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MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
AGENDA
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Via Facebook Live (Zoom)
Office Location: 151 King Street, Chester, NS
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
3. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (15 minutes)
4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
4.1 Council – May 13, 2021.
5. COMMITTEE REPORTS
5.1 Committee of the Whole (recommendations for approval) – May 20, 2021 – Warden
Webber.
5.2 Any Other Committee Meetings.
6. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS – N/A
7. MATTERS ARISING:
7.1 4th Quarter Report – Community Development & Recreation.
8. CORRESPONDENCE – N/A
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1 Request for Decision – MODC-T-2021-005 Request for Proposal Green House Gas
Emissions and Climate Resilience ICIP Application.
9.2 Council District Grants:
a. District 1 - Hubbards Area Lions Club – Purification System - $2,000.
b. District 3 – Chester Yacht Club: Race Week Adaptations - $500.
10. IN CAMERA – N/A
11. ADJOURNMENT
167
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
Minutes of
COUNCIL MEETING
Virtually via Facebook Live, NS
On Thursday, May 13, 2021
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:47 a.m.
Present: District 1 – Councillor Veinotte District 2 – Deputy Warden Shatford
District 3 – Councillor Barkhouse District 4 – Warden Webber
District 5 – Councillor Assaff District 6 – Councillor Connors
District 7 – Councillor Church
Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO
Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer
Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions meetings are required to be held via Zoom.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
Additions:
Update from Mayors and Wardens Meeting.
Email from Maurice LeBlanc regarding Air B&Bs.
2021-198 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse the agenda
and order of business for the May 13, 2021 Council meeting be approved as
amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
There were no submissions of public input received.
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 168
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
4.1 Council – April 29, 2021.
2021-199 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse the
minutes of the April 29, 2021 Council meeting be approved as circulated. ALL IN
FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
5.1 Committee of the Whole – Special Budget Meeting (minutes only) – April 29, 2021 –
Warden Webber.
2021-200 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse that Council
receive the minutes of the April 29, 2021 Committee of the Whole Budget
Meeting. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
5.2 Committee of the Whole – Special Budget Meeting (minutes only) – May 6, 2021 –
Warden Webber.
2021-201 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse that
Council receive the minutes of the May 6, 2021 Committee of the Whole Budget
Meeting. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
5.3 Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program (April) – Councillor Connors.
Councillor Connors provided a brief update noting staff have begun working from home offices
while providing door-stop drop-offs and vigorous phone check-ins with clients. All Municipal
Units continue to be supportive.
Councillors commented on providing the number for residents, concern about scams taking
place and getting having access to local phone numbers to do so.
5.4 Mayors and Wardens Update – Warden Webber
Warden Webber indicated a recent meeting of the Mayors and Wardens and Deputies was held
and discussed:
Joint Services which is moving ahead but due to COVID is a little behind schedule.
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 169
Renewable Energy and changes in rules (more details to come) and potential to have a
joint project. They will be inviting someone from the Department of Energy to the next
meeting.
Regional Housing Needs Assessment – it was agreed to wait for new census results and
once that is complete look at potentially completing a needs assessment with that up to
date information. Councillor Assaff noted that the South Shore Housing Action Coalition
met and discussed a needs assessment once the census is complete.
The CAO also noted that the Department of Housing will be receiving a report from the Nova
Scotia Affordable Housing Commission and providing to government in the near future. He
anticipates there may be more information that could be helpful to Municipalities.
Several Councillors commented on housing issues they are aware of but felt that the
Municipality should not be in the business of providing housing. However, it was suggested
that the Municipality think about how to provide serviced land opportunities for housing.
CORRESPONDENCE
8.1 Copy of letter dated April 27, 2021 from Minister of Municipal Affairs to the NS
Federation of Municipalities regarding 12 months’ notice of provincial, legislation,
regulation, or administrative actions that could have the effect of decreasing/increasing
revenues/expenditures of Municipalities.
The CAO indicated that this is an annual letter received by Municipalities from the province in
order to allow time for Municipalities to plan for any financial impacts due to any changes
imposed by the province. There is a list of items that may require more administrative support
by Municipalities (accessibility plan, procurement) as well as a few financial impacts such as
biological case work analysis, RCMP costs, and library funding. There are no significant costs
noted for this year as the budget has already been adjusted for those impacts.
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
6.1 Syd Dumaresq, Mahone Island Conservation Association (9:15 a.m.) via Zoom.
Mr. Syd Dumaresq thanked Council for the opportunity to present and noted that he has dealt
with a great many councils in NS and felt that this Municipality is head and shoulders above all
of them.
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 170
He reintroduced Council members to the Mahone Islands Conservation Association (MICA)
which was started about 20 years ago by citizens around the Mahone Bay who were shocked
that most islands were under private ownership and there were no controls over what could
happen. He wanted to outline a problem they are having and would like the Municipality to
consider helping them at no cost.
Presently many islands are under private control and residents are not able to access them.
Also, the owners are not allowing boats to moor off those islands.
It has been the intent of MICA to facilitate the purchase/donation of islands to protect and
conserve them in their natural state for use and enjoyment of citizens with unlimited public
access. Some of those islands have been purchased by the Municipality or donated to the
Municipality or have been purchases brokered through MICA or the Nature Conservancy of
Canada.
The issue is the proliferation of private moorings adjacent to many islands. In some instances,
there are so many private moorings it is difficult to find a location to put down an anchor and
have a picnic. This is a problem as it impedes access to islands.
MICA has gone to Lands and Forests about the matter as they have control over the first 300’ of
water and had asked Lands and Forests to remove the moorings. They agreed it was a good
idea but will not be doing it. For three years it has been advised that private moorings are a bad
thing, but the situation has gotten worse – there are more and more moorings.
He noted that the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is interested in this matter as well as
there are many moorings located within their district. They want to move forward with an
experiment to determine if people would use the public moorings and, in turn, get rid of private
moorings. They will be meeting with Lands and Forests today about designating Mahone Bay
as a special area to allow a municipality, if interested, to take charge of moorings. He is asking
for this Council’s moral support for the concept. He read a prepared motion for Council’s
consideration.
Members of Council asked questions regarding policing the moorings, permits for moorings,
lack of harbour masters, provincial or federal jurisdiction considerations, the practice in
Hubbards to lease moorings, infrastructure, and other issues. It was thought that if the wording
were to be changed to refer to publicly owned islands Council would have no issue.
Mr. Dumaresq indicated that Lands and Forests have said in discussions agreed that they will
never issue moorings off provincially owned islands. He commented it would be more of a
vehicle to permit the public moorings than to control private moorings.
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 171
It was agreed to have staff re-word the motion to refer to publicly owned islands and provide
later in the meeting.
Mr. Dumaresq thanked Council.
6.2 Melanie Kingsbury, Coastal Action regarding Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring
Committee (9:30 a.m.)
Present via Zoom was Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner and Melanie Kingsbury of Coastal Action.
Ms. Kingsbury reviewed the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program commenting on
the various aspects included in the presentation. It was noted that there was the possibility of
moving from an annual program to a two-year program after they have the 7-year data report.
It was noted that this program began due to a development adjacent to the Lake. Council
wants to ensure that the results are tied back to the reason for the start of the program. It is not
the intention of Council to monitor lakes just to understand how each behaves. It was hoped
that the reports would connect the dots and link any changes to a cause.
Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner reviewed the Request for Decision noting that a similar
discussion regarding the program was held at the Committee level, i.e., time and cost and
looking toward a resolution or end goal. He outlined the recommendation from the Committee
and outlined the costs included.
2021-202 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse that Council
approve the continuation of the water monitoring program for Fox Point Lake for
the 2021 season as recommended by the Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring
Committee to engage Coastal Action for a total cost of $14,495.58 as detailed in the
information provided in the agenda. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
Break from 10:07 a.m. to 10:23 a.m.
MATTERS ARISING
7.1 2021/22 Operating and Capital Budget.
Malcolm Pitman, Director of Financial and Information Services reviewed changes arising from
discussions held at the Committee of the Whole meetings on April 29 and May 26:
Grants to organizations reduced.
Water quality testing reduced (Sherbrooke Lake).
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 172
Universal Sewer Rate increased.
Streetlight rate increase for one area.
Restriction of a portion of economic development reserves for future internet projects.
Information regarding non-discretionary provincial payments (RCMP).
The Deputy CAO reviewed the Fire Services budget outlining what was included in the budget,
i.e., dry hydrant program, drone, shared equipment, Workers Compensation Board premiums,
insurance grant. Some of these will come back to Council for approval with a staff report.
The Director of Financial and Information services noted there will be future items to come back
such as the low income tax exemption, hydrant rates, and village rates.
2021-203 MOVED by Barkhouse, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the following be
approved by Council:
• Approve amendment of the 2021-22 Capital Budget in the amount of $7,718,316
(previously approved $7,047,600);
• Approve the 2021-22 Operating Budget and Business Plan in the amount of
$28,270,935;
• Approve the Reserve Transfers as noted in the 2021-22 Business Plan for both
Capital and Operating Budgets;
• Set the Residential Tax Rate at $0.705 per $100 of assessment;
• Set the Commercial Tax Rate at $1.53 per $100 of assessment;
• Set the Solid Waste Rate at $0.1205 per $100 of assessment;
• Set the Sewer Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) rate at $650 per EDU;
• Set the Streetlight Rates as noted in the business plan; and
• Restrict $250,000 of the Economic Development portion of the Wind Reserve to
be used for future internet projects.
DISCUSSION
Councillor Connors indicated she had nothing new to add and that nothing had changed
for her over the course of the two well deliberated sessions. Councillors know her
thoughts on particular components on the budget. She thanked the Director of Financial
& Information Services for his time.
SIX IN FAVOUR. ONE ABSTAINED (NEGATIVE VOTE). MOTION CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE (continued)
8.2 Email dated May 2, 2021 from Elaine and Maurice LeBlanc regarding assistance to small
businesses in the Municipality.
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 173
Councillor Veinotte commented that Mr. & Mrs. LeBlanc expressed concerns that the
Municipality was not providing adequate support for small businesses. He asked staff to
respond outlining the relief offered through emergency assistance program and any other
methods of assistance. He was not sure if staff could comment on any other programs/insights
that are outside of Municipal control/jurisdiction.
8.3 Email dated May 3, 2021 from Carol Nauss regarding the Haughn property at Middle
River.
The email from Carol Nauss was received as correspondence.
8.4 Email dated from Maurice LeBlanc regarding Air B&Bs.
Councillor Veinotte indicated that he spoke with Mr. LeBlanc about the matter. He then asked if
there were any other members of Council having issues in their districts – if there could staff
deal with it.
The only comments were that sometimes there may be noise by-law issues. Air B&Bs are not
regulated by the Municipality.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1 Quarterly Report – Infrastructure and Operations Department – 4th Quarter.
Kavita Khanna, Assistant Director of Infrastructure and Operations Department joined via Zoom
to review the Quarterly Report of the Department.
Councillor Veinotte indicated that he would like to know the true number for operation of the
landfill. He acknowledged that staff have indicated they will be working on getting all the
financial information and working on improving the accounting. His concern is that we may not
know the true cost/value of the landfill. Does it make sense for this Municipality to operate a
landfill. What are the risks? He felt that Council needs to be objective and strategic in how we
use our solid waste operations. It is big capital investment.
The CAO confirmed that staff is working with the auditors on assignment to produce a financial
model to enable staff to bring forward budgets to Council on landfill operations. The objective
is to identify the different activities - landfill, septage, construction and demolition, public drop
off, etc. Financial statements do not show we are subsidizing our municipal partners. The
landfill is a cost for our residents – 12 cent rate – it is a service we are providing. There is a long-
term vision with long-term contracts.
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 174
Also discussed were closure and post-closure costs, potential changing of tipping fees,
regulatory requirements, Sustane, intent to keep rate low for residents when it was opened,
growth since the opening, etc.
9.2 Emergency Assistance Fund Requests:
Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development and Recreation was present via Zoom and
outlined the applications received under the category of groups with their own facilities.
2021-204 MOVED by Councillor Connors, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the following
Emergency Assistance Fund Grant Requests be approved:
District 1 Community Centre - $2,000.
Forties Community Centre - $3,000.
Hubbards Area Lions Club - $1,000.
Integrity Haven Equine Rescue Centre - $3,000.
Ocean Swells Community Association - $1,000.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 70 New Ross - $1,000.
Sherbrooke Lake Camp - $3,000.
Through the Years Day Care & Community Centre – $1,000.
Western Shore & Area Improvement Association - $1,000.
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
9.3 Winners of Best of Chester Municipality Business Award.
Warden Webber It was noted that there were 11,981 eligible votes cast and he read out the Best
of Chester 2021 Winners and Runners-Up as follows:
Best Artisanal Retailer
1. Nancy's Seaweed Soap
2. The Village Emporium
Best Building Services
1. Chester Building Supplies (Castle)
2. Gates Electric
Best Building Supplies Store
1. Chester Building Supplies (Castle)
2. Chester Home Hardware
Best Community Space
1. Lordly Park
2. Forest Heights Community School
Best Farm Forestry Businesses
1. Ross Farm
2. Millet Lumber
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 175
Best Garden Services
1. Oceanview Garden Centre
2. Downey's Pitcher Plant Nursery
Best Gas Station
1. Gold Nugget AFN
2. TIE: Chester Irving & Petro Canada
Best Grocery Store
1. Spidle's Independent
2. Foodland
Best Health Care Provider
1. Chester Pharmasave
2. Our Health Centre
Best Health or Beauty Services
1. Luna Salon & Spa
2. Valerie's Hair Studio
Best Manufacturing Business
1. Black Harbour Distillers
2. South Shore Metal Works
Best Marine Services
1. Gold River Marina Ltd.
2. South Shore Marine Ltd.
Best Mechanic or Auto Shop
1. Chester Service Station
2. Gold River Auto
Best Non-Profit Group
1. Integrity's Haven Equine Rescue Centre (IHERC)
2. Chester Area Family Resource Centre
Best Pet Services
1. Your Friend & Mine Pet Supplies
2. Chester Basin Animal Hospital
Best Place to Have Coffee
1. Kiwi Café
2. Imperfections Café
Best Place to Stay
1. Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre
2. Mecklenburgh Inn
Best Professional Services
1. Scotiabank
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 176
2. New Ross Credit Union
Best Realtor
1. Susan Diamond, Engel & Volkers
2. Anna King, Engel & Volkers
Best Restaurant
1. Gold Bean
2. Fo'c'sle Tavern
Best Spa or Fitness Facility
1. SENSEA Nordic Spa
2. Luna Salon & Spa
Best Specialist Retailer
1. Julien's Bakery
2. Black Harbour Distillers
Best Vendor at a Farmer s Market
1. Julien's Bakery
2. Black Harbour Distillers
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS (continued)
The Deputy CAO provided a copy of the revised motion regarding the Mahone Island
Conservation Association request.
2021-205 MOVED by Councillor Connors, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse the following:
In light of the fact that Mahone Island Conservation Association, Province of Nova
Scotia, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Nature Conservancy of Canada,
and Municipality of District of Chester owned islands are public property and
available for public use it is important that general public access is assured. It is
therefore moved that Lands and Forests be requested to designate Mahone Bay a
special marine area creating the potential for local municipal control over the
licensing of public moorings, in the near shore of public use islands, should a
municipality bordering the bay wish to do so.
DISCUSSION
Councillor Veinotte expressed concern undertaking a project within federal waters.
The Solicitor indicated that the province has jurisdiction over the seabed/bay.
SIX IN FAVOUR. ONE ABSTAINED (NEGATIVE VOTE). MOTION CARRIED.
A break was held from 11:24 a.m. to 11:36 a.m.
Council (continued) May 13, 2021 177
IN CAMERA
10.1 Section 22(2)(e) of the Municipal Government Act – Contract Negotiations - Broadband.
2021-206 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council
convene “In Camera” for the following purpose:
Section 22(2)(e) of the Municipal Government Act – Contract Negotiations.
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
Following a brief meeting held “In Camera” the meeting reconvened in Regular Session.
ADJOURNMENT
2021-207 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff the meeting
adjourn. (11:52 a.m.)
___________________________ ___________________________
Allen Webber Pamela Myra
Warden Municipal Clerk
MOTIONS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL FROM MAY 20, 2021 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
2021-208 APPROVAL OF MAY 20, 2021 COW AGENDA
2021-209 APPROVAL OF APRIL 29, 2021 COW MINUTES
2021-210 APPROVAL OF MAY 6, 2021 COW MINUTES
2021-211 DEMO OF COUNTWAY MOSHER (HAUGHN) HOME
MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council the
Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to direct staff to apply to demolish the
Countway Mosher Home to the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, and approve an
expenditure not exceeding $70,000. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
2021-212 WAIVING OF TIPPING FEES FOR SHOREHAM VILLAGE SENIOR
CITIZENS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the
Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to approve the request from Shoreham
Village Senior Citizens Apartment Association regarding request to waive dump fee for
the waste produced by re-shingling the apartment buildings. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION
CARRIED.
2021-213 LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SHOREHAM
MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the
Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to provide a letter of support to
Shoreham Village to accompany their grant request to Canada Healthy Community
Initiatives Grant for the project outlined in their submission to improve the green space
for residents of the facility. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
2021-214 POLICY P-33 TEMPORARY EXEMPTION FOR 2021
MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse that the
Committee of the Whole recommend to Council that a temporary exemption to Policy P33
be approved to allow for the acceptance of the fire tax rate as submitted by Fire
Commissions without the requirement for an Annual General Meeting as referenced in
Schedule C of Policy P-33 and allow Commissions to provide the rate to Council without
an Annual General Meeting due to gathering restrictions. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION
2021-215 ADJOURNMENT
Community Development & RecreationQuarterly UpdateMay 27, 2021
Planning•Municipal Land Use Bylaw Amendments approved and in effect•Chester Village Land Use Bylaw – Digital Signs Review•Municipal Planning Advisory & Village Planning Advisory Committee Meetings
Planning•Preparing Lakeside Zone Options (Coming soon to Council)•Central Commercial Zone Request (To Permit a 10-unit residential development)•Uniform Signage Project Roll Out Preparation (Received Ministerial Approval from NSTAT, waiting for MA)•Summer Student
17Approvals in 4thQuarter
Development219Permits in 2020-2172Permits in 4thQuarter
BuildingServicesBuilding Permits Issued 2019/20 2020/21 2020/21 Mahone BayResidential219 305 30Commercial22 17 4TOTAL 241 322 34Total Inspections 919 982 94Demolition PermitsResidential23 18 2Commercial0 1 0TOTAL 23 19 2Occupancy PermitsResidential139 135 28Commercial20 14 3TOTAL 159 149 31Renewal PermitsResidential17 53 0Commercial 1 0 0TOTAL 18 53 0Construction Value YTD - MODC YTD - MODCResidential17,238,125$ 31,695,332$ Commercial1,485,500$ 2,260,460$ TOTAL 18,723,625$ 33,955,792$
Fire & BylawServicesFire Inspections 2019/20 2020/21 2020/21 Mahone BayInspections77 45 40By-Law Enforcement 2019/20 2020/21Unsightly21 17Dangerous 3 0Dangerous & Unsightly2 4Building Code12 11Land Use7 7Noise Complaint1 11Burning Complaint3 2Solid Waste Complaint3 4General Public Works1 1Kennel Complaint0 1General Complaint0 2Fowl Domestic 1 0Animal Control1 5TOTAL 55 65
Type of Complaint2019/20 2020/21Lost Dog 8 4Found Dog 6 4Barking Dog 4 6Dog at large 30 25Minor Dog Incident 2 14Major Dog Incident 0 1Domestic Animal 7 8Other9 1Action Taken By OfficerFound9 1Returned to Owner 6 9Kenneled 5 5Re-Homed 0 0Euthanized 1 0None Required 47 51Animal Control
Recreation Programs“My sincere thanks to Jody and other Staff for the wildly successful calling and sighting of the Barred Owl at Card Lake. Is it possible to register for the March 24th Event…”Outdoor ProgramsSmall Group SizeOnline OptionsEncourage Unstructured ActivitiesCH1CH2
Recreation & Parks ServicesBandstand Bookings0Community Group Photocopy Jobs30Equipment Bookings40Programs Offered 37Registered Program Participants251Total Customers in ActiveNet7387Youth Sponsorship Applications0Leadership Grant3Staff Step Challenge Program 2020/2113January 1stto April 30th2021Celebration of 15 Individuals & 2 Families
Community SchoolsCovid Restrictions1 Group per eveningAverage group size = 10Activities: Pickleball, Volleyball, Badminton,…
Earth Day: Grade 9 @ FHCS250 Speckled Trout from McGowans Fish Hatchery
Top Ten Municipality of Chester records from January 1 to April 30, 2021:1. Chester Connection Trail 2. Castle Rock3. Graves Island Provincial Park, Trails4. Card Lake Provincial Park, Trails5. Aspotogan Trail6. Chester Lido Pool7. Freewheeling Adventures8. New Ross Lions Park Trail9. Graves Island Provincial Park10.En Pointe StudioJanuary 1stto April 30thSite Users: 26,489Page Views: 17,843
4thQuarter 2020-21 : 57 applicationsYEAR APPLICATIONS2016-2017 2412017-2018 2552018-2019 278 2019-2020 209 (Covid Impact)2020-2021 119 (Covid Impact)Friend of Chester Minor Hockey
FUNDING 2020-21Face mask sales ($12,000+)Memorial DonationsChester Tennis Club Smashdown EventRural RichesIndividual & Business Donations
Trails: Trail Art Projectchester.ca/trailart Grand Opening event July 31st Chester Art Centre: Sculpture & Motion Festival
eBikes International MagazineSpring 2021 EditionTrail Etiquette
Trails: Plan for Open SpaceTrail Planning and Construction RFPGHG Assessment RFP
REQUEST FOR DIRECTION
Prepared By: Kavita Khanna, P.Eng.
Assistant Director of IAO
Date May 21, 2021
Reviewed By: Christa Rafuse P.Eng.,
Director of IAO
Date May 21, 2021
Authorized By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date May 24, 2021
CURRENT SITUATION
Council identified the development of a Wastewater Strategy as a Strategic Priority that will include multiple
projects and initiatives to address a range of challenges and opportunities facing the Municipality’s
wastewater systems.
In May 2020, the Municipality applied for and secured a Provincial Capital Assistance Program (PCAP)
grant to fund an extensive Wastewater Service Study. This study will result in a detailed, evidence-based
framework that will guide and prioritize options for renewals, upgrades, and new builds for the Municipality’s
wastewater collection and treatment systems. In February 2021, EXP was awarded the contract to complete
a Wastewater Service Study for five of the Municipality’s systems: Chester Basin, Otter Point, Western
Shore, Village of Chester, and New Ross. Subsequent discussion during Council’s strategic priority
workshops, however, indicated that given development pressures and opportunities around Mill Cove, and
Hubbards/Simms Settlement corridor, the Mill Cove wastewater collection and treatment system should be
added to the Wastewater Service Study. This report outlines the cost and timeframe for the addition of the
Mill Cove wastewater system to the current Wastewater Service Study being undertaken by EXP as a
Change in Scope to the existing contract.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Council accept the Change in Scope for the Wastewater Service Study awarded to
EXP to include the Mill Cove wastewater collection and treatment system for $52,315 net HST .
BACKGROUND
The original scope for the Wastewater Service Study excluded the Mill Cove wastewater collection and
treatment system for two main reasons:
1. the recent and significant developments to the treatment system and planned system expansions
for new development; and
2. known issues regarding capacity, technical and service levels, and regulatory requirements for
effluent of the other five systems
The overall objective of the Wastewater Service Study is to assess the current state and provide
recommendations for the Municipality’s sewer systems in order to enable a more proactive maintenance
program and provides an evidence-based framework for the prioritization of repair, renewal, upgrades, and
new builds to meet both current service levels and to accommodate and/or facilitate future growth and
development of the communities these systems serve.
REPORT TO: Council
MEETING DATE: May 27, 2021
SUBMITTED BY: Infrastructure and Operations (IAO)
SUBJECT: Wastewater Service Study– Addition of Mill Cove
ORIGIN: Strategic Priorities – Wastewater Strategy
2 Request for Decision
The addition of the Mill Cove wastewater system to the Wastewater Service Study is timely, logical, and
strategic as there are several factors that identify the Mill Cove area, Hubbards and Simms Settlement
area as facing growth and development pressures:
1) Twinning of highway 103
2) Exponential increase in the construction of residential buildings in Halifax, along with low interest
rates from the Bank of Canada
3) Increased emphasis on immigration by the NS government
4) Interest expressed by Developers to construct buildings in this region
DISCUSSION
Having accurate information on the capacity of the Mill Cove wastewater collection system and treatment
plant will ensure the Municipality understands how to meet current service needs and to understand
capacity needs for residents currently in the area as future planning for growth in the Hubbards/Simms
Settlement.
The proposed Change in Scope to the Wastewater Service Study will provide the following deliverables for
the Mill Cove area:
1) An assessment of current conditions of the Mill Cove wastewater collection and treatment system,
and any recommendations for renewals, upgrades, or new builds.
2) Modelling of viable expansions to serviceable areas that could accommodate growth over a 25-
year period for connections to un-serviced properties and undeveloped lots, particularly as part of
a potential ‘service corridor’ to lead future growth and development.
3) Preliminary design and associated cost estimates for recommended renewals, upgrades, new
builds that will provide the Municipality with distinct projects to submit to future capital infrastructure
funding opportunities.
Schedule Impact
The completion of the Mill Cove sewer system as part of the Wastewater Service Study will not affect the
timeframe for the work being done on the other five wastewater systems. We can still expect the
deliverables for the other systems towards the end of June, whereas the Mill Cove portion of the study will
be completed by mid-August.
Costing Impact
The proposed Change of Scope to the Wastewater Service Study can be accommodated by existing budget
allocations, as follows:
TOTAL AVAILABLE 2021-22 BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR WW STRATEGY
2021-22 budget allocation for wastewater strategy $310,716
PROJECT EXPENSES
Approved WW Service Study for five wastewater systems
(EXP contract estimate)
$248,065.10 (net HST)
Change in Scope for addition of Mill Cove system (EXP
proposal estimate)
$52,315
TOTAL WW SERVICE STUDY EXPENSES $300,380.10 net HST
PROJECT FUNDING
PCAP Grant (maximum contribution from Municipal Affairs
towards total project costs) )
$130,358
MOC budget allocation (in addition to the PCAP grant
contribution)
$180,358
TOTAL WW SERVICE STUDY FUNDING $310,716
3 Request for Decision
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
None.
Financial/Budgetary
The cost of the Mill Cove Change in Scope to the Wastewater Service Study can be accommodated by
existing budget allocations, as outlined above.
Environmental
None.
4 Request for Decision
Strategic Priorities
The completion of the Wastewater Service Study for all six wastewater systems will assist the Municipality
in advancing the following Priority Areas of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework:
Governance & Engagement
Priority Outcome 3: Continue to develop an asset management system that will inform decisions about
infrastructure, development, levels of service, risk assessment, and associated financing.
Infrastructure & Service Delivery
Priority Outcome 3: Develop and implement evidence-based plans for future infrastructure and service
needs, along with related funding models, to accommodate sustainable growth and levels of service.
Work Program Implications
The Assistant Director of Infrastructure & Operations is the Municipality’s project manager and main point
of contact for the EXP, and IAO Dept staff such as the Administration Coordinator and the Wastewater
Facilities Supervisor, along with the Municipality’s GIS Specialist and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator will
provide additional support as required. All work to award and administer the Wastewater Services Study
contract will be completed with existing staff resources.
Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes ___ No _X__ N/A
OPTIONS
Option A - Direct staff to approve the Change in Scope for the addition of the Mill Cove system to the
Wastewater Service Study currently underway by EXP
Option B – Do not award the Change in Scope for the Wastewater Service Study as recommended and
provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
None.
*Program title: Green Infrastructure Projects that Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Climate change Mitigation in Nova Scotia
REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By: Gord Tate Date May 19, 2021
Reviewed By: Chad Haughn Date May 19, 2021
Authorized By: Dan McDougall Date May 20, 2021
CURRENT SITUATION
MOC’s application to Infrastructure Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)
requires us to complete two assessments:
1. Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Assessment
2. Climate Change Resilience Assessment
Both assessments are guided by evaluation criteria supplied by the Federal Government. Professional
engineering service are required to complete these assessments as they are beyond the expertise of MOC
staff.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council awards the GHG and Climate Resilience Assessments contract to Stantec
for a value of $18,700 (plus HST).
BACKGROUND
A Request for Proposal (MODC-T-2021-005) was released on May 3, 2021 by invitation to four Nova
Scotia engineering consulting firms. Only one firm (Stantec) submitted a response to the RFP (May 14
closing). Despite receiving only one proposal, an inter-departmental staff team nevertheless reviewed and
scored their proposal. Stantec was deemed to have met all the requirements of the RFP and to have
demonstrated their ability to complete the scope of work as required.
DISCUSSION
In addition to the proposal evaluation conducted by staff, we also contacted another Nova Scotia
Municipality who recently contracted Stantec to complete the same assessments for the ICIP program.
The municipality reported they had a positive experience with Stantec. Their quality of work was very
good, and as one of the first municipalities to go through the ICIP process, many lessons were learned
that will help inform and streamline our submission to the federal government. Stantec was also able to
REPORT TO: Municipal Council
SUBMITTED BY: Gord Tate
DATE: May 27, 2021
SUBJECT: GHG Assessment and Climate Resilience
ORIGIN: Community Development and Recreation
2 Information Report
complete the work in a timely manner and ahead of the quoted timetable. Stantec estimates four to six
weeks to complete the scope of work.
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
N/A
Financial/Budgetary
Stantec proposes to complete the scope of work for a lump sum fee of $18,700 (excluding applicable
taxes). Council previously approved a budget of $30,000 to complete this work so Stantec’s proposal falls
well within range. This is an eligible expense under the ICIP program and 73% will be re-imbursed.
Environmental
N/A
Strategic Plan
Continually improve public satisfaction with municipal services.
Ensure sufficient infrastructure is available to best serve our residents and businesses.
Promote conditions conducive to fostering economic prosperity.
Work Program Implications
Staff time (Community Development and Recreation, Infrastructure and Operations) will be required to
collect and supply relevant background information and data to Stantec for the evaluations.
Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _x_ No _ _ N/A
OPTIONS
Option A – Direct staff to award the contract to Stantec.
Option B – Do not support.
ATTACHMENTS
none
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
District Council Grants 2021 - 2022
Updated May 20, 2021
Requested Approved Date Approved
*Ocean Swells Community Association: Maintain facility 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ April 15, 2021
*District 1 Community Centre: Maintain facility 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ April 15, 2021
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 2,000.00$
*Funds Carried Forward from 2020-2021 2,000.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$
Hubbards Area Lions Club: Purification System 2,000.00$
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$
Chester District Soccer Association: Purchase New Jerseys 500.00$ 500.00$ April 15, 2021
Chester Yacht Club: Race Week Adaptations (Virtual, PPE, etc)500.00$
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 500.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 9,500.00$
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED -$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 10,000.00$
Chester District Soccer Association: Purchase New Jerseys 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ April 15, 2021
District 7
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 1,000.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 9,000.00$
Total Funds Approved 3,500.00$
District Grant Budget 2021-2022 70,000.00$
Plus 2020-2021 Carried Forward 2,000.00$
Total District Grant Budget 72,000.00$
Remaining Funds 68,500.00$
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6