Contribute Your Thoughts

CALL FOR ECONOMIC SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES
Board of Directors, Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency

The newly-formed Board of Directors of the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency is seeking qualified representatives from the local community to serve on its Board of Directors in a voting capacity. We are looking for 6 citizen volunteers who would advise the Board and Agency Staff on the following sectors:


FORESTRY
FISHERIES
AGRICULTURE
TOURISM
RETAIL & SERVICES
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

If you are eager to contribute to economic development in our region as part of a forward-thinking Board of Directors, we’d love to hear from you. You are invited to attend Industry Focus Group sessions in which you can share your views on your sector(s) of interest:


WEDNESDAY, April 13th - 6pm - EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
TUESDAY, April 19th - 6pm -TOURISM
WEDNESDAY, April 20th - 6pm - AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, April 26th - 6pm - FISHERIES
WEDNESDAY, April 27th - 6pm - FORESTRY
TUESDAY, May 3rd - 6pm - RETAIL & SERVICES

MEETING LOCATION: ADEDA Board Room, 86 Atlantic Avenue, Cornwallis

Everyone is welcome to attend these sessions. Those that so choose may submit their qualifications to the Board, through Dan Harvey, Acting Managing Director. If you have any questions, or wish to RSVP, please call Dan Harvey at 902.526.4479 or email at dharvey@annapolisdigby.com. Thank You!

Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0

Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: msmith@annapolisdigby.com

We invite you to visit us anytime at www.annapolisdigby.com.

Digby Municipal Council Minutes

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe meeting was called to order with Warden Gregory in thechair at 6:00 pm.AttendanceCouncillors present: Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden David Tudor, Councillor Randall Amero, Councillor Maritza Adams, CouncillorStaff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Pat Stevens, AdministrationPrayerWarden Gregory asked everyone to pause to seek guidance forthe meeting. AgendaDeputy Warden MacAlpine added concerns regarding theDigby to Saint John Ferry as Old Business #2.MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved asamended.MOTION CARRIEDHearings & PresentationsMarilyn Cameron, Chair Biosolids &Waste Water CaucusMOVED and seconded that Ms. Marilyn Cameron, Chair ofBiosolids and Waste Water Caucus come before thecommittee to make a presentation.MOTION CARRIED Ms. Cameron, Chair of Biosolids & Waste Water Caucusgave a lengthy presentation on the use of biosolids in thelocal farming area. Her concerns involved the usage ofbiosolids that have come from homes, hospitals, businessesinto the sewage treatment plants that have been turned intosludge that is being sold to farmers to apply to their fields. She was hoping to have Council’s support in hindering theuse of this sludge. It was discussed that products should belabeled to allow consumers to make a choice as to whetherto purchase if biosolids were used to promote the product’s
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2growth. These concerns will be taken to the Rural Caucus who in turn will take to UNSM.MinutesFebruary 14, 2011MOVED and seconded that the minutes of February 14, 2011 be approved as circulated.MOTION CARRIEDBusiness Arising/OldBusinessPossible Amendment to Wind Turbine LUB– Commercial use of Small Scale Turbines There was a discussion on the possible amendment to the Wind Turbine LUB to accommodate the new CommunityFeed-In-Tariff (COMFIT) Program.MOVED and seconded that the matter of possibleamendment to the MPS/LUB for the Regulation of WindTurbines be forwarded to the PAC meeting to be heldMarch 15, 2011.MOTION CARRIEDOther Business ArisingSaint John Ferry There was a discussion on the Digby to Saint John Ferry.Feelings were that someone from the Municipality shouldbe on the committee. It was felt that the Government has to be held accountable to put another boat in place of thecurrent one. This issue is the number one project for theRegional Development Agency. Warden Gregory willserve on the committee.Joshua Slocum Monument The property that the Joshua Slocum Monument is situatedbelongs to an American family, surname Hunt. RobertHersey is researching this matter and will be asked to comeforth to Council when he is finished his research.Deputy WardenMacAlpine  No Business Arising
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3Councillor Tudor No Business ArisingCouncillor Amero No Business ArisingCouncillor Adams No Business ArisingNew Business#1 Fundy Tidal Inc. –Letter of Support forCOMFIT Application There was a discussion held regarding a letter of support forFundy Tidal Inc. COMFIT application.MOVED and seconded that a letter of support for the COMFIT application be sent.MOTION CARRIED#2 Annapolis Royal Wharf Association –Letter of Support There was a discussion held regarding a letter of support forthe Annapolis Royal Wharf Association.MOVED and seconded that a letter of support for the Annapolis Royal Wharf Association be sent.MOTION CARRIED#3 Councillor Tudor -Electric Cars (Golf Cars) – Westport  Councillor Tudor requested a bylaw be set to allow electriccars to be driven on the roads in Westport. Discussion was held on this issue. Councillor Tudor will take theseconcerns to the MLA as the Municipality has no jurisdictionover the Motor Vehicle Act.#4 Councillor Tudor -End of Life Medical Box – Islands Health Centre Councillor Tudor brought forward the concerns from someone regarding having an end of life medical box at the Islands Health Centre. Warden Gregory noted that this matter is on the agenda for the next Tideview meeting.#5 Mineral Rights There was discussion on whether a person has the right togo on someone’s property to stake a claim to minerals. Staffwas requested to find out information regarding mineralrights.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4# 6 Wanda VanTassel – Fundy AdventuresMOVED and seconded that a letter of congratulations besent to Wanda VanTassel on being nominated as aparticipant for the Adventure Tourism Best PracticesMission to be held in Victoria, BC.MOTION CARRIEDCorrespondenceHarold (Jr) Theriaultto Minister EmergencyManagement Ross Landry – Brier Island Fire Department – ReCommunications A discussion on the paging system on the Islands ensued. Itwas noted that the problems regarding the lack of anadequate communication system should have gone to the Municipal Fire Association who in turn would bring toCouncil. Deputy CAO Gordon Wilson will research theJEPP side of financing and find out whether or not arepeater has been installed in Bear River. Chief Administrative ReportEnvironmental Services ManagerExecutive SecretaryDr. Buekes - Dinner The CAO report dated March 14, 2011 was included in theCOTW Package. It was noted that Mr. Simon Doiron was the successfulcandidate for the Environmental Resource Managerposition. Mr. Doiron is to start on March 28th. It was noted that Mrs. Karen Adams accepted the termposition of Executive Secretary, covering Mrs. Bremner’smaternity leave, and will be starting work March 21st. There will be an overlap of two months employmentallowing for adequate training to cover all the responsibilities of the position. It was noted that Council had not had dinner with Dr.Buekes and his wife as planned. Warden Gregory will talk to the Doctor and set up two possible dates.Request forDecisions/Direction NILDepartment ReportsTaxation The Taxation report for February 2011 was included in themeeting package.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5Building Inspection Report/Fire Inspection Report The Building Inspection report for February 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package. Airport/Dispatch The Airport/Dispatch report for February 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package.Dog Control Activityand Financial Report The Dog Control Activity and Financial report for February2011 was included in the meeting package. Coordinator Program Development The Coordinator Program Development report for February2011 was included in the meeting package.Other BusinessN/AUpdates fromPrevious meetingsMaud Lewis Site –Signage Councillor Adams gave an update on the Maud Lewis Site. She stated that there will be signs on both the East and the West side of the site, the house will be lighted at night,there will be flowers planted and there will be threeinterpretive panels to tell the Maud Lewis story. Special Projects Updates The special projects updates were included in the CAOReport.Strategic Priorities UpdateN/ANotice of MotionN/AComments from theGalleryN/AIn CameraMOVED and seconded that the meeting move in camera.MOTION CARRIEDRegular session resumed.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Current TideviewTerrace buildingMOVED and seconded that the Municipality write a letterto the Minister of the Department of Health concerning theoutstanding mortgage of the current Tideview Terracebuilding.MOTION CARRIEDAdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:15PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

Digby Municipal Council Agenda

Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaMeeting DateApril 11, 2011Meeting LocationCouncil ChambersCall to OrderWardenPause to Seek GuidanceWardenApproval of the Agenda Additions/DeletionsPresentationsJenny Milligan-Tri County Women’sCenter Kristie Herron – Digby BOT, Pipe and DrumBand Ian Russell – Nova Scotia Week 2011Approval of MinutesMarch 14, 2011Old Business /Business Arising from Minutes# 1.0 Westport Fire Department-Communications# 2.0Biosolids – Ban on biosolids # 3.0Burn Trailer – Training AssistanceDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorWarden Gregory
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaNew Business#1Tri County RegionalSchool BoardNova Scotia School Boards Association Conference – Request for Promotional Items#2Wharf Rat Rally Request for Support –(Budget to follow)#3Health and Wellness Physical Activity Forum#4Fire Departments Feasibility Review of Fire Departments (David Tudor)#5 Digby Area RecreationCommission Funding request – Re: Canadian Senior Curling Championships Volunteer Event#6 Nova Scotia RoyalMounted Police &Friends of Mark Gallagher Society Sergeant Mark Gallagher Charity BallInvitationCorrespondenceReceivedInformation Only# 1 Jean ColeConcerns regarding Animal Shelter# 2# 3#4
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaChief AdministrativeReport April 11, 2011Request for Decisions/DirectionMeeting Dates/RemindersDate & TimeMeetingLocationApril 11, 2011 @ 6:00 pmCOTWCouncil ChambersApril 18, 2011 @ 5:00 pmTransportationMunicipal BoardroomApril 18, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomApril 26, 2011 @ 6:00 pm(note change from Monday the25th)CouncilCouncil ChambersMay 2, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomMay 9, 2011 @ 6:00 pmCOTWCouncil ChambersMay 16, 2011No MeetingMay 24, 2011 @ 6:00 pm (notechange from May 23rd)CouncilCouncil ChambersDepartment Reports for March 2011 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 ProjectsUpdatesStrategic PrioritiesUpdateNotice of MotionIn-CameraAdjournment

Aquaculture Comments Invited

PUBLIC NOTICE

April 4,2011


Transport Canada is required to ensure that the screening is conducted in relation to the development

proposal: PROPOSED THAT AQUACULTURE SITES FOR THE CULTURE OF ATLANTIC SALMON

NEAR LONG ISLAND IN ST MARY'S BAY,NOVA SCOTIA .

The two proposed sites are located in the eastern shore of the southern end of Long Island. Each

Aquaculture site is approximately 540m by 780M (42.12ha), and will contain a 2 X 6 grid of 60 m.cells

and circular plastic cages. Each site will be used primarily to culture Atlantic salmon, with ten of the

twelve cells stocked at all times. The remaining two grid cells will be used to facilitate the transfer of'

fish to larger cages once they reach an appropriate size.

The public is invited to comment on the screen. Only submissions received by Transport Canada

by May 3, 2011 will be considered. Submissions may be sent in either official languages to


KEVIN LEBLANC

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

TRANSPORT CANADA

PO BOX 42, 95 FOUNDRY ST

MONCTON N.B.

ElC 8K6



facsimile : 506-851-7542

e-mail : kevin.leblanc@tc.gc.ca


All documents and/or comments received by Transport Canada regarding this Environmental Assess-

ment will be considered to be in the public domain, and will become part of the Public Registry for the

project.

Please quote the Project Title and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry

Reference Number, 10-01-55946, on all correspondence.

To obtain a copy of the screening,or for further information on the project, please contact Transport

Canada at the above address.

Participant funding is not available to facilitate public participation.

03-0068 (0308-02)

If You Actually Want to Do Something Helpful...

Important Notice: Press Conference and Rally for Our Forest – April 13th

Friends:

Please join us for a massive gathering to let government know we want better for our forests, now!



Where: Four Points Sheraton, 1496 Hollis St. Halifax (click for map), to be followed by a march to the Legislature



When: Wednesday, April 13th, 10:00am for a press conference, and 11:30 for a march to the Legislature to deliver our message to government



Why: to raise a little heck about the state of our forests!



Who: Every group and individual who cares about healthy forests and healthy communities





We are going to show the government that Nova Scotians are serious about better environmental stewardship of forests. We want real change, and we want government to act now to live up to Nova Scotians’ expectations for change.



The now long-overdue Natural Resources Strategy was due (by law) last December and is still nowhere to be seen. At the same time government policy to encourage large-scale forest biomass projects to generate electricity continues despite the clear recommendations of the Natural Resources Strategy Phase 2 report against it.



The government is not listening to either the report or the public on this issue and big industry players like NewPage, Northern Pulp, Nova Scotia Power and even Lockheed Martin are gearing up to cut and burn huge amounts of our forest – on top of all the cutting that is already going on. No doubt other players also planning forest biomass projects.



Once again, Nova Scotians must speak for our forests and our wildlife – who cannot speak for themselves. Please come and join us on Wednesday, April 13th in Halifax and let the politicians know that more industrial forest cutting is unacceptable and that they must put the brakes on forest biomass before it gets out of hand.



For more information contact:



Jamie Simpson, EAC Forestry Program Coordinator

902-429-1335, eacforestry@gmail.com



Raymond Plourde, EAC Wilderness Coordinator

902-442-5008, wilderness@ecologyaction.ca





For more information on the biomass situation go to:

http://www.ecologyaction.ca/content/publications#biomass

Aquaculture and Election

Blogger's Note: article refers to B.C., but ask your local politicians where they stand on this issue:

Will You Remove Feedlots from Our Ocean?
NDP Leadership Race positions on salmon farms
Nicholas Simons "An NDP government under my leadership will promote sustainable aquaculture practices by moving fin-fish aquaculture from open-net to closed containment systems." This is a good start, but it needs a timeline.

Mike Farnworth - "British Columbia has failed to protect wild salmon, and our generation is largely responsible for their decline and possible collapse. The BC Liberals have made the situation significantly worse in the last ten years. ... We need to create a 'blue belt' to end the siting of Atlantic salmon open-net fish farms on the major migratory routes of wild salmon. This is consistent with the recommendations of the Special Legislative Committee on Aquaculture." This sounds good. It is significant he recognizes wild salmon need more than small protected areas and require a 'belt' of protection. However the Special Legislative Committee gave the industry 5 years to get out of net pens - four years ago. So it is unclear if Farnworth would close the door on farm pollution next year or in five years? Five years is much too long.

John Horgan - "We will implement the recommendations of the Select Standing Committee on Aquaculture and transition the industry away from open net-pen salmon farms." Again this sounds good, but we need to know Horgan's timeline. The Norwegians have had four years to figure closed containment out, but they have not, betting instead that they can carry on business as usual. BC wild salmon need action now.

Adrian Dix and Dana Larsen - Do not mention salmon on their websites.

Federal Election
Comments from candidate websites and new articles on salmon farms:

Fin Donnelly (NDP, New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody ) - is the strongest wild salmon supporter provincially or federally. Salmon are on the home page of his website and he has received 10,000 postcards of support for his Wild Salmon Protection Act (Bill C-518) which would "require fish farms operating on BC's west coast to transition from harmful open-net fish farms to safe closed containment systems..... The technology exists, it is economically feasible, and the prospective jobs and economic opportunities for British Columbians are immense." The bill allows 4 years for operators to get into closed tanks provided that they take reasonable steps to move.

Elizabeth May (Green, Saanich-Gulf Islands) - Vancouver Sun "In B.C., the party opposes open-net pens for salmon farming, which May argues have effectively allowed areas of the coast to become privatized and turned into "ecological deserts" while putting wild salmon at risk."

Don Davies (NDP, Vancouver Kingsway) Under the federal government's watch, we have see the slow extinction of wild salmon species because of misguided policies, inept management, and a refusal to respect fundamental principles of sound science. I call for an emergency summit on salmon, an increase in funding for salmon enhancement programs, and an immediate ban on open net fish farms.

Nathan Cullen (Skeena - Bulkley Valley) Together with coastal communities and first nations, we fought for and won a ban on open net fish farms in Northern BC. It borders on insanity to continue jeopardizing wild salmon - a resource that has such great cultural and economic significance. The Federal Government must live up to its court ordered responsibilities and ban open-net fish farms and transition the industry to closed pen production with strong regulations.

Organic Farming

Nova Scotia Organic Strategic Plan -input Apr 13.11
Flora Doehler | April 4, 2011 at 11:05 pm | Categories: biodynamic farming, community event, gardening | URL: http://wp.me/pfgTD-cs

Your Input Needed for the Nova Scotia Organic Strategic Plan

Three meetings are being held to collect input and ideas to form a draft of the Nova Scotia organic sector strategic plan. The strategic plan will identify both the opportunities and issues for the growth of the sector and establish organic production as a viable growing sector of the province’s agriculture.

Your input is needed - this is your chance to share thoughts and ideas on the future of the organic sector in Nova Scotia (ie. prioritize certification fee assistance, provincial organic regulation, training/mentorship etc.). Please attend one of the following sessions (it really is important--NB did this last year and already much has been accomplished in their plan).

Light lunch will be provided.

● Wednesday, April 13th, 2011, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Cornwallis, Annapolis-Digby RDA (Board Room), 86 Atlantic Avenue, Cornwallis Park Please RSVP, to confirm your attendance, by Friday, April 8th. Telephone : 902-895-2667 or email: info@ocns.ca

- from the April ACORN newsletter