HomeMy Public PortalAbout2011-10_MunicipalInsight-compressed
“keeping informed about your
municipal government”
Fall 2011
The cooler weather is a nice
break for the Public Works crew
as they continue to work on
their top projects for the year.
In the Municipal Budget section of the last
newsletter, we mentioned some of the main
priorities for the Public Works Department this
fiscal year. Since then, they have been busy
checking things off the list, and we have an
update on their progress.
New Ross Wastewater System Upgrade
Before designing a new sewer treatment system
for New Ross, we investigated causes for the
excessively high amounts of fresh water
entering our existing system. We located
sources - such as improperly connected service
laterals and leaking manholes - and completed
most of the repairs. Now, we are monitoring the
current flow and weather in preparation for the
new system to be designed for next year.
Chester Wastewater Treatment Plant
The clarifier, which separates solids from liquids
for treatment, was rehabilitated to further
extend the life of the plant and improve
operation. The work was tendered in February
2011, awarded to ABCO, and completed in June.
The clarifier was cleaned and some steel
components were replaced with stainless steel
parts. The fence will also be replaced.
Wastewater System Inflow and Infiltration
Reduction Program
Inflow and infiltration is surface water that
enters the central sewer system. Surface water
is costly and unnecessary to treat, but ends up
being processed in our plants because of leaky
manholes and pipes, sump pumps, roof drains,
etc. This preventative maintenance project will
reduce the amount of surface water in our sys-
tem, thus minimize equipment wear and tear.
To date, we fixed 18 manholes in Western Shore
and made various repairs to the New Ross
system. We will continue with manhole
maintenance as well as make some repairs in
Mill Cove. We also plan to perform sewer main
cleaning and videoing in the various
communities which contain central systems.
Mill Cove Well Decommissioning
Because well placement is based on separation
distances from other infrastructure, existing
sewer, water and roads were mapped.
Several locations for wells were proposed, and
we are in the process of verifying the locations
with Nova Scotia Environment.
Phase One of this project is to tender and install
wells this fall. The second phase is to install
pumps and switch customers over to private
wells, which will be done in the coming spring.
Duke Street Sidewalk
The new sidewalk, stretching from Valley to
Regent Street, is designed and put out for
tender. It is expected that the first 100 m of
sidewalk will be installed this fall.
Wharf Assessments
Assessments were carried out on the Western
Shore and Chester Basin wharves. These
assessments will determine the levels of use
permitted on each wharf as well as provide
direction on maintenance. More information
will be available after Council reviews the report
and recommendations.
Street Light Inventory
Employees have begun mapping and assessing
the condition and effectiveness of streetlights
throughout the Municipality.
Backup Power for Main Lift Station
We expect to begin design of this system in the
winter for installation next summer.
Update on Public Works main projects
Eugene Graves (left), Derek Peterson (right), and
Justin Moore (top), repair one of the many aging
manholes in the municipal sewer system.
also inside…
SO, WHERE DO I CALL FOR…
(pg. 3)
CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECT
(pg. 7)
TAX FACTS (pg. 2)
NOISE BY-LAW (pg. 3)
WASTE COLLECTION (pg. 4)
FREE ADVERTISING (pg. 5)
CAN YOU SAVE $$$ WITH
THESE PROGRAMS? (pg. 7)
Opening doors
See page 5 to see how a new
program can have a life-
changing effect for some.
The courage to care
Volunteering for fire services doesn’t
just mean carrying a hose. Learn about
the opportunities, challenges, and
rewards that are available to you on
page 8.
2
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do I need a building permit?
A: For new construction of any structure
exceeding 215 sq’, renovations over
$5,000 and any and all structural work.
Please call the Building Department at
(902) 275-3080 prior to starting any
projects to see if a permit is required.
Q: Who is responsible to check to see if I
need a permit?
A: Ultimately, it is the homeowners
responsibility to ensure all required
permits are obtained. Please note, you
may require other permits depending
on your project and property location.
Q: Who calls to arrange inspections of the
building?
A: You and your contractor, if you have
one, should discuss and arrange this
matter prior to beginning construc-
tion. It is important that inspections
are carried out when required.
Q: Can my contractor apply for a building
permit on my behalf?
A: Yes, your contractor can act as your
agent and make application on your
behalf. However, it is important to
note, as the homeowner, you should
have a clear understanding with your
contractor as to what you require her/
him to do on your behalf. Be certain
that all necessary permits are in place
prior to commencing construction.
Building permits, competent building
practices, and professional builders ensure
a minimum building standard. A system of
permit approvals and inspections are used
to make certain these minimum standards
are achieved.
Happy Building!
www.chester.ca visit us for updates 2
Final Tax Bills went out in the mail on September 12, 2011, and as always, you can call the Administration Department at (902) 275-3554 if you
have any questions or comments. Property taxes fund a great deal of the Municipality’s operational and capital costs as well as some Provincial
services. To view a copy of this fiscal year’s budget, please visit www.chester.ca and look in the Document Library found und er the “Resources”
tab. Or, visit the Municipal Office at 151 King Street, Chester, and request a copy.
Some things you should know about your tax bill...
The due date is November 15, 2011.
Please check your bill closely, and if your mailing address or civic address is incorrect, notify us immediately. You can call (902) 275-3554, fax
(902) 275-4771, or email administration@chester.ca
When making inquiries or payments at our office, please have your Municipal Account Number ready. You can find the account number on
the right side of your bill, partway down in the box titled “Description and Municipal Account Number”.
You can now view your account(s) online at anytime. To sign up for this service, please call our office at (902) 275-3554, and we will be
pleased to walk you through the steps.
To qualify for the Municipal Tax Exemption this year, the total household income from all sources must be $19,000.00 or less, and you must
be a full-time resident of the Municipality. If you qualify and have not applied, please come to the office and we will fill out the application
form. Proof of income must be provided, so bring your Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada for 2010.
If you have questions regarding the assessment on your account, please contact Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) at
1-800-380-7775. This is the organization responsible for determining the value of your property, not the Municipality. Therefore, PVCS is
better equipped to respond to your questions and concerns regarding your property’s assessment.
W ith the turn of the seasons, summer, such as it was, has drawn to a close, and we
can now start all of those projects that were on hold. As always, with construction
comes the need for permits. We are happy to assist you with obtaining any permits and
are available for questions about the Building Code. The Building Department:
issues permits for all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional
buildings constructed, altered, relocated, or demolished in the Municipality.
has contact information for agencies and other departments you may be
required to gain approval from prior to a building permit being issued.
conducts inspections to ensure Building Code requirements are met during
specific stages of construction.
Chester Municipal
Building Department
Got a fall construction project? The Building Department can help.
it’s in the mail...
3
The issue of noise has become
somewhat of a ‘hot potato’
within the Municipality over
the last few months. The good
news is that, despite the
recent economic downturn,
local businesses that are
involved with events and
functions seem to be doing
good trade, and events such
as Chester Race Week and the
Opti Jam have been as
successful as ever, if not more
-so. The bad news is that the
increase in these kinds of
events, and the resulting rise
in visitors to the area, can
have a direct impact upon
local residents in terms of
increased noise and
disturbance into the early
hours of the morning.
The Municipality is all too
aware of the need to balance
the rights of residents to a
peaceful and quiet life with
the needs of local businesses
to satisfy the growing demand
for social event locations and
the like. After all, Chester is a
beautiful area. That’s why we
choose to live here, so who
can blame someone for
wanting to be married here?
We are looking at the current
Noise By-law to see if it can be
amended to better serve the
needs of all those involved. In
the meantime, if you are
planning an event, please be
aware of the current noise
regulations and respect your
neighbours by making sure
that noise is kept to a
minimum after 11:00 pm.
You may obtain a copy of the
current Noise By-law from the
Municipal office, or download
one from www.chester.ca.
If you would like to talk about
the current noise by-law, or
have any constructive
suggestions for amendments,
I would be only too happy to
hear from you, so please give
me a shout! Oh, hang on a
minute....
GETTING VOCAL
ABOUT NOISE
By Dave Brettell,
By-law Enforcement Officer
New to the Municipality?? Call (902) 275-3554 for a welcome package 3
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION SHEET
Other ways to contact us:
fax mail email
902-275-4771 151 King Street administration@chester.ca publicworks@chester.ca
P O Box 369 building@chester.ca recreation@chester.ca
Chester NS B0J 1J0 planning@chester.ca info@KaizerMeadow.ca
If you have questions
about…
call this Department at... this number
Animal Control (Dogs) Animal Control Officer 277-0017
Boat Launches Recreation & Parks Dept 275-3490
Building Permits/Inspections Building/Fire Inspection Dept 275-3080
By-Laws By-Law Enforcement Officer 277-1589
Composting Public Works/Solid Waste 275-1312/275-2330
Council Meetings Administration/Tax Dept 275-3554
Derelict Vehicle Program Public Works 275-1312
Fire Inspections Building/Fire Inspection Dept 275-3080
Islands (use of) Recreation & Parks Dept 275-3490
Kaizer Meadow Solid Waste Department 275-2330
Municipal Sewer Public Works Department 275-1312
Municipal Sewer After Hours Emergencies 1-888-664-6998
Parks/Trails Recreation & Parks Dept 275-3490
Planning Areas Planning Department 275-2599
Public Works (Municipal) Public Works Department 275-1312
Recycling Public Works/Solid Waste 275-1312/275-2330
Taxes Administration/Tax Dept 275-3554
Waste Collection Public Works/Solid Waste 275-1312/275-2330
Wharves Public Works Department 275-1312
Zoning Planning Department 275-2599
Municipal Districts and Councillors
#1 Part of East Chester, East River, Blandford
Marshal Hector 228-2881
#2 Hubbards, Fox Point, Mill Cove
Floyd Shatford 857-9817
#3 Village of Chester and part of Old Trunk #3
Brad Armstrong 275-3121
#4 Chester Basin, Chester Grant, Lower Grant
Allen Webber 275-2536
#5 Martin’s Point, Western Shore, Gold River
Robert Myra 627-2470
#6 Seffernsville, New Ross, Forties, Leville
Cheryl Scott 689-2535
#7 Windsor Road, Robinson’s Corner, Sherwood
Sharon Church-Cornelius 275-2281
Provincial Contacts
Department of
Environment ............................................... 543-4685
Labour ......................................................... 543-0665
Natural Resources ....................................... 634-7555
Public Health ............................................... 543-0850
Transportation (Bridgewater) ..................... 543-8169
Transportation (Marriott’s Cove) ................ 275-3221
Property Valuation Services (Assessments) ..... 543-2267
MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse ...............1-877-740-3378
857-3378
MP Gerald Keddy ..................................1-888-816-4446
527-5655
4
Need a green cart? Backyard composter? Kitchen mini-bin? Call Kaizer Meadow at 275-2330 or Public Works at 275-1312.
4
GREEN CART CLEANING SERVICE
We have received many calls in the past inquiring about green cart
cleaning services in our area. Unfortunately, we do not know of
anyone who does this.
If this is a business venture that you are considering or that you
already do, please contact the Kaizer Meadow Environmental
Management Centre at 275-2330.
Using clear bags doesn’t only apply to
garbage placed at the curbside for
collection. It also applies to waste brought
to the Landfill for disposal.
Haulers and residents can bring one black
bag plus five clear bags for garbage as well
as up to ten bags/bundles or recyclable
material per household.
If you have questions, please call 275-2330.
SPECIAL COLLECTION
The next special collection is from October 17 to 28. Your
items will be collected on your regularly scheduled
collection day during this week.
ITEMS FOR SPECIAL COLLECTION INCLUDE:
LARGE APPLIANCES, such as stoves, dishwashers, and
clothes dryers.
NOTE: Appliances containing Freon (eg. freezers,
fridges, air conditioners, dehumidifiers) MUST be
taken directly to Kaizer Meadow Environmental
Management Centre for disposal even if the Freon and
door are removed.
METALS, such as hot water tanks, small car parts, and
lawnmowers with gas removed. Please keep metal
items apart from other collection items.
FURNITURE and mattresses.
BUILDING MATERIALS like odd pieces of wood,
insulation, siding.
REMEMBER! Electronics must go to Adam’s Bottle
Exchange in Gold River or brought to the Landfill.
Items should not exceed 22.68 kg (50lb) in
weight, 1.22m (4’) in length (except furniture),
and 1.3 cubic metres (46 cubic feet) in volume
(which equals approximately the volume of 12
full bags of garbage). Small items should be
boxed to avoid being left at the curb.
COLLECTION FOR
LEAF AND YARD
WASTE
Leaves in CLEAR, PLASTIC BAGS will be
collected from November 14 to 26 on
your regularly scheduled day. Special
leaf collection is the only time clear,
plastic bags can be used to bag leaves.
During regular collection, yard waste
(leaves, grass clippings, garden
trimmings) can go in your green cart. If
your green cart is full, you can put up to
three paper or compostable bags
alongside your green cart each
collection.
DO NOT put branches in a bag. Please tie
them in 3’ long bundles and place them
alongside your green cart OR place them
inside your green cart if they do not
exceed 2” in diameter or stick out of the
top.
This family of Canada Geese built their nest at the lagoon at Kaizer Meadow
Environmental Management Centre this past spring.
QUICK TIPS
The tip fee for residential shingles is
free whether the weight exceeds 1500
pounds or not.
Household hazardous waste brought to
the Landfill MUST be labeled with
what’s in the container.
We chip all of our clean wood to use as
fuel at Brooklyn Energy. We cannot use
dirty wood because it pollutes the air
when consumed. Dirty wood is wood
with paint, preservatives or other
chemicals on it. Clean wood and dirty
wood has to be sorted when it’s
brought to the Landfill.
Please be cautious when visiting the
Landfill. There is wildlife and heavy
equipment around the site.
5
5
Non-profit community groups within the Municipality of the District of Chester can have their events listed FREE-of-charge in the
Progress Bulletin newspaper by submitting a brief description of the event (in writing) to the Municipality of Chester Recreation
& Parks Department. The submission deadline is 12 noon on the second last Tuesday of each month.
Send your event information...
Hunting is a popular, outdoor activity in Nova Scotia every fall. When using the trail during hunting season, there’s a few t hings you
might like to know:
Hunting and trapping are NOT permitted on the trail. Also, regulations state that, “No person shall have in their possession or
discharge a loaded firearm or bow” on the trails.
Trail users are encouraged to wear brightly colored clothing (hunters orange is best) when using the trails during hunting season.
General open season for deer hunting is from October 28 to December 3; however, trail users should be in the habit of dressin g
appropriately during the fall and winter as other seasons, such as rabbit hunting, extend beyond the deer hunting season.
To report illegal hunting and/or trapping, please call your local Department of Natural Resources office or call 1-800-565-2224.
Hunting Season on the Chester
Connection & Aspotogan Trails
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Adapted
Recreation Equipment Loan Program off to
a great start
Taking a walk along the trail, ice
skating at the rink, and biking
through town are all recreational
activities most of us can enjoy.
However, for some, due to a
physical disability or an injury,
these activities are difficult or
impossible. The Lunenburg
Queens Recreation Coordinators/
Directors Association (LQRCDA) is a group of
recreation professionals that want to make these
activities accessible for everyone. They have
started a service called the Canadian Tire
Jumpstart Adapted Recreation Equipment Loan
Program.
LQRCDA Chair, Chad Haughn, says, “Recreation is
such a vital part of everyone’s life, and we feel
this program will provide opportunities to those
who maybe thought they could never swim at
the beach, ride a bike or skate at their local
arena.” The program was launched in September
and the equipment has already been borrowed
by several families.
Some of the equipment available includes
adapted trikes or modified three-wheeled
bicycles, sledges for the ice, hippocampes for
rough terrain and water, and adapted wheels for
wheelchairs and bicycles.
Borrowing the equipment is easy. All you have to
do is call the Recreation & Parks Department at
275-3490, book the piece of equipment you
want, and make arrangements to pick it up. A
piece of equipment can be borrowed for up to
two weeks. There is a $15.00 rental charge which
is used for the maintenance and upkeep of the
equipment.
Recreation Department Helps Increase Opportunities
by Investing in Equipment
“... we feel this program
will provide
opportunities to those
who maybe thought
they could never swim at
the beach, ride a bike or
skate at their local
arena,” says LQRCDA
Chair, Chad Haughn
Municipal Building
151 King Street
Room 212, Chester
151 King Street
PO Box 582
Chester NS B0J 1J0
recreation@chester.ca
(902) 275-3630
IN PERSON BY EMAIL BY MAIL BY FAX
Mary Ellen Shatford, Executive Director of Through the Years
Day Care and Community Centre, shares a joyful moment
with Carter Seaboyer, Day Care Student.
6
You may recall that the Municipality
introduced some changes to the Dog By-
law earlier this year. The biggest of these
changes is the introduction of regulations
governing boarding and breeding kennels,
as well as in-home boarding or ‘doggie
day cares’. All of these businesses now
need to be licensed and inspected
annually.
The annual inspection ensures that the
minimum standards recommended for
kennels by the Canadian Veterinary
Medical Association are met, and the
license will attest to this.
If you own a kennel, provide an in-home
boarding service, or breed and sell
puppies, you must apply for a license. The
licensing period runs from January 1st
through to December 31st. You can obtain
a license application form by either calling
the Municipal Office, downloading the
Kennel License Policy #P68 at
www.chester.ca, or contacting me at 902-
277-1589 or dbrettell@chester.ca
A REMINDER FOR KENNELS, BREEDERS
AND BOARDERS
Civic numbers need to be posted in
PUBLIC PLACES
Churches, hotels, stores, wharves, cottage/house rentals, bed &
breakfasts, restaurants, bakeries, parks, beaches, trails, markets,
garden centers, skate parks, hairdressers, laundromats, rental
shops, garages, gas stations, lumber mills, etc. - all of these
places have a responsibility to the general public to post their
civic number.
When a 911 call is made, emergency responders most often rely
on a map to find their way to the emergency. These maps only
show points (dots) for civic numbers and lines for roads and
community boundaries. There are no names or identification of
buildings on these maps.
The local community may know where a business is located and
its name, but “out-of-towners” may not. Sometimes, even
employees don’t know the civic number of the business where
they work – employers need to make sure everyone is aware of
the civic address.
Landlords must let their tenants know the correct civic address
to use in an emergency. Someone renting a cottage, who is not
from our area, may not know how to give directions to the
cottage. A civic number should be posted at the end of the
driveway as well as in a visible place near a telephone.
Please make sure that everyone who comes through your door is
as safe as possible. Is there a liability factor? Ask your insurance
company!
By Dave Brettell,
By-law Enforcement Officer
All by-laws are available to the public. Visit www.chester.ca or call 902-275-3554 for a copy. 6
With the coming heating season, have
your furnaces serviced, wood stoves and
chimneys cleaned, and check your smoke
alarms for proper operation.
Woodburning Tips
Inspect chimneys annually and clean as
necessary. This reduces the risk of fires
and carbon monoxide poisonings due
to creosote buildup or obstructions.
Keep tree branches and leaves at least
15 feet away from the chimney top. A
chimney cap helps to keep debris out
of the chimney and deters animals.
Choose well-seasoned firewood
for burning in wood stoves or
fireplaces. Never burn
Christmas trees or treated
wood in your fireplace or stove.
Never use flammable liquid to
ignite your fire.
Do not store combustible
material too close to the
fireplace or wood stove.
Install smoke detectors and
carbon monoxide detectors
and check batteries in the
spring and fall.
REMEMBER to have
unscheduled fire drills with your
family.
Have a Fire Safe Fall Season
7
Want to do your school project on municipal government? Call us at 902-275-3554. 7
Weather is a common topic around dinner
tables, and even at the local coffee shop. It’s
common to hear people talking about how
mild the winters have become or how wet the
summers are in recent years. While some of
this is a result of the normal weather cycles,
some of it is due to a change in our climate. In
Nova Scotia, with many of our residents living
in coastal areas, one of the biggest concerns
related to climate change is sea level rise.
According to the Province of Nova Scotia, sea
level in Nova Scotia rose 25 cm in the last 100
years and it is likely to rise another 60 cm in
the next 100 years. With 7600 km of coastline,
much of Nova Scotia is vulnerable to rising sea
levels (Nova Scotia Department of
Environment. Toward a Greener Future: Nova
Scotia’s Climate Change Action Plan, 2009).
By 2013, all Nova Scotia municipalities are
required to finish a planning process for
adapting to climate change. In order to know
how we are going to adapt to climate change,
we first need to identify our most vulnerable
areas.
The Municipality is collaborating with
Dalhousie University Marine Affairs program,
the Nova Scotia Department of Environment,
and two private sector consultants to do a
study to identify vulnerable features and areas
in our coastal region. The project got
underway in September and runs through to
March 2012. A grant provided by Climate
Change Adaptation Fund through the
Department of Environment will fund the
majority of the project.
REBATE PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTS
HOW IS THE MUNICIPALITY PREPARING FOR
CLIMATE CHANGE?
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION CONTACT
Environmental Home
Assessment Program
Homeowners receive a water and wastewater assessment for their
property; $50 rebate on septic tank pumping; water quality sampling
kit; water saving devices; samples of environmentally friendly cleaners;
and a home oil tank system checklist
Bluenose Coastal Action Fund Office toll free at 1-866-551
-5586 to book an appointment or email Bruce Josselyn at
bruce@coastalaction.org for more information
The Heating Assistance
Rebate Program
Single people with an income of $27,000 or less and households with an
annual income of $42,000 or less qualify for a $200 rebate.
1-800-670-4357 or forms online at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/
access under “For Individuals”
Your Energy Rebate
If you paid HST on your residential use energy purchase and the rebate
was not deducted from your bill, you have 24 months from the date of
purchase to apply for your rebate.
Property Tax Rebate
for Seniors
50% rebate on the municipal property taxes paid the previous year, up
to a maximum of $600.00 per year. To be eligible for this program, you
must have received either the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or
the Allowance in January of this year, live in your home when you apply
for the rebate and continue to reside in your home, and your previous
year’s property taxes are paid in full.
EnerGuide for Existing
Homes
Efficiency Nova Scotia offers rebates for space and water heating
efficiency measures such as drain water heat recovery units; solar water
heating systems; adding insulation to attic, walls, or basement;
replacing old windows and doors with ENERGY STAR® models; air
sealing and weather stripping windows and doors; low-flush toilets; and
heat pumps.
1-877-999-6035
The ecoENERGY
Retrofit – Homes
program
The maximum federal grant is $5,000 for applications since April 2007.
If you participated before April 1, 2011, and have not received the
maximum amount for your current property, you can submit one more
application for additional improvements after June 6, 2011. Owners of
multiple dwellings and MURBs could receive up to $1,000,000.
Register with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at
oee.nrcan.gc.ca/register and receive a registration
number. If you do not have Internet access, you can call
1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).
PerformancePlus Build with energy saving measures, get a rating, and save money.
Rebates are paid once the home has received its final EnerGuide rating
following final inspection and a blower door test. To be eligible for any
rebates, the completed home must have a final EnerGuide rating of at
least 83. Cost to enroll is $250 plus HST.
1-877-999-6035.
Low Income
Homeowner Program
If you qualify, an Energy Advisor will conduct a free home-energy
assessment to determine what free upgrades will help your home. This
can include insulation, water heater wraps, lighting, programmable
thermostats and more.
1-877-434-2136.
Solar Heating Rebate A $1,250 rebate on residential solar domestic water heating systems
and/or a $500 rebate on residential solar air heating systems. Call
Efficiency Nova Scotia for eligibility requirements or to apply.
www.efficiencyns.ca
1-877-999-6035.
First-Time Home
Buyers Rebate
Rebate is equivalent to 18.75% of the provincial portion of the HST or
1.31% of the purchase price of capital stock in a housing cooperative,
up to $1,500, on newly built homes. Deadline is 24 months from date of
sale or date of occupancy permit.
1-800-670-4357
Call for eligibility requirements
Tax Rebates on Motor
Vehicles
Rebates are available on taxes paid on a motor vehicle purchased by/
for an individual who has lost the use of both lower limbs.
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
Tax Rebate on
Computer
A rebate equal to the provincial component of the HST is available on a
computer purchased by/for a person who is physically, visually or
hearing impaired or mentally challenged.
Tax Rebate on a
Heritage Property
A rebate equal to the provincial component of the HST is available to
persons purchasing building materials for the repair, improvement or
restoration of the exterior of a Heritage Property used for non-
commercial purposes.
8
JOIN A GREAT TEAM
Help your neighbors and community as a
volunteer first responder
Our volunteer first responders in the fire
departments in Hubbards, Blandford,
Chester, Chester Basin, New Ross, Western
Shore, and Martin's River are our District’s
first line of emergency response. Our
members respond to emergencies 24 hours
a day, seven days a week all year long. They
are extraordinary people who volunteer
their time every day. People just like you!
What are some of the challenges in the fire
and emergency services?
We see a declining and aging population in
many of our communities and an increasing
movement to major cities. Our society is
changing as we see more demands on our
time from family and in our workplace. Our
volunteer fire service faces challenges in
maintaining sufficient membership to meet
a growing demand for emergency services.
What are the benefits to our communities?
Last year, our volunteers responded to over
600 emergency calls. If it were not for our
dedicated volunteers, it would be very
difficult to maintain an effective emergency
response system; placing our businesses,
residents and visitors at higher risk.
Would you like a rewarding volunteer
activity as a first responder?
Time is valuable, but so is a strong and safe
community. By volunteering some of your
time as a member of our fire departments,
you can help individuals who are important
to you: family, friends, co-workers,
neighbours, and citizens in your community.
How can I be successful as a volunteer
firefighter or medical first responder?
You need courage, dedication and a
willingness to learn new skills and conquer
new challenges. Successful completion of
basic firefighting training is required. If you
are considering serving as a medical first
responder, Emergency Health Services has
training and registration requirements.
Being conscientious, physically
fit, dependable and having the
greatest respect for your team
and the members of the
community are important
values of our volunteers.
Can I help in other non-operational areas
of the emergency services?
Yes, not all members are required to answer
emergency calls. It takes a complete team
to help our community. Instead of medical
first responder or firefighter, consider
joining our departments in other capacities,
such as radio communications; fundraising;
public education; equipment, building and
vehicle maintenance; administrative
support, etc.
Besides responding to emergencies, how
else will I contribute?
In addition to responding to emergency
calls, you will normally attend training
sessions and department meetings. From
time to time you may be called on to serve
on a special committee such as health and
safety or assist in fire prevention and
department fundraising events.
How will I be trained?
You will be trained to deal safely and
effectively with emergency situations
ranging from structure fires, medical assist
calls, ice and water rescues, hazardous
chemical spills and more. Our medical first
responders receive advanced medical first
response training enabling them to
effectively deal with the sick or injured.
What are some benefits as a volunteer?
When asked, most people tell you they are
volunteering to contribute to the safety and
quality of life in their community, to help
people and to give back to their community.
First and foremost is the reward of personal
satisfaction from helping others in time of
their greatest need.
Our organizations provide our volunteers
with a sense of belonging, achievement,
responsibility, self respect and value. There
is the opportunity to make new lifelong
friendships and grow personally and
professionally through learning new skills
and developing new relationships within
your community.
The provincial and federal governments, in
recognition of the great efforts and services
provided by our fire service volunteers,
provide other benefits as well. These
include the cost of vehicle registrations, life
insurance, and various income tax credits.
Do I need to be available to respond to
emergency calls at all times?
No. We realize that your family and work
come first. It is well understood that there
will be times when a volunteer is
unavailable to answer a call.
I am still in school. Can I join the Fire
Department?
Yes. Most of our departments have active
Junior Firefighter programs offering
opportunities to our youth as young as 14
years of age. We strive to provide the youth
of our communities with a positive
experience in volunteer service to their
community.
Have the courage to care...
contact us TODAY!
Volunteering as a firefighter, a medical first
responder or in a fire department support
function is a rewarding and life-changing
experience for men and women.
If you have a sincere desire to help others in
their greatest moments of need and have
the satisfaction when your skills are used to
save a life or home, volunteering some of
your time for the emergency services is a
good idea.
There is a sense of pride, accomplishment
and community spirit knowing that you are
a part of a volunteer team dedicated to
excellence and community service.
We urge you to please visit our Fire and
Emergency Services website
(www.chester.ca) to find out more
information on each of our district fire
departments. Or, please contact Bruce
Blackwood, Fire Services Coordinator at
902-275-1312 or by email at
bblackwood@chester.ca
We will be most pleased to assist you and
provide more information on volunteering
for the Fire and Emergency Services.