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2023-03-23_Council_Website Agenda Package_Updated March 22, 2023.pdf
Page 1 of 2 of Agenda Cover Page(s) MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA Thursday, March 23, 2023 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 – March 9, 2023. 5. PROCLAMATIONS 6. COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 Committee of the Whole - March 16, 2023 - Warden Webber. 6.2 Committee of the Whole - Budget - March 16, 2023 - Warden Webber. 7. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS 7.1 Our Health Centre at 9:00 a.m. 7.2 Carol Nauss at 9:15 a.m. 7.3 Michael Keddy at 9:30 a.m. 7.4 Coastal Action/Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee at 9:45 a.m. 8. BY-LAWS AND POLICIES 9. MATTERS ARISING 9.1 Budget 2023/24. Page 2 of 2 10. CORRESPONDENCE 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Request for Direction prepared March 8, 2023 - Community Development & Recreation - Agreement Application - Rum Runners Lane Development. 11.2 Request for Decision prepared March 7, 2023 - Community Development & Recreation - New Road Name Assignment - Blandford. 11.3 District 4 Council Grants: a. Aenon Baptist Church Fun Day - $3,000. b. Friends of 250th Legacy Park Society - $2,500. 11.4 Request for Decision prepared March 8, 2023 - Financial & Information Services - Temporary Borrowing Resolutions and Pre-Approval of Debenture Issuance. 12. IN CAMERA 12.1 Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act – Acquisition, sale, lease, and security of municipal property - Kaizer Meadow. 12.2 Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act – Acquisition, sale, lease, and security of municipal property - East River. 13. ADJOURNMENT APPOINTMENTS 9:00 a.m. Thelma Costello (Chair) and Lorraine Burch, Our Health Centre. 9:15 a.m. Carol Nauss, Chester Municipal Heritage Society. 9:30 a.m. Michael Keddy. 9:45 a.m. Blake McNeely (Coastal Action) and Garth Bangay (Chair, Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee). 71 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER Minutes of COUNCIL MEETING Livestreamed via YouTube www.youtube.com/modcvideo from 151 King Street, Chester, Nova Scotia On Thursday, March 9, 2023 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:46 a.m. Present: District 1 – Councillor A. Veinotte District 2 – Deputy Warden F. Shatford District 3 – Councillor D Wells District 4 – Warden A. Webber District 5 – Councillor A. Assaff District 6 – Councillor T. Connors District 7 – Councillor S. Church Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk Emily Lennox, Executive Assistant Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure & Operations Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor Public: There were no members of the public in the gallery APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS Addition: District Council Grant Request - East Chester Recreation Association. Addition: Lunenburg Queens Business Excellence Awards. 2023-079 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford the agenda and order of business for the February 23, 2023, Council meeting be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Council (continued) March 9, 2023 72 PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS 4.1 Council – February 23, 2023. 2023-080 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the minutes of the February 23, 2023 Council Meeting be approved as circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. PROCLAMATIONS There were no proclamations for consideration. COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 Committee of the Whole - March 2, 2023 - Warden Webber. The Deputy CAO noted that the date of the hearing originally chosen does not provide enough time for advertising. The date will be moved to April 6, 2023. 2023-081 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the following motions from the March 2, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting be approved with the Public Hearing date changed to April 6, 2023: 2023-074 - “… enter into a Development Agreement with Bonny Lea Farm (South Shore Community Service Association) to facilitate the development of a 313 square metre structure and two identified future development sites, and further, schedule a date for the public hearing.” 2023-075 - “… a Public Hearing be held on Thursday, April 6 March 23, 2023 beginning at 8:45 a.m. consider the matter to enter into a Development Agreement with Bonny Lea Farm (South Shore Community Service Association) to facilitate the development of a 313 square metre structure and two identified future development sites.” Council (continued) March 9, 2023 73 2023-076 - “… the Municipality correspond with the appropriate departments in the Provincial Government (Agriculture and Aquaculture), as well as the MLA, requesting they investigate the black liquid that is running out of the sand at Bayswater Beach. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 6.2 Recreation & Parks Committee - February 21, 2023 - Councillor Veinotte. 2023-082 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council approve the following recommendation from the February 21, 2023 Recreation & Parks Committee Meeting: 2023-070 - “… give Danielle Swinamer of Chester Basin $1,500 for her participation in the Cheerleading Worlds in Orlando, Florida from April 20 to 24, 2023. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 6.3 Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee - Action Plan - Councillors Assaff and Connors. a. Request for Decision prepared February 23, 2023 - Corporate & Strategic Management Committee - EDI Advisory Committee Action Plan. Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer, and Jonathan Meakin, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator were present to review the Request for Decision prepared February 23, 2023 - EDI Advisory Committee Action Plan, outlining the process of determine the actions and how the information was reformatted with actions revealed through discussions with the Committee. Councillors Connors and Assaff also spoke on the process and the engagement of the Committee. The document will be revisited and reviewed updated as needed. The Committee is conscious of the objectives which will take time as they are aware of capacity limits. 2023-083 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council approve the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Action Plan, updated February 17, 2023, that continue to help achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion goals within the Municipality and throughout the communities we serve. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Council (continued) March 9, 2023 74 6.4 Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program Monthly Report - January 2023 and February 2023 - Councillor Connors. Councillor Connors briefly outlined the January and February 2023 reports and noted that she was surprised at the extensive partnerships they have to do their work. Lisa Bennet is the new Coordinator. 6.5 Lunenburg/Queens Business Awards - Councillor Connors. Councillor Connors reported on the annual exercise that took place earlier this week, noting that the winner of the large business category was G & C Hughes of New Ross. It was also noted that there were two other nominees from this Municipality - The Deck (New Business) and Black Harbour Distilleries (Small Business). This is the first time in three years they have done the awards. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS There were no public presentations. BY-LAWS AND POLICIES 8.1 Policy - Request for Direction prepared March 1, 2203 - Corporate & Strategic Management - 2023 North American Indigenous Games Policy. The Deputy CAO outlined the Request for Direction prepared March 1, 2203 regarding the 2023 North American Indigenous Games Policy. It was noted that previously Council had approved a policy for a similar activity, Policy P-062 Volunteers - Halifax 2011 Winter Games Policy. That policy allowed staff to volunteer for the event for up to five days (half of the time would be from their own vacation or banked time). The 2023 North American Indigenous Games require 18 hours of volunteer time and that will also require training. They need 3,000 volunteers and have approximately 1,200 at this time. Staff was directed to prepare a policy for Council’s consideration. MATTERS ARISING Council (continued) March 9, 2023 75 There were no matters arising. CORRESPONDENCE 10.1 Copy of correspondence dated February 20, 2023 from residents of Eisnor Road to the NS Department of Public Works regarding the condition of the road. Councillor Church noted that the residents are asking for a letter of support as the road is in deplorable condition. 2023-084 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council forward a copy of the letter from the residents of Eisnor Road along with a letter of support for their request to have the NS Department of Public Works consider repair and maintenance to Eisnor Road. DISCUSSION: Councillor Wells asked if this was a priority, and it was noted that this is not a J Class Road; it is a letter of support for the residents to have the province consider some action on the state of the road condition. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 10.2 Correspondence dated February 27, 2023 requesting funding in the amount of $60,000 to complete the analysis, preliminary design, and budgeting for the facility. 2023-085 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the Correspondence dated February 27, 2023 from Church Memorial Park requesting funding in the amount of $60,000 to complete the analysis, preliminary design, and budgeting for the facility be referred to the Budget Process. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Request for Direction prepared March 1, 2023 - Community Development & Recreation - Request to Rezone Properties on Sawler Lake to Lakeside Zone. Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner was present to review the Request for Direction prepared March 1, 2023 regarding a Request to Rezone Properties on Sawler Lake to Lakeside Zone. Council (continued) March 9, 2023 76 The letter was received on behalf of two residents to apply for the Lakeside Zone around Sawler Lake, which is only partially located within the Municipality of the District of Chester. currently the Lakefront Overlay is applied to all lakes in the Municipality (20 m setbacks and limits on pavements). This request is seeking to go beyond that to apply the Lakeside Zone which limits commercial use, requires a vegetative buffer, larger minimum lot sizes, and has regulations on animals and RVs. If Council gives direction to proceed, Staff will prepare a report and hold a public information meeting. The report will consider the individual lake, topography, slope, etc. and determine a recommendation on how deep the Lakeside Zone would be applied. One of the properties included is one that Council rezoned to Mixed Use from Residential Settlement 2. Councillor Veinotte expressed his dislike of the process, i.e., pushing through changes because of the public rather than strategic considerations from staff and Council. This is an example of how it could become problematic - the area around the interchange will become very important over the next 20 years as Hubbards builds out. Putting restrictions on an area because two people asked for it can cause a big impact in 10-20 years. It was noted there are approximately 7-8 properties that would be affected. The Senior Planner noted that the staff recommendation is not on merits of the proposal, it is to prepare a report and hold a public information meeting. Councillor Wells asked if this would take time from other priorities. The CAO noted it is an option at this time for Council to not proceed but asked if there was an obligation in the Land Use By-Law to move forward with the request. The Solicitor indicated any decision made must be based on the policy. A discussion was held on the procedure and whether it is appealable to the Utility and Review Board. Deputy Warden Shatford indicated that the landowners are in favour of this and noted that the actual development property owner is not opposed. He is in favour of moving forward with a staff report. Council (continued) March 9, 2023 77 Councillor Veinotte again noted it was bad policy. It is reactionary and not rooted on good planning. There was further discussion on what might be considered and what would be in the Lakeside Zone. Councillor Wells asked if this was going to be piecemealed, why not protect all lakes. The Senior Planner indicated that Council chose this method when the Lakeside Zone was created. Councilor Connors noted that she was in full support of what is required. She is interested in receiving the application - this is civic engagement and people being involved in the changes they would like to pursue on their property. 2023-086 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Veinotte that Council accept the request to consider rezoning properties on Sawler Lake to the Lakeside Zone and direct staff to prepare a staff report for consideration by the Municipal Planning Advisory Committee and schedule a Public Information Meeting. DISCUSSION. Councillor Wells asked if the report would contain lot sizes and the Senior Planner indicated that the lot sizes would be included as well as a map showing the PIDs and lot sizes. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. The CAO noted that there was also a request to waive fees; however, the current policy indicates that the fee can only be waived for not for profit organizations. 2023-087 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church that in keeping with policy as described in the Fee Policy P-20, deny the request to waive the Application Fee of $300, and the Advertising Deposit of $500. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 11.2 Request for Decision - Community Development & Recreation - Council District Grants: a. District 2 - Aspotogan Fitness Club - $1,800. 2023-088 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Veinotte that Council approve a District 2 Council Grant to the Aspotogan Fitness Club in the amount of $1,800.00. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Council (continued) March 9, 2023 78 b. District 3 & 7 - Chester United Soccer - $2,000 and $3500 for District 7. 2023-089 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council approve a District 3 Council Grant in the amount of $2,000 and a District 7 Council Grant in the amount of $1,500 for Chester United Soccer. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. c. District 4 - Chester Basin Fire Commission - $2,000. 2023-090 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council approve a District 4 Council Grant in the amount of $2,000 for the Chester Basin Fire Commission. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. d. District 1 - East Chester Recreation Association - $2,500. 2023-091 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Wells that Council approve a District 1 Council Grant in the amount of $2,500 to the East Chester Recreation Association. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Councillor Wells noted that some districts still have some funds available and suggested that there may be other projects out there that could be partnered on. It was noted that if the request is in by March 31, 2023 they could be considered. A break was held from 9:37 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS (continued) Warden Webber asked Council if they agreed to adding an item to the In Camera Agenda - Contract Negotiations (Fire Contract). Councillors agreed. 11.3 Request for Decision prepared February 28, 2023 - Community Development & Recreation - Budgeted Grants Guidelines. Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation was present to review the Request for Decision prepared February 28, 2023 - Budgeted Grants Guidelines. There was a lengthy discussion on the various organizations and their relevance such as day cares vs family resource centres and health related issues. Council (continued) March 9, 2023 79 It was noted that the Chester Playhouse is interested in being included in the budgeted grants listing. Councillor Veinotte suggested there needs to be a demonstration that the organization is aligned with our mandate and questioned if childcare or health care is within our mandate. The Art Centre is in line with our mandate and part of the sector strategy that has been discussed for ten years. The Director noted that following conversations, he has updated the information in the guidelines that indicates the question is in there asking if their work aligns with our guidelines and priorities. The organization must provide a core public service or have a formal agreement with the Municipality. It was agreed to tweak item 2 to ensure it is a responsibility. Councillor Connors agreed with the health care and childcare piece, especially when those organizations are in name only. The Chester facility and Through the Years are not resource centres; they may have been at one time but don’t offer services of a resource centre now. That became clear when Ms. Shatford was in - they receive day care funding. Councillor Wells asked for clarification on Card Lake Park ($2,000) and the New Ross Regional Development Society (490) and it was noted that there is an agreement with the province on Card Lake Park and the bandstand in New Ross is on private land so the grant is for the taxes on the bandstand itself. A discussion was held on the Church Memorial Park request; Council committed $75,000 per year for the term of Council. This is an additional funding request of $60,000. Further discussion was held with regard to capital vs operating funding. It was noted that the funding criteria have changed, and organizations can also apply for capital funding. The possibility of indexing by CPI for annual funding was also mentioned. The Director asked if there were any other changes. Warden Webber suggested that notifying the resource centres (a year’s notice) and that if they choose to apply, they have to separate out what is not within our mandate. The Director indicated that Council would see budgeted grants again during budget discussions. Council (continued) March 9, 2023 80 Councillor Veinotte referred to the Food Bank presentation and the link between what they are doing and our priorities - he liked that. 11.4 Request for Decision prepared March 3, 2023 - Corporate & Strategic Management - Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia (FSANS) Alternate Director for Lunenburg County. Bruce Blackwood, Fire Services Coordinator was present to bring Council up to date on the process to designate an alternate director for the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia (FSANS). 2023-092 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that Council accept the nomination and election from a majority of the Municipality of the District of Chester’s Fire Chiefs that Chief Clary Coolen (Hubbards Volunteer Fire Department) serve as Alternate Director, Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia for Lunenburg County in 2023 and send confirmation of this acceptance to the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 11.5 Request for Decision prepared March 2, 2023 - Infrastructure & Operations - Chipped wood/Plywood Tip Fee. Present was Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure & Operations who reviewed the Request for Decision prepared March 2, 2023 - Chipped wood/Plywood Tip Fee noting that the Municipality was approached by the Municipal Joint Services Board with a request to accept a special tip fee in the amount of $25 for “dirty wood”. It falls into the new C&D guidelines provided to Council earlier this month. 2023-093 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council direct the Solid Waste Department to accept the specific tip fee of $25/MT for construction and demolition waste; pre-chipped wood products (includes painted wood/plywood/various contaminated materials) from the Municipal Joint Services Board. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. IN CAMERA 12.1 Section 22(2)(e) of the Municipal Government Act – Contract Negotiations - Fire Services. Council (continued) March 9, 2023 81 2023-094 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the meeting convene “In Camera” to discuss contract negotiations (Fire Services) as per Section 22(2)(e) of the Municipal Government Act. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT 2023-095 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the meeting adjourn. (10:43 a.m.) _________________________ _________________________ Allen Webber Pamela Myra Warden Municipal Clerk NOTE: The recorded version of this meeting is available at www.youtube.com/modcvideo . MOTIONS FOR APPROVAL OF COUNCIL FROM MARCH 16, 2023 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING 2023-098 APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS 2023-099 DIRECT STAFF TO FOLLOW UP WITH PROVINCE RE: UNOPENED ROADS MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to direct staff to engage with the appropriate provincial departments regarding Unopened Roads/Trails Acquisition in the Municipality of Chester. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-100 EDI REGIONAL COMMITTEE INFO TO MUNICIPAL EDI COMMITTEE MOVED by Councillor Connors, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to provide the information provided in the Request for Decision prepared March 10, 2023 (Regional CAOs) regarding the proposed Regional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Shared Position to the EDI Committee for feedback. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-101 APPROVAL OF MARCH 2, 2023 MINUTES 2022-102 APPROVAL OF MARCH 9, 2023 MINUTES 2023-103 ANNUAL COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT FOR 2023/24 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to approve the annual Cost of Living at 7.5% (All Items for Nova Scotia Annual Average) for 2023/24 by: • Approving the Draft 2023/24 Employee Salary Bands - Approve the Cost-of-Living increase by the Consumer Price Index – All Items for Nova Scotia Annual Average 2022 by 7.5% Effective April 1, 2023. And • Recommend the amendment to Policy P-09 Warden, Deputy Warden, and Councillors Salaries - Give Notice of Intention to Amend Policy P-09 Sections A, B, and C to increase annual remuneration Cost of Living by the Consumer Price Index – All Items for Nova Scotia 2021 by 7.5% Effective April 1, 2023. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-104 IN CAMERA SESSION MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the meeting convene “In Camera” as per Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act - Acquisition, sale, lease, and security of municipal property - Fox Point. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-105 SMALL CAPITAL GRANT - NEW ROSS FIRE DEPARTMENT (RINK COMMITTEE) MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to approve a Small Capital Grant in the amount of $8,640.00 to New Ross Fire Department (Rink Committee). ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-106 MAJOR CAPITAL GRANT - LIGHTHOUSE FOODBANK MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to approve a Major Capital Grant in the amount of $53,707 to the Lighthouse Foodbank. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-107 MAJOR CAPITAL GRANT - THROUGH THE YEARS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to approve a Major Capital Grant in the amount of $20,000 to Through the Years Early Learning Centre. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-108 ADJOURNMENT MOTION FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL FROM MARCH 16, 2023 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - BUDGET 2023/24 MEETING 2023-109 AMENDMENT TO 2023/24 BUDGET - RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL TAX RATES 2023/24 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to direct staff to revise the 2023/24 budget based on discussion today to: • Reduce the Residential/Resource Tax Rate by One Cent; and • Reduce the Commercial Tax Rate by Three Cents; and • Transfer Surplus to Reserve for Infrastructure Development; and • Bring forward a revised budget and motions for Council’s consideration. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. 2023-110 ADJOURNMENT 2023-03-17 1 OHC: A Community Invests in Health and Wellness Update to Chester Municipal Council March 23, 2023 Mission: An innovative leader in providing health services and wellness education to the communities we serve. Vision To improve the health and well-being of every person we serve. Communication Collaboration Respect Excellence Equity 1 2 3 2023-03-17 2 Board Members: Thelma Costello –Chair Janet Irwin – Vice Chair Jeff Conrad – Treasurer Jenny Boehner - Corporate Secretary Gord Tate Tom Marrie Nate Stepner Olivia Corkum NS Health •Primary Care Clinic (4 doctors, 2 nurse practitioners, 2 half-time family practice nurses, social worker) •Diabetic Clinic •Mental Health & Addictions, Continuing Care & Public Health •Opioid Use Disorder Clinic •Blood Clinic with increased hours Medical Walk-In Clinic same day appointments Mental Health Walk-In Clinic same day appointments Other services : •Hearing Life •Podiatry •Schools Plus counsellors •COVID-19 vaccine clinics •Etc. •CVITP (Community Volunteer Income Tax Program) •Well Women & Well Men programs •Second Story Womens Centre: free counselling for women, girls & gender oppressed. •Family Caregivers Series •South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society / Conversation Café •RCMP/Senior Safety Program •South Shore Sexual Health Overview of Outreach •Growing Friends / Food Insecurity Initiatives •Chester Interagency •MOC Equity Diversity & Inclusion Committee •South Shore Housing Action Coalition •NS Health Implementation Science Team/ Innovation Hub •Host for Dalhousie Medical student events •etc 4 5 6 2023-03-17 3 Annual Community Check Up survey Feedback from OHC doctors , nurses and other staff Feedback from partner agencies OHC Board Strategic Planning Compliments/complaints button on website Social network analysis project with research team from NS Health Tenants ◦Nova Scotia Health ( 63% of the building) ◦Other permanent & casual tenants Walk-in clinic; cost recovery from physicians Grants Memberships 7 8 9 2023-03-17 4 Board members : Ron McDonald , Bob Fraser, Jeff Summerville, Janice Moreside, Cathy Ross, Lisa Aiken , Katie Macdonald Mayfest yard sale Golf Tournament (details pending) Harvest Jam online auction Legacy giving Pledges Status Value DescriptionItem Submitted submitted Nov 2022 pending $500 base amount + conditional amount Grant for hosting free tax clinics CVITP Federal Government submitted Nov 2022 pending $4,000Sink taps & linesDistrict GrantMunicipality of Chester submitted Jan 2022 declined $4,000Nutrition sessionsWellness Grant Lunenburg Co. Community Health Board submitted Jan 2023 approved $19,790 Growing Friends Collective : Food Security Community Grant New Horizons for Seniors submitted Jan 2023 declined $5,540 Therapeutic Art for Wellness Age Friendly Communities Grant Dept of Seniors Status Value DescriptionItem Submitted 3000 Submitted Jan 2023 pending $6000THRIVE: Mental Health Walk-In Clinic 2022-23 Community Grant New Ross Credit Union Submitted Feb 2023 Pending $3000Holistic Health for mind, body & soul Community Grant United Way Submitted Feb 2023 Pending $10,000THRIVE: Mental Health Walk-In Clinic 2023-24 Community Fund Credit Union Atlantic Submitted Feb 2023 Pending $57,0002023-24 support for THRIVE Mental Health Walk-In clinic Recovery Fund Community Services –Federal Submitted Feb 2023 Approved $500Growing Friends Collective : Food security Community Fund Community Links 10 11 12 2023-03-17 5 Tell us how we can better serve your constituents Is there anything else you need to know from us? Questions? Thank you 13 Michael Keddy 586 Glengarry Road New Ross,NS B0J 2M0 Telephone:902-689-2364 Cell:902-275-8165 Date:March 16,2023 To:Chester Municipal Council For Your Consideration I once again ask for your consideration on my Private Ways Application that was presented to Council in October of last year(2022).At the time Council delayed a decision on moving forward with the application until the issue of Trespass that was in process was dealt with . During his presentation to Council ,Ashley Aalders asked that unless we [Mike and Janet Keddy ]were to concede the ligation that the motion should not move forward .As you are able to see in the accompanying Order we did concede that the Aalders ROW did not and was not extended to the Russell lands.We did so on the advice of the legal council and a desire to put the issue of trespass behind us. This was not an easy decision nor one that was taken lightly.We followed legal advice on how best to resolve the issue of trespass ,which was the issue before the court .In that process we conceded that the Aalders ROW did not extend to the Russell lands and at present we have no ability to access these lands. It is important to note that we have followed legal advice from day 1 on the issue of a ROW to the Russell lands.We were ensured that there was a ROW to the Russell lands from the Adams road.This is recorded and passed the searchers criteria that the land had a ROW in place before purchase.My visit to Herbert Young and then Ashley was not to obtain access over his property because I did not have access but rather to obtain better access.When Ashely refused to consider any possibility of access deeded or otherwise,I approached Gerald Arenburg who was not really interested in a road usage agreement but suggested we buy the land.This seemed to be a viable solution and the most sensible.Before we were able to purchase the land it was offered first to Aalders who refused.At the time of purchase I was told the Arenbugh /Aalders ROW would not normally be able to be extend to the Russell lands but the very broad description ie.,for any purpose associated with the lands of the Grantee ,gave reason to believe that that would allow us to access the Russell lands using the Aalders ROW.Again legal advice was followed.Only after the Order brought forward by Aalders and further legal advice did it become clear and may I say painfully so ,that we did not have access over Aalders or the Adams road. The Adams Rd.ROW does not go to the Russell property though recorded as such,and under close scurnity the broad reading of the Arenburg ROW did not offer access.We were told to combine the properties and that would allow access,wrong again.This was advice from 3 different lawyers that we acted upon in regard to access.It has been pointed out by Aalders and his legal council that the application before you should not be granted because I was aware that there was no access to the Russell land before purchase.Simply not true ,Aalders talks out of both sides of his mouth on this,saying that I have other means of access and then that I purchased these properties knowing that there was no access. There is also the issue of the third piece of Russell property that I acquired in the spring of 2022.I did not buy this property in the normal process but rather acquired it when the family was unable to repay a loan provided to them.This is not something that I choose and indeed have kept the option open to them that on repayment of the loan the ownership of this property will be returned.This property has no deeded access and I have not approached Aalders for such given that his last offer for access was a ridiculous $25,000 per month . There were numerous references made by Ashley and Tara Aalders about the rights of individuals being trampled by the CORPORATION and how we would feel if people needed access over our lands.First the Corporation is Janet and I ,not huge and not powerful,simply a method of ownership relative to death and taxes.As to how I or we respond to access over my property we would review and move forward with a solution.Case in point would be a ROW agreement that we recently concluded with Brad Armstrong that involves 6 property owners .We all agreed and were able to move forward without unnecessary legal complications.I would have much preferred to do the same with Aalders but was unable to get him to the table so to speak . There were three offers made to Aalders,two of which he refused out right and one ,an open offer for him to give us a price he never responded to.He did respond a few days before our court date with an offer made WITHOUT PREJUDICE which prohibits me from repeating the amount.I believe I can say that the amount was more than the purchase price of the three properties involved. There has been a theme in both Ashley and Tara Aalders correspondence that there was a scheme or dishonest approach when it came to the development of the lake property.Absolutely not we worked with Mun.Development Officer,Heather Archibald,to ensure we were following the Municipal By Laws and stated in our application to Council our intent to develop the properties. In all of the research done by the legal council on ROWs and the Russell lands in particular there were two facts relative to my submission before the Council.First,at present there is no recorded ROW that extends to the Russell lands. Second and most important to my application is the opinion repeated through the research and held as a principle of ownership and indeed law that ownership brings an inherent right to access.I am asking Council only to grant that my application under thePrivate Ways Act move forward,and be given the chance for a fair and unbiased hearing,nothing more. Sincerely, Michael Keddy uttarts March 22, 2023 VIA EMAIL Municipal Council Municipality of the District of Chester 151 King Street PO Box 369 Chester, NS BOJ 1J0 Members of Council: RE: Petition by M. Keddy Farm and Forest Limited to Municipal Council Pursuant to the Private Ways Act, RSNS 1989, c 358 Further to the above noted matter, my clients recently came across Michael Keddy's letter, dated March 16, 2023, uploaded with the council's agenda package. My clients asked that I provide a brief response to Mr. Keddy's letter. The litigation between the parties has concluded and M. Keddy Farm and Forest Limited has conceded that the Right-of-way benefiting the former Arenburg property does not benefit the former Russell property. My clients' position has always been clear that the description in Schedule "A" of the Grant of Right -of -Way to Arenburg only described the Arenburg property as the dominant tenement. As any lawyer practicing property law would know, the lands described in a schedule to an instrument (e.g. a deed, grant of easement, etc.) are the lands the instrument affects. Any advice to the contrary to Mr. Keddy would of course have been incorrect. My clients' position has not changed from my prior submissions, particularly my letter to council dated October 25, 2022 (a copy is enclosed). Further, several admissions made by Mr. Keddy in his letter dated March 16, 2023 adds context to my October 25, 2022 letter and I am pleased Mr. Keddy's admissions support the accuracy of my submissions that they relate to, particularly: • Page 1, Paragraph 3: "We were ensured that there was a ROW to the Russell lands from the Adams Road" o This right-of-way from Adams Road is discussed at length in my October 25, 2022 letter and it does not cross my clients' property. Adams Road is located south of Hunts Lake and would be the traditional access to all the lands formerly owned by Gold River Pulpwood Co Ltd (which is the lands that the Russell property comes from). The right-of- way benefit from Adams Road appears to have been removed from the Russell property's parcel register by Mr. Keddy's lawyer by way of a Form 6A after he acquired the Russell property. o Again, it is not clear why Mr. Keddy or his lawyers believe the right-of-way from Adams Road does not exist, either by way of an actual reservation or by way of necessity/lost Nick Moore nmoore@muttartslaw.ca muttarts law firm BOX 515, 20 Cornwallis St. Kentville, Nova Scotia Canada B4N 3X3 Tel. 902.678.2157 (ext. 240) Fax. 902.678.9455 www.muttartslaw.ca Incorporated as G Muttart Law Corporation Inc. uttarts Law iI 2 modern grant at Common Law. At law the right-of-way exists and Mr. Keddy should pursue his right to use that right-of-way for accessing the Russell property. • Page 1 Paragraph 3: "My visit to Herbert Young and then Ashley was not to obtain access over his property because I did not have access but rather to obtain better access" o In the context of my letter dated October 25, 2022, this appears to be an admission that Mr. Keddy knew his access was from Adams Road but the better access would have been over my clients' property. Adams Road is clearly identified to the south of Hunts Lake and any suggestion that he was unaware of the location of Adams Road would be untenable. • Page 1, Paragraph 3: "I approached Gerald Arenburg who was not really interested in a road usage agreement but suggested we buy the land. This seemed to be a viable solution and the most sensible...At the time of the purchase I was told the Arenbugh [sic]/Aalders ROW would not normally be able to be extend [sic] to the Russell lands but the very broad description ie., for any purpose associated with the lands of the Grantee, gave reason to believe that that would allow us to access the Russell lands using the Aalders ROW" o Mr. Keddy admits here that he acquired the Arenburg property in order to expand the right-of-way benefiting the Arenburg property. Legal advice from any lawyer practicing property law would have immediately flagged this as an illegal expansion of a right-of- way. There is common law cases going back hundreds of years confirming a right-of-way cannot be unilaterally expanded; this is well settled property law and fairly elementary. • Page 2, Paragraph 2: "We were told to combine the properties and that would allow access..." o This admission makes clear that the consolidation was a scheme to try and illegally expand the right-of-way. • Page 2, Paragraph 2: "...Aalders talks out of both sides of his mouth on this, saying that I have other means of access and then that I purchased these properties knowing that there was no access" o This allegation is simply untrue. My clients' position has been clear that Mr. Keddy does not have access to the Russell property over their property, which is different than saying he does not have access. As highlighted above and in my October 25, 2022 letter, Mr. Keddy has legal access from the Adams Road. • Page 2, Paragraph 6: "...we worked with Mun. Development Officer, Heather Archibald, to ensure we were following the Municipal By Laws and stated in our application to Council our intent to develop the properties" o I was unaware of the Municipality's involvement in assisting Mr. Keddy develop the Russell property. If there are any relevant applications for development filed with the Municipality, my client would like an opportunity to review them and make further submissions, if necessary. muttarts a 3 For ease of reference, an image showing Adams Road as well as the image provided in my letter dated October 25, 2022 are copied below: The map below shows the lands that were owned by Gold River Pulpwood Co Ltd (outlined in red), who reserved a right-of-way over the lands outlined in blue. (The parcel identified on the map as grant number 11078 Andrew Gow is the Russell Properties.) Law 4 If council has any questions regarding these submissions, I would be happy to answer them. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Yours truly, Nick Moore Enclosures Cc. Client lan Dunbar, for the Petitioners (via email) October 25, 2022 VIA EMAIL Municipal Council Municipality of the District of Chester 151 King Street PO Box 369 Chester, NS BOJ 1J0 Members of Council: RE: Petition by M. Keddy Farm and Forest Limited to Municipal Council Pursuant to the Private Ways Act, R51115 1989, c 358 We represent Mr. Ashley Aalders and his mother Ms. Ruth Aalders (collectively referred to as "Aalders"), owners of a property located at Aldersville, in the County of Lunenburg and identified as PID 60122249 (the "Aalders Property"). M. Keddy Farm and Forest Limited ("Keddy") own a property currently identified as PID 60122231, which was formerly three parcels, two formerly owned by Barry Russell (PID 60123486 and 60123494, hereafter referred to as the "Russell Properties") and one formerly owned by Gerald Arnburg (PID 60122231, hereafter referred to as the "Arnburg Property"). Enclosed is a copy of a plan showing the consolidation of the Russell Properties and Arnburg Property. The property identified as PID 60122132 appears to have been recently acquired by Keddy. Aalders have not been approached about access rights regarding this property. It would be premature for any petition to relate to this property as Keddy has not engaged with or attempted to negotiate any type of right-of- way with Aalders. Aalders opposes the petition being brought forward by Keddy. Particularly, Aalders opposes the laying out of a right-of-way for forestry purposes to the Russell Properties and any other properties acquired by Keddy, which do not have a legal right-of-way over the Aalders Property. Aalders further opposes the laying out of a right-of-way to the Russell Properties for accessing lakefront cottage lots that my clients understand are planned to be subdivided and developed, which would substantially increase the burden over the Aalders Property. Nick Moore =sore r BOX 5i5,?5Corn ' rtt111e. Nova Sco Tel. 952.678.2157f 902.678.9d55 www.muttaftslaw.ca s G l\flat muttarts nn Background 2 The Arnburg Property was granted a right-of-way over the Aalders Property in 2014. The Russell Properties do not have a right-of-way over the Aalders Property. The historical right-of-way to the Russell Properties is from Adams Road on the south side of Hunts Lake. Based on a cursory review of title, this right-of-way still exists and should be available to Keddy to use to access the Russell Properties. Keddy acquired the Arnburg Property and Russell Properties in 2021. Prior to the acquisition, in the fall of 2020, Ashley Aalders was approached and introduced to Michael Keddy. Mr. Keddy told him that he was interested in purchasing the Russell Properties that bordered Hunts Lake and wanted to know if Aalders was interested in selling Keddy a right-of-way to access those properties using the existing roads, if Keddy went forward with the purchase. Mr. Aalders explicitly told him no. Aalders was not interested in giving any more right-of-ways over the Aalders Property. Keddy, however, proceeded to purchase the Russell Properties along with the adjacent Arnburg Property that contained a legal right-of-way to use the existing road. After the Russell Properties were acquired by Keddy, Keddy started trespassing by hauling timber from the Russell Properties over the right-of-way. Two letters were sent to Keddy (June 25, 2021 and November 1, 2021) demanding that the trespass either cease or Keddy negotiate with Aalders to obtain permission to use the private road. After the first letter, Keddy approached Mr. Aalders with an offer to purchase a right-of-way. The offer was unreasonably low at $25,000 (for comparison, a much smaller private residential, non-commercial, right-of-way in the Cron case petition mentioned below was valued at $140,800.00 in 2015, which with inflation would be $169,159.40 in 2022). After Mr. Aalders rejected the offer, Keddy made it clear that he need not purchase a right-of-way because the Private Ways Act gives him a right-of-way. The threat of using the Private Ways Act in a commercial transaction is bad faith negotiating and the use of the Private Ways Act in this context rises to the level of an abuse of process; legislation is to be interpreted as remedial and not as a tool to leverage a better commercial deal in a private transaction. After the first letter was sent and the offer for a right-of-way was rejected, Keddy consolidated the Russell Properties and the Arnburg Property. It is unclear what the motivation for the consolidation was, but the effect was to create a parcel register for the entire consolidated lot that contained the Arnburg Property right-of-way as a benefit. The law, however, is clear that a right-of-way cannot be expanded unilaterally by a dominant tenement. As for the parcel register, the registered right-of-way only benefits that portion of lands that the original grant of right-of-way benefited. Again, the motive for the consolidation is unclear, but it is noteworthy that the parcel description on the parcel register differs from the consolidation deed in that it omits the limitation of what lands the right-of-way benefits. Keddy continued trespassing and my client was informed by Keddy's contractors that only a court order could stop them from trespassing. On May 20, 2022, Aalders filed an application in Supreme Court seeking an order declaring Keddy trespassed and an injunction to prevent future trespass. The hearing of the application has been set for muttarts rn 3 January 30, 2023. Keddy opposes the application and insists they already have a legal right-of-way over the Aalders Property to access the Russell Properties. Keddy now petitions a right-of-way be granted by council pursuant to the Private Ways Act. My client submits that this application has been brought forward in bad faith and is inappropriate for council to weigh in on a commercial dispute between a company and a private landowner. Keddy was fully aware the right-of-way did not exist prior to its purchase of the Russell Properties and then attempted to wield the Private Ways Act as a tool to leverage a private citizen into giving up rights over their lands. Purpose of the Private Ways Act The Private Ways Act has been in existence in Nova Scotia since the late 1800's in one form or another. Like many statutory enactments, it was designed to fill in the gaps that Common Law did not address. Pursuant to the Interpretation Act, it is to be viewed as remedial: "every enactment in Nova Scotia shall be deemed to be remedial and interpreted to insure the attainment of its objects" (Interpretation Act, RSNS, 1989, c.235, Section 9 (5)). According to the Interpretation Act of Nova Scotia, legislation is designed to rectify some 'mischief' or injustice that does not have another remedy, (Section 9 (5)( c )). In the case of the Private Ways Act, the legislation is set out to remedy a person who is landlocked, and who has no other remedy available at law. In this matter, where 1) there appears to be another legal right-of-way for accessing the Russell Properties, 2) Common Law remedies are still available (e.g. right-of-way of necessity over parcels that were at one time in common ownership), and 3) an ongoing Court application is in process, proceeding with a petition would not be in line with the Act's purpose of being remedial and filling the gaps where Common Law leaves no other solutions. For context, in the petition involving the parties in Cron v Halifax (Regional Municipality), 2010 NSSC 460, the petitioner's predecessor in title had already applied to Court to confirm a right-of-way and it was determined the right-of-way was extinguished. Based on res judicata, this ruling left the petitioner with no other options at Common Law and resulted in their family home being landlocked. Particularly, the Private Ways Act is not necessary as Keddy appears to already have a right-of-way from Adams Road based on a reservation by Gold River Pulpwood Co Ltd in a deed recorded in the Registry of Deeds for Lunenburg County in Book 20, at Page 275 and also a Grant of Easement in Book 54 at Page 1110. Below is the text from the deed reserving the right-of-way. Rosary Lng._trots_the_land.hereby.. conveyed ,s.tres.right _Sway. &across_same ._tor.h lirsg.logs _snd_pulprood,. ..and tbe.fight,.to._ereat:._sad._ aintaia_ transmission lines. nuttaris 4 The map below shows the lands that were owned by Gold River Pulpwood Co Ltd (outlined in red), who reserved a right-of-way over the lands outlined in blue. (The parcel identified on the map as grant number 11078 Andrew Gow is the Russell Properties.) Based on the title history, the traditional and legal access to these parcels for hauling timber was from Adams Road south of Hunts Lake. Any application to Court under the Doctrine of Lost Modern Grant or a right-of-way of necessity would be for a right-of-way from Adams Road and not over the Aalders Property. The Doctrine of Lost Modern Grant provides a right-of-way where one has been historically used and a right-of-way of necessity implies a right-of-way where lands under common ownership are conveyed without a right-of-way, and therefore a right-of-way is implied over the other lands of that common owner. These Common Law remedies are available to Keddy to pursue and if either remedy was granted, Keddy would obtain access to the Russell Properties. The parcel register for PID 60121944 (a copy enclosed) also shows the Russell Properties (PID 60123486 and 60123494) as having a benefit over this parcel. muttarts 5 Jurisdiction The Private Ways Act contains three parts. The third part was a legislative response to an appeal of the Cron v Halifax (Regional Municipality), 2010 NSSC 460. After the amendment was made, the appeal became moot and did not proceed. The parts that are relevant to this petition, however, are Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 addresses access for commercial logging activities and access for other natural resource activities. Applying under Part 1 requires the petitioner petition the Governor in Council. The Province has retained jurisdiction over granting access for the activities defined in this part. Part 2 addresses private citizens' access needs. A petitioner under this part petitions the local municipal council. Legislation is interpreted as being drafted purposefully, i.e. the fact that Part 1 and Part 2 are separate parts informs our interpretation of the Act that the municipal council has not been given jurisdiction over activities defined in Part 1. The distinction between these two parts is important. Municipal jurisdiction is limited to the authority provided by legislation. The Act keeps jurisdiction for accessing commercial activities relating to natural resources within the Province's bailiwick. The municipal council, therefore, lacks jurisdiction to grant a right-of-way for the commercial forestry purposes, which is governed by Part 1 of the Act. This may have also been the conclusion of the municipal solicitor referenced in passing in Goulden v. Nova Scotia (Attorney General), 2013 NSSC 253, where it is stated at paragraph 47 to 49 that the municipal solicitor's legal opinion was that the municipality had no authority under the Private Ways Act to make a determination of granting access over a pit road: [47] The Rapp Private Ways Act petition. In January 1999, Brian Ricky Rapp brought a petition under the Private Ways Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 358, for a 25 -foot right-of-way over the lands in dispute and the Mahaney/Wildman land. A memorandum filed by Ms. Melanson with the petition provided a history of the pit road right-of-way. It indicated that there did not appear to have been any written grant of a right-of-way, or written agreement, dealing with the pit road. Both Melda Langille (Arnold DeMings's daughter) and the MacDonalds verbally confirmed their agreement to a right-of-way over lands they believed they owned. Goulden did not agree. The Wildmans did not consent to a right-of-way or agree to its existence. There was no reference to any position being taken by Ida Mahaney. [48] At trial, Goulden adopted statements he made in a letter to the commissioners and Shelburne municipal council, dated October 4, 2002. He referred to Gary Rapp's activity in 1998. He said Gary Rapp and James Kimbrell had admitted in court on September 11, 2002, that there were at least three other roads in addition to the disputed right-of-way. He said the Rapps had other means of vehicle access, such as along the railway tracks. He said he had seen them take gravel out by these other means. [49] After receiving a legal opinion that the Municipality had no authority to make a determination under the Private Ways Act, the Rapp application was dismissed by council in late December 2002. muttarts 6 Cron v Halifax (Regional Municipality), 2010 NSSC 460 ("Cron" t Cron is a case referenced in Mr. Dunbar's letter to council and appears to be the only case law that interprets the Private Ways Act. The parties involved in this case are also parties of a petition under the Private Ways Act. The background of the dispute in this case is important. This involved a property that HRM described as being the only house in HRM they were aware of that did not have a legal driveway access (PID 00280271). There used to be a right-of-way for this property, but Justice Coffin held in a written decision dated April 22, 1968 that the right-of-way was extinguished. From that point on, the family has been trying to obtain access to their home. The particular impetus to council using the Private Ways Act was that a license agreement the family had obtained to access the property was set to expire May 30, 2010. The right-of-way itself was granted over the existing driveway and a 20' wide service easement in favour of HRM. The right-of-way area was roughly a 20 -foot -wide driveway the length of 200 feet. The arbitrators determined the total compensation for the grant of right-of-way was $140,800.00 (and being $169,159.40 after adjusting for inflation) plus costs of $16,800 to the servient tenement and the arbitrators' costs, all of which was payable by council. The right-of-way sought in this matter involves granting a right-of-way over 2000' in length for commercial logging activity as well as access for potential lakefront cottage developments. The compensation for such a right-of-way is expected to be a multiple factor of what was awarded in the Cron case petition. To date, no offer has come reasonably close to the value of a right-of-way for 1) commercial logging activity and 2) lakefront cottage developments. Another important difference is that the Cron right-of-way was granted for one property's benefit and no other property owners would be using the driveway. In this matter before council, many other private citizens will be negatively affected by substantial increase of traffic on the private road. Expanding the right-of-way in our matter would benefit one company in their commercial logging activities and developing and selling lakefront cottage lots. In the Cron case petition, only the servient tenement was affected by the grant, and since they didn't use the driveway, all repair and deterioration of the driveway would only affect the dominant tenement, i.e. petitioners. Lastly, the most important distinguishing fact is that the Cron case petition was for granting legal access to a family so that they could continue accessing their family home. Public Policy This petition is not necessary or requisite. Keddy appears to have a legal right-of-way. Keddy has not presented an abstract of title to support their assertion that they lack a legal right-of-way (in fact they are currently maintaining the opposite position that they have a legal right-of-way in the litigation currently involving the parties). Even if Keddy does not have a legal right-of-way, Keddy has not exhausted their options at Common Law for a right-of-way implied out of necessity or granted pursuant to the Doctrine of Lost Modern Grant. Further, Keddy has not exhausted the current ongoing litigation, which if they were successful, would make this petition proceeding moot. Keddy's public policy plea deserves little weight and sympathy as they purchased the Russell Properties despite knowing they did not have a right-of-way over the Aalders Property. Keddy then wielded the Private Ways Act as a tool to try and gain leverage in a private civil dispute involving them as a commercial actor and Aalders as private landowners. Keddy also has failed to make meaningful negotiation for a right-of-way for the Russell Properties and has failed to attempt any negotiation for access to PID 60122132. Public policy would dictate that the Private Ways Act should be used sparingly and for remedial purposes to resolve injustices. Nothing in these facts suggests an injustice would occur by rejecting Keddy's petition. My clients submit that utilization of the Act by commercial forestry companies to leverage right-of-ways over private citizens would in fact be against public policy. Keddy seeks a right-of-way for two purposes, lakefront cottage development and commercial logging activities. Council lacks jurisdiction to grant access rights for commercial logging activities as jurisdiction has been retained by the Province pursuant to Part 1 of the Act. Access for logging activity, however, is not the most concerning issue for my clients, it is the multitude of new lakefront cottages that could be developed along Hunts Lake and how those new residents will/will not contribute to the road maintenance and the substantially increased road deterioration and liability Aalders will incur by an expanded right-of-way. Based on these facts, public policy would not support the interference by council in favor of a commercial actor in granting a right-of-way for the purposes of commercial logging and developing lakefront cottages. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Nick Moore Enclosures 5,, Property Online Map Owner: 3272529 NOVA SCOTIA LIMITED Address: HIGHWAY 12 HARRISTON AAN: 04508343 Value: $56,800 (2022 RESOURCE FOREST) PID: County: 60121944 LUNENBURG COUNTY LR Status: LAND REGISTRATION Date: Oct 25, 2022 1:54:14 PM The Provincial mapping is a graphical representation of property boundaries which approximate the size, configuration and location of parcels. Care has been taken to ensure the best possible quality, however, this map is not a land survey and is not intended to be used for legal descriptions or to calculate exact dimensions or area. The Provincial mapping is not conclusive as to the location, boundaries or extent of a parcel [Land Registration Act subsection 21(2)]. THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD. Property Online version 2.0 This page and all contents are copyright © 1999-2003,Government of Nova Scotia, all rights reserved. Land Registration View Indicates Interests inherited on subdivision or re -configuration of parcel HIGHWAY 12 HARRISTON 60121944 135.1 ACRE(S) APPROVED LAND REGISTRATION LUNENBURG COUNTY STANDARD PARCEL ACTIVE PUBLIC MU9903 Sep 13, 1994 12:00:00AM MUNICIPALITY OF DISTRICT OF CHESTER NOT APPLICABLE Sep 13, 2013 10:29:13AM Yes Not Assigned by Municipality PIDs 60123486 and 60123494 currently exist as a servient or dominant tenement PID on this parcel register. However, these PIDs have been removed from the mapping and are no longer applicable, as a result of processing of Document 119562594. Any revision required by this change to update the relevent PIDs must be made by an authorized lawyer; these revisions can be made without a recording fee by filing a form 24, without an attachment, using Code 451. No consents are required, but notice to those who are affected is recommended. Questions can be directed to Southern Region Mapping Supervisor - 2021-11-09. 04508343 Registered Interests 3272529 NOVA SCOTIA LIMITED FEE SIMPLE $56,800 (2022 RESOURCE FOREST) 6883 NO 12 HWY RURAL ROUTE 4 NEW ROSS NS CA BOl 2110 Farm Loan Board - Occupants & Mailing Addresses 104389524 DEED 2013 View Form No Records Found Benefits to the Registered Interests No Records Found Burdens on the Registered Interests © View Doc 060 000 Dec 27, 2013 No CHE2332 60123494 EASEMENT/ROW HOLDER (BURDEN) - DOMINANT PID UNKNOWN EASEMENT/RIGHT OF WAY 1975 d View Doc Book 54 Page 1110 Dec 01, 1975 CHE2382 60123486 EASEMENT/ROW HOLDER (BURDEN) - DOMINANT PID UNKNOWN EASEMENT/RIGHT OF WAY 1975 © View Doc Book 54 Page 1110 Dec 01, 1975 CHE2383 60122082 EASEMENT/ROW HOLDER (BURDEN) - DOMINANT PID UNKNOWN EASEMENT/RIGHT OF WAY 1975 0 View Doc Book 54 Page 1113 Dec 01, 1975 Textual Qualifications on Title Tenants in Common not registered pursuant to the Land Registration Act Recorded Interests No Records Found No Records Found All that land at Harriston in the County of Lunenburg and Province of Nova Scotia as described in a Crown Grant dated the 16th day of May, 1906 to Wellington Sweet and which was registered at the Registry of Deeds, Chester, N. 5., on Julyllth, 1906 in Grant Book 1 at Page 194 as follows: Beginning on the north east side of the Brook running from Lake Edwin; Thence running South Seventy-three degrees East by the southern line of 400 acres granted to S. R Benjamin in the District of New Ross sixty-nine chains, and fifty links; Thence South Three degrees West twenty chains and: twenty-five links; Thence North Seventy-four degrees West fifty-seven chains; Thence North Four degrees East three chains and fifty links to said Brook Thencenorth westerly by said Brook to the place of beginning. SUBJECT TO a Right of Way as described in book 54 at Page 1110 under Number CHE2382 recorded on December 1, 1975. ALSO SUBJECT TO a Right of Way as described in Book 54 at Page 1113 under Number CHE2383 recorded on December 1, 1975. ""* Municipal Government Act, Part IX Compliance "*" Exemption: The parcel is exempted "from subdivision approval under the Municipal Government Act because the parcel was created by a subdivision Reason for exemption: Section 268A that is a Deemed Consolidation - (De Facto Consolidation). Nan -Enabling Documents Document 103422383 D View Form D View Doc Nan -Enabling ling Pians APR Bundles Parcel Relationships 2013 DEFACTO CONSOLIDATION No Non Enabling Plans Found No AFR Bundles Found No. Related. PIDs Found REGISTRY OF DEEDS Jul 16;. 2013 r - This parcel IS REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE Land Registration Act: The registered owner of the registered interest owns the interest defined in this register in respect of the parcel described in the register, subject to any discrepancy in the location, boundaries or extent of the parcel and subject to the overriding interests [Land Registration Act subsection 20(1)). No representations whatsoever are made as to the validity or effect of recorded documents listed in this parcel register. The description of parcel is not conclusive as to the location, boundaries or extent of the parcel [Land Registration Act subsection 21(1)]. Property Online version 2.0 This page and all contents are :copyright m'1999-2a03;GOvernmentpf Nova Scotia all rights: reserved. If you have comments regarding our site please direct them: to: gCQpertypnlino 1oov,no.ca Please feel free to Su4mit Problems you find wlth:the Property Online web site: Compression: oft 2023-03-17 1 Sherbrooke Lake 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Program Blake McNeely Blake@coastalaction.org Sherbrooke Lake 2022 Overview •This is a 5-year water quality monitoring program, started in 2017 that aims to establish a baseline of the lake and its tributaries. •The program is jointly funded by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MoDL) and the Municipality of Chester (MOC). •Most of the fieldwork is carried out by a dedicated group of volunteers. •2023 is the final year of the project. Sherbrooke Lake Total Phosphorus & Nitrogen Phosphorus and Nitrogen are essential nutrients required by aquatic plants and algae for growth, but excessive levels of either can lead to eutrophication, which is a process by which water bodies become overgrown with algae and other aquatic plants. Excessive levels of TP can lead to: •Algae blooms •Reduced oxygen •Fish kills •Changes in plant community •Phosphorous levels exceeded guidelines (0.20 mg/L in lakes, and 0.30 mg/L in rivers) in Pine Lake Brook in August. •Nitrogen guideline (0.90 mg/L) not exceeded in 2022. 1 2 3 2023-03-17 2 Sherbrooke Lake Total Suspended Solids TSS refers to the amount of suspended particles, such as silt, sediment, and organic matter, in water bodies. Excessive TSS can have negative impacts on aquatic life and water quality. Excessive levels of TSS can lead to: •Reduced water clarity •Reduced light penetration •Sedimentation •Total Suspended Solids guideline (10 mg/L increase in bodies of water with <100 mg/L) not exceeded in 2022. Sherbrooke Lake E. coli E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of warm- blooded animals. It is often used as an indicator of fecal contamination, which can be a health risk to humans and aquatic life. Excessive levels of E. coli can lead to: •Human health risks •Aquatic life impacts •E. coli levels exceeded guidelines (400 CFU/100 mL) in Peter Veinot Brook during the rainfall dependant sample in 2022. Sherbrooke Lake Water Temperature Water temperature can have a significant impact on aquatic life, as it can affect the growth, metabolism, behaviour, and reproduction of aquatic organisms. Excessive temperature can have an impact on: •Oxygen levels •Growth and development •Metabolism •Habitat •Migration •Water temperature guidelines (20C) were exceeded at Lake sites 2 & 4 in June and all lake sites in August. •The guideline was also exceeded at Sherbrooke River in June and all sites except Pine Lake Brook in August. 4 5 6 2023-03-17 3 Sherbrooke Lake pH The pH level, or acidity of water, can have significant impacts on aquatic life. Different aquatic organisms have different tolerances to pH levels, and even small changes in pH can affect their survival, growth, and reproduction. pH levels can have an impact on: •Acidification •Alkalinity •Reproduction •Food web •pH levels did not meet CCME guidelines (6.5 pH) at any site, except Lake sites 1 & 2 in August. •pH levels met NSSA guidelines (5.0 pH) at all lake and stream sites, except Forties River in June and September, and Pine Lake Brook in June and August. Sherbrooke Lake Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Oxygen (DO) refers to the amount of oxygen that is dissolved in water, and it is measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L) or as a percentage of saturation (% SAT). Low levels of DO can have an impact on: •Respiration •Growth and reproduction •Habitat quality •Nutrient cycling •Dissolved Oxygen guidelines (6.5 mg/L) were not met by Pine Lake Brook and Zwicker Brook in August, and again by Zwicker Brook in September. Sherbrooke Lake Total Dissolved Solids Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measurement of the total amount of dissolved solids, including salts and minerals, present in water. High levels of TDS can be an indicator of poor water quality and can have a number of impacts on aquatic life. High levels of TDS can have an impact on: •Dissolved oxygen levels •Water chemistry •Habitat quality •Water taste and odor •There are no guidelines for Total Dissolved Solids. See the 2022 report for more information. 7 8 9 2023-03-17 4 Sherbrooke Lake Chlorophyll-α & Phycocyanin Chlorophyll-α and Phycocyanin are pigments found in photosynthetic organisms, such as algae and cyanobacteria. Chlorophyll-αis an important indicator of primary productivity in aquatic ecosystems, and Phycocyanin can be an indicator of the presence and abundance of cyanobacteria. Chlorophyll-α and Phycocyanin levels can have an impact on: •Productivity & growth •Oxygen levels •Turbidity •Changes in water chemistry •Harmful algae blooms •Phycocyanin guidelines (Level 1 20,000 cells/mL; Level 2 100,000 cells/mL) were not exceeded in 2022. •There are no guidelines for Chlorophyll-α. Sherbrooke Lake Sediment Samples Sediment samples show no exceedances at any of the stream sites. The samples from the lake sites show increased levels of most previous exceedances at Lake sites 1, 2 & 4. Generally, the sediment quality has improved since 2019 but has decreased compared to 2021. Lake 4Lake 3Lake 2Lake 1 UNITS 20222021201920182022202120192018202220212019Metals 8.39.88.18.3126.812166.84.88.4mg/kgAcid Extractable Arsenic (As) 0.660.630.761.50.810.460.9910.690.310.76mg/kgAcid Extractable Cadmium (Cd) 178.913134382449308.834mg/kgAcid Extractable Lead (Pb) 0.140.12ND0.160.210.120.20.270.250.150.27mg/kgAcid Extractable Mercury (Hg) Sherbrooke Lake Trophic State Index Annual Trophic State Index assessments show that the Lake is consistently straddling the line between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. In 2022 the TSI score was 39.1, technically classifying the lake as oligotrophic (low productivity). 10 11 12 2023-03-17 5 Sherbrooke Lake Conclusion and Recommendations Sherbrooke Lake has generally good water quality. The trophic state index assessment demonstrates an unproductive system that is unfavourable for algae growth. However, the threat of algae blooms does still exist in Sherbrooke Lake and the surrounding streams. The sediment quality also appears to be improving since 2019. However, there were slightly higher levels of heavy metals in 2022 compared to 2021. Coastal Action is recommending that this project be continued in its final year at the same capacity as 2022. 13 March, 15, 2023 To MODL, and MODC, Our year four report on Sherbrooke Lake water quality continues our work on establishing a baseline understanding of the water quality conditions in this lake. There are two things that. I would like to emphasize: first, our commitment four years ago (actually five due to COVID) to establish a scientifically reliable baseline knowledge on the state of Sherbrooke Lake is now near completion. This summer's water quality monitoring will be the last step in declaring success and for this we are thankful to Councils for their continued support. Second, the new knowledge gained on the health of one of NS largest lakes will be an important base on which to guide any future decisions related to changing land use around the lake and its surrounding watershed. Already we are seeing changes in lake water levels and temperatures related to climate change. These changes are not directly under our control and make our collective responsibility to manage the effects we can influence that much more important. Over the past year we have continued to engage with the province to provide staff or $, but without any real success. We attended the Cyanobacteria workshop organized to share knowledge of the scientific community here in Atlantic Canada on this emerging water quality problem. We have also had a number of meetings with scientists at Dalhousie University to encourage them to focus some of their research on blue-green algae/ cyanobacteria on Sherbrooke Lake. Decisions are still pending. It is our intention this year to provide a better response to the periodic growth of algae blooms by training a number of lake residents in sampling procedures such that we can more effectively sample any algae blooms reported. This will help provide some assurance to property owners that we are taking this threat seriously. It will also help us to understand if these blooms should be a concern to lake users. Coastal Action l 45 School Street, Suite 403 l Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia l B0J 2E0 l phone (902) 634-9977 l www.coastalaction.org Sherbrooke Lake STEWARDSHIP Committee Monitoring of Sherbrooke Lake’s water quality is led by the Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee (SLSC). This committee is comprised of citizen representatives appointed by the Municipality of Chester, and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, in addition to a water quality expert, and officials from both Municipalities. The group receives technical support from Coastal Action, who have been monitoring water quality throughout the LaHave River Watershed since 2007. Both municipalities provide funding to support the program, while trained property-owners around the lake conduct the monitoring activities with support from Coastal Action. Sherbrooke Lake Sampling Water samples are collected from lake and stream sites bimonthly and tested for total suspended solids, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, E. coli, and chlorophyll-α. Additionally, seven streams around the lake are tested after a large rain event to monitor water quality changes related to high runoff events. Bottom sediment samples are also collected at three lake sites and one river site, to assess the long-term accumulation of nutrients and metals which can also influence the lake’s water chemistry. In 2021, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg purchased a Total Algae Probe which was fixed to the YSI sampling device used to obtain on-site water quality readings. This additional probe measures Phycocyanin and Chlorophyll-α. Phycocyanin is a pigment found in cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, and provides an estimate of total cyanobacteria production. Chlorophyll-α is a pigment produced by all types of algae and provides an estimate of total algae production. How is Sherbrooke Lake's water quality? Bacteria All lake sites are consistently below Health Canada’s 400 CFU/100 mL recreational limits for E. coli– the highest lake concentration was 2 CFU/100 mL, well below the threshold. Lake sites were consistently lower than stream sites. Health Canada guidelines were also not exceeded for stream samples, except one – 550 CFU/100 mL at Peter Veinot Brook on December 1st, 2022. Associated with this exceedance, and spikes in bacteria concentrations at other streams, was a large rainfall event. A spike in bacteria after rainfall is common and was also observed in last year’s 2021 Sherbrooke Lake data. Although it does not appear to affect the lake quality, swimming in rivers should be avoided for 24-hours after a rainfall event. Water from the lake and the rivers should always be treated prior to consumption (i.e., bathing, washing, drinking). Nutrients During the 2022 sampling season, nitrogen and phosphorus 11 Figure 1: 2022 map of Sherbrooke sampling sites. Sherbrooke Lake Sherbrooke Lake 20222022 Water Quality Report Card Water Quality Report Card concentrations fell within their respective guidelines for freshwater rivers and lakes; however, both nutrients have the potential to spike during rainfall events. The increase in nutrients comes from rain washing nutrients into nearby waterbodies from surrounding sources, including roads, lawns, gardens, manure, fertilizers, etc. Currently, Sherbrooke Lake’s nutrient status is at the low end for freshwater lakes. This is encouraging news, but only through continued vigilance will that situation continue in the face of increasing development and alteration of the lake’s shoreline and surrounding watershed. Nutrient inputs from human activities should be minimized as much as possible. Algal Blooms One algae bloom was reported in 2022 at Sherbrooke Lake, at the North-East section of the lake, along the shoreline of Sherbrooke Forest. The bloom dissipated before volunteers could sample it. All blooms should be treated with caution. Blooms are caused by a complex interaction of biological, chemical, atmospheric, and hydrographic conditions; many of which are uncontrollable. However, excessive nutrient inputs are one of the most influential factors in promoting a bloom and one of the most controllable. Coastal Action l 45 School Street, Suite 403 l Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia l B0J 2E0 l phone (902) 634-9977 l www.coastalaction.org 22 Overall Lake Health Overall, the 2022 sampling program indicates that Sherbrooke Lake is healthy but vulnerable to the same pressures as other lakes such as climate change and development. Activities such as fertilizing lawns, removing shoreline vegetation, and improper management of septic fields and greywater can all impact the lake’s water quality. A more detailed report on the 2022 sampling program is available upon request from the Municipality of Chester and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Algal blooms are a natural part of lake ecology but can be enhanced in size and frequency if pollution sources add extra nutrients into the environment. In a balanced ecosystem, algae and other organisms’ growth is limited by the availability of nutrients; however, if nutrients become available in excess (both naturally through fall and spring turnover and sediment resuspension, or from human-caused pollution), algal blooms can occur. Not all blooms are algae (i.e., pine tree pollen forms a film on the water’s surface), and not all algae blooms are toxic. Blooms should be treated with caution and should be reported with a photo to the Nova Scotia Environment Office in Bridgewater (902-543-4685). Did you know? Take Charge of your Environment! Limit your footprint with these at-home tips: Vegetated Buffers Leave a section of natural vegetation between any lawns and the lake to filter runoff. Pick Up Pet Waste Put pet waste in its place: the garbage bin. Fenced Livestock Keep livestock out of the water with fences (provide livestock with alternate sources of drinking water). Manure Liners Line manure piles to prevent bacteria and nutrients from leaching into adjacent waterways. Straight Pipes Replace illegal straight pipes with septic systems and keep your systems properly maintained. Fertilizing Before Rain Avoid fertilizing your lawn before a storm, as excess nutrients will be washed into nearby waterways. Dish Soaps With Phosphate Avoid using dish soaps with phosphates, as the nutrients can cause harmful algal blooms in the water. Try this Avoid this Coastal Action is a charitable organization on the south shore of Nova Scotia that believes in safeguarding a healthy environment for future generations. For over 25 years, our goal has been to promote the restoration and conservation of our environment through research, education, action, and community engagement. We work in five core areas: Watersheds & Water Quality, Species at Risk & Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Education, and Coastal & Marine. Sherbrooke Lake 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Report Kaylee MacLeod Blake McNeely February 2023 Prepared for: Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Municipality of Chester Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee i Sherbrooke Lake 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Report Contributing Authors: Kaylee MacLeod, MSc, Watersheds & Water Quality Project Coordinator, Coastal Action Blake McNeely, BA, Watersheds & Water Quality Team Lead, Coastal Action February 2023 Coastal Action 45 School Street, Suite 403 Mahone Bay, N.S., B0J 2E0 Ph: (902) 634-9977 Email: info@coastalaction.org Correct citation for this publication: MacLeod, K. & McNeely, B. (2023). Sherbrooke Lake 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Report. Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. This work was supported by: ii Table of Contents List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................................ iv List of Tables ......................................................................................................................................................... vii 1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Monitoring Program Background ....................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Review of the 2021 Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Report ........................... 2 2.0 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Results ............................................................................................... 3 2.1 Physical Water Quality Parameters ................................................................................................... 3 2.1.1. Chlorophyll-α, and Phycocyanin ................................................................................................. 3 2.1.2. Surface Water Temperatures....................................................................................................... 5 2.1.3 Surface Dissolved Oxygen .............................................................................................................. 7 2.1.4 pH ............................................................................................................................................................ 9 2.1.5 Total Dissolved Solids ................................................................................................................... 11 2.2 Chemical Water Quality Parameters ............................................................................................... 13 2.2.1 Total Suspended Solids ................................................................................................................ 13 2.2.2 Total Phosphorus ........................................................................................................................... 15 2.2.3 Total Nitrogen .................................................................................................................................. 18 2.3 Biological Water Quality Parameters ............................................................................................. 20 2.3.1 Fecal Bacteria ................................................................................................................................... 20 2.3.2 Microcystin-LR & Algal Blooms ................................................................................................ 21 2.4 Sediment Sampling ................................................................................................................................ 22 iii 2.4.1 Metals .................................................................................................................................................. 22 2.4.2 Sediment Phosphorus and Orthophosphate ........................................................................ 27 3.0 Discussion ...................................................................................................................................................... 28 3.1 Algae Blooms in Sherbrooke Lake ................................................................................................... 28 3.2 Trophic State of Sherbrooke Lake ................................................................................................... 29 4.0 Recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 32 5.0 Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................... 33 6.0 References ..................................................................................................................................................... 34 iv List of Figures Figure 1. Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program 2022 monitoring sites........... 1 Figure 2. Phycocyanin (cells/mL) levels from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. The WHO provides two guidelines; Alert level 1 at 20,000 cells/mL, and Alert level 2 at 100,000 cells/mL. ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Figure 3. Phycocyanin (cells/mL) levels from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. The WHO provides two guidelines; Alert level 1 at 20,000 cells/mL, and Alert level 2 at 100,000 cells/mL. ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Figure 4. Phycocyanin (cells/mL) levels from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. The WHO provides two guidelines; Alert level 1 at 20,000 cells/mL, and Alert level 2 at 100,000 cells/mL. Rainfall dependent samples were taken December 1, 2022. ................................................................................ 5 Figure 5. Temperature (°C) readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. The red line indicates the 20°C threshold for cold-water fish set by NSSA. In August Lake 2 was 24.1⁰C and Lake 4 was 24.2⁰C; in September Lake 2 was 18.5⁰C and Lake 4 was 18.3⁰C. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Figure 6. Temperature (°C) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. The red line indicates the 20°C threshold for cold-water fish set by NSSA. ........................................... 6 Figure 7. Temperature (°C) readings from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. .............................................................. 7 Figure 8. Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. .................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Figure 9. Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. ............................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Figure 10. Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. ..................................... 9 Figure 11. pH readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. The solid red line indicates the 6.5 pH threshold set by CCME, and the dotted red line indicates the 5.0 pH threshold identified by NSSA. ................................................................................................................. 10 v Figure 12. pH readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. The solid red line indicates the 6.5 threshold set by CCME, and the dotted red line indicates the 5 threshold identified by NSSA. ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Figure 13. pH readings from the 2021 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. ...................................................................................... 11 Figure 14. Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites.................................................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 15. Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. ......................................................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 16.Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. .................................. 13 Figure 17. Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. Lake 1, Lake 2 and Lake 4 had readings of 1.2 mg/L in August. Values of 0 are not detected. ................................................................................................................................................. 14 Figure 18. Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. Values of 0 are not detected. ............................................................................................... 14 Figure 19. Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2021 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. TSS was not detected at Forties River. ........................................................................................................................ 15 Figure 20. Total Phosphorus (mg/L) levels from Lake 1, 2, and 4 from 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 21. Total Phosphorus (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. ......................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Figure 22. Total Phosphorus (mg/L) readings from the 202 2 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. .................................. 17 Figure 23. Total Nitrogen (mg/L) levels from Lake 1, 2, and 3 from 2018, 2019, and 2021. ................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Figure 24. Total Nitrogen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. ................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 vi Figure 25. Total Nitrogen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites ............................................... 19 Figure 26. E. coli (CFU/100 mL) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. ................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Figure 27. E. coli (CFU/100 mL) readings from the 2022 rainfall-dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. .............................................. 21 Figure 28. Carlson TSI for Sherbrooke Lake in 2022 using the mean Secchi disk depth (transparency), mean chlorophyll α concentration and mean total phosphorus concentration. (Carlson 1977) ...................................................................................................................... 30 Figure 29. Comparison of Lake site TSI scores from 2018 to 2022 using the Carlson (1977) trophic equations for total phosphorus, chlorophyll α, and Secchi disk (2020 excluded). ... 31 vii List of Tables Table 1. Concentrations of metals within Lake site sediment samples. Light yellow indicates parameters approaching one of the guidelines, orange indicates an exceedance of ISQG, and red indicates an exceedance of either the PEL or NSEQS guidelines. ............................................ 23 Table 2. Concentrations of metals within stream site sediment samples. ................................... 25 Table 3. Summary of guideline exceedances of metals in sediment sample s. Light yellow indicates parameters approaching one of the guidelines, orange indicates an exceedance of the ISQG, and red indicates an exceedance of either the PEL or NSEQS guidelines ................. 27 Table 4. Orthophosphate and Total Phosphorus levels from the annual sediment samples at the Lake and Stream Sites. FR = Forties River; ZB = Zwicker Brook; SR = Sherbrooke River; PLB = Pine Lake Brook. .................................................................................................................................... 27 Table 5. TSI values for all lake sites in 2022 for three parameters. ............................................... 30 viii Executive Summary This report outlines the activities and results of the 2022 Sherbrooke Lake (SL) water quality monitoring program. This project began in response to the planned development of a municipal public access site at Sherbrooke Lake. The program’s goal was to determine a baseline understanding of water quality conditions within SL before construction of the public access site, monitor water quality during and after the construction, and provide evidence-based advice to MODL and MOC regarding ways to address water quality changes and concerns within the lake. In June, August and September 2022, volunteers collected water samples at three lake sites and three stream sites. Lake 3, a site that has previously been sampled, was not included in the 2022 sample schedule except for Escherichia coli (E. coli). On December 1, 2022, Coastal Action staff collected samples at seven stream sites following a rainfall event (rain >25 mm). Sediment samples were also taken at the lake and one stream site once in the season. An at- depth sample, taken below the thermocline at lake sites, was an alyzed for total phosphorus and total nitrogen. Factors measuring or contributing to the production of algae in freshwater, including phycocyanin, total phosphorus and total nitrogen, did not exceed guidelines set by the World Health Organization or Ontario’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change guidelines, except for Pine Lake Brook, which exceeded the threshold of 0.03 mg/L for total phosphorus in rivers and streams in August. Surface water temperatures of all lake and stream sites exceeded or approached the 20oC temperature threshold for cold-water fish species (NSSA 2014) during August. Dissolved oxygen at all lake sites stayed above the minimum threshold of 6.5 mg/L set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) for cold -water species (CCME 1999). Some of the stream sites fell below this threshold in both August and September. pH measurements for most sites fell below the 6.5-pH threshold set by the CCME (2002); however, the acidity of SL waters is not uncommon for southwest NS lakes, which generally have lower pH values than the 6.5 threshold. It appears that most of the time, the acidity of the waters at SL poses minimal threat to organisms, except for some stream sites. E. coli levels in the lake sites did not exceed or approach recreational guidelines. Sherbrooke River approached the primary recreational guideline of E. coli (400 CFU/100 mL) in August. In the rainfall-dependent sample, Pine Lake Brook and Zwicker Brook approached the primary guideline, while Peter Veinot Brook exceeded it. ix Arsenic, cadmium, and mercury levels were elevated at all lake sites in the sediment samples. Lead levels were low at most lake sites, except Lake 2 which exceeded Interim Sediment Quality Guideline (ISQG). Metal concentrations in the stream site did not approach any of the guidelines. The water quality of Sherbrooke Lake and its tributaries did not identify any significant water quality issues in 2022. Based on the mean depth of transparency (Secchi disk), and mean concentrations of chlorophyll-α and phosphorus, a Trophic State Index (TSI) score has been calculated annually to assess biological productivity. Trophic states range from oligotrophic (low productivity and minimal biomass) to hypereutrophic (high productivity and maximum biomass). The trophic state of SL in 2018 and 2019 was oligotrophic -mesotrophic. The transition from oligotrophic to mesotrophic is a TSI score of 40. In 2018 and 2019, the TSI was less than a 10th of a decimal over 40, therefore classifying the lake as mesotrophic. In 2021, the TSI score was 39.4, putting the lake into an oligotrophic state. The trophic state remained oligotrophic in 2022, with a TSI score of 39.11. SL appears to be maintaining a steady TSI score over the four years this data has been collected. Coastal Action recommends that the project continues in 2023, following the same program structure as 2022, with bi-monthly monitoring of lake and stream sites; sediment sampling; sampling regular stream sites and rainfall-dependent stream sites after rainfall exceeding 25 mm; and volunteers supplied with algae sampling equipment. 1 1.0 Introduction The following report summarizes the results of the 2022 Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program. Monitoring activities were conducted at Sherbrooke Lake (SL) by trained volunteers with support from Coastal Action in June, August and September 2022. This marks the fourth year of the monitoring program, which began in 2018. Monitoring activities did not occur in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. This program receives financial support from both the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) and the Municipality of Chester (MOC). Figure 1. Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program 2022 monitoring sites. 2 1.1 Monitoring Program Background Following several years of consultations regarding the development of a municipal public access site at Sherbrooke Lake, the Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee (SLSC) was formed. The SLSC, a joint commitment between MODL and MOC, is comprised of one Coastal Action staff, two residents of MODL, two residents of MOC, a water quality expert, and supporting municipal staff. The SLSC was tasked with developing and implementing a water quality monitoring program to: determine a baseline understanding of water quality conditions within SL before construction of the public access site, monitor water quality during and after the construction, and provide evidence-based advice to MODL and MOC regarding ways to address water quality changes and concerns within the lake. Coastal Action acts as technical support for a group of trained volunteers, who conduct the monthly sampling, and Coastal Action collect samples at seven stream sites following rainfall exceeding 25 mm within 24 hours. Sampling after a significant rainfall monitors the potential effect of runoff from land (i.e., nutrients, bacteria, sediment), which may impact water quality. Following preliminary ground-truthing activities in 2017, the full Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program was conducted in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. Further details on the program can be found in the Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program, and the Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Report (2018, 2019 & 2021); all are available upon request from either MOC or MODL. 1.2 Review of the 2021 Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Report In 2018 and 2019, the overall trophic state of Sherbrooke Lake was oligotrophic- mesotrophic, indicating that the biological productivity of the lake did not change during that period. In 2021, the trophic state of the lake was oligotrophic. The overall trophic state index (TSI) scores have remained relatively steady over the three years this data has been collected. The monitoring program did not identify any significant issues with the water quality of SL in 2018, 2019 and 2021. An algal bloom was detected at the outlet to Gully Lake on July 7, 2021. Volunteers collected and submitted a water sample to BV Labs. No Microcystin-LR was detected in the sample. 3 None of the SL sites exceeded the phosphorus guideline of 0.02 mg/L in 2021. All stream sites remained under the 0.03 mg/L MOECC stream guidelines for phosphorus. Sediment was sampled at Lake sites 1, 2, and 4, and at the mouth of Sherbrooke River to test for metal concentrations. At Lake 2 and 4, arsenic exceeded the ISQG (Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines). At Lake 4, arsenic and cadmium exceeded the ISQG. Lake 1 had no metals exceeding ISQG; however, mercury was approaching the ISQG. Sherbrooke River displayed low concentrations of metals with no parameter exceeding or approaching any of the sediment guidelines. 2.0 2022 Water Quality Monitoring Results 2.1 Physical Water Quality Parameters 2.1.1. Chlorophyll-α, and Phycocyanin In 2021, a ProDSS Total Algae PC Sensor was purchased by MODL to use on the ProDSS YSI unit owned jointly by MOC and MODL. This probe measures concentrations of chlorophyll-α and phycocyanin present in water. Phycocyanin is a pigment found in cyanobacteria, or blue- green algae, and provides an estimate of total cyanobacteria production. Chlorophyll-α is a pigment produced by all types of algae and provides an estimate of total algae production. Collecting this data over multiple seasons will provide baseline concentrations of phycocyanin in SL, which can vary across waterbodies. Long-term monitoring with this probe, paired with the collection of Microcystin-LR water samples during blooms, will help to identify spikes in phycocyanin concentrations and build a predictive curve for the relationship between the concentrations of these algal pigments and the occurrence of algal blooms in SL. Algal concentrations are measured as Relative Fluorescence Units (RFU). Phycocyanin RFU units were converted to the total number of cells (Genzoli and Kann 2016). World Health Organization (WHO) provides two guideline levels, ‘alert level 1’ is reached when 20,000 phycocyanin cells/mL are observed, and ‘alert level 2’ is reached when 100,000 phycocyanin cells/mL are observed. At no point were the WHO guidelines exceeded or approached (Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4). The data was not collected before, during, or immediately after any known algae blooms. 4 Figure 2. Phycocyanin (cells/mL) levels from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. The WHO provides two guidelines; Alert level 1 at 20,000 cells/mL, and Alert level 2 at 100,000 cells/mL. Figure 3. Phycocyanin (cells/mL) levels from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. The WHO provides two guidelines; Alert level 1 at 20,000 cells/mL, and Alert level 2 at 100,000 cells/mL. -1000 -800 -600 -400 -200 0 200 400 June July August September Ph y c o c y a n i n ( C e l l s / m L ) Lake 1 Lake 2 Lake 4 -1000 -500 0 500 1000 1500 June July August September Ph y c o c y a n i n ( C e l l s / m L ) Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook 5 Figure 4. Phycocyanin (cells/mL) levels from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. The WHO provides two guidelines; Alert level 1 at 20,000 cells/mL, and Alert level 2 at 100,000 cells/mL. Rainfall dependent samples were taken December 1, 2022. 2.1.2. Surface Water Temperatures Water temperatures were recorded in June, August and September at all lake sites, except Lake 3 which was only sampled for Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the 2022 field season. The stream sites were sampled in June, August, and September. Temperature readings were also taken during a rainfall dependent event in December at all stream sites, including the additional rainfall-specific sites. Temperatures at the lake sites ranged from 18.3°C to 24.2°C (Figure 5). The highest temperature recorded was at Lake 4 in August, but all other lake sites had similar temperatures during this time. Lake sites 2 and 4 exceeded the 20oC temperature threshold for cold-water fish species in June, while all lake sites exceeded this threshold in August (Nova Scotia Salmon Association [NSSA] 2014). All sites were below the threshold in September. The stream sites showed cooler temperatures than the lake, ranging from 12.5°C to 22.5°C (Figure 6). The highest temperature recorded was at Sherbrooke River in August. Sherbrooke River exceeded the 20°C temperature threshold for cold-water fish species in June and August. Forties River and Zwicker Brook both exceeded the threshold in August, while Pine Lake Brook was just below at 19.9°C. 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 Ph y c o c y a n i n ( C e l l s / m L ) Stream Site 6 Figure 5. Temperature (°C) readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. The red line indicates the 20°C threshold for cold-water fish set by NSSA. In August Lake 2 was 24.1⁰C and Lake 4 was 24.2⁰C; in September Lake 2 was 18.5⁰C and Lake 4 was 18.3⁰C. Figure 6. Temperature (°C) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. The red line indicates the 20°C threshold for cold-water fish set by NSSA. Surface water temperature readings were taken during the rainfall dependent sampling on December 1, 2022, at each of the stream sites, including three additional sites not included in the regular monthly samples. These samples were taken later than usual in the year due to a lack of significant rainfall during the summer and fall months which led to low water 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 June July August September October Te m p e r a t u r e ( ⁰C ) Lake 1 Lake 2 Lake 4 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 June July August September Te m p e r a t u r e ( °C) Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook 7 flow following rainfall events and staff safety for sampling following significant rainfall from Hurricane Fiona. Temperatures from the rainfall sampling range from 5°C to 7.3°C (Figure 7). Figure 7. Temperature (°C) readings from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. 2.1.3 Surface Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved oxygen (DO) was recorded in June, August and September at all lake and stream sites, except Lake 3 which was not sampled. DO readings were also taken during the rainfall dependent sampling in December at all stream sites, including the additional rainfall-specific sites. DO readings at the lake sites ranged from 8.18 mg/L to 9.94 mg/L (Figure 8). The lowest reading was taken at Lake 4 in August. DO is a requirement for the survival of aquatic organisms, with a minimum threshold of 6.5 mg/L set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) for cold-water species (CCME 1999). No readings below this threshold were recorded at any regularly monitored lake site in 2022. DO readings at the stream sites ranged from 3.42 mg/L to 10.10 mg/L (Figure 9). Forties River and Pine Lake Brook were below the 6.5 mg/L threshold in both August and September. Forties River was below the threshold in September. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook Butler Lake Brook Gully River Peter Veinot Brook Te m p e r a t u r e ( °C) Stream Site 8 Figure 8. Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. Figure 9. Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. Dissolved oxygen readings were taken during the rainfall dependent sampling event on December 1, 2022, at each of the stream sites, including three additional sites not included in the regular monthly samples. DO levels ranged from 10.55 mg/L to 12.56 mg/L (Figure 10). None of the readings were below the 6.5 mg/L threshold. 7 8 9 10 11 12 June July August September October Di s s o l v e d O x y g e n ( m g / L ) Lake 1 Lake 2 Lake 4 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 June July August September Di s s o l v e d O x y g e n ( m g / L ) Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook 9 Figure 10. Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. 2.1.4 pH pH, a measurement of the acidity of a liquid, was recorded in June, August and September at all lake and stream sites, except Lake 3 which was not sampled. pH readings were also taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event in December at all stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. Although the pH measurements for most sites fell below the 6.5-pH threshold set by the CCME (CCME 2002), the acidity of SL waters is not uncommon for southwest NS lakes. As Nova Scotia has experienced high amounts of acid precipitation in the past, and its geology limits the replenishment of base cations to soils (NSSA 2015), surface waters in southwest Nova Scotia are generally lower than the 6.5-pH threshold. In addition, though the Sherbrooke Lakes’ pH values are lower than 6.5 pH, many fish species can survive in waters >5.0-pH (NSSA 2014) and therefore it appears that most of the time, the acidity of the waters at SL poses minimal threat to organisms, except for some stream sites. 9.5 10 10.5 11 11.5 12 12.5 13 Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook Butler Lake Brook Gully River Peter Veinot Brook Di s s o l v e d O x y g e n ( m g / L ) Stream Site 10 Figure 11. pH readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. The solid red line indicates the 6.5 pH threshold set by CCME, and the dotted red line indicates the 5.0 pH threshold identified by NSSA. Figure 12. pH readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. The solid red line indicates the 6.5 threshold set by CCME, and the dotted red line indicates the 5 threshold identified by NSSA. 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 June July August September October pH Lake 1 Lake 2 Lake 3 Lake 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 June July August September pH Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook 11 Figure 13. pH readings from the 2021 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. 2.1.5 Total Dissolved Solids Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were recorded in June, August and September at all lake and stream sites, except Lake 3 which was not sampled. TDS readings were also taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event in December at all stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. TDS readings at the lake sites ranged from 14 mg/L to 16 mg/L (Figure 14), and 2 mg/L to 27 mg/L at the stream sites (Figure 15). The highest reading of all lake sites was taken in August, and the highest reading of the stream sites was taken at Zwicker Brook in August. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook Butler Lake Brook Gully River Peter Veinot Brook pH Stream Site 12 Figure 14. Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. Figure 15. Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. Total Dissolved Solids readings were taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event on December 1, 2022, at each of the stream sites, including three additional sites not included in the regular monthly samples. TDS levels ranged from 19.5 mg/L to 27.3 mg/L (Figure 16). 0 5 10 15 20 June August SeptemberTo t a l D i s s o l v e d S o l i d s ( m g / L ) Lake 1 Lake 2 Lake 4 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 June August Sept To t a l D i s s o l v e d S o l i d s ( m g / L ) Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook 13 Figure 16.Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. There is no guideline for TDS set by the CCME for the protection of aquatic health; however, Hinch and Underwood (1985) found that pristine Nova Scotian lakes had an average of 20 mg/L. The presence of high TDS is not necessarily harmful as dissolved materials can be from both anthropogenic and natural sources. As TDS does not have a guideline for the protection of aquatic organisms, TDS concentrations do not appear to be detrimental to Sherbrooke Lake. 2.2 Chemical Water Quality Parameters 2.2.1 Total Suspended Solids Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were measured as the value of solids suspended in a water column that do not pass through a 45 µm glass fibre filter. Samples were recorded in June, August, and September at all lake sites, except Lake 3 which was not sampled (Figure 17). The stream sites were also sampled in June, August, and September (Figure 18). TSS samples were also taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event in December at all stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. In some cases, TSS concentrations were so low that lab results displayed a ‘not detected’ (ND) reading. The TSS samples from the lake sites ranged from ND to 1.2 mg/L, and from ND to 25 mg/L at the stream sites. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook Butler Lake Brook Gully River Peter Veinot Brook To t a l D i s s o l v e d S o l i d s ( m g / L ) Stream Site 14 Figure 17. Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 monthly sampling events at the lake sites. Lake 1, Lake 2 and Lake 4 had readings of 1.2 mg/L in August. Values of 0 are not detected. Figure 18. Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. Values of 0 are not detected. Total Suspended Solids samples were taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event on December 1, 2022, at each of the stream sites, including three additional sites not included in the regular monthly samples. TSS levels ranged from ND to 2.4 mg/L (Figure 19). 0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 1.20 1.40 June July August September To t a l S u s p e n d e d S o l i d s ( m g / L ) Lake 1 Lake 2 Lake 4 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 June August Sept To t a l S u s p e n d e d S o l i d s ( m g / L ) Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook 15 Figure 19. Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) readings from the 2021 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. TSS was not detected at Forties River. As the CCME has a guideline of a 10 mg/L allowable increase from baseline in waterbodies with TSS ≤ 100 mg/L (CCME 2002), the levels observed in 2022 are not a threat to aquatic organisms. 2.2.2 Total Phosphorus Total phosphorus (TP) levels were recorded in June, August and September at all lake and stream sites, except Lake 3 which was not sampled. TP readings were also taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event in December at all stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. TP readings at the lake sites ranged from not detected (ND) to 0.008 mg/L, and 0.012 mg/L to 0.033 mg/L at the stream sites. The highest lake concentration was observed at all lake sites in August, and the highest concentration of the stream sites was observed at Pine Lake Brook in August. Compared to the previous years, TP levels in the Lake sites have been less varied, and lower in 2022; however, data from May, July, September and October are missing for 2022 (Figure 20). Ontario’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) has established two guidelines for phosphorus in water bodies: ≤ 0.02 mg/L for lakes, and ≤ 0.03 mg/L for rivers and streams (Ontario’s Ministry of Environment [MOE] 1979). TP concentrations in the lake did not exceed the MOECC guidelines. Pine Lake Brook exceeded the threshold of 0.03 mg/L in August. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook Butler Lake Brook Gully River Peter Veinot Brook To t a l S u s p e n d e d S o l i d s ( m g / L ) Stream Site 16 Total phosphorus samples were taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event on December 1, 2022, at each of the stream sites, including three additional sites not included in the regular monthly samples. TP levels ranged from 0.007 mg/L to 0.015 mg/L (Figure 22). Figure 20. Total Phosphorus (mg/L) levels from Lake 1, 2, and 4 from 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. 0.000 0.005 0.010 0.015 To t a l P h o s p h o r o u s ( m g / L ) Date Lake 1 2018 2019 2021 2022 0 0.005 0.01 0.015 To t a l P h o s p h o r o u s ( m g / L ) Date Lake 2 2018 2019 2021 2022 0 0.005 0.01 0.015 To t a l P h o s p h o r o u s ( m g / L ) Date Lake 4 2018 2019 2021 2022 17 Figure 21. Total Phosphorus (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. Figure 22. Total Phosphorus (mg/L) readings from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. In September, Total Phosphorus samples were taken below the thermocline at Lake 1 and Lake 2. Results show 0.008 mg/L at Lake 1, and 0.006 mg/L at Lake 2. These results do not exceed the MOECC guidelines and are similar to the surface Total Phosphorus levels. 0.010 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 June August September To t a l P h o s p h o r u s ( m g / L ) Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook 0.000 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.010 0.012 0.014 0.016 Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook Butler Lake Brook Gully River Peter Veinot Brook To t a l P h o s p h o r u s ( m g / L ) Stream Sites 18 2.2.3 Total Nitrogen Total Nitrogen (TN) levels were recorded in June, August and September at all lake and stream sites, except Lake 3 which was not sampled. TN readings were also taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event in December at all stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. TN readings at the lake sites ranged from 0.201 mg/L to 0.238 mg/L (Figure 23), and 0.396 mg/L to 0.781 mg/L at the stream sites (Figure 24). The highest concentration at the lake sites occurred at Lake 2 in August, and the highest stream concentration occurred at Pine Lake Brook in August. Total Nitrogen samples were taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event on December 1, 2022, at each of the stream sites, including three additional sites not included in the regular monthly samples. TN levels ranged from 0.386 mg/L to 0.510 mg/L (Figure 25). Dodds and Welch (2000) have established a guideline for nitrogen in waterbodies of 0.9 mg/L. This guideline was not approached or exceeded by any sites. Figure 23. Total Nitrogen (mg/L) levels from Lake 1, 2, and 3 from 2018, 2019, and 2021. 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 To t a l N i t r o g e n ( m g / L ) Lake 1 2018 2019 2021 2022 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 To t a l N i t r o g e n ( m g / L ) Lake 2 2018 2019 2021 2022 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 To t a l N i t r o g e n ( m g / L ) Lake 4 2018 2019 2021 2022 19 Figure 24. Total Nitrogen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. Figure 25. Total Nitrogen (mg/L) readings from the 2022 rainfall dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites Total Nitrogen concentrations were measured below the thermocline at Lake 1 and Lake 2. Results show 1.47 mg/L at Lake 1, and 0.361 mg/L at Lake 2. The results from Lake 1 exceeded the Dodds and Welch guideline of 0.9 mg/L. Higher nitrogen concentrations below the thermocline may indicate a possible nutrient-enrichment event during fall turnover, with a potential for eutrophication and algal blooms. 0.000 0.100 0.200 0.300 0.400 0.500 0.600 0.700 0.800 0.900 June August September To t a l N i t r o g e n ( m g / L ) Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook 0.000 0.100 0.200 0.300 0.400 0.500 0.600 Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook Butler Lake Brook Gully River Peter Veinot Brook To t a l N i t r o g e n ( m g / L ) Steam Sites 20 2.3 Biological Water Quality Parameters 2.3.1 Fecal Bacteria E. coli samples were taken in June, August, and September at all lake and stream sites. Readings were also taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event in December at all stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. E. coli readings at the lake sites ranged from not detected (ND) to 2 CFU/100 mL, and not detected to 370 CFU/100 mL at the stream sites (Figure 27). Of the 12 total E. coli samples taken at the lake sites, only four showed any detectable concentrations. The samples collected in August at Lake 1, Lake 3, and Lake 4, as well as Lake 4 in September, showed 2 CFU/100 mL. All other samples did not detect any E. coli. The highest concentration was observed at Sherbrooke River in August (Figure 26). Figure 26. E. coli (CFU/100 mL) readings from the 2022 sampling events at the stream sites. E. coli samples were taken during a rainfall dependent sampling event on December 1, 2022, at each of the stream sites, including three additional sites not included in the regular monthly samples. E. coli concentrations ranged from 30 CFU/100 mL to 550 CFU/100 mL (Figure 27). 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 June August September E. c o l i (C F U / 1 0 0 m L ) Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook 21 Figure 27. E. coli (CFU/100 mL) readings from the 2022 rainfall-dependent sampling event at the stream sites, including the additional, rainfall-specific sites. Health Canada has set primary and secondary recreational contact guidelines for E. coli in freshwaters, ≤400 CFU/100 mL and ≤1000 CFU/100 mL, respectively (Health Canada 2012). Sherbrooke River approached this guideline in August. Pine Lake Brook and Zwicker Brook also approached this guideline in the rainfall dependent sample. Peter Veinot Brook exceeded the primary guideline of 400 CFU/100 mL in the rainfall-dependent sample. 2.3.2 Microcystin-LR & Algal Blooms The recreational guideline for cyanobacterial toxins – Microcystin-LR is 10 µg/L (Health Canada 2012). This guideline is meant to protect against exposure to microcystins and other toxins that may be present in an algal bloom. Microcystin-LR can persist in aquatic environments after a visible bloom has dissipated (Jones and Orr 1994). Not all algal blooms are toxic cyanobacteria blooms, and Microcystin-LR is only one of the possible toxins in a cyanobacteria bloom. For this reason, every algal bloom should be treated with caution and reported to Nova Scotia Environment (NSE). An algal bloom was reported at the North East section of the lake along the shoreline of Sherbrooke Forest in 2022. This bloom dissipated before volunteers could sample it. 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Sherbrooke River Forties River Pine Lake Brook Zwicker Brook Butler Lake Brook Gully River Peter Veinot Brook E. c o l i CF U / 1 0 0 m L Stream Sites 22 2.4 Sediment Sampling Sediment sampling at sites Lake 1, 2, and 4 has occurred each year since 2018. Sediment samples are collected from one stream each year. In 2022, the bottom substrate was analyzed for metals, phosphorus, and orthophosphate, to assess the risk of internal nutrient loading within the lake and the potential risk from the accumulation of metals within the sediments. 2.4.1 Metals Three guidelines are used for sediment analysis; the CCME’s recommended Interim Sediment Quality Guideline (ISQG), the CCME’s Probable Effect Levels (PEL), and the Nova Scotia Environmental Quality Standards (NSEQS) contamination threshold. Sediment samples are collected annually from the lake sites and one stream site. In 2018, Lake 2, Lake 3, and Forties River were sampled. In 2019, and 2021 Lake 1, Lake 2, and Lake 4 were sampled. The 2019 stream was Zwicker Brook and the 2021 stream was Sherbrooke River. Arsenic concentrations were noticeably high and exceeded the ISQG guidelines at all lake sites every year except at Lake 1 in 2021. In 2018 and 2019, Lake 2 had the highest recorded levels of arsenic, with 2018 levels approaching the PEL & NSEQS guidelines. Increased arsenic levels reduce the abundance of benthic invertebrates, the main food source for many aquatic species (CCME 2002). Of the four stream sites sampled, none have arsenic levels of concern, and no metal concentrations show levels approaching any of the guidelines. Arsenic levels increased from 2021 to 2022 at Lakes 1 and 2, whereas Lake 4 had a slight decrease of 1.5 mg/kg. Cadmium levels exceeded the ISQG guidelines at all lake sites in all years except at Lake 1 and Lake 2 in 2021. The highest cadmium concentration recorded was 1.5 mg/kg at Lake 3 in 2018. Like arsenic, cadmium reduces the abundance of benthic invertebrates and damages aquatic species. However, cadmium levels are generally low at all sites and were not detected at any of the stream sites. The highest concentration recorded only exceeded the ISQG guidelines by 0.9 mg/kg. Lead levels were low at all sites each year, with only the ISQG guideline being exceeded in 2018 and 2022 at Lake 2. At Lake 1 in 2019, the ISQG guideline was approached but not exceeded with a level of 34 mg/kg. Lead levels at the stream sites were very low in all years. Lead can reduce the abundance of benthic invertebrates, and depending on the physicochemical conditions, can be harmful to other aquatic organisms (CCME 2002). 23 Mercury levels are relatively high at all lake sites. The ISQG guideline was either exceeded or approached at each lake site each year except Lake 4 in 2019. The level of mercury increased at each site from 2021 to 2022. Mercury was not detected at any of the stream sites. Selenium levels approached the NSEQ guideline at Lake 2 in 2018, 2021, and 2022, and at Lake 4 in 2021. Selenium was undetected at all stream sites. Table 1. Concentrations of metals within Lake site sediment samples. Light yellow indicates parameters approaching one of the guidelines, orange indicates an exceedance of ISQG, and red indicates an exceedance of either the PEL or NSEQS guidelines. UNITS Lake 1 Lake 2 Lake 3 Lake 4 Concentration Guidelines Metals 2019 2021 2022 2018 2019 2021 2022 2018 2019 2021 2022 ISQG PEL NS Acid Extractable Aluminum (Al) mg/kg 22000 12000 18000 22000 25000 16000 18000 6700 7200 22000 20000 Acid Extractable Antimony (Sb) mg/kg ND ND <2 (ND) ND ND ND <2 (ND) ND ND ND <2 (ND) 25 Acid Extractable Arsenic (As) mg/kg 8.4 4.8 6.8 16 12 6.8 12 8.3 8.1 9.8 8.3 5.9 17 17 Acid Extractable Barium (Ba) mg/kg 49 26 42 42 50 30 35 26 17 35 33 Acid Extractable Beryllium (Be) mg/kg ND ND 1.5 ND 2.1 ND 1.6 ND ND ND 1.5 Acid Extractable Bismuth (Bi) mg/kg ND ND <2 (ND) ND ND ND <2 (ND) ND ND ND <2 (ND) Acid Extractable Boron (B) mg/kg ND ND <50 (ND) ND ND ND <50 (ND) ND ND ND <50 (ND) Acid Extractable Cadmium (Cd) mg/kg 0.76 0.31 0.69 1 0.99 0.46 0.81 1.5 0.76 0.63 0.66 0.6 3.5 3.5 Acid Extractable Chromium (Cr) mg/kg 15 8 13 14 14 8.7 11 4.6 5.1 14 12 37.3 90 90 Acid Extractable Cobalt (Co) mg/kg 9 4.3 5.7 8.8 11 5.2 5.7 6.8 4.1 6.6 6.2 Acid Extractable Copper (Cu) mg/kg 12 6 9.3 15 10 6.1 8.7 13 3.1 9.5 8.4 35.7 197 197 Acid Extractable Iron (Fe) mg/kg 14000 6600 9300 14000 15000 9100 11000 10000 9400 9000 8400 47,766 24 Acid Extractable Lead (Pb) mg/kg 34 8.8 30 49 24 8 43 13 13 8.9 17 35 91.3 91.3 Acid Extractable Lithium (Li) mg/kg 17 8 15 10 9.7 4.9 8.9 11 14 13 12 Acid Extractable Manganese (Mn) mg/kg 540 230 260 480 1300 430 380 1000 290 460 420 1,100 Acid Extractable Mercury (Hg) mg/kg 0.27 0.15 0.25 0.27 0.2 0.12 0.21 0.16 ND 0.12 0.14 0.17 0.486 0.486 Acid Extractable Molybdenum (Mo) mg/kg ND ND <2 (ND) ND 2 ND <2 (ND) ND ND 2 <2 (ND) Acid Extractable Nickel (Ni) mg/kg 10 4.9 8 7.5 6.9 4.3 5.8 5.7 4.6 8.7 7.2 75 Acid Extractable Phosphorus (P) mg/kg 1900 1600 1900 2200 1600 400 490 1700 Acid Extractable Rubidium (Rb) mg/kg 11 5.9 9.5 6.3 6.2 3.5 5.2 4.7 5.5 7 6.5 Acid Extractable Selenium (Se) mg/kg 1.3 0.89 1.2 1.8 1.8 1.1 1.5 ND ND 1.7 1.5 2 Acid Extractable Silver (Ag) mg/kg ND ND <0.5 (ND) ND ND ND <0.5 (ND) ND ND ND <0.5 (ND) 1 Acid Extractable Strontium (Sr) mg/kg 13 6.1 9.3 13 13 8.1 9.6 ND ND 8.7 7.8 Acid Extractable Thallium (Tl) mg/kg 0.26 0.13 0.18 0.26 0.24 0.13 0.17 0.34 0.11 0.31 0.21 Acid Extractable Tin (Sn) mg/kg 2.5 ND 2 3 1.5 ND 2.1 2 ND ND 1.1 Acid Extractable Uranium (U) mg/kg 4.3 2.6 3.5 5.7 6.5 3.7 4.3 1.7 2 7.3 5.7 Acid Extractable Vanadium (V) mg/kg 23 12 17 30 34 21 25 11 12 24 22 Acid Extractable Zinc (Zn) mg/kg 87 46 71 93 89 48 70 96 66 110 100 123 315 315 Orthophosphate (P) mg/kg 0.15 0.39 0.51 0.067 0.086 0.27 0.24 0.26 0.24 0.24 0.26 25 Table 2. Concentrations of metals within stream site sediment samples. UNITS Forties River Zwicker Brook Sherbrooke River Pine Lake Brook Concentration Guidelines Metals 2018 2019 2021 2022 ISQG PEL NS Acid Extractable Aluminum (Al) mg/kg 4300 4700 3300 730 Acid Extractable Antimony (Sb) mg/kg ND ND ND ND 25 Acid Extractable Arsenic (As) mg/kg 2.7 ND ND ND 5.9 17 17 Acid Extractable Barium (Ba) mg/kg 26 18 18 ND Acid Extractable Beryllium (Be) mg/kg ND ND ND ND Acid Extractable Bismuth (Bi) mg/kg ND ND ND ND Acid Extractable Boron (B) mg/kg ND ND ND ND Acid Extractable Cadmium (Cd) mg/kg ND ND ND ND 0.6 3.5 3.5 Acid Extractable Chromium (Cr) mg/kg 4.7 4 4 ND 37.3 90 90 Acid Extractable Cobalt (Co) mg/kg 2.3 2.2 1.9 ND Acid Extractable Copper (Cu) mg/kg ND 4.2 ND ND 35.7 197 197 Acid Extractable Iron (Fe) mg/kg 8300 6800 5800 1200 47,766 Acid Extractable Lead (Pb) mg/kg 3.3 3.3 4.2 1 35 91.3 91.3 Acid Extractable Lithium (Li) mg/kg 20 21 16 4.1 Acid Extractable Manganese (Mn) mg/kg 200 110 150 40 1,100 Acid Extractable Mercury (Hg) mg/kg ND ND ND ND 0.17 0.486 0.486 Acid Extractable Molybdenum (Mo) mg/kg ND ND ND ND Acid Extractable Nickel (Ni) mg/kg 2.3 3.1 2.2 ND 75 Acid Extractable Phosphorus (P) mg/kg 180 190 ND Acid Extractable Rubidium (Rb) mg/kg 17 7.8 11 3.1 Acid Extractable Selenium (Se) mg/kg ND ND ND ND 2 26 Acid Extractable Silver (Ag) mg/kg ND ND ND ND 1 Acid Extractable Strontium (Sr) mg/kg ND ND ND ND Acid Extractable Thallium (Tl) mg/kg 0.12 ND ND ND Acid Extractable Tin (Sn) mg/kg ND ND ND ND Acid Extractable Uranium (U) mg/kg 0.52 0.77 0.46 0.17 Acid Extractable Vanadium (V) mg/kg 11 9 7.3 ND Acid Extractable Zinc (Zn) mg/kg 20 34 20 ND 123 315 315 Orthophosphate (P) mg/kg 0.28 0.38 0.36 0.79 27 Table 3. Summary of guideline exceedances of metals in sediment samples. Light yellow indicates parameters approaching one of the guidelines, orange indicates an exceedance of the ISQG, and red indicates an exceedance of either the PEL or NSEQS guidelines UNITS Lake 1 Lake 2 Lake 3 Lake 4 Metals 2019 2021 2022 2018 2019 2021 2022 2018 2019 2021 2022 Acid Extractable Arsenic (As) mg/kg 8.4 4.8 6.8 16 12 6.8 12 8.3 8.1 9.8 8.3 Acid Extractable Cadmium (Cd) mg/kg 0.76 0.31 0.69 1 0.99 0.46 0.81 1.5 0.76 0.63 0.66 Acid Extractable Lead (Pb) mg/kg 34 8.8 30 49 24 8 43 13 13 8.9 17 Acid Extractable Mercury (Hg) mg/kg 0.27 0.15 0.25 0.27 0.2 0.12 0.21 0.16 ND 0.12 0.14 2.4.2 Sediment Phosphorus and Orthophosphate Concentrations of both acid-extractable (total) phosphorus and bioavailable orthophosphate in sediment were analyzed from 2018 to 2022, with total phosphorus being excluded from the 2021 sample. Table 4. Orthophosphate and Total Phosphorus levels from the annual sediment samples at the Lake and Stream Sites. FR = Forties River; ZB = Zwicker Brook; SR = Sherbrooke River; PLB = Pine Lake Brook. Lake 1 Lake 2 Lake 3 Lake 4 FR ZB SR PLB Parameter (Units) 2019 2021 2022 2018 2019 2021 2022 2018 2019 2021 2022 2018 2019 2021 2022 Orthophosphate in sediment (mg/kg) 0.15 0.39 0.51 0.0067 0.086 0.27 0.24 0.26 0.24 0.24 0.26 0.33 0.38 0.36 0.79 Acid extractable phosphorus in sediment (mg/kg) 1900 1600 1900 2200 1600 400 490 1700 180 190 ND 28 Orthophosphate levels increased at all sites in 2022, except for Lake 2, which had a decrease of 0.03 in 2022. The sample results from Pine Lake Brook showed higher levels of orthophosphate than the three other stream sites sampled in previous years. According to Ontario’s provincial sediment quality guidelines, pollution can range from clean/marginally polluted (‘lowest effect level’) at 600 mg/kg of phosphorus to heavily contaminated (‘severe effect level’) at >2000 mg/kg of phosphorus in sediment (Ontario MOE 2008). These guidelines have previously been approached and exceeded at Lake 1, Lake 2, and Lake 4, but not Lake 3 or stream sites. Orthophosphate is a bioavailable form of phosphorus that tends to be in lower concentrations due to high demand by plants; however, as plants decompose, orthophosphate is released back into the environment (CCME 2004). For phosphorus held into complexes with metals, anoxic conditions facilitate the dissolution of complexes and release of phosphorus from sediments (Hayes, Reid, and Cameron 1985). Increased levels of phosphorus released from sediments into the water (internal phosphorus loading) can cause nutrient-enrichment and potential eutrophication and algal blooms (Sondergaard, Jensen, and Jeppesen 2003) – this is particularly susceptible during a turnover when nutrient-rich bottom waters are mixed throughout the lake, providing new food sources for organisms. 3.0 Discussion Similar to 2018, 2019, and 2021 monitoring results, the water quality of Sherbrooke Lake and its tributaries did not identify any significant water quality issues in 2022. Only one bloom was reported in SL in 2022; however, sampling blooms and determining their toxicity remains a challenge. All visible blooms should be treated with caution and ongoing efforts will continue to improve the reporting and advisory process. 3.1 Algae Blooms in Sherbrooke Lake NS Environment’s current system of notifying lake residents of potentially harmful algae blooms is reactive and can be ineffective. NSE responds to reports of suspected blooms but inspectors are not always able to respond in time to witness the bloom. NSE rarely collects water samples for analysis and often has to post precautionary advisories based on the appearance of a bloom in photographs from residents. Lake closure advisories are posted via Twitter and other online locations. 29 Microcystin-LR is not the only toxin produced by cyanobacteria. Anatoxins, Cylindrospermopsins, Nodularins, Saxitoxins, Dermatoxtoxins, and other irritant toxins are also produced by cyanobacteria (Health Canada 2012). The majority of commercial labs in Canada do not test for these toxins. This means that the absence of Microcystin-LR in a water sample does not mean that a bloom does not contain other toxins. Because of this, lake residents should be made aware of all blooms and treat all blooms with the same level of caution. As algal blooms can be induced and intensified by increases in nutrients to ecosystems (whether naturally from the mixing of waters or anthropogenically from pollution), trends in algal blooms are hard to predict and can vary spatially. The literature predicts increases in both size and frequency of blooms, globally, in the future (Michalak et al. 2013). Although nitrogen and phosphorus levels remain low, algal blooms should continue to be monitored and tested within Sherbrooke Lake, with residents made aware of algal bloom causes, health effects, precautions to take, and the reporting procedure if a bloom occurs. 3.2 Trophic State of Sherbrooke Lake The biological productivity of SL has been assessed and monitored for changes over time by identifying its trophic state annually. Based on the mean depth of transparency (Secchi disk), and mean concentrations of chlorophyll-α and phosphorus, a Trophic State Index (TSI) score can be calculated using the Carlson (1977) equations (Equations 1, 2, and 3). Trophic states range from oligotrophic (low productivity and minimal biomass) to hypereutrophic (high productivity and maximum biomass). The following information was based on data collected from Lake sites 1, 2, and 4 in June, August and September of 2022. Equation 1: 𝑆𝑆𝐼 (𝑆𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑖ℎ 𝑐�ℎ𝑟𝑘)=60 −14.41 × 𝑘𝑘(𝑀𝑐𝑎𝑘 𝑆𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑖ℎ 𝑐�ℎ𝑟𝑘 [𝑘]) Equation 2: 𝑆𝑆𝐼 (𝐶�𝑘𝑘𝑟𝑘𝑘�𝑦𝑘𝑘 𝐴)=30.6 +9.81 × 𝑘𝑘(𝑀𝑐𝑎𝑘 𝐶�𝑘𝑘𝑟𝑘𝑘�𝑦𝑘𝑘 𝑎 [𝜇𝑔 𝐿]) Equation 3: 𝑆𝑆𝐼 (𝑆𝑘𝑟𝑎𝑘 𝑃�𝑘𝑟𝑘�𝑘𝑟𝑟𝑟)=4.15 +14.42 × 𝑘𝑘(𝑀𝑐𝑎𝑘 𝑆𝑘𝑟𝑎𝑘 𝑃�𝑘𝑟𝑘�𝑘𝑟𝑟𝑟 [𝜇𝑔 𝐿]) 30 Table 5. TSI values for all lake sites in 2022 for three parameters. Parameter Calculated TSI Value Secchi disk (transparency) 40.85 Chlorophyll-α 45.37 Total Phosphorus 31.11 TSI Value 39.11 Figure 28. Carlson TSI for Sherbrooke Lake in 2022 using the mean Secchi disk depth (transparency), mean chlorophyll α concentration and mean total phosphorus concentration. (Carlson 1977) 31 The trophic state of SL in 2018 and 2019 was oligotrophic-mesotrophic. The transition from oligotrophic to mesotrophic is a TSI score of 40. In 2018 and 2019, the TSI was less than a 10th of a decimal over 40, therefore classifying the lake as mesotrophic. In 2021, the TSI score was 39.4, putting the lake into an oligotrophic state. The trophic state has remained oligotrophic in 2022, with a TSI score of 39.11. SL appears to be maintaining a steady TSI score over the four years this data has been collected (Figure 29). The Total Phosphorus remains the lowest of all TSI scores every year, while the Chlorophyll-a TSI score is the highest. Secchi depth readings are highly influenced by several factors; therefore, the TSI score for Total Phosphorus should be considered the most accurate reflection of biological productivity in SL, resulting in an oligotrophic status. Figure 29. Comparison of Lake site TSI scores from 2018 to 2022 using the Carlson (1977) trophic equations for total phosphorus, chlorophyll α, and Secchi disk (2020 excluded). 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 TS I V a l u e TSI Secchi Chl-a TP 32 4.0 Recommendations The following recommendations are suggested for the Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program: 1. The Sherbrooke Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program should continue in 2023 as this program was developed to establish a water quality baseline to aid in evidence -based decisions concerning the development of the public access property acquired by MODL for public use. Development at this site has yet to begin, meaning that further monitoring will continue to establish a baseline understanding of SL water quality before the potential impacts of this development start. The 2023 monitoring program will be the 5th and final year of baseline monitoring, as outlined in the initial project proposal. 2. When MODL decides to move forward with the park development and if they decide to re-establish the public access site planning committee, this committee should meet with the SLSC members to receive an update on the water quality program that was managed by SLSC and to discuss future monitoring activities that should be conducted. Any recommendations from these two committees would need to be presented to both the MODL and MODC councils. 3. Attempts should be made to identify a lake resident willing and able to host the SL weather station. The station should be installed as early as possible in the monitoring season and checked monthly to ensure it is working properly. 4. Monitoring of the seven inlet streams should continue during rainfall-dependent events, to determine how rainfall is affecting inlet streams. 5. Volunteer monitors should continue to be supplied with bottles for Microcystin-LR sample collection. 6. Algae blooms should continue to be monitored, recorded, and reported to Nova Scotia Environment. Efforts should continue to improve the reporting and advisory process between the NS Department of Environment and Climate Change, municipal units, and SL cottage associations. 7. Depth profiles at all lake sites should be continued during regular monitoring activity given the varying strength and depth of the thermocline observed at these sites in previous years and considering the elevated nutrient concentrations observed in deeper waters. 8. Sediment total phosphorus should be included in the final year of sampling. BV labs now require a separate analysis for this parameter. 33 5.0 Acknowledgements This project is funded by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) and the Municipality of Chester (MOC). Coastal Action would like to thank the volunteers and Sherbrooke Lake Stewardship Committee for their contributions that made for a successful 2022 field season. 34 6.0 References Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). 1999. Canadian water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Dissolved oxygen (Freshwater). In: Canad ian environmental quality guidelines, 1999, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). 2002. Canadian water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Total particulate matter. In: Canadian environmental quality guidelines, 1999, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg. Carlson, R. E. 1977. A trophic state index for lakes. Limnol. Oceanogr., 22(2), 361-369. Dodds, W.K. and Welch, E.B. 2000. Establishing nutrient criteria in streams. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc., 19(1), 186-196. Genzoli, L. and Kann, J. 2016. Evaluation of phycocyanin probes as a monitoring tool for toxigenic cyanobacteria in the Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam. 10.13140/RG.2.2.23897.31841. Hayes, F.R., Reid, B.L, and Cameron, M.L. 1985. Lake water and sediment. Limnol. Oceanogr, 3, 308-317. Health Canada. 2012. Guidelines for Canadian recreational water quality, Third Edition. Water Air, and Climate Change Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. (Catalogue No H129-15/2012E). Hinch, P.R. and Underwood, J.K. 1985. A study of aquatic conditions in Lake Echo during 1984. N.S. Dept. Env. Lib. L192.1 85/00 C2. 38 p. Jones, G.J. and Orr, P.T. 1994. Release and degradation of microcystin following algicide treatment of a Microcystis aeruginosa bloom in a recreational lake, as determined by HPLC and protein phosphatase inhibition assay. Water Res., 28: 871–876. Michalak, A.M., Anderson, E.J., Beletsky, D., Boland, S., Bosch, N.S., Bridgeman, T.B., Chaffin, J.D., Cho, K., Confesor, R., Daloğlu, I. and DePinto, J.V. 2013. Record-setting algal bloom in Lake Erie caused by agricultural and meteorological trends consistent with expected future conditions. P. Natl. Acad. Sci., 201216006. Nova Scotia Environment (NSE). 2014. Environmental Quality Standards for Contaminated Sites, Rationale and Guidance Document. Version 1.0, April 2014. 57 p. 35 Nova Scotia Salmon Association (NSSA) NSLC Adopt-A-Stream Program. 2014. Walking the river: A citizen’s guide to interpreting water quality data. 43 p. Nova Scotia Salmon Association (NSSA) NSLC Adopt-a-Stream Program. 2015. Acid Rain. [http://www.nssalmon.ca/issues/acid-rain]. Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE). 1979. Rationale for the establishment of Ontario’s provincial water quality objectives. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 236 p. Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE). 2008. Guidelines for identifying, assessing and managing contaminated sediments in Ontario. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 112 p. Søndergaard, M., Jensen, J. P., and Jeppesen, E. 2003. Role of sediment and internal loading of phosphorus in shallow lakes. Hydrobiologia, 506(1-3), 135-145. Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden and Councillors Policy P-09 ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – March 16, 2023 First Notice – Council – March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Council - April 13, 2023 Effective Date – MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER POLICY P-09 REMUNERATION WARDEN, DEPUTY WARDEN, AND COUNCILLORS 2023/24 BE IT RESOLVED that the remuneration of the Warden and Councillors shall be as follows: A. The Warden shall be paid a base salary of $51,040.03 $54,868.03 per annum, payable monthly. B. The Deputy Warden shall be paid a base salary of $26,710.26 $28,713.53 per annum, payable monthly. C. All remaining Councillors shall be paid a base salary of $23,372.15 $25,125.06 per annum, payable monthly. D. Annually the Municipal Council considers the cost-of-living increase which has taken place over the previous year and will approve an increase in the level of compensation which is to be payable to all employees of the Municipality under Section 5.3.1. The percentage increase approved for staff will also apply to the remuneration paid to the Warden, Deputy Warden and Councillors. E. All Councillors, including the Warden and Deputy Warden, in addition to the payments set forth above, shall be paid an allowance for travel for kilometres travelled once each day for going to and returning from every daily session of the Council or a Committee or attendance at every Board Meeting or other function if this attendance is as a representative of Council. The allowance for travel will be a per km rate reimbursed at the provincial rate. F. A Warden or Deputy Warden and Councillors who miss more than three (3) Council or Committee meetings in any year without leave of Council shall have the sum of $55.00 per missed meeting deducted from any salary paid to such individual. H. This Resolution shall take effect on the 1st day of April 2023. Remuneration of Warden, Deputy Warden and Councillors Policy P-09 ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Amend – Committee of the Whole – March 16, 2023 First Notice – Council – March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Council - April 13, 2023 Effective Date – RECORD OF ADOPTION/AMENDMENTS Effective Date Reason for Adoption/Amendment April 1, 2017 2017-135 – Approval of Cost of Living (CPI) of 1.2% approved by Council on March 16, 2017. July 31, 2017 Amendment to change all policies with mileage references to reflect use of provincial mileage rate. April 1, 2018 2018-105/111 - Approval of Cost of Living (CPI) of 1.1% approved by Council on March 8, 2018. January 1, 2019 2018-567/2019-003 - Approval of increase to maintain same net income after elimination of the one-third tax free allowance. April 1, 2019 2019-121/134 – Approval of Cost of Living (Consumer Price Index) by 2.2% approved by Council on March 28, 2019. April 1, 2020 2020-140 – Approval of Cost of Living (Consumer Price Index) by 1.6% approved by Council on April 2, 2020. April 1, 2021 2021-158 – Approval of Cost of Living (Consumer Price Index) by 0.3% approved by Council on April 15, 2021. April 1, 2022 2022-148 - Approval of Cost of Living (Consumer Price Index) by 4.1% approved by Council on April 14, 2022. Municipality of the District of Chester North American Indigenous Games Policy Policy P-113 Effective Date: MMDDYYYY North American Indigenous Games Policy P-113 (continued) Page 2 of 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Adopt – Council - March 9, 2023 First Notice – Council - March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Effective Date - MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER POLICY P-XXX NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES POLICY 1. INTRODUCTION The 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) is a multi-sport and cultural celebration for Indigenous athletes from across North America. This prestigious event will bring together 5,000 athletes from 756 Indigenous Nations. NAIG happens every four years, and this year, it is taking place in Halifax, Dartmouth, and Mill Brook First Nation from July 15 to 23, 2023. The NAIG is heavily dependent on the recruitment of approximately 3,000 volunteers. 2. PURPOSE The Municipality of the District of Chester recognizes the significance of the NAIG and supports employees who want to volunteer with the Games. This Policy will provide guidelines to grant special leave for volunteering employees. 3. POLICY STATEMENTS Scope 3.1. The North American Indigenous Games Policy applies to all permanent employees of the Municipality of the District of Chester who: 3.1.1. Have been selected by the NAIG 2023 Volunteer Team to serve in Lead Volunteer or Games-Time Volunteer roles. 3.1.2. Wish to serve as a Games-Time Volunteer for the 2023 NAIG; and 3.1.3. Have permission from their Director through the application process outlined within this Policy. 3.2. Selected employees are eligible for a special leave of up to a maximum of five (5) days to volunteer at the 2023 NAIG, half of which would be their own vacation or banked time and the other half is that matched by the Municipality. The minimum volunteer commitment to the Games is 18 hours, or three 6-hour shifts. North American Indigenous Games Policy P-113 (continued) Page 3 of 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Adopt – Council - March 9, 2023 First Notice – Council - March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Effective Date - 4. PROCESS 4.1. Requesting Volunteer Leave - Employees wishing to take special leave to fulfill their training and volunteer responsibilities may access matching leave by providing confirmation from NAIG 2023 detailing their volunteer assignment to their Director along with a leave request form (Appendix B attached). Employees must have regular leave (vacation or banked time) available equal to half of the leave being requested. Volunteers are required to complete cultural awareness training and volunteer training, totaling approximately 2.5 hours prior to their volunteer commitment of a minimum of 18 hours (three shifts) during the Games. The special leave with pay will be on a 50/50 basis, and a payroll code will be provided to record the leave. The Director will provide final approval for all their Department’s respective requests. Each department will be responsible to record approved volunteer leaves to Payroll. 4.2. Leave for Volunteers and Officials - Where an employee has been selected to volunteer, the Director may grant up to five (5) working days special leave as outlined in 4.1. Any period of leave granted in excess of the five days shall be charged against the employees annual vacation leave entitlement or banked time. 4.3. Expenses - Any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by employees, i.e. travel, parking, meals, accommodations, etc., for the purposes of volunteering are the sole responsibility of the employee. 5. ATTACHMENTS 5.1. Appendix A – Frequently Asked Questions 5.2. Appendix B – Application for Special Leave North American Indigenous Games Policy P-113 (continued) Page 4 of 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Adopt – Council - March 9, 2023 First Notice – Council - March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Effective Date - Annotation for Official Policy Book Reason for Adoption To provide a policy to manage requests for special leave for full-time employees accepted as volunteers at the North American Indigenous Games 2023. Notice of Intention to Adopt Date of First Notice at Council Date of Second Notice at Council Effective Date I certify that this Policy was adopted by Council as indicated above. Pamela M. Myra, Municipal Clerk Date Experience the Games as a volunteer. Why should I volunteer for NAIG 2023? By volunteering at the Games, you will be a part of the largest multi-sport and cultural event in Atlantic Canada since contact. You will have the opportunity to form new connections, see first- hand the impact of the Games, and learn about Indigenous cultures from across Turtle Island. How do I volunteer with NAIG 2023? To volunteer, please visit our www.naig2023.com, click Get Involved, on the top right of the screen and click the red Sign Up Now button. From here, you can register your Gems.Pro volunteer profile. Prior to the Games, all volunteers are required to participate in three training sessions: 1. NAIG Orientation, 2. Cultural Awareness, and 3. Role-Specific. You need to complete each training once. Upcoming Training Sessions can be found by visiting www.naig2023.com/opportunities. Volunteers will be in environments that include youth and elders, therefore you will need a Criminal Record Check & Enhanced Police Information Check. A direct link to Sterling Backcheck will be provided upon registration at no cost to the Volunteer once you have completed both Volunteer Orientation and Cultural Awareness training. What types of roles are available? There are two types of volunteers for the Games - Lead Volunteers and Games-Time Volunteers. Lead Volunteer roles are a larger time commitment and require availability prior to the start of the Games. For Games-Time volunteers, the shifts take place only during the week of the Games with roles like accreditation and wayfinding. How can I become a lead volunteer? If you indicate when registering that you would like to be considered for a lead role, our staff will contact you to complete an interest form to determine where you may fit in best. Leadership volunteers have a higher level of commitment, including monthly meetings and a requirement to commit to the entire duration of the Games. There are many roles to choose from, please browse our leadership role descriptions to see what interests you by selecting Lead Volunteer Roles from the drop down menu under Get Involved on our homepage. VOLUNTEER FAQ Experience the Games as a volunteer. What do I receive as a volunteer? • A volunteer kit which includes volunteer t-shirts, a water bottle and more. • Free access to Halifax Transit services during the week of the Games. • Orientation, cultural education and role-specific training. • An opportunity to welcome 756 Nations to Mi’kma’ki. What are the age requirements? Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age as of June 1, 2023. Volunteers in leadership roles must be at least 18 years of age. Any volunteer under the age of 16 is required to have a parent or legal guardian complete and sign a consent form. Junior volunteers are between the ages of 14 and 15, and will work in groups with a chaperone. What is the time commitment required to volunteer? Levels of commitment vary based on the role you are interested in: • Games-Time volunteers agree to a minimum of 18 hours or 3 shifts the week of the games. • Volunteer Leads have a larger commitment to planning - this means at least 8 hours a month leading up to the Games. • Indigenous volunteers agree to commit to a minimum of 10 hours. Where/When will I be volunteering? When registering as a volunteer, you have the opportunity to select your preference for: • Area of interest: We will do our best to accommodate your preferences. • Availability: We will use this information to assign volunteer shifts. If you would like to update your preferences, you can do so on your Gems.Pro profile anytime. I have questions about volunteering, who do I contact? Send any inquiries to volunteer@naig2023.com and someone from our team will contact you. North American Indigenous Games Policy P-113 (continued) Page 5 of 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intention to Adopt – Council - March 9, 2023 First Notice – Council - March 23, 2023 Second/Final Notice – Effective Date - APPENDIX B MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL LEAVE VOLUNTEER - 2023 NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES Applicant Information Name Title Department Contact info Phone: Email: Volunteer Role Notification attached from 2023 NAIG Volunteer Team confirming volunteer status. Select role LEAD VOLUNTEER GAMES-TIME VOLUNTEER Photographer Accessibility Culture Culture (accommodations) IT Venue Team Lead Venue Team Lead (accommodations) Logistics Marketing/Communications Security & Essentials Services Sport Transportation Volunteer Services Accommodations Accreditation Administration/Finance Athlete Services Brave Spaces Culture & Ceremonies Food Services IT Logistics Marketing/Communications Medical On call Protocol & Honorary Guest Services Security Sport Transportation Venue Operations Volunteer Services Employee’s Signature: __________________________________ Date: REQUEST FOR DECISION Prepared By: Tim Topping, CPA, CA, Director of Financial and Information Services Date March 20, 2023 Reviewed By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date March 20, 2023 Authorized By: Date CURRENT SITUATION Municipal staff have created capital and operating budgets for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, including implementing feedback from discussions held at Committee of the Whole (“COW”) meetings held on March 9 and 16, 2023. RECOMMENDATION That Council accepts the recommendation of COW to approve the 2023-2024 operating and capital budget as presented in attachment 1, “2023-24 Budget Book – March 23, 2023”, which includes the following items: Tax Rates and Area Rates (shown on page 4) o General residential, commercial, and resource property tax rates o Waste collection & disposal o Sewer services o Mill Cove fire protection o Streetlights 2023-2024 Operating Budget of $31,272,251 (page 4) 2023-2024 Capital Budget of $19,266,261 (page 26) Transfers to and from Reserves: o Operating Fund (page 25) o Capital Fund (page 26) BACKGROUND On March 9, 2023, a draft of the 2023-2024 operating and capital budget was presented to COW, and a discussion was held. On March 16, 2023, a revised draft of the 2023-2024 operating and capital budget was presented to COW, and further discussion occurred, after which COW voted in favour of recommending that Council approves the 2023-2024 Operating and Capital budget. REPORT TO: Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance Department DATE: March 23, 2023 SUBJECT: 2023-2024 Operating and Capital Budget ORIGIN: Presentations to, and Discussions of, Committee of the Whole on March 9 & 16, 2023 2 Request For Decision DISCUSSION Once approved, the “Budget Book” will serve as the authoritative source for approved budget figures. IMPLICATIONS Policy – n/a Financial/Budgetary – approval of the attached document will set the figures for the 2023-2024 operating and capital budget Environmental – n/a Strategic Plan – n/a Work Program Implications -n/a OPTIONS 1. Approve the “Budget Book” as presented 2. Approve the “Budget Book” with modifications 3. Request additional information and defer budget approval to a later date COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) Internal – to be used as the budget for all spending for the year ending March 31, 2024 External- to be posted at www.chester.ca and shared via newsletter Municipality of the District of Chester Operating and Capital Budget 2023-24 THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK Muncipality of The District Of Chester 2023-24 Operating and Capital Budget TABLE OF CONTENTS: 2023-24 Tax Rates 4 2023-24 Operating Budget Summary 4 Corporate & Strategic Management:5 Council 6 Chief Administrative Officer 6 Contingency 7 Policing & Corrections 7 Regional Emergency Management Organization 8 Fire Protection 8 Community Health & Housing 9 Economic Development 9 Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park 10 School Board Mandatory Conrtibutions 10 Community Development & Recreation:11 Animnal Control 12 Bylaw 12 Building Inspection 13 Fire Inspection 13 Planning 14 Recreation 14 Heritage Properties & Library 15 Infrastructure & Operations:16 Municipal Properties 17 Public Works & Mill Cove Water 17 Roads 18 Streetlights 18 Sewers 19 Waster Collection 19 Landfill 20 Recycling 20 Wind Turbine 21 Financial & Information Services:22 Property Taxes & Grants-in-Lieu 23 Federal & Provincial Grants 23 Finance 24 Information Services 24 Transfers from reserve & Prior Year Surplus 25 Transfers to Reserves 25 2023-24 Capital Budget 26 2024-25 to 2027-28 Capital Budgets 27 Page 3 of 27 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER AREA RATES 2023-24 FUNCTION DISTRICT 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Waste Collection & Disposal Accounts with new green carts All 0.1205 0.1205 0.1205 Streetlighting Islandview & Chester Downs 1 0.0200 0.0257 0.0257 Hubbards 2 0.0220 0.0220 0.0220 East Chester 3 0.0220 0.0220 0.0440 Target Road & Commons Road 3 0.0200 0.0257 0.0257 Chester Basin 4 0.0220 0.0165 0.0165 Bridgeview Drive 5 0.0300 0.0300 0.0300 Beech Hill Road 5 0.0920 0.0920 0.0920 Station Road 5 0.0310 0.0310 0.0310 Intersections 5 0.0040 0.0034 0.0034 New Lights (Flat Fee) 5 10.37 11.69 11.69 Intersections 6 0.0950 0.0950 0.0950 Haddon Hill 7 0.0130 0.0130 0.0200 Intersections + New Lights 7 0.0016 0.0016 0.0016 Sewer Services Universal Sewer Rate All 650.00 676.65 691.20 Mill Cove Fire Protection Mill Cove Fire Protection 2 0.2800 0.2800 0.2800 Municipal General Tax Rate Residential All 0.7050 0.7050 0.6950 Commercial All 1.5300 1.5300 1.5000 Resource All 0.7050 0.7050 0.6950 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER OPERATING BUDGET 2023-24 Corporate & Strategic Management Community Development & Recreation Infrastructure & Operations Financial & Information Services Total Total Revenues (2,835,571) (338,244) (8,007,007) (20,091,429) (31,272,251) Salary/wages and employee benefits 1,445,881 1,681,371 2,172,484 1,074,794 6,374,530 Cost of Municipal Services 4,055,899 800,301 6,439,290 5,268,185 16,563,675 Expenditures not related to Services 8,248,346 85,700 - - 8,334,046 Total Expenditures 13,750,126 2,567,372 8,611,774 6,342,979 31,272,251 Net Cost 10,914,555 2,229,129 604,767 (13,748,451) - Page 4 of 27 Program Category 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Changes Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure 933,525$ 659,487$ 274,038$ Net Cost 933,525$ 659,487$ 274,038 Revenue (119,155)$ (178,312)$ 59,157$ Expenditure 1,295,975$ 1,312,291$ (16,316)$ Net Cost 1,176,820$ 1,133,979$ 42,841 Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure (12,325)$ 110,000$ (122,325)$ Net Cost (12,325)$ 110,000$ (122,325) Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure 2,445,117$ 2,516,678$ (71,561)$ Net Cost 2,445,117$ 2,516,678$ (71,561) Revenue (10,482)$ (7,488)$ (2,994)$ Expenditure 62,070$ 84,987$ (22,917)$ Net Cost 51,588$ 77,499$ (25,911) Revenue (2,279,662)$ (2,593,310)$ 313,648$ Expenditure 2,450,777$ 2,738,643$ (287,866)$ Net Cost 171,115$ 145,333$ 25,782 Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure 30,900$ 33,218$ (2,318)$ Net Cost 30,900$ 33,218$ (2,318) Revenue (4,000)$ (4,000)$ -$ Expenditure 613,389$ 447,636$ 165,753$ Net Cost 609,389$ 443,636$ 165,753 Revenue (25,000)$ (52,462)$ 27,462$ Expenditure 146,600$ 72,600$ 74,000$ Net Cost 121,600$ 20,138$ 101,462 Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure 5,306,924$ 5,774,586$ (467,662)$ Net Cost 5,306,924$ 5,774,586$ (467,662) Revenue (2,438,299)$ (2,835,571)$ (397,272)$ Expenditure 13,272,952$ 13,750,126$ 477,174$ Net Cost 10,834,653$ 10,914,555$ 79,902 Departmental Total School Board Mandatory Contr. Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park Economic Development Community Health & Housing Fire Protection REMO DEPARTMENTAL OPERATING SUMMARY Corporate & Strategic Management Contingency Policing & Corrections Council CAO Page 5 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits 194,525 200,648 213,425 211,387 Cost of Municipal Services 311,166 661,231 720,100 448,100 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 505,691 861,879 933,525 659,487 Net Cost 505,691 861,879 933,525 659,487 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (23,427) (69,155) (119,155) (178,312) Salary/wages and employee benefits 677,735 837,267 849,185 932,928 Cost of Municipal Services 144,058 265,016 446,790 379,363 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 821,793 1,102,283 1,295,975 1,312,291 Net Cost 798,366 1,033,128 1,176,820 1,133,979 The CAO budget and Corporate and Strategic Management Department exist to provide strategic and administrative leadership for the staff of the Municipality and to support Council in achieving its strategic priorities. Coordinates a variety of strategic, administrative, and legislative services for the Municipality. This program area also includes our Occupational Health and Safety Program, Accessibility, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion programs 2023/24 Operating Highlights Addition of regional EDI initiative (RFD and discussion to follow), and addition of approved policy analyst position. Strategic Projects coordinator moved to IAO to focus on sustainability, asset management, and grant management. Continue focus on EDI, Accessibility, Safety program, with increased attention to mental wellbeing initiatives. Completion of personnel policy and salary and benefits in 23-24. CAO PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Council works to make decisions on the best level of service required to meet the needs of residents living and businesses conducting operations in the Municipality 2023/24 Operating Highlights Major Capital Grants decreased by $256K (to be discussed separately) $20K reduction in miscellaneous Operating expense. Council PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Page 6 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits - - (112,325) 60,000 Cost of Municipal Services - - 100,000 50,000 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures - - (12,325) 110,000 Net Cost - - (12,325) 110,000 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits - - - - Cost of Municipal Services 1,984,241 2,211,780 2,211,780 2,265,840 Expenditures not related to Services 233,337 233,337 233,337 250,838 Total Expenditures 2,217,579 2,445,117 2,445,117 2,516,678 Net Cost 2,217,579 2,445,117 2,445,117 2,516,678 The provision of policing services is under contract to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which maintains 3 station detachments. Staffing includes approximately 44 uniformed officers, 6 Lunenburg & Queens traffic services members, 1 police dog service (Chester Office) and related support staffing. The services are undertaken under the authority of the Provincial Police Services Act. 49. The Municipality pays for local policing through the RCMP. Council’s relationship with the police force is managed through the RCMP Advisory Board. Municipalities are also required to make financial contributions to the provincial correctional system. Council also provides annual funding to the Lunenburg County Seniors Safety Coordinator. 2023/24 Operating Highlights The 2023-24 cost for RCMP services has not been provided yet. In 2022-23 the RCMP negotiated a new contract with officers, which created a significant increase (11%). For 2023-24, we have used the average increase from the 4 years before this contract negotiation to assume a 2.4% increase in costs for RCMP services. Policing & Corrections PROGRAM SUMMARY Description General operating contingency budget program created in 2021/22 to account for unanticipated operating costs, and budget items which do not related specifically to any one program area. 2023/24 Operating Highlights 3% vacancy factor for Salary, Wage and benefits budget is held here, as well as an amount set aside for the impact of the ongoing salary and benefit review, on behalf of all program areas. There is also a $50K expenditure budget for unanticipated operating costs and is funded from Operating Reserve (this item does not impact the 2023-24 general tax rate). Contingency PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Page 7 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (7,393) (2,762) (10,482) (7,488) Salary/wages and employee benefits 8,388 9,104 9,387 5,001 Cost of Municipal Services 41,452 76,890 52,683 79,987 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 49,840 85,993 62,070 84,987 Net Cost 42,447 83,231 51,588 77,499 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (2,093,741) (2,287,382) (2,279,662) (2,593,310) Salary/wages and employee benefits 30,151 45,681 37,974 38,823 Cost of Municipal Services 384,554 404,688 497,260 510,116 Expenditures not related to Services 1,768,829 1,915,542 1,915,543 2,189,704 Total Expenditures 2,183,533 2,365,911 2,450,777 2,738,643 Net Cost 89,792 78,528 171,115 145,333 Fire and Emergency Services continue to be handled through our 7 Fire Departments operating in Martin’s River, Western Shore, Chester Basin, Chester, Blandford, Hubbards and New Ross. The total number of calls across the Municipality increased significantly from 483 in 2021 to 914 in 2022 primarily from the resumption of medical response following the removal of pandemic response restrictions on medical callouts. The Municipality employs a Fire Services Coordinator to lead strategic initiatives with the Fire Service but the position is also responsible for Occupational Health and Safety and acts as our REMO Assistant Emergency Coordinator. 2023/24 Operating Highlights In 2023-24, staff continue to focus on increased outreach, training and recruitment and retention, and reinstating FAC program. Work will begin on a workplan and implementation of recommendations and priorities from Fire Service review. Fire Protection PROGRAM SUMMARY Description The Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) is created through a joint Inter-municipal Service Agreement between the Municipality of the District of Chester, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, the Town of Mahone Bay, the Town of Bridgewater and the Town of Lunenburg. This Agreement provides for the emergency planning and sharing of services and resources during an event. An Emergency Management Coordinator along with the administrative and financial support is provided by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, on behalf of the partner units. The REMO budget also includes joint funding of the Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue Organization 2023/24 Operating Highlights $20,000 for Water Program has been added. Staff are working on community well options but a full program may not be in place before summer. REMO PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Page 8 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits 62,246 - - - Cost of Municipal Services 9,587 - - - Expenditures not related to Services 14,889 30,900 30,900 33,218 Total Expenditures 86,721 30,900 30,900 33,218 Net Cost 86,721 30,900 30,900 33,218 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (800) (21,500) (4,000) (4,000) Salary/wages and employee benefits 160,361 166,173 171,994 197,743 Cost of Municipal Services 79,695 384,718 441,395 249,893 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 240,056 550,891 613,389 447,636 Net Cost 239,256 529,391 609,389 443,636 Council recognizes that MODC needs to strategically position itself to become investment ready, business friendly and economically diverse. Economic Development is responsible for promoting the growth attraction of new business to the Municipality, retaining, and growing existing businesses, and becoming a known tourism destination. 2023/24 Operating Highlights In 2023-24, the team will be leading discussions on a Growth Plan, encompassing workforce attraction, infrastructure, community planning, and recreation planning. Development of a program for Foreign Direct Investment, including a video, signage, and pitchbook (50% grant funding approved). Work will continue on development of an Arts & Culture Strategy. Economic Development PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Under municipal service exchange, the Municipality is responsible to share in the cost of any operating deficits incurred by the Regional Housing Authority. The municipal contribution is to help offset costs related to maintaining public housing in the region. 2023/24 Operating Highlights This is a non-discretionary budget program. Community Health & Housing PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Page 9 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (41,013) (39,242) (25,000) (52,462) Salary/wages and employee benefits 11,892 - - - Cost of Municipal Services 5,061 42,146 146,600 72,600 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 16,953 42,146 146,600 72,600 Net Cost (24,059) 2,904 121,600 20,138 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits - - - - Cost of Municipal Services - - - - Expenditures not related to Services 5,204,374 5,306,924 5,306,924 5,774,586 Total Expenditures 5,204,374 5,306,924 5,306,924 5,774,586 Net Cost 5,204,374 5,306,924 5,306,924 5,774,586 Each year the Province charges a mandatory education tax rate, based on the total uniform assessment of each Municipality, thereby establishing the minimum property taxpayer contribution to the Provincial Department of Education for the operation of the South Shore Regional Centre for Education. The amount of the contribution is the 2010/2011 level under a Memorandum of Understanding between the NSFM and the Province. 2023/24 Operating Highlights This is a non-discretionary budget program. School Board Mandatory Contr. PROGRAM SUMMARY Description The Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park consists of over 150 acres of land at the Kaizer Meadow Landfill Site. The park is home to Sustane Technologies, Rainbow Net & Rigging and The Municipality of Chester's proven world class solid waste facility and environmental management centre. 2023/24 Operating Highlights Work will continue on the site plan and marketing of the site. KAIZER MEADOW INDUSTRIAL PARK PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Page 10 of 27 Program Category 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Changes Revenue (37,925)$ (41,873)$ 3,948$ Expenditure 76,629$ 76,009$ 620$ Net Cost 38,704$ 34,136$ 4,568 Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure 69,391$ 82,605$ (13,214)$ Net Cost 69,391$ 82,605$ (13,214) Revenue (55,201)$ (63,291)$ 8,089$ Expenditure 278,026$ 417,692$ (139,666)$ Net Cost 222,825$ 354,402$ (131,577) Revenue (12,429)$ (10,867)$ (1,563)$ Expenditure 53,837$ 110,270$ (56,433)$ Net Cost 41,408$ 99,403$ (57,996) Revenue (82,133)$ (89,713)$ 7,580$ Expenditure 675,212$ 722,813$ (47,601)$ Net Cost 593,079$ 633,100$ (40,021) Revenue (139,750)$ (132,500)$ (7,250)$ Expenditure 976,557$ 1,071,783$ (95,226)$ Net Cost 836,807$ 939,283$ (102,476) Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure 86,200$ 86,200$ -$ Net Cost 86,200$ 86,200$ - Revenue (327,439)$ (338,244)$ 10,805$ Expenditure 2,215,853$ 2,567,372$ (351,520)$ Net Cost 1,888,414$ 2,229,129$ (340,715) Departmental Total Heritage Properties & Library Planning DEPARTMENTAL OPERATING SUMMARY Community Development & Recreation Bylaw Animal Control Fire Inspection Building Inspection Recreation Page 11 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (40,937) (41,915) (37,925) (41,873) Salary/wages and employee benefits - - - - Cost of Municipal Services 70,564 71,095 76,629 76,009 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 70,564 71,095 76,629 76,009 Net Cost 29,626 29,180 38,704 34,136 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits 32,879 55,826 52,096 63,515 Cost of Municipal Services 5,926 11,021 17,295 19,090 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 38,805 66,847 69,391 82,605 Net Cost 38,805 66,847 69,391 82,605 There are numerous Municipal Bylaws that require staff follow-up when violations occur and complaints are submitted to the office. 2023/24 Operating Highlights The current Bylaw Enforcement Officer will be transitioning to full time Fire Inspector. The Bylaw Officer position (currrently 21 hours per week) will need to be backfilled early in the fiscal year. The Bylaw Enforcement Officer works directly with the Dangerous & Unsightly Committee. Bylaw PROGRAM SUMMARY Description MODC provides Animal Control services to enforce our animal bylaws and to deal with any animal related complaints from the public. 2023/24 Operating Highlights We are currently in year three of a five-year contract for Animal Control services which results in consistent annual costs. The contract also involves Animal Control Services provided to MODL. There are no planned changes to Animal Control for 2023-24. Animal Control PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Page 12 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (119,389) (73,362) (55,201) (63,291) Salary/wages and employee benefits 165,662 183,312 198,490 359,432 Cost of Municipal Services 71,705 21,378 79,536 58,260 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 237,367 204,690 278,026 417,692 Net Cost 117,978 131,327 222,825 354,402 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (10,495) (10,926) (12,429) (10,867) Salary/wages and employee benefits 22,955 45,151 36,502 89,136 Cost of Municipal Services 4,704 34,650 17,335 21,134 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 27,659 79,801 53,837 110,270 Net Cost 17,164 68,875 41,408 99,403 Building Inspection PROGRAM SUMMARY Description The Fire Safety Act of Nova Scotia requires the Municipality to carry out fire inspections on specific types of building occupancies. The Municipal fire inspector conducts inspections in keeping with our system of municipal fire inspections (Policy P-89) to ensure compliance with the Fire Safety Act and Regulations. Fire inspection services are conducted for the Municipality of Chester as well as the Town of Mahone Bay. 2023/24 Operating Highlights 2023-24 fire inspections will include catching up on any overdue reinspections, conducting new inspections and responding to any complaints. Fire Inspection PROGRAM SUMMARY Description New buildings constructed, home renovations and additions to structures are all examples of when a building permit and inspections are required. Staff work to guide property owners and contractors through the building process and ensure structures are built to code. Building inspection services are conducted for the Municipality of Chester as well as the Town of Mahone Bay. 2023/24 Operating Highlights Following Councils decision in late 2022 to not participate in the shared building inspection service, approval was given to hire additional staff to ensure continuity of building inspection services. Hiring is underway for a full time Building Official Level 1, a Building Offcial Trainee, as well as an Administrative position to support both builidng and planning. Page 13 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (185,129) (91,709) (82,133) (89,713) Salary/wages and employee benefits 415,126 507,298 521,588 560,315 Cost of Municipal Services 84,139 79,279 153,624 162,498 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 499,265 586,577 675,212 722,813 Net Cost 314,136 494,869 593,079 633,100 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (118,476) (125,290) (139,750) (132,500) Salary/wages and employee benefits 460,735 478,802 546,902 608,972 Cost of Municipal Services 350,851 359,144 429,655 462,811 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 811,586 837,946 976,557 1,071,783 Net Cost 693,111 712,656 836,807 939,283 Recreation & Parks Services provides direct programming, equipment, community group support and access to community schools, all with the interest to create an active, healthy and vibrant community. The Municipality also provides outdoor areas for people to visit and be active including parks, playgrounds, and trails. 2023/24 Operating Highlights Continued implementation of our Open Space Plan. Grand opening of Haughn, Gold River and East River trails will take place and work on the Moland Point accessible park will begin. Recreation PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Staff administer the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaws for the Municipality and to the Town of Mahone Bay. Discussing zoning regulations with the public, creating development agreements, and issuing development permits are all examples of work carried out by Planning and Development staff. 2023/24 Operating Highlights The primary focus of planning staff will be on the Village of Chester Plan Review which is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2023. Development staff will continue to work closely with property owners and developers to ensure compliance with Land Use Bylaws. Planning PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Page 14 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits - - - - Cost of Municipal Services - - 500 500 Expenditures not related to Services 68,035 85,700 85,700 85,700 Total Expenditures 68,035 85,700 86,200 86,200 Net Cost 68,035 85,700 86,200 86,200 The Municipality has a rich collection of heritage properties with a variety of architectural styles that contribute towards our unique identity. The Municipality has a Heritage Bylaw and we maintain a registry of heritage properties. 2023/24 Operating Highlights Primarily comprised of the mandatory contribution to South Shore Public Libraries Heritage Properties & Library PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Page 15 of 27 Program Category 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Changes Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure 672,323$ 796,537$ (124,213)$ Net Cost 672,323$ 796,537$ (124,213) Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure 370,613$ 561,172$ (190,559)$ Net Cost 370,613$ 561,172$ (190,559) Revenue (176,327)$ (162,466)$ (13,861)$ Expenditure 620,890$ 680,835$ (59,944)$ Net Cost 444,563$ 518,369$ (73,805) Revenue (120,999)$ (135,517)$ 14,518$ Expenditure 125,703$ 135,002$ (9,299)$ Net Cost 4,705$ (515)$ 5,219 Revenue (1,066,129)$ (1,094,382)$ 28,253$ Expenditure 1,087,936$ 1,091,577$ (3,641)$ Net Cost 21,807$ (2,805)$ 24,611 Revenue (2,378,097)$ (2,678,092)$ 299,995$ Expenditure 1,525,933$ 1,607,226$ (81,292)$ Net Cost (852,163)$ (1,070,866)$ 218,703 Revenue (3,469,402)$ (3,186,000)$ (283,402)$ Expenditure 3,175,633$ 3,196,593$ (20,960)$ Net Cost (293,768)$ 10,593$ (304,361) Revenue (500)$ (500)$ -$ Expenditure 78,588$ 82,025$ (3,437)$ Net Cost 78,088$ 81,525$ (3,437) Revenue (762,500)$ (750,050)$ (12,450)$ Expenditure 458,729$ 460,807$ (2,078)$ Net Cost (303,771)$ (289,243)$ (14,528) Revenue (7,973,953)$ (8,007,007)$ 33,054$ Expenditure 8,116,350$ 8,611,774$ (495,424)$ Net Cost 142,396$ 604,767$ (462,371) Departmental Total Recycling Wind Turbine DEPARTMENTAL OPERATING SUMMARY Infrastructure & Operations Municipal Properties Waste Collection Landfill Streetlights Sewers Public Works & Mill Cove Water Roads Page 16 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits 201,531 317,803 274,560 354,010 Cost of Municipal Services 274,256 329,379 397,763 442,527 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 475,787 647,182 672,323 796,537 Net Cost 475,787 647,182 672,323 796,537 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits 295,532 307,290 266,231 454,761 Cost of Municipal Services 107,548 75,297 104,383 106,411 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 403,079 382,587 370,613 561,172 Net Cost 403,079 382,587 370,613 561,172 2023/24 Operating Highlights IAO will continue regular maintenance and monitoring of Public Works systems, including the mobile speed radar. PROGRAM SUMMARY Public Works & Mill Cove Water 2023/24 Operating Highlights IAO will continue asset mapping, continue with our annual trail resurfacing and repair program, and implement tree management and brush removal to promote a healthy, higher value canopy, providing a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment for our residents and visitors. Municipal Properties Description Core services provided by Public Works include maintenance of a fire protection system in Mill Cove; transportation services, such as sidewalk repair and maintenance, public parking spaces, municipal parking, traffic control; mobile speed radar, municipal road and wayfinding signs. PROGRAM SUMMARY Description IAO Staff coordinate repairs and upgrades to all municipally-owned facilities, control vegetation and landscape municipal public spaces (parks, beaches, grounds, wharves and boat launches etc.), and maintain trails and parks - both structurally and aesthetically. Additionally, we work in cooperation with Information Services on asset mapping, a strategic approach to asset management of municipally owned assets. Page 17 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (181,718) (191,053) (176,327) (162,466) Salary/wages and employee benefits 4,632 20,512 30,729 17,538 Cost of Municipal Services 528,730 599,067 590,161 663,296 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 533,363 619,579 620,890 680,835 Net Cost 351,645 428,526 444,563 518,369 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (106,090) (121,196) (120,999) (135,517) Salary/wages and employee benefits - - - - Cost of Municipal Services 114,544 125,704 125,703 135,002 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 114,544 125,704 125,703 135,002 Net Cost 8,455 4,507 4,705 (515) PROGRAM SUMMARY Description The Municipality owns and maintains 3.5 km of public roads. In partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works, we also annually evaluate and share the paving costs for J-Class roads throughout the Municipality. Roads PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Management and maintenance of lighting for designated public roads, sidewalks, and parks. NS Power owns and maintains all the lights except decorative lights in the Village of Chester, Chester Basin, and Wild Rose Park. 2023/24 Operating Highlights We will continue to provide snow clearing and maintenance on our municipal roads, and continue to submit a prioritized list of J-Class roads for Council's repaving consideration. Streetlights 2023/24 Operating Highlights No new lights requested to date. Page 18 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (1,025,696) (1,071,409) (1,066,129) (1,094,382) Salary/wages and employee benefits 206,703 267,771 336,659 314,178 Cost of Municipal Services 812,194 612,648 751,277 777,399 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 1,018,896 880,420 1,087,936 1,091,577 Net Cost (6,800) (190,989) 21,807 (2,805) 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (2,190,453) (2,397,750) (2,378,097) (2,678,092) Salary/wages and employee benefits 29,223 39,773 38,935 42,126 Cost of Municipal Services 1,392,215 1,539,114 1,486,998 1,565,100 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 1,421,438 1,578,887 1,525,933 1,607,226 Net Cost (769,015) (818,863) (852,163) (1,070,866) 2023/24 Operating Highlights We will continue with bi-weekly collection of sorted household waste with a bulky waste option by request. PROGRAM SUMMARY Sewers Our annual sewage system maintenance schedule includes connections, inspections, monitoring, and maintenance to systems, collection infrastructure, and lift stations. We will continue repairing manholes, cleaning and video inspecting lines, and monitoring effluent for environmental standard compliance. Waste Collection PROGRAM SUMMARY Description We operate and maintain six sewage treatment plants and associated infrastructure to manage wastewater from connected properties. Description We work closely with our waste collection contractor and residents to schedule and coordinate curbside waste collection and to ensure any changes in collection methods, routes or times are communicated to all affected parties in advance. 2023/24 Operating Highlights Page 19 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (4,316,400) (4,380,659) (3,469,402) (3,186,000) Salary/wages and employee benefits 574,645 795,523 843,932 946,119 Cost of Municipal Services 3,509,465 2,238,160 2,331,701 2,250,474 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 4,084,110 3,033,683 3,175,633 3,196,593 Net Cost (232,290) (1,346,976) (293,768) 10,593 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (62) (500) (500) (500) Salary/wages and employee benefits 30,594 40,506 41,476 43,752 Cost of Municipal Services 21,298 39,303 37,112 38,273 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 51,892 79,808 78,588 82,025 Net Cost 51,830 79,308 78,088 81,525 2023/24 Operating Highlights We continue a comprehensive communications program that includes education, public engagement and targeted outreach to residents, businesses and institutions to reach our waste reduction and separation goals. We will continue to engage in the promotion of the landfill through tours, demonstrations, and education. PROGRAM SUMMARY Description We manage waste separation and reduction through various programs, such as source separation and clear bags. 2023/24 Operating Highlights We will continue with regular operations, including Public Drop-off, HHW site, monitoring and reporting on waste separation and cell garbage compaction, road and heavy equipment management, facilities maintenance, managing and reporting on leachate and EVC tower operations, monitoring and treating liquid wastes, water sampling, and road maintenance. Recycling Description The Kaizer Meadow Landfill provides solid waste management services to the Municipality of Chester and our partners. Landfill PROGRAM SUMMARY Page 20 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (774,282) (750,050) (762,500) (750,050) Salary/wages and employee benefits 2,377 1,829 1,807 - Cost of Municipal Services 447,863 456,856 456,921 460,807 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 450,240 458,686 458,729 460,807 Net Cost (324,042) (291,364) (303,771) (289,243) 2023/24 Operating Highlights 2023/24 budget is based on an estimate of 5.73 million kilowatt hours of production, which is equal to the annual electrical needs of approximately 310 average Nova Scotian households. PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Chester owns a 2MW wind turbine located at the Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park. Primary operations and maintenance is provided by a third party. The turbine produces an annual output of between 5.3 million and 6.3 million kilowatt hours. Wind Turbine Page 21 of 27 Program Category 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Changes Revenue (16,602,799)$ (18,491,834)$ 1,889,036$ Expenditure -$ -$ -$ Net Cost (16,602,799)$ (18,491,834)$ 1,889,036$ Revenue (609,563)$ (598,045)$ (11,518)$ Expenditure -$ -$ -$ Net Cost (609,563)$ (598,045)$ (11,518)$ Revenue (227,549)$ (321,550)$ 94,001$ Expenditure 1,598,847$ 1,730,824$ (131,977)$ Net Cost 1,371,298$ 1,409,274$ (37,976)$ Revenue (27,800)$ (30,000)$ 2,200$ Expenditure 630,894$ 676,596$ (45,703)$ Net Cost 603,094$ 646,596$ (43,503)$ Revenue (1,551,470)$ (650,000)$ (901,470)$ Expenditure -$ -$ -$ Net Cost (1,551,470)$ (650,000)$ (901,470)$ Revenue -$ -$ -$ Expenditure 3,923,976$ 3,935,558$ (11,582)$ Net Cost 3,923,976$ 3,935,558$ (11,582)$ Revenue (19,019,181)$ (20,091,429)$ 1,072,249$ Expenditure 6,153,717$ 6,342,979$ (189,262)$ Net Cost (12,865,464)$ (13,748,451)$ 882,987$ Transfer to Reserves Departmental Total Information Services Transf fr Reserve & PY Surplus Finance DEPARTMENTAL OPERATING SUMMARY Financial & Information Services Federal & Provincial Grants Property Taxes & GIL Page 22 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (16,059,215) (17,161,289) (16,602,799) (18,491,834) Salary/wages and employee benefits - - - - Cost of Municipal Services - - - - Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures - - - - Net Cost (16,059,215) (17,161,289) (16,602,799) (18,491,834) 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (1,394,815) (746,088) (609,563) (598,045) Salary/wages and employee benefits - - - - Cost of Municipal Services - - - - Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures - - - - Net Cost (1,394,815) (746,088) (609,563) (598,045) No significant changes are expected in 2023/24 Description Grant funding received from other levels of Government. Primarily infrastructure funding through the Canada Community-Building Fund (formerly known as "Gas Tax"). 2023/24 Operating Highlights Due to strong housing market conditions, assessed values have increased for 2023. The cap on eligible properties is 7.7%. Total residential property assessment increased by 12.3%. Total commercial property assessment increased by 15.3%. Total resource property assessment increased by 13.1% Federal & Provincial Grants PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Primary source of Municipal revenues, including Residential, Commercial, Resource, Recreation, and Wind Farm property taxes, Deed Transfer Tax, and grants from other levels of government in-lieu of taxes. Property owners pay annual taxes based on the rates set by Council and the property values assessed by the Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) with a cap on increases to taxable assessed values of eligible properties equal to the year-over-year NS CPI increase for October of the preceding year 2023/24 Operating Highlights Property Taxes & GIL PROGRAM SUMMARY Page 23 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (247,251) (321,200) (227,549) (321,550) Salary/wages and employee benefits 512,468 603,105 618,904 663,100 Cost of Municipal Services 921,407 989,341 979,943 1,067,723 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 1,433,875 1,592,446 1,598,847 1,730,824 Net Cost 1,186,624 1,271,246 1,371,298 1,409,274 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - (12,400) (27,800) (30,000) Salary/wages and employee benefits 301,245 346,044 395,506 411,693 Cost of Municipal Services 252,152 212,770 235,388 264,903 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 553,397 558,814 630,894 676,596 Net Cost 553,397 546,414 603,094 646,596 Supporting the Implementation of Purchase Order Module, eProcurement platform, Asset Mgt and Collection. Supporting departments in their move towards a “paperless” office. Supporting the move away from Building Shared Services / implementation of Townsuite Cloud. Cyber Resiliency : implementation of endpoint Managed Detection and Response, and Multi-Factor Authentication where applicable. Description Provides reliable and sustainable technology, tools, and services that enable the Municipality to achieve its strategic plans and objectives in a secure and timely manner. This includes infrastructure and communications services in the areas of computing, communications, geomatic information systems, cyber security, business continuity, as well as facilitation and oversight of the procurement of goods and services. 2023/24 Operating Highlights Continuing to evaluate and update purchasing and procurement policies and procedures, including implementation of Purchase Order module. Increasing depth and breadth of financial analyses such as cash flow projections, and financial modelling of scenarios relating to operational initiatives and capital investments of the various departments. Information Services PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Primarily responsible for fulfilling the statutory duties of the Treasurer, to provide financial advice to Council, and to provide financial services to the various departments. Provides accounting services, such as payroll, purchasing services, and controlling of funds through the development and implementation of appropriate policies, procedures, and controls. Also responsible for all tax administration matters (billing, collection, tax sales, etc.), and development and monitoring of annual and multi-year operating and capital budgets. 2023/24 Operating Highlights Finance PROGRAM SUMMARY Page 24 of 27 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues (333,540) (1,340,919) (1,551,470) (650,000) Salary/wages and employee benefits - - - - Cost of Municipal Services - - - - Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures - - - - Net Cost (333,540) (1,340,919) (1,551,470) (650,000) 2023/24 Operating Budget 2021/22 Actual 2022/23 Actual (projected) 2022/23 Budget 2023/24 Budget Total Revenues - - - - Salary/wages and employee benefits - - - - Cost of Municipal Services 1,432,791 5,414,976 3,923,976 3,935,558 Expenditures not related to Services - - - - Total Expenditures 1,432,791 5,414,976 3,923,976 3,935,558 Net Cost 1,432,791 5,414,976 3,923,976 3,935,558 Expenses to recognize allocation of funds from specifically identified sources, including various program surpluses, to reserve for future funding. Transfers to Operating Reserves: General Operating Reserves ($802,748), Infrastructure Development Fund ($1,304,051), Wind Energy Reserve ($993,143), and Sewer Reserve ($2,805). Transfers to Capital Reserves: Canada Community Building Fund ($590,662), Landfill Equipment Reserve ($200,000), IT Equipment Resevre ($34,150), and Parkland Reserve ($8,000). Description Current year operating funds transferred into Reserves to fund future expenditures 2023/24 Operating Highlights Funding source for community grants, capital projects, one-time operating initiatives, and other non-tax supported programs. Transfers from General Operating Reserve ($250,000), and Wind Energy Reserve ($400,000) Transfer to Reserves PROGRAM SUMMARY Description Current year operating revenues drawn from Reserves 2023/24 Operating Highlights Transf fr Reserve & PY Surplus PROGRAM SUMMARY Page 25 of 27 Municipality of the District of Chester Capital Budget - 2023/24 Department Project Name Project Cost Grants Grants Funding Operations Fund from Funding Notes Federal Provincial Reserves or Area Rate Borrowing TRAIL BRIDGE REPAIRS B01 Barkhouse Brook - repoint only 5,000 - - 5,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve B02 Middle River - repoint only 7,500 - - 7,500 - - Gas Tax Reserve B04 King Street - concrete repair & timber repair 25,000 - - 25,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve B05 Goat Lake #2 - repoint joints 3,000 - - 3,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve B07 Barry's Brook #2 - repoint joints & rail ties and steel work 28,500 - - 28,500 - - Gas Tax Reserve B08 Barry's Brook #1 - repoint joints 4,000 - - 4,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve B09 East River - repoint joints & rail ties and steel work 59,000 - - 59,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve East River trail foot bridge 25,000 - 16,000 9,000 - - Private Grant / Gas Tax Reserve PAVED SHOULDERS 2. Hwy 3 - Vaughn Rd to Martins River (4.4km)556,961 - - 556,961 - - Gas Tax Reserve SIDEWALKS and CONNECTOR TRAILS 3. Hubbards-Hwy 329 to trail (60m)136,402 54,561 45,422 36,419 - - General Operating Reserve 4. Chester Basin-Hwy 3 to Croft Road (265m)726,365 290,546 241,880 193,939 - - General Operating Reserve 5. Chester-Our Health Centre to Pig Loop (160m)423,033 169,213 140,870 112,950 - - General Operating Reserve 6. Chester-Duke St. to Victoria St. (660m)820,394 328,158 273,191 219,045 - - General Operating Reserve 9. Hubbards-Hwy 3 to Hubbards Sailing Club (1,000m) - Design 10,000 4,000 3,330 2,670 - - General Operating Reserve 10. Hubbards-Fox Point Front Rd. (900m) - Design 10,000 4,000 3,330 2,670 - - General Operating Reserve 11. Western Shore-George Rd to Vaughn Rd. (240m) - Design 10,000 4,000 3,330 2,670 - - General Operating Reserve 13. New Ross-Forties Rd. to Fire Hall (450m) - Design 10,000 4,000 3,330 2,670 - - General Operating Reserve 14. Middle River - Haughn Property - Accessible Connector Trail**34,416 - - 34,416 - - Gas Tax Reserve BRIDGES 16. Gold River - Gold River Trail Bridge Repair 4,066,690 755,345 623,159 2,688,186 - - GOR ($509,858) / WER-Op ($2,178,328) Open Spaces Implementation 99,000 - - 99,000 - - General Operating Reserve Uniform Signage - Post Improvement 27,000 - - 27,000 - - General Operating Reserve Council Chambers Audio-Visual Upgrades 115,000 - - 115,000 - - General Operating Reserve GPS Units - Asset Management 35,000 - - 35,000 - - General Operating Reserve Heavy equipment skid steer 110,000 - - - - 110,000 Leachate treatment plant upgrade (phase 2)2,000,000 - - - - 2,000,000 Front Loader 450,000 - - - - 450,000 Dump Truck 250,000 - - - - 250,000 Green carts 200 30,000 - - - 30,000 - Solid Waste Area Rate Maintenance hole Repairs & Infiltration Reduction 53,000 - - - 53,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Pump Replacements - Allowance 32,000 - - - 32,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Wastewater System Renewal and Expansion - Chester - Phase 1 8,340,000 3,336,000 2,777,220 2,226,780 - - General Operating Reserve Truck Replacement - 1-Ton truck w/Crane 150,000 - - - - 150,000 Wastewater collection extension 52,000 - - 26,000 26,000 - Gas Tax Reserve / Universal Sewer Rate Mill Cove – Addition of Biofilter Unit 325,000 - - 162,500 - 162,500 Gas Tax Reserve Dump Trailer 15,000 - - - - 15,000 Wild Rose Park washroom renovation 50,000 50,000 - - - - Speed Radar Units (1 per district)70,000 - - 70,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve Zero-turn replacement 20,000 - - 20,000 - - General Operating Reserve Welcome Signs (6)30,000 - - 30,000 - - Wind Reserve (Economic Development) Parade square monument and cannon 25,000 - - - 25,000 - General Tax Rate Trail Surface Upgrades 27,000 - - - 27,000 - General Tax Rate Total Projects & Funding Contributions 19,266,261 4,999,823 4,131,062 6,804,876 193,000 3,137,500 Community Development & Recreation Information Services Solid Waste Universal Sewer Projects Municipal Property Page 26 of 27 Municipality of the District of Chester Capital Budget - 2024/25 Department Project Name Project Cost Grants Grants Funding Operations Fund from Funding Notes Federal Provincial Reserves or Area Rate Borrowing TRAIL BRIDGE REPAIRS B07 Barry's Brook #2 - clean, sandblast & repaint 75,000 - - 75,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve B09 East River - clean, sandblast & repaint 275,000 - - 275,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve SIDEWALKS and CONNECTOR TRAILS 9. Hubbards-Hwy 3 to Hubbards Sailing Club (1,000m)2,388,578 955,431 795,396 637,751 - - General Operating Reserve 10. Hubbards-Fox Point Front Rd. (900m) 2,148,720 859,488 715,524 573,708 - - General Operating Reserve 11. Western Shore-George Rd to Vaughn Rd. (240m)564,681 225,872 188,039 150,770 - - General Operating Reserve 13. New Ross-Forties Rd. to Fire Hall (450m)1,069,360 427,744 356,097 285,519 - - General Operating Reserve RAPID RECTANGULAR FLASHING BEACONS (11)321,580 - - 321,580 - - General Operating Reserve VMWARE Infrastructure 69,000 - - 69,000 - - IT Equipment Ortho Photography 110,000 - - 110,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve Hardware Replacement 103,000 - - 103,000 - - IT Equipment Equipment - 1 ton truck (Chester only)107,000 - - - - 107,000 Green carts 200 30,000 - - - 30,000 - Solid Waste Area Rate Maintenance hole Repairs & Infiltration Reduction 55,000 - - - 55,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Pump Replacements - Allowance 33,000 - - - 33,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Truck Replacement - 3/4 ton 85,000 - - - 85,000 - General Tax Rate Trail Surface Upgrades 28,000 - - - 28,000 - General Tax Rate Total Projects & Funding Contributions 7,462,919 2,468,535 2,055,056 2,601,328 231,000 107,000 Municipality of the District of Chester Capital Budget - 2025/26 Department Project Name Project Cost Grants Grants Funding Operations Fund from Funding Notes Federal Provincial Reserves or Area Rate Borrowing TRAIL BRIDGE REPAIRS B03 Cooks Branch/Halfway River - All work 110,000 - - 110,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve B06 Goat Lake #1 - Replace Abutment Walls 15,000 - - 15,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve Heavy equipment 316 excavator 251,000 - - - - 251,000 3/4 Ton Truck 88,000 - - - - 88,000 Green carts 200 31,200 - - - 31,200 - Solid Waste Area Rate Maintenance hole Repairs & Infiltration Reduction 55,000 - - - 55,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Pump Replacements - Allowance 35,000 - - - 35,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Truck Replacement - 3/4 ton 85,000 - - - 85,000 - General Tax Rate ATV replacement 30,000 - - - 30,000 - General Tax Rate Trail Surface Upgrades 29,000 - - - 29,000 - General Tax Rate Total Projects & Funding Contributions 729,200 - - 125,000 265,200 339,000 Municipality of the District of Chester Capital Budget - 2026/27 Department Project Name Project Cost Grants Grants Funding Operations Fund from Funding Notes Federal Provincial Reserves or Area Rate Borrowing TRAIL BRIDGE REPAIRS B01 Barkhouse Brook - replace rail ties & steel work 25,000 - - 25,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve B02 Middle River - replace rail ties & steel work 50,000 - - 50,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve B08 Barry's Brook #1 - new superstructure 150,000 - - 150,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve B10 Little East River - all work 280,000 - - 280,000 - - Gas Tax Reserve Equipment - 3/4 ton truck 90,000 - - - - 90,000 Green carts 200 31,200 - - - 31,200 - Solid Waste Area Rate Equipment - side-by-side 22,000 - - - - 22,000 Maintenance hole Repairs & Infiltration Reduction 56,000 - - - 56,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Pump Replacements - Allowance 36,000 - - - 36,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Truck Replacement - 3/4 ton 85,000 - - - 85,000 - General Tax Rate Trail Surface Upgrades 29,000 - - - 29,000 - General Tax Rate Total Projects & Funding Contributions 854,200 - - 505,000 237,200 112,000 Municipality of the District of Chester Capital Budget - 2027/28 Department Project Name Project Cost Grants Grants Funding Operations Fund from Funding Notes Federal Provincial Reserves or Area Rate Borrowing Solid Waste Green carts 200 32,000 - - - 32,000 - Solid Waste Area Rate Maintenance hole Repairs & Infiltration Reduction 56,000 - - - 56,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Pump Replacements - Allowance 36,000 - - - 36,000 - Universal Sewer Rate Total Projects & Funding Contributions 124,000 - - - 124,000 - Solid Waste Community Development & Recreation Information Services Solid Waste Universal Sewer Projects Municipal Property Community Development & Recreation Universal Sewer Projects: Universal Sewer Projects: Municipal Property: Community Development & Recreation Solid Waste Universal Sewer Projects: Municipal Property: Page 27 of 27 REQUEST FOR DIRECTION REPORT TO: Municipal Council MEETING DATE: March 23 2023 DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation SUBJECT: Development Agreement Application ORIGIN: Date: March 08 2023 Prepared by: Emily Statton, Planner Date: March 13, 2023 Reviewed by: Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Date: March 12, 2023 Authorized by: RECOMMENDED MOTION/ACTION That Council direct staff to prepare a draft Development Agreement & hold a Public Information Meeting. CURRENT SITUATION Planning Staff have received an application for a Development Agreement received via email on February 24th, 2023. The application states the proposal is for 11 dwelling units, in addition to the existing 5 units on the property. BACKGROUND The application was submitted by CKM Engineering Inc. on behalf of ARW Developments Ltd. (Lunenburg County Condominium Corporation NO. 21). The proposed development is for 11 dwelling units in addition to the existing 5 dwelling units on the 24.6-acre property (PID 60664828) on Barkhouse Road, Martins Point. The property is a bareland condo and has a private driveway access, known as Rum Runners Lane. The property is in the Mixed-Use zone, which allows for 1-4 dwelling units on a lot by development permit; 5-11 dwelling units on a lot by site plan and 12 or more dwelling units on a lot are permitted via Development Agreement. The total number of units on the lot (16) triggers the need for a Development Agreement. DISCUSSION The cover letter submitted with the application outlines details of the proposed development. You can see a proposed site plan and typical building design attached. The application describes their intention to build the 11 additional structures on the property. The development intends to have on-site water and (existing) on-site septic systems that would hook into the existing infrastructure. If the file proceeds, the next steps are for staff to review the submitted documents against policy in the Municipal Planning Strategy and prepare a draft development agreement. R e q u e s t f o r D i r e c t i o n P a g e | 2 OPTIONS 1. Direct staff to prepare a draft Development Agreement & hold a Public Information Meeting. 2. Request Staff to provide more information prior to proceeding. IMPLICATIONS By-Law/Policy The request is keeping within the Municipal Planning Policy regarding residential development in the Mixed-Use zone. Financial/budgetary No costs anticipated, other than staff time. The applicant is to pay the application & advertising fees. Environmental No anticipated environmental implications at this time. These details will be evaluated during the policy analysis in future staff report. Strategic Priorities The request to develop 11 dwelling units in addition to the exiting 5 dwelling units will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Outcomes of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework: Priority Outcomes: Economic Development 1. Position the Municipality as Nova Scotia’s south shore community of choice for residents, businesses, and organizations, and as an international tourism destination. Priority Outcomes: Governance & Engagement 1. Ensure municipal bylaw and policy frameworks reflect current and changing needs. Work Program Implications Planning staff time is the only expected impact on the work program, on top of day-to-day tasks and other current files. Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _ X_ No __ N/A COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) To follow. If direction is given to staff to proceed, the file will follow the Public Engagement Program as noted in the Municipal Planning Strategy. This Includes Public Information Meeting, Municipal Planning Advisory Committee Meeting, Council 1st Reading and a Public Hearing follow by Council vote and 14-day appeal period. Notification to all property owners within 30m of the property would also be sent out in advance of the Pubic Hearing date. ATTACHMENTS 1. Application 2. Cover Letter 3. Site Plan & Typical Building Design REQUEST FOR DECISION REPORT TO: Municipal Council MEETING DATE: March 23, 0223 DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation Dept. SUBJECT: New Road Name Assignment ORIGIN: New Private Road Name Request Date: 2023-03-07 Prepared by: Sylvia Dixon, Development & Planning Technician Date: 2023-03-13 Reviewed by: Chad Haughn, Director of CDRD Date: 2023-03-13 Authorized by: Dan McDougall, CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION It is recommended that Municipal Council approve the proposed private road name one of the proposed road names. CURRENT SITUATION A private right-of-way accessed off of Oceanview Drive in the community of Blandford (map attached) that will provide access for the development of three or more addressable structures requires a name. The landowners have proposed the road names of Anchor Lane, Driftwood Lane, Seashore Lane. BACKGROUND 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. According to Municipal Policy P-44, the road name is suggested following a majority agreement (66%) from the landowners that are served by the shared right-of-way. In this instance, six of the seven properties, representing three of the four owner groups, have proposed the following road names: Anchor Lane, Driftwood Lane, Seashore Lane. The proposed names were suggested by a majority, representing 85.7% of the affected properties or 75% of the owner groups. One property owner has not responded. This property is currently vacant. PID AAN Owner Proposed Road Names Current Civic Address 60068913 05574447 Zinck, Douglas Earle Anchor Ln, Driftwood Ln, Seashore Ln 60664950 05435102 3340776 Nova Scotia Limited Anchor Ln, Driftwood Ln, Seashore Ln 60 Oceanview Dr 60724176 10698170 3340776 Nova Scotia Limited Anchor Ln, Driftwood Ln, Seashore Ln 60448503 09678034 Bralovich, Erin & Bralovich, Kevin Anchor Ln, Driftwood Ln, Seashore Ln 60664968 10264596 Bralovich, Erin & Bralovich, Kevin Anchor Ln, Driftwood Ln, Seashore Ln 58 Oceanview Dr 60068905 05280141 Bralovich, Erin & Bralovich, Kevin Anchor Ln, Driftwood Ln, Seashore Ln 60664976 05049768 Zinck Robert Bruce Rossiter DISCUSSION Anchor Lane, Driftwood Lane, and Seashore Lane would be unique road names in the Municipality of Chester, with Seashore Lane being unique within Nova Scotia. It is of note that the proposed new road names are similar to the following: R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2 - Anchors Way, East River Point, Municipality of the District of Chester, Lunenburg County - Anchor Lane, Brule, Municipality of the County of Colchester, Colchester County - Anchor Lane, Harbour Centre, Municipality of the County of Antigonish, Antigonish County - Driftwood Crt, Garden Lots, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Lunenburg County - Driftwood Lane, Highland Village, Municipality of the County of Colchester, Colchester County - Driftwood Lane, Marshville, Municipality of the County of Pictou, Pictou County - Driftwood Lane, West Advocate, Municipality of the County of Cumberland, Cumberland County - Sea Shore Dr, Sand Point, Municipality of the County of Colchester, Colchester County - Sea Glass Dr, Simms Settlement, Municipality of the District of Chester, Lunenburg County - Sea Hawk Lane, Deep Cove, Municipality of the District of Chester, Lunenburg County - Sea Oaks Lane, Martins Point, Municipality of the District of Chester, Lunenburg County - Seaside Lane, East Chester, Municipality of the District of Chester, Lunenburg County - Seabreeze Lane, Chester Basin, Municipality of the District of Chester, Lunenburg County - Seafarers Way, Northwest Cove, Municipality of the District of Chester, Lunenburg County Comments received for Anchor Lane, Driftwood Lane, and Seashore Lane: - District 1 – Councillor Andre Veinotte: Preference for the road names Driftwood Lane and Seashore Lane since Anchor Lane is similar to Anchors Way in East River Point. - Municipal Public Works – Fred Whynot: no objection with the proposed names, “Anchor Lane seems OK” - Blandford Fire Dept. – Fire Chief Mike Schnare: preference for Seashore Lane. “I would like to see Seashore Lane used for the new road name as it is unique to the province.” OPTIONS 1. Municipal Council can approve the one of the proposed road names. 2. Municipal Council can decide not to approve the name and direct staff to assign a name of Council’s choosing. 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 R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 3 Has Legal review been completed? N/A COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) N/A ATTACHMENTS 1. Petition Received 2. Location Map Authentisign ID: F0D81D03-7EB8-ED11-BA77-14CB652F4F5BAuthentisign ID: 4699C1E1-7EB8-ED11-BA77-14CB652F4F5B 160 171 173 11172 21 186 25 213 216 21 70 262218 96 214 60 20 58 217 New Harbour Rd P u b l i c o v e r R d Willow B a y L a n e P u b l i c o v e r L o o p O c e a n v i e w D r Rev.:Date:Description: 0 MUNICIPALITY OF THEDISTRICT OF CHESTER From Date: N /ATo Da te : N/ADate Printed: 23/03/03 ® Legend ^_New Civic Address Civic Address Road Driveway/Trail Building Footprint Property Boundary Affected Property 60 0 6030 Metres 23/03/03 Digital Folders Entry ID:1295745 Status: Ex istsProject ID: N/AClassification #: N/A Representation of Municipality of Chester within Nova ScotiaScale: 1:12 ,500 ,0 00 Scale: 1:3,000 New Private Road NameRequirement New Private Road Naming 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:BlandfordPID:60068913, 60664950, 60724176,60448503, 60664968, 60068905, 60664976,AAN:05574447, 05435102, 10698170,09678034, 10264596, 05280141, 05049768,Fire Dept:Blandford Fire Dept.Description:New private road name requiredfor access to three or more residential dwellings. Private Road Names ProposedAnchor Ln, Driftwood Ln, or Seashore Ln District Grants 2022-2023 Updated March 17, 2023 Requested Approved Date Approved Aspotogan Arts & Crafts Association: Clay Workshops 550.00$ 550.00$ January 12, 2023 East Chester Recreation Association: Small Renovations 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ March 9, 2023 East River Village Hall: Christmas Event & Hall operating costs 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ November 10, 2022 Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Ocean Swells Community Association:Parking Lot & Garbage Box 2,500.00$ $2,500.00 September 8, 2022 Parish of Blandford: Community Gardens 200.00$ 200.00$ November 10, 2022 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 8,050.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 1,950.00$ Aspotogan Fitness Club: Treadmill 1,800.00$ March 9, 2023 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Caboose Project 500.00$ 500.00$ September 29, 2022 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 Hubbards Area Lions Club: Breakfast with Santa 300.00$ 300.00$ December 8, 2022 Hubbards Area Lions Club:Wheelchair accessible-comfort centre shower 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ February 23, 2023 Through the Years Day Care and Community Centre: Heat Pumps 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 12, 2022 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 8,100.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 1,900.00$ Chester Brass Band: Summer Concerts 500.00$ 500.00$ June 23, 2022 Chester Minor Hockey Association: Jerseys & Benefit Tournament 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ February 23, 2023 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: *Canada Day RE-purposed to Caboose 3,000.00$ 2,000.00$ May 12, 2022 Chester Playhouse: Pearle Harbour Performance 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ September 8, 2022 Chester Playhouse: By Folk-EI Variety Show 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ September 8, 2022 Chester United Soccer: Soccer Nets 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ March 9, 2023 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 8,800.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 1,200.00$ Aenon Baptist Church:AED Machine 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ September 8, 2022 Aenon Baptist Church:Fun Day 3,000.00$ Chester Basin Fire Commission: Community Comfort Centre 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ March 9, 2023 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Caboose Project 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ September 29, 2022 Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Friends of the 250th Legacy Park Society:Bench, Barrels, Table repairs, etc 2,500.00$ TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 4,300.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 5,700.00$ Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Together We Can Community Society: Christmas in the Park 1,600.00$ 1,543.00$ January 12, 2023 Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 144, Western Shore:Remembrance Day & Xmas 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ September 8, 2022 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 10,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING -$ 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 Handy Hands 4H Club: BBQ 200.00$ 200.00$ February 9, 2023 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 New Ross Trails Society: Trail Development / Improvement 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ November 24, 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 10,000.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING -$ 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 Minor Hockey Association: Jerseys & Nunez Tournament 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ February 23, 2023 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: *Canada Day RE-purposed to Caboose 3,000.00$ 500.00$ May 12, 2022 Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Caboose Project 500.00$ 500.00$ September 29, 2022 Chester United Soccer: Soccer Nets 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ March 9, 2023 District 7 Forest Heights Community School: Prom 2022 300.00$ 300.00$ May 12, 2022 Studio Singers: Accompanist 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ September 29, 2022 TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 9,800.00$ TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 200.00$ Total Funds Approved 59,050.00$ District Grant Budget 2022-2023 70,000.00$ Remaining Funds 10,950.00$ District 6 District 1 District 2 District 4 District 5 District 3 REQUEST FOR DECISION Prepared By: Tim Topping, CPA, CA, Director of Finance & Information Services Date March 8, 2023 Reviewed By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date March 8, 2023 Authorized By: Date CURRENT SITUATION In the past year there were two capital purchases completed that were budgeted to be financed by long term debt. All long-term debt is financed by borrowing from the Provincial Department of Finance and Treasury Board (formerly through the Municipal Finance Corporation). For the Municipality to borrow, a “temporary borrowing resolution” (TBR) is required to be approved by Council and the Minister. Additionally, a Resolution for Pre-Approval of Debenture Issuance Subject to Interest Rate must be approved by Council. RECOMMENDATION That, Council approve the attached TBR and pre-approval for Capital budget projects noted below. BACKGROUND The TBR in the amount of $1,633,851 is for two capital purchases, where the final payments were made in 2022. The capital projects and their related capital budget amounts are as follows: Project Timing of Debenture Budget Year Budget Total Expenditures Borrowing Estimate for the TBR Sewer – Lift Station Panel Upgrades & Generators Spring 2023 2019-20 2020-21 480,000 350,000 680,624 680,624 Landfill – Heavy Equipment - Compactor Spring 2023 2022-23 1,353,236* 1,353,227 953,227** Total 2,183,236 2,033,851 1,633,851 * Initial budget was $1,145,000, revised by Council on Aug. 23, 2022 (Motion 2022-344) ** $400,000 budgeted to be funded from Landfill Equipment Reserve, remainder funded from borrowing DISCUSSION The TBR agrees with the planned source of funding in the approved capital budgets. All debt servicing costs related to Landfill purchases included in the annual setting of landfill tipping fees. Once approved the TBR is valid for one year from the date of approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Once this TBR is approved, the Municipality will make a submission to participate in the spring 2023 debenture issuance. The deadline for submission to participate in the Spring 2023 debenture issuance is April 21, 2023. REPORT TO: Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance Department DATE: March 23, 2023 SUBJECT: Temporary Borrowing Resolution & Pre- Approval of Debenture Issuance ORIGIN: 2 Request For Decisio IMPLICATIONS Policy – n/a. Financial/Budgetary – Borrowing agrees with approved capital budgets Environmental – n/a Strategic Plan – n/a Work Program Implications -n/a OPTIONS 1. Approve the attached TBR and resolution for pre-approval of debenture issuance subject to interest rate 2. Revise the approved capital funding source for the above projects REFERENCES The approved capital budgets are for 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2022-23. ATTACHMENTS Temporary Borrowing Resolution Resolution for Pre-Approval of Debenture Issuance Subject to Interest Rate COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) Internal – n/a External- Forward approved TBR and pre-approval to Municipal Advisor immediately following Council’s approval, to obtain approval from the Minister in time for the spring debenture issue. Name of Unit: ____Municipality of the District of Chester____________________________________ Resolution for Pre-Approval of Debenture Issuance Subject to Interest Rate WHEREAS clause 66 (1) of the Municipal Government Act (the “Act”) provides that a municipality may borrow to carry out an authority to expend funds for capital purposes conferred by the Act or another Act of the Legislature; AND WHEREAS clause 91(1)(a) of the Act provides that where a municipality is authorized to borrow money, subject to the approval of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (the “Minister”), that the sum shall be borrowed by the issue and sale of debentures, in one sum or by installments, as determined by the council; AND WHEREAS clause 91(1)(b) of the Municipal Government Act authorizes the council to determine the amount and term of, and the rate of interest, on each debenture, when the interest on a debenture is to be paid, and where the principal and interest on a debenture are to be paid; AND WHEREAS clause 91(2) of the Municipal Government Act states, that in accordance with the Finance Act, the mayor or warden and clerk or the person designated by the council, by policy, shall sell and deliver the debentures on behalf of the municipality at the price, in the sums and in the manner deemed proper; AND WHEREAS the resolution of council to borrow for was approved by the municipal council on_________March 23, 2023___________. (council’s TBR approval date) BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT under the authority of Section 91 of the Municipal Government Act, the Municipality of the District of Chester (Name of Unit) borrow by the issue and sale of debentures a sum or sums not exceeding $____1,633,851______ , for a period not to exceed _____15___ years, subject to the approval of the Minister; THAT the sum be borrowed by the issue and sale of debentures of the Municipality of the District of Chester (Name of Unit) in the amount that the mayor or warden and clerk or the person designated by the council deems proper, provided the average interest rate of the debenture does not exceed the rate of 6.0%; THAT the debenture be arranged with the Province of Nova Scotia with interest to be paid semi-annually and principal payments made annually; THAT this resolution remains in force for a period not exceeding twelve months from the passing of this resolution. THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution duly passed at a meeting of the Council of the Municipality of the District of Chester (Name of Unit) held on the 23rd day of March 2023 GIVEN under the hands of the Mayor/Warden and the Clerk of the Municipality of the District of Chester (Name of Unit) this 23rd day of March 20 23 Mayor/Warden Clerk For Province use only: TBR #: Minister signed: REQUEST FOR DECISION REPORT TO: Municipal Council MEETING DATE: March 23, 2023 DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation SUBJECT: Extension of TOMB Intermunicipal Service Agreement ORIGIN: TOMB Intermunicipal Service Agreement Date: March 21, 2023 Prepared by: Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Date: March 21, 2023 Authorized by: Dan McDougall, CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION It is recommended that Council extend the current Intermunicipal Service Agreement with the Town of Mahone Bay for a three-month period. CURRENT SITUATION In the Spring of 2022, the Municipality of Chester provided 12 months notice to the Town of Mahone Bay that we were terminating the Intermunicipal Service Agreement at the end of the fiscal year – March 31, 2023. The Town was given the option to explore other options for these services or to continue to receive the same basic services but under a new contract. The Town expressed interest in working with the Municipality within a new contract. The new contract is not completed to date and staff are requesting that Council extend the contract for a three- month period in order to finish drafting the new contract, have Council review the contract and make a final decision. If approved by Council, the contract would then go to the Town for review and sign off. Background The Municipality of Chester started to provide planning services to the Town of Mahone Bay in 2003. In January 2013, the Municipality entered a new Intermunicipal Service Agreement with the Town and expanded services covered by the agreement to include building and fire inspection as well as emergency management services. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of two municipal units, the fees associated with the services and other elements common with contracts. DISCUSSION The core services covered under the 2013 agreement remain the same, however, the circumstances under which the agreement now functions have changed. There are different Councillors, different staff and operations of each Municipal unit are different in 2023. For this reason, it was determined that it was time to create a new agreement that more appropriately reflects the services being provided. Staff will continue to work on the draft agreement and will provide Council a copy at an upcoming meeting in April. At that time, Council can provide comments related to the specific terms of the agreement. R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2 OPTIONS 1. Extend the Intermunicipal Service Agreement with the Town of Mahone Bay for a three month period. 2. Extend the Intermunicipal Service Agreement for an alternate time period. 3. Provide alternate direction to staff. IMPLICATIONS By-Law/Policy NA Financial/budgetary The Municipality will continue to provide service to the Town of Mahone and will invoice the Town for these services as outlined in the contract. The details related to the new contract, including fees charged to the Town, will be brought back to Council for review at a future meeting. Environmental NA Work Program Implications Completing the draft agreement will be a priority over the coming weeks so that it can be reviewed by Council. Has Legal review been completed? _X__ Yes _ _ No Mr. Lamey suggested the two municipal units both agree to extend to the current contract so that we are not operating outside the parameters listed in the contract. Mr. Lamey has been involved in the preparation of the new contract and will continue to be involved in its preparation and execution. COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) NA ATTACHMENTS NA