HomeMy Public PortalAbout2011-07_MunicipalInsight-compressed
municipal insight
LOOK INSIDE FOR…LOOK INSIDE FOR…LOOK INSIDE FOR…
New Building Code (pg. 3)
Will it affect you?
Boating: What it means for us (pg. 3) By-laws and the pump out station
Municipal Budget 2011-12 (pg. 4 & 5) What’s new, what’s not and how it all adds up
Fireworks Safety (pg. 6)
Fireworks: fun but DANGEROUS
Cut N Run Update (pg. 7)
Year 1 review and standings
CONTACT US:
Municipality of the District of Chester
151 King Street, P O Box 369
Chester NS B0J 1J0
(902) 275-3554 phone
(902) 275-4771 fax
administration@chester.ca
www.chester.ca
“Back Harbour from the Garden” - contributed by Cosette Howlett
NEW FORMAT!
Tell us what you think at
www.chester.ca
Click on “Municipal
Insight” on the right
Message from the Warden
Welcome to what we hope is the “new and improved” version of our newsletter.
Council is committed to enhancing our ability and your ability to communicate with each other. This newsletter
profiles the activities and functions of various Municipal Departments and the policy decisions of Council itself.
The single most significant policy decision that Council makes is their annual Capital and Operating Budget. The
Budget provides Council, staff and various community-based organizations with the tools they need to do the work
necessary to fulfill all other policy decisions and community-based initiatives.
The process of developing a budget must take into consideration initiatives that may have began several years ago,
but are just now in the implementation stage as well as current operational requirements. We must also look forward
several years in an effort to prepare our community for anticipated changes in revenue sources and regulatory
changes affecting expenditures as well as position ourselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
This is not a simple task, but after careful consideration and healthy debate at the Council table and in the broader
community, we believe the Budget detail presented in this newsletter accomplishes those objectives.
On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the many organizations and individuals who have made representations to
Council to help guide us in the decision-making process over the past year. A properly functioning council is a
reflection of the people we serve, so keep in touch and have a great summer.
Warden Allen Webber,
A quarterly newsletter from
the Municipality of the District of Chester
www.chester.ca “keeping informed about your municipal government” Summer 2011
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Is my subdivision or development application approved yet?
Call the Development Officer, Karen Newton, at 275-2599. For the
most efficient service, please have the application number handy.
What is the zoning on this property?
Call the Development Officer, Karen Newton, at 275-2599. For the
most efficient service, please have the civic address of the property or
the property ID (PID) number handy.
Where do I get a zoning confirmation letter and is there a charge?
A zoning confirmation latter provides basic information about a
property’s current zoning and land use history. They are often used by
finance institutions and attorneys during due diligence periods. These
letters can include the description of current zoning, a summary of
uses allowed by zoning, and a list of applicable land use history. Send
your request and cheque for $30.00 to the Planning Department.
Can I get information about a property from your office?
General information, such as zoning, civic address, map location, etc.,
is available at the Planning Office. Information about owner’s name,
assessed value or tax rate is available from the Municipal
Administration Office at 275-3554. Information about the owner’s
address, survey plans, and deeds, is available from the Provincial Land
Information Centre on Logan Road in Bridgewater.
What is my civic number?
A civic number is your house address. For example, 151 King Street is
the civic address of the Municipal Administration Office. Please call the
Civic Address Coordinator, Jami Fay, at 275-2599 to find out yours.
How do I obtain a civic address number sign? How much will it cost?
Civic address number signs are the blue number signs that are posted
on a house or at the end of a driveway for Emergency Response
Vehicles. The signs cost $10.00 each, and the fee must be paid before
the order can be placed. You can order a civic address number sign by
contacting the Planning Department at 275-2599 or visiting our office
at 186 Central Street, Chester.
Why do different departments have different civic numbers for my
house?
Each building has only one civic address. If different agencies are using
different addresses for the same building, call Jami Fay at 275-2599 to
have this corrected.
Where can I pick up copies of the Land Use By-laws? How much is it?
At the Planning Office, 186 Central Street. The first one is free, and
additional copies are $10.00 each. The digital version is available free
of charge and is on the municipal website at www.chester.ca.
What is the cost of a Development Permit application?
$30 if the construction value is less than $2,000. If the construction
value exceeds $2,000, the Development Permit fee is $50.
When do I need a Development Permit?
Most new construction and most changes in the use of land or
buildings require a Development Permit unless the development is in
the General Basic Zone. Some development in the General Basic Zone
requires a Development Permit to be issued through the Development
Agreement or site plan process. The safest approach is to contact the
Development Officer, Karen Newton, at 275-2599.
Do I need a Development Permit to put up a sign on my property?
In the Chester Village Planning area, signage is regulated and requires a
development permit. Call the Development Officer, Karen Newton, at
275-2599 to discuss the requirements in your particular situation.
Do I need a Development Permit for my new retail/sales space?
Most commercial construction and most changes in the use of land or
buildings require a Development Permit unless the development is in
the General Basic Zone. Some commercial development in the General
Basic Zone requires a Development Permit to be issued through the
Development Agreement or Site plan process. The safest approach
before you develop a property is to contact the Development Officer,
Karen Newton, at 275-2599.
What is the process for subdivision approval?
The property owner(s), or their agent, need to submit a subdivision
application. If necessary, the applicant may need to arrange for a soil
assessment test by a qualified professional. This report is submitted
with plans that are certified and stamped by a NS Land Surveyor. Once
submitted, the Development Officer will notify the applicant at the
various stages of the approval process and may request additional
information from the applicant until final approval is received.
How long will the Subdivision approval process take (creating a new
lot or consolidating parcels of land)?
Allow six weeks from the time the plan arrives at the Planning Office.
What are the fees for a Subdivision application?
A fee of $200.00 is payable to the Municipality, and also registration
fees are charged by the Registry of Deeds. The registration fee is
$97.41 if the property has been migrated to the land registration
system, and $194.82 if the property has not been migrated. Contact
the Development Officer, Karen Newton, at 275-2599.
Where can I get a subdivision or development permit application?
Application forms are available online at www.chester.ca. They are
found under the Planning Department portion of the website, or by
visiting the Planning Department at 186 Central Street, Chester.
What is the process for naming a road?
Municipal Council approves all road names that do not belong to the
NS Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR).
They will also advise TIR on those public roads as well. A road sign
cannot be posted unless the road name has gone through the process
and approved by Municipal Council. According to the Emergency 911
System Standards, "if a driveway has access to three (3) houses it then
needs a road name". New roads in a subdivision or new development
must submit three possible road name choices if there is potential to
have more than three houses on a proposed road. For more
information, contact Jami Fay at 275-2599.
Do you have any road map books of the Municipality for sale?
Yes, copies are available at the Planning Office for $10.00 each. Areas
included in the map book are Chester Municipality and Mahone Bay.
What is the Planning Department location and fax number?
186 Central Street, Chester
275-2598 fax number
DEPARTMENT PROFILE:
Chester Municipal Planning Department
The Planning Department is responsible for a variety of planning and development services, including zoning and land-use,
mapping, civic numbering, subdividing land, development in zoned areas, municipal specifications, and more. They are also
heavily involved with a great deal of long-range planning, such as the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and Streetscape
Design for Highway #3 in Chester. Below are questions that may be helpful as well as direct you towards which one of our staff is
best suited to meet your needs.
Hauler Appreciation Day
The Kaizer Meadow Environmental Centre will hold its annual
Hauler Appreciation Day on
Thursday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
An informal “coffee break” for our local haulers is a small way
for us to show our appreciation and say “thank you”! We truly
value your hard work and effort!
www.chester.ca visit us for updates 2
3
Grants Available from
the Recreation & Parks
Department
Recreation Grants help non-
profit volunteer organizations
with the creation and
expansion of recreation
programs, activities and
facilities within the
Municipality of the District of
Chester. The application
deadline is Friday, October 7,
2011. For applications, visit
www.chester.ca, contact the
Recreation and Parks
Department at 275-3490, or
email recreation@chester.ca.
MUNICIPAL PUMP OUT SERVICE
Summer is here and so is sailing weather. The
Municipality of the District of Chester
reminds residents that
our boat pump out
service is here for
your boating needs.
Mondays to Fridays, between
7am and 3 pm, you can sched-
ule a time to have your boat
pumped out at the Chester Back
Harbour Wharf, or more commonly known as the Red Cross Wharf.
Call the Public Works Department at 275-1312 to schedule your pump out.
When using the pump out...
Securely tie your boat to the
wharf
When tying up to the wharf,
make sure your bumpers are up
against the wharf
It is easier to do a pump out
when the tide is high
If your sailboat has an extra
long keel, tie up at the end of
the wharf during high tide
O n June 1, 2011, the 2010 Building
and Plumbing Codes were adopted
by the Province. There are a number of
changes, but two that will affect all new
single family residential construction are:
1. The requirements for smoke alarms
have been changed to require a wired-
in smoke alarm in each bedroom/
sleeping room as well as one on each
floor level. These are to be intercon-
nected with a battery backup. For ex-
ample a two storey house having three
bedrooms will now require a total of
five interconnected smoke alarms to
comply with the Building Code.
2. For radon remediation, a layer of six
mil poly is required beneath the
poured concrete slab in all basements
or slab construction. All joints or pene-
trations in the poly are to be sealed
and its perimeter has to be sealed as
well. In addition, a 4” pipe stub must
be located in a central position, capped
and identified for radon. This pipe al-
lows homeowners to install remedia-
tion if required after tests.
It is hoped that some code change semi-
nars will be available in the fall. The possi-
ble fee of $70.00 may apply. Please call the
Building Department at 275-3080 if you
have
questions
relating to
this or any
other
Building
Code
issues.
NEW BUILDING AND PLUMBING CODES
The snow is a distant memory. April
and May have long since dissolved
under the torrential deluge. Lobster
traps are pulled, and we can only
hope that the steamy days of summer
are just around the corner. It’s times
like this when a man’s mind turns to
thoughts of the water, fishing, and a
cold one. The regrettably short
boating season is with us once again,
and the pristine waters in and around
the Municipality are calling.
During this busy period I ask those of
us fortunate enough to own a boat to
be mindful of other boaters and local
residents. Please do not obstruct
access to the wharves or slipways,
private driveways or other vehicles
when parking your trucks and trailers.
And please, respect the time
limitations when tying up to a wharf.
By following these simple guidelines
we can ensure that the facilities are
available for everyone to use, and we
can all have a thoroughly enjoyable
and relaxed boating season. After all,
courteous boaters are happy boaters.
I hope your time on the water this
summer is both safe and happy. Now,
where did I put that cooler....?
IT’S BOATING
TIME AGAIN
By Dave Brettell,
By-law Enforcement Officer
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www.chester.ca visit us for updates
You have $100 to spend at the
grocery store. You could spend
more, but you don’t want to
because you have two other bills
due this week. Maybe you’ll write
down a list of things you need so
you don’t forget the
important things. Or,
maybe you’ll look in
the sale flyers to get
more value for your
dollar. Either way,
you’re working with-
in a budget. What
decisions you make
affect your plans for
the rest of the week.
Although the municipal budget
process is lengthier and more
complicated than grocery shop-
ping, the essence is the same. Of
course there is a spending limit,
but the budget is also a tool that
gives staff guidance on where to
focus energies. Council sets their
priorities based on community
needs and operational
commitments, they form the
budget around those priorities,
and then staff use the budget to
carry them out.
Priorities for the upcoming fiscal
year are infrastructure upgrades;
initial implementation of long-
range planning initiatives;
increased public communication/
awareness; and knowledgeable
and efficient
service delivery.
Infrastructure
u p g r a d e s
i n c l u d e
development
of the Eco-Park
at Kaizer Mead-
ow Environ-
mental Centre
as well as road improvements and
site upgrades. Almost all central
sewer systems will also receive
upgrades and preparations will be
made for closure of the Mill Cove
water treatment plant. Mill Cove
side-walk will receive repairs while
engineering and design plans are
set for a Chester Basin sidewalk.
Plans for completing the sidewalk
on Duke Street in the Village of
Chester are in the works.
Preparations for several long-range
plans will also begin. A review of
the Planning Strategy and Land-
Use By-law will result in an update
of the document as well as
recommend changes to allow for
development along Highway 3 in
Chester. The review will also take
into consideration improvements
recommended in the Integrated
Community Sustainability Plan and
Active Transportation Plan.
All departments will increase their
levels of communication with the
public. Awareness is needed in the
areas of Building Code, fire
inspection and services, by-law
enforcement, Planning directives,
and Recreation projects, such as
alternate transportation, green
space, and active living.
With new legislation, new
regulations, and shift of
responsibilities from the Province,
Council and staff must remain
current in order to meet demands
from the public. Therefore, priority
has been given to professional
development so we can deliver the
information that the public needs.
There isn’t a tremendous
difference between this year’s
budget compared to last year’s,
but it does inspire change.
Council identified infrastructure
upgrades, long-range planning
initiatives, communication, and
efficient service delivery as
priorities this year.
Municipal Council builds a budget that focuses on service,
community planning, and fostering communication.
General Tax Revenue from property taxes is used to fund both operating costs and
financial obligations to the Province. Operating costs have increased this year.
Borrowing and reserve funds are usually used to pay for capital projects directly. Capital
expenses as well as debt charges from borrowing are integrated into the overall budget
report.
Capital expenditures have decreased for this fiscal year. Therefore, the 2011-12 Budget
reflects a lower overall total. However, even though the overall total is less, it does not
reflect the rise in operational costs, nor does it reflect the increase in our mandated
contributions to the Province - both of which are paid for through General Tax Revenue.
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www.chester.ca visit us for updates 5
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
Residential/Resource tax rate and Commercial/Business Occupancy tax rate increased by 1¢.
Residential/Resource tax rate is now 64¢/$100 of assessment and the Commercial/Business Occupancy tax rate
$1.54¢/$100 of assessment.
Operating budget, including Capital expenditures, is $18,934,974.00.
CPI increase is 2.2%
Administrative/Council remuneration is 3.24% of overall budget.
REVENUE SOURCES
Not all of the Municipality’s revenue is from the General Tax Rate. Revenue for certain services and projects is
substantially funded by cost recovery programs, sale of services, and area rates. For example, 96% of the budget for
Solid Waste is recovered through the sale of disposal services. Also, many capital projects are partially funded through
grants, and specific services are run on a user-fee basis, such as recreation programs and sewer connections.
PROVINCIAL STATISTICS
Provincial obligations equal 66% of general tax revenue. It is divided into the following categories.
Education ................................ 41.53%
RCMP ...................................... 16.09%
Assessment ................................ 3.79%
Corrections ............................... 1.99%
Roads ......................................... 1.85%
Library ........................................ 0.74%
Housing Authority ..................... 0.007%
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I’m amazed at just how much garbage I find
tossed at the side of the road in various
places around the Municipality. Anything
from household waste to furniture,
refrigerators and electronics. Some roads
have a couple of bags of garbage tossed
into the ditch, whilst others take days to
clean up, requiring a huge effort and the
use of machinery.
The vast majority of the residents of the
Municipality are responsible and dispose of
their garbage in an environmentally
sensitive fashion. However, there seems to
be a small percentage of residents who
don’t seem to care, and they are causing
the problem.
Not only is throwing garbage on the
roadside irresponsible, it’s also in breach of
the Waste Disposal By-law. Regular gar-
bage must be placed out for collection on
your designated collection day, and special
items can be placed out for collection
during the weeks of special pickup. You can
also take garbage and special collection
items to Kaizer Meadow Environmental
Management Centre. Up to 1,500 lb of
waste can be deposited free of charge.
Further information, including details of
your collection schedule, is available by
visiting www.kaizermeadow.ca or calling
Kaizer Meadow at 275-2330.
I am taking a zero tolerance approach to all
incidents of illegal dumping in the
Municipality. If you are caught, or if we can
identify you, you can find yourself facing a
hefty fine, or even worse.
If you have been disposing of your garbage
in an inappropriate manner, please, think
twice and place it out for collection on your
scheduled collection day. If you see
someone disposing of garbage at the
roadside or elsewhere, give me a call at
277-1589. By working together, we can
eliminate this unsightly blight on our
environment and our Municipality.
Environmental hazards can be reported to
the NS Department of Environment. Call
them at 543-4685.
PLEASE DON’T PITCH IT IN
THE DITCH
Use Fireworks Outdoors
Never use fireworks indoors; they are
designed for outdoor use only.
Choose a Clear, Open
Area
Always use fireworks
in an open area away
from buildings,
vehicles, dry brush/grass,
and obstructions over-head. A
minimum clear area of 30 m by 30 m
for aerial family fireworks, such as
Roman candles and 20 m by 20 m for
fountains and other ground based items is
recommended.
Check For Wind
Check wind direction and wind speed;
fireworks should be lit with the prevailing
wind blowing away from spectators and
closest dwelling. Don’t set off aerial fireworks
in strong winds.
Have Water Nearby
Keep a charged hose or water-filled bucket
close by in case of a malfunction or fire.
Read All Instructions
Carefully read all the instructions for each
firework ahead of time.
Bury Aerial Fireworks
For aerial fireworks (Roman candles), bury
(do not pile) to half its length in the ground
or large container filled with earth or sand.
Use Ground-Based Fireworks on a
Hard Surface
Always light ground-based fireworks
(mines, fountains) on a hard, flat, level
surface to ensure stability. Grass is typically
not suitable, and a wood or equivalent base
is recommended to ensure stability.
Keep Spectators Safe
Keep all spectators at least 20 m away from
location where articles are functioned .
Wear Proper Eye Protection and Clothing
Protect your eyes with safety glasses or
goggles. Regular prescription glasses or
sunglasses provide little or no protection and
may actually contribute to an injury. Wear
non-flammable clothing such as cotton;
never wear synthetic fibre clothing (nylon,
polyester) when firing.
Keep Children Away From Fireworks
Never let children handle, play with, or ignite
fireworks under any circumstances. Even
sparklers, which are considered by many as
“safe” fireworks for children, burn at very
high temperatures and can easily ignite
clothing and burn flesh. In addition, they
project sparks that can cause eye injury.
Use Care When Handling Fireworks
Take care when handling fireworks to
prevent dropping them. Do not carry
fireworks in your pockets. Never smoke while
handling fireworks.
Use Care When Firing Fireworks
When lighting, never put any part of your
body or head over the firework; never hand
hold them or insert them into other means of
containment such as pipes; and never point
or throw them at people or other sensitive/
flammable targets. During a fireworks show,
store the unused fireworks away from the
firing area and keep them covered to prevent
stray sparks from prematurely setting them
off.
Duds or Misfires
Never attempt to re-light fireworks that have
misfired (duds). Wait 30 minutes and then
place them in a bucket of water.
Clean-Up After the Show
Wait 30 minutes after the display has ended.
Check the firing area for duds, clean up all
debris, and check it again the next morning.
Be considerate to your neighbors and inform
them that you will be setting off fireworks as
they may have pets or family members who
are sensitive to the noise or lights.
Please call Arden Weagle, Fire Inspector, at
275-3080 if you have more questions.
Information courtesy of Natural Resources Canada.
www.nrcan.gc.ca
By Dave Brettell,
By-law Enforcement Officer
Consumer Fireworks are not toys
Consumer Fireworks are, in fact, powerful pyrotechnics and, for this reason, both their sale and purchase are restricted. The Explosives
Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada routinely tests fireworks and approves those that are safe to transport, store, handle,
and use. To ensure a fun but safe family fireworks display, it is important that the simple safety procedures outlined below are followed.
www.chester.ca visit us for updates 6
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O n Sunday, June 5th, over two
hundred runners and walkers took
to the streets of Chester for the
inaugural LP Canexel Chester Cut N Run 5k
Walk/Run & 10k Run. After weeks of rain
and gray skies, warm air and sunshine
marshaled the runners around the Village.
The event attracted a wide spectrum of
participants: serious runners out to achieve
their personal best, first-time runners
looking for a new challenge, walkers
enjoying the company of others, and
families getting out to support each other or
to encourage their kids to get active. While
the 10k event attracted an equal number of
participants from the Municipality of
Chester and our neighbors, the 5k roster
was made up mostly of local folks.
The Recreation Department took the lead
organizing the event, but it was really made
possible by both the guidance and insight of
the volunteer committee and the many
local businesses that provided sponsorship
support. LP Canexel was the title sponsor,
South Shore Mental Health sponsored the
10k event, and NILU Gym and Fitness Centre
the 5K Walk/Run. More information, plus a
link to the photos from the event and a full
list of sponsors, is available at
www.Run.Chester.ca.
Thank you to everyone who supported the
event, and special thanks to each of the
participants. We hoped to create an event
where everyone could find their own place
to achieve a personal physical activity goal
in a fun and supportive environment.
Judging by the feedback we’ve received, we
succeeded with our first attempt and have
laid the foundation for future years.
New Alarm Response
Policy Issued by RCMP
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Nova Scotia spend
more than 12,000 hours per year responding to false alarms. False
alarms occur when police respond to an activated alarm system and
find no evidence of criminal activity.
The RCMP developed and adopted a new strategy in relation to police
response to residential and commercial security alarms in Nova Scotia
and other Provinces.
Effective June 15, 2011 the RCMP will move to what they term to be a
“verified response” model for single-zone alarm incidents. A verified
response means that there is verification that there has been an actual
unwanted intrusion, crime or other problem. The simple audible or
single-zone alarm incidents must be verified by an alarm company, an
eye witness, contact person or key holder before the police will at-
tend. There is no change in response procedures for robbery, panic,
duress alarms and multi-zone alarms activations.
Through this strategy, the RCMP expect that resources are effectively
deployed across the province in support of crime reduction activities.
Please contact the local Chester RCMP at 275-3583 with any questions
related to this new strategy. We recommend that you contact your
alarm company, who can advise you on how this policy will affect your
current alarm system. They will explain how they intend to comply.
There are no changes at this time in the current Municipal False Alarm
By-law #141.
Clear Bags for Garbage
Program
Although we have a 92% participation rate with our clear
bags for garbage program, there may still be a few who
need help. Here’s a refresher of our program:
Residents/businesses can place one opaque (black,
brown, green, etc.) bag at the curb. The rest, up to five,
must be in clear bags.
The bag limit for garbage has changed; you may place
six bags of garbage (one opaque, five clear) out for
collection.
The bag limit for recyclables (including cardboard) has
increased to ten bags per collection period.
When bringing waste to the Landfill, haulers and
residents can bring one black bag for every five clear
bags. The same rules apply at the Landfill as they do at
the curb.
Call Kaizer Meadow Environmental Management Centre at
275-2330 or visit www.KaizerMeadow.ca
5K Walk/Run 10K Run
Males, Age 18 and under
Daniel Jessome, Chester Basin, 19:05
Dana Heisler, Bridgewater, 23:24
Jake Drolet-Green, East Chester, 24:46
Males, Age 18 and under
Liam Patterson, Bridgewater, 42:52
Females, Age 18 and under
India Seraphin, Chester Basin, 28:44
Jenna Slack, Upper Onslow, 34:00
Kate MacKinnon, Chester, 40:25
Males, Age 19-59
Alf Lacey, Bridgewater, 21:30
Sean Pearce, Chester Basin, 21:30
Bill Sibley, Hubbards, 21:59
Males, Age 19-59
David Holder, Bedford, 39:14
Ian Henman, Dartmouth, 39:55
Brad Rusaw, Chester, 43:06
Females, Age 19-59
Rebecca Reeves, New Ross, 20:49
Alice Patrick, Luneneburg, 23:17
Liane Clarkson, Lunenburg, 24:47
Females, Age 19-59
Leah Jabbour, Halifax, 41:58
Alison Murphy, Halifax, 45:59
Erin Beaudin, Coldbrook, 46:18
Males, Age 60+
Robin Meister, New Ross, 19:49
Ron Kaszor, Lower Sackville, 29:29
Males, Age 60+
Chris Anderson, Bayport, 47:05
Bill Roblee, Lunenburg, 49:09
Females, Age 60+
Phyllis Burke, Lunenburg, 24:41
Females, Age 60+
Anne Watling, Hubbards, 1:04:59
Winning times:
Chester Cut N Run:
A Successful First Year
www.chester.ca visit us for updates 7
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DO YOU KNOW YOUR
CIVIC NUMBER?
IS IT PROPERLY
DISPLAYED?
In an emergency, it is vital to get our first responders, paramedics, fire fighters or police, where they are urgently needed -
safely and as quickly as possible.
We can’t help you if we can’t find you. Our emergency responders rely on you, as a homeowner or business, to know your
correct civic address and properly post it. Without clearly displayed civic numbers to guide them, precious minutes pass as
emergency responders have difficulty in locating the address of a 911 call. The failure to post a civic number may mean the
difference between life and death in an emergency. If you live on a private road, it is important for you to have a road
name sign posted to ensure fast emergency response services.
There have been several incidents where emergency responders have been dispatched to the wrong location due to errors
in the civic address supplied. It is very important that everyone in your home or office knows the correct civic address.
Keep it posted by the phone. If you have a private security system, it is critical that the monitoring company has the cor-
rect civic address on file.
HELP US - HELP YOU
The Civic Address Coordinator issues civic numbers to all new buildings as part of the Building Permit process. Every dwell-
ing, business and institution in the Municipality should have a civic number assigned to it.
Our Civic Addressing By-law #139 states that all owners of such buildings must properly post the assigned civic number for
that building. Your civic number, with numerals placed horizontally, must be displayed on your house or at the end of your
drive on the same side of the road as your dwelling or business. The plate must be located so that the number can be eas-
ily seen from the road from both directions, day or night.
If you make your own civic number plate, it must conform to the standards outlined in the By-Law. However, Emergency
Services are most familiar with, and prefer, the clearly visible blue and white reflective civic number signs. These plates are
available from the Municipality at a minimal cost of $10.00.
If you need more information on the Civic Addressing By-Law #139, please visit www.chester.ca under the Fire & Emer-
gency tab on the left side of the Municipality’s homepage.
To order your civic number plate or to simply ask any questions, please contact the Civic Address Coordinator at the Plan-
ning Department at (902) 275-2599.
Help us help you. Sign up for Safety. Post your civic number
Chester Connection &
Aspotogan
Trail
The Chester Connection and Aspotogan Trail winds its way for 46 kilometers from
Hubbards to Martin’s River. There are many points of interest along the way such as the
Gold River Bridge which is over 50 feet high and is 367 feet long. Pack a lunch and picnic
at one of the rest stops or take your binoculars and look for birds and other wildlife.
The trail provides a nice flat terrain for you and your family to go for a hike or bike ride
together this summer. If you use an Off Highway Vehicle, the trail makes a great
connection to other areas such as the St Margaret’s Bay Trail or the Dynamite Trail. We
would ask that all trail users please use trail etiquette, be courteous to others you meet
on the trail and respect the environment.