “this” referring to gaining control of the terminal facility — “we will have a lot of interest. If it takes a little longer to get over the terminal issue, we will still have a viable shot at an operation for 2011 because there are already existing operations and you don’t have to worry about sourcing investors, setting up operations.”
Ferry terminal in Yarmouth — Vanguard photo
Whiting, who was receiving phone calls about the terminal facility as he sat at the town hall awaiting his opportunity to speak to councillors, said Transport Canada regional staff in Ottawa, MP Greg Kerr and other federal bureaucrats are all working towards the same goal: “A method so that we can control the terminal operation so that we can proceed for a request for proposals for a service.”
Whiting mentioned, as he has in earlier conversations about the terminal, that there is no process already in place to follow.
But to be able to build a business plan to move forward with a ferry service, he said it’s important to have control of the terminal. An operator has to know what the conditions of docking are going to be, what the cost is going to be. Without that information you can’t put forward a business plan he said.
“Both the province and the feds have asked for a business plan for at least the next five years,” said Whiting.
Another issue that will have to be addressed, said Whiting, is the fact that there hasn’t been a proper engineering investigation of the facility for about 12 years. Asked to comment on rumours of air quality concerns, Whiting said to his knowledge there’s been no testing of that either.
“We’ve proposed to Transport Canada that a proper engineering study be done,” he said, telling councillors that if they had heard rumours about the facility being condemned, none of these rumours are true.
MacKenzie Security and its stevedores are maintaining and keeping the facility “up to par” Whiting said, so that when a ferry operation is ready to go it can hit the ground running.
As for who controls the terminal facilities on the U.S. side, Whiting said the terminal in Bar Harbor is controlled by Marine Atlantic and the one in Portland is owned by the city.
Whiting doesn’t foresee these arrangements causing any problems in Yarmouth, although he did note that with mayoralty elections happening in Portland it does delay the opportunity to talk to the city about potential ferry service.
On at Council
Council AgendaMeeting DateMay 25, 2010Meeting LocationMunicipal Council ChambersCall to OrderWarden Jim ThurberPause to Seek GuidanceWarden Jim ThurberReading of Mission StatementWarden Jim ThurberDocumentsSubject AreaApproval of the AgendaAdditions/DeletionsCouncilStaffSpecial PresentationsPresentations& HearingsTinna Bonner, Canada Post Communications Officer, Rural Mail Safety ReviewMinutesApproval/AmendmentsApril 26, 2010
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Page 2
Council AgendaBusinessArising from Minutes1.2.Deputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsWarden ThurberNew Business# 1Department of Energy2010 Renewable Electricity PlanCommunity Projects-CommunityBased feed-in tariff# 22010 Mobius Environmental AwardBusiness of the Year(small) Sissiboo Investments Ltd,Weymouth # 3# 4# 5# 6
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Page 3
Council AgendaAdministrationCAO ReportMeeting UpdatesProject UpdatesPayables- March, 2010$ 366,570.77Financial ReportNot available until after budget is approvedCorrespondence1.ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and ClimateChange2009 Annual Report2.NS Tourism, Culture and HeritageExperience Nova Scotia: A Toolkit3.M. Ashraf MahtabCopy of letter to Honourable Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment4.5.
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Page 4
Council AgendaCouncil Committees1.COTWSecond and Final Reading of Amendment to Tax ExemptionBy-law adding Nova Scotia BirdSanctuary& Trustproperty(Peter’s Island)2.By-law &PolicySecond and Final Reading of Amendments to Dog By-lawApproval of Digby Annapolis Regional Airport Safety PolicyApproval of Community Grants for 2010-2011Advisory Committees# 1 REMOManagementPlanningCommitteeWarden Thurber/Deputy Warden MacAlpine# 2 Heritage AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams# 3 PlanningAdvisoryCommitteeWarden ThurberDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryOrientation of new members scheduled for May 27th# 4 Police AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsNo meeting since last report# 5 Tri CountyHousingAuthorityR Fitzgerald
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Council AgendaRegional/JointCommittees# 1Airport WorkingGroupDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AdamsDec 16, 2009 Minutes# 2Annapolis DigbyEconomic DevelopmentAgencyWarden Thurber No meeting since last reportMeeting Scheduled May 27th#3Digby Annapolis DevelopmentCorpWarden ThurberCouncillor AmeroDraft Minutes – May 7, 2010Next meeting July 7th#4Digby AreaLearningAssociationCouncillor AdamsFeb 24, 2010 MinutesApr 28, 2010 Minutes#5Digby AreaTourismAssociationCouncillor Gregory#6Digby AreaRecreation CommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor Amero#7Digby HarbourPort AssociationCouncillor Gregory#8FundywebBroadbandDeputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor AmeroNo meeting since last report# 9IndustrialCommissionDeputy WardenMacAlpine Councillor AmeroMeeting scheduled for June 8th# 10 Kings Transit AuthorityCouncillor AmeroMinutes April 21, 2010General Managers Report May2010# 11 Senior SafetyCommitteeCouncillor Adams Councillor GregoryMarch 9thMinutesMay Coordinators Report# 12 Tideview TerraceCouncillor GregoryWarden Thurber & Councillor Adams April 9, 2010 Minutes# 13 Waste CheckDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryMinutes May 11, 2009 AGMBoard Minutes Mar 8, 2010Staff Reports-May 2010Annual Board Report 09-10# 14 Western Counties Regional LibraryDeputy Warden MacAlpine
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Council AgendaCouncil ReportsWarden ThurberDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor GregorySource Water Protection Committee Minutes for March andAprilCouncillorAmeroCouncillor AdamsNotice of MotionIn CameraAdjournment
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Page 2
Council AgendaBusinessArising from Minutes1.2.Deputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsWarden ThurberNew Business# 1Department of Energy2010 Renewable Electricity PlanCommunity Projects-CommunityBased feed-in tariff# 22010 Mobius Environmental AwardBusiness of the Year(small) Sissiboo Investments Ltd,Weymouth # 3# 4# 5# 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3
Council AgendaAdministrationCAO ReportMeeting UpdatesProject UpdatesPayables- March, 2010$ 366,570.77Financial ReportNot available until after budget is approvedCorrespondence1.ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and ClimateChange2009 Annual Report2.NS Tourism, Culture and HeritageExperience Nova Scotia: A Toolkit3.M. Ashraf MahtabCopy of letter to Honourable Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment4.5.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 4
Council AgendaCouncil Committees1.COTWSecond and Final Reading of Amendment to Tax ExemptionBy-law adding Nova Scotia BirdSanctuary& Trustproperty(Peter’s Island)2.By-law &PolicySecond and Final Reading of Amendments to Dog By-lawApproval of Digby Annapolis Regional Airport Safety PolicyApproval of Community Grants for 2010-2011Advisory Committees# 1 REMOManagementPlanningCommitteeWarden Thurber/Deputy Warden MacAlpine# 2 Heritage AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams# 3 PlanningAdvisoryCommitteeWarden ThurberDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryOrientation of new members scheduled for May 27th# 4 Police AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsNo meeting since last report# 5 Tri CountyHousingAuthorityR Fitzgerald
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Council AgendaRegional/JointCommittees# 1Airport WorkingGroupDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AdamsDec 16, 2009 Minutes# 2Annapolis DigbyEconomic DevelopmentAgencyWarden Thurber No meeting since last reportMeeting Scheduled May 27th#3Digby Annapolis DevelopmentCorpWarden ThurberCouncillor AmeroDraft Minutes – May 7, 2010Next meeting July 7th#4Digby AreaLearningAssociationCouncillor AdamsFeb 24, 2010 MinutesApr 28, 2010 Minutes#5Digby AreaTourismAssociationCouncillor Gregory#6Digby AreaRecreation CommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor Amero#7Digby HarbourPort AssociationCouncillor Gregory#8FundywebBroadbandDeputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor AmeroNo meeting since last report# 9IndustrialCommissionDeputy WardenMacAlpine Councillor AmeroMeeting scheduled for June 8th# 10 Kings Transit AuthorityCouncillor AmeroMinutes April 21, 2010General Managers Report May2010# 11 Senior SafetyCommitteeCouncillor Adams Councillor GregoryMarch 9thMinutesMay Coordinators Report# 12 Tideview TerraceCouncillor GregoryWarden Thurber & Councillor Adams April 9, 2010 Minutes# 13 Waste CheckDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryMinutes May 11, 2009 AGMBoard Minutes Mar 8, 2010Staff Reports-May 2010Annual Board Report 09-10# 14 Western Counties Regional LibraryDeputy Warden MacAlpine
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Council AgendaCouncil ReportsWarden ThurberDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor GregorySource Water Protection Committee Minutes for March andAprilCouncillorAmeroCouncillor AdamsNotice of MotionIn CameraAdjournment
Kids Sing on Digby Neck
Digby Neck students get vocal for Music Monday
Music
Published on May 19th, 2010
Published on May 19th, 2010
Leanne Delong/Digby The nationally celebrated Music Monday came early this year for students at Digby Neck Consolidated School, as it was held April 30.
Topics : Ticketmaster Canada.The school , Canada
May 3 marks the sixth annual Music Monday for elementary schools across Canada who unite in song. This year’s song was ‘Sing, Sing’ by Canadian artist Serena Ryder.
Students at Digby Neck Consolidated kicked off their Music Monday by singing O Canada.
Music teacher Julia Woodman explained to students there are 10 schools participating in the event that have a chance to win a $2,500 grant through Music Monday’s new partnership with Ticketmaster Canada.
View the gallery
The school’s grades primary to 2 classes sang and played on kazoos, while students in grades 3 and 4 students performed on their recorders.
Grades’ 5 and 6 performed with their ukuleles before the finale when all the students up on stage to sing ‘Sing, Sing’.
Music
Published on May 19th, 2010
Published on May 19th, 2010
Leanne Delong/Digby The nationally celebrated Music Monday came early this year for students at Digby Neck Consolidated School, as it was held April 30.
Topics : Ticketmaster Canada.The school , Canada
May 3 marks the sixth annual Music Monday for elementary schools across Canada who unite in song. This year’s song was ‘Sing, Sing’ by Canadian artist Serena Ryder.
Students at Digby Neck Consolidated kicked off their Music Monday by singing O Canada.
Music teacher Julia Woodman explained to students there are 10 schools participating in the event that have a chance to win a $2,500 grant through Music Monday’s new partnership with Ticketmaster Canada.
View the gallery
The school’s grades primary to 2 classes sang and played on kazoos, while students in grades 3 and 4 students performed on their recorders.
Grades’ 5 and 6 performed with their ukuleles before the finale when all the students up on stage to sing ‘Sing, Sing’.
Labels:
Digby Neck Consolidated School
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Queen is Coming!
Queen, Prince Philip to visit N.S., Man., Ont.
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 | 3:02 PM ET Comments231Recommend87CBC News
Queen Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Ontario during their tour of Canada this summer, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office announced Wednesday.
"Royal tours present a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our constitutional monarchy, one of the pillars upon which our country is founded," said Harper.
Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd following a church service on May 22, 2005, in Jasper, Alta. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)
"They are an important part of our history, traditions and institutions."
The royal couple's tour schedule includes stops in Halifax from June 28 to June 30; the National Capital Region from June 30 to July 3; Winnipeg on July 3; Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, from July 3 to July 6.
Their full itinerary will be announced at a later date, according to the PMO.
This will be the Queen's 22nd official tour of Canada. She and Prince Philip last toured Canada in 2005, when they visited Saskatchewan and Alberta to celebrate the centennial of the entry of those provinces into Confederation.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/05/19/queen-visit019.html#ixzz0oQQpuiAu
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 | 3:02 PM ET Comments231Recommend87CBC News
Queen Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Ontario during their tour of Canada this summer, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office announced Wednesday.
"Royal tours present a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our constitutional monarchy, one of the pillars upon which our country is founded," said Harper.
Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd following a church service on May 22, 2005, in Jasper, Alta. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)
"They are an important part of our history, traditions and institutions."
The royal couple's tour schedule includes stops in Halifax from June 28 to June 30; the National Capital Region from June 30 to July 3; Winnipeg on July 3; Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, from July 3 to July 6.
Their full itinerary will be announced at a later date, according to the PMO.
This will be the Queen's 22nd official tour of Canada. She and Prince Philip last toured Canada in 2005, when they visited Saskatchewan and Alberta to celebrate the centennial of the entry of those provinces into Confederation.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/05/19/queen-visit019.html#ixzz0oQQpuiAu
Bear River Info Centre Being Moved
End of an Era : The Bear River WindmillPosted on May 19, 2010 by Bear River Board of Trade On Monday, May 17, 2010, The Bear River Board of Trade held a public meeting to discuss the current state of the Bear River Visitor Information building, otherwise known as “the Windmill”. Over 35 people attended including representatives from the Bear River Economic Development Society, the Bear River Historical Society, the Oakdene Centre, the Bear River Legion, Bear River Studio Tour brochure group and local business owners.
During the course of recent Windmill restoration efforts, the Board of Trade discovered evidence of advanced structural deterioration that posed a severe public health and safety risk. Details of these findings were presented in a slide show presentation at Monday night’s meeting, and followed with a very open and productive community round table discussion to decide next steps.
It was collectively agreed by those in attendance that our beloved Windmill building was beyond the point of repair and therefore no further resources should be spent on restoration efforts.
The Visitor Information Centre will be relocated to another building this season, perhaps the Oakdene Centre.
We thank B.R.E.D.S and the Oakdene Centre for their ongoing support while we sort out the logistics of providing quality visitor services in the village for the upcoming tourist season.
During the course of recent Windmill restoration efforts, the Board of Trade discovered evidence of advanced structural deterioration that posed a severe public health and safety risk. Details of these findings were presented in a slide show presentation at Monday night’s meeting, and followed with a very open and productive community round table discussion to decide next steps.
It was collectively agreed by those in attendance that our beloved Windmill building was beyond the point of repair and therefore no further resources should be spent on restoration efforts.
The Visitor Information Centre will be relocated to another building this season, perhaps the Oakdene Centre.
We thank B.R.E.D.S and the Oakdene Centre for their ongoing support while we sort out the logistics of providing quality visitor services in the village for the upcoming tourist season.
Labels:
Bear River
Monday, May 17, 2010
ADEDA News
From ADEDA
Maybe it’s the glorious arrival of Spring here in Annapolis Digby that has heightened our eco-sensitivities, or maybe it was just a natural convergence of long simmering concerns, but whatever the reason environmental issues are hot topics these days. And in this area, which prides itself on being a pacesetter in developing an environmentally responsible lifestyle, the consequences of recent policy decisions have been closely monitored.
Georges Bank Drilling Closure Continued
In a much awaited – and sometimes hotly debated –m decision, the provincial government has decided to extend the ban on offshore exploration for oil and gas on Georges Bank for another three years. Arguably the richest marine harvesting area for our extensive local fishery, this decision has major implications. Undeniably the recent happenings in the Gulf of Mexico heightened everyone’s awareness of the issue, but this is controversy that has been argued is this area for a long time, and one that’s not likely to disappear.
Spray Baby? – Nay!
And back on dry land environmental policy decisions also impacted on local practices. The provincial government’s recent policy proposal to limit the use of pesticides for domestic purposes spurred neighbourhood debates. But the proposal has largely seemed to meet with general approval, as evidenced in the responses reported this week in the town of Digby.
Keep a Tab on This Young Lady
While global environmental issues dramatically rolled through our area’s land and seascapes recently, I was particularly taken by an individual initiative. One that reminds us of why we love to live here. It’s an environmental story, sure, but it’s even more a heart-warming chronicle of youthful social consciousness. Hat’s off to a young Weymouth grade three student who wouldn’t be denied in her efforts to help in her community.
"Extreme" Fun for All Ages
A sure sign of Spring in Annapolis Digby is the renewed bustle of activity taking place in and around Annapolis County’s Upper Clements Park. This year Park management plans to introduce a new feature for visitors to the popular family themed activity destination. The plan calls for the acquisition of 250 acres of crown land formerly used for a wildlife park to be developed as an “Adventure Park”. It’s another forward step for the Hanse Society responsible for the Park. They’ve done a tremendous job, posting a reported increase in visitors even during last summer’s sluggish tourism economy.
Reproduction of an 18th Century Map of Acadie Unveiled
Those planners at Upper Clements Park, looking forward to the new “Adventure” theme component can also look back to the past – literally. From the theme park’s grounds visitors can look to the shores of the Annapolis River, the location of Canada’s first permanent European settlement, founded in 1605. And the site of what was undeniably an “adventure” for those French settlers.
Recently that community was recognized at a provincial ceremony.
Acadian Affairs Minister Graham Steele unveiled a reproduction of an 18th century map of Acadie at Province House on May 12, with representatives from the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Société nationale de l'Acadie and Parks Canada.
The original map dates from 1757 and depicts several Acadian villages along the Annapolis River, and it also shows the Belleisle region during the time of the deportation of the Acadian people. Many of the surnames of Acadian families used to identify the villages in the map are present in Nova Scotia today. It is believed that a member of the British military created the map.
"The map holds great historical significance for the Acadian community and for all Nova Scotians," said Mr. Steele. "I am pleased that the Speaker of the House of Assembly has granted an opportunity for future generations to appreciate its value."
"On behalf of the entire Acadian community of Nova Scotia, I would like to express our great pride in the knowledge that l'Acadie now has a place of honour in Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia," said Désiré Boudreau, president of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse presented the map to Mr. Steele last October during its annual general meeting.
In signing off for this week I want to post another reminder of the Succession Planning Workshop, jointly partnered by the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency (ADEDA) and the Acadia University Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship. The first session is scheduled to be held at the ADEDA offices on May 28.
And if you’re visiting Annapolis Digby this weekend, make sure you take part in what is definitely one of our area’s eagerly awaited Rites of Spring – the opening of the local farmers markets that will dot our communities from now until mid autumn. See our events listing for more details. One of the first to open will be the incredibly popular (just try and wend your way through the crowds) Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market, scheduled to welcome everyone back at 8 AM sharp this Saturday.
I’ll see you there (I’ll be the guy with the hapless grin holding the basket for the lovely lady who actually knows what she’s doing – and handles the money).
Till next week Kathleen...
Peter
Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0
Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com
Maybe it’s the glorious arrival of Spring here in Annapolis Digby that has heightened our eco-sensitivities, or maybe it was just a natural convergence of long simmering concerns, but whatever the reason environmental issues are hot topics these days. And in this area, which prides itself on being a pacesetter in developing an environmentally responsible lifestyle, the consequences of recent policy decisions have been closely monitored.
Georges Bank Drilling Closure Continued
In a much awaited – and sometimes hotly debated –m decision, the provincial government has decided to extend the ban on offshore exploration for oil and gas on Georges Bank for another three years. Arguably the richest marine harvesting area for our extensive local fishery, this decision has major implications. Undeniably the recent happenings in the Gulf of Mexico heightened everyone’s awareness of the issue, but this is controversy that has been argued is this area for a long time, and one that’s not likely to disappear.
Spray Baby? – Nay!
And back on dry land environmental policy decisions also impacted on local practices. The provincial government’s recent policy proposal to limit the use of pesticides for domestic purposes spurred neighbourhood debates. But the proposal has largely seemed to meet with general approval, as evidenced in the responses reported this week in the town of Digby.
Keep a Tab on This Young Lady
While global environmental issues dramatically rolled through our area’s land and seascapes recently, I was particularly taken by an individual initiative. One that reminds us of why we love to live here. It’s an environmental story, sure, but it’s even more a heart-warming chronicle of youthful social consciousness. Hat’s off to a young Weymouth grade three student who wouldn’t be denied in her efforts to help in her community.
"Extreme" Fun for All Ages
A sure sign of Spring in Annapolis Digby is the renewed bustle of activity taking place in and around Annapolis County’s Upper Clements Park. This year Park management plans to introduce a new feature for visitors to the popular family themed activity destination. The plan calls for the acquisition of 250 acres of crown land formerly used for a wildlife park to be developed as an “Adventure Park”. It’s another forward step for the Hanse Society responsible for the Park. They’ve done a tremendous job, posting a reported increase in visitors even during last summer’s sluggish tourism economy.
Reproduction of an 18th Century Map of Acadie Unveiled
Those planners at Upper Clements Park, looking forward to the new “Adventure” theme component can also look back to the past – literally. From the theme park’s grounds visitors can look to the shores of the Annapolis River, the location of Canada’s first permanent European settlement, founded in 1605. And the site of what was undeniably an “adventure” for those French settlers.
Recently that community was recognized at a provincial ceremony.
Acadian Affairs Minister Graham Steele unveiled a reproduction of an 18th century map of Acadie at Province House on May 12, with representatives from the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Société nationale de l'Acadie and Parks Canada.
The original map dates from 1757 and depicts several Acadian villages along the Annapolis River, and it also shows the Belleisle region during the time of the deportation of the Acadian people. Many of the surnames of Acadian families used to identify the villages in the map are present in Nova Scotia today. It is believed that a member of the British military created the map.
"The map holds great historical significance for the Acadian community and for all Nova Scotians," said Mr. Steele. "I am pleased that the Speaker of the House of Assembly has granted an opportunity for future generations to appreciate its value."
"On behalf of the entire Acadian community of Nova Scotia, I would like to express our great pride in the knowledge that l'Acadie now has a place of honour in Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia," said Désiré Boudreau, president of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse presented the map to Mr. Steele last October during its annual general meeting.
In signing off for this week I want to post another reminder of the Succession Planning Workshop, jointly partnered by the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency (ADEDA) and the Acadia University Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship. The first session is scheduled to be held at the ADEDA offices on May 28.
And if you’re visiting Annapolis Digby this weekend, make sure you take part in what is definitely one of our area’s eagerly awaited Rites of Spring – the opening of the local farmers markets that will dot our communities from now until mid autumn. See our events listing for more details. One of the first to open will be the incredibly popular (just try and wend your way through the crowds) Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market, scheduled to welcome everyone back at 8 AM sharp this Saturday.
I’ll see you there (I’ll be the guy with the hapless grin holding the basket for the lovely lady who actually knows what she’s doing – and handles the money).
Till next week Kathleen...
Peter
Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0
Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com
Labels:
ADEDA news
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Music on the Neck!
Cove Music
Cove Music plans to offer a series of musical concerts held in the beautiful village of Sandy Cove, Digby Neck. While the musical genre will vary, a portion of proceeds will support the community in a variety of endeavours.
Cove Music plans to offer a series of musical concerts held in the beautiful village of Sandy Cove, Digby Neck. While the musical genre will vary, a portion of proceeds will support the community in a variety of endeavours.
Labels:
Digby Neck music Cove Music
Someone's Letter to Stirling Belliveau about the Birds
Honorable Sterling Belliveau
Minister of the Environment & Fisheries
Honorable and Dear Sir:
I suppose a man who spent his life fishing on the waters has had little time
to hear the birds sing! That's not to say there aren't lots of birds
following the fishing boats and treading water on the sea, but they are
unlikely candidates for American Idol this year.Their quest is food for
their survival, and not an audience interested in their unmelodic tunes.
It is we landlubbers, who have lived next to and in the forests all our
lives, who remember the joy of hearing the chanting whip-poor-will of the
darkened skies, while all their singing cousins in the trees rest in the
beauty of his song! And then, at the very crack of dawn, will relieve him-
so as to greet each human stirring from his sleep with a new days song.
How odd it is that in a time when governments are tripping over each
other,the elected bodies of the people who are given the honoured positions
they have sought, seem to forget from whence comes their authority.
I am a simple man but not a simple fool. I was taught, and I believe, that
all authority comes from God. Perhaps you personally do not believe in God.
(Many politicans seem to behave as such.) That's OK with me. However, our
whole democratic system emanates from that foundation at its roots, and
that's what you represent to me and to my compatriots.(We may try, but
cannot compartmentalize our lives.)
Perhaps your office gives you preeminence in the overall order of creation
but only minutely so, and that just for a time. The Creator Was-Is-and Will
Always Be! It's His Order that we need seek.Otherwise, is Chaos!
The road we are on- and I can't blame you for what it is- is a most
destructive route.The attachment here, an item from today's daily newspaper,
is symptomatic of our plight. It's too bad governments have no senses, most
notably hearing and sight! Governments are deaf and blind to God's created
world. It's a great tragedy when those we elect to government can go blind
and deaf over night.
Surely someone in your branch must know that Digby Neck and Islands have
been a migratory bird route for ages, and that someone should have told you,
and your predecessors, through the years. In just the last fifteen or so
since I returned to live here, I watched massive destruction of that which
helps to keep natures balance- and that is gradually going to spin out of
control.A good scientist would agree!
Initially, I watched it clearcut of every standing tree- some not big enough
for a long fishing pole or a lengthy tooth pick. Every creature, nesting
birds included, was driven out. Where would they go? Does your Dept. provide
a new home for them? An NDP SPCA? A good and caring man, and government,
should well be for the birds, or elsewise are unworthy of their mandate.
In the past few weeks, and with your blessing, this beautiful section of the
Digby Neck has become a Mountain of Devastation. Even a late arriving robin
from its winter habitat would be hard-pressed to find the lowly earth worm
there today.
When the earth worm, the lowliest of them all,we think, is gone, we shall
surely soon follow them into extinction. A man of the Environment assuredly
can connect the dots and make that determination. That's when God, I
suppose, will blink and say to Himself: "I should have saved the worm!"
In short, you are allowing what supports created life to die. Hundreds of
aerial photos (would you like some?) attest to that. One of our uneducated
politicians at a lower level of government told us:" I don't care about the
birds!" which is to say ,"I believe not in the connectedness of all
creatures in life", and behind closed doors, hatched this scheme of
desecration. Remember, when the last earthworm is gone,so will we be, for it
is the work of that lowly creature, and it alone, which makes our earth
arable.You nor your science cannot replace that!
The final swing of the axe you throw is to come next. That is when 400'
whizzing blades
will take the last of the migratory birds not to their nesting grounds, but
to their veritable death.We lowly people who live here know that; we also
know that by the time misguided politicians have their way with us,there
will be Wind Rigs straight up and down Digby Neck! Indeed, we are not a
community of fools!
In so much as you have, and will continue in this runaway pursuit of that
which you seem not to fully understand, in proportion you will have
destroyed not only a mountain and the life that it supports, but you will
have had a hand in destroying what is left of rural community life. As sad
as it may seem- and I never thought I'd come to this- coming to the end of
ones life as age continues to overtake ones spirit, seems not such a bad
thing at all. I know that- in the current turn of events at the hands of
those we elect, the option for quality of life is very remote and slim. What
a legacy the last historians will have to write about!
So let me wish you well. I will say a manly prayer for you that you will
make manly decisions. It will be that human senses will be restored to you
and your fellows- in -power for discernment that you may anew come to be
able to tell the forest from the trees.
Daniel Mills
Digby Neck
Minister of the Environment & Fisheries
Honorable and Dear Sir:
I suppose a man who spent his life fishing on the waters has had little time
to hear the birds sing! That's not to say there aren't lots of birds
following the fishing boats and treading water on the sea, but they are
unlikely candidates for American Idol this year.Their quest is food for
their survival, and not an audience interested in their unmelodic tunes.
It is we landlubbers, who have lived next to and in the forests all our
lives, who remember the joy of hearing the chanting whip-poor-will of the
darkened skies, while all their singing cousins in the trees rest in the
beauty of his song! And then, at the very crack of dawn, will relieve him-
so as to greet each human stirring from his sleep with a new days song.
How odd it is that in a time when governments are tripping over each
other,the elected bodies of the people who are given the honoured positions
they have sought, seem to forget from whence comes their authority.
I am a simple man but not a simple fool. I was taught, and I believe, that
all authority comes from God. Perhaps you personally do not believe in God.
(Many politicans seem to behave as such.) That's OK with me. However, our
whole democratic system emanates from that foundation at its roots, and
that's what you represent to me and to my compatriots.(We may try, but
cannot compartmentalize our lives.)
Perhaps your office gives you preeminence in the overall order of creation
but only minutely so, and that just for a time. The Creator Was-Is-and Will
Always Be! It's His Order that we need seek.Otherwise, is Chaos!
The road we are on- and I can't blame you for what it is- is a most
destructive route.The attachment here, an item from today's daily newspaper,
is symptomatic of our plight. It's too bad governments have no senses, most
notably hearing and sight! Governments are deaf and blind to God's created
world. It's a great tragedy when those we elect to government can go blind
and deaf over night.
Surely someone in your branch must know that Digby Neck and Islands have
been a migratory bird route for ages, and that someone should have told you,
and your predecessors, through the years. In just the last fifteen or so
since I returned to live here, I watched massive destruction of that which
helps to keep natures balance- and that is gradually going to spin out of
control.A good scientist would agree!
Initially, I watched it clearcut of every standing tree- some not big enough
for a long fishing pole or a lengthy tooth pick. Every creature, nesting
birds included, was driven out. Where would they go? Does your Dept. provide
a new home for them? An NDP SPCA? A good and caring man, and government,
should well be for the birds, or elsewise are unworthy of their mandate.
In the past few weeks, and with your blessing, this beautiful section of the
Digby Neck has become a Mountain of Devastation. Even a late arriving robin
from its winter habitat would be hard-pressed to find the lowly earth worm
there today.
When the earth worm, the lowliest of them all,we think, is gone, we shall
surely soon follow them into extinction. A man of the Environment assuredly
can connect the dots and make that determination. That's when God, I
suppose, will blink and say to Himself: "I should have saved the worm!"
In short, you are allowing what supports created life to die. Hundreds of
aerial photos (would you like some?) attest to that. One of our uneducated
politicians at a lower level of government told us:" I don't care about the
birds!" which is to say ,"I believe not in the connectedness of all
creatures in life", and behind closed doors, hatched this scheme of
desecration. Remember, when the last earthworm is gone,so will we be, for it
is the work of that lowly creature, and it alone, which makes our earth
arable.You nor your science cannot replace that!
The final swing of the axe you throw is to come next. That is when 400'
whizzing blades
will take the last of the migratory birds not to their nesting grounds, but
to their veritable death.We lowly people who live here know that; we also
know that by the time misguided politicians have their way with us,there
will be Wind Rigs straight up and down Digby Neck! Indeed, we are not a
community of fools!
In so much as you have, and will continue in this runaway pursuit of that
which you seem not to fully understand, in proportion you will have
destroyed not only a mountain and the life that it supports, but you will
have had a hand in destroying what is left of rural community life. As sad
as it may seem- and I never thought I'd come to this- coming to the end of
ones life as age continues to overtake ones spirit, seems not such a bad
thing at all. I know that- in the current turn of events at the hands of
those we elect, the option for quality of life is very remote and slim. What
a legacy the last historians will have to write about!
So let me wish you well. I will say a manly prayer for you that you will
make manly decisions. It will be that human senses will be restored to you
and your fellows- in -power for discernment that you may anew come to be
able to tell the forest from the trees.
Daniel Mills
Digby Neck
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Wind Turbine Syndrome
Blogger: Thanks to the people who sent this in to me.
Wind Turbines: Some Deeper Questions
A book commentary by David Orton and Helga Hoffmann-Orton
Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Report on a Natural Experiment
by Nina Pierpont, MD, PhD, K-Selected Books, Santa Fe, New Mexico,
2009, 292 pages, paperback, ISBN-13: 978-0-9841827-0-1.
“Symptoms include sleep disturbance, headache, tinnitus, ear pressure, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, visual blurring, tachycardia, irritability, problems with concentration and memory, and panic episodes associated with sensations of internal pulsation or quivering that arise while awake or asleep.” p. 26. (Health effects experienced by some people living near 1.5 to 3 MW wind turbines, built since 2004.)
“Keep wind turbines at least 2 km (1.25 miles) away on the flat, and 3.2 km (2 miles) in mountains…Second, all wind turbine ordinances should hold developers responsible for a full price (pre-turbine) buyout of any family whose lives are ruined by turbines – to prod developers to follow realistic health-based rules and prevent the extreme economic loss of home abandonment.” p. 254.
Introduction
This book commentary was written in the context of our own local situation, and to make Nina Pierpont’s Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Report on a Natural Experiment better known to others who have wind turbines sprouting up like industrial mushrooms in their backyards and regions. Pierpont, a rural physician living in upstate New York, writes about health impacts suffered by people living close to wind turbines. The book is essentially about human health, and does not discuss ecosystem health, a more encompassing topic with wider dimensions. The reference to ‘natural experiment’ in the subtitle, refers to “a circumstance wherein subjects are exposed to experimental conditions both inadvertently and ecologically (within their own homes and environments).” (p. 5)
Our situation
We live in rural Pictou County, Nova Scotia, and within visual distance from the 51 MW Dalhousie Mountain wind turbine complex – re-branded ‘wind farm’ presumably to convey an innocuous bucolic image. Its 34 industrial wind turbines are a ‘first phase’, with the developers ‘promising’ more to come, rationalized in the name of reducing greenhouse gases, not creating economic rewards for the developers. The proponents are R.M. Synergy Ltd and Stantec Consultants Ltd. Dalhousie Mountain is now a ‘forest’ of rotating wind turbines hundreds of feet tall. The 1.5 MW turbines measure approximately 120 meters in height from the ground to the tip of the rotor blade. The site is a hilly area and about 340 metres above sea level. The wind farm is a massive intrusion on the viewscape of many people, not only in our own immediate area, but also for those travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway between Truro and New Glasgow.
The environmental assessment for the Dalhousie Mountain project was approved on September 2, 2008, less than a month after it was submitted. John Livingston, perhaps Canada’s deepest eco-philosopher, as well as a life-long naturalist, told us in his 1981 book The Fallacy of Wildlife Conservation, that “EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) is a grandiloquent fraud, a hoax, and a con.” (p. 33) He also discussed what he called “resourcism”, pointing out that in our society, once anything is considered a “resource” for human use, this allows us to consider “nature as our subsidiary” and its demise is only a matter of time.
We are told in one of the submitted environmental assessment documents: “The visual impact of installing 34 turbines in an unpopulated area to provide much needed electricity can only be considered a responsible addition to the aesthetics of Pictou County.” Another revealing comment from the same document, shows its blindness to the wonders of the natural world: “Industrial fixtures become endearing features for our communities, describing the culture or the ‘way we live.’” The impact is not just visual, since as well as the turbines themselves, there are new roads, new connecting power lines, the cutting of trees, a new electrical sub-station, lights on some of the turbine blades for aircraft, and increased human traffic.
This promoter, like other industrial wind farm enthusiasts, does not seem to understand, as E.F. Schumacher instructed us in Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics As If People Mattered, that “for every activity there is a certain appropriate scale.” (p. 54) We are not talking here about a small group of wind turbines ecologically situated, community owned and controlled, and helping to supply energy to the local bioregion, with the revenues community-generated, not privately accumulated, within an overall societal strategy of seriously reducing citizen energy lifestyles and hence greenhouse gas emissions. The operator of this wind farm now has a contract from Nova Scotia Power to produce wind-generated electricity for 25 years and wants to significantly expand the number of turbines on the mountain.
In Nova Scotia, the provincial New Democratic government aims to generate 40% of electricity from “renewable resources” by 2020. (There is, of course, no let-up on the offshore promotion of fossil fuel exploration and extraction by the Nova Scotia government.) “Renewables” include, as well as wind turbine generated electricity, biomass harvesting from forests already ravaged by industrial forestry, and placing electricity generating turbines in the tidal Bay of Fundy – newspaper reports have spoken of 200 to 300 units – with costs unknown to the marine ecosystem.
The provincial government, along with its federal counterpart, is also in financial partnership with a South Korean company planning to manufacture wind turbines in Trenton, a town in Pictou County. (According to newspaper reports, the government money amounts to 70 million dollars.) So the wind turbine push is on. Support for industrial wind turbines crosses party lines. Elizabeth May, in the name of the federal Green Party, on August 19, 2008 stated about the Dalhousie Mountain project, “The Green Party is pleased to support a local entrepreneur in the undertaking of this project. Its over-all environmental impact is unquestionably positive.”
Faced with this new industrial reality in our area, we belatedly started to look into the industrial wind turbine issue, from the perspective of deep ecology. We are trying to read as widely as possible, and are still doing more research on the topic. While exploring the subject, we came across references to “Wind Turbine Syndrome” and the name Nina Pierpont. We got her book to see what she had to say – hence this commentary.
...
Continued at http://home.ca.inter.net/~greenweb/Wind_turbine_questions.pdf
Wind Turbines: Some Deeper Questions
A book commentary by David Orton and Helga Hoffmann-Orton
Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Report on a Natural Experiment
by Nina Pierpont, MD, PhD, K-Selected Books, Santa Fe, New Mexico,
2009, 292 pages, paperback, ISBN-13: 978-0-9841827-0-1.
“Symptoms include sleep disturbance, headache, tinnitus, ear pressure, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, visual blurring, tachycardia, irritability, problems with concentration and memory, and panic episodes associated with sensations of internal pulsation or quivering that arise while awake or asleep.” p. 26. (Health effects experienced by some people living near 1.5 to 3 MW wind turbines, built since 2004.)
“Keep wind turbines at least 2 km (1.25 miles) away on the flat, and 3.2 km (2 miles) in mountains…Second, all wind turbine ordinances should hold developers responsible for a full price (pre-turbine) buyout of any family whose lives are ruined by turbines – to prod developers to follow realistic health-based rules and prevent the extreme economic loss of home abandonment.” p. 254.
Introduction
This book commentary was written in the context of our own local situation, and to make Nina Pierpont’s Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Report on a Natural Experiment better known to others who have wind turbines sprouting up like industrial mushrooms in their backyards and regions. Pierpont, a rural physician living in upstate New York, writes about health impacts suffered by people living close to wind turbines. The book is essentially about human health, and does not discuss ecosystem health, a more encompassing topic with wider dimensions. The reference to ‘natural experiment’ in the subtitle, refers to “a circumstance wherein subjects are exposed to experimental conditions both inadvertently and ecologically (within their own homes and environments).” (p. 5)
Our situation
We live in rural Pictou County, Nova Scotia, and within visual distance from the 51 MW Dalhousie Mountain wind turbine complex – re-branded ‘wind farm’ presumably to convey an innocuous bucolic image. Its 34 industrial wind turbines are a ‘first phase’, with the developers ‘promising’ more to come, rationalized in the name of reducing greenhouse gases, not creating economic rewards for the developers. The proponents are R.M. Synergy Ltd and Stantec Consultants Ltd. Dalhousie Mountain is now a ‘forest’ of rotating wind turbines hundreds of feet tall. The 1.5 MW turbines measure approximately 120 meters in height from the ground to the tip of the rotor blade. The site is a hilly area and about 340 metres above sea level. The wind farm is a massive intrusion on the viewscape of many people, not only in our own immediate area, but also for those travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway between Truro and New Glasgow.
The environmental assessment for the Dalhousie Mountain project was approved on September 2, 2008, less than a month after it was submitted. John Livingston, perhaps Canada’s deepest eco-philosopher, as well as a life-long naturalist, told us in his 1981 book The Fallacy of Wildlife Conservation, that “EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) is a grandiloquent fraud, a hoax, and a con.” (p. 33) He also discussed what he called “resourcism”, pointing out that in our society, once anything is considered a “resource” for human use, this allows us to consider “nature as our subsidiary” and its demise is only a matter of time.
We are told in one of the submitted environmental assessment documents: “The visual impact of installing 34 turbines in an unpopulated area to provide much needed electricity can only be considered a responsible addition to the aesthetics of Pictou County.” Another revealing comment from the same document, shows its blindness to the wonders of the natural world: “Industrial fixtures become endearing features for our communities, describing the culture or the ‘way we live.’” The impact is not just visual, since as well as the turbines themselves, there are new roads, new connecting power lines, the cutting of trees, a new electrical sub-station, lights on some of the turbine blades for aircraft, and increased human traffic.
This promoter, like other industrial wind farm enthusiasts, does not seem to understand, as E.F. Schumacher instructed us in Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics As If People Mattered, that “for every activity there is a certain appropriate scale.” (p. 54) We are not talking here about a small group of wind turbines ecologically situated, community owned and controlled, and helping to supply energy to the local bioregion, with the revenues community-generated, not privately accumulated, within an overall societal strategy of seriously reducing citizen energy lifestyles and hence greenhouse gas emissions. The operator of this wind farm now has a contract from Nova Scotia Power to produce wind-generated electricity for 25 years and wants to significantly expand the number of turbines on the mountain.
In Nova Scotia, the provincial New Democratic government aims to generate 40% of electricity from “renewable resources” by 2020. (There is, of course, no let-up on the offshore promotion of fossil fuel exploration and extraction by the Nova Scotia government.) “Renewables” include, as well as wind turbine generated electricity, biomass harvesting from forests already ravaged by industrial forestry, and placing electricity generating turbines in the tidal Bay of Fundy – newspaper reports have spoken of 200 to 300 units – with costs unknown to the marine ecosystem.
The provincial government, along with its federal counterpart, is also in financial partnership with a South Korean company planning to manufacture wind turbines in Trenton, a town in Pictou County. (According to newspaper reports, the government money amounts to 70 million dollars.) So the wind turbine push is on. Support for industrial wind turbines crosses party lines. Elizabeth May, in the name of the federal Green Party, on August 19, 2008 stated about the Dalhousie Mountain project, “The Green Party is pleased to support a local entrepreneur in the undertaking of this project. Its over-all environmental impact is unquestionably positive.”
Faced with this new industrial reality in our area, we belatedly started to look into the industrial wind turbine issue, from the perspective of deep ecology. We are trying to read as widely as possible, and are still doing more research on the topic. While exploring the subject, we came across references to “Wind Turbine Syndrome” and the name Nina Pierpont. We got her book to see what she had to say – hence this commentary.
...
Continued at http://home.ca.inter.net/~greenweb/Wind_turbine_questions.pdf
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wind turbine health effects
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