Resorts in Nova Scotia Examined

NS: Shadow looms over Digby Pines’ future


DIGBY, NS] — The future of Nova Scotia’s Signature Resorts, including the Digby Pines, is up in the air and options reportedly include its sale.

The NDP government is about to issue a tender for consultant’s services to look at what might be done with the Pines, Keltic Lodge in Cape Breton, and Liscombe Lodge on the Eastern Shore.

All three resorts are icons in Nova Scotia’s tourism industry, and all three are in need of major renovation, according to an official at New Castle Hotels in Halifax.

The Connecticut-based firm took over management in 2002 and last year was the first time since then that the resorts lost money.

The three reported an operating loss of $717,382 for 2009-10 on revenues of $9 million, according to a provincial news report.


Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa — John DeMings photo

Along with possible sale of the resorts — an issue complicated by federal ownership of the land beneath Keltic Lodge — the consultant is expected to look at other options, including continued government ownership, renovation, and continued use of a management firm, whether New Castle or another operator.

Pines employees are also concerned that closure of the resort is a possibility.

New Castle signed a 10-year management contract in 2002 and that expires after next season. The company’s fee is three per cent of total revenues.

An unofficial source at the Pines says the Digby resort had over $4 million in revenue, and returned about half of that to the region in wages. The main resort building is located within town boundaries and is a contributor to Digby’s tax base.

Yarmouth airline

NS: Airline service postponed as controversy hovers
By Staff, Transcontinental Media

Source: The Vanguard, October 29, 2010

[YARMOUTH, NS] — East Coast Airways has postponed start-up until November 22. The airline originally announced it would begin service, two days a week, between Halifax and Yarmouth on November 2.

Recent news reports concerning the personal financial background of president Jason Hasson were recently addressed by David Rankin, executive director of the Yarmouth International Airport Corporation.

“While the accusations against Mr. Hasson from some American individuals are concerning,” said Rankin, “all the involved airport directors are in discussion with one another. We are working together to ensure passengers and our communities receive the best possible service.”

Earlier this week, CBC News had reported that angry creditors in the U.S. are claiming that Hasson owes hundreds of thousands of dollars.

East Coast Airways is a division of Integra Air of Lethbridge, Alberta, which has been providing air service between that city and the provincial capital, Edmonton, since 1998.
East Coast Airways is operating under Integra Air’s Transport Canada operating certificate, and has been granted a license to sell airline tickets by the Canadian Transportation Agency.

“We’ve done our homework,” Rankin said, “and will continue to apply due diligence in reference to East Coast Airways. The operating agreements among my colleagues at the other airports and East Coast Airways will provide the utmost benefit to Maritimers. They know that this transportation service is vitally important to our region’s economic growth.”

Winter Events

C'mon, Digby County, let's get some winter events going!

Destination Southwest Nova Association in partnership with the NS Department of Tourism, Culture & Heritage are working again this year with Saltscapes Magazine to publish their very successful Winterscapes calendar. They are seeking events from our region to highlight the calendar which will feature events and festivals from January 1 to May 31, 2011. This calendar has been a very successful marketing piece and will be distributed throughout Atlantic Canada.



Please submit your events/festivals to our online calendar (click here) and I will forward the information along. This information is required by November 15th, 2010!

Summit and Whales

From Tom Paton and Avaaz

Dear friends,

Many whales are among the 1/3rd of all life on the planet that is being driven to extinction. World governments are meeting this week to consider a bold plan to protect 20% of the world's oceans and lands by 2020.

We have 36 hours left, and a global public outcry could tip the balance. Click to sign the petition for the 20/20 plan and forward this email:



There are only 300 northern right whales left, and 99% of blue whales have been wiped out. These majestic giants are endangered species, and their case is being played out across the world, time and again. In fact, one third of all life forms on the planet are on the brink of extinction.

The natural world is being crushed by human activity, waste and exploitation. But there is a plan to save it -- a global agreement to create, fund and enforce protected areas covering 20% of our lands and seas by 2020. And right now, 193 governments are meeting in Japan to address this crisis.

We have just 36 hours left in this crucial meeting. Experts say that politicians are hesitant to adopt such an ambitious goal, but that a global public outcry could tip the balance, making leaders feel the eyes of the world upon them. Click to sign the urgent 20/20 petition, and forward this email widely -- the message will be delivered directly to the meeting in Japan:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/the_end_of_whales/?vl

Ironically, 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. By now, our governments were supposed to have "achieved a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss." They have failed, consistently caving to industry when given a choice between narrow profit and protecting species. Our animals, plants, oceans, forests, soils, and rivers are choking under immense burdens from over-exploitation and other pressures.

Humans are the primary cause of this destruction. But we can turn it around -- we've saved species from extinction before. The causes of biodiversity decline are vast, and stopping them is going to require a move away from empty piecemeal promises with no clarity on who will pay, to a bold plan with strict enforcement and serious funding. The 20/20 plan is precisely that: governments will be forced to execute strict programmes to ensure that 20% of our earth is protected by the 2020 deadline, and massively scale up funding.

It has to be now. All over the world the picture is beginning to look bleaker -- there are only 3,200 tigers left in the wild, our oceans are running out of fish, and we're losing unique food sources to large mono-plantations. Nature is resilient, but we have to give it a safe place to bounce back. That's why this meeting is key -- it's a watershed moment to accelerate action based on clear commitments that protect nature's capital.

If our governments feel overwhelming public pressure right now to be courageous, we can jolt them to commit to the 20/20 plan at this meeting. But it's going to take every one of us to get that message to echo around the convention in Japan. Sign this urgent petition below, then forward it widely:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/the_end_of_whales/?vl

Already this year Avaaz, members have played a critical role in protecting elephants, defending the whale-hunting ban, and securing the world's largest Marine Protected Area in the Chagos Islands. Our community has shown that we can set ambitious goals -- and win. This campaign is the next stage in the essential battle to create the world that most of us everywhere want -- where natural resources and species are valued, and our living planet is protected for future generations.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/the_end_of_whales/?vl

Tourism Summit

2010 Tourism Summit - The Power of Tourism
REGISTER NOW - Deadline October 31
November 28-30, 2010 In Halifax



The 2010 Tourism Summit - The Power of Tourism is being held November 28th - 30th at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia! Register with DSWNA by October 31st and pay only $305 + hst. Contact jbalser@dswna.com or call (902) 645-2307.

As the largest tourism industry conference in Canada, this annual event is attended by more than 500 delegates and includes a combination of high calibre keynote speakers, educational sessions and networking events.

The three day event culminates with the annual Crystal Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner, always an evening to remember. Educational sessions will be interactive, provide timely information and best practices for operators.

This event would not be possible without our many industry partnerships. We would ask you to recognize our Summit Partners and support those companies that are investing in the tourism industry.

The annual Tourism Expo will take place on Monday, November 29th and showcase the latest products and services available. To view exhibitors please click here.

Municipal Council Agenda

Council AgendaMeeting DateOctober 25, 2010Meeting LocationSmiths Cove Fire HallCall to OrderDeputy Warden Jimmy MacAlpinePause to Seek GuidanceDeputy Warden Jimmy MacAlpineReading of Mission StatementDeputy Warden Jimmy MacAlpineDocumentsSubject AreaApproval of the AgendaAdditions/Deletions CouncilStaffSpecial PresentationsPresentationsPeter Newton, Warden Municipality of County of Annapolis LifePlex Wellness CentreDr. Bob MaherSenior ResearchScientistApplied Geomatics Research Group(AGRG)Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS)NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus (Middleton) Community Mapping, web GISand the Creative Rural EconomyLarry BrooksDigby Ground Search andRescue
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Council AgendaMinutesApproval/Amendments September 27, 2010BusinessArising from Minutes/Old Business1.2.3.Deputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsNew Business# 1Petition Unpaved portion of CullodenRoad# 2# 3# 4
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Council AgendaCAO ReportRequest for Decision orDirectionMeetingDates/Reminders Oct 12th–(Note change from the 11th) COTW @ 6:00pm Digby Neck Consolidated School Oct 25th– Council @ 6:00 pm Smith’s Cove Fire Hall Nov 8th– Special Council Meeting @ 6:00 pm Tiverton Community Hall Nov 8th– COTW Tiverton Community Hall Nov 22nd– Council @ 6:00 pm Barton SchoolMeeting ActionItem UpdatesSpecial ProjectUpdatesPayables-September 2010 $ 707,621.92Financial Report Sept 30, 2010Correspondence1.Rob Hersey Cenotaph Unveiling Invitation2.FCM PresidentFCM Information3.Mayor Peter KellyInvitation to NationalSymposium on Parks andGrounds (Oct 27-30th)4.PVSCPictometry Pilot Project5.
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Council AgendaCouncil Committees1.COTWRecommendationfrom COTW  Approval for $ 4,500 forupgrades/paintingDigby Library2.By-law &PolicyAdvisory Committees# 1REMO AdvisoryCommitteeDeputy WardenMacAlpine# 2HeritageAdvisory CommitteeCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams# 3PlanningAdvisory CommitteeDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor Gregory No meeting since last report# 4Police Advisory CommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams Meeting Scheduled for Nov 16th There is 1 citizen position that needs to be filled# 5Tri County HousingAuthorityR FitzgeraldNo report available The 3 western housing authorities will be one as of Dec/10. This includes Tri Count, Anna. Valley andSouth shore housingauthorities.
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Council AgendaRegional/JointCommittees# 1Airport WorkingGroupDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor Adams# 2Annapolis Digby Economic DevelopmentAgencyDeputy WardenMacAlpine Meeting scheduled for Oct28th. #3Digby AnnapolisDevelopmentCorpCouncillor AmeroNo meeting since lastreport#4Digby Area LearningAssociationCouncillor Adams#5Digby Area Tourism AssociationCouncillor Gregory  April 2010 Minutes#6Digby Area RecreationCommitteeCouncillor Gregory Councillor Amero Minutes July 2010 Recreation Manager Report September 2010 Minutes September 2010 Staff Reports October 2010#7Digby Harbour Port AssociationCouncillor Gregory  Minutes July 22, 2010#8Digby Library CommitteeDeputy WardenMacAlpine Meeting Notes Sept 27th#9FundywebBroadbandDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor Amero No meeting since lastreport# 10IndustrialCommissionDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor Amero No meeting since lastreport
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Council AgendaRegional/JointCommittees (con’t)# 11Kings TransitAuthorityCouncillor Amero Meeting Scheduled for Nov 4th# 12Senior Safety CommitteeCouncillor Adams Councillor Gregory# 13Tideview TerraceCouncillor Gregory & Councillor Adams # 14Waste CheckDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor Gregory Minutes Sept 2010 Staff Reports-Oct 2010# 15Western Counties Regional LibraryDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncil Activity Reports/Other CommitteesDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor Gregory Digby Source Water Protection Minutes Aug2010 Buy Back Nova ScotiaCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams Notice of MotionIn Camera Contractual Issue
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Council AgendaAdjournment

Municipal Council Minutes

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesSeptember 27, 2010Weymouth, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe Council meeting was called to order with Deputy Warden MacAlpine in the chair at 6:00 p.m. AttendanceCouncillors present: Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden Linda Gregory, Councillor Randall Amero, Councillor Maritza Adams, CouncillorStaff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Cora Lee Bremner, Executive SecretaryPrayerDeputy Warden MacAlpine welcomed everyone to the meetingand asked everyone to pause to seek guidance for the meetingand asked everyone to keep Past Warden, Jim Thurber in theirthoughts as he had an accident on the weekend. DeputyWarden MacAlpine thanked everyone for coming and read theMunicipality’s mission statement. AgendaMOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved as circulated.MOTION CARRIEDSpecial PresentationsSissiboo Investments Ltd. – Mobius Environmental Award, Small Business of theYear Deputy Warden MacAlpine presented a certificate ofrecognition to Mr. Sabean from Sissiboo Investments Ltd.in recognition of his receipt of the Mobius EnvironmentalSmall Business of the Year award. Deputy WardenMacAlpine thanked Mr. Sabean for his efforts to help theenvironment. Waste Check was very happy with the binthat was created. Mr. Sabean thanked Council for the certificate but noted that the credit should go to theemployees who came up with the idea.PresentationsNILMinutes August 23, 2010MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council of August 23, 2010 be approved as circulated.MOTION CARRIEDBusiness Arising from Minutes/OldBusinessAnimals at WildlifePark Deputy Warden MacAlpine advised Council that themajority of the animals at the Animal Park in Upper Clements went to Shubenacadie and the rest went to a parkin Quebec.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesSeptember 27, 2010Weymouth, Nova Scotia2#1 Weymouth Waterfront Development Committee – Second & Final Reading of Amendment #10 to theTax Exemption By-law #2000-02MOVED and seconded that Council approve the second andfinal reading of amendment # 10 to the Tax Exemption By-law # 2000-02, adding Weymouth Waterfront DevelopmentCommittee to the list.MOTION CARRIED#2 TLC Animal Shelter – FundingRequest $12,000 The CAO had been asked to research how and if othermunicipal units provided funding to shelters/SPCA. A report was circulated with responses from municipal units. There is $4,600 left in the “Grants to Organizations” budget that isn’t allocated.  Council was concerned that if the Municipality doesn’t helpthem they may be forced to shut down. Council was alsoconcerned that TLC Animal Shelter was requesting this amount annually without a vision to be sustainable. It wasmentioned that if the majority of this budget was used, therewould be no other funds available for other requests. Council decided to request a meeting with TLC Animal Shelter to discuss options with them in hopes to work something out.MOVED and seconded that the funding request from TLC Animal Shelter be tabled until Council is able to meet withthem within the next month. MOTION CARRIED#3 Keith Trimper Memorial Playground – Funding Request $10,000 Council heard that the Keith Trimper Memorial Playgroundhad raised most of the required funding.MOVED and seconded that Council give the Keith TrimperMemorial Playground a grant of $2,000.  It was noted that this request will come from the “Grants toOrganizations” budget.MOTION CARRIEDDeputy Warden MacAlpine No Old Business.Councillor GregoryTrout Cove Road -SignageEastlink – Internet Service The signage for Trout Cove Road has never been placed. Itwas agreed to add this item to the agenda for theDepartment of Transportation meeting and inform them ofthe addition prior to the meeting. Councillor Gregory has been asked by a resident whyEastlink is not going to be installed in Whale Cove.Councillor Gregory will contact the company to obtain answers.Councillor Amero No Old Business.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesSeptember 27, 2010Weymouth, Nova Scotia3Councillor Adams No Old Business.New Business#1 Dorothy Elms –Letter & Petition Deputy Warden MacAlpine was contacted by Ms. DorothyElms who had a number of concerns. These concernsinclude the third lane in Conway, sidewalks and crosswalks for Conway, Lifeplex facility and concerns regarding theFederal mailbox review. Deputy Warden MacAlpine has discussed most of theseissues with her. Deputy Warden MacAlpine stated that hewill talk to her about the addition of a second sidewalk in Conway as there will be no room on the other side of theroad. A petition was received along with the letter with signaturesrequesting community safety in Conway including easyaccess to mailboxes and ample crosswalks and sidewalks in the community to allow for a safe crossing at anincreasingly busy area of Digby. This petition alsorequested Council’s support for the Fundy YMCA pool in Cornwallis. It was noted that there were signatures frompeople in Annapolis County on the petition.  Council mentioned that she is not alone in how she feelsabout the changes to mailboxes. There have been severalcomplaints from the community regarding this program.MOVED and seconded that a letter be written to CanadaPost, carbon-copied to the MP and MLA, outlining theconcerns of the citizens in the community and outline thelack of communication being done to the citizens from therepresentatives of Canada Post. MOTION CARRIED It was agreed to send a letter to Ms. Elms thanking her forthe letter and petition and advising her that Council iswriting a letter to Canada Post on her behalf as well as the community, advising her that Council is addressing thecrosswalk issue and also that the recreation department is currently looking at the cost to enclose its pool.#2 ADEDA – CouncilRepresentationMOVED and seconded that Deputy Warden MacAlpineserve as Council’s representative on the ADEDA Board toreplace Warden Thurber.MOTION CARRIED#3 ADEDA –Committee to ReviewFunding Agreement &Governance Issues ADEDA has requested that the Warden and CAO sit on a committee to review the funding agreement and othergovernance issues.MOVED and seconded that Deputy Warden MacAlpine and
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesSeptember 27, 2010Weymouth, Nova Scotia4the CAO sit on a committee for ADEDA to review thefunding agreement and governance issues.MOTION CARRIEDAdministrationRequest fordecision/directionCAO Report Update – Drainageissues in Weymouth The CAO report for September 27, 2010 was included in the meeting package. A meeting was held with the Village Commission,Weymouth Waterfront Development Committee, and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal in regards to thedrainage issues in Weymouth. The Province has decided todo a cost share which would be a three way split. Thisproject should start right away.PayablesMOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of$491,406.90 for the month of August 2010 be approved aspresented.MOTION CARRIEDFinancial ReportN/ACorrespondence It was noted that correspondence number one and numberfour is available at the Municipal Office in hardcopy oronline.Council CommitteesCommittee of theWholePolice AdvisoryCommittee –Appointment of Ryck Miller and VictoriaWilson to PoliceAdvisory CommitteeMOVED and seconded that Council appoint Ryck Millerand Victoria Wilson to the Police Advisory Committee.MOTION CARRIED The CAO noted that she was informed early in the summerthat there would be training for members of the PoliceAdvisory Committee. The two new members can attend. Itwas noted that there is still one seat vacant for a citizenrepresentative for the committee. If Council has any namesfor possible appointments, they can be forwarded to theCAO.Bylaw & PolicyReviewNILAdvisory Committees
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesSeptember 27, 2010Weymouth, Nova Scotia5#1 REMO Management PlanningCommittee There has been no REMO meeting since the last Councilmeeting. A conference call took place prior to HurricaneEarl. The next meeting is scheduled for September 29,2010.#2 Heritage AdvisoryCommittee The Heritage Advisory Committee has not met since thelast Council meeting.#3 Planning AdvisoryCommittee There has been no Planning Advisory Committee meeting since the last report.#4 Police AdvisoryCommittee The Police Advisory Committee meeting for July has beenpostponed until new citizen members are appointed. Themembers are now in place. The Police community meeting took place last week. There were concerns with speed; tireburning; spinning until the tires catch fire; ATVS driving onthe side of the road and on properties; motorcycles passing on the wrong side of the road; and the speed of vehiclesgoing by emergency vehicles, as a fireman was nearly hitbecause of speed. These were just a few concerns that cameout of the meeting. It was suggested that an article be placed in the Coastline Newsletter making people aware ofthe 60km/hr maximum speed limit when driving aroundparked emergency vehicles.  There will be more Mounties on Digby Neck with radar. The meeting notes from the meeting will be circulated toCouncil.#5 Tri CountyHousing Authority A Tri-County Housing Authority report was circulated onMay 25, 2010. The CAO will get an update before the next meeting.Regional / Joint Committees#1 Airport WorkingGroup The Airport Working Group has not met since the last Council meeting. There has not been a date set for the next meeting; however, there will probably be one before the endof October.#2 Annapolis Digby EconomicDevelopment Agency The ADEDA general board minutes for June and August2010, minutes from the July and September Conferencecall, as well as the Managing Director Report for September 2010 were included in the meeting package. Deputy Warden MacAlpine attended an ADEDA meetingon September 23, 2010. Regional development authority isvery important and there was a discussion regarding whichdirection to take it. They are in the process of having a group developed to discuss governance issues.#3 Digby Annapolis Development Corp The DADC has not met since the last report.#4 Digby AreaLearning Association There is a DALA meeting on September 29, 2010. Therewas no meeting over the summer. The addition to Learning Grove is coming along. They are currently working on the
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesSeptember 27, 2010Weymouth, Nova Scotia6inside. They are a bit behind schedule. The new addition will house the after school program that is currently being held at the school. It will also be used by the pre-schoolduring the day.#5 Digby AreaTourism Association  The Digby Area Tourism Association meeting was held thesame night as the Port Association. There is a Tourism meeting in Yarmouth scheduled soon.#6 Digby AreaRecreation Committee The DARC minutes for June, 2010 as well as the Recreation Manager Report for September 2010 wereincluded in the meeting package. There is a new furnace in the Curling Centre. There havebeen renovations done to both the Digby Elementary andMunicipal soccer fields. The Vaughn Vantassell Memorial Park had to be closed for safety issues which since havebeen corrected. Councillor Gregory gave an update onprogramming being done in DARC.#7 Digby HarbourPort Association The Digby Harbour Port Association minutes from July2010 were included in the meeting package. There was ameeting a week ago. The finances are doing well. It was noted that they are able to have Customs availability forboats in the summer. #8 Digby LibraryCommittee The Digby Library Committee met September 27, 2010.They are looking at ways to improve the look of the libraryand improve usage. They are looking at painting theinterior of the library. Plans are to put a canopy over thefront entry and install tracks to hang pictures. The frontdoor was leaking and has been fixed. #9 Fundyweb Broadband The Fundyweb Broadband minutes from April 2010 wereincluded in the meeting package. There was a meeting heldon September 8, 2010. At the last meeting direction was given to CAOs to seek legal advice to divest Municipal Units from the board.#10 Industrial Commission The Industrial Commission has not met since the last report.There will be a meeting soon.#11 Kings TransitAuthority The Kings Transit Authority July and August 2010 minutes, as well as the ridership and financial report for August wereincluded in the Council package. There was a Kings Transit Authority meeting last week. A building has been purchased in New Minas which will beused for a garage as well as an office. Ridership continues to go down. The Weymouth run isnow loosing ridership at the fastest rate. This is the second year in a row that it is declining. The CAO noted that the results from the King Transit survey that was included inthe Coastline will soon be coming forward to Council. There was a discussion regarding the Kings Transit Budget.#12 Senior SafetyCommittee There was a Seniors’ Expo recently held and was wellattended. Dawn Thomas is doing a great job.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesSeptember 27, 2010Weymouth, Nova Scotia7#13 Tideview Terrace  The move in date for the new Tideview is still scheduled forJune 2011. The structure of the board is being reviewed. It hasn’t beendecided whether Warden Thurber will be replaced on theboard or whether a community member will be elected. The Eden plaque was presented and now hangs in the library. Tideview is currently full and there is a waiting list. Therewas a discussion regarding the policy and procedures inplacing people into homes.#14 Waste Check The Waste Check minutes for July 2010, General ManagerReport for September, Strategic Action Plan, By-lawEnforcement Report as well as the Regional Chairs updatewere all included in the Council package.  There was a Waste Check meeting earlier this month. All haulers in region 7 are rejecting blue bags that are notproperly sorted.  There was a retirement luncheon for Rene Belliveau. Hedid an excellent job while employed for Waste Check. The bylaw enforcement officer is doing a great job.Cameras are being placed in areas where frequent dumpingis occurring. Signs will be placed in these areas. Waste Check does not want signs to be placed in areas withoutsurveillance as it may not be effective.#15 Western Counties Regional Library The Western Counties Regional Library meeting minutes from July 2010 were included in the meeting package. Since the Weymouth Library has opened there has been a large increase in computer usage, internet usage and books. The adopt-a-book campaign was just completed. 1600 books were donated. This program runs every other year.This is the highest number of books ever adopted. Norman Leveque is going to be demonstrating the newequipment in the Weymouth Library to various groups. Council ReportsDeputy WardenMacAlpine Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation toCouncil outlining the various meetings he has attendedduring the past month.Councillor Gregory Councillor Gregory gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month.Fire Damage – DigbyNeck Councillor Gregory inquired about the status of the propertytax adjustment for a property located on Digby Neck that was destroyed by fire. The CAO noted that the revisedassessment had been received and the taxes were adjustedaccordingly.Councillor Amero  Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings he has attended during thepast month.Councillor Adams Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Council
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesSeptember 27, 2010Weymouth, Nova Scotia8outlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month.Comments from thegallery The meeting was opened up to the gallery for questions.There were no questions. Deputy Warden MacAlpinethanked everyone for attending the meeting.BreakMOVED and seconded that there be a five minute breakbefore proceeding in camera.MOTION CARRIEDIn CameraMOVED and seconded that the meeting move in camera.MOTION CARRIEDRegular session resumed.ADEDA - FundingMoved and seconded that the Municipality of the District ofDigby fund the shortfall in the funding for investment attraction consulting services if required by ADEDA inorder to save the project and avoid the loss of the matching Provincial and Federal funding of $ 65,000. MOTION CARRIEDAdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:10PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

Coyotes- A Letter to the Minister

Minister of Natural Resources
John MacDonell
min-dnr@gov.ns.ca

It is my belief that the minister has reacted to panic and to those who do not love our wildlife or the diversity of nature, and to those humans who may have caused the problem in the first place by feeding coyotes.
Leg hold traps are cruel and unusual punishment to a whole species of animal that is normally shy and withdrawing. IS the minister reacting to extinguish a whole species because of rare unfortunate encounters?
Coyotes deal with the rodent population. Does the minister want us to be overrun with rodents? Coyotes deal with the sick and dying and the dead animals.
Leg hold traps are banned in most other places. Why? Because of the dreadful suffering it causes anything that’s living that gets caught in one. The serrated steel jaws penetrate with an awful force causing severe and utter pain. Animals sometimes try to end this excruciating pain by biting their own legs off. That’s how bad it is.
The trapper on the t.v. the other night said that (in my words) they are using leg hold traps to cause this terrific pain so the animal will associate humans with a horrific ordeal or the sounds of it.
1) trappers eliminate the scent of a human on the trap by wearing gloves and covering with sand so the animal will step into the trap. A coyote otherwise would avoid humans and their scent. So trapping will not cause a coyote to associate this awful experience with humans. Other coyotes may hear the trapped animals painful howls and its whimpering in distress. This also will not create a negative association about humans. The trapper walks in, sees this helpless, hurting animal (that he has caused) and kills it. The trapped animal may see a negative association there, but only for an instant. Another animal hearing the agony will have no knowledge that a human did it.
2) The program indicated that the trappers were going to only kill the aggressive coyote. A trapper who is receiving money for killing coyotes is going to make no distinction on what he thinks is an aggressive coyote or one that’s just going to bring him 20 bucks for his hide. Leg hold traps do not know an aggressive coyote from the normal shy one. Leg hold traps also don’t discriminate about what steps in them. Maybe it would be a coyote. Maybe it would be a deer who has caused no problem but to exist. But maybe it would be your own kid.

This land, this earth was “owned” by animals before humans came in. It is *US* who are in *their* territory. And we didn’t always kill them. We were vegetarians, first, before we became predators. We and the other animals always found ways of living together, before the human turned to killing.

Trapping coyotes is not only a barbaric form of cruelty, killing coyotes does not reduce their numbers. They just have a bigger litter later. The fact that the minister’s own employees stood up against him should tell you something big time. You could imagine that most government employees would fear for their jobs. Yet they had the guts to stand against something that was wrong.

Do you have the guts? *Stop this barbarism! We are better humans than this! Stop the leghold traps and the bounty, Minister, and start to deal with the matter on a higher level. We need to stop killing off or trying to kill off species in our world. We need diversity. We need to find ways of living together instead of the primitive first reaction of “kill it”.* Readers: copy and paste this paragraph, if you feel the same, and email it to the minister. Add your own thoughts or other phrases from this page. E-address is at top and elsewhere on this page.

Educate the humans who are causing the problem in the first place. Educate humans on how to deal with coyotes. Educate humans that not all coyotes are bad. Educate humans that everything in this world is interrelated and interdependent. And that we’ve got to stop messing with it.

The rule of law says that you don’t make laws for the extraordinary situations. And the practice of governance says that you don’t react to a panic over an unfortunate but extremely rare occurrence with barbarity and unjustified cruelty and attempt to exterminate a species in this world.

Power Costs and Renewable Energy in B.C.

Get ready to pay more for power. A lot more


Vancouver Sun October 16, 2010


a.. Story
b.. Photos ( 1 )


WIND POWER: Ontario has a plan to siphon billions from consumers' pockets by 2015 to subsidize wind and solar power producers. B.C. is planning to do the same thing next year.
Photograph by: Reuters Files, Vancouver Sun
We're often told that British Columbia has the lowest prices for electricity in North America, but the claim is only partly true. Households that use up to 750 kWh a month do pay the lowest monthly rate on the continent; however, the average household uses 1,000 kWh and based on that level of consumption, B.C. ranks third behind Quebec and Manitoba.

In any case, B.C. consumers will soon pay more -much more -if the province follows the lead of Ontario where power prices are soaring, not just as a result of higher generation or transmission costs, but because of ill-conceived energy policies.

Under Ontario's Green Energy Act, a feed-in tariff (FIT) will siphon $3.8 billion from consumers' pockets by 2015 to subsidize wind and solar power producers.

B.C. plans to introduce a FIT program early next year.

The way the program would work is that BC Hydro would enter into energy supply contracts with alternative power producers at prices set to provide backers of these projects with an "acceptable" rate of return.

In Ontario, the power authority will pay prices ranging from about 20 cents/kwh to 80 cents/kwh; B.C.'s are likely to be in the same ballpark.

Given that the average residential price in B.C. is just over seven cents, it is clear that the cost to households will increase dramatically. In Ontario, the cost of residential power by 2015 is seen at 21 cents/kWh, nearly triple the price in 2003.

The idea is that a FIT will provide a revenue stream based on production that would enable projects to predict rates of return and attract financing to cover construction and operating costs. For the entrepreneur, a FIT transforms a bet on a pure power play into a surer thing, a subsidy play. All the risk is shifted to the residential consumer.

And the B.C. government plans to heighten that risk by focusing on emerging technologies, such as biomass, biogas, geothermal heat, solar, tidal and wind.

In order to prevent capital flight and job losses, governments that engage in this kind of reckless energy policy will have to find a way to insulate industrial power prices, leaving residential consumers to carry 100 per cent of the cost, although they account for only a third of electricity demand.

In the United Kingdom, FIT and other energy taxes, fees and charges increased the cost of energy so much that five million citizens were facing fuel poverty as of March 2009. Measures introduced to solve the problem reportedly exceeded the amount of revenue that the policies that caused it were designed to raise.

There's no doubt that former premier W.A.C. Bennett's hydroelectric vision in the 1960s helped B.C. to develop into the prosperous province it is today.

He well understood that energy policy and economic policy are one and the same, and that firm, cheap power was needed to exploit B.C.'s vast resources and attract investment. In fact, the mandate of BC Hydro is to ensure "reliable power at low cost for generations."

British Columbians -some grudgingly -may recognize that they have to pay slightly higher prices soon as our public utility embarks upon a program to modernize aging transmission lines.

But the energy policies the Liberal government is foisting on the province decouple energy from economics, impose higher than necessary costs on households and the outcome may parallel the experience in Europe -declines in manufacturing output, less business investment, weaker economic growth, fewer private sector jobs and additional taxes to finance social programs.

In Ontario, the combination of hydro rate hikes, eco-fees and the harmonized sales tax -the latter having raised barely a peep of protest when first introduced there -may now cost Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty the next election.

In the latest poll, 41 per cent backed Conservative leader Tim Hudak and only 29 per cent supported McGuinty. A telling statistic is that 86 per cent of those polled said they felt poorer than they did two years ago.

We are in favour of encouraging the development of alternative energy, but not at any price.

Since the government defanged the B.C. Utilities Commission, guardian of the public interest, there is no one looking out for the interest of residential ratepayers.

Median household incomes in B.C. have not seen much growth in recent years, the unemployment rate is relatively high, consumer and business confidence has fallen partly due to the continuing slowdown in the U.S., and there is a general anxiety about what our economic prospects are in the coming years.

So, this is not the time to erode the confidence of consumers and dampen economic activity by increasing the energy bills of British Columbians.



Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/ready+more+power+more/3682418/story.html#ixzz12cWboo1J

Municipal Council Agenda

Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaMeeting DateOctober 12, 2010Pause to Seek GuidanceApproval of the AgendaAdditions/DeletionsPresentationsApproval of Minutes September 13, 2010Old Business /BusinessArising from Minutes# 1.0TeamWeymouth Request for Letter of Support# 2.0# 3.0Other BusinessArisingDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaNew Business#1Western Valley PeeWeeAAA Tournament Request for Municipality to place an advertisement in their program for the tournament#2Digby Library Repairs Interior Repairs:1. Main Library & Program Room –Painting & Plaster Repairs2. Program Room – Hanging SystemOutside Repairs:1. Awning for Outside Entrance#3#4#5#6# 7# 8CorrespondenceReceivedInformation Only# 1 Municipality of the District of Barrington Local fish plant workers – EI # 2 Phil Barrett, RCMP False Alarm Strategy# 3 Harold (Jr) Theriault Copy of letter to Min Estabrooks, TIR#4Conway Workshop Letter requesting signage for theirorganization in Conway#5Nova Scotia GamingCorporation 2009-10 Social Responsibility CommunityReport#6Nova ScotiaDepartment of Justice Request for feedback to possible amendments to the Police ActChief AdministrativeReport October 12, 2010Request for Decisions/Direction
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaMeeting Dates/RemindersOct 25th– Council @ 6:00 pm Smith’sCove Fire Hall Nov 8th– Special Council @ 6:00 Tiverton Community Centre Nov 8th– COTW following Special CouncilMeeting – Tiverton Community Centre Nov 22nd– Council @ 6:00 pm BartonSchool Dec 13th– COTW @ 6:00Acaciaville Baptist Church Hall.Department Reports for September 2010 Administration Taxation Building Department Building Permit Municipal Fire Inspector Airport/Dispatch Dispatch Call Report Airport Statistical  Dog Control Activity Dog Control Financial  Coordinator Program DevelopmentUpdates from PreviousmeetingsSpecial Projects UpdatesStrategic PrioritiesUpdateNotice of MotionIn-CameraAdjournment

Municipal Council Minutes

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesSeptember 13, 2010North Range, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe meeting was called to order with Deputy Warden MacAlpine in the chair at 6:00 pm.AttendanceCouncillors present: Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden Linda Gregory, Councillor Randall Amero, Councillor Maritza Adams, CouncillorStaff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Cora Lee Bremner, Executive SecretaryPrayerDeputy Warden MacAlpine asked everyone to pause to seekguidance for the meeting and requested that everyone keep in mind the people missing on the scallop dragger. AgendaMOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved ascirculated.MOTION CARRIEDHearings & PresentationsSean Fredericks & Niki Lewis – Keith Trimper MemorialPlaygroundMOVED and seconded that Mr. Sean Fredericks and Ms.Niki Lewis come before the committee to make a presentation on the Keith Trimper Memorial Playground.MOTION CARRIED Mr. Fredericks and Ms. Lewis made a presentation to theCommittee regarding the replacement of the DigbyElementary School’s playground which is twenty-four yearsold and has been deemed unsafe. A committee has beenformed in an effort to make this project happen. Thecommittee has gone into the community to get grants and funding. “Let Them Be Kids” have agreed to fund half of the equipment cost for this project. The committee’s goalsare to promote and encourage community involvement,provide areas for school and community use, provide a safe
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesSeptember 13, 2010North Range, Nova Scotia2play space for students as well as various other projects. Itwas noted that the project includes the installation of a pieceof equipment for disabled students. The project cost is$130,000. The committee is seeking funding from theMunicipality. A question and answer period followed thepresentation. The group would like to get a response fromCouncil as soon as possible as the build day is scheduled totake place on September 25, 2010. A copy of thepresentation as well as the project budget was requested byCouncil. Deputy Warden MacAlpine thanked them for thepresentation.MinutesJuly 12, 2010It was noted that Noise email should be replaced with NoiseBylaw in the agenda section of the July 12, 2010 minutes.MOVED and seconded that the minutes of July 12, 2010 beapproved as amended.MOTION CARRIEDBusiness Arising/OldBusinessTransportation Study –NS Transit Research Incentive Program(TRIP) – JointApplication Update There was a discussion on the Transportation Study, NSTransit Research Incentive Program. It was noted that jointapplications were encouraged. Council had originallydiscussed applying jointly with the Municipality ofAnnapolis, Town of Digby and the Municipality of Clare.There was some concern that all of these units may not beinterested in participating. Council expressed their interestto go forward even if only the Municipality and Town of Digby are interested. The deadline for applications isSeptember 22, 2010.Other BusinessArising NILDeputy WardenMacAlpine No Business Arising
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesSeptember 13, 2010North Range, Nova Scotia3Councillor Gregory -Conway – Highway303 expansion Councillor Gregory mentioned that residents in Conway areinquiring whether the Department of Transportation wouldbe able to further expand the lanes in Conway in the futureand take more of their land. It was advised to direct them toBasil Pitts, Department of Transportation.Councillor Amero No Business ArisingCouncillor Adams No Business ArisingNew Business#1 West Nova Agro –Letter of SupportMOVED and seconded that a letter be sent in support of thebusiness development proposal for West Nova Agro. It was noted that the CAO should note in the letter that theMunicipality is interested in promoting renewable energyopportunities.MOTION CARRIED#2 Team Weymouth –Funding Request -$5,000 Team Weymouth and the Weymouth WaterfrontDevelopment Committee have recently become successfulin securing funding to complete phase II of the WaterfrontDevelopment. They have recognized that a number ofthings have to happen along with phase II, one being thehiring of a consultant with the aim to find ways to attractforeign direct investments. Team Weymouth is requesting$5,000 from Council to move forward with this project.There was a short discussion of Council and it was agreedthat the CAO will follow up with ADEDA to find out if Team Weymouth is working with them to make thishappen. This request will was referred to the next councilmeeting. It was also suggested that Team Weymouth beinvited to the next Council meeting which is scheduled inWeymouth to make a presentation. # 3 Fall for Bear River – Funding Request -$500 A funding request has been received from the organizing committee for the Fall for Bear River festival in the amountof $500.  The Community grants account has $4,600 remaining forthis fiscal year and there are two other requests yet to be
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesSeptember 13, 2010North Range, Nova Scotia4considered.MOVED and seconded that Council approve the fundingrequest for the Fall for Bear River festival in the amount of$500. MOTION CARRIEDCorrespondenceMinister of Health –Palliative CareServices It was noted that correspondence from the Minister ofHealth regarding palliative care services was not included inthe package. This information will be forwarded rightaway.Chief AdministrativeReportMaud Lewis Site –SignageMunicipal Building –RenovationsNovember MeetingDatesCrosswalks – Highway303 The CAO report dated September, 2010 was included in theCOTW Package. Councillor Adams brought up that the sign has been placedfor the Maud Lewis site. It was noted that Councilmisunderstood what type of sign was being installed.  Deputy Warden MacAlpine noted that there is a lot of workbeing done on the Municipal building. The project isestimated to be completed by January. The CAO noted thatthe heating proposal is in and is on budget. It was decided by Council to hold a special Council sessionon November 8, 2010 for the swearing in ceremony for thenew Councillor in District 4. This will be followed by aCOTW meeting. These meetings will be scheduled at theLittle River Baptist Church Hall at 6 pm. The Councilmeeting for November will be held on November, 22, 2010at the Barton School at 6 pm. The COTW meeting forDecember 13, 2010 will be held at the United BaptistChurch Hall in Acaciaville at 6 pm. It was noted that the Department of Transportation does notfund crosswalks, but will install them for municipalitiesupon their approval. Council would like to have crosswalksadded on Highway 303. The CAO will add this to theagenda for the next meeting with Transportation.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesSeptember 13, 2010North Range, Nova Scotia5Request for Decisions/Direction NILDepartment ReportsTaxation The Taxation report for both July and August 2010 wereincluded in the meeting package. Building Inspection Report/Fire Inspection Report The Building Inspection report for both July and August2010 were included in the meeting package. It was noted that permits were up over the last year.Airport/Dispatch The Airport/Dispatch report for both July and August 2010were included in the meeting package. It was noted that it was good to see that the surveillance equipment has beeninstalled at the Airport.Dog Control Activityand Financial Report The Dog Control Activity and Financial report for both Julyand August 2010 were included in the meeting package. Coordinator ProgramDevelopment The Coordinator Program Development report for July 9 to August 12, 2010 was included in the meeting package.Other BusinessN/AUpdates fromPrevious meetingsN/ASpecial ProjectsUpdatesN/AStrategic PrioritiesUpdateThe Strategic Priorities update was not available.Notice of MotionN/AComments from theGalleryNIL
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesSeptember 13, 2010North Range, Nova Scotia6AdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 7:31PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

350 Mile Wind Grid

...but a "promise" not to interfere with natural views. - blogger

Week in Pics:
The News In Review

Exclusive:
Michelle Kaufmann at W. Coast Green



Today, Google announced that it's getting into the wind power game in a big way -- according to the New York Times, the search engine giant is taking 37.5% of the equity for a $5 billion project to create a 350 mile transmission 'backbone' for future offshore wind farms on the East Coast. The backbone would span New York City to southern Virginia, and support a capacity of 6,000 megawatts of electricity. It would provide an important lifeline to further offshore wind development, and could have huge implications on the nascent American wind industry. Here's what the plan looks like:

This Times graphic shows the basic outline of the proposed project:


The plan has been widely met with praise from environmentalists and government officials alike. Enviros like the plan because it marks a major investment in a transmission line not intended to carry electricity from coal-fired power plants, and it should serve to spur further investment in East Coast wind power. Though the reports make little mention of it, the the announcement coincides with President Obama's recent push to rev up the nation's dormant offshore wind industry.

Construction is slated to begin on the backbone in 2013, but even before there are wind farms to plug into the grid, the transmission backbone will serve a purpose -- carrying electricity from Virginia, where it's relatively cheap, to places like New York and New Jersey, where it's far more expensive (looks like the project won't be entirely coal-free ...).

Google's initial investment is thought to clock in at around $200 million, and a New York financial firm called Good Energies is matching it. Further investors will likely be attracted to the project with such big names and capital attached.

Yet while this is exciting news for the nation's flagging energy infrastructure, politicians and pundits are quick to warn that the project, which spans 5 sates and is the first ever attempted of its kind, could get help up in various bureaucratic morasses. We all, of course, know too well what happened to a certain wind farm proposed in Massachusetts 10 years ago ... However, the companies anticipate such obstacles, and the wind farms proposed to connect to the backbone have subsequently been planned for locations that are out of sight from the shoreline to limit the interference from any natural view.

All told, this is an exciting development that could mark a turning point in American offshore wind.

PEI and Wind

Why PEI’s wind plan is dying
from topix.net
10/12/2010

In October, 2008, Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz made a bold promise. The province was going to dramatically increase the amount of wind power it produced, boosting production to 30 per cent of its total electricity consumption from the 18 per cent it then generated.

The move would make the province a green powerhouse, and the North American jurisdiction with by far the highest proportion of wind-generated electricity. At the same time, PEI would become an energy exporter – despite having no other homegrown sources of power – by building additional wind projects to sell power into the New England market.

All this was to be accomplished by 2013, when the province would have 500 megawatts of wind turbines churning out power – a substantial amount for a tiny island province. Only Ontario, Quebec and Alberta would have had more.

Mr. Ghiz vowed that the $1-billion worth of wind farm and transmission construction would be the largest project on the island since the building of the Confederation Bridge.

Two years later, the plan is in disarray. While PEI tried to attract private developers to the province, several of their proposals demanded higher power prices than the province was willing to pay. The government and its utility rejected the offers because they would have driven up electricity prices, which are already the highest in Canada.

Currently, the government is in negotiations with two developers to build projects that will add just 30 MW to the 164 MW of wind power already in production in the province.

PEI’s tarnished vision underlines the delicate economics of renewable energy around the world, where subsidies and high energy prices are often the keys to getting projects off the ground.

While there is tremendous pressure on governments to wean their power grids off fossil fuel, renewables are still an expensive alternative that can push up electricity prices. There is also an increasing public pushback against huge turbine developments – or other “clean” generation projects – near populated areas, forcing politicians to think twice. Just last week, the Ontario government backed down on a proposed natural-gas-powered electricity plan in the populous – and wealthy – Toronto suburb of Oakville, after a well-organized and intense public protest.

In PEI’s case, a key problem was that expected North American “cap-and-trade” carbon-pricing policies did not come to pass, Energy Minister Richard Brown said in an interview at his office in Charlottetown. If they had, carbon credits associated with wind power would have made development on PEI much more viable, he said.

At the same time, the plunge of the global economy into recession didn’t help. “Economic conditions went down the tubes, and that opened up a lot of excess [power generation] capacity,” Mr. Brown said. Consequently, energy prices dropped, making wind less viable.

Still, “the plan is not dead ... we are still committed to 500 MW of wind,” Mr. Brown insists. The time frame has merely been extended until the economy turns around and energy prices make wind projects more viable. “Any developer that wants to come forward with a project on Prince Edward Island, I am more than pleased to entertain [their plans],” he said.

PEI’s plan was formulated at time when oil prices were above $100 (U.S.) a barrel, noted Dinara Millington, a senior economist with the Canadian Energy Research Institute in Calgary. But that didn’t last. “They did not foresee these kinds of issues, with the economy being so depressed and prices for fossil fuel energy being so low,” she said. That removed any incentives for private developers to jump in with big projects.

Essentially, unless energy prices show substantial and sustainable increases, in most jurisdictions wind power is not economical without subsidies of some sort, Ms. Millington said.

The dilemma for PEI is that if it pays too much to wind developers, electricity prices for consumers and businesses will have to go up, and some of those businesses may leave the island as a result, damaging the overall economy.

By contrast, Ontario can pay high “feed-in tariffs” for the wind and solar power it buys from developers because those renewables still make up just a tiny proportion of that province’s power generation and thus put less upward pressure on overall electricity prices. Even in Ontario, however, the shift to renewables has raised the spectre of higher power prices over the longer term.

“I’ve had developers come in here and say ‘well I can go to Ontario.’ ” Mr. Brown said. “My comment to them is, ‘If Ontario is offering a better deal, see you later.’ ”

Indeed, Ontario currently pays 13.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for on-shore wind power, while PEI pays just 7.75 cents. That makes PEI far less attractive, unless a developer can export some of its power at a much higher price.

With 22 per cent of PEI’s electricity currently generated by wind, “we’re already a world leader in renewable energy,” Mr. Brown said, but he’s not willing to push those numbers higher if it means subjecting islanders to higher rates.

Transmission is also an issue, if PEI is to become a bigger wind energy exporter. Currently, undersea cables carry power to the province from New Brunswick, and some wind power (from a privately owned wind farm) off the island. But that capacity is limited.

The federal government needs to help finance new transmission lines, Mr. Brown said, but Ottawa should also be taking the lead in creating a better east-west power grid that connects the provinces together. The current situation, where most provinces connect north-south to U.S. states, is inefficient and counterproductive to Canada’s energy and environmental interests, he said.

ADEDA News

Grape Expectations
One of my many guilty pleasures is a venerable BBC sitcom called “The Last of the Summer Wine”, which due to my age and appreciation of British humour, has become a weekly favourite. Alas, BBC has pulled the plug this year on the irascible West Yorkshire seniors. So no more “summer wine”.

However, here in Annapolis Digby we’re celebrating the “first of the autumn wines” (now you know where I was going with that lead). Annapolis Highlands Vineyards in Bear River East introduced its new, and much awaited, “Highland Sass” last week. It’s been a great year for wineries in Nova Scotia, and especially for Annapolis Highlands. Just last week they added three more prestigious medals to their already growing list of national awards, with a gold and two silvers bestowed at the recent 2010 Atlantic Canadian Wine Competition. We ‘re proud to add that this is yet another successful business with which ADEDA has had the privilege to work over the past year – congratulations Brendan and Karen!

And Maybe with a Good Book or Old Movie...
If, on these fall evenings, you’ve a mind to relax with a glass of wine you could combine it with a read of Granville Centre author Joyce Grant Smith’s second book “Animal Talk”. It’s a charming collection of true animal stories that some early readers have compared to the James Herriot series (here we are back on BBC and in Yorkshire again). Copies are for sale at a number of locations. If old films are your thing, check out the 51,000 feet of archival film recently posted by the Nova Scotia Archives. This fascinating footage includes some spellbinding movie coverage set here in Annapolis Digby and trust me – it’s a must visit site. And if these suggestions aren’t enough, then remember that October is Library Card Month, and the Western Counties Regional Library is offering a wide range of programs, book sales and special displays.

Power Up Your Business. Invest. Innovate. Grow.
And to end as we began – with a focus on small business learning initiatives I wanted to let you know ASAP that small business owners and entrepreneurs in Digby and Annapolis Counties are invited to a “no charge Business Breakfast” designed to celebrate Small Business Week. The first will be on Thursday, October 21st, from 7:45 – 9:00 am at the Capitol Pub, 333 Main Street in Middleton ; and the second on Friday, October 22nd from 7:45 – 9:00 am at the Coastal Inn, 111 Warwick Street in Digby.

You can hear the success stories of those who have invested in growth; learn how your Regional Development Authority and CBDC’s can help you start or grow a business; and discover the potential Geographic Information Systems (GIS) holds for our economy and your business!

For more information or to make plans to attend contact ADEDA’s Dan Harvey at (902)526-4479 or dharvey@annapolisdigby.com.

P.S. You are subscribed to the mailing list using the following name: << Test First Name >> << Test Last Name >>. If this is incorrect or incomplete, please visit the "Update your profile" link at the bottom of this e-mail and make the necessary adjustments. Thanks



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

Destination SW Nova News

DSWNA Strategic Plan: Industry Online Survey
Important Dates:
DSWNA Strategic Plan: Industry Workshop Sessions:
October 19, 1:00pm, Best Western Hotel, Liverpool
October 20, 1:00pm, Rodd Grand Hotel, Yarmouth
October 21, 1:00pm, Pine View Inn (formerly Wandlyn Inn), Coldbrook
Roger Brooks Follow up Session
October 27, 1:30pm, Old Orchard Inn, Greenwich
DSWNA Fall Review
November 18, 2010, Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site of Canada
2010 Tourism Summit - The Power of Tourism, November 28-30, Halifax, Register with DSWNA by October 31st and save!
Award Nominations:
2010 Crystal Tourism Awards of Excellence- deadline October 15, 2010
Minister Paris Visits Region
Reports, Statistics & Studies
Visitor Information Centre Statistics, May, June, July, August
DSWNA website statistics - September 2010
Take the 2010 Canadian Tourism Sector Compensation Study
Provincial Facts & Figures
Seasonal Tourist Business Program - Taxation Survey
Funding Programs:
Small Business Internship Program
Inter-action: Canada's New Multiculturalism Grants and Contributions Program
Seasonal Tourism Business potential property tax savings
Translation Assistance Program
Resources & Opportunities
InTouch newsletter
Experience Nova Scotia: A Toolkit
Festivals & Events Submissions
Partner News:
Are you an Artist in Kings County? Feature your work in the Kentville Visitor Centre
Meetings & Events Calendar
Oak Island Resort & Spa assumes new identity
Congratulations to Winner of Choice Hotel Award!
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Marketing Officer position
Festival Acadian de Clare named ABA top 100 events for 2011!
Vote Bay of Fundy - New 7 Wonders of Nature!
Vote for Black Loyalist Heritage Society: Aviva Community Fund

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Roger Brooks Follow up Session

Roger Brooks was back in Nova Scotia this past summer, this visit he assessed the Fundy Shore region (from Amherst through Economy) and the Wolfville/Grand Pré region (from Windsor to Kentville). He will be back in Nova Scotia on October 27th at 1:30pm at the Old Orchard Inn to present his findings. We are inviting all businesses, community groups, and community leaders to come out and hear Roger's findings and recommendations. Remember Roger looked at these regions from the visitor's perspective, this is how many of your visitors see you.

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2010 Tourism Summit - The Power of Tourism, November 28-30, Halifax


The 2010 Tourism Summit - The Power of Tourism is being held November 28th - 30th at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

Register with DSWNA by October 31st and pay only $305 + hst. Contact jbalser@dswna.com or call (902) 645-2307.

As the largest tourism industry conference in Canada, this annual event is attended by more than 500 delegates and includes a combination of high calibre keynote speakers, educational sessions and networking events.

The three day event culminates with the annual Crystal Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner, always an evening to remember.

Educational sessions will be interactive, provide timely information and best practices for operators.

This event would not be possible without our many industry partnerships. We would ask you to recognize our Summit Partners and support those companies that are investing in the tourism industry.

The annual Tourism Expo will take place on Monday, November 29th and showcase the latest products and services available. To view exhibitors please click here.



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Minister Paris visits region
On September 24th the Minister of Tourism, Percy Paris visited the Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley. He made a special stop at the visitor information centre in Kentville as the new Welcome Centre "demonstrates the type of partnership we need in this industry."





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Are you an artist in Kings County? Feature your work in the Kentville Visitor Centre
As a way to promote and showcase local talent, the Kentville Visitor Centre displays art by local artists. If you are interested in showing your work please contact Jeanette Joudrey at (902) 634-8844 or email jjoudrey@dswna.com.

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Festivals & Events Submissions
Destination Southwest Nova Association showcases the unique and exciting Festivals & Events the area offers to visitors. Promote your festival or event by filling out this online form! Please call: (902) 645-2307 or jbalser@dswna.com if you have any questions.

Also put your Festival or Event on novascotia.com, click here for their tutorial.

Support the Families of the RLJ

Blogger: check out the link in this post

Thank you all for supporting this cause
Posted by Syn Dee on Sep 30
Just wanted to thank everyone for joining and supporting this cause. If you haven't already please check out the web site: http://therlj.com

Contribute if you can. Whether it's a comment, picture, benefit info, information on the scallop fisherman, inviting others to join or monetary. It is all appreciated.

Thanks again.
Cindy Robinson

Spread the word. Every invitation counts:

Destination SW Nova News

Destination Southwest Nova is undergoing a Strategic Planning Process and invites your input!


At our AGM & Conference in May, we announced that the Association would be undertaking the development of a Strategic Plan. In June, Turizm Inc. was awarded the contract to develop our plan. As part of the process, input and feedback from you, our tourism industry stakeholders, is vital to our future success. We would like to invite you to participate in our upcoming workshops being held in October. During these workshops, hosted by Turizm Inc., you will be asked for your input about the current and future mandate and operations of DSWNA. We will be reviewing and discussing the activities and programs of the Association with other stakeholders in attendance along with the Board of Directors and staff. DSWNA is your Association and we hope you will attend the workshop nearest you and assist us as we determine what you need and how we can improve stakeholder satisfaction and relevance.

On behalf of the Board of Director's, Jeanette and our partners, I want to thank you in advance for your investment of time and contribution to our Strategic Planning process. We are looking forward to the discussions and know that together, we can achieve great results as a regional tourism and destination marketing organization.

Please register for one of the following workshops by contacting Jennifer Balser at (902) 645-2307 or email jbalser@dswna.com by Tuesday October 12th, 2010:



· Tuesday October 19th, 1:00pm-4:00pm, Best Western Liverpool

· Wednesday October 20th, 1:00pm-4:00pm, Rodd Grand Yarmouth

· Thursday October 21st, 1:00pm-4:00pm, Pine View Inn (formerly, Wandlyn Inn, Coldbrook)



Sincerely,



Donna Hatt

President DSWNA