Coyote encounter risk low: parks director
CBC News
Nova Scotia provincial parks officials aren't concerned about the potential for human interaction with coyotes during the first big camping weekend of the season.
The risk of encountering a coyote is low, said provincial parks director Harold Carroll.
"We've never had major issues in our camping parks," said Carroll, adding that information is made available to campers and other park visitors about coyote awareness.
"But you know you're in nature and they're certainly probably going to be out and about."
The Department of Natural Resources has received a record number of calls about coyotes this spring.
An official at Kejimkujik National Park said Saturday there have been no issues so far with coyotes in the park.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/22/ns-coyote-parks-camping.html#ixzz0omhBREXY
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Hope for a Yarmouth Ferry?
NS: Hope still remains for ferry service in 2011
By Tina Comeau, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Vanguard, May 20, 2010
[YARMOUTH, NS] — Town councillors were told on Tuesday that there has been a flurry of activity concerning the ferry terminal in Yarmouth and the port manager says this area has a viable shot of seeing a ferry operation in place for 2011.
During a presentation to the town’s committee of the whole meeting, Dave Whiting said seven proponents have expressed interest in a ferry operation. Four of them he described as very viable and two, he said, are existing operations.
“I’m optimistic at this point that if we can get over this quickly,” Whiting said — “this” referring to gaining control of the terminal facility — “we will have a lot of interest. If it takes a little longer to get over the terminal issue, we will still have a viable shot at an operation for 2011 because there are already existing operations and you don’t have to worry about sourcing investors, setting up operations.”
Ferry terminal in Yarmouth — Vanguard photo
Whiting, who was receiving phone calls about the terminal facility as he sat at the town hall awaiting his opportunity to speak to councillors, said Transport Canada regional staff in Ottawa, MP Greg Kerr and other federal bureaucrats are all working towards the same goal: “A method so that we can control the terminal operation so that we can proceed for a request for proposals for a service.”
Whiting mentioned, as he has in earlier conversations about the terminal, that there is no process already in place to follow.
But to be able to build a business plan to move forward with a ferry service, he said it’s important to have control of the terminal. An operator has to know what the conditions of docking are going to be, what the cost is going to be. Without that information you can’t put forward a business plan he said.
“Both the province and the feds have asked for a business plan for at least the next five years,” said Whiting.
Another issue that will have to be addressed, said Whiting, is the fact that there hasn’t been a proper engineering investigation of the facility for about 12 years. Asked to comment on rumours of air quality concerns, Whiting said to his knowledge there’s been no testing of that either.
“We’ve proposed to Transport Canada that a proper engineering study be done,” he said, telling councillors that if they had heard rumours about the facility being condemned, none of these rumours are true.
MacKenzie Security and its stevedores are maintaining and keeping the facility “up to par” Whiting said, so that when a ferry operation is ready to go it can hit the ground running.
As for who controls the terminal facilities on the U.S. side, Whiting said the terminal in Bar Harbor is controlled by Marine Atlantic and the one in Portland is owned by the city.
Whiting doesn’t foresee these arrangements causing any problems in Yarmouth, although he did note that with mayoralty elections happening in Portland it does delay the opportunity to talk to the city about potential ferry service.
By Tina Comeau, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Vanguard, May 20, 2010
[YARMOUTH, NS] — Town councillors were told on Tuesday that there has been a flurry of activity concerning the ferry terminal in Yarmouth and the port manager says this area has a viable shot of seeing a ferry operation in place for 2011.
During a presentation to the town’s committee of the whole meeting, Dave Whiting said seven proponents have expressed interest in a ferry operation. Four of them he described as very viable and two, he said, are existing operations.
“I’m optimistic at this point that if we can get over this quickly,” Whiting said — “this” referring to gaining control of the terminal facility — “we will have a lot of interest. If it takes a little longer to get over the terminal issue, we will still have a viable shot at an operation for 2011 because there are already existing operations and you don’t have to worry about sourcing investors, setting up operations.”
Ferry terminal in Yarmouth — Vanguard photo
Whiting, who was receiving phone calls about the terminal facility as he sat at the town hall awaiting his opportunity to speak to councillors, said Transport Canada regional staff in Ottawa, MP Greg Kerr and other federal bureaucrats are all working towards the same goal: “A method so that we can control the terminal operation so that we can proceed for a request for proposals for a service.”
Whiting mentioned, as he has in earlier conversations about the terminal, that there is no process already in place to follow.
But to be able to build a business plan to move forward with a ferry service, he said it’s important to have control of the terminal. An operator has to know what the conditions of docking are going to be, what the cost is going to be. Without that information you can’t put forward a business plan he said.
“Both the province and the feds have asked for a business plan for at least the next five years,” said Whiting.
Another issue that will have to be addressed, said Whiting, is the fact that there hasn’t been a proper engineering investigation of the facility for about 12 years. Asked to comment on rumours of air quality concerns, Whiting said to his knowledge there’s been no testing of that either.
“We’ve proposed to Transport Canada that a proper engineering study be done,” he said, telling councillors that if they had heard rumours about the facility being condemned, none of these rumours are true.
MacKenzie Security and its stevedores are maintaining and keeping the facility “up to par” Whiting said, so that when a ferry operation is ready to go it can hit the ground running.
As for who controls the terminal facilities on the U.S. side, Whiting said the terminal in Bar Harbor is controlled by Marine Atlantic and the one in Portland is owned by the city.
Whiting doesn’t foresee these arrangements causing any problems in Yarmouth, although he did note that with mayoralty elections happening in Portland it does delay the opportunity to talk to the city about potential ferry service.
On at Council
Council AgendaMeeting DateMay 25, 2010Meeting LocationMunicipal Council ChambersCall to OrderWarden Jim ThurberPause to Seek GuidanceWarden Jim ThurberReading of Mission StatementWarden Jim ThurberDocumentsSubject AreaApproval of the AgendaAdditions/DeletionsCouncilStaffSpecial PresentationsPresentations& HearingsTinna Bonner, Canada Post Communications Officer, Rural Mail Safety ReviewMinutesApproval/AmendmentsApril 26, 2010
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Page 2
Council AgendaBusinessArising from Minutes1.2.Deputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsWarden ThurberNew Business# 1Department of Energy2010 Renewable Electricity PlanCommunity Projects-CommunityBased feed-in tariff# 22010 Mobius Environmental AwardBusiness of the Year(small) Sissiboo Investments Ltd,Weymouth # 3# 4# 5# 6
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Page 3
Council AgendaAdministrationCAO ReportMeeting UpdatesProject UpdatesPayables- March, 2010$ 366,570.77Financial ReportNot available until after budget is approvedCorrespondence1.ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and ClimateChange2009 Annual Report2.NS Tourism, Culture and HeritageExperience Nova Scotia: A Toolkit3.M. Ashraf MahtabCopy of letter to Honourable Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment4.5.
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Page 4
Council AgendaCouncil Committees1.COTWSecond and Final Reading of Amendment to Tax ExemptionBy-law adding Nova Scotia BirdSanctuary& Trustproperty(Peter’s Island)2.By-law &PolicySecond and Final Reading of Amendments to Dog By-lawApproval of Digby Annapolis Regional Airport Safety PolicyApproval of Community Grants for 2010-2011Advisory Committees# 1 REMOManagementPlanningCommitteeWarden Thurber/Deputy Warden MacAlpine# 2 Heritage AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams# 3 PlanningAdvisoryCommitteeWarden ThurberDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryOrientation of new members scheduled for May 27th# 4 Police AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsNo meeting since last report# 5 Tri CountyHousingAuthorityR Fitzgerald
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Page 5
Council AgendaRegional/JointCommittees# 1Airport WorkingGroupDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AdamsDec 16, 2009 Minutes# 2Annapolis DigbyEconomic DevelopmentAgencyWarden Thurber No meeting since last reportMeeting Scheduled May 27th#3Digby Annapolis DevelopmentCorpWarden ThurberCouncillor AmeroDraft Minutes – May 7, 2010Next meeting July 7th#4Digby AreaLearningAssociationCouncillor AdamsFeb 24, 2010 MinutesApr 28, 2010 Minutes#5Digby AreaTourismAssociationCouncillor Gregory#6Digby AreaRecreation CommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor Amero#7Digby HarbourPort AssociationCouncillor Gregory#8FundywebBroadbandDeputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor AmeroNo meeting since last report# 9IndustrialCommissionDeputy WardenMacAlpine Councillor AmeroMeeting scheduled for June 8th# 10 Kings Transit AuthorityCouncillor AmeroMinutes April 21, 2010General Managers Report May2010# 11 Senior SafetyCommitteeCouncillor Adams Councillor GregoryMarch 9thMinutesMay Coordinators Report# 12 Tideview TerraceCouncillor GregoryWarden Thurber & Councillor Adams April 9, 2010 Minutes# 13 Waste CheckDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryMinutes May 11, 2009 AGMBoard Minutes Mar 8, 2010Staff Reports-May 2010Annual Board Report 09-10# 14 Western Counties Regional LibraryDeputy Warden MacAlpine
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Page 6
Council AgendaCouncil ReportsWarden ThurberDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor GregorySource Water Protection Committee Minutes for March andAprilCouncillorAmeroCouncillor AdamsNotice of MotionIn CameraAdjournment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2
Council AgendaBusinessArising from Minutes1.2.Deputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsWarden ThurberNew Business# 1Department of Energy2010 Renewable Electricity PlanCommunity Projects-CommunityBased feed-in tariff# 22010 Mobius Environmental AwardBusiness of the Year(small) Sissiboo Investments Ltd,Weymouth # 3# 4# 5# 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3
Council AgendaAdministrationCAO ReportMeeting UpdatesProject UpdatesPayables- March, 2010$ 366,570.77Financial ReportNot available until after budget is approvedCorrespondence1.ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and ClimateChange2009 Annual Report2.NS Tourism, Culture and HeritageExperience Nova Scotia: A Toolkit3.M. Ashraf MahtabCopy of letter to Honourable Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment4.5.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 4
Council AgendaCouncil Committees1.COTWSecond and Final Reading of Amendment to Tax ExemptionBy-law adding Nova Scotia BirdSanctuary& Trustproperty(Peter’s Island)2.By-law &PolicySecond and Final Reading of Amendments to Dog By-lawApproval of Digby Annapolis Regional Airport Safety PolicyApproval of Community Grants for 2010-2011Advisory Committees# 1 REMOManagementPlanningCommitteeWarden Thurber/Deputy Warden MacAlpine# 2 Heritage AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams# 3 PlanningAdvisoryCommitteeWarden ThurberDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryOrientation of new members scheduled for May 27th# 4 Police AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsNo meeting since last report# 5 Tri CountyHousingAuthorityR Fitzgerald
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 5
Council AgendaRegional/JointCommittees# 1Airport WorkingGroupDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AdamsDec 16, 2009 Minutes# 2Annapolis DigbyEconomic DevelopmentAgencyWarden Thurber No meeting since last reportMeeting Scheduled May 27th#3Digby Annapolis DevelopmentCorpWarden ThurberCouncillor AmeroDraft Minutes – May 7, 2010Next meeting July 7th#4Digby AreaLearningAssociationCouncillor AdamsFeb 24, 2010 MinutesApr 28, 2010 Minutes#5Digby AreaTourismAssociationCouncillor Gregory#6Digby AreaRecreation CommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor Amero#7Digby HarbourPort AssociationCouncillor Gregory#8FundywebBroadbandDeputy Warden MacAlpine Councillor AmeroNo meeting since last report# 9IndustrialCommissionDeputy WardenMacAlpine Councillor AmeroMeeting scheduled for June 8th# 10 Kings Transit AuthorityCouncillor AmeroMinutes April 21, 2010General Managers Report May2010# 11 Senior SafetyCommitteeCouncillor Adams Councillor GregoryMarch 9thMinutesMay Coordinators Report# 12 Tideview TerraceCouncillor GregoryWarden Thurber & Councillor Adams April 9, 2010 Minutes# 13 Waste CheckDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor GregoryMinutes May 11, 2009 AGMBoard Minutes Mar 8, 2010Staff Reports-May 2010Annual Board Report 09-10# 14 Western Counties Regional LibraryDeputy Warden MacAlpine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 6
Council AgendaCouncil ReportsWarden ThurberDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor GregorySource Water Protection Committee Minutes for March andAprilCouncillorAmeroCouncillor AdamsNotice of MotionIn CameraAdjournment
Kids Sing on Digby Neck
Digby Neck students get vocal for Music Monday
Music
Published on May 19th, 2010
Published on May 19th, 2010
Leanne Delong/Digby The nationally celebrated Music Monday came early this year for students at Digby Neck Consolidated School, as it was held April 30.
Topics : Ticketmaster Canada.The school , Canada
May 3 marks the sixth annual Music Monday for elementary schools across Canada who unite in song. This year’s song was ‘Sing, Sing’ by Canadian artist Serena Ryder.
Students at Digby Neck Consolidated kicked off their Music Monday by singing O Canada.
Music teacher Julia Woodman explained to students there are 10 schools participating in the event that have a chance to win a $2,500 grant through Music Monday’s new partnership with Ticketmaster Canada.
View the gallery
The school’s grades primary to 2 classes sang and played on kazoos, while students in grades 3 and 4 students performed on their recorders.
Grades’ 5 and 6 performed with their ukuleles before the finale when all the students up on stage to sing ‘Sing, Sing’.
Music
Published on May 19th, 2010
Published on May 19th, 2010
Leanne Delong/Digby The nationally celebrated Music Monday came early this year for students at Digby Neck Consolidated School, as it was held April 30.
Topics : Ticketmaster Canada.The school , Canada
May 3 marks the sixth annual Music Monday for elementary schools across Canada who unite in song. This year’s song was ‘Sing, Sing’ by Canadian artist Serena Ryder.
Students at Digby Neck Consolidated kicked off their Music Monday by singing O Canada.
Music teacher Julia Woodman explained to students there are 10 schools participating in the event that have a chance to win a $2,500 grant through Music Monday’s new partnership with Ticketmaster Canada.
View the gallery
The school’s grades primary to 2 classes sang and played on kazoos, while students in grades 3 and 4 students performed on their recorders.
Grades’ 5 and 6 performed with their ukuleles before the finale when all the students up on stage to sing ‘Sing, Sing’.
Labels:
Digby Neck Consolidated School
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Queen is Coming!
Queen, Prince Philip to visit N.S., Man., Ont.
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 | 3:02 PM ET Comments231Recommend87CBC News
Queen Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Ontario during their tour of Canada this summer, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office announced Wednesday.
"Royal tours present a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our constitutional monarchy, one of the pillars upon which our country is founded," said Harper.
Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd following a church service on May 22, 2005, in Jasper, Alta. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)
"They are an important part of our history, traditions and institutions."
The royal couple's tour schedule includes stops in Halifax from June 28 to June 30; the National Capital Region from June 30 to July 3; Winnipeg on July 3; Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, from July 3 to July 6.
Their full itinerary will be announced at a later date, according to the PMO.
This will be the Queen's 22nd official tour of Canada. She and Prince Philip last toured Canada in 2005, when they visited Saskatchewan and Alberta to celebrate the centennial of the entry of those provinces into Confederation.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/05/19/queen-visit019.html#ixzz0oQQpuiAu
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 | 3:02 PM ET Comments231Recommend87CBC News
Queen Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Ontario during their tour of Canada this summer, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office announced Wednesday.
"Royal tours present a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our constitutional monarchy, one of the pillars upon which our country is founded," said Harper.
Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd following a church service on May 22, 2005, in Jasper, Alta. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)
"They are an important part of our history, traditions and institutions."
The royal couple's tour schedule includes stops in Halifax from June 28 to June 30; the National Capital Region from June 30 to July 3; Winnipeg on July 3; Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, from July 3 to July 6.
Their full itinerary will be announced at a later date, according to the PMO.
This will be the Queen's 22nd official tour of Canada. She and Prince Philip last toured Canada in 2005, when they visited Saskatchewan and Alberta to celebrate the centennial of the entry of those provinces into Confederation.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/05/19/queen-visit019.html#ixzz0oQQpuiAu
Bear River Info Centre Being Moved
End of an Era : The Bear River WindmillPosted on May 19, 2010 by Bear River Board of Trade On Monday, May 17, 2010, The Bear River Board of Trade held a public meeting to discuss the current state of the Bear River Visitor Information building, otherwise known as “the Windmill”. Over 35 people attended including representatives from the Bear River Economic Development Society, the Bear River Historical Society, the Oakdene Centre, the Bear River Legion, Bear River Studio Tour brochure group and local business owners.
During the course of recent Windmill restoration efforts, the Board of Trade discovered evidence of advanced structural deterioration that posed a severe public health and safety risk. Details of these findings were presented in a slide show presentation at Monday night’s meeting, and followed with a very open and productive community round table discussion to decide next steps.
It was collectively agreed by those in attendance that our beloved Windmill building was beyond the point of repair and therefore no further resources should be spent on restoration efforts.
The Visitor Information Centre will be relocated to another building this season, perhaps the Oakdene Centre.
We thank B.R.E.D.S and the Oakdene Centre for their ongoing support while we sort out the logistics of providing quality visitor services in the village for the upcoming tourist season.
During the course of recent Windmill restoration efforts, the Board of Trade discovered evidence of advanced structural deterioration that posed a severe public health and safety risk. Details of these findings were presented in a slide show presentation at Monday night’s meeting, and followed with a very open and productive community round table discussion to decide next steps.
It was collectively agreed by those in attendance that our beloved Windmill building was beyond the point of repair and therefore no further resources should be spent on restoration efforts.
The Visitor Information Centre will be relocated to another building this season, perhaps the Oakdene Centre.
We thank B.R.E.D.S and the Oakdene Centre for their ongoing support while we sort out the logistics of providing quality visitor services in the village for the upcoming tourist season.
Labels:
Bear River
Monday, May 17, 2010
ADEDA News
From ADEDA
Maybe it’s the glorious arrival of Spring here in Annapolis Digby that has heightened our eco-sensitivities, or maybe it was just a natural convergence of long simmering concerns, but whatever the reason environmental issues are hot topics these days. And in this area, which prides itself on being a pacesetter in developing an environmentally responsible lifestyle, the consequences of recent policy decisions have been closely monitored.
Georges Bank Drilling Closure Continued
In a much awaited – and sometimes hotly debated –m decision, the provincial government has decided to extend the ban on offshore exploration for oil and gas on Georges Bank for another three years. Arguably the richest marine harvesting area for our extensive local fishery, this decision has major implications. Undeniably the recent happenings in the Gulf of Mexico heightened everyone’s awareness of the issue, but this is controversy that has been argued is this area for a long time, and one that’s not likely to disappear.
Spray Baby? – Nay!
And back on dry land environmental policy decisions also impacted on local practices. The provincial government’s recent policy proposal to limit the use of pesticides for domestic purposes spurred neighbourhood debates. But the proposal has largely seemed to meet with general approval, as evidenced in the responses reported this week in the town of Digby.
Keep a Tab on This Young Lady
While global environmental issues dramatically rolled through our area’s land and seascapes recently, I was particularly taken by an individual initiative. One that reminds us of why we love to live here. It’s an environmental story, sure, but it’s even more a heart-warming chronicle of youthful social consciousness. Hat’s off to a young Weymouth grade three student who wouldn’t be denied in her efforts to help in her community.
"Extreme" Fun for All Ages
A sure sign of Spring in Annapolis Digby is the renewed bustle of activity taking place in and around Annapolis County’s Upper Clements Park. This year Park management plans to introduce a new feature for visitors to the popular family themed activity destination. The plan calls for the acquisition of 250 acres of crown land formerly used for a wildlife park to be developed as an “Adventure Park”. It’s another forward step for the Hanse Society responsible for the Park. They’ve done a tremendous job, posting a reported increase in visitors even during last summer’s sluggish tourism economy.
Reproduction of an 18th Century Map of Acadie Unveiled
Those planners at Upper Clements Park, looking forward to the new “Adventure” theme component can also look back to the past – literally. From the theme park’s grounds visitors can look to the shores of the Annapolis River, the location of Canada’s first permanent European settlement, founded in 1605. And the site of what was undeniably an “adventure” for those French settlers.
Recently that community was recognized at a provincial ceremony.
Acadian Affairs Minister Graham Steele unveiled a reproduction of an 18th century map of Acadie at Province House on May 12, with representatives from the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Société nationale de l'Acadie and Parks Canada.
The original map dates from 1757 and depicts several Acadian villages along the Annapolis River, and it also shows the Belleisle region during the time of the deportation of the Acadian people. Many of the surnames of Acadian families used to identify the villages in the map are present in Nova Scotia today. It is believed that a member of the British military created the map.
"The map holds great historical significance for the Acadian community and for all Nova Scotians," said Mr. Steele. "I am pleased that the Speaker of the House of Assembly has granted an opportunity for future generations to appreciate its value."
"On behalf of the entire Acadian community of Nova Scotia, I would like to express our great pride in the knowledge that l'Acadie now has a place of honour in Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia," said Désiré Boudreau, president of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse presented the map to Mr. Steele last October during its annual general meeting.
In signing off for this week I want to post another reminder of the Succession Planning Workshop, jointly partnered by the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency (ADEDA) and the Acadia University Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship. The first session is scheduled to be held at the ADEDA offices on May 28.
And if you’re visiting Annapolis Digby this weekend, make sure you take part in what is definitely one of our area’s eagerly awaited Rites of Spring – the opening of the local farmers markets that will dot our communities from now until mid autumn. See our events listing for more details. One of the first to open will be the incredibly popular (just try and wend your way through the crowds) Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market, scheduled to welcome everyone back at 8 AM sharp this Saturday.
I’ll see you there (I’ll be the guy with the hapless grin holding the basket for the lovely lady who actually knows what she’s doing – and handles the money).
Till next week Kathleen...
Peter
Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0
Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com
Maybe it’s the glorious arrival of Spring here in Annapolis Digby that has heightened our eco-sensitivities, or maybe it was just a natural convergence of long simmering concerns, but whatever the reason environmental issues are hot topics these days. And in this area, which prides itself on being a pacesetter in developing an environmentally responsible lifestyle, the consequences of recent policy decisions have been closely monitored.
Georges Bank Drilling Closure Continued
In a much awaited – and sometimes hotly debated –m decision, the provincial government has decided to extend the ban on offshore exploration for oil and gas on Georges Bank for another three years. Arguably the richest marine harvesting area for our extensive local fishery, this decision has major implications. Undeniably the recent happenings in the Gulf of Mexico heightened everyone’s awareness of the issue, but this is controversy that has been argued is this area for a long time, and one that’s not likely to disappear.
Spray Baby? – Nay!
And back on dry land environmental policy decisions also impacted on local practices. The provincial government’s recent policy proposal to limit the use of pesticides for domestic purposes spurred neighbourhood debates. But the proposal has largely seemed to meet with general approval, as evidenced in the responses reported this week in the town of Digby.
Keep a Tab on This Young Lady
While global environmental issues dramatically rolled through our area’s land and seascapes recently, I was particularly taken by an individual initiative. One that reminds us of why we love to live here. It’s an environmental story, sure, but it’s even more a heart-warming chronicle of youthful social consciousness. Hat’s off to a young Weymouth grade three student who wouldn’t be denied in her efforts to help in her community.
"Extreme" Fun for All Ages
A sure sign of Spring in Annapolis Digby is the renewed bustle of activity taking place in and around Annapolis County’s Upper Clements Park. This year Park management plans to introduce a new feature for visitors to the popular family themed activity destination. The plan calls for the acquisition of 250 acres of crown land formerly used for a wildlife park to be developed as an “Adventure Park”. It’s another forward step for the Hanse Society responsible for the Park. They’ve done a tremendous job, posting a reported increase in visitors even during last summer’s sluggish tourism economy.
Reproduction of an 18th Century Map of Acadie Unveiled
Those planners at Upper Clements Park, looking forward to the new “Adventure” theme component can also look back to the past – literally. From the theme park’s grounds visitors can look to the shores of the Annapolis River, the location of Canada’s first permanent European settlement, founded in 1605. And the site of what was undeniably an “adventure” for those French settlers.
Recently that community was recognized at a provincial ceremony.
Acadian Affairs Minister Graham Steele unveiled a reproduction of an 18th century map of Acadie at Province House on May 12, with representatives from the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Société nationale de l'Acadie and Parks Canada.
The original map dates from 1757 and depicts several Acadian villages along the Annapolis River, and it also shows the Belleisle region during the time of the deportation of the Acadian people. Many of the surnames of Acadian families used to identify the villages in the map are present in Nova Scotia today. It is believed that a member of the British military created the map.
"The map holds great historical significance for the Acadian community and for all Nova Scotians," said Mr. Steele. "I am pleased that the Speaker of the House of Assembly has granted an opportunity for future generations to appreciate its value."
"On behalf of the entire Acadian community of Nova Scotia, I would like to express our great pride in the knowledge that l'Acadie now has a place of honour in Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia," said Désiré Boudreau, president of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse presented the map to Mr. Steele last October during its annual general meeting.
In signing off for this week I want to post another reminder of the Succession Planning Workshop, jointly partnered by the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency (ADEDA) and the Acadia University Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship. The first session is scheduled to be held at the ADEDA offices on May 28.
And if you’re visiting Annapolis Digby this weekend, make sure you take part in what is definitely one of our area’s eagerly awaited Rites of Spring – the opening of the local farmers markets that will dot our communities from now until mid autumn. See our events listing for more details. One of the first to open will be the incredibly popular (just try and wend your way through the crowds) Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market, scheduled to welcome everyone back at 8 AM sharp this Saturday.
I’ll see you there (I’ll be the guy with the hapless grin holding the basket for the lovely lady who actually knows what she’s doing – and handles the money).
Till next week Kathleen...
Peter
Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0
Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com
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ADEDA news
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