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MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
AGENDA
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Livestreamed via YouTube at
www.youtube.com/modcvideo
Office Location: 151 King Street, Chester, NS
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
3. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (15 minutes – 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)
4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
4.1 Council – July 28, 2022.
4.2 Council – August 23, 2022.
5. COMMITTEE REPORTS
5.1 Committee of the Whole – August 4, 2022.
6. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
6.1 Email from Carol Nauss regarding installation of a donated caboose at the Chester Train
Station (appointment at 9:00 a.m.)
7. MATTERS ARISING
7.1 Request for Decision prepared August 24, 2022 – Corporate & Strategic Management
Department – Fire Services Registration for 2022/23.
7.2 Request for Decision prepared August 18, 2022 – Financial & Information Services –
2022/23 Budget Adjustment (Carry forward of 2021/22 Amounts).
8. BY-LAWS AND POLICIES
8.1 Amendment to Private Street Improvement By-Law No. 72 – Second/Final Reading to be
compliant with the Municipal Government Act changes, reduce the administration fee to a
flat 5%, and clarify some definitions.
8.2 Request for Decision prepared August 12, 2022 – Finance & Information Services –
Amendments to Policy P-25 Tax Exemption Policy.
8.3 Adoption of Code of Conduct Policy P-102 – Second/Final Notice (amended to remove
penalties section as per July 28, 2022 Council meeting).
Page 2 of 2
9. CORRESPONDENCE
9.1 Email to Councillor Wells from Deborah Toogood dated August 2, 2022 regarding Air BnB
rentals in the Village of Chester and a request for rules/regulations.
9.2 Email from Information Privacy Commissioner for Nova Scotia – Right to Know Week in
Nova Scotia (Proclamation Request).
9.3 Correspondence from fasdAtlantic regarding request to proclaim September 9 as
International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day.
9.4 Correspondence from F. E. Butler Branch 44 Royal Canadian Legion dated August 19, 2022
regarding repair required on the two small cannons flanking the cenotaph.
9.5 Email from John Saunders requesting consideration to provide a Port-a-Potty at the
location of a food truck at Exit 8.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10.1 Request for Decision prepared August 4, 2022 – Community Development & Recreation
Department – New Road Name Assignment (Deep Cove Terrace).
10.2 District Council Grants:
a. District 1 – Ocean Swells Community Association - $2,500.
b. District 4 – Aenon Baptist Church - $1,000.
c. District 5 – Royal Canadian Legion Branch 144 - $2,000.
11. IN CAMERA
12. ADJOURNMENT
326
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
Minutes of
COUNCIL MEETING
Livestreamed via YouTube from 151 King Street, Chester
On Thursday, July 28, 2022
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:55 a.m.
Present: District 1 – Councillor A. Veinotte District 5 – Councillor A. Assaff
District 2 – Deputy Warden F. Shatford District 6 – Councillor T. Connors
District 3 – Councillor D. Wells District 7 – Councillor S. Church
District 4 – Warden A. Webber
Staff: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO
Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk
Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure & Operations
Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation
Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner
Erin Lowe, Senior Economic Development Officer
Olivia Corkum, Community Economic Development Officer
Sylvia Dixon, Development & Planning Technician
Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor
Regrets: Dan McDougall, CAO
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
Additions:
Councillor Connors – Update on Evening Market event that took place in New Ross
over the weekend.
Councillor Wells – Outdoor Dining Update.
Councillor Wells - Roads and overgrown brush along roads.
Council (continued) July 28, 2022 327
2022-321 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the
agenda and order of business for the July 28, 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 Meeting – July 14, 2022.
2022-322 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the
minutes of the July 14, 2022 Council Meeting be approved. ALL IN FAVOUR.
MOTION CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
5.1 Committee of the Whole – July 21, 2022 – Warden Webber.
2022-323 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church the following
motion from the July 21, 2022 Committee of the Whole be approved as follows:
2022-314 – “…amended schedule of Council and Committee of the Whole
meetings for August and September, 2022:
DATE MEETING CHANGE
August 11, 2022 Council Cancelled
August 18, 2022 Committee of the
Whole
Cancelled
August 25, 2022 Council Cancelled
September 15,
2022
No meeting
Scheduled
Hold a Committee of the
Whole Meeting
September 22,
2022
Committee of the
Whole
Move to September 15,
2022. No meeting on
September 22nd.”
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
Council (continued) July 28, 2022 328
5.2 Audit Committee – July 21, 2022 – Warden Webber.
2022-324 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council
approve the following recommendation from the July 21, 2022 meeting of
the Audit Committee:
2022-319 – “… approval of the 2021/22 Consolidated Financial Statements as
presented to the Audit Committee on July 21, 2022.”
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
MATTERS ARISING
7.1 Request for Decision prepared July 14, 2022 – Corporate & Strategic Management –
Request to raise Pan-African Flag.
2022-325 MOVED by Councillor Connors, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council
approve the request from the request to raise the Pan-African Flag on August 1,
2022. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
7.2 Request for Decision prepared July 19, 2022 – Community Development & Recreation
Department – New Road Name Assignment – Fox Point Hill (Fox Point).
Sylvia Dixon, Development and Planning Technician was present to outline the request for
the New Road Name Assignment of Fox Point Hill (Fox Point).
2022-326 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that
Council approve the Road Name of Fox Point Hill (Fox Point) and direct staff to
notify property owners and the appropriate agencies. ALL IN FAVOUR.
MOTION CARRIED.
7.3 Request for Direction prepared July 13, 2022 – Community Development & Recreation
Department – Request to rezone a portion of PID No. 60422888 from Settlement
Residential Two Zone to the Mixed Use Zone.
Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner, was present to review the Request for Direction regarding
a request to rezone a portion of PID No. 60422888 from Settlement Residential Two Zone
Council (continued) July 28, 2022 329
to the Mixed Use Zone. He noted that presently half of the lot is in one zone and the other
half in the other zone.
He outlined the location of the lot, noting the change does not impact the water side of
Highway 3, and is generally a less populated area. He also noted that there is no obligation
for the developer to provide information at this time, but it was noted that the intent was to
subdivide the property for commercial use (adjacent Highway 103). Staff can ask the
developer for some information, however, that would not be an obligation at this time. It
was also noted that there may not be any details yet as they may wait until the zoning is
actually in place before they design the plans.
2022-327 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that
Council direct staff to prepare a report for consideration by the Municipal
Planning Advisory Committee regarding the request to rezone a portion of PID
60422888 from Settlement Residential Two Zone to the Mixed Use Zone. ALL IN
FAVOUR, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF COUNCILLOR VEINOTTE, WHO ABSTAINED
FROM VOTING. MOTION CARRIED.
7.4 1st Quarter Report – Corporate & Strategic Management Department.
Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO and Erin Lowe, Senior Economic Development Officer were
present and provided an overview of the 1st Quarter Report for the Corporate & Strategic
Management Department with comments on the following items found in the document:
Special Projects.
o It was requested that staff contact Develop NS to get an update on the
Simms Settlement area and lack of coverage there.
Administrative and Organization Support.
Priorities and Grants.
Policy Development.
Accessibility – more positions will need to be filled.
Fire Services – Fire Risk Assessment and Chester Village Fire Service Committee.
REMO.
Health and Safety.
Communication Support (administrative support and projects support).
Investment Attraction Activities.
InvestChester.ca.
Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park.
Physician Recruitment and Retention Program.
Council (continued) July 28, 2022 330
Best of Chester Municipality Business Awards.
Tourism Chester Additions.
o Top Ten Pages.
o Visitors
o Facebook page visits.
Business Support.
Other Economic Development Updates.
Councillor Connors commented on the importance of Arts, Culture, and Recreation
throughout the entire Municipality. The Senior Economic Development Officer indicated
that she is working on a discussion paper on what makes an Arts and Culture Strategy
successful.
Councillor Veinotte asked about a potential strategy with regard to how we can benefit
from the relocation of the Tancook Ferry. Something to capture the vehicular traffic and
keep the visitors within this Municipality, rather than driving off of the ferry to go elsewhere.
He suggested the possible use of interpretive signage, panels, or information signage.
Councillor Wells commented that the Municipality should also start planning/thinking about
the Ferry Wharf in Chester once the Ferry will be relocated to Blandford.
Councillor Wells asked for an update on Outdoor Dining and the Senior Economic
Development Officer indicated one application has been approved (a joint application
between Tanners Brewery and Il Fermenta). The application from the tavern was declined
by the Province and it was noted the issue is with the width of the road and based on the
Province’s traffic safety minimum standards.
7.5 Code of Conduct – Updated Draft.
Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO reviewed the draft provided today which followed the first
presentation to Council and the request for rewording some of the words and terms. The
changes are outlined in red in the document. It was noted that the province has not yet
enacted the regulations with regard to a Code of Conduct, and once they do, there may be
changes required in our policy.
Discussion was held with regard to the authority to impose a penalty. It was agreed to
remove this section until we are sure we have the authority.
Council (continued) July 28, 2022 331
The Deputy CAO noted that other Municipalities have Codes of Conduct but are silent on
penalties and if they have had issues happen, they have put penalties in place. It was
suggested to remove that portion of the policy and, if needed, we can deal with it at that
time.
2022-328 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that
Council conduct First Notice of the Code of Conduct Policy P-102 provided with
the penalties section removed and refer to Second/Final Notice. ALL IN
FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
A break was held from 10:04 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
CORRESPONDENCE
8.1 Email dated July 13, 2022 from Ray Cambria expressing concern about the disregard
for the Highway Traffic Act in the Village of Chester in relation to signage that is not
visible due to shrubbery; and
8.2 Email dated July 1, 2022 from Ray Cambria with regard to dangerous traffic conditions
in the Village of Chester and the near misses that have taken place due to speeding
and requesting more RCMP presence when it is busy.
Council reviewed the issues outlined in the emails from Ray Cambria regarding speeding
and overgrown brush obstructing views of road signs commenting on the following:
Referral of letters to the RCMP Advisory Board.
Municipal Public Works staff cutting brush on Municipal Property that may have
obstructed views. As well, staff have also cut brush on some provincial properties
where the brush has been obstructing signage.
Traffic calming – which is difficult to implement on roads that do not belong to the
Municipality.
Speed limits lower than 50 km, however, it was noted that 30 km speed limits seem
to be used only for areas near schools.
Payment for maintenance and paving within the Village is paid by the Municipality,
why not request ownership of the roads so that regular maintenance? It was
thought this may be on the table for discussion in the upcoming Service Exchange
Process with the Province.
It was noted that the NS Department of Public Works were carrying out brush
cutting recently throughout the Municipality.
Council (continued) July 28, 2022 332
An email was also received from Paul Dyer regarding the dangerous overgrowth of
vegetation at Freda’s Beach, noting there have been some near misses with children.
o The Municipality owns Freda’s Beach so the Municipal Public Works Staff can
look at that location for a solution.
Recent RCMP Advisory Board meeting and discussion regarding speeding – the
RCMP do have it on their list for attention. They have indicated there will be a larger
presence during Race Week but also need some information (car, licence plate, etc.)
in order to follow up with the drivers.
Have discussion with the NS Department of Public Works at the quarterly meeting
on traffic calming.
The recent Traffic Study Report suggested measures for traffic calming and there will
be a workshop with Council in the fall to further discuss the report and possible
options.
The need to get information to the public regarding the traffic study that was held,
and that Council is taking it seriously – a mailout was suggested.
Staff will follow up with Public Works on what streets Councillors have suggested
the mobile speed radar unit be placed and will work those roads into a schedule for
the unit.
Is the Municipality able to put signs up?
o The advice from NS Public Works was no, however, in some areas private
citizens have erected signage on their own properties.
A flashing beacon/sign may be appropriate in the Freda’s Beach area.
Councillor Wells asked that his request for speed bumps near Freda’s Beach be noted in the
minutes.
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
There were no public presentations.
NEW BUSINESS
9.1 District 6 – Council District Grant – New Ross Preschool Society (Daycare)
Councillor Connors outlined the Council District Grant request from the New Ross Preschool
Society (Daycare) in the amount of $1,000, noting that it fits into the priority areas of
Healthy & Vibrant Communities and Economic Development.
Council (continued) July 28, 2022 333
2022-329 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that
Council approve the amount of $1,000 for a District 6 Council Grant for the New
Ross Preschool Society (Daycare). ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
9.2 New Event in New Ross – Evening Market - Councillor Connors.
Councillor Connors updated Council on the first Evening Market held in New Ross on July
23rd. The vendors and the organizers were happy with the results of the first event,
agreeing they would be holding the event annually. The estimate was approximately 1,000
to 1,500 people attended. One vendor, Scotia Ironworks, donated a sculpture for ticket
sales for the outdoor rink, raising $300 for the project.
IN CAMERA
There were no items for discussion In Camera.
ADJOURNMENT
2022-330 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the
meeting adjourn. (10:35 a.m.)
___________________________ ___________________________
Allen Webber Pamela Myra
Warden Municipal Clerk
368
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
Minutes of
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Livestreamed via YouTube from 151 King Street, Chester
On Tuesday, August 23, 2022
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m.
Present: District 1 – Councillor A. Veinotte District 5 – Councillor A. Assaff
District 2 – Deputy Warden F. Shatford District 6 – Councillor T. Connors
District 3 – Councillor D. Wells District 7 – Councillor S. Church
District 4 – Warden A. Webber
Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO
Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk
Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure & Operations
Christa Rafuse, Director of Solid Waste
Dan Pittman, Records Manager
Ben Swinamer, Heavy Equipment Operator/Site Supervisor
Robert Russell, Heavy Equipment Operator/Mechanic
Regrets: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
Additions:
2022-343 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the
agenda and order of business for the August 23, 2022, Special Council
meeting be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC INPUT
There was no public input.
Council (continued) August 23, 2022 369
MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
4.1 Request for Decision prepared August 18, 2022 – Infrastructure & Operations –
Compactor Replacement for Kaizer Meadow.
Christa Rafuse, Director of Solid Waste reviewed the August 18, 2022 Request for Decision
regarding the replacement of a compactor for Kaizer Meadow. She reviewed the
information included in the material provided reviewing the CAT and TANA machinery.
Both the CAT and TANA machines meet the requirements; however, the TANA is expected
to be delivered in three to four months whereas the CAT machine will take eight to ten
months. Staff who visited another landfill and used the TANA machinery indicated that the
machine would work well for Kaizer Meadow.
It was noted that currently with only 50% compaction in the cell (after fire destroyed the
compactor at the facility), the maximum capacity will be reached earlier than anticipated.
Staff outlined how the new machine works, noting that the technology will be better and
outlined fuel mileage and use of a GPS system. They also outlined some of the options that
make the machine more efficient and with better emissions.
There was also discussion regarding the budget and the usual process of procurement,
however, the fire has caused staff to move up the purchase of the machinery needed.
It was unknown at the time of the meeting if there would be any reimbursement from the
insurance company.
Also discussed was procurement of the machine and whether it could be provided by
CANOE (purchasing agent) and whether it would be an alternative procurement.
Councillor Wells indicated that he would like to know what the old machine is worth and
what will be done with it.
2022-344 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council
approve the purchase of a new TANA model H380 ECO Landfill Compactor, from
Saunders Equipment at $1,207,950.00 plus HST (included 5 year/10,000 hours
extended warranty and, to maximize the compactor’s operational effectiveness,
also approve a Geographic Positioning System (GPS) at $89,661.00 plus HST.
Council (continued) August 23, 2022 370
The total cost approved at $1,297,620 plus HST (a $152,620 increase in the
capital budget). ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION APPROVED.
IN CAMERA
There were no items for discussion In Camera.
ADJOURNMENT
2022-345 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the
meeting adjourn. (5:00 p.m.)
___________________________ ___________________________
Allen Webber Pamela Myra
Warden Municipal Clerk
MOTIONS REQUIRING APPROVAL OF COUNCIL FROM
AUGUST 4, 2022 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2022-333 APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
2022-334 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2022-335 LETTER TO MINISTER BRAD JOHNS – OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ACT
MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Connors a letter be forwarded to
Minister Brad Johns regarding the enforcement of the Off-Highway Vehicle Act. ALL IN
FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
2022-336 ADJOURNMENT
From: Carol Nauss
Sent: August 29, 2022 11:56 PM
To: Communications <communications@chester.ca>
Subject: Public Input for Council/COW Meeting
** EXTERNAL EMAIL **
Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin.
Please relay the following to Councillors during the Public Input Session at their next
meeting:
Councillors... Unfortunately I can't attend the meeting this morning as I am working at
the museum, but I would ask you to consider supporting funding help for the following
project:
Install a donated caboose at the Chester Train Station:
1. The main priority now is to get the caboose moved to the train station. The caboose
move is time sensitive for both the company that owns it and has donated it to us (worth
$10,000.00). The cost that I know of so far is:
2. $15,000.00 to move it to the station and put it on the rails which come with the
caboose.
4. A road bed is necessary for the rails to be laid on. We have not yet priced that as we don't
know what this will entail until we have more information. We will need railway ties and
fasteners for it. I do not know how many yet just a bit longer than the caboose and new
ones are $50.00 apiece. There may be a spot to find used ones near Windsor. We will
need to make the caboose water tight, and add windows, for the winter. This does not
cover the cost of repairing the interior for use in the coming year.
5. We would also like to replace the boarding platform along the track side of the station
and the estimate we had for that was $14,000 some years ago so assume it is more
now. We have a building permit for this platform.
6. I am checking out the rail base at the station and I think that it is original and was not
removed when they took down the trestle. Hopefully the municipality will have some
information as the trail followed the rail bed almost to the station. We have not yet
applied for a grant from the municipality as I am uncertain which one to apply for and I am
waiting to talk with Chad Haughn about that. I understand that he is on vacation at this time. I
want to thank you for considering this as an added incentive to draw tourists into the village
and to enhance the heritage train station. I have included a link to the ad for the caboose
should you wish to view it and see the specs. Yours, Carol
Nauss https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/465569431778457/?ref=search&referral_code=null
&referral_story_type=post&trackin
1
Pam Myra (she/her)
From:David Zitner
Sent:September 1, 2022 11:04 PM
To:Pam Myra (she/her)
Cc:lezlieole ; John Carroll
Subject:Fw: Walker Road Residents Presentation to Council, Lezlie Oler, Thursday September 8,
2022
** EXTERNAL EMAIL **
Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin.
Good evening,
We sent this material related to the September meeting to each of the council members. Would it help them
if you made the pictures available to them at the council meeting either as a hard copy or a projected picture?
Thank you very much
We appreciate what you do.
Lezlie Oler
From: David Zitner
Sent: Thursday, September 1, 2022 11:00 PM
To: council@chester.ca <council@chester.ca>
Cc: aveinotte@chester.ca <aveinotte@chester.ca>; fshatford@chester.ca <fshatford@chester.ca>; dwells@chester.ca
<dwells@chester.ca>; awebber@chester.ca <awebber@chester.ca>; aassaff@chester.ca <aassaff@chester.ca>;
tconnors@chester.ca <tconnors@chester.ca>; schurch@chester.ca <schurch@chester.ca>; John Carroll
Subject: re: Walker Road Residents Presentation to Council, Lezlie Oler, Thursday September 8, 2022
September 1,, 2022
From: WALKER ROAD RESIDENTS
To: CHESTER CONCIL
Re: Presentation Concerning Walker Road September 8, 2022- Photos
of the problem attached. More pictures to come in a separate e-mail
Dear Council Members,
A group of Walker Road residents is meeting with Town Council
members on September 8. The purpose is to ask counsel to commit to
collaborate with the provincial government and repair Walker Road
before the end of 2023. An independent engineer reviewed Walker
Road, the third week of August, and shares our concern.
For more than five years residents have been asking to have Walker
Road repaired. This has included a petition sent three years ago that
might’ve been misplaced because the residents did not receive a reply.
Despite having been on the priority list for repairs for several years, the
repairs have not been done. We hope that having been on the priority
2
previously means that the essential and urgent repairs will be done
before the end of 2023.
Walker Road is unique because it is a narrow road, abutting the ocean,
with few public or private barriers on the ocean side. It is unlikely that
other roads, in Nova Scotia, pose similar dangers.
This lack of attention is causing the problem to progress, the rate of
erosion to increase, and parts of the road nearest the ocean to become
unstable under the paving.
Attached with these pictures is one of erosion from Lake Huron where
the wave action and climate changes are far less than those
experienced by Walker Road.
The pictures of Walker Road, clearly indicate that the road is becoming
more unstable suffering a similar fate to other neglected roadways
exposed to water action, including freezing and thawing.
The situation is becoming more urgent because
Large pools of water form, freeze in winter and make
passage on Walker Road treacherous.
The expansion of water as it freezes makes the pothole
problem become progressively worse.
Parts of Walker Road abut the ocean and residents are
fearful of Road collapse.
Residents fear that visitors driving on the road, unaware
of the problem, will suffer from harm to themselves and
damage to cars and that the residents might be liable.
A greater fear is that the road will erode at the wrong time
and a car will end up in the ocean. Or, that people moving
to the ocean side of the road to accomodate an on-
coming vehicle, where there are no public or private
barriers, raises fear that a vehicle will accidentally tilt off
the road into the water.
As people move to the side of the road abutting the
ocean, in order to let an oncoming vehicle pass, there is
fear a car will pitch over on the ocean side.
The most significant immediate problem is that the road
at times is impassible making access by emergency
vehicles, police, fire, and ambulance hazardous and
delayed.
In the winter the plow has difficulty maneuvering and
sometimes harms the structures along the roadway and
increases the rate of erosion of the hard-top.
Mrs. Beverly MacInnes, a senior and long term year round
resident, has been forced to carry boards in her car to
place over ice and potholes so that she can safely drive to
and from her house.
3
We look forward to discussing the issue with Council members on
September 8 and hope that you agree to add Walker Road to this year;s
priority list, and commit to completing the repairs before the end of
2023.
Thank you for considering this important issue.
Yours truly,
Lezlie Oler for Residents of Walker Road
4
5
6
REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By: Bruce Blackwood Date August 24, 2022
Reviewed By: Date
Authorized By: Dan McDougall Date August 24, 2022
CURRENT SITUATION
Fire and Emergency Services are provided to the Municipality by 6 Fire Commissions and their
associated Fire Departments in Martins River (District 5), Western Shore (District 5), Chester Basin
(District 4), New Ross (District 6), Hubbards (District 2), and Blandford (District 1). The Chester
Village Commission, through the Chester Volunteer Fire Department, provides fire and emergency
services to the Chester Village (District 3) and under contract with the Municipality to the Outside
Areas in District 1 (Partial) and District 7.
Due to continuing Covid-19 Public Health Restrictions, the MOC accepted fire tax rates as approved
by the Commissions without reference to their Annual General Meetings. AGMs have now
resumed and Policy P33 will be amended accordingly.
RECOMMENDATION
To complete the annual registration process for 2022, it is recommended that the P-33 (April 9,
2020) registration updates as submitted by the Commissions and Fire Department be approved by
Council and, Schedule B confirmation of the 2022/2023 registration notifications be sent to the
individual Commissions.
BACKGROUND
Policy P-33 (April 9, 2020) requires that each Fire and Emergency Service agency provide the
Municipality with appropriate operational evidence annually of its ability to provide the services it
has registered. The fire tax rate to be levied for the next year to fund such services, proof of
appropriate liability and firefighter insurance coverage and audited financial statements from the
prior year are also required.
Information received from the Chester Village Commission, Fire Commissions, and the Fire
Departments on Schedule A (Services) and Schedule C (Fire Tax Rate) of Policy P33 has been
reviewed by the Fire Service Coordinator. It is noted that it is the responsibility of the Commission
/Fire Department to bring any limitations on registered services to the attention of the Municipality.
REPORT TO: Municipal Council
SUBMITTED BY: Bruce Blackwood, Fire Services
Coordinator
DATE: August 24, 2022
SUBJECT: Fire Services Registration 2022-2023
ORIGIN: Policy P33 (April 9, 2020)
2 Request For Decision
Registration data submitted indicate that the Fire Departments are adequately funded (by
Commissions), equipped and trained to provide the service levels that they have currently
registered.
DISCUSSION
A summary of the key registration data for 2022 with notes to significant changes is attached.
Highlights of the registration review are provided following.
1. Fire Tax Rates:
Confirmations of approved tax rates for 2022 are on file from all Commissions and the VOC:
a. The fire tax rate for the Chester Village (District 3) has been maintained at 7.40 cents/$100
assessment. The same rate has been applied to the Outside Areas (District 7 and part 1)
b. The fire boat tax rate for MOC Islands has been set at 7.40 cents/$100 assessment with no
change from 2021.
c. There were no changes to the fire tax rates in the other Districts. (Range 10.5 cents to 20 cents
/$100 assessment)
2. Financials:
Financial information for the past period received and on file with the Municipality is summarized
in the table following:
3. Corporate Status
Policy P-33 requires that all Fire and/or Emergency Service providers be a body corporate (not for
profit) in good standing. The Commissions remain incorporated under the Rural Fire District Act or
MGA (Village). The Fire Departments are incorporated under the Societies Act and are required to
register with NS Joint Stocks annually.
All fire departments with the exclusion of Hubbard’s Fire Department are in good standing with the
Joints Stocks Registry. Now that all financial audits are completed, District 2 intends to submit
documentation to Joints Stocks, pay any penalties, and request the Default be removed.
4. Insurances:
Five departments continue with the group policy from Arthur J Gallagher (Intact). Chester FD is
Fire District Financial Documents submitted
Blandford (#1) Grant Thornton: (Audited) Financial Statement 03/31/2022 on file
Chester (# 1,3,7) Moore Brewster Lake: (Audited) VOC Financial Statement 03/31/2022 on file
Chester Basin (#4) Beliveau Veinotte (Audited) Financial Statement 03/31/2022 on file
Hubbards (#2) Grant Thornton: Audited Financial Statements 03/31/2022 on file
Martins River (#5) Belliveau Veinotte:(Audited) Financial Statement 03/31/2022 on file
New Ross (#6) Belliveau Veinotte: (Audited) Financial Statement 03/31/2022 on file
Western Shore (#5) Grant Thornton: (Audited) Financial Statement of 03/31/2022 on file.
3 Request For Decision
insured with the same agency through the Village Commission. Martins River has insurance with
BFL through the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Additional environmental coverage on oil
storage tanks continues to be held by Hubbards and New Ross with Victor (previously Encon).
MOC retained its FD General Liability coverage at $ 10 million and the additional accident and
disability coverage non-member volunteers who occasionally do work for the Fire Departments.
Due to adverse market conditions in the insurance industry in Canada, premiums on our general
property and liability fire department policy rose on by 9 -12 % for 2022. We benefited from our
association with the AMA as some other underwriters presented much higher premium increases.
Directors’ liability and bonding coverage for the Commissions has been maintained . Martins River,
under the MODL policy, are considering this as additional coverage.
The MOC continues to provide basic Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) insurance coverage to
the volunteer firefighters. MOC registered over 180 volunteer firefighters from its 6 Departments
(Martins River is registered through MODL). The initial rate of $ 0.47/ $100 payroll (basic salary set
at $ 10,200 and cap of $ 62,000 annually) has risen substantially to the current rate set at $0.66/
$100 payroll. Average premiums for 2022 are estimated at $ 12,500. With the added coverage for
additional presumptive cancers, it is expected that the rates will continue to rise in future years.
These rates are subject to change annually based on experience. The rate for the volunteers is
entirely separate and has no impact on the WCB rates for the Municipality.
All fire departments have retained their current private policies with Volunteer Firefighter Insurance
Services (VFIS). WCB does not preclude the use of these policies where required to supplement their
benefits as a second payer. The MOC, Commissions and Departments continue to review insurance
coverage and benefits to our volunteers.
5. Registered Service levels:
An overview of registered service levels shows:
a. With the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions our Fire Departments have resumed response to
medical calls in support of EHS.
b. Chester FD completed training in High Angle Rescue and moved to an Operational Service
level.
c. There were no major changes in the other fire service levels currently registered.
d. There were no changes in the Fire District boundaries although the established boundary
between Martins River and Western Shore Fire Districts remains under review with DMA. This
is a legal issue only and has no impact on the operational boundaries nor fire tax lev ied.
e. Except for the Chester Fire Department, which is registered at the Operational level, service
levels for hazmat response remain at the Awareness level . Hazmat response is currently
available from the Kings County or HRM response teams.
4 Request For Decision
6. Emergency Calls: (Reference 2021 YE Fire Department Call Report Summary)
An overview of emergency calls shows:
a. The total number of calls across the Municipality increased slightly from 466 in 2020 to
483 in 2021 but continue well below the 2019 level of 809 calls. The 2021 calls were only
60 % of the 2019 levels.
b. Structure fires increased significantly again in 2021 with 23 incidents reported,
representing 4.7 % of the total calls across the Municipality.
c. Non-structural fires decreased in 2021 with 58 incidents e.g. chimney, grass, vehicle fires
represented approximately 12 % of total calls.
d. Following the lifting of Covid-19 Public Health restrictions and EHS Policy, fire departments
resumed response to medical incidents at their designated service level. The number of
medical calls did increase slightly in 2021 with 112 calls dispatched compared to 86 in
2020. This response is still well below the 2019 levels of over 3 80 medical emergencies
annually. Throughout the pandemic, t he Municipality provid ed additional masks (KN95
and N95), sanitizers , rapid test kits and other supplies to the Fire Departments.
e. The number of Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) responses increased from 49 in 2020 to 76 in
2021 but remained below the high incident rate of 94 in 2019. MVAs represented 15.7 % of
the total calls in 2021.
f. The number of “Other” responses by our departments decreased from 73 in 2020 to 5 0 in
2021. These types of calls (many adverse weather related) fall outside of the typical
Medical, 112
Rescue, 1
Structural Fires, 23
Non Structural Fires, 58
Motor Vehicle, 76
Mutual Aid, 101
Hazmat, 2
False Alarms, 60
Other , 50
2021 Calls by Type
5 Request For Decision
classifications and are not fire related. e.g. flooded basement, power lines down, police
assist, etc.
g. Fire (and carbon monoxide alarms) have increased slightly from 52 in 2020 to 60 in 2021
representing approximately 12 % of our total calls. Chester FD continues to record the
highest number of false alarms due to a higher level of buildings equipped with monitored
fire alarm systems. Educational articles concerning the False Alarm By-law continue to be
issued. Our new Bylaw Officer continues work with the Fire Departments to facilitate more
accurate and timely reporting of these calls. Improvement in the reporting will assist in
having a more effective response and corrective action especially at premises that are
causing repetitive false alarms.
h. The number of multiple alarm incidents as mutual aid calls increased slightly to 101 calls
in 2021. The departments continue to rely on support from their neighboring departments
during major incidents. Mutual aid and automatic aid agreements are in place.
7. Operations:
A brief overview of current operations shows:
a. As of January 2022 Jared Swinamer took on the Chief’s position at the Western Shore Fire
Department and as of April 2022 Cody Stevens took on the Chief’s position at the Chester Fire
Department. No Changes to Chief Officers for the other 5 Fire Departments in 2021.
b. There were no major injuries to our firefighters in 2021. No major WCB claims were filed.
c. With the removal of Covid 19 restrictions Fire Departments have resumed regular operations.
There remain sporadic exposures within the Departments. The MOC continues to supply
masks and rapid test kits as required.
d. Membership in each department has remained steady at approximately 200 volunteer first
responders across MOC. Recruitment and retention remain a concern with the Departments.
e. Day coverage continues to be problematic. Mutual and automatic aid agreements amongst
the MOC Departments are required to provide an adequate response to major emergencies.
f. The Junior Firefighter programs continue at several Departments.
g. Departments and Commissions (Steering Committee) continued to work on the review of the
recommendations made in the final report of the Fire Risk Assessment.
h. MOC continues to fund respiratory protection mask fit testing for all Departments.
i. Pilot training and operational protocols continue with the fire services drone program. The
drone is currently housed at the Chester Basin Fire Department for use by all fire departments.
j. MOC firefighters continue to pursue Level 1 Training for Interior Firefighters . Due to
continuing service issues with the Fire School, the group continues to work on development
of a local program.
k. The review of fire dispatch services continues through the Fires Services Association of Nova
Scotia (FSANS).
6 Request For Decision
IMPLICATIONS
Fire Services registration remains in effect unless revoked by the Municipality or as requested by
any specific Commission or Fire Department. De-registration of any service provider would have a
serious impact on district fire protection and public safety. For this reason, P33 requires the
Commissions and Fire Departments provide an annual update on fires services governance and
operational status, providing evidence for the Municipality to ensure the registered services can be
effectively provided and any deficiencies addressed in a timely manner.
Policy
Requirements in accordance with Policy P 33 (April 9, 2020).
Financial/Budgetary
Fire Services continue to be funded through the fire tax as determined by the Commissions.
Environmental
No Impact.
Strategic Plan
Reference to:
• Maintain a high level of fiscal responsibility
• Continually improve public satisfaction with municipal services
Work Program Implications
Covered in work program of Fire Services Coordinator.
OPTIONS
The following recommendation is presented:
1. Per Policy P-33 (April 9, 2020) the registrations summary be brought to Council for
approval. Upon approval, Schedule B confirmation of registration notifications be sent
to the individual Commissions.
2. Direct staff to provide further information to support the annual registration update and
issuance of the Schedule B letters.
ATTACHMENTS
Fire and Emergency Services Registration Summary 2022.
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
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REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By: Tim Topping, CPA, CA, Director of
Financial and Information Services
Date August 18, 2022
Reviewed By: Date
Authorized By: Dan McDougall Date August 30, 2022
CURRENT SITUATION
On April 14, 2022, Council approved the operating and capital budgets for the 2022/23 fiscal year. There
were some items which were included as part of the 2021/22 budget which require carryforward of the
unspent amounts into 2022/23 fiscal year. None of the proposed adjustments will affect the 2022/23 tax
rates
RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve amending the 2022/23 operating and capital budgets as follows:
Operating
/ Capital
Program Area Item Description Amount Funding Source
Capital Recreation & Parks East River Trail Parking Area $13,506 General Operating
Reserve
Capital Municipal Property Bot Launch Upgrade – Mill Cove
Shore Rd
$16,160 General Operating
Reserve
Capital Municipal Property Municipal Building Improvements &
Repairs
$28,375 General Operating
Reserve
Operating Transfer to
Reserves
2021/22 Operating Deficit $267,863 General Operating
Reserve
Operating Council Council Grant – Ross Farm (New
Ross District Museum Society)
$25,000 Wind Energy Reserve
Operating Council Council Grant – New Ross
Community Care Society
$100,000 Wind Energy Reserve
BACKGROUND
When Council approved the 2022/23 Operating and Capital Budgets, there were a number of items
relating to the 2021/22 budget that were not yet completed, and for which the 2022/23 financial impacts
were not yet known.
Capital
REPORT TO: Municipal Council
SUBMITTED BY: Finance Department
DATE: September 8, 2022
SUBJECT: 2022/23 Budget Adjustment –
Carryforward of 21/22 Amounts
ORIGIN: Motion 2022-152
2 Request For Decision
The three capital items in the table above were approved as part of the 2021/22 Capital Budget, and work
was in-progress at the fiscal year-end date of March 31, 2022. The carryforward amounts have been
determined as follows:
Project 2021/22
Approved
Budget
Spending up
to March 31,
2022
Remaining Unspent
Budget (Carryforward
Amounts)
East River Trail Parking Area $30,000 $16,494 $13,506
Bot Launch Upgrade – Mill Cove Shore Rd $30,000 $13,840 $16,160
Municipal Building Improvements & Repairs $60,000 $31,625 $28,375
Each of these three projects was approved to be funded from the 2021/22 Operating Fund. At each fiscal
year-end, the annual surplus or deficit in the Operating Fund is closed to the General Operating Reserve.
By funding the 2022/23 carryforward amounts from General Operating Reserve, we will ensure that there
is no net difference between the impact of the initial plan and the impact of including these amounts in
the 2022/23 budget as presented here. The only difference is to the timing of when the costs impact the
General Operating Reserve. No impact to 2022/23 tax rates.
2021/22 Operating Deficit
As noted above, at each fiscal year-end, the Operating Fund surplus or deficit is closed to the General
Operating Reserve. As such, the deficit of $267,863 has already impacted the General Operating Reserve
balance. The reason for including this item here, for inclusion in the 2022/23 Operating Budget is that
Section 72 (4) of the Municipal Government Act requires that “council shall include in its estimates, the
deficit from the preceding year.” To meet this obligation, we must include an expense to the Operating
Fund in the 2022/23 Operating Budget. Where this expense is funded from the General Operating
Reserve, it will have no impact of the previously approved 2022/23 tax rates.
Council Grants
$100,000 was approved to be provided to Ross Farm (New Ross District Museum Society) in the 2021/22
operating budget, 75% of which was provided in 2021. Due to project delays, the grantee has not yet met
the criteria for payment of the final 25%, so this amount ($25,000) should be included in the 2022/23
operating budget. Funding source has not changed (Wind Energy Reserve), and inclusion of this item will
not impact current tax rates.
Another $100,000 was approved in the 2021/22 operating budget as a grant for New Ross Community
Care Society. As of March 31, 2022, the grantee had not yet met the requirements of the release of these
funds, however, they have now met those requirements and payment of the full amount was authorized
by Council on May 26, 2022 (motion 2022-235). This has been paid and should be reflected in the
2022/23 budget. As above, this grant was approved to be funded from the Wind Energy Reserve and will
not impact current tax rates.
3 Request For Decision
DISCUSSION
Approving these recommended amendments to the 2022/23 budget will have the following impacts:
1. Capital Budget expenditures will increase by $58,401 to $12,880,793
2. Operating Budget amounts will increase as follows:
a. Council expenditures - $125,000
b. Finance expenditures - $267,863
c. Transfers fr Reserve & PY Surplus revenues - $392,863
d. Net Operating Budget and all approved tax rates will remain unchanged
OPTIONS
Option #1: Approve recommended changes to the 2022/23 operating and capital budget, as
presented here.
Option #2: Approve the changes, with funding sources other than what is recommended
Option #3: Reject recommendations. This option would cause projects to remain unfinished and
create unfavourable budget-to-actual variances in the 2022/23 fiscal year
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
Internal – Finance and Operations staff
External – public via website
DRAFT FOR 2ND READING – SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
Municipality of the District of Chester
Private Street
Improvement and
Maintenance By-Law
By-Law No. 72
Amended:
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law #72 (continued) Page 2 of 12
____________________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading – Council – May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading – Council – ?
Effective Date –
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
PRIVATE STREET IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE BY-LAW
BY-LAW # 72
1. This By-Law shall be known as the “PRIVATE STREET IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE BY-LAW”
2. In this By-Law, unless the context otherwise indicates:
2.1. “Cost” means the amount of money paid or payable in respect of the street “improvement
and/or maintenance”.
2.2. “Improvement” means laying out, opening, constructing, upgrading, and improving.
2.3. “Maintenance” means repairing and maintaining.
2.4. “Municipality” means the Municipality of the District of Chester.
2.5. “Owner” includes part owner, joint owner, tenant-in-common or joint tenant of the whole
or part of any real property fronting on a street or situate within an affected area and also
includes any trustee, executor guardian, agent or other person having the care or control of
such real property in the case of absence or disability of the person having the title thereto
provided that for the purpose of calculating the percentage of owners in Section 3(1) real
property with more than one owner shall be counted as having one owner. An Owner is
entitled to one vote for each individual property parcel they own within the Defined
Area. In the case where an individual property has more than one Owner, all Owners
must agree on the single response. If all Owners are not in agreement, it will be deemed
that the Owner’s response is negative.
2.6. “Special Tax” means a tax in respect of the street improvement and/or maintenance based
on a per lot basis, a frontage basis, per owner or an area rate based on $100.00 of
assessment, as the case may be requested in the petition.
2.7. “Street” means any private street, roadway, highway or travelled way, or portion thereof,
situate in the Municipality but does not include any unopened or undeveloped street unless
specifically included in the Plan attached to Form “A” of the Petition of the owners.
2.8. “Association” means a body corporate incorporated under the Societies Act which
represents the owners within the affected area.
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law #72 (continued) Page 3 of 12
____________________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading – Council – May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading – Council – ?
Effective Date –
2.9. “Affected Area” means that area within which the owner shall be liable for the special tax
levied pursuant to this By-Law, and which is shown on the Plan attached to Form “A” of the
Petition of the owners and shall include any subdivision shown therein.
2.10. “Interest” means that rate of interest charged to the Municipality from time to time on the
money borrowed for the improvements which the Municipality shall be entitled to recover
from the owners as part of the special tax.
2.11. “Approved purpose” means those purposes for which a Municipality is authorized to
expend money pursuant to Section 65(d)(e)(o)(q) and (av(i)) of the Municipal Government
Act.
2.12. “Applicant” means the Association referenced in section 2.8 and which has the right
itself, or on behalf of the Owners, to maintain the Street.
2.13. “Dwelling” means a residential unit as identified by the Property Valuation Services
Corporation filed roll.
3.
3.1 Where sixty-seven (67%) of the owners of real property owning at least sixty-seven (67 %)
of the real property within an affected area petition in person or by agent the Municipality
for an improvement and/or maintenance of a street, for an approved purpose which may
be within or outside the affected area or both, the Municipality may make such
improvements, and/or provide for such maintenance if it determines that such
improvement and/or maintenance carries out an approved purpose and if so shall be
entitled to recover all of the cost of such improvements or maintenance by levying a special
tax upon the owners of real property within the affected area as provided by in this bylaw
and such tax shall be recoverable from each owner by the Municipality by a per foot of lot
frontage basis, or by a per lot basis or by a per owner basis or by an area rate of so much
per $100.00 of assessed value of real property within the affected area as requested in the
petition which is generally to be in the form as shown on Form “A” attached. The owner of
a lot which fronts on more than one street within the affected area, shall pay based on only
one (1) boundary of his their property, that being the longest boundary that fronts on a
street and only this boundary will be considered when calculating the total frontage within
the affected area and in calculating the percentage of frontage that the owner owns.
a) In the case of recovery of the cost of the street improvement by area rate,
based on so much per $100.00 of assessed value of the real property, in the
affected area as shown in the petition in Form “A”, such area rate shall be
struck by Municipal Council from year to year for a period not to exceed ten
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law #72 (continued) Page 4 of 12
____________________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading – Council – May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading – Council – ?
Effective Date –
(10) years and shall cover all the projected costs including interest, to the
Municipality for that year for such street improvement.
b) In the case of recovery of the cost of the street maintenance by area rate,
based on so much per $100.00 of assessed value of the real property, in the
affected area as shown in the petition in Form “A”, such area rate shall be
struck by Municipal Council from year to year for the year for which
maintenance is sought as provided for herein.
3.2 In the case of recovery of the cost of the street improvement and/or maintenance on a per
lot basis and unless otherwise proved defined in this By-law, lot shall mean each individual
developed lot, approved building lot or lot capable of being approved in its existing
condition for development purposes and any land not capable of being developed, shall not
be considered a lot for the purpose of this By-Law until such time as it is.
3.3 In the case of recovery of the cost of street improvement and/or maintenance on a per
owner basis, multiple owners of the same real property shall be considered as one owner.
For the purpose of this paragraph, an owner of real property shall be defined as an owner
of an area of land that forms one contiguous parcel of land upon which no more than one
dwelling unit is constructed and contains at least one lot as defined in paragraph 3(2). If an
owner has more than one parcel of land within the affected area separated by intervening
property owners, then that owner shall be assessed individually for each separate parcel of
land provided that each parcel has at least one lot as defined in paragraph 3(2). Further, if
any parcel of land has more than one dwelling unit constructed upon it, then that owner
shall be assessed individually for each dwelling unit.
3.4 Every petition for a street improvement and/or maintenance shall be in Form “A” of this By-
Law, or similar thereto, and shall clearly state the locality in which the improvement and/or
maintenance is requested, the approved purpose for which the maintenance and/or
improvement requested and together with the following information shall be presented for
approval to the Council of the Municipality.
a) A Plan showing the streets outlined in red, which the Petitioners are desirous of
having improved and or maintained and within the affected area, the names of the
owners, length and width of the roadways and the frontage of each owner if the
method of levying this special tax is on a frontage basis.
b) In the case of a street improvement an estimate of the cost of the desired
improvement along with the names of the persons or Association who shall be
responsible for having the improvement carried out.
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law #72 (continued) Page 5 of 12
____________________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading – Council – May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading – Council – ?
Effective Date –
c) In the case of a street maintenance an estimated yearly maintenance budget along
with the name of the Association which shall be responsible on a yearly basis for
preparing and submitting for approval to the Municipality, a budget for that year’s
street maintenance. The budget as submitted shall be verified by the Executive of
the Association as having been passed by a majority of the members of the
Association in attendance at a duly called meeting for that purpose at which a
quorum was present.
3.5 In the event of a dispute between an owner and the Municipality as to any measurements
or area of real property referred to in this By-Law, the owner shall be responsible to retain
at his their expense a surveyor in good standing of the Association of Nova Scotia Land
Surveyors who shall certify as to the measurements or area or real property to the Council
for the Municipality of the District of Chester.
3.6 That notice of the petition for street improvement and/or maintenance shall be sent by
registered mail to each owner within the affected area who has not signed the petition
including the owner of the street, if known, at the address shown on the assessment rolls
and proof of the sending of this notice shall accompany every petition presented to the
Municipality but it shall not be necessary to prove actual receipt of notice.
4 The total amount of the special tax levied by the Municipality under this By-Law shall not exceed
the cost of the street improvements and/or maintenance to the Municipality plus interest and an
administration charge of ten percent (10%) five percent (5%).
5.
5.1 The special tax levied under this By-Law is a lien on the whole of the property of each
owner for that owner’s share of the capital improvement and/or maintenance with the
same effect as rates and taxes under the Assessment Act and each owner shall be liable for
a portion of the total cost of the street improvement and/or maintenance and an
administration charge equal to:
a) In the case of property fronting on a street the ratio that the lot frontage of each
owner bears to the total frontage in the affected area.
b) Within the affected area equal to the ratio that each lot bears to the total number of
such properties situate in the affected area or
c) An area rate of so much per $100.00 of assessed value of the property within the
affected area as shown in the petition on Form “A”,
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law #72 (continued) Page 6 of 12
____________________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading – Council – May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading – Council – ?
Effective Date –
d) In the case of a per owner basis, an equal amount assessed to each owner of a parcel
of land as defined in paragraph 3(4) 3.3 within the affected area as the case may be
requested in the petition.
5.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of this By-Law, the Municipality may, upon request, exempt
from assessment any owners within an affected area whose property abuts and has access
to a public highway or do not use or have access to the street upon which improvements
and/or maintenance are being sought but subject to the provision that the Municipality
may later assess those exempted owners if it appears to it that they are then using the
improved streets.
5.3
a) In the case of a street improvement, the special tax levied pursuant to this By-Law,
shall cover a period not exceeding ten (10) years and should cover all projected costs
including interest to the Municipality for each year for such street improvement.
b) In the case of street maintenance, special tax levied pursuant to this By-Law shall
cover the amount approved by the Municipality pursuant to the budget submitted to
the Municipality including all costs together with interest to the Municipality for that
year for the street maintenance.
5.4 Notwithstanding paragraph 5(c)(ii) 5.3 an owner subject to this special tax levied with
respect to a street improvement, may elect to pay their share of the capital cost in a lump
sum as calculated pursuant to this By-Law, and upon payment thereof that property shall
bear no further responsibility for the balance of the cost of the street improvement.
6. The special tax levied under this By-Law is collectible in the same manner as rates and taxes under
the Assessment Act and by the same proceedings as are rates and taxes under the Assessment
Act.
7.
7.1 Regarding With regard to a street improvement, the lien provided for in this By-Law shall
become effective on the date on which the Clerk of the Municipality signs and files at the
Municipal Office, a Certificate stating the total costs of the street improvement and the
amount of the special tax to be levied on each owner.
7.2 With regard to street maintenance, the lien provided for in this By-Law shall become
effective on the date on which the Clerk of the Municipality signs and files with the
Municipality a Certificate with a statement that the affected area is subject to an annual
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law #72 (continued) Page 7 of 12
____________________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading – Council – May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading – Council – ?
Effective Date –
special tax for street maintenance in an amount set annually by Municipal Council as
provided for in this By-Law and shall remain effective from year to year until terminated
pursuant to this By-Law.
8. The Clerk of the Municipality shall keep a separate record of all monies due for the improvement
and/or maintenance of streets, which records shall contain:
8.1 The names of the owner of a property liable for the special tax and the name of the
improvement and/or maintenance with respect to which the taxes arose.
8.2 The amount of frontage each owner or the number of properties as the case may required
require.
8.3 The amount of the special tax levied on each owner with particulars of the amounts due or
owing.
9. The Clerk of the Municipality shall notify the owner of each property within the affected area
upon the filing of the Certificate referred to in Section 7. Attached to such notice shall be a copy
of the Certificate.
10.
10.1 The amount payable in respect to the special tax for street improvement by each owner of
real property within an affected area may be paid in equal annual installments instalments
together with interest over a period not exceeding ten (10) years.
10.2 Each instalment installment and each succeeding instalment installment in respect of the
tax imposed by this By-Law shall be due on the same date as the Municipality, by
resolution, requires a payment of rates and taxes and in the event of default of payment of
any instalment installment the whole balance with interest becomes due and payable.
10.3 The tax imposed by this By-Law shall bear interest at the rate imposed by Municipal Council
by resolution for overdue taxes as an additional charge for non-payment of rates and taxes.
10.4 The amount payable in respect of the tax by each owner of real property within the
affected area, may at the option of that owner be paid in one lump sum on or before the
31st day in the fiscal year in which the cost has been incurred or at any other time over the
ten (10) year period.
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law #72 (continued) Page 8 of 12
____________________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading – Council – May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading – Council – ?
Effective Date –
11. The special tax imposed pursuant to this By-Law for a street improvement and/or maintenance
may be terminated at any time by the Association filing with the Municipality a certified copy of a
Special Resolution of the Association passed at a duly constituted meeting at which a quorum was
present called for that purpose requesting the Municipality to do so or by the Municipality at its
own discretion, if there has been non-compliance by the Association with the provisions of this
By-Law. In either case, upon the Clerk filing a Certificate with the Municipality that all monies
payable pursuant to this special tax have been collected, then this By-Law shall thenceforth have
no further force or effect within the affected area.
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law #72 (continued) Page 9 of 12
____________________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading – Council – May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading – Council – ?
Effective Date –
APPENDIX "A"
FORM "A"
PETITION FOR STREET IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE
To the Municipal Council of the Municipality of the District of Chester:
The undersigned are sixty-seven percent of the owners at _________________________ in the
Municipality.
1) Owning sixty-seven percent of the real property fronting on the street or portion of the street the
Municipality of the District of Chester, as hereinafter described
2) Owning sixty-seven percent of the real property which includes more than fifty percent of the real
property fronting on a street situate in the subdivision in the Municipality of the District of
Chester hereinafter described:
i. as the street(s) or portion thereof known as ______________________________.
ii. in the area situated at _________________________ as shown on the attached plan.
Each of the owners, whose signature appears below, respectively propose that the Municipal Council
accept this as a petition in compliance with section 3 of the Private Street Improvement and
Maintenance By-Law.
The improvements and/or maintenance is required for the following approved purpose:
___________________________________________________________
The nature of the improvement required is: ____________________________________________
The nature of the maintenance required is: ____________________________________________
Each of the owners, whose signature appears below, pray that they be levied for a portion of the tax in
respect of the street improvement and/or maintenance or both as indicated above on:
i. a per foot of frontage basis
ii. a per lot basis
iii. a per owner basis
iv. an area rate based on assessment.
The name of the responsible person or association representing the owners is:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Name and Contact Information
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By-Law #72 (continued) Page 10 of 12
____________________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading – Council – May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading – Council – ?
Effective Date –
NAMES AND SIGNATURES OF PROPERTY OWNERS:
NAME SIGNATURE
REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By: Tim Topping, CPA, CA, Director of
Financial and Information Services
Date August 12, 2022
Reviewed By: Date
Authorized By: Date
CURRENT SITUATION
MODC’s Tax Exemption policy provides low-income tax exemptions as allowed under section 69 of the
Municipal Government Act (MGA). Section 7.0 of the current policy has the following guidance for annual
adjustment of income levels and exemption amounts:
7.0 Annually tax exemption income levels and the exemption amounts will be adjusted as follows:
(i) Annual adjustments in the income levels, below which an exemption for taxation is
granted, will be adjusted by either the annual increase in CPI for Nova Scotia or to the
extent that council considers appropriate.
(ii) Annual adjustments in the scale of exemption amounts granted will be adjusted by either
the annual increase in the average residential tax bill for the general tax rate and waste
collection and disposal area rate or to the extent that council considers appropriate.
The annual increase in CPI (March 2021 to March 2022) for Nova Scotia is 6.8%.
The annual increase in the average residential tax bill is 7.9%
On April 14, 2022, the annual budget of the Municipality for 2022/23 was approved with an annual
budget for low-income tax exemptions of $104,000, which is consistent with the previous fiscal year. This
document looks at options for amending the tax exemption amounts granted by the Municipality for
individuals with low income.
In addition to the annual updates to income thresholds and exemption amounts, administration has
identified the following areas where policy P-25 could be improved to better serve residents:
1. Income and exemption benchmark alignment
2. Income thresholds and exemption amount adjustments
3. Deadline dates (initial application and appeals)
4. Communications in the following year
REPORT TO: Committee of the Whole
SUBMITTED BY: Finance Department
DATE: September 1, 2022
SUBJECT: Amendments to Policy P-25 Tax
Exemption
ORIGIN: Annual review of low-income exemption
amounts
2 Request For Decision
RECOMMENDATION
1. Income and exemption benchmark alignment
To modify the benchmarks used in annual income thresholds and maximum benefit amounts, to better
align the benchmarks used to the measures being adjusted.
Amend section 7.0 as follows:
7.0 Annually tax exemption levels and the exemption amounts will be adjusted as follows:
i) Annual adjustments in Annually, the income levels, below which an exemption for
taxation is granted, will be adjusted by either the annual increase in CPI seasonally
adjusted year-over-year percent change in average weekly earnings for Nova Scotia
or to the extent that council considers appropriate
ii) Annual adjustments in Annually, the scale of the exemption amounts granted will be
adjusted by either the annual increase in the average combined change in the PVSC
CAP rate and the change in residential tax bill for the general tax rate and waste
collection and disposal area rate or to the extent that council considers appropriate
2. Income threshold policy improvements
To increase the income thresholds by 1.3% and exemption amounts by 5.4%, AND to add a new top
income bracket to remove the impact of the “benefit cliff” that currently exists in the policy, AND to
remove the middle income threshold from existing policy:
Amend section 2.0 i), ii) and iii) as follows:
2.0 The Municipality shall grant an exemption as follows:
i) For owners with an Income Level of $16,208 $16,419 or less the tax exemption shall be
the lessor of $771 $813 or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste collection and
disposal area rate only;
ii) For owners with an Income Level of $16,208 $16,419 to $20,221 $27,558 the tax
exemption shall be the lessor of $771 $813 less the bracket’s change in the exemption
amount ($309 $487) prorated for the income above $16,208 $16,419 divided by the
bracket’s income size* or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste collection and
disposal area rate only.
* i.e. $771 – (((income - $16,208) / ($20,221 - $16,208)) x ($771 - $462))
* i.e. $813 – (((income - $16,419) / ($27,558 - $16,419)) x ($813 - $326))
iii) For owners with an Income Level of $20,221 $27,558 to $27,204 $29,590 the tax
exemption shall be the lessor of $462 $326 less the bracket’s change in the exemption
amount ($153 $326) prorated for the income above $20,221 $27,558 divided by the
bracket’s income size^ or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste collection and
disposal area rate only.
^ i.e. $462 – (((income - $20,221) / ($27,204 - $20,221)) x ($462 - $309))
^ i.e. $326 – (((income - $27,558) / ($29,590 - $27,558)) x $326)
3 Request For Decision
Amend Schedule A as follows:
SCHEDULE A
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER – PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT
YEAR DISTRICT ACCOUNT EXEMPTION AMOUNT NUMBER
2021/22
2022/23
I/We, ____________________ & ____________________, property owners of ____________________ in the County of
Lunenburg, Province of Nova Scotia, and is our principal residence, make oath and say as follows:
1. That the total income before deductions of all assessed owners, their spouses (including Common
Law Spouses) who occupy the property as their principal residence, family members residing at the
same household, who contribute to household expenses and those who hold an interest in the
property and contribute to household expenses was as follows during the calendar year 2019 2021.
Any Allowance paid pursuant to the War Veterans Allowance Act (Canada) or pension paid pursuant
to the Pension Act (Canada) is not to be included in a person’s total income for this purpose.
___ Combined Income was $16,207 $16,419 or less; OR
___ Combined Income was between $16,208 $16,420 and $20,220 $27,558; OR
___ Combined Income was between $20,221 $27,559 and $27,204 $29,590 AND
3. Deadline dates
To remove the reference to the 2019/20 fiscal year deadline extension, and to update the appeals process
for qualified residents who miss the March 31st application deadline:
Amend section 3.0 as follows:
3.0 iii) Apply for the exemption each year prior to March 31st of the Municipal taxation year, with
the exception of the 2019/20 fiscal year – the deadline for applications will be June 30, 2020.
Amend section 6.0 as follows:
6.0 A refusal to grant an exemption pursuant to this Policy may be appealed to Council Residents
who would otherwise have qualified for an exemption, but who have missed the deadline
for application, may submit a written request for appeal to the CAO, for special approval.
This appeal process will be available until June 30th
4. Communications in the following year
To update the application form to include the option for qualified residents to be contacted directly upon
amendment of the policy:
Add the following as section 3 to Schedule A:
3. Would you like to be contacted directly when policy P-25 is amended for the following fiscal year?
Yes___No___
4 Request For Decision
How would you prefer to be contacted? (phone/mail/email):________________________________________
BACKGROUND
Section 69 of the MGA states that Council may, by policy, grant an exemption from taxation, in the
amount or to the extent set out in the policy, for a person whose income is below the amount set out in
the policy and may prescribe a scale of exemptions related to income.
Historically, the income thresholds and exemption amounts have been increased annually to align with
the 12-month trailing average of year-over-year changes in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). In 2020/21,
the thresholds and exemption amounts were increased by 25% to help alleviate some of the financial
burden low-income residents were experiencing, at least in part due to the impacts of the Covid-19
pandemic.
In 2021/22, tax exemptions were granted in the amount of $83,292 versus a budget of $104,000. The
budget amount has remained at $104,000 for 2022/23. Tax exemption expenses for the last five years
were as follows:
- 2021/22 $83,292
- 2020/21 $95,473
- 2019/20 $53,491
- 2018/19 $51,786
- 2017/18 $33,978
The exemptions provided in 2021/22 break down as follows:
Income Number of
Exemptions Granted
Cost of
Exemptions
Less than $16,209 41 $25,845
Between $16,209 and $20,221 33 $17,307
Between $20,222 and $27,204 99 $40,139
Total 173 $83,292
On April 14, 2022, the annual budget of the Municipality for 2022/23 was approved with an annual
budget for low-income tax exemptions of $104,000.
DISCUSSION
Given the actual cost of this program in 2021/22 ($83,292), the current 2022/23 budget of $104,000 would
be sufficient to absorb an additional 25% growth of use in the program above what was experienced last
year.
IMPLICATIONS
Policy – N/A
Financial/Budgetary
Increasing the income limits and exemption amounts will likely increase the costs associated with the
program. A year-over-year cost increase of 25% has been provided for in the 2022/23 budget.
5 Request For Decision
Environmental – N/A
Strategic Plan
Revising the low-income exemption amounts will assist the Municipality in advancing the following
Priority Areas of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework:
Governance & Engagement
Priority Outcome 1: Ensure municipal service delivery is efficient and effective, communicated, and
accessible
Priority Outcome 2: Ensure municipal bylaw and policy frameworks reflect current and changing
needs
Work Program Implications – N/A
OPTIONS
Option 1 (recommended): Update the annual benchmarks for changes in income thresholds and
exemption limits as presented here, AND increase the income limits by 1.3% and exemption amounts by
5.4% to align with the newly selected benchmarks, AND remove the second income threshold, AND add a
new top income threshold, AND amend the appeals process, AND add additional communications
options, as presented here, and in the associated presentation.
Option 2: Accept all recommended changes as presented for Option 1, but with changes to the income
thresholds other than 1.3% and/or changes to the benefit maximums other than 5.4%. If this option is
selected, Council should provide (an) alternative percentage(s) by which the amounts will change.
Option 3: Use previously used methodology to increase income brackets and benefit maximums by 4.1%
while rejecting other recommended changes to the policy.
Option 4: Reject all proposed changes and use the same income thresholds and exemption limits as used
in the 2021/22 fiscal year.
ATTACHMENTS
Draft amendments to policy P-25
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
Internal – Finance staff
External – public via website, newsletter, councilors
Tax Exemption Policy
Policy P-25
Municipality of Chester
2022-09-01
Core Municipal Values
Engage in economic, environmental, cultural, and
social initiatives that support sustainable
communities
2021-2024 Strategic Priorities Framework
•Governance & Engagement – Priority Outcomes
1. Ensure municipal service delivery is efficient and effective, communicated, and accessible
2. Ensure municipal bylaw and policy frameworks reflect current and changing needs
Current State
Low-income residents can apply for an exemption each year on their property taxes,
which will be provided to them based on the following criteria:
Income (from 2020 tax return) Maximum Exemption (21/22)
Less than, or equal to $16,208 $771
Between $16,209 and $20,221 Between $462 and $771
Between $20,222 and $27,204 Between $309 and $462
Notes:
•Above numbers are from the 2021/22 fiscal year update of the policy, for which the application period ended on March 31, 2022
•Exemption cannot be greater than tax bill (general residential rate, plus waste collection rate)
•Income and exemption thresholds are reassessed annually
Current State – Annual Adjustments
•In recent years (except 2020), both adjustments have used the average of the annual NS CPI increases reported in the 12 months of the previous calendar year
•If this measure is used for the 2022/23 fiscal year, the increases would be 4.1%
•The “annual increase in CPI for Nova Scotia” (ie. Dec 2020 to Dec 2021) is 4.8%
•The “annual increase in the average residential tax bill” for 2022/23 is 7.9%
Recommended Changes - Annual Adjustments
•Goal: to align annual adjustment amounts to the most relevant benchmarks
•Income thresholds
•Average Weekly Earnings – seasonally adjusted - % change year-over-year (from NS Finance
and Treasury Board Economics and Statistics)
•Standardized and consistent
•Change in average income is more directly related to the threshold that is being adjusted
•2021 vs. 2020 is 1.3% increase in average NS weekly earnings
•Maximum Exemption
•PVSC assessment cap, adjusted for change in tax rate (general residential + waste collection)
•This would ensure that the increase in maximum exemption won’t be outpaced by the
increase to a resident’s tax bill
•2022 Cap = 5.4%, general residential and waste collection rates had no change from last year
•Using this method, 2022/23 maximum exemption amounts would increase by 5.4%
Current State + Options
Legend:
GREEN = 2021/22 actual
ORANGE = recommended (1.3%/5.4%)
BLUE = recent practice (4.1%/4.1%)
PURPLE = current policy (4.8%/7.9%)
A
B
C
Benefit Cliff
What is this?
•A benefit cliff occurs when a small increase in income leads to a total loss of a government benefit
•In policy P-25, this occurs at $27,205 of income (someone earning $27,204 gets a $309 benefit, while someone earning just $1 more gets no benefit)
Concerns
•Creates an unfair application of benefits
•Can disincentivize people from earning a higher income
Solution
•Create a new income threshold bracket at the top of the scale, where the benefit trails off to zero
•Recommend setting this threshold at $29,590
•Top of lowest NS income tax bracket (24.32% combined Fed.+Prov. income tax)
•Equivalent to someone working full-time at $14.23/hour
Removing the Benefit Cliff
For each dollar earned in this
range, max. benefit will reduce by
16 cents (earning them a net of 60
cents, after tax)
A
B
“Slope” Analysis
LEGEND:
A – For each $ earned
(pre-tax), max benefit is
reduced by 8.0 cents
B – For each $ earned
(pre-tax), max benefit is
reduced by 2.3 cents
“Slope” Correction
RECOMMENDATION: remove the
mid-point income threshold and
benefit amount.
This will ensure the policy does not
remove benefits from residents at
the lower end of income at a
greater rate, than it does for
residents in the middle range
Options from RFD
Legend:
GREEN (option #4) = 21/22 actual
PURPLE (option #3)= Continue practice of
recent years (4.1%/4.1%, no other
changes)
ORANGE (option #2 @ 0%) = No bracket or
benefit increase, remove cliff, smooth
curve
BLUE (option #1)= Recommended
(1.3%/5.4%, remove cliff, smooth curve)
Impact of recommended changes
If each of the recommendations presented here are adopted, the income thresholds, and benefit limits
for 2022/23 will be as follows:
Income Threshold Maximum Benefit Notes
Up to $16,419 $813 Lesser of $813 or Gen. Res. + SW rates
Between $16,420 and $27,558 $326 to $813 Max. benefit $813 less ~4.4 cents per dollar
earned above $16,419
Between $27,559 and $29,590 $0 to $326 Max. benefit $326 less ~16.0 cents per dollar
earned above $27,558
Above $29,590 $0 No exemption
Other Amendments - Appeals
Current wording:
•P-25 does not include any areas of judgment or subjective factors (either the resident
meets the criteria for an exemption, or they do not)
•We do occasionally get people missing the deadline for application, and while this does not
occur frequently, there could be room for leniency in the policy
RECOMMENDATION:
“6.0 Residents who would otherwise have qualified for an exemption, but who have missed
the deadline for application, may submit a written request to the CAO, for special approval.
This appeal process will be available until June 30.”
•This will allow a three-month period for late applications to be accepted, pending CAO approval
Other Amendments – Communication
What do we do now?
•Newsletter
•Online
•Councilors
Recommended change
•Include a new row in the application form:
•“Do you wish to be contacted when applications are open for next year? (Y/N)”
•“How would you like to be notified (phone/mail/email): ___________________________”
Benefits
•Reminder for residents who have received an exemption in one year, to apply in the following year
•Prevents qualified residents from missing a benefit they would otherwise have received
Questions?
Municipality of the District of Chester
Tax Exemption
Policy
Policy P-25
Amended - Effective Date: TBD
Fiscal Year 2021/2022/2023
Tax Exemption Policy (continued) 2
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
POLICY P-25
TAX EXEMPTION POLICY
WHEREAS Section 69 of the Municipal Government Act permits a Municipality to grant a tax
exemption for low income earners;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the Municipality of the District of Chester adopts
the following policy respecting property tax exemptions.
1.0 In this Policy,
1.1 INCOME means a person’s total income (total income before deductions) from all
sources for the calendar year preceding the fiscal year of the Municipality of the District
of Chester, excluding any allowances paid pursuant to the War Veterans Allowance Act
(Canada) or Pension paid pursuant to the Pension Act (Canada) and includes:
i) The income of all assessed owners, their spouse(s), including common law
spouses who occupy the property as their principal residence;
ii) The income from members of the same family residing in the same household,
who contribute to the household expenses; and
iii) Those who hold an interest in the property and contribute to the household
expenses.
1.2 Owner and those who an interest in the property includes:
i) The person assessed for the property;
ii) A person who holds title including a part owner, joint owner, tenant in common,
or joint tenant of the property; and
ii) A person with a life interest in the property; and
iv) A person with a matrimonial interest.
Not included are those with a leasehold interest and those with an interest under an
agreement of purchase and sale.
1.3 Principal Residence is the ordinary place of residence for greater part of the year of an
owner as well as an owner in a hospital or nursing care facility, unless that person has not
slept at the property for a period of two (2) years or more, or unless the property has
been rented to paying tenants, in either of which events, the property shall be deemed to
cease being the owner’s ordinary place of residence.
Tax Exemption Policy (continued) 3
1.4 SAME FAMILY in section 1.1(ii) is defined as including, but not limited to, children and
step-childrenstepchildren connected to at least one of the legally married or common-law
couples included in section 1.1(i).
2.0 The Director of Finance of the Municipality shall grant an exemption as follows:
i) For owners with an Income Level of $16,208 16,419 or less the tax exemption
shall be the lessor of $771813 or the tax on the general tax rate and the waste
collection and disposal area rate only;
ii) For owners with an Income Level of $16,20816,419 to $20,22127,558 the tax
exemption shall be the lessor of $813771 less the bracket’s change in the
exemption amount $487309) prorated for the income above $16,20816,419
divided by the bracket’s income size* or the tax on the general tax rate and the
waste collection and disposal area rate only.
* i.e. $771 813 - (((income - $16,20816,419) / ($20,22127,558 - $16,20816,419)) x
($771 813 - $462326))
iii) For owners with an Income Level of $20,22127,558 to $27,20429,590 the tax
exemption shall be the lessor of $462 326 less the bracket’s change in the
exemption amount $326153) prorated for the income above $20,22127,558
divided by the bracket’s income size^ or the tax on the general tax rate and the
waste collection and disposal area rate only.
^ i.e. $326462 - (((income - $27,55820,221) / ($27,20429,590 - $20,22127,558)) x
($462 - $309326))
3.0 A person or persons applying for an exemption must:
i) Make an affidavit:
a) Regarding his/her income from all sources in the calendar year preceding
the Municipal taxation year for which the exemption is sought.
Satisfactory verification of income must be presented to substantiate the
exemption. Exemption form attached as Schedule "A”.
b) Verify that any person who either holds an interest in the property or are
family members residing in the same household, whose income is not
included in household income pursuant to clause 1.1 (ii), does not
contribute to paying household expenses.
c) Provide satisfactory verification of income to substantiate the exemption.
Satisfactory evidence includes a CRA notice assessment, GST/HST credit
notice, and copy of tax return prepared by a third-party tax preparer.
iii) Apply for the exemption each year prior to March 31st of the Municipal taxation
year, with the exception of the 2019/20 fiscal year – the deadline for applications
will be June 30, 2020.
Tax Exemption Policy (continued) 4
4.0 The exemption shall only apply to a property where at least one of the assessed owners
occupies it as his/her principal residence;residence.
5.0 Prior to an exemption being granted, all outstanding debts to the Municipality, which are
not a lien on the property, shall be paid in full. This would include any fees such as
building permit fees, landfill tipping fees, recreation fees, etc.
6.0 A refusal to grant an exemption pursuant to this Policy may be appealed to
CouncilResidents who would otherwise have qualified for an exemption, but who have
missed the deadline for application, may submit a written request for appeal to the CAO,
for special approval. This appeal process will be available until June 30th.
7.0 Annually tax exemption income levels and the exemption amounts will be adjusted as
follows:
i) Annual adjustments in Annually, the income levels, below which an exemption for
taxation is granted, will be adjusted by either the annual increase in CPI
seasonally adjusted year-over-year percent change in average weekly earnings
for Nova Scotia or to the extent that council considers appropriate.
ii) Annual adjustments in Annually, the scale of exemption amounts granted will be
adjusted by either the annual increase in the average combined change in the
PVSC CAP rate and the change in residential tax bill for the general tax rate and
waste collection and disposal area rate or to the extent that council considers
appropriate.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm, Hanging: 1.27 cm
Formatted: Superscript
Tax Exemption Policy (continued) 5
SCHEDULE A
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER – PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT
YEAR DISTRICT ACCOUNT EXEMPTION AMOUNT NUMBER
2021/222
022/23
I/We, ____________________ & ____________________, property owners of ____________________ in the
County of Lunenburg, Province of Nova Scotia, and is our principal residence, make oath and say
as follows:
1. That the total income before deductions of all assessed owners, their spouses (including
Common Law Spouses) who occupy the property as their principal residence, family
members residing in the same household, who contribute to household expenses and those
who hold an interest in the property and contribute to household expenses, was as follows
during the calendar year 20192021. Any Allowance paid pursuant to the War Veterans
Allowance Act (Canada) or pension paid pursuant to the Pension Act (Canada) is not to be
included in a person’s total income for this purpose.
___ Combined Income was $16,20716,419 or less; OR
___ Combined Income was between $16,42016,208 and $27,55820,220; OR
___ Combined Income was between $27,55920,221 and $29,59027,204 AND
2. ___ Verification Provided of combined income of $______________. Check one of the following:
___ Notice of Assessment, _____ GST/HST Credit Notice, _____Copy of tax return.
3. Would you like to be contacted directly when Policy P-25 is amended for the following fiscal
year? Yes___ No___
How would you prefer to be contacted? (phone/mail/email): __________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: - THIS IS A LEGAL SWORN AFFIDAVIT AND THE APPLICANTS SIGNATURE(S)
ENDORSED BELOW ARE VERIFICATION THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS TRUE IN
ALL RESPECTS.
THE AMOUNT OF EXEMPTION GRANTED WILL BE DETERMINED AFTER THE FINAL TAX BILL IS
PRODUCED AND WILL BE LIMITED TO THE GENERAL RESIDENTIAL TAX AND WASTE
COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL AREA RATE PORTION OF THE OVERALL TAX BILL (I.E. DOES NOT
INCLUDE OTHER AREA RATES).
Sworn to at ______________ in the County of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia on the ____ day of ________,
20___.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Staff Signature ______________________________________
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm, Hanging: 0.63 cm
Tax Exemption Policy (continued) 6
A Commissioner of the Supreme Court of Signature of Applicant(s)
Nova Scotia or a Municipal CouncillorCouncillor
Formatted: Space After: 0 pt, Line spacing: single, No
widow/orphan control, Tab stops: -0.85 cm, Left + 0 cm, Left
+ 0.63 cm, Left + 1.27 cm, Left + 3.81 cm, Left + 5.08 cm,
Left + 6.35 cm, Left + 7.62 cm, Left + 8.89 cm, Left +
10.16 cm, Left + 11.43 cm, Left + 12.7 cm, Left + 13.97 cm,
Left + 15.24 cm, Left + 16.51 cm, Left + 17.78 cm, Left +
19.05 cm, Left + 20.32 cm, Left + 21.59 cm, Left + 22.86
cm, Left + 24.13 cm, Left + 25.4 cm, Left + 26.67 cm, Left
+ 27.94 cm, Left + 29.21 cm, Left + 30.48 cm, Left + 31.75
cm, Left + 33.02 cm, Left
July 28, 2022 – First Notice - MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that Council
conduct First Reading of the Code of Conduct Policy P-102 provided with the penalties section removed
and refer to Second/Final Notice. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
September 8, 2022 – Second/Final Notice (pena
Municipality of the District of Chester
Code of Conduct
Policy
Policy P-#111102
Code of Conduct Policy
Notice of Intention to Adopt: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
First Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Second Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Effective Date: Month x, 202x
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
POLICY #111
PURPOSE
1. The public expects the highest standards of professional ethical conduct from Members elected
to local government. The purpose of this Code is to establish guidelines for the ethical and inter-
personal conduct of Members of Council (“Members”). The Council is answerable to the
community through democratic processes and this Code will assist in providing for the good
government of the Municipality of the District of Chester.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
2. Members shall uphold the law and at all times:
a. Seek to advance the common good of the municipality as a whole while conscientiously
representing the communities they serve;
b. Perform the function of office truly, faithfully and impartially to the best of their
knowledge and ability in accordance with the following core values:
i. Integrity – giving the municipality’s interests absolute priority over the private
individual interests;
ii. Honesty – being truthful and open;
iii. Objectivity – making decisions based on a careful and fair analysis of the facts;
iv. Accountability – being accountable to each other and the public for decisions
taken;
v. Leadership – confronting challenges and providing direction on the issues of the
day.
c. Uphold this Code as a means of promoting the standards of behaviour expected of
Members and enhancing the credibility and integrity of Council in the broader
community.
COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES
3. The Council (or its designated committee) will:
a. Review the municipality’s Code of Conduct as required and make any amendments
considered appropriate
b. Review, consider, or take other action concerning any violation of the Code of Conduct
which is referred to Council for consideration.
4. Where there is any conflict between the Code of Conduct and the requirements of any
statute of the provincial or federal government, provincial or federal statutes shall take
precedence.
MEMBERS RESPONSIBILITIES
CONDUCT TO BE OBSERVED
Code of Conduct Policy
Notice of Intention to Adopt: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
First Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Second Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Effective Date: Month x, 202x
5. Members are agents representatives of the public whose primary objective is to address the
needs of the citizens. As such, they’re entrusted with upholding and adhering to the by-laws of
the municipality as well as all applicable provincial and federal laws. As public servants, Members
must observe a high standard of morality integrity and ethics in the conduct of their official duties
and faithfully fulfill the responsibilities of their offices, regardless of their personal or financial
interests.
DEDICATED SERVICE
6. All Members should faithfully work towards developing programs to address the needs of the
citizens in the course of their duties. Members should strive to perform at a level which is
expected of those who work in the public’s interest.
RESPECT FOR DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
7. All Members recognize the responsibility of the Warden to accurately communicate the decisions
of the Council, even if they disagree with such decisions, such that respect for the decision- making
processes of Council is fostered.
CONDUCT AT MEETINGS
8. Members shall respect the chair, colleagues, staff and members of the public present during
Council meetings or other proceedings of the Municipality. Meetings shall provide an
environment for transparent and healthy debate on matters requiring decision-making.
RELEASE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION PROHIBITED
9. No Member shall disclose or release to any member of the public any confidential information
acquired by virtue of their office, in either oral or written form except when required by law or
authorized by the municipality to do so. Nor shall Members use confidential information for
personal or private gain, or for the gain of relatives or any person or corporation.
GIFTS AND BENEFITS
10. No Member shall Members shall strive to be impartial and not show favoritism or bias toward any
vendor, contractor or others doing business with the municipality. Members are prohibited from
accepting gifts or favors from any vendor, contractor or others doing business with the
municipality personally, or through a family member or friend, which could give rise to a
reasonable suspicion of influence to show favour or disadvantage to any individual or
organization.
USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY
11. No Member shall request or permit the use of municipal-owned vehicles, equipment, materials
or property for personal convenience or profit, except where such privileges are granted to the
general public. Members shall ensure that the business of the municipality is conducted with
efficiency and shall avoid waste, abuse and extravagance in the provision or use of municipal
resources.
OBLIGATIONS TO CITIZENS
12. No member shall grant any special consideration, treatment, or advantage to any citizen or group
of citizens beyond that which is accorded to all citizens.
INTERPERSONAL BEHAVIOUR
Code of Conduct Policy
Notice of Intention to Adopt: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
First Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Second Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Effective Date: Month x, 202x
13. Members shall treat every person, including other Members, corporate employees, individuals
providing services on a contract for service, and the public with dignity, understanding and respect
and ensure that their work environment is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION
14. Members shall observe a high standard of professionalism ethical behavior when representing
the municipality and in their dealings with members of the broader community.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
15. Members accept that effective governance of the municipality is critical to ensuring that decisions
are taken in the best interests of all stakeholdersthe Municipality as a whole and to enable the
municipality to function as a good corporate citizen.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIPS
16. Members recognize the importance of working constructively with other levels of government
and organizations in Nova Scotia and beyond to achieve the goals of the municipality.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST AVOIDANCE
17. Members are committed to making decisions impartially and in the best interests of the
municipality and recognize the importance of fully observing the requirements of the Municipal
Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 299 with regard to the disclosure and avoidance of
conflicts of interest.
REPORTING BREACHES
18. Persons who have reason to believe that this Code has been breached in any way are encouraged
to bring their concerns forward. No adverse action shall be taken against any Member or
municipal employee, who, acting in good faith, brings forward such information.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
19. Any reported violation of the Code will be subject to investigation by the Council. Violation of this
Code by a Member may constitute a cause for corrective action. If any investigation finds a
Member has breached a provision of the Code, Council may impose corrective action
commensurate with the nature and severity of the breach, which may include a formal warning
or reprimand to the Member.
COMPLIANCE WITH CODE
20. Members acknowledge the importance of the principles contained in this Code which will be self-
regulated by Council. Councillors are required to sign a “Statement of Commitment to the Code”
(Attachment A) within seven (7) days of taking the Councillors’ oath pursuant to section 147 of
the Municipal Elections Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 300.
21. Council as a whole provides for the enforcement of this Code of Conduct upon its members. Any
complaint made under this code will be administered by the CAO, who will delegate the inquiries
as appropriate and make recommendations as are reasonable.
Code of Conduct Policy
Notice of Intention to Adopt: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
First Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Second Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Effective Date: Month x, 202x
COMPLAINT PROCESS
22. All complaints will be considered informal unless a complaint form is remitted to the Municipality
detailing the concern issue.
23. Anonymous complaints that include threats, harassing statements, abusive language, or vulgarity
will be saved but not considered or tracked.
24. A complaint form may be obtained from the Municipal CAO’s office. This form shall be used by
members of the public, staff, or any member of Council.
25. All complaints shall be handled in accordance with provisions of the Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act unless the person waives the right to confidentiality in writing.
INVESTIGATION OF AN ALLEGED BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
26. A copy of the signed complaint and a request for an investigation into an alleged breach shall be
made in writing to the CAO’s office within a reasonable time after the alleged breach (generally
30 days). The request shall contain the name of the Member who breached the Code of Conduct
as well as details of the specific breach.
27. The CAO shall acknowledge the complaint to the complainant within 3 business days.
28. The CAO will notify council of a complaint investigation.
29. The CAO may delegate the inquiry as appropriate, including seeking advice from legal counsel as
necessary.
30. The CAO or delegate will make every effort to address the issue within 30 business days or provide
an estimate of time required if expected to take longer.
DECISIONS REPORTED TO COUNCIL AND OPTIONS FOR REMEDIAL ACTION
31. Where the investigation has found a probable breach, the complaint will be brought to Council
during a public meeting (in camera where necessary & permitted by the MGA). Only Council can
decide that an actionable breach has occurred.
32. Council shall rule on penalties to a member within 60 days of the breach if reasonably possible.
Any rul
PENALTIES FOR A BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
The Council of the Municipality may impose penalties with regard to a breach of the CODE of
CONDUCT including but not limited to:
Public reprimand or requirement for public apology.
Expulsion from one or more meetings for up to 90 days.
Removal from appointments or chair positions.
Expulsion from in-camera meetings.
Suspension of the remuneration paid to a member for up to 90 days.
Any combination of the above.
Code of Conduct Policy
Notice of Intention to Adopt: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
First Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Second Notice: Council – Month XX, 202X (202X-XXX)
Effective Date: Month x, 202x
ATTACHMENT A
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
TO ELECTED OFFICIALS CODE OF CONDUCT
I, declare that as a Councillor of the Municipality of
(please print full name)
Chester, I acknowledge and support the Elected Officials Code of Conduct.
Signed:
Declared this _______ day of ________________, 20______.
Before me:
Pamela Myra
Municipal Clerk
1
Pam Myra (she/her)
From:Tara Maguire
Sent:August 9, 2022 9:03 AM
To:Deborah Toogood; Council
Subject:RE: #External: Air BnB's
Good Morning Ms. Toogood,
Thank you for your correspondence. Your letter will be added to an upcoming council agenda. Council is on break for
the rest of August so it will be on the first Council agenda in September.
Best regards
Tara Maguire
TARA MAGUIRE
Deputy CAO
Office: 902-275-4132
Cell: 902-277-2273
Consider the environment. Do you really need to print this email?
From: Deborah Toogood
Sent: August 2, 2022 2:47 PM
To: Council <council@chester.ca>
Subject: #External: Air BnB's
Hello, I'm adding my voice to the troubling state of the proliferation of Air BnB's in the village of Chester. My neighbours
and I watched in dismay as families looking for a home at #4 Wilson Drive got out-bided by someone we've yet to see
from Calgary.
Council needs to take action on this matter. By-laws can be passed. We now have a commercial establishment operating
in a residential area. Air BnB's operate with impunity. They are a hotel, yet there is no front desk, no fire code, no
sprinkler system and no oversight. Guests can stay one night or several. Yes, supposedly there are rules, but there is no
one there to see that they are followed. Three families stayed next to me this past weekend. Well over the number of
people allowed, but who checks?
Council can do a number of things:
Restrict where commercial businesses can operate.
Require Air BnB's to have the same safety standards as a hotel.
Insist the guests are met by a real person and not a lockbox.
Make a minimum one week rental mandatory.
Limit the amount of housing stock within the village that can be rented.
Insist a home be owner occupied.
I hope that some serious discussion takes place on this matter and that any council members with an association with
AirBnB's remove themselves from the conversation.
Sincerely,
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.
Pam Myra (she/her)
From: Dan McDougall
Sent: June 20, 2022 1:21 PM
To: Pam Myra (she/her)
Cc: Tara Maguire; Jennifer Webber
Subject: FW: #External: Right to Know Week 2022
Attachments: 2022 Municipal Proclamation Template.docx
For the first Council meeting in September please!
Thanks,
Dan
DAN MCDOUGALL
Chief i i tratiOfficer
Consider the environment. Do you really need to print this et -nail?
From: Information Privacy Commissioner for Nova Scotia <oipcns@novascotia.ca>
Sent: June 20, 2022 10:23 AM
To: Dan McDougall <dmcdougall@chester.ca>
Subject: #External: Right to Know Week 2022
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.
Dear Mr. McDougall,
RE: Right to Know Week in Nova Scotia
I am very pleased to take this opportunity to once again encourage your participation in Right to Know Week.
September 28, 2022 is International Right to Know Day. In Canada, the week of September 26 to October 2 has
been designated as "Right to Know Week." There will be various activities in most provinces/territories and at
the national level during this week.
We invite your municipality to proclaim September 26 to October 2, 2022 " cif: it to Know Week". I have
included the proclamation template for your consideration. If your municipality passes a motion to sign the
proclamation, please provide this office, the Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner (OIPC), with a
copy of the proclamation. We also ask that you publicize Right to Know Week in your municipality.
Thank you for your participation in Right to Know Week. If you require further information, please contact
Julie Young, Assessment & Awareness Officer, OIPC at 902-424-4684, or chi)cnsr-),c cisccta.ca.
I invite you to feel free to contact my office you have any questions or concerns relating to your administration
of your access responsibilities under Part XX of the Municipal Government Act. My office provides free
consultations to municipalities on access to information and privacy matters. To consult with us, please see our
Consultation Request Guidelines and submit a Consultation Request Form.
Information about proclamations:
To enhance public awareness, we invite your municipality to proclaim September 26 to October 2 "Right to
Know Week". A proclamation would serve as an official endorsement demonstrating your commitment to
openness, transparency and accountability, greatly increasing the number of citizens who will become aware of
their right to access information.
The purpose of Right to Know Week is to celebrate the right of all Canadians, and in our case specifically Nova
Scotians, to access information in the custody or under the control of public bodies, municipalities, and health
custodians as guaranteed by access to infoitnation legislation. Such legislation entrenches the accountability of
governments by ensuring they operate with transparency and openness. During these difficult times with the
COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that public bodies, municipalities, and health custodians recognize that
Canadians' right of access to information is not suspended. Infoiiiiation and Privacy Commissioners across the
world have encouraged governments to ensure that proper documentation of government -decision making
continues, despite the pandemic.
As Nova Scotia's Information and Privacy Commissioner, I am participating in this Canada -wide effort along
with my other Canadian Commissioner colleagues to raise awareness of the right to access information and its
value, with a local focus on what it means to those living and working in Nova Scotia.
In 2021, the OIPC sent invitations to the Province of Nova Scotia and all municipalities inviting them to
proclaim Right to Know Week. The following proclaimed or passed a motion/resolution for Right to Know
Week in Nova Scotia and provided our office with a copy of the proclamation:
■ Province of Nova Scotia
■ Municipality of the County of Pictou
Village of St. Peter's
■ Municipality of the County of Annapolis
■ Municipality of the County of Kings
Halifax Regional Municipality
Town of Middleton
Town of Stellarton
■ Town of Bridgewater
■ Municipality of Colchester
■ Town of Amherst
■ Cape Breton Regional Municipality
■ Municipality of the County of Richmond
A copy of the proposed wording for the proclamation is attached. It has been foiiiiatted in such a way as to
make it easy for you to complete. As soon as your municipality has passed a motion to sign the proclamation
please provide the OIPC with a copy of the proclamation, which will be posted on the Right to Know Week
webpage of our website https:.//oipc,novascotia.ca. We also may Tweet about it on our Twitter page,
(i-iI\TSInfoPrivacy. We invite you to retain an original signed copy of the Right to Know Proclamation and post
it in a prominent location in your municipality.
Yours truly,
2
Tricia Ralph
Information and Privacy Commissioner for Nova Scotia
Sent on behalf of Tricia Ralph by:
Julie Young
Assessment & Awareness Officer
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Nova Scotia
Telephone: 902.424.4684; Toll free within NS: 1.866.243.1564
TDD: 1.800.855.0511; Fax: 1.902.424.8303
https://oipc.novascotia.ca
Follow us on Twitter @NSlnfoPrivacy
Notice: This email may contain confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. Ifyou have received this
email by mistake, please notify me by email or by calling 1-902-424-4684 immediately and delete it from your system. Do not copy
or distribute it.
3
PROCLAMATION
RIGHT TO KNOW WEEK
September 26 to October 2, 2022
WHEREAS the [Insert the name of your jurisdiction] has adopted the principles of openness,
transparency and accountability; and
WHEREAS Part XX of the Municipal Government Act gives citizens a right of access to
information in the custody or under the control of the [Insert the name of your jurisdiction];
and
WHEREAS access to information ensures citizens of Nova Scotia have the opportunity for
meaningful participation in the democratic process; and
WHEREAS a celebration of the right of citizens to access information will facilitate infoinned
public participation in policy formulation, ensure fairness in government decision -making and
permit the airing and reconciliation of divergent views; and
WHEREAS [Insert the name of your jurisdiction] joins all other Canadian jurisdictions and
democracies world-wide in acknowledging international Right to Know Week;
THEREFORE be it resolved that I, [Insert the name of the Mayor or Warden], [Insert the
name of your jurisdiction], do hereby proclaim September 26 to October 2, 2022 to be Right to
Know Week in the [Insert the name of your jurisdiction].
30 Bartle Place • Grand Falls-Windsor • NL • A2A 2J7
contact@fasdnl.ca 709-704-4244
www.fasdnl.ca
@fasdNL
To whom it may concern: August 2022
fasdNL is a pan-provincial organization working to educate, provide supports and resources, and
raise awareness about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in Newfoundland and Labrador and
Atlantic Canada.
fasdNL is currently leading a three-year FASD prevention, awareness, training, and collaborative
action project in the four Atlantic provinces.
FASD is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals
prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will
experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills,
physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social
skills to reach their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both
strengths and challenges.
September 9th marks international FASD day. This day is recognized around the world and is
intended to build awareness about the condition and surrounding stigma within communities,
organizations and governments.
As part of our FASD initiatives across Atlantic Canada, we are asking communities, municipalities
and cities to proclaim the month of September, 2022 to be FASD Awareness Month. We ask you
to join us as we put ‘FASD on the Map’. Visit our website or social page to learn more about this
initiative.
We encourage you to learn more about our organization and activities and get involved by visiting
www.fasdnl.ca or visiting us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @fasdnl.
Katharine Dunbar Winsor
Executive Director, fasdNL
F.E. BUTLER, BRANCH 44
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION
Box 370, 14 Union St., Chester N.S.
BOJ 1 JO
Phone : 902-275-3315
August 19, 2022
To the Municipality of Chester
From : F. E. Butler Branch # 44
Royal Canadian Legion
Re: Cannons at the Cenotaph
Members of Council,
e-mail : rcl44@eastlink.ca
RECEIVED
AUG 2 5 2022
My name is Gerald MacNeil and I am the president of the F. E. Butler B ranch 44 of the Royal Canadian
Legion. I am writing to bring to your attention that the two small cannons that flank the cenotaph are in need of
repair. I am not sure how secure the blocks are in the ground. I have been told that two able-bodied men would
be able to lift them, cement and all from the area, and walk off with them.
The cement around the base is crumbling and I have attached photos for your review. The age of the metal
work of the cannons could potentially be a reason somebody might want to take them.
would appreciate it if you had your Maintenance Department look at the cannons and surrounding area and
report back to you. You can then contact me at RCL44 eastlink.ca or at 902-826-9092 and we can set up a
time to go over your findings.
Yours in Comradeship,
Gerald Kaceil
President
F. E. Butler Branch # 44
Royal Canadian Legion
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1
Pam Myra (she/her)
From:John Saunders
Sent:July 20, 2022 9:20 AM
To:Pam Myra (she/her)
Subject:#External: Request for Porta Potty at Exit 8 park and ride
Good Morning Pam
Please forward this request to the councilors concerned for making this decision. Many Thanks
My name is John Saunders and I am a Chester resident living in the Kwyet Waters Retirement Community @ 3.6 kms.
from the Park and Ride located just of Hwy 103. across from the RCMP station.
I am currently building a Food Truck, Mickey Finn's "Food Truck O' The Irish", and will be locating my Truck at the Park
and Ride across from the RCMP station. I am requesting that the Chester Council explore the possibility of having a
Porta Potty placed at this location by the Chester Municipality. I will be in operation at least within the next 3 weeks and
will operate my business until the end of November. Next year my business will run from April 1 until Nov 30. I will
probably operate the Truck also as as many Saturdays and Sundays that I can, depending on any private catering that I
have, that falls on a weekend. Thus I could be there 7 days a week.
This location is prime for my Food Truck as there are 2 cement plants, Bonny Lea Farm, The South Shore Quarry, and
the Municipal Recycle and Dump just 15 minutes down Windsor Rd. I will have highway access to both on and off ramps
of the Hwy 103, numerous local businesses are located in that area, and direct traffic coming and going into the Village of
Chester.
I hope to have my workers on site at my Truck and open from @ 10 am to 6 pm, if not later, depending on how the
demands of the business operations proceed. There are numerous cars that park there on a daily basis and of course
car sharing drivers return them to the park and ride to pick up their vehicles, and then travel back to their homes. The
traffic pattern is a very busy line of Truck Drivers, business people, and private residents, that will take the opportunity to
stop and purchase food from my truck, and it would be an opportune place to have this washroom facility available for
them.
I would be willing to help pay for this project is you feel it necessary. I know that I will be busy given the publics
opportunity to stop by during their travels and purchase food for their enjoyment. Having a washroom facility available for
the customers of my Food Truck would be a definite asset for all included. There would obviously be a huge cross
section of customers arriving from local workers to travelling families. There is no opportunity for restaurant quality food
to be purchased between Bridgewater and Tantallon on Hwy 103, as anyone wanting to must travel off the highway and
into the local towns located off 103
I look forward to your consideration with my request and would be available if needed to be present at your next meeting
. If you need any further information please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.
John G. Saunders
Mickey Finn's "Food Truck O The Irish"
28 Kwyet Lane Windsor Rd
Nova Scotia B0J1J0
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.
REQUEST FOR DECISION
REPORT TO: Municipal Council
MEETING DATE:
DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation Dept.
SUBJECT: New Road Name Assignment
ORIGIN: New Private Road Name Request
Date: 2022-08-04 Prepared by: Sylvia Dixon, Development & Planning Technician
Date: 2022-08-24 Reviewed by: Chad Haughn, Director of CDRD
Date: 2022-08-24 Authorized by: Dan McDougall, CAO
RECOMMENDED MOTION
It is recommended that Municipal Council not approve the proposed private road name, Deep Cove Terrace.
This private right of way could be considered a continuation of the existing road, Upper Blandford Rd. In this
situation the private right of way should be given the same name as the existing road and the road name of
Upper Blandford Rd should be applied to the private right of way.
CURRENT SITUATION
A property owner with a private right-of-way accessed off of Upper Blandford Road in Deep Cove (map
attached) that will provide access for a future development of three or more addressable structures has a
proposed new private road name.
BACKGROUND
This private shared right-of-way/driveway may be considered a privately owned extension of the provincial
road, Upper Blandford Road.
Municipal Policy P-44 – New Road Names and Road Name Changes, states “Civic Address Co-ordinator follows
the guidelines in the Nova Scotia Civic Address Users Guide.” Section 3.3.1 Road Naming of the Nova Scotia Civic
Address User Guide, says “The requested road name change will be validated according to the Department's
Road Naming Guidelines (adopted from the Nova Scotia Civic Addressing Project).” And the Nova Scotia Road
Naming Policy states, “Where a new road is a continuation of an existing road, the new road will be given the
same name as the existing road.” The above is also summarized in Section 1.9.1 of the Nova Scotia Civic Address
User Guide.
When there are three or more addressable structures using an unnamed shared right-of-way/driveway, the
Nova Scotia Civic Address Users Guide states that this point of access must be named. In this instance, a
property owner has proposed the following road names: Deep Cove Terrance (1st choice), Cyrus Eaton Terrance
(2nd choice), and Tenebraex Terrance (3rd choice). The proposed names were suggested by a majority of the
property owners, representing 73.33% of the affected properties.
DISCUSSION
Comments received for proposed road names:
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2
- Blandford Dept. – Fire Chief: “I think that Cyrus Eaton Terrace would be the best name as it is very
distinctive and not easily confused with any other road. That’s just my opinion. Mike Schnare, chief.”
- District 1 Councillor – Councillor Andre Veinotte: Preference for continuing the road name for Upper
Blandford Road. Of the three proposed names, preference for Cyrus Eaton Terrace.
- Director of Public Works – Fred Whynot: No objections to the proposed name of Deep Cove Terrance,
also likes Upper Blandford Road Extension.
It is of note that the proposed new road names are similar to the following:
- Deep Cove Road, Deep Cove, Municipality of the District of Chester, Lunenburg County
- Deep Cove Drive, Martins River, Municipality of the District of Chester, Lunenburg County
- Deep Cove Island Water Access, Tusket Islands, Municipality of the District of Argyle, Yarmouth County
- Cyrus St, Glace Bay, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Cape Breton County
- Cyrus Graham Rd, Burnside, Municipality of the County of Colchester, Colchester County
OPTIONS
1. Municipal Council can decide not to approve the proposed road name and direct staff to assign a
name of Council’s choosing. An alternative to the proposed new private road names is to add a
privately owned extension to the provincial road of Upper Blandford Rd with a road name of Upper
Blandford Rd as per Municipal Policy P-44 and Provincial Guidelines.
2. Municipal Council can approve one of the new proposed road names.
IMPLICATIONS
By-Law/Policy
Policy P-44 – New Road Names and Road Name Changes.
Financial/budgetary
A new road sign (with accessory materials) will be purchased and posted by the Infrastructure & Operations
Department.
Environmental
N/A
Strategic Priorities
N/A
Work Program Implications
N/A
Has Legal review been completed? N/A
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
N/A
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 3
ATTACHMENTS
1. Petition Received
2. Location Map
age 12
NEW PRIVATE ROAD NAME PETITION
Three (3) road name choices (Maximu
spaces and road suffix):
lst . t IP CO
2nd
3rd
Signature of affected landov
6 Characters f Letters including
PID #: 60065844, 60065851, 60065778, 60065786, 60065794, 60065802,
60065810,60065828,6 065836,60065869,60065877
Name: Armament Tichi1lggyInc.
Signature:
PID #: 60686193, 60065760, 60423548
Name: M & M Developments Limited
Signature:
PID #: 60064417
Name: Pugwash Park Commissioners
Signature:
396 175
65
397
184
102
264
441
71
420
198
167
326
443
390
341
256
360
266
427
47
271
244
402
352342
440
410
182
306
45
Deer Lane
Upper
B
l
a
n
d
f
o
r
d
R
d
Rev.:Date:Description:
0
MUNICIPALITY OF THEDISTRICT OF CHESTER
From Date: N /ATo Da te : N/ADate Printed: 22/07/26
®
Legend
Civic Address
Road
Building Footprint
Affected Property
Property Boundary
Waterbody
150 0 15075
Metres
22/07/26
Digital Folders Entry ID:1227630
Status: Ex istsProject ID: N/AClassification #: N/A
Representation of Municipality of Chester within Nova ScotiaScale: 1:12 ,500 ,0 00
Scale: 1:7,000
Private Road Name Request
Sources:Digital Base Map Data from Service N ova Scotia andMunicipal Relations
Prepared by the Municipality of the District of Chester
Coordinate System/Datum: UTM NAD83 CSRS ZONE20N
Map Disclaim er:Information shown on these drawings is compiledfrom numerous sources and may not be complete oraccurate. The Municipality of the District of Chester isnot responsible for any erro rs, omissions ordeficiencies in these drawings. Date printed do es notreflect date ofdata.
Actual Map Size: w 11" x h 8.5"
Community:Deep CoveFire Dept:Blandford Fire Dept.Description:Civic addressing reference map forprivate road name request.
Request for New Private Road NameProposed: Deep Cove Terrace
District Grants 2022-2023
Updated September 1, 2022
Requested Approved Date Approved
Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022
Ocean Swells Community Association:Parking Lot & Garbage Box 2,500.00$
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 300.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 9,700.00$
Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022
Hubbards Area Lions Club: Septic System Repairs 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 12, 2022
Through the Years Day Care and Community Centre: Heat Pumps 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 12, 2022
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 4,300.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 5,700.00$
Chester Brass Band: Summer Concerts 500.00$ 500.00$ June 23, 2022
Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Canada Day & Garden Party 3,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 12, 2022
Chester Playhouse: Pearle Harbour Performance 1,000.00$
Chester Playhouse: By Folk-EI Variety Show 1,000.00$
Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 44, Chester: 4 events-Canada Day, Vets Lunch, Remembrance Day & NYLevee2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 23, 2022
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 3,800.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 6,200.00$
Aenon Baptist Church:AED Machine 1,000.00$
Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 300.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 9,700.00$
Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 144, Western Shore:Remembrance Day & Xmas 2,000.00$
Western Shore Fire Department: Garden Party 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ June 23, 2022
Western Shore & Area Improvement Association: Hanging Baskets 3,657.00$ 3,657.00$ June 23, 2022
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 6,457.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 3,543.00$
Charing Cross Garden Club: Purchase plants and management 500.00$ 500.00$ June 30, 2022
Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022
Forties Community Centre: Oktoberfest 500.00$ 500.00$ May 12, 2022
New Ross Consolidated School: Outdoor Classroom Bench & Chalkboard 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ June 30, 2022
(RCL) New Ross Summer Evening Market: Summer Evening Market 500.00$ 500.00$ June 30, 2022
New Ross Trails Society: Fairy Walk & Little Ladybug Library 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ May 26, 2022
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 79, New Ross: Vet Banners, Rem. Day & other 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 30, 2022
New Ross Preschool Society: Muddy Buddies & Storage Shed 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ July 28, 2022
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 6,800.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 3,200.00$
Canaan & District Hall: Faciltiy Maintenance & Repairs 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ May 26, 2022
Chester Brass Band: Summer Concerts 500.00$ 500.00$ June 23, 2022
Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Canada Day & Garden Party 3,000.00$ 500.00$ May 12, 2022
Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022
District 7
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 5,300.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 4,700.00$
Total Funds Approved 27,257.00$
District Grant Budget 2022-2023 70,000.00$
Remaining Funds 42,743.00$
District 6
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
Phil Lamont
Secretary/Vice-Chair
25 August 2022
Phil Lamont Secretary/Vice-Chair X
2500.1
Supply material, grade and compact parking lot.Replace damaged garbage box.
Parking Lot budget $2000. Garbage Box $500.
Ocean Swells Community Centre
2724 Hwy 329, Northwest Cove NS
c/o 255 Southwest Cove Rd. Northwest Cove NS B0J 1T0
Ocean Swells Community Centre
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
GRANT APPLICATION FORM
District Council Grant Request
Name of Organization: AEnon Baptist Church Chester Basin Nova scotia
Contact Person: Lisa Schnare
Mailing Address:
Email: Phone:
Name Signature Date
_________ Lisa Schnare _____________________August 24, 2022
_______________________________________________
Amount Requested:$_______1000.00___________________________Municipal District
# ________________ Please provide a brief description of your project or event:
_____We as a church membership would like to purchase an AED for our facility.The reason is so we
could have quick access to this possible life saving device .We also would like to register it for public use
when the building is open.We feel the more of these devices in our community the better.Also they may
help anyone in our building .
___________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
Please provide a brief description of how you plan to spend any Council Grant funding received:
____________WE would use the grant funds in its entirety for the purchase of the AED.
___________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
If funding is approved, who should the cheque be made payable to: _______AEnon Baptist
Church_________________________________________
Please forward applications to the following: Director of Community Development and Recreation
“District Council Grant”
Municipality of the District of Chester PO Box 369
Chester NS B0J 1J0
Email:chaughn@chester.ca
Name of Organization:
Contact Person:
fling Address:
Narne
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CEk TER
GRANT APPLICATION FORM
District Council Grant Request
Signature
Date
Phone:
Amount. Requested;
Please provide a brief description of your project or event:
Mun
Please provide a brief description of how you plan to spend any Council Grant fu
ceived:
If funding is approved, who should the cheque be trade payable to:
Please forward applications to the folio
p
Di
g: Director of Recreation Fz. Parks
"District Council Grant"
Municipality of the District of C.h •
PO Box 369
Chester, NS B01110
g
Or ctaauhnPcJaesterca
Name of Organization
Contact Person
Position with Organization,
Organization Mailing Address
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
DISTRICT GRANT APPLICATION
Deadline to Apply: February 28
Chester Playhouse
Andrew Chandler
Executive Director
PO Box 293 Chester NS B0J1J0
Phone 902 275 3933
Email: andrew chesterplayhouse.ca Date: Aug 28 2022
Signature of Signing Officer(s) and their position with Organization:
Position
Amount Requested: 1000
Endorsement (check box)
declare 1 am a member of the
organization and have authority
to submit this application.
Municipal Distric
3
1) Please provide a brief description of your project or event. (Maximum 1250 characters)
2) Please provide a brief description of how you plan to spend any District Grant funding. (Max 800 characters)
Chester Theatre Council Society
Who should the cheque be made payable to?
Please forward applications to the following:
ATrN: Recreation & Parks Services
Municipality of the District ofCheste
PO Box369
Chester NS BOJ 1J0
Email: recreation chester.ca
Municipality of the District of Chester: District Grant Application
Chester Playhouse: Performance of the By Folk -El Spectacular Holiday Social
Written responses
1) Please provide a brief description of your project or event. (Maximum 1250 characters)
On December 17th, the Chester Playhouse will present a performance of the By Folk -El
Spectacular Holiday Social, an annual community variety show, showcasing the best and most
unique talents in our community. We are currently inviting talent submissions, and have already
confirmed a diverse array of acts, including singers, instrumentalists, comedians, and more.
This event, full of holiday- and non-holiday-themed performances invites the community to
gather before the holidays, to celebrate the year past, and feel a sense of pride in our
community. This performance will take place at the Chester Legion, where last year's
performance sold out.
2) Please provide a brief description of how you plan to spend any District Grant funding.
(Max 800 characters)
Due to the nature of this event - with 7-10 performing acts - costs to produce the evening are
higher than other events (unique requirements for each act, rental of specialized equipment,
and additional tech time to rehearse and prepare technical elements for each act). We also
wish to keep ticket prices as low as possible, so as to allow all in our community to attend and
savour the talents surrounding them. Finally, while this event has featured volunteer performers
in the past, we wish to offer each act a generous honorarium, in tribute of their time and efforts.
We hope that in some cases, this is a first step on the road to professional performance for
some of our acts. To support these goals, we hope that the municipality will join us as a
presenting partner on the By Folk -El Spectacular Holiday Social.
Name of Organization
Contact Person
Position with Organization
Organization Mailing Address
Phone: 902 275 39
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
DISTRICT GRANT APPLICATION
Deadline to Apply: February 28
Chester Playhouse
Andrew Chandler
Executive Director
PO Box 293 Chester NS B0J1
Email: andrew@chesterplayhouse.ca
Date: Aug 2
Signature of Signing Officer(s) and their position with Organization:
Name (printed)
rOt
Amount Requested: 1000
Position
0
2022
Endorsement (check box)
I declare I am a member of the
organization and have authority
to submit this application.
Municipal Distric
3
1) Please provide a brief description of your project or event. (Maximum 1250 characters)
2) Please provide a brief description of how you plan to spend any District Grant funding. (max soocharacters)
Chester Theatre Council Society
Who should the cheque be made payable to?
Please forward applications to the following:
ATTN: Recreation &Parks Services
Municipality of the District of Chester
PO Box 369
Chester NS BOJ 1J0
Email: recreatrron@chester a;
Municipality of the District of Chester: District Grant Application
Chester Playhouse: Performance of Pearle Harbour's AGIT-POP!
Written responses
1) Please provide a brief description of your project or event. (Maximum 1250 characters)
On October 16th, the Chester Playhouse will present a performance of Pearle Harbour's
AGIT-POP - musical meditations for the pre -post -apocalypse, a cabaret theatre performance by
renowned drag comedienne, Pearle Harbour (Justin Miller). This is a delightfully irreverent,
darkly funny, and moving musical performance accessible to all, but of particular interest to the
2SLGBTQIA+ community. This event will be a tentpole event for the South Shore queer
community which, while perhaps small, deserves our support, especially now. It will also draw
individuals from further afield, inviting them to discover our village, patronize local businesses,
savour local restaurants, and be inspired to return soon. Performed at the Chester Area Middle
School, we will ensure that this performance is physically accessible, and, through our
Community Ticket program, that ticket prices are not a barrier to any community member
attending.
2) Please provide a brief description of how you plan to spend any District Grant funding.
(Max 800 characters)
This funding will subsidize the production costs of this performance, allowing us to bring this
unique performance show to our community. Travelling from Toronto, and necessitating unique
technical elements, this performance has additional costs from our normal (including rental of
equipment and instruments, travel, accommodation, technical time). We ask for this support to
help us shoulder these additional costs, while keeping ticket prices as low as possible, so that
all in our community (and beyond) can experience this uplifting community event, without ticket
prices being a barrier. We hope that the municipality will join us as a presenting partner for this
event.