HomeMy Public PortalAbout2013-10_MunicipalInsight_pdf-compressed“MAYOR” MAY NOT
municipal insight
“Keeping informed about October 2013
your municipal government”
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this summer...
Let the CRANES begin! Protected Lands in the Municipality Strategically speaking...
Now that the cement is The 5 Ws on the Province’s Our CAO Report gives a
poured, bring on the wind Plan to preserve wilderness snapshot of what staff has
turbine! Progress on Pg. 7 and park areas (Pg. 5). been up to lately. (Pg. 3)
PRO KIDS CAN USE YOUR HELP!
We receive many applications this time of year from families who need financial
assistance so their children can participate in recreational activities. You can help
them! Here’s how:
DONATE:
In memory of or in lieu of a
Christmas gift. Contact:
Cosette Howlett,
Page 4 Page 8 Page 5 PRO Kids Coordinator
(902) 275-3490 or
**receive a receipt for all charitable donations chowlett@chester.ca
If you ask your neighbours who the Warden of
the Municipality is, would they say Allen Web-
ber? If you ask who the Mayor is, would they
give the same answer?
You might be asking yourself, “Warden, mayor,
whatever! Aren’t they the same thing?”
Both positions of chief magistrate are very
similar and hold the same powers, but there are
some significant differences, and they involve
you.
Currently, the Municipality of the District of
Chester follows the warden system. This means
one Councillor is elected in each of our seven
Districts. Then, during the first official Council
meeting those seven Councillors nominate and
elect one of the seven as Warden.
The role of the Warden is to chair all Coun-
cil meetings, monitor the administration of the
Municipality, provide information to Council
and make recommendations for improvement.
Wardens are usually seen as the “political
leader” of a municipality and act as spokesper-
son and mediator, but they are not elected by
the entire voting public. They are voted in by,
and represent, the residents of their own dis-
trict and then selected by the other Councillors
as Warden.
Having Councillors select a Warden can boost
the morale of a Council, which means working
together is easier. They are choosing the person
they feel is best for the position, and that some-
times brings experience as well. But, it could
backfire if another Councillor is nominated for
the position as competition may cause conflict.
Under a mayoral system, the chief magistrate
is elected at large, which means every eligible
voter can vote for the mayor. That can be advan-
tageous because the public can influence the
mayoral candidate’s mandate for office. In turn,
the mayor could encourage Council to make de-
cisions to reinforce the will of the public.
On the other hand, the mayor could be elect-
ed on a platform that is opposed by the rest of
Council. Also, campaigning is difficult since the
area encompasses the entire Municipality and
not just one district. Residents may not know
who the candidate is.
Under the Municipal Government Act (the
legislation that governs municipal units), the
Municipality of Chester can legally switch from
a Warden system to a Mayor system; however,
once the decision is made, it cannot be reversed.
If we were to do it in time for the next elec-
tion, we have until February 2016 to decide.
Implications
If the Municipality were to take the Mayor ap-
proach, there are two options:
1. Keep the same number of districts (seven)
and add the position of Mayor, making a
total of eight representatives on Council
instead of the existing seven; or
2. Decrease the number of districts in the
Municipality to six instead of seven, main-
taining the same number of representa-
tives (six Councillors plus one Mayor). This
means that each Councillor would repre-
sent a larger area.
The Municipality is scheduled for a boundary
review next year, so it’s likely Council will decide
one way or another by then. But, they don’t
want to decide without knowing what you think
first. The Municipality has roughly 11,000 resi-
dents. To make a decision of this magnitude, we
need to hear from as many as possible.
Council works well together. This isn’t an at-
tempt to improve, it’s an option for change if
you want to. E-mail us, call us, let us know what
you think.
communications@chester.ca
(902) 275-3555 ext. 1202
call your Councillor (contact info on the back)
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Message from
the Warden
Sign up for Council meeting agendas under Municipal Alerts at www.chester.ca
Well, we have the first year of our new
mandate behind us. Talk about how time
flies.
I believe we have had a productive first
year with many accomplishments that set
the stage for the rest of our mandate.
Council started the term with public
hearings on the most significant, private
sector development we have seen in
decades. The South Canoe Wind Project
passed the Utilities and Review Board’s
appeal process - at least from the Land Use
By-law perspective.
The Kaizer Meadow COMFIT project
was proceeding at the same time and is
on schedule - and on budget - with the
tower base constructed. Tower sections
are scheduled to arrive on October 11 and
assemby to begin on October 24. We are
aiming for energization by November 18.
We also began the term with a full review
of our existing goals and objectives and an
commitment to improving our economic
performance. To that end, we have rolled all
You can contact the Warden by calling the Municipal
Office at (902) 275-3554, calling his home at
(902) 275-2536, or emailing him awebber@chester.ca
existing plans, including our new economic
development plan, into a single strategic
plan, which is complimented by a clear and,
what we think, manageable implementation
plan. It is that Plan we will follow over the
next few weeks by hiring a Senior Economic
Development Officer.
In an effort to insure the service we
deliver is effective, efficient, measurable
and responsive, we are well on our way
to becoming the first government in Nova
Scotia to be ISO Certified.
On the infrastructure front, we have
completed a number of projects and are
finalizing options for next year’s budget
process.
Discussions have begun on the required
boundary review prior to the next Municipal
Election, and the big question...”Mayor”,
may not.
The terms of reference for a Student
Advisory Committee have been approved
by Council and Forest Heights Community
School Student Council, and will become a
valuable resource to our community by the
end of the month.
PRO Kids ended September with what
should be a very significant fundraising
project with our community partners,
enabling us to provide much needed support
for youth and families.
We have just begun a project with
Dalhousie University, called “Management
without Borders” that focuses on integrated
forestry bio-energy and development of the
Eco-Park at Kaizer Meadow.
This edition of municipal insights will
provide details on some of the issues I have
raised as we strive to better communicate,
engage, and respond to the challenges and
opportunities we share as a community.
Council thanks you for your support over
the past year, and we look forward to working
with you over the course of our mandate.
2
Updated Council Meeting Schedule - Based
on public opinion, Council opted to return
to morning meetings. Those who took the
online poll voted for Council to meet in
the morning as opposed to the evening.
All meetings are open to the public, and
interested residents are welcome to sit
in. Council meets on the first and second
last Thursdays of the month. Agendas are
posted on our website two days before
each meeting and are also available by
calling (902) 275-3554.
By-law Enforcement - In the last issue, we
introduced Danielle MacDonald as the
Municipality’s new By-law Enforcement Of-
ficer. Unfortunately, she is no longer with us.
We are looking at other options at the
moment, including another Commissionaire.
We will most definitely keep you posted!
As usual, if you want to report a by-law
infraction, call the Community Development
Department at (902) 275-2599 or send an
email to bylawenforcement@chester.ca
IN BRIEF...
Holiday Hours - Municipal Offices at 151
King Street and 186 Central Street will close
on Monday, October 14 for Thanksgiving.
We will reopen the following day for
regular business hours, which are from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We are also closed on Remembrance Day,
which is Monday, November 11. Again,
we will reopen the following day as usual.
For waste collection information during
the holidays, please turn to Page 6.
Council closing the Generation Gap?
So, you’re in class, thinking about the test coming
up next period or how soon is too soon to look into
universities...things that will impact your life.
Meanwhile, we’re at the Council table discussing future
energy initiatives and growing our local economy...things
that will impact your life.
Maybe we should think and discuss what impacts your
life together.
Council wants youth representation to give us a different
perspective. Therefore, we have made Student Council an
official Special Committee of Council.
Even if you’re not on Student Council, they can express
your concerns and opinions on your behalf since they are
representing you.
And, we have the benefit of listenening to what the
future generation thinks about issues that could have an
influence on where you live and work.
Consider becoming involved in student government, the
issues they discuss, or how the Municipality is effecting
your future here. Your life is in your hands.
STRATEGIC PLAN
3We may not be available 24/7, but our website is. Visit us at www.chester.ca
THECAO
REPORT
Once a month, our Chief Administrative
Officer (CAO) reports our progress
on various projects to Council. Since
Council adopted a Strategic Plan, many
of our actions are now focused on
achieving those goals. Here are a few
of the highlights from Erin’s last report,
and some of what we’re doing as a
Municipality.
Ensure sufficient infrastructure is
available to best serve our residents and
businesses
• The trail washout in East Chester was re-
paired and the trail is open for public use.
• Two kilometers of trail in Chester Basin
were resurfaced, plus another 3.2 kilo-
meter section will be resurfaced between
East Chester and Goat Lake.
• Decommissioning the Mill Cove Water
Treatment Plant is almost complete. We
are required to file the closure with the
Utility and Review Board, and expect to
do so by the end of October.
• It’s expected that all revisions to the Mu-
nicipal Planning Strategy and Land-Use
By-law will be approved by the spring of
2016.
Promote conditions conducive to
fostering economic prosperity
• Council approved the Municipal Economic
Development Plan in August. It is online
and available at the Municipal Office.
• We will hire an Economic Development
Officer to promote growth in the Munici-
pality. We are in the selection process,
and will hopefully announce a successful
candidate soon.
• We are working with a regional group to
attract business and newcomers to the
South Shore. They are channeling their
efforts through the WhyHere.ca website.
If you’re unhappy with our services, we want to know
about it so we can work on fixing it. By the same token,
if we do something that you like, please let us know so
we keep doing it.
Since the last newsletter, we’ve received two complaints. We like
to publish everything submitted in case others are experiencing
the same situation.
• An unsightly premises was reported and is being monitored by
the Community Development Department; and
• A complaint was also received about the insert in the tax bill
explaining the Municipal Budget. It was felt that it was redundant
as the Budget was covered in the municipal newsletter in June.
Our response was that it was developed to reach out to residents
whose primary mailing address is not in the Municipality.
However, we are willing to reconsider publishing it if it proves to
be unnecessary.
BOSS or BUST
REGISTER A COMPLIMENT OR COMPLAINT
You can pay us a compliment or register a complaint about our services in several ways.
FIRST, call us. Our general inquiries phone number is (902) 275-3554. Leaving your name is optional.
SECOND, email us. Send your email to the Municipal Clerk (pmyra@chester.ca). Pam will reply and contact the right person for you.
THIRD, fill in our online form. Visit our website at www.chester.ca. Click the “Register a Compliment or Complaint” button on the right, fill in the
form and submit!
FOURTH, come in and see us. We are at 151 King Street in Chester and open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Continually improve public satisfaction
with municipal services
• The Strategic Plan has been reviewed by
Council and will be resubmitted, with a
few minor changes, this month. It will be
made available once it’s approved.
• Staff are working on improving the process
and application forms for Development
Permits.
• ISO certification is around the corner. We
are peparing by developing an internal
auditing process.
Maintain a high level of
fiscal responsibility
• Our year-end audit is complete. You can
find it online or call the Municipal Office
for a copy. The good news is that we are
financially sound!
Strengthen and support environmental,
cultural and social resources
• The Municipality was awarded $14,000
in funding from the NS Department of
Health and Wellness for a full evaluation
of the Gold River bridge.
• RECAP (Route Enhancement Committee
of Aspotogan Peninsula) received fund-
ing from the Nova Scotia Moves Program
to be the first designated cycling “Blue
Route” in Nova Scotia! The Blue Route
will eventually be a network of bikeways
around the Province and be part of a com-
prehensive active transportation system.
A plaque in recognition of the Swinimer family was erected recently
a waterfront section of Wild Rose Park in Western Shore. The plaque
acknowledges the family’s land donation to the Municipality to preserve
the Park, used by hundreds of people all year around.
COMMUNITY INTEREST
4Look for “Explore Life” on our website and discover the recreation possibilities! Or, call 275-3490.
Saturday, Oct. 12
Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Crib Tournament Little Red School, Canaan, 11am
2nd Annual
Legion Leaf Walk
Chester Basin Legion, 10am. Approxi-
mately 5km. Call 275-2577 for pledge
sheets. BBQ, washer toss, prizes.
ALS Charity Concert Chester Playhouse, 7:30pm. 275-3933
or 1-800-363-7529.
Devil’s Elbow Playing at Chester Legion, 9pm-1am.
Members and guests 19+ welcome.
Monday, Oct. 14 Oktoberfest Harvest
Sale
Forties Community Centre, New Ross,
9am-4pm. 689-2612 or 689-2000.
Friday, Oct. 18 Volunteer Job Fair Shoreham Village, 12-6pm. 275-5631
extension 246
Saturday, Oct. 19 Dinner Theatre
(Nick’s Place)
Features “Accidental Actors” at the
Little Red School, Canaan, 6:30pm.
275-3496, 275-3667 or 275-3645.
Sunday, Oct. 20
Crib Tournament Chester Legion, 1pm.
Oktoberfest Variety
Show
Forties Community Centre, New Ross,
1:30-4:00pm. 689-2612.
Tuesday, Oct. 22 Let’s Talk About Yours Discuss transportation at East Chester
Recreation Hall, 10am-1pm. 275-5585.
Friday, Oct. 25 Halloween Dance Chester Legion, 9pm-1am. Members
and guests 19+ welcome.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Newfie Breakfast Chester Basin Legion, 7:30-10:30am
Kohl Canon Supper St. John’s Church, Chester Basin, 4:30-
6:30pm. Call 275-3194.
Halloween Dance New Ross Fire Hall, 9pm-1am. Prizes
for best costume. 19+. 689-2018.
Halloween Dance Chester Basin Legion, 9:30pm-1:00am.
275-4767 or 275-3948.
Sunday, Oct. 27 Sauerkraut Supper Forties Community Centre, 4-6pm.
689-2612.
Monday, Oct. 28 Association Meeting Basin Gardeners at Aenon United
Baptist Church, 7pm. 273-2000.
Friday, Nov. 1 Karaoke Chester Legion, 9pm-1am. Members
and guests 19+.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Country Breakfast Chester Basin Fire Hall, 7:30-10:30am.
17th Annual
Lighthouse Foodbank
Fundraiser
Chester Legion, 10am-1pm. Chinese
Auction, draws, live music at 4pm.
Traditional Ham &
Sauerkraut Supper
Ocean Swells Community Centre,
Northwest Cove, 4:00-6:30pm. 228-
2059 or 228-2373.
Saturday, Nov. 9 Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30pm.
Sunday, Nov. 10 Holiday Arts & Crafts
Fair
District #1 Community Centre, Bland-
ford, 10am-4pm.
Friday, Nov. 15 Karaoke Chester Legion, 9pm-1am. Members
and guests 19+ welcome.
Sunday, Nov. 17 Crib Tournament Chester Legion, 1pm.
Friday, Nov. 22 Amanda Riley &
Friends
Chester Legion, 9pm-1am. Members
and guests 19+ welcome.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Newfie Breakfast Chester Basin Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Prize Bingo
District #1 Community Centre, Bland-
ford. Doors open at 6pm, and games
start at 7pm.
Friday, Nov. 29 Karaoke Chester Legion, 9pm-1am. Members
and guests 19+ welcome.
Every Sunday in
November Gold Mines Tours Guided tour of Gold River Gold Mines,
1:30-3:30pm. 275-3718.
Did you know that there is a Food Bank in Chester
and that it exists because there is a need? Many people
just can’t make ends meet.
The Lighthouse Food Bank Society was founded in
November 1986 to provide food and assistance to those
needing help as circumstances require. We are located
below the Community Development Department
on Central Street, Chester, and we are open every
Wednesday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Clients can go
to the Food Bank once a month.
In 2012, we served 1,551 individuals and 733 families,
including 546 children. Last year, 64 'new' families
requested assistance with food supplies, which was an
increase over the previous year. Community Wheels
generously provides transportation if required. Call
(902) 275-5585.
The Food Bank is staffed by a group of dedicated
volunteers who help shop, stock shelves and prepare
hampers. Feed Nova Scotia sends a truck every second
Monday with food supplies that need to be unloaded,
sorted and stored for distribution. The Food Bank
reimburses Feed Nova Scotia $1,000 per year to help
pay for transporting supplies.
We receive much needed food and cash donations
from individuals and community groups to help keep
the Food Bank operational. Last year, for example,
approximately 1,000 bags of food were donated and
distributed. However, people may be surprised at the
volume of food that needs to be purchased to augment
donations. Eggs, cheese, cereal and meat are included
in the hampers and represent a significant portion of
our weekly purchases. Last year we spent $19,000 to
buy essential food items, but our costs are already
much higher this year.
Most of us know first-hand how the costs of living
are rising. Every year more families are challenged with
providing nutritious meals on limited budgets. In 2010,
the cost of filling a healthy food basket for a family
of four cost $770.65 a month according to a report
produced by the Nova Scotia Food Security Network.
This figure is up 34.5% from the previous measurement
in 2008.
We were saddened with the passing of Madge Cook
who has been the face and heart of the Lighthouse
Food Bank for 22 years. On April 30th, the Lighthouse
Food Bank Society held an Annual General Meeting
and elected a new Board of Directors. Elected officers
include Wendy Sheppard as Board Chair, Mae Thibeau,
Vice Chair, Joyce Hiltz as Treasurer and Julia Avery as
Secretary. One of our first decisions was to replace
inefficient equipment and to date, we have purchased
a new refrigerator and freezer.
Our books were audited by a certified accountant
and submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency.
In moving forward, the Lighthouse Food Bank Society
hopes to strengthen relationships with residents
and businesses. We want to to keep the community
informed about the changing realities of hunger here
at home. We want to develop a logo to increase public
awareness of the Lighthouse Foodbank Society.
Also, anyone interested in helping at the Food Bank
should contact Wendy Sheppard at 273-2106.
“Because hunger is in every community”.
- contributed
LIGHTHOUSE FOOD BANKAn update on a community success story
“The Gallant Antigua”
Generously donated by Malcolm Callaway, “The Gallant Antigua” will be
raffled to raise funds for PRO Kids in the Municipality of Chester. Tickets
are on sale now for $2 each or 3/$5 at the Recreation & Parks Department.
The draw date is October 24. This striking oil painting measures 48”x36”.
Draw
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!
5Contact us about this newsletter: communications@chester.ca or call (902) 275-3555 ext. 1202 or mail 151 King Street, P O Box 369, Chester NS B0J 1J0
COMMUNITY INTEREST
“It takes a community to raise a child,”
is the PRO Kids motto, and the exact
sentiments Cosette Howlett expressed during
the September 19 meeting of the Committee
of the Whole (COW) when the Municipality
received Set #1 of the prints artist Sharon Boyd
created in an effort to raise awareness and funds
for two admirable programs in the area.
Cosette is the PRO Kids Coordinator, and she
treasures each and every moment of her job.
She was “absolutely thrilled” when Sharon, a
local artist in Chester, and Steve Foran, Owner
of Castle Building Centre in Chester, approached
her with an idea.
The idea, originating with Sharon, was to paint
four stunning scenes depicting the Chester Golf
Course and use them to raise funds for PRO Kids
and the Junior Golf Program at Chester Golf
Course. With Steve’s backing, the artwork has
been professionally printed, pre-matted, signed
and numbered.
FORE!...I meanFOUR!
The official launch took place at the September
19th COW meeting where Cosette, Sharon,
Steve, and Dale Rafuse, President of the Chester
Golf Club, each spoke of the unique project
Sharon and Steve have worked together for
two years to bring this special fundraiser to life,
and the results are spectacular with around ten
sets sold the first day!
Dale told Council that the Junior Program is the
top junior program in the Province, “exploding ”
with 160 youth participating. Fifteen junior
golfers attended Provincials in Sydney.
PRO Kids is also growing. The Warden com-
mended the program as possibly the best PRO
Kids in Nova Scotia. He further said that, “it’s the
community that makes it the success it is.”
With both programs engaging so many area
youth, this fundraiser is just the opportunity
they needed. With 1,000 prints available for
purchase, there is potential for $60,000 to be
raised for the two programs.
Matted locally by Tom Turner and printed on
archival paper, the artwork is a tribute to the
Chester Golf Course’s beauty.
Prints are available for $100 each or $500 for
a complete set of four (all four prints with the
same number). They can be purchased from
Castle Building Centre in Chester, Chester Golf
Club, or the Municipality of Chester Recreation
& Parks Department.
Refreshments
Christmas music
Games
YOU
Well, we checked our list twice...the
only thing that is missing is YOU!
Wear red or green to our Senior’s
Christmas Party at Chester Legion!
December 4 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Register by Monday, December 2. FREE
for all seniors!
Let’s thank the Lunenburg County Seniors’ Advisory
Committee, VON, Aspotogan Heritage Trust and
Municipality of Chester Recreation & Parks Department.
Join Brad Armstrong and Jody Conrad for a gentle, interpretive hike
under the hemlocks along the shores of beautiful Card Lake. Learn
interesting tidbits along the way...or even win a prize from Hike NS!
Visit www.hikenovascotia.ca to learn more. Bring water, an extra
layer of clothing, sturdy footwear, and a snack to Card Lake, which is
approximately 15 minutes North from Highway 103 on Windsor Road.
Sunday, October 20 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Free, but register by Wednesday, October 16 by calling (902) 275-3490.
Fall Hike at Card Lake Provincial Park
Four great prints,
plus one GREAT
idea equals two
happy groups!
Parks and Protected Areas in
the Municipality of Chester
The Province of Nova Scotia recently announced their
plan for protecting land and habitats.
According to the document (inset), their intention is to
“update Nova Scotia’s park system to secure
and strenthen its long-term success”, and
“increase Nova Scotia’s legally protected
landmass to at least 12 percent by 2015”.
The Plan is an in-depth document, and
can by no means be explained in a few
paragraphs. But...we’ll give it a try.
WHO: Department of Environment and
Department of Natural Resources, with input
from the public, other departments, and the
Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.
WHAT: The Plan provides for the protection of 13%
of Nova Scotia’s outstanding landmass by 2015. If all of the
land included in the Plan were legally protected, it would
add four and expand twelve provincial parks, add and
expand a total of 75 wilderness sites, and add 118 new
nature reserves, plus expand 11 existing ones. Also, 2,150
ha of provincial parkland would be designated protected.
Provincial Parks protect nature while supporting
a range of recreation activities. Wilderness Areas
protect natural processes and ecosystems, and allow
for wilderness recreation like camping, hiking, hunting,
and sport fishing. Nature Reserves protect sensitive or
outstanding natural features, with a focus
on research and education. Altogether, the
potential amount of land to be protected
by 2015 totals 721,00 ha, including existing
protected lands.
WHERE: For the past eight years,
through both internal and external
evaluations, the Province selected lands
for protection from Yarmouth to Cape
Breton Counties. Specifically, in the
Municipality of the District of Chester, the
existing protected areas are:
• Bayswater Beach Provincial Park
• Card Lake Provincial Park
• East River Provincial Park
• Fox Point Provincial Park
• Graves Island Provincial Park
New areas to be added are:
• Blandford Nature Reserve
• Holden Lake Wilderness Area (boundary to be
finalized through additional planning, including local
consultation)
• Long Lake Nature Reserve
• South Panuke Wilderness Area (cross-boundary with
Hants County)
WHEN: Overall, the Province met with 70 groups,
over 1,300 people, and received over 2,000 submissions
from the public with regard to this process. The last step
to finalize the protection of new areas listed in “Our
Parks and Protected Areas” is to address any special
considerations outlined in the Plan for each site, and then
complete legal and survey work.
WHY: Many reasons, such as preservation of
biodiversity, building healthy communities, promoting
tourism and the outdoors as a recreation facility, and the
protection of lands that are important to the Mi’kmaq of
Nova Scotia and all of us.
From left to right are: Dale Rafuse, President of Chester Golf
Club; Sharon Boyd, local artist; Cosette Howlett, PRO Kids
Coordinator; Steve Foran, Owner of Castle Building Centre;
and Warden Allen Webber.
Visit www.novascotia.ca/parksandprotectedareas
PROPERTY SERVICES
6The 2013 Waste Collection Calendar is available at www.chester.ca or drop in to the Municipal Office to pick one up
HOLIDAY COLLECTION
Thanksgiving (Monday, October 14): Waste will be collected as usual, and Kaizer Meadow is open for regular business hours.
Remembrance Day (Monday, November 11): Waste collection is rescheduled to Saturday, November 16, affecting residents in Aspotogan, Bayswater,
Blandford, Deep Cove, and part of East River. Kaizer Meadow will be closed and will reopen on Tuesday, November 12.
The Municipality has been offering
residents the service of ordering blue and
white civic number plates since before
the year 2000 at the cost of $10.00 each
to the general public.
Over 13 years later, and as of August
29, 2013, the cost for a civic number
plate has increased to $14.00.
Not only do our civic plates comply
with our own Civic Numbering By-Law
criteria, they are highly recommended
by the fire departments who serve our
area. They are double-sided, reflective,
and when placed according to the By-
law, they are very visible.
Solid information about waste...not just a bunch of garbage
Rules of the “load”
• BE SAFE! Put waste at the end of your
driveway...we collect from both sides
of the road!
• If your waste is put out after 8:00
a.m. and missed, the truck won’t
come back to collect it...
• Recyclables and paper belong in sep-
arate bags.
• One black bag per collection, please!
You can also have five clear bags for
garbage, five bags of recyclables, and
one green cart.
• Hazardous Waste Site: We are the
designated drop off for aerosol cans
as they are hazardous, empty or full;
and please keep alkaline batteries
separate from rechargeable batter-
ies.
• Empty and dry paint cans, with the
lids removed, can be placed in a clear
bag for collection.
Leaf it to us...
Special leaf collection is on
your regular day between
November 18 and 29.
Special leaf collection is the
only time we will collect leaf
and yard waste in CLEAR,
plastic bags.
Special collectionOctober 21 to November 1
Items can be placed curbside 24 hours prior to
your collection day.
Clear bag rules apply to special collection just
the same as regular collection.
Bag or box loose items.
With the exception of furniture, special
collection items can not exceed 50 lbs. in weight,
4 feet in length and 46 cubic feet in volume.
WE WILL NOT COLLECT:
• Bags larger than 31” x 42”
• Electronics - Take them directly to Adam’s
Bottle Exchange in Gold River
• Tires
• Anything that contains Freon
• Hazardous waste, including propane tanks
• Large amounts of wood and asphalt
• More than 10 lobster traps per residence
Along with regular trucks collecting waste,
extra trucks will be collecting the larger bulkier
items and metal items. So, your waste may be
collected later than usual.
DO NOT place anything that you wish to keep
near the curb or near your waste collection
area during special collection. The collector may
mistake it for special collection and take it. The
collector is not responsible for these items.
To see the By-Law, visit www.chester.ca
and look in our Document Library (under the
Resources tab). Or, call the Community Develop-
ment Office at (902) 275-2599 for a copy.
To make an order, we request payment first.
If you want the plate returned to you by mail,
please add an extra $2.00 for postage (per plate
if ordering more than one).
There are still civic number plates at the
Community Development Office that have been
paid for but no one has picked up. Some of the
plates were ordered through the Building Permit
process and some may have been ordered and
then forgotten. If you suspect that we have
your civic number plate, please contact us. We
also have a few spare number plates.
Please drop by our office in Chester at 186
Central Street, call us at (902) 275-2599, or
email planning@chester.caC
I
V
I
C
DUTY
PROPERTY SERVICES
7Visit chesterfire.ca to learn more about the fire departments that serve our Municipality.
PREVENT KITCHEN FIRES
It is very tragic that, on average, eight Canadians
die from fire every week. Fire caused by careless
or improper use of cooking equipment is the
number one cause of home fires in Canada.
Kitchen fires due to cooking oil or grease igniting
into flames are the fastest-spreading and most
destructive type of residential fire.
Some simple safety measures can help us
prevent such disastrous kitchen fires from
occurring in our homes.
• Use appropriate cooking appliances. Keep
them clean and in good working order;
• Never leave cooking appliances unattended
when in use;
• Keep your stove top clean and clear. Grease
and food splatters can ignite;
• Always to turn all pot handles inward. Keep
small children away from the stove and any
appliance cords;
...Speaking of wind energy,
The Utility and Review Board (UARB) wrapped up their Hearing on
the appeal of the South Canoe Wind Energy project located near New
Ross. The Hearing lasted six days and was held at the New Ross Fire
Hall at the end of May and early June.
Deliberations lasted three months before the UARB announced their
decision to uphold the Municipality’s development agreement with
the partnership responsible for constructing and operating what will
be the largest wind-to-energy project in Nova Scotia. The appellants
(those who appealed the Municipality’s agreement) had until earlier
this month to ask the Supreme Court of Canada to overturn the UARB’s
decision. They did not come forward.
Thirty-four wind turbines will be constructed, and the total cost of
the project is expected to be in the $200-million range. Partners are
Oxford Foods, NS Power, and Minas Basin Pulp & Power.
The Municipality could receive up to $650,000 by the first year of
operation, none of which has to be portioned to the Province for
mandatory expenditures like corrective services or education costs.
Visit www.nsuarb.novascotia.ca/decisions to view the 85-page
document outlining the process and decision or call (902) 275-3554.
• Use appliances that have an automatic shut-
off and/or a temperature control;
• Never cook if you are sleepy, intoxicated, or
heavily medicated;
• Never throw water on an oil or grease fire.
Don’t move a flaming pot as the fire may
spread quickly. Keep a pot cover nearby
to "put a lid on it" and smother the fire.
Remove the heat source and let things cool
down. Hot oil and grease can easily re-ignite;
• Never throw hot grease in the garbage can;
• If you have a fire in your microwave oven, do
not open the door. Unplug it immediately;
• Always keep an ABC dry chemical fire
extinguisher in or near the kitchen.
If you do have a serious cooking fire, get out
of the room, close the door behind you and call
911.
Fire prevention tips for your home are
available from the Municipality. Please contact
Bruce Blackwood at 275-2599 or by email at
bblackwood@chester.ca. Please visit or Fire
Services web site at www.chesterfire.ca for
more fire safety information.
Be Alert and Stay Safe.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
IT’S IN THE
MAIL
Final tax bills went out, and as always, you can
call the Tax Department at (902) 275-3554 if you
have any questions or comments.
Some things you should know about your bill...
• The due date is November 15, 2013.
• Check your bill closely. If your mailing or civic
address is incorrect, notify us immediately by
calling (902) 275-3554, faxing (902) 275-4771
or emailing propertytax@chester.ca.
• Please bring your municipal account numbers
with you when paying in person at the tax
office. It speeds up the process. These numbers
are clearly indicated on the remittance portion
of your tax bill.
• Please ensure that you use all eight digits of
your municipal account number (including any
zeroes at the front) when paying your account
online with your financial institution.
• Questions regarding your property tax
assessment should be directed to Property
Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) at
1-800-380-7775.
• Questions regarding deeds should be directed
to the Registry of Deeds at (902)527-5379.
IF YOU OWN PROPERTY IN THE MUNICIPALITY
AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FINAL TAX BILL,
PLEASE CONTACT THE TAX DEPARTMENT
IMMEDIATELY AT (902) 275-3554.
Got questions? We have the answers
Tax/Administration Office
(902) 275-3554 office (902) 275-4771 fax propertytax@chester.ca
Foundation for the Future!
We’re off to a great start - on time and on budget! Construction of the
wind turbine at Kaizer Meadow has been underway for the last few weeks
(photos are posted weekly on our website), and things are going exactly as
planned. Turbine parts are due to arrive on October 11.
The turbine is projected to provide electricity for approximately 550
homes locally, and will create extra revenue for the Municipality, which will
alleviate some of the burden put on property tax payers in the future.
Pictured above is the base for the turbine itself, and Warden Allen Webber
- along with Councillor Sharon Church-Cornelius and municipal staff - was
on hand when the cement was poured.
Our wind-to-energy project was the first approved in Nova Scotia under
the Department of Energy’s COMFIT program, which was developed by the
Province as a means to provide clean, renewable energy. So far, there are
twenty-nine approved projects in Nova Scotia (www.nsrenewables.ca).
We’re excited to be a part of such a progressive initiative, and are looking
forward to windy weather! Stay tuned for updates on construction and
announcements for completion.
You can get more information about the project on our website or by
calling us at (902) 275-3554.
The 411 on P-23
The Municipality has a policy that allows residents to apply for
a reduction in taxes if their home was destroyed or partially
destroyed by a disaster and was assessed before it happened.
Policy P-23, of course, doesn’t apply to any damage from in-
tentional destruction, and it has to be the principal place of
residence.
After you make a request, the Assessor will visit the site and
value the property based on what it is worth after the damage.
Then, the amount will be readjusted and the extra written off.
For information, call the Tax Office at (902) 275-3554.
QR Code: Download a QR Reader app on your mobile device (eg.
iPhone). Hold it over the code while your device scans it, and it will
open our website directly.
Twitter: Search for @chestermun or @ChesterRecParks in your Twit-
ter account. Follow us and get regular updates and notifications about
municipal issues.
Facebook: Visit www.facebook.com/ChesterMunicipality and learn
about events and stories happening in the Municipality. If you have
something to share, message us!
If you have questions about…call this Department at...this number
Animal Control (Dogs)Animal Control Officer 277-0017
Bandstand/Gazebo rental (Wedding)Recreation & Parks Department 275-3490
Boat Launches Recreation & Parks Department 275-3490
Building Permits/Inspections Building/Fire Inspection 275-3080
By-Laws Community Development Dept 275-2599
Composting Public Works/Solid Waste Dept 275-1312/275-2330
Council Meetings Administration/Tax Department 275-3554
Fire Inspections Building/Fire Inspection 275-3080
Islands (use of)Recreation & Parks Department 275-3490
Kaizer Meadow Solid Waste Department 275-2330
Municipal Sewer Public Works Department 275-1312
After Hours Emergencies 1-888-664-6998
Parks/Trails Recreation & Parks Department 275-3490
Planning Areas Community Development Dept 275-2599
Public Works (Municipal)Public Works Department 275-1312
Recycling Public Works/Solid Waste Dept 275-2330/275-1312
Taxes Administration/Tax Dept 275-3554
Waste Collection Public Works/Solid Waste Dept 275-2330/275-1312
Wharves Public Works Department 275-1312
Zoning Community Development Dept 275-2599
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
Municipal Districts and Councillors
#1 East Chester, East River to Northwest Cove
Andre Veinotte 277-1409
#2 Simms Settlement, Hubbards to The Lodge
Floyd Shatford 857-9817
#3 Chester and part of East Chester
Brad Armstrong 275-3121
#4 Chester Basin and Chester Grant
Allen Webber 275-2536
#5 Gold River to Martins River
Robert Myra 627-2470
#6 New Ross and area
Tina Connors 679-4461
#7 Marriotts Cove, Windsor Road to Sherwood
Sharon Church-Cornelius 275-2281
For exact district boundaries, call the Municipal Office at (902) 275-3554
or click on the “Municipality” menu option on our website.
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) ...........1-800-380-7775
MP Gerald Keddy ...................................................1-888-816-4446
...............................................................................527-5655
PART TWO: So, we’ve already talked about
what a Standing or Special Committee of Council
is in the last edition. Essentially, they gather,
discuss and provide information to Council to
aid in their decision-making process.
As we also mentioned, some Committees
discuss issues that tend to have a bigger impact
in the community. For example, Planning
Advisory Committees (PACs) might discuss and
recommend to change the requirements to
erect a fence. It’s important that the public has
an avenue for input in a decision that could affect
them, their neighbours and their community.
There are six committees with positions
specifically for members of the public. If you’re
interested in one of the committees listed
below, nominations are usually advertised in
the spring. If you’re interested in the issues that
any of these committees discuss but don’t want
to be on the committee itself, feel free to attend
a meeting as a member of the audience, send
correspondence, or contact a representative.
As an aside, the Warden is a member of all
Committees of Council and has the option to
attend any meeting.
Council Committees that have
Public Representation
Village Planning Advisory
All civil planning issues (eg. zoning, subdivision,
development, etc.) for the Village of Chester
Carol Nauss (P) Karl Hume (P)
Ray Cambria (P) Brenda Mulrooney (P)
Wynand Baerken (Village of Chester Commission)
Councillor Brad Armstrong
Councillor Sharon Church-Cornelius
Municipal Staff
Municipal Planning Advisory
All civil planning issues (eg. zoning, subdivision,
development, etc.) for the Municipality.
Leslie Taylor (P) Herb Fraser (P)
Mary Ellen Clancey (P) Carol Nauss (P)
Larry Ryan (P) Roy Conrad (P)
Dawn Elliott (P)
Councillor Sharon Church-Cornelius
Councillor Andre Veinotte
Warden Allen Webber
Municipal Staff
Landfill Citizens Monitoring Committee
Environmental issues about Kaizer Meadow
Bernice Levy (P) Jack Shaw (P)
Cynthia Ferranino-Lohnes (P)
Councillor Brad Armstrong
Councillor Sharon Church-Cornelius
Municipal Staff
RCMP Advisory Board
Provide advice to Council about law enforce-
ment and maintenance as well as crime
prevention.
Hans Stokkeskog (P) Blair Armstrong (P)
Doug Sharpham (P)
Councillor Robert Myra
Warden Allen Webber
Department of Justice representative
Support staff
Recreation & Parks Committee
Promote, enhance, and develop recreation
opportunities in the Municipality.
Leslie Taylor (P) Suzanne Brown (P)
Barry Baker (P) Satrina Swinemar (P)
Dawn Elliott (P) Christine Rafuse (P)
David Chaplin-Saunders (P)
Councillor Tina Connors
Councillor Brad Armstrong (alternate)
Municipal Staff
Spectacle Lake Watershed Advisory Committee
Specifically formed for the protection of
Spectacle Lake as a water supply.
Wayne Bond (P) Blaine Bond (P)
Wynand Baerken (Village of Chester Commission)
Councillor Andre Veinotte
Councillor Brad Armstrong
Councillor Sharon Church-Cornelius
Warden Allen Webber
You can also contact us at the Municipal Office
or the Councillor for your District with questions
about any of these committees. Their contact
information is below:
FEATURE: Standing and Special
Committees of Council
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MUNICIPALLicense Plates
Municipal license
plates are $20 each
and can be purchased
by calling the
Recreation and Parks
Department at (902)
275-3490. 100% of
the proceeds are for
PRO Kids.