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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-02-24_Council_Website Agenda Package Page 1 of 2 of Agenda Cover Page(s) MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA Thursday, February 24, 2022 Livestreamed via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_uKlob3qOA6eD62x1kK5Kw Office Location: 151 King Street, Chester, NS 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS 3. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION FOR 2021 3.1 Employees who reached employment milestones in 2021:  Jared Stevens – 10 Years.  Ryan Smith – 15 Years.  Tammy Harnish – 15 Years.  Tim Weisner – 20 Years.  Tim Townsend – 20 Years. 4. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (15 minutes – 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) 5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 5.1 Council – February 10, 2022. 6. COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 Committee of the Whole (recommendations) - February 17, 2022 – Warden Webber. 6.2 Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program – Councillor Connors: a. Monthly Report January 2022. b. 2021 Annual Report. 7. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS 7.1 Sue LeBlanc, Chester Art Centre (9:00 a.m.). 7.2 Michael O’Connor, Bill Church, Tommy Graves - Church Memorial Park (9:20 a.m.). 8. MATTERS ARISING Page 2 of 2 8.1 2nd/Final Reading of By-Law No. 146 Regional Emergency Management By-Law – addition of the Town of Lunenburg and housekeeping items. 9. CORRESPONDENCE 9.1 Correspondence dated February 9, 2022 from Minister Kim Masland in response to request regarding paved shoulders on Highway 329. 9.2 Email correspondence to Councillor Veinotte regarding Bayswater Fish Farm/Noise Pollution from: a. Theodore Duchene. b. Judy Duffy. c. Daryl Gray. d. John MacDonald. e. Peter McLeod. f. Tim Smith. g. 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.1 Request for Decision prepared February 14, 2022 – Community Development & Recreation – CAMS/CDS Community School Consideration. 10.2 Planning Matters Report prepared February 3, 2022 – Community Development & Recreation – Passage of Provincial Bill 58 – MPS Amendments in Response to Bill 58 – Minimum Planning Requirements. 10.3 Designated Community Fund Request – Chester Basin Fire Department $500. 10.4 District Council Grant Request – Hubbards Lions Club $1,000. 11. IN CAMERA 11. ADJOURNMENT APPOINTMENTS 9:00 a.m. Sue LeBlanc, Chester Art Centre. 9:20 a.m. Michael O’Connor, Bill Church, Tommy Graves - Church Memorial Park. 39 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER Minutes of COUNCIL MEETING Livestreamed via YouTube from 151 King Street, Chester On Thursday, February 10, 2022 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. Present: District 1 – Councillor Veinotte District 5 – Councillor Assaff District 2 – Deputy Warden Shatford District 6 – Councillor Connors District 3 – Councillor Wells District 7 – Councillor Church District 4 – Warden Webber Staff: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer Brendan Mosher, By-Law Officer Bruce Blackwood, Fire Services Coordinator Sylvia Dixon, Development & Planning Technician Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor Regrets: Dan McDougall, CAO APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS  Councillor Connors – Committee Reports – South Shore Regional Library. 2022-046 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff the agenda and order of business for the February 10, 2022, Council meeting be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input received. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS 4.1 Council – January 27, 2022. Council (continued) February 10, 2022 40 2022-047 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the minutes of the January 27, 2022, Council meeting be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. COMMITTEE REPORTS 5.1 Committee of the Whole – February 3, 2022 – Warden Webber. 2022-048 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council approve the following recommendations from the February 3, 2022 meeting of the Committee of the Whole: 2022-031 – “… approve the 2022/23 REMO Operating Budget with the Municipality of Chester’s portion being $44,078.35.” 2022-032 – “… that $500 be distributed from Districts 1, 3, and 7 for the District Grant Request from Our Health Centre.” ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 5.2 Building Code & Unsightly Premises Committee – January 27, 2022 – Warden Webber. 2022-049 MOVED by Councillor Connors, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the following recommendations from the January 27, 2022 Building Code & Unsightly Premises Committee be approved: 2022-043 – “… issue the property owner and(or) Power of Attorney of 17 Lindsay Moland Lane, East Chester, Lunenburg County, PID 60151842 an Order to demolish the 5 derelict and(or) dangerous structures on the property within 30-Days.” 2022-044 – “… issue the property owner and(or) Power of Attorney of 42 Lindsay Moland Lane, East Chester, Lunenburg County, PID 60151834 an Order to Demolish the 2 derelict and(or) dangerous structures on the property within 15 Days.” ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. MATTERS ARISING 7.1 Second/Final Notice – Adoption of COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. a. Email from Tami Clarke, Northwest Cove, indicating that she was not in favour of the mandatory vaccination policy. Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO read the email from Tami Clarke, Northwest Cove who indicated that she does not support the vaccination mandate. Council (continued) February 10, 2022 41 Discussion was held with regard to the following:  Ability to amend or rescind the policy if the province/Department of Health revise directives.  Consideration that it is too late to implement a policy with the province beginning to relax regulations. Requiring employees to vaccinate when the regulations may no longer be required.  Consideration to defer to see what the province does.  Even with relaxing regulations, science is still saying that vaccinations are the way to keep people safe from COVID.  Council may change the policy any time they choose to do so. 2022-050 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Connors that Council give second notice and approve Policy P-108 COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. SIX IN FAVOUR. ONE OPPOSED. Discussion – it was agreed that if the provincial mandate changes, Council can rescind the policy. MOTION CARRIED. 7.2 Request for Decision – Boundary Review (deferred from February 3, 2022 Committee of the Whole Meeting). Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO reviewed the changes in the presentation from that of last week. Included now are provincial voter statistics and comparison of the 2016 to 2021 voter numbers. She reviewed the parity of the voters in each district. Also reviewed was the mayoral vs warden system, noting that only four rural municipalities are using the mayoral system. She noted that the options chosen will change the scope of work for the consultant. A discussion took place on the status quo vs the mayoral system with several Councillors indicating whether they were in favour of the warden system or investigating the change to a mayoral system. It was also noted that there are pros and cons to each system. It was noted by some that the Council as it is now, is functioning well. 2022-051 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council approve the governance structure as it is now, i.e., the Warden system and direct staff to carry out the boundary review in house. A recorded vote was requested. Discussion:  Councillor Connors noted that not obtaining the input of voters is a disservice to the residents of the Municipality. She agreed with saving money when possible but did not believe the cost of a consultant would be an issue.  Councillor Assaff noted that he preferred status quo, noting that residents have not approached him about the mayor system as they are more concerned about what Council (continued) February 10, 2022 42 they pay as a taxpayer. He also indicated that he did not like the fact that once you move to a mayoral system, you cannot revert to the Warden System.  Councillor Wells felt a consultant was not needed. He also noted that he favoured the mayoral system but understands the Municipality has been well-served by the Warden system – a reflection of the current warden and not the system. He will be voting against the status quo option as he feels the Mayor System is a better system.  Councillor Veinotte indicated that he somewhat agreed with Councillor Wells. A mayor system, where the Mayor is elected by the entire municipality and leadership tends to be, by its very nature to carry forward ideas and the mandate and vision of the Municipality as a whole. He agreed that in Warden Webber’s tenure he has that same sort of feeling, although he not elected by voters in other districts. He acknowledged that Councillor Wells is right – we currently have a system that has worked well with the right people. We could some day in the future have someone elected to be the Warden who will treat it differently.  Deputy Warden Shatford noted that sometimes Mayors come in with an agenda without knowing how Council functions. In his opinion, if a new Council were elected, he would not vote for a newcomer – he would vote for someone who has been on Council, knows staff and other Council members. That gives him comfort. IN FAVOUR – Deputy Warden Shatford, Councillor Veinotte, Councillor Assaff, Councillor Church, Warden Webber. OPPOSED – Councillor Connors, Councillor Wells. MOTION CARRIED. Councillor Connors asked for clarification on voter parity. Those numbers will remain if the overall boundaries of the voting district or the Municipality of Chester stand, because if we go back a couple of years, we have had some discussion on how that may change. So those numbers stand if the boundaries of the municipality are status quo. Those are the numbers if the boundaries stay the same, but we may be looking at a change. Warden Webber noted that once staff carries out the research and brings forward a report, that is the discussion we will have. Councillor Connors if the staff and a member of the public somewhere outside of our current boundary can comment and Warden Webber agreed that they are always free to express themselves. Councillor Wells commented that the Municipality can still have a boundary change internally if the numbers don’t work out. Deputy Warden Shatford commented that his district is high in numbers and with the twinning of Highway 103, it will continue to increase. Warden Webber noted that staff will come back with report based on that knowledge. Council (continued) February 10, 2022 43 CORRESPONDENCE 8.1 Email to Councillor Veinotte dated February 1, 2022 from Tami Clarke regarding NS Power’s new General Rate Application. Councillor Veinotte indicated that he had asked this to be brought to Council but then there was some movement by the province. We need to determine what the province is going to do. In the meantime, he asked if we could reach out to NSFM and ask them to advocate on behalf of residents and municipalities to ensure the tariffs don’t occur. It is good that the province is willing to intervene, but we don’t know what they are proposing yet. It was agreed to have staff draft a letter to NSFM with a copy to the province regarding the NS Power application on tariffs. NEW BUSINESS 9.1 Request for Decision prepared January 21, 2022 – Community Development & Recreation – New Private Road Name – Rylan Lane, off of North Lower Grant Road (Chester Grant). Sylvia Dixon, Development & Planning Technician reviewed the Request for Decision and reported that the fire department and Councillor had no issue with road name. It is a new road name to the province; there are issues and no like sounding names. 2022-052 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council approve the new private road name of Rylan Lane, off of North Lower Grant Road (Chester Grant) and direct staff to advise the appropriate departments and organizations. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 9.2 Request for Decision prepared February 1, 2022 – Corporate & Strategic Management – Fire Services Registration 2021/22 as per Policy P33 Terms of Reference for Registration of Fire and Emergency Service Providers. Bruce Blackwood, Fire Services Coordinator, reported that Commissions and Fire Departments are required to provide annual updates on finances and operational matters to ensure they are meeting their service requirements. That has been done. There were some delays due to COVID restrictions and Annual General Meetings were late. Everything is now complete, and they are prepared to move forward. The registration data and financial information has been submitted and the Fire Departments are adequately funded to provide the service levels they have registered for. He reviewed some highlights for individual departments, such as tax rates, getting audited financial statements up to date, a commission has moved to the Rural Fire District Act, liability Council (continued) February 10, 2022 44 insurance, Workers Compensation rates, policies, operations, and COVID personal protective equipment. They continue to work on risk assessments. 2022-053 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council approve the completion of the annual updates process for 2021 and that the Policy P-33 (April 9, 2020) registration updates be brought to Council for approval and Schedule B confirmation of 2021/2022 registration notifications be sent to the individual Commissions. Discussion:  Deputy Warden Shatford thanked the Hubbards Fire Commission; they have been working for over five years getting their financials in order and have worked tirelessly to do so. He also thanked the Fire Services Coordinator and Council for their patience.  Councillor Wells thanked the Fire Services Coordinator for a well done report. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Councillor Connors thanked the Deputy CAO and Fire Services Coordinator for their help over the past weekend during the loss of power and extreme temperatures. She appreciated the emails and reach out 24/7 with some things. Their help was very much appreciated. She will be making notes for the debrief. 9.3 Request for Decision prepared February 7, 2022 – Corporate and Strategic Management – FSANS Alternate Director for Lunenburg County. Bruce Blackwood, Fire services Coordinator reviewed the Request for Decision prepared February 7, 2022 regarding the appointment of a Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia Alternate Director for Lunenburg County. 2022-054 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council accept the recommendation from a majority of the Municipality of Chester Fire Chiefs and send confirmation of support to the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia, recommending Deputy Chief Cody Stevens (Chester Volunteer Fire Department) to serve as Alternate Director, Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia for Lunenburg County in 2022. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued) 5.3 South Shore Public Library – Councillor Connors. Councillor Connors reported that the South Shore Public Library is beginning the recruitment process for a new CEO and Chief Librarian and has recently established a hiring committee to lead that effort. Jeff Mercer will continue as acting Chief Librarian until the recruitment process is complete. Council (continued) February 10, 2022 45 PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS 6.1 Michele Haddal and David Outhouse regarding the Community Wheels Program. Michele Haddal and David Outhouse joined the meeting via Zoom to outline the Community Wheels Program. Ms. Haddal took Council through a day in the life of the coordinator from receiving a request for the Community Wheels Service, to personally using the service and having a conversation with a regular rider who uses the service to go to/from lifesaving medical procedures. Being able to use the service has allowed her to remain in her home community without uprooting her family to move closer to HRM to get the medical expertise she requires. She also outlined the fleet and what is required to maintain and operate four vehicles to be on the road with passengers every day; including costs for fuel, maintenance, insurance, tires, inspections (two annually), etc. It was also noted that there are additional procedures required due to COVID measures. They were happy to report this is the 15th year of the Community Wheels service and the only one in the province with a donation-only payment. They are also a member in the Rural Transportation Association with 22 members. They are able to share ideas and best practices. The request to Council is the consideration to increase the level of funding from an annual amount of $8,000 to $10,000 to demonstrate an appreciation to supporting the vulnerable population in the Municipality. They also thanked Council for their ongoing support. Mr. Outhouse indicated that he has been with Community Wheels since 2009. He reviewed financials, noting that prior to COVID their budget was $121,000 and in the first year of COVID the budget dropped to $83,000 due to reduced demand and vehicles on the road. The fleet is aging; however, they did get some provincial funding for a new four door care. The rest of the fleet are 2017 or older models and the bus is a 2010 model. Last year there was $45,000 spent in salaries for dispatch and drivers with $16,000 being spend on fuel (the prior year expense for fuel was $34,000). He anticipates as we move forward to lessening COVID restrictions they will see a higher demand and want to focus on adequate staffing and board members to support the work. Councillor Connors commented that Community Wheels is a wonderful service, doing great things, and making a difference in people’s lives. It is the best thing ever. She indicated that she appreciated receiving the Annual Report recently that provided statistics and testimonials. She thanked Ms. Haddal and Mr. Outhouse for their work. Mr. Outhouse indicated that he would provide the financial information requested. Warden Webber thanked Ms. Haddal and Mr. Outhouse for their presentation. Council (continued) February 10, 2022 46 6.2 Mike Ernst and Allen Munroe regarding Ghost Gear Fund. Mr. Ernst and Mr. Munroe provided a brief background of their individual work in the past and how they found their way to removing ghost gear - abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear - from the ocean floor. They had been involved with various groups and involved with recovering ghost gear for about a year and a half and then heard about the federal government offering funding for ghost gear clean up. They noted that there is enough gear on the bottom of the ocean to walk on it. This has an impact on the environment and fishing. Everyone knows what is washing up on beaches and they are also finding a lot of gear that has fallen off wharves – which is one of their targets. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans asked for interest from local companies regarding clean up and there are four or five companies undertaking the task; however, the project expires on March 31st. The problem is not going away. They are hoping to use education to locate, recover, recycle, and focus on the problem. Recycling is an issue. They send the metal for recycling – they don’t want the material to end up in the landfill. There is a renewed effort to get the recycling piece in place and are working with Sustane to provide material. They are not here to promote any one company but are asking Council to consider writing a letter to the Federal Government (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Joyce Murray) encouraging the continuance of the ghost gear fund and also to encourage residents to pick up garbage from the beaches. They noted that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is coming to the province. In Europe they are looking at EPR and that may come to Canada as well and will have an impact on waste streams. Warden Webber commented that it is great work and felt that Council would consider a letter of support and public information through the newsletter. He also indicated that he would have the Director of Infrastructure and Operations contact Mr. Ernst with regard to Rainbow Net and Rigging contact. Mr. Ernst suggested looking at the Ocean Legacy Foundation website – information can be downloaded on what can or can’t be recycled from ghost gear. Warden Webber thanked Mr. Ernst and Mr. Munroe for their presentation. 2022-055 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council approve forwarding a letter to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans encouraging the continuance of the ghost gear fund. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Ernst indicated that he would send the information to the Clerk. Council (continued) February 10, 2022 47 Warden Webber asked if Council wished to forward the request from Community Wheels to the Budget Process. The Deputy CAO indicated that it is a line item in the budget and Council can approve it now (pre-budget approval) or let it go to the budget process. 2022-056 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Connors that Council give pre-budget approval to change the financial line item for Community Wheels from $8,000 to $10,000 per year. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. IN CAMERA There were no In Camera items for discussion. ADJOURNMENT 2022-057 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff the meeting adjourn. (10:15 a.m.) ___________________________ ___________________________ Allen Webber Pamela Myra Warden Municipal Clerk MOTIONS REQUIRING APPROVAL OF COUNCIL FROM FEBRUARY 17, 2022 COW MEETING 2022-058 APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS 2022-059 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF February 3, 2022 2022-060 DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT PROCESS – CHESTER HILLS MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Wells that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to direct staff to prepare a draft Development Agreement and hold a Public Information Meeting regarding the proposed Chester Hills development on Stanford Lake Road. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2022-061 DISCHARGE OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT – 4654 HIGHWAY 3 (MARRIOTTS COVE) MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the Committee of the Whole recommend to council to authorize the discharge of Development Agreement CMDA002 for 4654 Highway 3, Marriott’s Cove per Section 6 a) of the approved Development Agreement and further direct staff to prepare and execute a Notice of Discharge to be recorded at the Land Registry. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2022-062 IN CAMERA - Section 22(2)(e) of the MGA – Contract Negotiations – New Ross Continuing Care. 2022-063 ADJOURNMENT Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program Monthly Report - January 2022 Report prepared: February 7, 2022 The LCSSP is a free confidential community-based non-profit service that works collaboratively with BPS, RCMP, and many community partners to help address the safety concerns of older adults (55 years of age+), residing in Lunenburg County. Service is provided through awareness campaigns, advocacy, community outreach projects, educational programs, community presentations and one to one service. Nature of Referrals: This month we experienced an increase in the number of referrals pertaining to health and wellness, precarious housing, the need for supports and elder abuse. Assistance to complete grants, legal needs and financial hardship was also requested. Information dissemination around public health regulations, accessing test kits, vaccines and what to do if you believe you’ve been exposed increased. The Seniors’ Care Grant has brought questions as seniors and their loved ones try to understand what meets funding criteria and requirements. We have also begun to receive requests for assistance with tax preparation as well. LCSSP updates: • We ask for patience and understanding as staff reduction to one full-time Coordinator has created extended wait-times for service and availability. Additional funding is being investigated. • LCSSP - P2P Digital Literacy for Lunenburg County, New Horizons grant project ongoing. • The SLN Phase 2, Law Foundation of NS grant application, although well-received, was not approved. • LCSSP: Home Management Navigator, AFC Grant application has been submitted for consideration. • January 18th, 2022 – Aging Well Together Coalition Meeting attended. • January 26th, 2022 – LCSSPS board meeting attended. • Coordinator was unable to attend other scheduled meetings and/or educational opportunities this month due to high demand of service. • NEW: LCSSP reporting frequency will change to quarterly (January, April, July and October). • A 2021 LCSSP Annual Report capturing highlights will be available soon. LCSSP Client Emergency Contingency Fund (CECF): The CECF continues to serve the community in partnership with other organizations to help mitigate risk for seniors experiencing financial hardship. Precarious housing, medication and transportation costs were supported during this period of reporting ($320). A generous donation of $1,000 has been received from Earth Angels. The January 30th, 2022 balance is: $1,154.68. ‘Thank you to all Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program supporters. We couldn’t do what we do without you.’ Service in Municipal Units January MODC 17% MODL 42% Mahone Bay 3% Lunenburg 3% Bridgewater 34% Other/Unknown 1% Data to Date January Total # of clients 93 # of new referrals 46 # of clients receiving service 57 # of home visits/door step visits 16 # of closed files 18 Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program (LCSSP) 2021 Annual Report A project of the Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Partnership Society Prepared by: Chris Acomb, SSC, February 8, 2022 NEW: LCSSP reporting frequency will change to quarterly (January, April, July and October). Collaboration & Building Partnerships: Through collaboration and growing partnerships, we have been able to better serve clients and our community at large. Board members and/or staff participate in Aging Well Together Coalition, South Shore Housing Action Coalition, Single Entry Access – Smart Cities Challenge, the LCSSPS and NS Seniors’ Safety Program networking opportunities. Partnerships also include two local organizations that have participated in the Senior FriendlyTM program - on-site safety surveys. Community outreach projects have been another way to build connections while supporting needs. Staffing: One full-time and one part-time Coordinator were employed for most of 2021 thanks to funding partners, emergency funding provided by DOS and the Law Foundation of NS. Efforts to secure funding for future part-time Coordinator hours is underway. Presentations & Projects: We hosted one 6-week Seniors’ Safety Academy in partnership with the Flourish Centre and expert presenters. We presented to MODL, MODC, Town of Mahone Bay, Town of Lunenburg, BPS Commission, 100 Bluenosers Who Care, St. Vincent de Paul, NSCC students, the Health Services Foundation Board and hosted a Chester Bank of NS information booth. Subjects included, the SSP, scams/frauds, technology, health/wellbeing, elder abuse, legal topics and more. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day campaign was held with masks provided by DOS given away. P2P Digital Literacy for Lunenburg County, New Horizon’s Grant: Through one-to-one service and group presentations we assisted with basic online safety, completing forms, navigating social media and more. We connected with partners providing computer education programs and leveraged services. Many clients were able to experiment safely with technology while filling out forms in the comfort of their home with the support of the Coordinator all thanks to the technological equipment provided by this grant. Seniors’ Legal Navigator Project, Law Foundation of NS Grant: The data collected during this project identified key areas where more information and resources are needed. We created the well-received, ‘Legal Awareness Campaign’; a monthly informative email distributed to partners, highlighting important legal topics and resources. Home Visits: The Workplace COVID-19 Prevention Plan: LCSSP Home Visits has been revised as needed to support safe home visit protocol. The importance of carrying out home visits/door-step deliveries continued through 2021. We are one of few services to offer home visits. This makes our service an asset to other organizations as we can assist clients directly. The LCSSP is a free community-based service that works collaboratively with Bridgewater Police Service, RCMP, and many community partners to help address the safety concerns of older adults residing in Lunenburg County. Service is provided through awareness campaigns, advocacy, educational programs, community presentations and one to one service. This service has become an integral part of the community response to the pandemic. 2021 LCSSP Statistics Total Client Base 1339 New Referrals 459 Home Visits/Drop Offs 392 Presentation Participation 150 Vial of LifeTM Distributed 75 Community Outreach Projects 416 35% 21% 35% 3% 5%1% 2021` LCSSP Service in Municipal Units MODL MODC TOB TOL TOMB Other Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program (LCSSP) 2021 Annual Report A project of the Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Partnership Society Prepared by: Chris Acomb, SSC, February 8, 2022 NEW: LCSSP reporting frequency will change to quarterly (January, April, July and October). Nature of Referrals: We experienced increased referrals from other agencies and organizations to help meet needs of seniors. For example, co-funding financial hardship needs, getting equipment to clients, helping a client get cleaning equipment and/or addressing hoarding situations to secure home support and medication delivery. There was an increase in risk of home takeovers and elder abuse as older adults offered housing and other support to loved ones in need. Precarious housing needs of older adults evicted because their homes are selling or being made into Air BnB’s; or needing to move because of relationship discord increased. Legal disputes over land, property and/or finances rose this year. Personal safety needs have increased due to reduced supports, increased isolation and difficult relationship dynamics. Scams and fraud; in particularly around telephone solicitation/romance scams continued to be a concern. The need for assistance to secure supports while isolating became more challenging as service availability fluctuated and volunteers were unavailable. Financial hardship created pressure as older adults try to modify their budget to address challenges presented by the pandemic. We continued to see the need for help navigating the pandemic; information/public health regulations, getting vaccines and safety equipment. Friends/family from out of province also accessed our service to help check in on loved ones here in Nova Scotia. 2021 LCSSP Client Emergency Contingency Fund (CECF): The emergency support needs of our senior community continue. This year we experienced a continuation of themes first seen in 2021. Such as increased needs for equipment and personal safety as well as providing help to mitigate precarious housing risk. The ripple effect of assistance is at times unmeasurable. For example, the CECF may assist one client with housing clean-up which mitigates their risks, improves wellbeing and quality of life. That clean-up can also reduce risk for the whole neighbourhood as fire risks, air quality and rodent control are impacted. Thank you to the United Way and many other organizations and individuals who help make this fund possible over the years. Food Insecurity 7% Precarious Housing 19% Medication 5% Transportation 6%Personal Safety 26% Hoarding 11% Equipment 14% Utilities 7% Isolation & Loneliness 3% Cleaning Supplies to Secure Home Support Services 2%2021 LCSSP CECF Thanks to the support of organizations within our community we have been able to increase the support provided by the CECF and have experienced expanded collaborative partnerships with other groups offering support. 2021 Financial Support: $20.00, Private donation/2 PC gift cards $100.00, UW donation/10 PC gift cards 2,000.00, United Way Community Grant We accept donations but are unable to provide a receipt. 12/31/21 Balance: $354.68 Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program (LCSSP) 2021 Annual Report A project of the Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Partnership Society Prepared by: Chris Acomb, SSC, February 8, 2022 NEW: LCSSP reporting frequency will change to quarterly (January, April, July and October). 2021 LCSSP Funding Breakdown: • LCSSP core funding is provided by five municipalities, United Way of Lunenburg County and the Department of Seniors. • One-year project funding for the 2019-2020 LCSSP Seniors’ Legal Navigator was received from the Law Foundation of NS ($28,231.00). Some of these funds were carried over into 2021, with the foundations’ approval. • LCSSP – P2P Digital Literacy Lunenburg County one-year project, funded b a New Horizons grant ($4,100). • Additional funding is required to maintain staffing requirem ents to meet the needs of the community. Additional Funding: • United Way of Lunenburg County Grant: Client Emergency Contingency Fund (CECF)- $2,000 • Dept. of Seniors Emergency Funding: $200 (WEAAD campaign – cost of masks) Lunenburg Seniors’ Safety Advisory Partnership Society Budget (as at December 31st, 2021) 2021‐2022 2021-2022 VARIANCE BUDGET ACTUAL Pos (Neg) REVENUE Province of NS Seniors 25,000 25,000 0 Municipal Contributions 27,169 26,639 ‐530 Other Revenue 19,185 9,921 ‐9,264 Interest Income 0 0 0 Transfer from Reserves ** 18,182 0 ‐18,182 89,536 61,560 ‐27,976 EXPENSES Salaries (to Dec. 18/21) 60,086 44,189 15,897 PT Wages (to Dec. 18/21) 21,000 20,538 462 DoS emergency fund 0 0 0 Facility Rentals 200 0 200 Professional Development 250 0 250 Vehicle Maintenance 2,500 255 2,245 (gas posted to Nov. 2021) Office Equipment 0 0 0 Travel 1,000 596 404 Cell Phones 1,500 399 1,101 Hospitality 200 60 140 Materials 300 2,881 ‐2,581 Insurance 2,000 2,080 ‐80 Clothing Allowance 0 0 0 Honorariums 500 51 449 TOTAL 89,536 71,050 18,486 NET 0 ‐9,490 ‐9,490 *In addition to the Municipal Contribution of $4,784, the Town of Bridgewater also provides the following in‐kind services: provision of vehicle (excluding gas, insurance & repairs), clothing, office space, supervision, accounting services, computer & employment management (payroll, HR, etc.) **Budgeted reserves are currently held by LSSAPS. The Reserves currently held by the Town will depend on the final balance at year end. CHESTER ART CENTRE MAJOR PROJECT GRANT MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER OFFER ART EXPERIENCES, IN ALL SEASONS, INSIDE & OUT, FOR ALL AGES. THANK YOU! WE NEED MORE SPACE TO CONTINUE TO… 2022-02-16 1 Church Memorial Park Presentation to Chester Municipal Council February 24, 2022 Purpose • Thank you for continued support • Highlights 2020/21 – Operations – Support • Unfolding 2021/22 – Operations – Support/Funding – Projects • Longterm (5 years) 1 2 2022-02-16 2 Highlights 2020/21 • Operations – Skating, hockey rink: September 28/20 - March 16/21 – Curling rink: October 6/20 – April 6/21; – Total ice operating days: 351; – Season rentals interrupted by COVID -19 – Ice, facilities & fundraising revenue $211,000 – Grant revenue of $127,000 excluding COVID support. – Sinner’s Production began 3/25/21 – Major projects: water & fire protection upgrades 2020/21 Highlights (Cont’d) Spring, Summer 2020 • Water Project completed at $62,000 • Efficiency Heat Pumps 6 installed at $40,000 • Trail, garden, landscaping completed at $50,000 – Grant from TD for CMP garden – Donations, volunteer time from individuals, businesses & District Councillors – Project materials at cost, expertise from: • Oceanview, Chester Building Supplies; • CMP established CEBA • Chester Farmers Market online / outdoor • CMP Trustees develop COVID -19 Plan 3 4 2022-02-16 3 Water project Heat Pumps 5 6 2022-02-16 4 CMP Garden Highlights 2020/21(cont’d) •Support Received – Chester Municipality • Annual grant for CMP Operations • Emergency Grant (Pandemic) – Support from Recreation & Parks – PEW Trust; Federal Government wage support •Community Outreach – Community Garden – Trail: maintenance, small library & rest station – Donated ice time: Chester Municipality; Chester Minor Hockey Fund Raiser; – Discounted Ice: Daytime Group – Hosted Junior C washer toss tournament 7 8 2022-02-16 5 CMP Trail Library & Rest Area 2020/21 Highlights (Cont’d) • COVID -19 plan – Consistent with Health Protection Act, Provincial Recreational Guidelines, Hockey NS Rebound Plan – Good levels compliance – Challenges volunteer organization – Omicron case early 12/21 shut down (hockey rink only) 9 10 2022-02-16 6 2021/22 Unfolding •Operations (Uncertain) – Fall/Winter Schedule/hours < 2019/20; – Increased labour, cleaning & maintenance – Monitor COVID -19 Plan; HR Review & Hiring •Grants & Funding – Chester Municipality – Provincial Rink Grant – Provincial Economic Development Grant – PEW: 4th year funds - 4 year agreement – CEBA 2 2021/22 Unfolding (Cont’d) •Projects – Capital projects: roof structure repairs, new water heater, refrigeration condenser, re- asphalt low roof, asphalt & line parking lot, groom back lot, tree removal. – Update PEW Arena building & equipment assessment – Annual inspection of roof structure 11 12 2022-02-16 7 Longterm - 5 years • Strengthen connections between community organizations; promote healthy living, wellness & quality of life: – Grow community vegetable garden – Fundraise for public outdoor exercise stations & garden storage – Promote Film/Media Production off season • Continue arena planned improvements • Create exterior mural celebrating CMP • Begin planning for future of arena facility 13 Regional Emergency Management Bylaw #146 Page 1 of 8 Municipality of the District of Chester Regional Emergency Management By-Law By-Law No. 146 Effective Date: April 9, 2014 Formatted: Strikethrough Regional Emergency Management Bylaw #146 Page 2 of 8 SECTION 1: GENERAL This By-Law may be cited as the "Regional Emergency Management By-Law 146 to render mutual aid and joint provisions of services and facilities to provide for a prompt, effective and coordinated response to an emergency within the territories of the participating Municipalities of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, the Municipality of the District of Chester, the Town of Bridgewater ; the Town of Mahone Bay, and the Town of Lunenburg. and the Town of Mahone Bay. 1) SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS 1) In this By-Law, a) "Act" means the Emergency Management Act, R.S.N.S. 1990, as amended from time to time; b) "State of Emergency Regulations" means regulations approved by the Governor in Council by Order in Council 92-61, Regulation 17/92, as amended from time to time; c) "Agreement" means the Inter-Municipal Emergency Services Agreement, dated January 18, 2017 April 15, 2011, among the participating Municipalities and as amended from time to time; d) "Minister" means the Minister responsible for Emergency Management for of Justice of the Province of Nova Scotia; e) "Deputy Minister" means the Deputy Minister responsible for Emergency Management for the Province of Justice of Nova Scotia; f) "Councils" means the Councils of the participating Municipalities (Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, the Municipality of the District of Chester, the Town of Bridgewater; and the Town of Mahone Bay and the Town of Lunenburg); g) "Region" means all territories within the participating Municipalities; h) "State of Local Emergency" means a state of local emergency declared, (renewed or terminated) by the Council, Mayor or Warden of a participating Municipality; i) "Regional Emergency Operations Center" (REOC) means the Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) operations centreers as established, equipped and serviced per the Agreement; SECTION 3: RESPONSIBILITIES FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 1) The Councils, in accordance with the Agreement:; Formatted: List Paragraph, Outline numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0 cm + Indent at: 0.63 cm Regional Emergency Management Bylaw #146 Page 3 of 8 a) sShall appoint and maintain a Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) responsible for the planning and the coordination of emergency services delivery and consisting of: i. a Regional Emergency Management Advisory Committee (REMAC); ii. , a Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee (REMPC);, iii. a Regional Emergency Management Coordinator (REMC); and a)iv. for each participating Municipality, an Assistant Emergency Coordinator (AEC); b) declare, renew or terminate a State of Local Emergency, as outlined in the Regulations as may be required and if unavailable in a timely manner, permit the Mayor or /Warden of the affected participating Municipality(s) to make such declarations; c) shall cause the Emergency Management Plan or any part thereof to be implemented and may do everything necessary for the protection of property and the health or safety of persons pursuant to Section 14 of the Act; d) may appropriate and expend monies to pay reasonable expenses of members of the REMO and to fulfill the terms and conditions of any agreement approved by the Councils;\ 2) The REMAC, in accordance with the Agreement:; a) is responsible during a State of Local Emergency for the executive direction and management of emergency plans and activities within the Region and for advice to Councils pursuant to the Act; b) recommends to Councils, Mayor or Warden, the Declaration (,Renewal, or and Termination) of a.State of Local Emergency, as outlined in the State of Emergency Regulations; c) shall deliver a copy of any signed Declaration. (Renewal and , or Termination) of a State of Local Emergency to the Emergency Management Office of Nova Scotia and the Minister and ensure that such Declarations are communicated effectively to the people of the area(s) affected; d) with the approval of Councils may enter into agreements with the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, a municipality, city or town, or any other agency or any person; 3) The REMC, as appointed by the REMAC, in accordance with the Agreement;: a) shall chair the REMPC and co-ordinate, prepare and maintain emergency management plans; b) shall, pursuant to Section 10 A of the Act, inform the Emergency Management Office (EMO) of any real or anticipated event or emergency and upon activation of a REOC or the Declaration of State of Local Emergency, prescribe, as necessary, duties to be fulfilled by employees, servants and agents of the municipality and co-ordinate REOC activities with the EMO; 4) The REMPC in accordance with the Agreement;: a) shall include, but not be limited to, persons responsible during an emergency to provide health, law enforcement, fire, utilities, communications, transportation, public works, financial, legal or other essential community services; Formatted Regional Emergency Management Bylaw #146 Page 4 of 8 b) shall provide recommendations to the REMC for the purpose of the development of regional emergency management plans, policy and procedures for the Region and provide briefings as requested by Council; SECTION 4: RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHERS IN A STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY Following the Declaration of a State of Local Emergency and for the duration of such, every councillor, employee and agent of the participating Municipality who has a key role in the execution of the emergency management plans shall fulfil such duties as may be required according to the emergency plans. SECTION 5 Previously adopted versions of Bylaw 146 are hereby amended upon the effective date of the adoption of this “Regional Emergency Management” By-law. The existing Emergency Measures By-Law #70 of the Municipality of the District of Chester (2005) is hereby repealed upon the coming into effect of this By-Law. 1 Pam Myra From:Theodore Duchene Sent:February 6, 2022 10:54 AM To:Andre Veinotte Subject:#External: Bayswater Aquaculture Follow Up Flag:FollowUp Flag Status:Flagged o Dear Andre, o I hope & trust you’re doing well! o Thank you for your attention to this concern. o This letter addresses concerns of the potential expansion of the aquaculture facilities in Bayswater NS. o The logic of having the facility so close to a provincial park beach which is expanding in terms of popularity (and will continue to do so with the Tancook ferry service) defies logic. o Well-known complications have been documented worldwide & more specifically west coast Canada. These involve concerns about protecting the fishery, sea lice issues, potential bacterial infections, particularly as the ocean continues to warm. This is very problematic for this type of aquaculture facility. Generators will be obliged work overtime to oxygenate the water. Noise levels will augment, thereby also becoming a significant issue. o o Opportunity does beckon however. o The tourism opportunities that an increasingly popular Bayswater Beach present are enormous, and will expand with the new ferry infrastructure. Considerations of expanding the park perimeter and establishing camping opportunities complemented by kayak & trail facilities into the Aspotogan wilderness may offer significant benefits. o o Also, I wholeheartedly agree and support all community members who are very much in opposition to this expansion. o o I thank you for your attention to this concern. o Warmest regards and wishing you the very best. o o Ted Duchene, Bayswater NS. o Sent from my iPhone This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recogize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Pam Myra From:Judy Duffy Sent:February 14, 2022 6:55 PM To:PREMIER@novascotia.ca; min@dfo-mpo.gc.ca; MINDFA@novascotia.ca; rick.perkins@parl.gc.ca; Andre Veinotte; barkhousemla@gmail.com; stevecraigmla@gmail.com Subject:#External: NOISE POLLUTION : FISh FARM BAYSWATER LUNENBURG COUNTY Please note the following: The Municipality of Lunenburg County" NOISE BYLAW " "MOTORIZED DEVICES" and equipment engaged in construction which generate excessive or unwarranted NOISE shall be PROHIBITED between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.or as otherwise restricted by a town of Lunenburg Permit." The people living in " Bayswater " are enduring the constant noise of just two generators running 24 hours a day with the prospect of all eight generators in the near future and a company which is expected to expand in the coming months. Noise is noise and the people of Bayswater need help from all levels of government. It has been proven that constant back ground noise takes its tole on ones health and that is what is happening here in the County of Lunenburg. Sincerely, Just Duffy ( Bayswater) This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recogize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Pam Myra From:Daryl Gray Sent:February 13, 2022 11:50 PM To:Andre Veinotte Subject:#External: A request Follow Up Flag:FollowUp Flag Status:Flagged Hello Andre, I wonder if, for the record, you can ask Jeff Nickerson of Kelly Cove Salmon why their generator(s) are running 24/7 at their Saddle Island site? In the summer it's usually for aeration due to warm water. Obviously we don't have warm water now. They have run underwater lights this time of year. Whatever the reason, I would like to know what it is. I would like the request to come from you so that it is on the record. It may also generate a more prompt reply from Kelly Cove Salmon. The email I have for Jeff Nickerson is:<jnickerson@cookeaqua.com> Fyi, it is loud enough from about 2 kms away through insulated walls and triple glaze windows to keep me awake. Thank you, Daryl Daryl Gray Bayswater This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recogize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Pam Myra From:John MacDonald Sent:February 14, 2022 9:49 PM To:Colwell, Hon. Keith (DFA); stevecraigmla@gmail.com Cc:Premier; Danielle Barkhouse; dm-dfa@novascotia.ca; rick.perkins@parl.gc.ca; Minister, Env; min@dfo-mpo.gc.ca; Andre Veinotte; Twin Bays; healthybaysnetwork@gmail.com Subject:#External: Cooke Aquaculture - Saddle Island Site AQ1006 - Bayswater NS Follow Up Flag:FollowUp Flag Status:Flagged Dear Minister Craig, We are writing you today to express our opposition to the proposed retroactive expansion of the Cooke Aquaculture, Saddle Island site in Bayswater, Nova Scotia. We cannot have a repeat of what took place recently with the Rattling Beach ARB hearing. The legitimate environmental, social and legal concerns we are raising in this letter must be considered by the government and the ARB. The Saddle Island site is not a suitable location for ONP Aquaculture for a number of reasons which include, its poor biophysical characteristics and close proximity(1km) to an important and very busy Provincial Beach Park. This site has also already suffered a major mass mortality event during the winter of 2015 due to "super chill" which was not reported. That was followed by a relocation and expansion in 2018 without obtaining the required federal or provincial approvals. We believe that this relocation and expansion was done in response to the 2015 "super chill" event. We are also aware that Cooke Aquaculture had submitted an expansion application in 2016 but that application was also not made public until 2020, almost 2 years after the expansion took place. This does bring into question why DFA, DOE and DFO appear to have just stood by while an illegal expansion/relocation was taking place. Now the narrative we are hearing from Cooke and the government is that the expansion is only required to follow new regulations requiring moorings to be inside the lease boundaries. This appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the residents of Bayswater and the public at large. If regulations were being enforced in 2018 the moorings and cages at this site would never have been moved in the first place. As long time residents of Bayswater, we are experiencing first-hand the harm this "high risk" ONP farm is causing in our community, including beach pollution and exposure to multiple generators running 24/7 for 6 months of the year from June to November. These generators are running aeration pumps that are required for the fish to survive due to the unprecedented and well documented effects of climate change warming our shallow coastal waters. We are very concerned about a Summer mass mortality event, similar to what has happened in Newfoundland in recent years, and the effects that would have on our community and Bayswater Beach. There have been 3 current studies conducted around the Saddle Island site and all 3 have shown that the water is moving from the farm towards the beach, making the government stance that the beach is not being impacted by the Saddle Island farm simply not believable. There have been many studies that cite how far salmon farm waste travels, This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recogize the sender and know the content is safe. 2 and we saw this ourselves with the 2020 fouling of Bayswater Beach, where the Government response was neither prompt or adequate. This year the generators are already running, it appears, to light the cages at the site? In 2022, it looks like our community may be exposed for 10+ months to generator noise that is being amplified as it travels across the water, not to mention the obvious air pollution. Exposure to this amount of continuous "low frequency noise" is having a serious negative impact on residents and the quality of life in our coastal community. We have complained to all levels of government about this noise and all are claiming that they have no jurisdiction, how is that possible? There appears to be an industry first mandate in Nova Scotia at the expense of coastal residents. There is an opportunity with the upcoming ARB hearing to do the right thing and stop this expansion at a site that is not even appropriate for an ONP fish farm. Your government's commitment to listen to the people of Nova Scotia on important issues has been welcomed and we expect that it will apply when making important decisions about ONP Aquaculture. As per your mandate letter, see the following excerpt: "Support low-impact, sustainable aquaculture by implementing a proper licensing process that places much weight on environmental considerations and includes provincial regulation for potential environmental impacts, animal welfare, fish health and/or pest control product sale and use." Appling the important principles from this statement to the situation we have described in this letter, demonstrates clearly that the Saddle Island site is neither low impact or environmentally sustainable, it is in fact, very high risk and threatens the health and well-being of our community and the thousands of people who visit Bayswater Beach every summer. The pendulum is moving away from ONP Aquaculture worldwide and towards land based operations for obvious reasons. Nova Scotia should not be considering any increase in these sites, on the contrary, we should be turning the focus to land based sustainable aquaculture that does not pollute our oceans and coastal communities. There is an opportunity to change course, turn off the generators, stop polluting our coastline and preserve our brand as Canada's Ocean Playground before it's too late. Sincerely, John MacDonald & Cathy Peck Bayswater , NS 1 Pam Myra From:Peter McLeod Sent:February 10, 2022 8:51 AM To:Andre Veinotte Subject:#External: Kelly Cove Operations in Aspotogan Harbour Dear Mr. Veinotte, I am writing to you today as a means of communicating my opposition to the proposed license approval for Kelly Cove Salmon in the matter of expanding their fish operations located in Aspotogan Harbour. My objections centre on 3 primary concerns. As a resident of Ocean Point Estates, I am alarmed with the noise levels emitted by this facility. On some occasions the hum of equipment lasts for several hours, obviously lessening my personal enjoyment of my home. I understand that the owners of this facility are planning on operational changes that will increase noise and light pollution emitted from this facility. We have witnessed at times a large stream of surface slime on the water. Given the proximity to the Kelly Cove Operation and the absence of any other logical source I’m assuming this slime is a byproduct of operations at the facility in question. I have no information on the environmental impact this material might have on local sea birds or natural sea life, but would like to be assured it has no negative effect on the environment. The operators' obvious disregard for adhering to the terms of their current license. I understand that Kelly Cove has breached the terms of their current license by allowing their operation to migrate beyond the geographic boundaries originally agreed to. This blatant disregard of the terms of operations leads me to doubt their commitment to other terms of the license, especially those related to environmental protection protocols. I am lending my voice, as a resident of this community in opposition to the licensing boundary extension currently before the Nova Scotia Aquaculture Review Board and ask that Kelly Cove Salmon operations in Aspotogan undergo ongoing operational audits to ensure they are operating as a respectful and legal neighbor. Peter McLeod 36 Admirals Point Lane Aspotogan N.S. B0J1T0 This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recogize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Pam Myra From:Andre Veinotte Sent:February 16, 2022 12:47 PM To:Tara Maguire; Dan McDougall; Pam Myra Subject:FW: #External: Cooke Aquaculture - Saddle Island Site AQ1006 - Bayswater NS ANDRE VEINOTTE District #1 Consider the environment. Do you really need to print this email? From: Tim Smith Sent: February 16, 2022 12:44 PM To: MINDFA@novascotia.ca; stevecraigmla@gmail.com Cc: PREMIER@novascotia.ca; barkhousemla@gmail.com; dm-dfa@novascotia.ca; rick.perkins@parl.gc.ca; minister.environment@novascotia.ca; min@dfo-mpo.gc.ca; Andre Veinotte <aveinotte@chester.ca> Subject: #External: Cooke Aquaculture - Saddle Island Site AQ1006 - Bayswater NS Dear Premier, Minister's, MLA's, MNA and councillor, I am sending this email in full support of the attached letter sent by John MacDonald on 14th February, 2022. I am a resident of Bayswater and live directly across Hwy 329 overlooking the fish farm. The introduction of lighting systems to the fish pens has resulted in additional generator noise, it now seems to be a 12 month nuisance :-( Yours sincerely, Tim Smith 9 Myra Lane, Bayswater. Letter is as follows: Dear Minister Craig, We are writing to you today to express our opposition to the proposed retroactive expansion of the Cooke Aquaculture, Saddle Island site in Bayswater, Nova Scotia. We cannot have a repeat of what took place recently with the Rattling Beach ARB hearing. The legitimate environmental, social and legal concerns we are raising in this letter must be considered by the government and the ARB. This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recogize the sender and know the content is safe. 2 The Saddle Island site is not a suitable location for ONP Aquaculture for a number of reasons which include, its poor biophysical characteristics and close proximity(1km) to an important and very busy Provincial Beach Park. This site has also already suffered a major mass mortality event during the winter of 2015 due to "super chill" which was not reported. That was followed by a relocation and expansion in 2018 without obtaining the required federal or provincial approvals. We believe that this relocation and expansion was done in response to the 2015 "super chill" event. We are also aware that Cooke Aquaculture had submitted an expansion application in 2016 but that application was also not made public until 2020, almost 2 years after the expansion took place. This does bring into question why DFA, DOE and DFO appear to have just stood by while an illegal expansion/relocation was taking place. Now the narrative we are hearing from Cooke and the government is that the expansion is only required to follow new regulations requiring moorings to be inside the lease boundaries. This appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the residents of Bayswater and the public at large. If regulations were being enforced in 2018 the moorings and cages at this site would never have been moved in the first place. As long time residents of Bayswater, we are experiencing first-hand the harm this "high risk" ONP farm is causing in our community, including beach pollution and exposure to multiple generators running 24/7 for 6 months of the year from June to November. These generators are running aeration pumps that are required for the fish to survive due to the unprecedented and well documented effects of climate change warming our shallow coastal waters. We are very concerned about a Summer mass mortality event, similar to what has happened in Newfoundland in recent years, and the effects that would have on our community and Bayswater Beach. There have been 3 current studies conducted around the Saddle Island site and all 3 have shown that the water is moving from the farm towards the beach, making the government stance that the beach is not being impacted by the Saddle Island farm simply not believable. There have been many studies that cite how far salmon farm waste travels, and we saw this ourselves with the 2020 fouling of Bayswater Beach, where the Government response was neither prompt or adequate. This year the generators are already running, it appears, to light the cages at the site? In 2022, it looks like our community may be exposed for 10+ months to generator noise that is being amplified as it travels across the water, not to mention the obvious air pollution. Exposure to this amount of continuous "low frequency noise" is having a serious negative impact on residents and the quality of life in our coastal community. We have complained to all levels of government about this noise and all are claiming that they have no jurisdiction, how is that possible? There appears to be an industry first mandate in Nova Scotia at the expense of coastal residents. There is an opportunity with the upcoming ARB hearing to do the right thing and stop this expansion at a site that is not even appropriate for an ONP fish farm. Your government's commitment to listen to the people of Nova Scotia on important issues has been welcomed and we expect that it will apply when making important decisions about ONP Aquaculture. As per your mandate letter, see the following excerpt: "Support low-impact, sustainable aquaculture by implementing a proper licensing process that places much weight on environmental considerations and includes provincial regulation for potential environmental impacts, animal welfare, fish health and/or pest control product sale and use." Appling the important principles from this statement to the situation we have described in this letter, demonstrates clearly that the Saddle Island site is neither low impact or environmentally sustainable, it is in fact, very high risk and threatens the health and well-being of our community and the thousands of people who visit Bayswater Beach every summer. The pendulum is moving away from ONP Aquaculture worldwide and towards land based operations for obvious reasons. Nova Scotia should not be considering any increase in these sites, on the contrary, we should be turning the focus to land based sustainable aquaculture that does not pollute our oceans and coastal communities. 3 There is an opportunity to change course, turn off the generators, stop polluting our coastline and preserve our brand as Canada's Ocean Playground before it's too late. Sincerely, John MacDonald & Cathy Peck Bayswater , NS 1 Pam Myra From:Rudy Toering Sent:February 8, 2022 11:08 AM To:Andre Veinotte Subject:Open Pen Salmon Follow Up Flag:FollowUp Flag Status:Flagged Morning Andre: Hope all is well with you and family. I am sending this from my new email address. Lots of activity at the Cove. Many new building projects including our new neighbours Gus and Carol whom you have met. Petra and I have shared with Gus and Carol any news on the existing Kelly Cove Cooke commercial open net salmon fisheries visible from our home and homes to be. We all share a common concern that expansion plans may be coming. Additionally we have concerns regarding the noise pollution coming from the existing Salmon Farm at Bayswater Beach. We can hear these generators where we are (and we are not exactly right on top of them, even though the nets pollute our vista and also knowing how these salmon farms pollute our waters and kill our lobster industry), but we hate to think what this constant noise must be like for the residents along Bayswater Beach. As we understand it, this noise pollution falls under municipal jurisdiction. We truly hope that as the councillor for our district, you will be fighting for us that: a. You will make sure that the Municipality of Chester will be fighting to stop this noise pollution and b. Kelly Cove will not be allowed to expand the Open Net Salmon Farm at Bayswater Beach. Hoping to hear from you regarding our sincere concerns! Regards, Rudy Toering Past President and CEO retired. Canadian Business Aviation Association. CBAA REQUEST FOR DECISION REPORT TO: Municipal Council MEETING DATE: February 24, 2022 DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation SUBJECT: CAMS/CDS Community School Consideration ORIGIN: Motion# 2020-303 Date: February 14, 2022 Prepared by: Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Date: February 14, 2022 Authorized by: Dan McDougall, CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION Staff recommend that Council approve the permanent expansion of community use of schools to include Chester Area Middle School (CAMS) and Chester District Elementary School (CDS) and maintain the formal community use agreement with the South Shore Regional Center for Education (SSRCE). CURRENT SITUATION Council approved a 1-year trial for the community use of CAMS/CDS. The 1-year trial period has been completed and staff have compiled information to help evaluate the period based on tracking of community activities that took place at the facilities and feedback from staff. This report summarizes the activities over the 1-year period and concludes that continued operations would be a benefit for the community. Upon reflecting over the past year, school administration has been pleased with the coordination and management of the community use agreement and are supportive of continued use of the facility by the community (see attached letter from Vice Principal Jody Miller). Staff are now looking for direction from Council on the future of community use at these schools. BACKGROUND On May 7th, 2020, the CAMS/CDS community school committee requested that Council consider a community use agreement for these facilities. Council made a motion that directed staff to commence the planning process of turning CAMS and CDS into Community Use Schools for a 1-year trial and provide some projections as discussed. On July 9th, 2020 Council reviewed a Request for Decision regarding CAMS and CDS Community School consideration which discussed projected implications on budget, human resources (staffing and hours) and facilities. Council approved the request from the CAMS/CDS committee to initiate a new community use of schools agreement for a 1-year trial period. During the Fall of 2020, Recreation & Parks staff worked with SSRCE to draft a formal community use agreement. Community use logistics were worked out with school administration, parttime door monitor staff were hired and trained and forms and guidelines for community use were created based on forms at the existing community schools in the Municipality. The agreement was signed by both parties on January 12, 2021 and community use of CAMS & CDS started the same month. R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2 DISCUSSION Over the course of the 1-year trial there were over 1,400 visits into the schools for community use through a variety of avenues. We have seen community groups and businesses using the schools to offer programming such as the Chester Playhouse and EnPointe Studio. New opportunities have been presented from organizations such as Coastal Action and the Chester Art Center to offer after-school programming for students. The addition of two gymnasium spaces for community use across the Municipality of Chester has allowed the Recreation & Parks Department to increase our program offerings for activities such as Zumba, Basketball, Volleyball, Family Games Nights, Soccer and Yoga which have all been well attended by community members. At the July 9th, 2020 Council meeting questions were raised about the impact that COVID-19 might have on the 1-year trial period. Municipal staff work closely with SSRCE Operations and Administration to make changes to facility use protocols on an ongoing basis. There have been time periods where the schools have either been closed for community use to help reduce the spread of COVID, or community use was limited to one group or rental per day to accommodate extra sanitation protocols. At these times we were not able to accommodate all the requests for community use. As a result, if community use is to continue, it is anticipated that overall visitor numbers will grow over the coming years as COVID restrictions are lifted. For the period of January 1st, 2021 – August 31st, 2021, the provincial COVID guidelines were promoting healthy, active living and recreation. To foster this and support facilities to be more accessible to community members, the SSRCE paid all community school expenses during this time, so we were able to offer gym use at no cost to non-profit groups and individuals. As a result, the financial report presented here does not accurately represent what typical community use financials will look like for CAMS/CDS as the facility rental costs are minimal and we will be reimbursed a portion of the salary and wage expenses in March 2022. 2021 CAMS/CDS Community Use Month Visits January 80 February 180 March 193 April 269 May Closed (COVID) June Closed (COVID) July 48 August 60 September 67 October 155 November 220 December 149 Total 1,421 R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 3 When considering the impact of CAMS/CDS transitioning into community use schools, staff and Council were aware that other community facilities may be impacted. To ensure that CAMS/CDS did not undercut other facilities, staff researched facility rental rates across the Municipality and established rental rates appropriately. 2021 CAMS/CDS Rental Rates ($/hour) Location Business Rate Non-Profit Rate Gymnasium $30 $15 Cafeteria $24 $12 Classroom $16 $8 After reviewing the activities at CAMS/CDS there is no indication that any community groups have left other community locations in favor of the newly available school spaces. Likewise, the CAMS/CDS space has not pulled groups from our other schools, which have maintained the same level of community use and program offerings. The expansion of community use to CAMS/CDS has added new opportunities/locations for programs and partnerships. We have seen at least one organization, EnPointe Studio, use CAMS/CDS as an additional location for their existing programs, allowing them to expand their program offerings in the community. OPTIONS 1. Approve the permanent expansion of community use of schools to include CAMS and CDS and maintain the formal community use agreement with the SSRCE. R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 4 2. Do not continue with community use of CAMS/CDS and terminate the agreement with the SSRCE. 3. Request additional information from staff. IMPLICATIONS By-Law/Policy N/A Financial/budgetary If community use of CAMS/CDS continues, the original annual budget estimations of $11,500 from the trial year will be used for the 2022/2023 fiscal year. The actual costs experienced this year were lower than budgeted, however, as outlined above, this was mainly due to the impacts of COVID-19. It is anticipated that the numbers in the operating budget will increase for 2022/2023. In addition to the operating costs of the schools, human resources and associated costs are required to enable the community use of CAMS/CDS. In order to appropriately resource CAMS/CDS, the Community Development Coordinator hours were increased from 25 hours per week (part-time) to 35 hours per week (full-time). If CAMS/CDS continue with the community use agreement, full-time hours of the Community Development Coordinator will be required. Environmental N/A Strategic Priorities The community use of CAMS/CDS will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Outcomes of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: Priority Outcomes: Governance & Engagement 1. Ensure municipal service delivery is efficient and effective, communicated and accessible. Priority Outcomes: Healthy & Vibrant Communities 1. Ensure residents have access to facilities, natural assets, programs, and services that enrich a quality of life and provide safe communities for residents and visitors alike. 2. Develop an accessibility, diversity, and equity lens for municipal plans and services, and support partners in advancing accessible and inclusive communities. Priority Outcomes: Infrastructure & Service Delivery 1. Create efficiencies through innovative service delivery, and proactive maintenance and operations of existing infrastructure. Work Program Implications Our model for community use of schools has been successful for over 25 years and one important learning is that staff coordination is a critical component of operation. For the CAMS/CDS site it is estimated that 12 hours per week is required to manage community use which includes hiring and managing staff, scheduling the facilities, processing rental fees, creating contracts for facility rentals and maintaining ongoing relationships with SSRCE operations and school staff. R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 5 Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _ _ No _X_ N/A COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) Whatever decision Council makes regarding CAMS/CDS community school consideration, staff will communicate that to the public through our Communications Officer. ATTACHMENTS 1. Letter of support from Vice Principal Jody Miller. Chester Area Middle School Jan 05/ 2022 204 Duke Street, Chester, Nova Scotia B0J 1T0 RE: Chester Area Middle School Community Use Dear Municipal Council Member, Schools are the hub of their community. They serve a myriad of functions to a diverse population in communities. Although Covid - 19 has limited our ability to gather the last few years, the move to make Chester Area Middle School a Community Use School has been very positive. I can attest that this past year alone, a wide range of groups and individuals have benefitted from the use of our facility. Pre-school children to seniors have all been actively involved at CAMS as part of the Community Use program. Our facility has been booked by family groups for family fun nights, senior yoga, male groups, female groups, theatre groups and a whole range of community groups using it to stay active in a wide range of sports and physical fitness activities. It has also served as a facility for important training sessions and a space to host meetings. Due to the success of this initiative we are seeing members of our community accessing services, training and programs that many wouldn’t have otherwise been able to access if this were not in place. This is heart-warming! In closing, a huge part of the success of this model is the fact that a Community Use Coordinator is in place to help with coordinating, scheduling and communicating to everyone involved. Looking in from the outside it could appear to be a fairly simple endeavor to coordinate; however, this would be far from the reality of what is involved to make this work successfully. Without the continued support and continuance of the existing model in place, I fear many community members would lose out. All signs appear to show that the Community Use will only continue to grow and continue to support and serve the greater good in our community. Thank you for supporting this worthwhile initiative, Jody Miller (he, him) Vice Principal, Chester Area Middle School PLANNING MATTERS REPORT REPORT TO: Municipal Council MEETING DATE: February 24, 2022 DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation SUBJECT: MPS Amendments in Response to Bill 58 – Minimum Planning Requirements ORIGIN: Passage of Provincial Bill 58 Date: February 3, 2022 Prepared by: Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner Date: February 18, 2022 Reviewed by: Chad Haughn, Director CD&R Date: February 18, 2022 Authorized by: Dan McDougall, CAO APPLICATION OVERVIEW Applicant: N/A Zone: N/A Proposal: N/A Rezoning Required: ___ Yes _ _ No _X N/A Location: General Amendment to MPS Neighbour Notification: N/A RECOMMENDED MOTION Staff are seeking direction from Council to proceed with amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy to outline engagement with abutting Municipal units. These amendments are required to comply with Provincial Bill 58. If Council is satisfied with the approach outlined, staff will hold a Public Information Meeting to solicit comments and then present the amendments to both the Chester Village Planning Advisory Committee and the Municipal Planning Advisory Committee for recommendations. The file will then be brought back to Council for 1st Reading. 1. Direct staff to host a Public Information Meeting and present the draft amendments, attached as Appendix A, to the Village Planning Advisory Committee and Municipal Planning Advisory Committee for comment and recommendation before returning to Council for 1st Reading; CURRENT SITUATION Effective on December 3, 2019, Provincial Bill 58 includes amendments to the Municipal Government Act and introduces minimum planning requirements for all Municipal Units. Any required amendments must be in place within three years of the effective date, being December 3, 2022. Staff have reviewed the contents of the Bill and confirm that most changes will not impact the current planning framework in MOC. However, one new area requires specific policies on how the Municipality will engage on planning decisions with abutting municipalities. Bill 58 requires that a Municipality engage abutting Municipalities earlier in the planning process, prior to 1st notice of a Public Hearing being advertised. This is in addition to the standard public participation program carried out for each planning file. P l a n n i n g M a t t e r s R e p o r t – M P S A m e n d m e n t s B i l l 5 8 P a g e | 2 BACKGROUND In support of Municipal planning and land use control, Bill 58 has introduced changes to the existing Municipal Government Act. This includes the addition of Minimum Planning Requirements which require that every Municipality adopt a Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for all areas within the Municipality. In addition to these requirements, Bill 58 includes provisions that require a Municipality to adopt policies on engagement with abutting Municipal Units prior to giving 1st reading to planning documents. DISCUSSION Staff from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, the Town of Mahone Bay, the Town of Lunenburg, the Town of Bridgewater and Municipality of Chester have met to discuss a regional engagement policy. It was determined that each unit has varying procedures for engagement and that creating an identical policy was unlikely to succeed. Instead, staff focused on producing a draft procedure for each unit, incorporating the spirit of collaboration and although differing in format, much of the core ideas remain common. In the Municipality of Chester, the public engagement program has been long established and primarily contained in the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. Other Municipal units choose to have a stand-alone policy for Public Engagement or Public Engagement for Planning Activities. The draft amendments, attached as Appendix A will add policies to Section 9.1 of the Municipal Planning Strategy to outline both the existing public participation program as well as new policies on engagement with abutting Municipalities. The most significant change being a requirement to notify abutting Municipalities of changes to planning documents prior to Council giving 1st reading. The draft policies describe the type of planning documents that require this early notice. Additionally, the policies outline the procedure for notifying abutting Municipalities. Of note, the draft policies consider notice to abutting Municipalities to have “solicited” comments, whether or not a response is received. Without this clarification, it could be argued that a Municipality is required to await feedback once notice is given before proceeding to a Public Hearing. OPTIONS 1. Direct staff to host a Public Information Meeting and present the draft amendments, attached as Appendix A, to the Village Planning Advisory Committee and Municipal Planning Advisory Committee for comment and recommendation before returning to Council for 1st Reading; 2. Direct staff to make changes to the draft MPS amendments attached as Appendix A (please specify); IMPLICATIONS By-Law/Policy The draft amendments will add policy to Section 9.1 of the Municipal Planning Strategy as per Appendix A. Financial/budgetary N/A Environmental N/A P l a n n i n g M a t t e r s R e p o r t – M P S A m e n d m e n t s B i l l 5 8 P a g e | 3 Strategic Priorities The amendments to clarify the Public Participation Program for planning documents will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Outcomes of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: Priority Outcomes: Governance & Engagement 1. Ensure municipal service delivery is efficient and effective, communicated and accessible. 2. Ensure municipal bylaw and policy frameworks reflect current and changing needs. Work Program Implications No significant implications are expected. Has Legal review been completed? X Yes _ _ No __ N/A COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) As noted in this report, staff worked with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Town of Mahone Bay, Town of Lunenburg and Town of Bridgewater to develop a similar approach to regional engagement. This was in keeping with the spirit of the legislation and resulted in similar policy statements being proposed for each unit in Lunenburg County. ATTACHMENTS  Appendix A – draft MPS Amendments to outline Public Participation Program and engagement with abutting Municipalities for planning documents. P l a n n i n g M a t t e r s R e p o r t – M P S A m e n d m e n t s B i l l 5 8 P a g e | 4 APPENDIX A – Draft MPS Amendments Policy Amendments to Section 9 of the Municipal Planning Strategy. The following will be added beginning at 9.1 as follows: Policy A-1 All public participation process relating to the creation, review or amendments of planning documents shall follow the Municipality’s public participation program as outlined in this Municipal Planning Strategy and shall meet or exceed the requirements of the Municipal Government Act. Policy A-2 The public participation program shall focus on the following principles: a) Providing clear information b) Using a variety of formats c) Giving timely notice d) Gathering meaningful feedback Policy A-3: Public Participation Program As required by the Municipal Government Act, a Public Participation Program (A-3) shall be completed before first notice of a Public Hearing is advertised. The minimum required Public Participation Program shall be as follows: a) Council provides direction to staff to: i) Prepare a draft Development Agreement; Or ii) Prepare amendments to a Municipal Planning Strategy, Secondary Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law or Subdivision By-law; Or iii) Conduct a review of, or prepare a new Municipal Planning Strategy, Secondary Planning Strategy, Land Use By-law or Subdivision By-law. b) Public Information Meeting advertised in local newspaper, on the Municipal Website, via Municipal Alerts, posted to the Municipal Office doors and may be posted to Municipal Social Media sites. This meeting is open to the public and advertised at least 5 days prior to the date of the meeting. P l a n n i n g M a t t e r s R e p o r t – M P S A m e n d m e n t s B i l l 5 8 P a g e | 5 c) Planning Advisory Committee Meeting held. This meeting shall be advertised in a local newspaper, on the Municipal Website, via Municipal Alerts, posted to the Municipal Office doors and may be posted to Municipal Social Media sites. This meeting is open to the public and advertised at least 5 days prior to the date of the meeting. Policy A-4: Public Hearing a) Following the completion of the Public Participation Program (Policy A-3), Council may give first reading and set a date for a Public Hearing. First Reading shall occur at a regular Council meeting that is open to the public. b) Council shall hold a Public Hearing in compliance with the Municipal Government Act, including notification sent to neighbouring Municipalities and Villages to advise of the date and time of the Public Hearing. Policy A-5: Approval a) Following the Public Hearing (A-4), Council may vote to give second reading to approve the documents. Policy A-6: Early Notice for Abutting Municipalities In addition to the notice of a Public Hearing, as required by the Municipal Government Act, early notification for abutting Municipalities is required prior to advertising a Public Hearing. This early notice is required in the following circumstances: a) Council provides direction authorizing: i) The creation or review of a Municipal Planning Strategy or Secondary Planning Strategy; Or ii) The creation or review of a Municipal Subdivision By-law; Or iii) The preparation of a Draft Development Agreement for a site in a community (GSA) within 500m of a border with the abutting Municipality; Or iv) Preparation of Amendments to a Municipal Planning Strategy, Secondary Planning Strategy or Land Use By-law, where the amendment impacts a P l a n n i n g M a t t e r s R e p o r t – M P S A m e n d m e n t s B i l l 5 8 P a g e | 6 specific property in a community (GSA) within 500m of a border with the abutting Municipality. b) Subject to A-6 a), an abutting Municipality means, for the General Service Areas of: i) Beech Hill, Blandford, Chester Islands, Forties, Franey Corner, Gold River, Martins Point and Martins River, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. ii) Aldersville, Forties, Franey Corner, Fraxville and Mill Road, the Municipality of the County of Kings. iii) New Russell, Mill Road and Sherwood, the West Hants Regional Municipality. iv) Easter River, Fox Point, Hubbards, Sherwood and Simms Settlement, the Halifax Regional Municipality. c) In the cases outlined in A-6 a) above, notice will be sent by regular mail or electronic means to the Clerk of the relevant abutting Municipalities. This notice will provide a general summary of the proposed work and provide an opportunity for the abutting Municipality to submit comments on the proposal. d) Any comments received from an abutting Municipality shall be considered at a Council meeting or at the relevant Planning Advisory Committee meeting, but in all cases shall be considered prior to Council giving First Reading. e) The notification and opportunity to submit comments prior to the date of first reading shall be deemed as having solicited comments, regardless of whether a written response is received. In no case shall the lack of response from an abutting Municipality or Village require a delay or postponement in giving first reading. REQUEST FOR DECISION REPORT TO: Municipal Council MEETING DATE: February 24, 2022 DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation SUBJECT: Designated Community Fund ORIGIN: Designated Community Fund Request Date: February 16, 2022 Prepared by: Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Date: Authorized by: Dan McDougall, CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION That Council provide a Designated Community Fund Grant to the Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department in the amount of $500. CURRENT SITUATION The Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department has requested a Designated Community Fund Grant in the amount of $500. BACKGROUND The Municipality of Chester has a Designated Community Fund Policy (P-77) which provides an opportunity for individuals or businesses to donate funds to the Municipality with direction that it be deposited into a Designated Community Fund Account for a specific group. The donor receives a charitable donation receipt for their contribution. After a period of time, the community organization requests a Designated Community Fund Grant from the Municipality equivalent to the funds collected. DISCUSSION The Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department has followed the policy by establishing a Designated Community Fund Account and is now formally requesting the grant payment (see attached letter of request). The Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department is planning to purchase new 5” Gated Wye (a hose line valve that allows a single hose to be split into two). The Department of Finance has confirmed that there is $500 in the Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department Designated Community Fund Account. OPTIONS 1. Approve the Designated Community Fund Grant as requested. 2. Do not approve the Designated Community Fund Grant and request additional information from staff. IMPLICATIONS By-Law/Policy If Council approves the grant payment, they will have adhered to the process outlined in the Designated Community Fund Policy (P-77). R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2 Financial/budgetary Payment of the grant in the amount of $500 is equivalent to the amount of funds collected. Approval of this request will have no impact on the Council budget for 2021-22. Environmental NA Strategic Priorities NA Work Program Implications NA Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _ _ No _X_ N/A ATTACHMENTS 1. Letter requesting a Designated Community Fund Grant from Chief Doug Rines, Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department. District Council Grants 2021 - 2022 Updated February 17, 2022 Requested Approved Date Approved *Ocean Swells Community Association: Maintain facility 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ April 15, 2021 *District 1 Community Centre: Maintain facility 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ April 15, 2021 District 1 Community Centre: Water Softener 547.50$ 547.50$ June 24, 2021 District 1 Community Centre: Parking Lot Repairs 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 24, 2021 Our Health Centre: Enhanced Security System - Panic Buttons 1,654.25$ 500.00$ February 10, 2022 Chester Jr Sail Program: Equipment & Repairs 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ August 19, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 5,047.50$ *Funds Carried Forward from 2020-2021 2,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 6,952.50$ Aspotogan Fitness Club: Gym Mirror 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ November 25, 2021 Chester Brass Band: Summer Band Stand Concerts 600.00$ 600.00$ June 24, 2021 Hubbards Area Lions Club: Purification System 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 27, 2021 Hubbards Area Lions Club: Christmas Hampers 500.00$ 500.00$ November 25, 2021 Hubbards Area Lions Club: Accessible Washroom Plumbing Upgrades 1,000.00$ Through the Years Day Care & Comm Centre: Court Surface 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ June 10, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 6,100.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 3,900.00$ Chester Area Middle School: Christmas Dinner 900.00$ 500.00$ December 16, 2021 Chester District Soccer Association: Purchase New Jerseys 500.00$ 500.00$ April 15, 2021 Chester Farmers' and Artisan Market: Storage Shed 800.00$ 800.00$ June 24, 2021 Chester Jr Sail Program: Equipment & Repairs 500.00$ 500.00$ August 19, 2021 Chester Merchants: Village Christmas Festival 1,500.00$ 500.00$ November 25, 2021 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Farmers Market Pavillion 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ August 26, 2021 Chester Theatre Council (Playhouse): Summer Programs 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 10, 2021 Chester Yacht Club: Race Week Adaptations (Virtual, PPE, etc.) 500.00$ 500.00$ May 27, 2021 Our Health Centre: Enhanced Security System - Panic Buttons 1,654.25$ 500.00$ February 10, 2022 Starfish Reunite, St Stephens Parish: Refugee Family Fundraising 500.00$ 500.00$ August 12, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 7,800.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 2,200.00$ Chester Basin Fire Department: Everyday Heros and Wildfire Preparedness 500.00$ 500.00$ October 28, 2021 Forest Heights Community School: Christmas Dinner & Artwork 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ December 9, 2021 RC Legion, Br 88, Chester Basin: Community Banner Project 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ August 12, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 5,500.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 4,500.00$ Together We Can Community: 3 Events (2 Halloween and 1 Christmas) 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ November 25, 2021 Western Shore & Area Improvement Asso: Flower Baskets 3,248.75$ 3,248.75$ June 24, 2021 Western Shore & District Fire Department: Western Shore Days 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ August 12, 2021 Western Shore & Area Improvement Association: Christmas Wreaths 776.25$ 776.25$ November 25, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 7,525.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 2,475.00$ Charing Cross Garden Club 500.00$ 500.00$ September 9, 2021 Forties Community Centre: Oktoberfest 500.00$ 500.00$ May 27, 2021 RC Legion, Br 79 New Ross: Canada Day & Remembrance Day 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ June 24, 2021 New Ross Community Care Centre: Communications 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ July 22, 2021 New Ross Farmers Association: Septic Upgrades & Maintenance, etc. 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ August 12, 2021 New Ross Regional Development Society: Christmas Festival & other events 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ October 14, 2021 New Ross Farmers Association: Comm Rink Materials & Supplies 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ August 12, 2021 New Ross Trails Society: Ongoing Trail Projects 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ November 10, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 8,500.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 1,500.00$ Chester Area Middle School: Christmas Dinner 900.00$ 400.00$ December 16, 2021 Our Health Centre: Enhanced Security System - Panic Buttons 1,654.25$ 500.00$ February 10, 2022 Chester District Soccer Association: Purchase New Jerseys 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ April 15, 2021 District 7 Chester Jr Sail Program: Equipment & Repairs 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ August 19, 2021 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 2,900.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 7,100.00$ Total Funds Approved 43,372.50$ 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 28,627.50$ District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6