Published on June 11, 2011
Published on June 11, 2011
Jonathan Riley As Simple as That
The people and communities of Digby Neck and Islands have challenges, including a lack of health care and policing, a declining population, closing schools and a ferry service that sometimes leaves you stranded.
Now along comes a company from New Brunswick, a company that calls itself “the largest fully integrated and independent salmon farming company in North America.”
And they say, “we have the answers, we have jobs.”
And as it turns out, the people of the Islands, don’t have any choice but to accept those farms and any extra challenges that come with them.
More than 80 per cent of the population out there signed a petition against the new salmon leases for Cooke Aquaculture. Eighty per cent is a clear majority, a resounding definite ‘No thanks.’
Despite that, despite articulate and persistent opposition from the people of the Islands, Sterling Belliveau, Nova Scotia’s minister of fisheries approved the leases.
Perhaps the biggest challenge facing the Islands is the paternalistic attitude of the provincial government. Any hope that the NDP would be different has vanished only two years into their government.
Now I don’t pretend to know more about fishing or the ocean or aquaculture or even big business than Belliveau does. He’s got me there.
The big difference between Sterling Belliveau and me is I went down the Islands to talk to the people there about their concerns. Belliveau said it was “more convenient” to meet in Digby.
It wasn’t easy for me to get down there either. I haven’t got a car yet and had to borrow one from a friend, cause I thought the story was that important. I’m pretty sure the minister has a car.
Like Belliveau, when he met them in Digby, I couldn’t give the fishermen and concerned citizens down there any answers. But I went back to Digby and asked those questions to Cooke Aquaculture and to the minister.
They are getting me the answers, they say. Cooke Aquaculture has offered me a trip out to see the site in Grand Passage for myself. I can’t wait.
But let’s get back to the challenges facing Digby Neck and Islands. The people there aren’t sitting around with their hands open, begging for help. They too are working towards solutions, looking for answers, trying to figure out their future.
They see in their community a lot of potential, a lot of positives, a lot of strengths. One of those strengths is a clean productive marine environment that has provided for their community for generations.
The minister says there is 13,000 km of coastline in Nova Scotia and lots of room for everyone. So it shouldn’t be a problem to find another site. He says the ‘proponent’ (Cooke Aquaculture) chose the site. Tell them to choose to another site.
It would have been as easy as that.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Andy Moir on Fish Farms via Dan Mills
Here's a news release we did in reaction to M. Belliveau's interview on CBC the other morning, defending his decision to allow the fish feed lots. Feel free to spread it around. Andy
Minister Belliveau stated that his decision to approve the 2 fish farm sites for St. Mary's Bay was based on sound science. Where is this sound science?
The science/expert advice provided in Transport Canada's Screening Report by DFO Science is rife with statements such as: "Additional research is required", "unknown", "limited data sources", "limited in scope and depth due to time constraints to provide advice", "Not possible with the available information to determine...", "given the available information it is not possible to quantitatively assess the likelihood of risk reduction", etc. If he has in his possession other Science upon which he based his decision, the public wants to see it. If not, his decision was not based on sound science, as he states.
Minister Belliveau stated in his CBC interview yesterday about his approval of 2 ( 1 million each) fish farm sites for St. Mary's that there had been extensive public consultation and all of the concerns of the community and traditional fisheries have been addressed. This is simply not true. I, and over 100 people at the Digby Neck Public consultation meeting in August, 2010 asked relevant questions, and not ONE of us has received an answer to our questions.
When the public is asked to comment/ask questions/state their concerns, but no answers are provided, when requests for information go unanswered, - this is not Public Consultation. Minister Belliveau and his Departments have been made aware of the public's issues and concerns, but have chosen to ignore them; and lie about it.
We have been asked to state our issues and concerns repeatedly, but have been provided no answers. At the 2nd meeting with Minister Belliveau ( April 30), he refused to discuss Transport Canada's Screening Report. He and Deputy Paul LeFleche stated they had not seen it, and yet it had been on-line since April 4. They stated they were meeting again for us to provide information/concerns to them, and again provided no answers to community and fishermen concerns. Minister Belliveau also stated at this meeting that they are just looking at THIS project. We pointed out to him that the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act clearly states that cumulative effects must be looked at/assessed. This means that each assessment must consider the interactions among environmental effects of past, current and future projects and activities. Minister Belliveau stated he did not want to discuss any other projects.
Minister Belliveau stated that the footprint of the approved fish farms is very small. This is misleading. These are huge fish farms. The number of fish is 2 million (if NOT overstocked). Not only how much" bottom" is being taken up (which he was talking about) , but the number of fish contained is very important. The greater the number of fish contained, the greater the likelihood of introduction and spread of disease; and in turn, the greater the need to use pesticides to treat farmed fish. These pesticides are then released into the waters and travel away from the cages in plumes, and impact the marine environment. The environmental footprint is vastly larger than the "footprint" as Minister Belliveau stated it , and lead the audience to believe.
Minister Belliveau alluded to "conditions" on the approval that the company will have to follow. And that these conditions will protect the traditional fisheries and the environment. What are these conditions? How will the environment and traditional fisheries/ lobster industry be protected when the standard operating procedures of open-net fish farms pollute and contaminate the environment by releasing waste feed ,fish feces and pesticides into the waters? It is inherent in the operation.
Minister Belliveau states that the monitoring program will ensure that no harm is caused to the environment and traditional fisheries. This monitoring will be conducted by a third party. He does not tell you that this third party is hired by the Company. He states that farms would be shut down if there are adverse effects. He does not tell you at what point he considers there to be adverse effects. He does not tell you that the public has not been given access to these monitoring results. He does not tell you that fish farms with over 70% (and higher )species loss still continue to operate. How is this causing no harm?
When asked: Won't fish feces and feed impact the environment, lobster and traditional fisheries? Minister Bellliveau stated that this has been addressed by DFO, and they have said that there will be no adverse effect. He does not tell you that estimating the amount of fish feces and waste feed that will be produced by these farms is NOT a requirement for the environmental assessment. He does not tell you that environmental impacts away from the cages from fish feces and waste feed were not evaluated. (These particles are resuspended because it is an open-net operation in a fluid environment.) By Cooke's own admission on their new website, each fish produces .8195 kg of fish feces. When you do the math, the amount of fish feces that 2 million salmon would produce is 1639 metric tonnes (and easily another 500 metric tonnes of waste feed) each production cycle. This sounds like a very significant number to ignore in an environmental assessment of impacts...
Minister Belliveau states that privatization of the coast by these aquaculture companies is far from a reality. He does not explain that statement.
It is a reality. He is approving licenses for private companies to operate in the waters which licenses this area only to them. Traditional fishermen are being displaced, and they, and the marine environment on which they rely to survive, are being put in jeopardy by the polluting nature inherent in these open-net fish farm operations.
Minister Belliveau stated that his decision to approve the 2 fish farm sites for St. Mary's Bay was based on sound science. Where is this sound science?
The science/expert advice provided in Transport Canada's Screening Report by DFO Science is rife with statements such as: "Additional research is required", "unknown", "limited data sources", "limited in scope and depth due to time constraints to provide advice", "Not possible with the available information to determine...", "given the available information it is not possible to quantitatively assess the likelihood of risk reduction", etc. If he has in his possession other Science upon which he based his decision, the public wants to see it. If not, his decision was not based on sound science, as he states.
Minister Belliveau stated in his CBC interview yesterday about his approval of 2 ( 1 million each) fish farm sites for St. Mary's that there had been extensive public consultation and all of the concerns of the community and traditional fisheries have been addressed. This is simply not true. I, and over 100 people at the Digby Neck Public consultation meeting in August, 2010 asked relevant questions, and not ONE of us has received an answer to our questions.
When the public is asked to comment/ask questions/state their concerns, but no answers are provided, when requests for information go unanswered, - this is not Public Consultation. Minister Belliveau and his Departments have been made aware of the public's issues and concerns, but have chosen to ignore them; and lie about it.
We have been asked to state our issues and concerns repeatedly, but have been provided no answers. At the 2nd meeting with Minister Belliveau ( April 30), he refused to discuss Transport Canada's Screening Report. He and Deputy Paul LeFleche stated they had not seen it, and yet it had been on-line since April 4. They stated they were meeting again for us to provide information/concerns to them, and again provided no answers to community and fishermen concerns. Minister Belliveau also stated at this meeting that they are just looking at THIS project. We pointed out to him that the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act clearly states that cumulative effects must be looked at/assessed. This means that each assessment must consider the interactions among environmental effects of past, current and future projects and activities. Minister Belliveau stated he did not want to discuss any other projects.
Minister Belliveau stated that the footprint of the approved fish farms is very small. This is misleading. These are huge fish farms. The number of fish is 2 million (if NOT overstocked). Not only how much" bottom" is being taken up (which he was talking about) , but the number of fish contained is very important. The greater the number of fish contained, the greater the likelihood of introduction and spread of disease; and in turn, the greater the need to use pesticides to treat farmed fish. These pesticides are then released into the waters and travel away from the cages in plumes, and impact the marine environment. The environmental footprint is vastly larger than the "footprint" as Minister Belliveau stated it , and lead the audience to believe.
Minister Belliveau alluded to "conditions" on the approval that the company will have to follow. And that these conditions will protect the traditional fisheries and the environment. What are these conditions? How will the environment and traditional fisheries/ lobster industry be protected when the standard operating procedures of open-net fish farms pollute and contaminate the environment by releasing waste feed ,fish feces and pesticides into the waters? It is inherent in the operation.
Minister Belliveau states that the monitoring program will ensure that no harm is caused to the environment and traditional fisheries. This monitoring will be conducted by a third party. He does not tell you that this third party is hired by the Company. He states that farms would be shut down if there are adverse effects. He does not tell you at what point he considers there to be adverse effects. He does not tell you that the public has not been given access to these monitoring results. He does not tell you that fish farms with over 70% (and higher )species loss still continue to operate. How is this causing no harm?
When asked: Won't fish feces and feed impact the environment, lobster and traditional fisheries? Minister Bellliveau stated that this has been addressed by DFO, and they have said that there will be no adverse effect. He does not tell you that estimating the amount of fish feces and waste feed that will be produced by these farms is NOT a requirement for the environmental assessment. He does not tell you that environmental impacts away from the cages from fish feces and waste feed were not evaluated. (These particles are resuspended because it is an open-net operation in a fluid environment.) By Cooke's own admission on their new website, each fish produces .8195 kg of fish feces. When you do the math, the amount of fish feces that 2 million salmon would produce is 1639 metric tonnes (and easily another 500 metric tonnes of waste feed) each production cycle. This sounds like a very significant number to ignore in an environmental assessment of impacts...
Minister Belliveau states that privatization of the coast by these aquaculture companies is far from a reality. He does not explain that statement.
It is a reality. He is approving licenses for private companies to operate in the waters which licenses this area only to them. Traditional fishermen are being displaced, and they, and the marine environment on which they rely to survive, are being put in jeopardy by the polluting nature inherent in these open-net fish farm operations.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Community Pot Luck Supper
June 14 at 6pm at Digby Neck School. Come bring a friend, come meet some friends. Come one come all!
Blogger apologizes for a previous erroneous date
Blogger apologizes for a previous erroneous date
Fish Farms in St. Mary's Bay
Nova Scotia environmentalists upset by government approval of aquaculture site
(The Canadian Press) – 21 hours ago
HALIFAX — Conservation and community groups are criticizing the Nova Scotia government's approval of a salmon aquaculture project in St. Mary's Bay.
Sterling Belliveau, the minister responsible for aquaculture, approved the commercial operation this week, but residents and environmentalists say they're concerned about its potential to hurt the lobster fishery.
The Ecology Action Centre says there are also worries about the potential for the spread of diseases and parasites to the wild Atlantic salmon population.
Karen Crocker of the St. Mary's Bay Coastal Alliance is also upset because she says Belliveau didn't follow up on some of their concerns before final approval was given.
In an email, Belliveau says he has listened to the various parties and understands their worries for the area off Digby Neck.
He says strict conditions have been placed on the operation and the province will ensure there are no "significant adverse effects" on the environment and fisheries.
(The Canadian Press) – 21 hours ago
HALIFAX — Conservation and community groups are criticizing the Nova Scotia government's approval of a salmon aquaculture project in St. Mary's Bay.
Sterling Belliveau, the minister responsible for aquaculture, approved the commercial operation this week, but residents and environmentalists say they're concerned about its potential to hurt the lobster fishery.
The Ecology Action Centre says there are also worries about the potential for the spread of diseases and parasites to the wild Atlantic salmon population.
Karen Crocker of the St. Mary's Bay Coastal Alliance is also upset because she says Belliveau didn't follow up on some of their concerns before final approval was given.
In an email, Belliveau says he has listened to the various parties and understands their worries for the area off Digby Neck.
He says strict conditions have been placed on the operation and the province will ensure there are no "significant adverse effects" on the environment and fisheries.
Aquaculture
Salmon leases will displace 20 fishermen
Sheldon Dixon will be looking for a new place to fish in the fall. Jonathan Riley photo
Published on June 10, 2011
Published on June 10, 2011
Jonathan Riley Topics : Bays Alliance , Nova Scotia , Westport
Nova Scotia’s minister of aquaculture and fisheries has approved two salmon farms in the middle of a traditional and prolific lobster grounds.
“I can assure you this is not going to have an impact on our traditional fisheries especially our lobster industry," said Minister Sterling Belliveau.
Sheldon Dixon of Tiverton says he and 19 other fishermen will have to find somewhere else to put their traps.
“In that particular spot, DFO has done the studies and it’s a hotspot.,” says Dixon. “When we’re at meetings with them, they have it marked right on their maps, based on our catch logs, they know how many lobster are caught there.”
Information on the Cooke Aquaculture webpage www.aquaculturegrowsns.com says the two leases combined will cover an area of 84 hectares (209 acres).
Nell Halse, a spokesperson for Cooke Aquaculture says the company might apply for one more site in St. Mary’s Bay in the next five years.
“But we’ll have to look at that carefully. We would have to go through the whole application process again.”
She says the company had originally planned to apply for three sites but that after public consultation they decided to reduce that number to two.
“We actually moved our site because of their concerns. They asked us to move to the site where we are now.”
Halse wasn’t able to say exactly who suggested that site.
Karen Crocker of Freeport, head of the Save Our Bays Alliance, says she has no idea who “they” could be.
“I was at that public meeting in Freeport when they asked us to show them a spot where they could put their cages and every fishermen there said there is no spot in St. Mary’s Bay where we are comfortable saying ‘this is a good spot for a salmon farm.’”
One thing is sure, Minister Belliveau says his department had no part in choosing the site.
“What we’re dealing with here is the application from the proponent. They look at the areas and based on good business, they tell us where they would like to locate it.”
Dixon says by times in the fall that the selected area might have 100 traps in it.
“It’s peppered with lobster. In the fall when the lobster come up the bay, they’re hungry, they’ve shed their shells and getting fat right here where they want to put the cages.”
Dixon says this lease arrangement is a big change from the way fisherman have traditionally worked with each other.
“There has never been one fishery where they come in and hold bottom for years and eliminate other fishermen from using that bottom. What you’re looking at here is the privatization of the fishery and the coastline.”
Minister Belliveau says Nova Scotia has 13,000 km of coastline and so there is lots of room for everyone.
“The footprint of this site is very small compared to the overall vastness of our oceans,” he said. “Our fishing industry usually starts from the high-water mark and goes right off to the 50-mile limit. It’s like anything else out there, you learn to fish around it.”
Johnny Graham, a fisherman from Westport, says it’s more complicated than that.
“Usually the fisherman balance themselves out. If I’m fishing here, then Sheldon goes down there. But if they push fishermen off that shore, it’s going to push them onto us, and it’s just putting more boats into a smaller area.”
Dixon says there are other problems with pushing the fishermen offshore.
“With the state of the environment and fuel prices the way they are, wouldn’t it be nice if fishermen could fish inshore?” asks Dixon. “But they want to drive us off this shore. It’s going to burn more fuel and it’s going to cost us more money. None of this is right.”
Sheldon Dixon will be looking for a new place to fish in the fall. Jonathan Riley photo
Published on June 10, 2011
Published on June 10, 2011
Jonathan Riley Topics : Bays Alliance , Nova Scotia , Westport
Nova Scotia’s minister of aquaculture and fisheries has approved two salmon farms in the middle of a traditional and prolific lobster grounds.
“I can assure you this is not going to have an impact on our traditional fisheries especially our lobster industry," said Minister Sterling Belliveau.
Sheldon Dixon of Tiverton says he and 19 other fishermen will have to find somewhere else to put their traps.
“In that particular spot, DFO has done the studies and it’s a hotspot.,” says Dixon. “When we’re at meetings with them, they have it marked right on their maps, based on our catch logs, they know how many lobster are caught there.”
Information on the Cooke Aquaculture webpage www.aquaculturegrowsns.com says the two leases combined will cover an area of 84 hectares (209 acres).
Nell Halse, a spokesperson for Cooke Aquaculture says the company might apply for one more site in St. Mary’s Bay in the next five years.
“But we’ll have to look at that carefully. We would have to go through the whole application process again.”
She says the company had originally planned to apply for three sites but that after public consultation they decided to reduce that number to two.
“We actually moved our site because of their concerns. They asked us to move to the site where we are now.”
Halse wasn’t able to say exactly who suggested that site.
Karen Crocker of Freeport, head of the Save Our Bays Alliance, says she has no idea who “they” could be.
“I was at that public meeting in Freeport when they asked us to show them a spot where they could put their cages and every fishermen there said there is no spot in St. Mary’s Bay where we are comfortable saying ‘this is a good spot for a salmon farm.’”
One thing is sure, Minister Belliveau says his department had no part in choosing the site.
“What we’re dealing with here is the application from the proponent. They look at the areas and based on good business, they tell us where they would like to locate it.”
Dixon says by times in the fall that the selected area might have 100 traps in it.
“It’s peppered with lobster. In the fall when the lobster come up the bay, they’re hungry, they’ve shed their shells and getting fat right here where they want to put the cages.”
Dixon says this lease arrangement is a big change from the way fisherman have traditionally worked with each other.
“There has never been one fishery where they come in and hold bottom for years and eliminate other fishermen from using that bottom. What you’re looking at here is the privatization of the fishery and the coastline.”
Minister Belliveau says Nova Scotia has 13,000 km of coastline and so there is lots of room for everyone.
“The footprint of this site is very small compared to the overall vastness of our oceans,” he said. “Our fishing industry usually starts from the high-water mark and goes right off to the 50-mile limit. It’s like anything else out there, you learn to fish around it.”
Johnny Graham, a fisherman from Westport, says it’s more complicated than that.
“Usually the fisherman balance themselves out. If I’m fishing here, then Sheldon goes down there. But if they push fishermen off that shore, it’s going to push them onto us, and it’s just putting more boats into a smaller area.”
Dixon says there are other problems with pushing the fishermen offshore.
“With the state of the environment and fuel prices the way they are, wouldn’t it be nice if fishermen could fish inshore?” asks Dixon. “But they want to drive us off this shore. It’s going to burn more fuel and it’s going to cost us more money. None of this is right.”
Fish Farming in St. Mary's Bay
Via Dan Mills
Good Afternoon,Everyone,
Carol & Ashraf forwarded this on to me.I don't know if you were tuned into CBC INFORMATION MORNING OR NOT when Mr. Belliveau confirmed that his Department had given approval to the Mega Project or not yesterday at noon.(The Mega-Fish Farm for St.Mary's Bay)
If you didn't, I am sure you can access it on-line....not that I have a clue how to do it.
In anycase, the following letter from Karen Crocker who heads the group on the Islands explains most cleary the current situation and the deception perpetrated by Mr. Belliveau.
Her request is clear......bombard CBC INFORMATION MORNING WITH E-MAILS
CBC INFORMATION MORNING e-mail ad is infomorning@halifax.cbc.ca
Danny
PS: Should infomroning be rejected, type in the whole worfd ...informationmorning@halifax.cbc.ca
From: Karen Crocker
To: fundy-aquaculture-concern@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 9:40 AM
Subject: CBC
Good morning,
This morning Minister Belliveau was on CBC Information Morning discussing salmon farming in NS. If you all can access this interview please listen to it and send in your comments to CBC. The Minister indicated that good solid science had been undertaken on this application and based on this science the province made its decision. He also indicated that his department had considerable public consultation and that he had met all of the concerns brought forth by the public. To date we have not received one word on any of our concerns and nothing has been addressed. We need to bombard CBC with the truth, the Minister was very misleading in his facts, this needs to be addressed by all of us.
Thank you,
Karen Crocker
Good Afternoon,Everyone,
Carol & Ashraf forwarded this on to me.I don't know if you were tuned into CBC INFORMATION MORNING OR NOT when Mr. Belliveau confirmed that his Department had given approval to the Mega Project or not yesterday at noon.(The Mega-Fish Farm for St.Mary's Bay)
If you didn't, I am sure you can access it on-line....not that I have a clue how to do it.
In anycase, the following letter from Karen Crocker who heads the group on the Islands explains most cleary the current situation and the deception perpetrated by Mr. Belliveau.
Her request is clear......bombard CBC INFORMATION MORNING WITH E-MAILS
CBC INFORMATION MORNING e-mail ad is infomorning@halifax.cbc.ca
Danny
PS: Should infomroning be rejected, type in the whole worfd ...informationmorning@halifax.cbc.ca
From: Karen Crocker
To: fundy-aquaculture-concern@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 9:40 AM
Subject: CBC
Good morning,
This morning Minister Belliveau was on CBC Information Morning discussing salmon farming in NS. If you all can access this interview please listen to it and send in your comments to CBC. The Minister indicated that good solid science had been undertaken on this application and based on this science the province made its decision. He also indicated that his department had considerable public consultation and that he had met all of the concerns brought forth by the public. To date we have not received one word on any of our concerns and nothing has been addressed. We need to bombard CBC with the truth, the Minister was very misleading in his facts, this needs to be addressed by all of us.
Thank you,
Karen Crocker
Friday, June 10, 2011
Digby Municipal Council Minutes
Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe meeting was called to order with Warden Gregory in thechair at 6:03 pm.AttendanceCouncillors present:Linda Gregory, WardenJimmy MacAlpine, Deputy WardenRandall Amero, CouncillorDavid Tudor, CouncillorStaff present:Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative OfficerGordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative OfficerCora Lee Bremner, Executive SecretaryRegrets:Maritza Adams, CouncillorPrayerWarden Gregory asked everyone to pause to seek guidance forthe meeting. AgendaWarden Gregory added Medical Students as New Business# 2. Deputy Warden MacAlpine added an item to InCamera.MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved asamended.MOTION CARRIEDHearings & PresentationsBob Sweeney – DigbyMunicipal FireAssociationMOVED and seconded that Mr. Bob Sweeney from theDigby Municipal Fire Association come before the committee to make a presentation.MOTION CARRIEDMr. Sweeney thanked Council for the opportunity to speakto Council. Mr. Sweeney would like to see a feasibilitystudy done. The Municipality of Clare went through theprocess of a feasibility study and the fire service has done
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2great since.A question and answer period followed Mr. Sweeney’spresentation. Council asked whether the Association is also looking into a sustainability study as well. Council madethe comment that if the feasibility study went forward, itwould review the sustainability of all fire departments. Itwas also discussed that perhaps it might be easier to recruit volunteers if the gear and equipment were updated. It wasnoted that there might be a possibility that some firedepartments might shut down as a result of the feasibilitystudy. Council advised the Association that they need toknow what it is they would like to get from the study, theTerms of Reference.Warden Gregory asked that the departments introducethemselves and provided each department with a chance tospeak to Council on behalf of their department.There were 9 fire departments present. Chief Lee Wentzell,Digby Neck; Chief Walley Devries, Westport; Chief Gerald Moore, Freeport; Paulette Walker, Digby; Chief DarrylJelfs, Bear River; Chief Roy Mullen, Weymouth; ChiefRobert Sweeney, Plympton; Chief Dwayne Haight, Smith’sCove; and Chief Cromwell, Southville (late).The representatives from each department were given achance to speak. Comments from the departments included:Fire departments should maintain a certain level ofservice.Would like to see the Association be able to have thesame results as the Municipality of Clare.Would not want to lose any fire departments as aresult of the feasibility study.Fire departments are in desperate need of newequipment, vehicles and in some cases buildings.Doug Cromwell from Southville was late for the meeting and it was agreed to go on with other business until hearrived.MinutesApril 11, 2011MOVED and seconded that the minutes of April 11, 2011 beapproved as circulated.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3Business Arising/OldBusiness#1 Tax Exemption Request – Good Samaritan CommunityChurchThe CAO had been directed after the last meeting to contactthe Good Samaritan Community Church to see when theyintend to build their church. There has been no response.This item will be added to the next Council agenda.#2 Nova Scotians forEqualization FairnessDeputy Warden MacAlpine has no further information at this time, but will have it available for the May Councilagenda.Other Business ArisingDeputy WardenMacAlpineNo Business ArisingCouncillor AmeroNo Business ArisingCouncillor AdamsAbsent. Warden Gregory noted that Councillor Adams’mother-in-law passed away.Councillor TudorNo Business ArisingWarden GregoryNo Business ArisingNew Business#1 Digby Elementary– Funding Request –Ocean Blue Fun RunThe Ocean Blue Fun Run takes place in June.MOVED and seconded that the funding request for the Ocean Blue Fun Run be referred to the budget process.MOTION CARRIED#2 Medical StudentsA letter was received by Southwest Health asking if theMunicipality and the Town would consider offering medical students or residents bursaries while they are still inschool, in lieu of signing bonuses. For example, offer them$25,000 per year for the 4 years of medical school for a 4
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4year return of service to Digby.It was mentioned that students need to be aware that theycould be working in Weymouth and Bear River as well. Warden Gregory will mention it.There was a discussion on the terms of the contract and theconsequences of students changing their mind and wanting to buy it out.MOVED and seconded that Council consider a medicalstudent bursary while they are still in school, which wouldequal half of $25,000 per year for 4 years.MOTION CARRIEDChief Administrative ReportThe CAO report dated May 9, 2011 was included in theCOTW Package.MeetingsThe By-law and Policy meeting on June 6, 2011 conflictswith FCM. It was agreed to hold this meeting on May 30, 2011 since there was no meeting scheduled for that date.Joshua Slocum MonumentMr. Hersey provided Council with some pictures of the Joshua Slocum monument as well as a quote for repairs.Council agreed that the costing was good for the repairs.It was agreed that permission must be obtained from theproperty owners to allow people to view the monument on the property as well as go on the property to fix it.Request forDecisions/DirectionNILDepartment ReportsTaxationThe Taxation report for April 2011 was included in the meeting package. Building Inspection Report/Fire Inspection ReportThe Building Inspection report for April 2011 was included in the meeting package. Environmental ServicesThe Environmental Services report for April 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5Airport/DispatchThe Airport/Dispatch report for April 2011 was included inthe meeting package. Council discussed the possibility of having dispatch recruit additional business. The Deputy CAO advised that it hasbeen discussed. It could be handled in two ways; thedispatch supervisor could solicit customers, or electedofficials could approach the wardens of neighboring municipalities to see if there is any interest.MOVED and seconded that research be done in regards to a fee schedule and what levels of service could be offered bythe dispatch department at the Airport.MOTION CARRIEDDog Control Activityand Financial ReportN/ACoordinator Program DevelopmentThe Coordinator Program Development report for April2011 was included in the meeting package.Other BusinessN/ADigby Municipal FireAssociation –ContinuedMOVED and seconded that Mr. Doug Cromwell from the Southville Fire Department come before Council.MOTION CARRIEDMr. Cromwell provided Council with an overview of theresults of the feasibility study that was done in Clare. Therewas $1,000,000 borrowed over 10 years, which was used tobuy trucks, halls, and equipment for the departments mostin need. Council has the final decision on where the moneyis allocated. The fire area rate is used to pay off the loan.The feasibility study was hired out to a retired chief from another area. It was noted that the Digby Municipal Fire Associationwould have a majority vote after the feasibility study wascompleted.Warden Gregory thanked the Association for coming andpresenting to Council.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Updates fromPrevious meetingsThe updates from previous meetings were included in the CAO report.Special Projects UpdatesThe special projects updates were included in the CAOreport.Strategic Priorities UpdateN/ANotice of MotionN/AComments from theGalleryN/ARecessThere was a 5 minute recess before proceeding in camera.In Camera MOVED and seconded that the meeting proceed in camerato discuss a contractual issue.MOTION CARRIEDRegular session resumed.AdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:15 PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2great since.A question and answer period followed Mr. Sweeney’spresentation. Council asked whether the Association is also looking into a sustainability study as well. Council madethe comment that if the feasibility study went forward, itwould review the sustainability of all fire departments. Itwas also discussed that perhaps it might be easier to recruit volunteers if the gear and equipment were updated. It wasnoted that there might be a possibility that some firedepartments might shut down as a result of the feasibilitystudy. Council advised the Association that they need toknow what it is they would like to get from the study, theTerms of Reference.Warden Gregory asked that the departments introducethemselves and provided each department with a chance tospeak to Council on behalf of their department.There were 9 fire departments present. Chief Lee Wentzell,Digby Neck; Chief Walley Devries, Westport; Chief Gerald Moore, Freeport; Paulette Walker, Digby; Chief DarrylJelfs, Bear River; Chief Roy Mullen, Weymouth; ChiefRobert Sweeney, Plympton; Chief Dwayne Haight, Smith’sCove; and Chief Cromwell, Southville (late).The representatives from each department were given achance to speak. Comments from the departments included:Fire departments should maintain a certain level ofservice.Would like to see the Association be able to have thesame results as the Municipality of Clare.Would not want to lose any fire departments as aresult of the feasibility study.Fire departments are in desperate need of newequipment, vehicles and in some cases buildings.Doug Cromwell from Southville was late for the meeting and it was agreed to go on with other business until hearrived.MinutesApril 11, 2011MOVED and seconded that the minutes of April 11, 2011 beapproved as circulated.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3Business Arising/OldBusiness#1 Tax Exemption Request – Good Samaritan CommunityChurchThe CAO had been directed after the last meeting to contactthe Good Samaritan Community Church to see when theyintend to build their church. There has been no response.This item will be added to the next Council agenda.#2 Nova Scotians forEqualization FairnessDeputy Warden MacAlpine has no further information at this time, but will have it available for the May Councilagenda.Other Business ArisingDeputy WardenMacAlpineNo Business ArisingCouncillor AmeroNo Business ArisingCouncillor AdamsAbsent. Warden Gregory noted that Councillor Adams’mother-in-law passed away.Councillor TudorNo Business ArisingWarden GregoryNo Business ArisingNew Business#1 Digby Elementary– Funding Request –Ocean Blue Fun RunThe Ocean Blue Fun Run takes place in June.MOVED and seconded that the funding request for the Ocean Blue Fun Run be referred to the budget process.MOTION CARRIED#2 Medical StudentsA letter was received by Southwest Health asking if theMunicipality and the Town would consider offering medical students or residents bursaries while they are still inschool, in lieu of signing bonuses. For example, offer them$25,000 per year for the 4 years of medical school for a 4
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4year return of service to Digby.It was mentioned that students need to be aware that theycould be working in Weymouth and Bear River as well. Warden Gregory will mention it.There was a discussion on the terms of the contract and theconsequences of students changing their mind and wanting to buy it out.MOVED and seconded that Council consider a medicalstudent bursary while they are still in school, which wouldequal half of $25,000 per year for 4 years.MOTION CARRIEDChief Administrative ReportThe CAO report dated May 9, 2011 was included in theCOTW Package.MeetingsThe By-law and Policy meeting on June 6, 2011 conflictswith FCM. It was agreed to hold this meeting on May 30, 2011 since there was no meeting scheduled for that date.Joshua Slocum MonumentMr. Hersey provided Council with some pictures of the Joshua Slocum monument as well as a quote for repairs.Council agreed that the costing was good for the repairs.It was agreed that permission must be obtained from theproperty owners to allow people to view the monument on the property as well as go on the property to fix it.Request forDecisions/DirectionNILDepartment ReportsTaxationThe Taxation report for April 2011 was included in the meeting package. Building Inspection Report/Fire Inspection ReportThe Building Inspection report for April 2011 was included in the meeting package. Environmental ServicesThe Environmental Services report for April 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5Airport/DispatchThe Airport/Dispatch report for April 2011 was included inthe meeting package. Council discussed the possibility of having dispatch recruit additional business. The Deputy CAO advised that it hasbeen discussed. It could be handled in two ways; thedispatch supervisor could solicit customers, or electedofficials could approach the wardens of neighboring municipalities to see if there is any interest.MOVED and seconded that research be done in regards to a fee schedule and what levels of service could be offered bythe dispatch department at the Airport.MOTION CARRIEDDog Control Activityand Financial ReportN/ACoordinator Program DevelopmentThe Coordinator Program Development report for April2011 was included in the meeting package.Other BusinessN/ADigby Municipal FireAssociation –ContinuedMOVED and seconded that Mr. Doug Cromwell from the Southville Fire Department come before Council.MOTION CARRIEDMr. Cromwell provided Council with an overview of theresults of the feasibility study that was done in Clare. Therewas $1,000,000 borrowed over 10 years, which was used tobuy trucks, halls, and equipment for the departments mostin need. Council has the final decision on where the moneyis allocated. The fire area rate is used to pay off the loan.The feasibility study was hired out to a retired chief from another area. It was noted that the Digby Municipal Fire Associationwould have a majority vote after the feasibility study wascompleted.Warden Gregory thanked the Association for coming andpresenting to Council.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Updates fromPrevious meetingsThe updates from previous meetings were included in the CAO report.Special Projects UpdatesThe special projects updates were included in the CAOreport.Strategic Priorities UpdateN/ANotice of MotionN/AComments from theGalleryN/ARecessThere was a 5 minute recess before proceeding in camera.In Camera MOVED and seconded that the meeting proceed in camerato discuss a contractual issue.MOTION CARRIEDRegular session resumed.AdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:15 PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK
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