HomeMy Public PortalAbout2014-07_MunicipalInsight_pdf-compressedmunicipal insight
“Keeping informed about July/August 2014
your municipal government”
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this summer...
RED TAPE ALERT! Glad to see you go! Budget time!
We want to reduce This is something we all Our Municipal Budget
“red tape”...and your need a vacation from... has passed. Get the
ideas will help (Pg. 2). (check Pg. 4). highlights on Pg. 6.
Shoreham Village. Although a rather
unassuming building nestled off of North
Street in the Village of Chester, it is far from
quiet.
Shoreham is home to 90 residents, is one of
the Municipality’s largest employers, and has
an extraordinary volunteer family.
This year marks their 40th anniversary as
well as the dawn of a new era. Staff and Board
members at the home have come up with a
plan to bring all of these assets together to
reshape how they operate, and they’re pretty
excited about it. The Shoreham Village Quality
Improvement Plan 2014-2016 is, in essence, a
“journey to excellence”; a journey they invite
all of us to be a part of.
In a nutshell, the Plan will focus on resident
care, internal leadership, staff and volunteers,
working with the community, and the building
itself. Implementation of the Plan began this
year, with the goal of eventually becoming a
fully accredited home.
The Plan contains a comprehensive look
at Shoreham’s strategy for implementation.
Resident care will take on a more “holistic”
approach, meaning instead of the residents
adapting to Shoreham, Shoreham will adapt
to residents. Care will focus on the individual
needs and preferences of each resident.
Attention will also be given to staff teamwork,
empowerment, safety, and positivity. Key to
this is communication, training, and leadership
opportunities.
Shoreham employs over 160 people and has
a complement of more than 180 volunteers.
They acknowledge this resource as one of
their “strongest assets”. As such, they plan to
build on recruitment and retention, support
programs for staff, and internal processes that
stimulate communication and teamwork.
Residents in the community and partnering
organizations have given (and continue to
give) a tremendous show of support since day
one. Shoreham relies heavily on this support,
and in return wants to acknowledge it. They
also wish to educate the public in relation to
aging and older adults as well as invite input
through positive engagement.
Many of us have enjoyed a wonderful
relationship with Shoreham Village - including
the Municipality - and it’s surprising just how
many wonderful opportunities exist because
of those relationships!
Staff, volunteers, and partnering
organizations (like the Department of Health
& Wellness and Chester Area Middle School)
have been involved in things like,
• A garden club for Shoreham residents;
• Golf tournament fundraisers;
• A new Rita Covey palliative care room;
• A pet therapy program;
• Student visits/activities;
• Fundraising for furniture and equipment
for resident use;
• Christmas Tea, bingo, and many other
events for Shoreham residents;
• Hand wax therapy for pain relief;
• Live entertainment in the common area;
• Visits from Rectors/Pastors; and
• Much, MUCH more!
On top of everything else, a new building
has been announced for Shoreham. Details
will become available as they develop. You
can keep updated through their website
(www.shorehamvillage.com) or pick up their
newsletter at several locations in the area.
With an aging population, especially in our
Municipality as many people seek to retire in
a safe and beautiful community like ours, we
need to support and foster Shoreham Village’s
aspirations for the future. Becoming involved
is one of those ways.
You may not recognize it from this picture, but you are looking at Anvil Park in Chester Basin
(intersection of Corn Hill and Highway #3) almost 120 years ago. Originally Del Webber’s black-
smith shop, it’s now a lovely green space where the public can rest and enjoy the landscape.
Anvil Park got its name after the Webber Family generously donated Del’s actual anvil. It was
mounted and placed in the centre of the Park in 1987. With a lot of nurturing from the Basin
Gardeners, the Park was transformed. The brook that runs through the property was tidied and
a walking bridge constructed, a slate path was laid, and benches were placed.
Since then, it has been enjoyed by many with relatively no capital improvements. As a result,
a number of safety issues need our attention. Repairs and upgrades will happen over the next
month or so. Here’s our “to do” list:
● replace culvert ● repair retaining rock wall along brook
● replace walking bridge ● rebuild slate walkway
● repair flagpole (*DONE) ● re-seed grassy area
The Municipality has budgeted $20,000 for this capital project.
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Message from
the Warden
Sign up for Council meeti ng agendas under Municipal Alerts at www.chester.ca
Well, summer has fi nally arrived, and
we are just cleaning up from tropical
storm Arthur. What a way to start!
I’d like to take this opportunity to
welcome back all of our summer
residents and invite you to parti cipate
in the many events taking place
throughout the Municipality and
encourage you to become re-engaged
in our communiti es.
The Municipality has just approved
funding for a comprehensive review of
our Municipal Land Use Strategy and
By-Law. The approach we are taking is
to provide an overall strategy for the
enti re Municipality, consistent with our
strategic objecti ves and with chapters
incorporated to refl ect communiti es’
specifi c interests and needs. To aide
us in its development, Council will
You can contact the Warden by calling the Municipal
Offi ce at (902) 275-3554, calling his home at
(902) 275-2536, or emailing awebber@chester.ca
appoint a committ ee of ten community
representati ves plus a Chair in the
coming months. The objecti ve is to
have a document approved by the end
of this Council’s term.
On June 24, we had an opportunity
to welcome the community and
showcase our wind turbine at Kaizer
Meadow. About fi ft y people come for
an “up close and personal” look at the
inner workings and discuss the project
in general. It was a very positi ve day.
The call for proposals to develop an
anaerobic digester has closed and
we expect to review and recommend
next steps over the next month. As
well, Minas Energy will be making a
presentati on to Council in the next few
weeks about an opportunity to develop
a “renewable to retail” energy project
with selected partners.
The community of New Ross has
achieved a funding milestone having
raised over $3.5 million in donati ons
and pledges for the new learning
centre at Ross Farm Museum. A
Ground Breaking will be held on July
22. Congratulati ons to all involved!
Great news for our Municipality!
The recently approved Municipal
Budget and resoluti on to the universal
sewer tax debate, I believe, will allow
the Municipality to realign our fi scal
reality with our strategic objecti ves
over the next several years.
Council is grateful for your conti nued
engagement and support as we move
forward in achieving our shared goals.
2
MORELESS…
Municipaliti es are required to review their
polling district boundaries by December
2014. The number of polling districts deter-
mines how many councillors sit on Council.
In 1994, we reduced our number of districts
“Red tape”
is an expression that
refers to excessive regulati ons
or rigid conformity to formal rules that
hinders or prevents acti on or decision-making. It is a
collecti on or sequence of forms and procedures re-
quired to gain bureaucrati c approval for something
and is oft en considered to be ti me-consuming.
Where does the expression come from? The Span-
ish administrati on of Charles V in the early 16th cen-
tury started to use the red tape in an eff ort to mod-
ernize the administrati on that was running his vast
empire. The red tape was used to bind the important
administrati ve dossiers that had to be discussed by
the Council of State, and separate them from the is-
sues that were treated in an ordinary administrati ve
or
from 10 to 7 to an average number of voters
being 1,118 per Councillor. The recommen-
dati on by the Province is that each Council-
lor cannot have more or less than 10% of the
average. If one or more Councillors are over
or under, the Municipality must realign the
boundaries to make it more even. With our
current boundaries and number of Council-
lors, we meet the 10%+/- recommendati on.
Council thinks that the current number of
polling districts is ideal. What do you think?
Should we increase the number of polling
districts and reduce the number of electors
per Councillor? Decrease the number of
polling districts and increase the number of
electors per Councillor? Or, keep everything
the same?
On July 31, they will explore several diff er-
ent district boundary scenarios along with
your input. From there, the most ideal sce-
nario will be selected, and then presented
back to the public for feedback. Based on
your opinions, suggesti ons and comments,
Council will then make the best decision.
way, which were bound by an ordinary
rope.
Government has an obligati on to pro-
tect the quality of life of all individuals,
while remaining sensiti ve to the burden
Regulati ons can place on the business
community. Regulati ons can negati vely af-
fect economic competi ti veness and needs
to be considered using the lens of both
citi zen protecti on and the impact on busi-
ness development.
The One NS Final Report, Now or Never -
An Urgent Call to Acti on for Nova Scoti ans,
states:
“There are good reasons to improve and expedite
the regulatory processes for businesses and industri-
al acti viti es. A consistent, well-enforced and effi cient
regulatory framework is essenti al if we are to bridge
the gap between sound resource and environmental
management and the ability to realize the economic
potenti al of our assets. Currently there is a lack of
trust in the regulatory and enforcement system by
both those who have to abide by it to create a busi-
ness or start a new resource use acti vity, and those
who expect that system to protect both citi zens and
Contributed by Marianne Gates, Senior Economic Development Offi cerPhoto credit: Lilly MAvailable at Wikimedia Commons
tect the quality of life of all individuals,
while remaining sensiti ve to the burden
to be considered using the lens of both
citi zen protecti on and the impact on busi-
Red Tape Dispenser
The Municipality is looking for areas of
improvement and “red tape” reduction.
the environment to ensure economic, social and en-
vironmental sustainability.“
The Canadian Federati on of Independent Busi-
ness, CFIB indicates in the 2014 red tape report card,
“In a ti me of economic uncertainty, cutti ng red tape
is one of the best, low-cost sti mulus measures gov-
ernments can take to improve conditi ons and sti mu-
late growth.”
When the purpose of regulati ons are clear, the
process easy to follow, and the ti me minimal; regula-
ti ons are more likely to be supported and followed.
When businesses understand and can quickly com-
plete the necessary requirements, they can be more
successful at their business and spend less ti me fi g-
uring out the regulati ons. This protects individuals,
communiti es, and the environment while improving
economic development.
Council has directed staff to determine if there are
areas for improvement and red tape reducti on in the
Municipality. If you have ideas or comments, please
contact: Marianne Gates by calling (902) 275-2599
or emailing her at mgates@chester.ca.
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 Administrati ve
Offi cer (CAO) reports our progress
on various projects to Council. Since
Council adopted a Strategic Plan, many
of our acti ons are now focused on
achieving those goals. Here are a few
of the highlights from Erin’s last report,
and some more of what we’re doing as
a Municipality.
Cheaper Than Expected - The Kaizer Meadow Wind Tower came
in almost $200,000 under budget! The project is now generati ng
clean, renewable electricity, and now that the test period is
complete is also generati ng a profi t.
Tax Sale Results - Eleven properti es were included in the recent
tax sale in May. Two were redeemed and two were purchased by
the Municipality. We purchased a small, but vital, strip of land on
Endeavour Avenue that includes our drainage system and a right of
way for public access to the ocean.
New Staff at the Municipal Offi ce - Welcome to Mark Jamieson
who recently accepted the positi on of Casual Building Inspector
with the Municipality.
Lynn Hatt , our Tax Collector for over 41 years, reti red last month.
We wish her the best and hope she doesn’t miss us too much! We
are confi dent that she’ll come and visit at least twice a year when
her taxes are due! In her place, we’ve hired Angela Schnare who’s
new ti tle is Revenue Administrator. Welcome!
Holiday Hours and Waste Collecti on - Municipal Offi ces at
151 King Street and 186 Central Street, Chester, will close on
Monday, August 4 for the Civic Holiday and reopen for regular
hours on August 5.
The holiday will not eff ect waste collecti on. Kaizer Meadow
Environmental Management Centre is open as usual, and waste
collecti on will take place.
By-Law Enforcement - The Municipality is no longer using the
Commissionaires to enforce our By-Laws. We are opti ng for in-
house enforcement. Call (902) 275-3080 to report an infracti on.
IN BRIEF...BOSS or BUST
Since the last newslett er, we received one compliment and two
complaints.
• A resident complimented us on our municipal newslett er. They
enjoy reading it, and commented that it is “great”. Thank you!
• The fi rst complaint was about the lack of a sound system at public
meeti ngs. It’s someti mes diffi cult to hear proceedings when there
are a number of people in att endance. We agree! From now on,
during a public or open session, we will remember to use the
sound system! Thank you for the reminder.
• The second complaint was about an arti cle in the last municipal
newslett er. A resident felt that we crossed the line with the arti cle
“Universal Sewer Rate: Just the Facts” (May/June editi on) by
stati ng that rate structures based on assessment is “the norm”.
Although we aren’t going to retract it, we will try to clarify.
Municipaliti es base most of their rate and tax structures around
property assessments. This method is approved by the Province
through the Municipal Government Act, by which municipaliti es
must abide. Applicati on of taxes or rates using assessment is “the
norm” for the Municipality of Chester. The resident menti oned
that our staff , at an open meeti ng, stated that the applicati on
of sewer charges based on usage is standard in Nova Scoti a.
This is true; however, for the purpose of our arti cle in the May/
June editi on, we meant that most rates and taxes were based
on assessment in general. Council wanted to choose an area rate
based on either usage or assessment, with assessment being the
usual way we apply most rates and taxes in general.REGISTER A COMPLIMENT OR COMPLAINT BY:
Calling (902) 275-3554. Leaving your name is opti onal.
Emailing the Municipal Clerk at pmyra@chester.ca
Filling in our online form at www.chester.ca
Coming in to see us at 151 King Street in Chester.
• Our 2013-14 Financial Audit is winding up and will
be presented to Council in early July.
• Manhole repairs are conti nuing for the season,
starti ng with Western Shore.
• The Municipality is “refreshing” their website. The
new design will be easier for visitors to navigate
and much less clutt ered. Look for launch informa-
ti on later this summer or in the early fall.
• Our Economic Development Offi cer conti nues to
work on the water issue in the Village core.
• The summer trail maintenance program has begun.
Work to the trails will happen throughout the sum-
mer.
• Over 4,500 users visited the Recreati on & Park’s
online registrati on website!
• We are preparing for a review of municipal plan-
ning documents. Although preliminary at this mo-
ment, more informati on will be available over the
next six months. Public input is criti cal.
• Constructi on of a new landfi ll cell at Kaizer Mead-
ow Environment Management Centre has started.
• The semi-annual environmental inspecti on that
was conducted at the Kaizer Meadow wind tower
site has wrapped up. The results should be avail-
able by the next newslett er.
REN-ewing
Economic Development
Tourism and economic development
along the South Shore have undergone
quite a few changes over the last litt le
while.
The Lunenburg-Queens Regional De-
velopment Agency and Desti nati on
Southwest Nova disbanded, and Blue-
nose Coast no longer represents the Mu-
nicipality of Chester for tourism.
Over the last few months, the Mu-
nicipality has been negoti ati ng with sur-
rounding municipaliti es to form a region-
al body to take care of both tourism and
economic development in our area.
Recently, the Municipality agreed to
enter into an agreement with the Towns
of Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay,
Lockeport, and Shelburne as well as the
Municipaliti es of Lunenburg and Shel-
burne and the Region of Queens to form
a Regional Economic Network (REN).
The REN will develop a tourism strat-
egy customized to our unique area, work
together to bring new businesses and
residents that will strengthen our econo-
mies, and develop a retenti on plan.
We’re looking forward to the new
ideas and opportuniti es this partnership
will bring!
COMMUNITY INTEREST
4Report a broken streetlight directly to Nova Scoti a Power: www.nspower.ca/en/home/for-my-business/self-service/request-a-streetlight-repair.aspx
Forest Heights held its 15th Model Parliament
on Tuesday, June 3rd. Theresa Griffi n (in top
photo), elected school board member for the
Municipality of Chester, opened parliament by
reading The Speech From The Throne in her ca-
pacity as Acti ng Governor General.
Eighty students from grades 10-12 became
federal parliamentarians in the day-long event.
Parti cipants came from various classes: Law 12,
Politi cal Science 12, Global History 12, Canadian
History 11, and Integrated French 10 including
four foreign exchange students from China, Ja-
pan, Italy and Germany.
The students prepared for a month in advance
creati ng politi cal parti es, formulati ng party plat-
forms and electi ng their leaders.
Three “Bills” were draft ed, amended, debated
and brought to a vote: Legalizati on of Cannabis
and Industrializati on of Hemp, Medically Assist-
ed Suicide, and Capital Punishment.
The process leading to the event and the dy-
namics of the actual Parliament provided stu-
dents with an important learning opportunity
about the politi cal system and those skills re-
quired to be an acti ve parti cipant in our society.
The teachers involved in organizing the event
believe that Model Parliament is an excellent
acti vity to encourage students to become politi -
cally engaged and assume the responsibility of
nurturing their democrati c privileges and prac-
ti ces.
- contributed by FHCS
FHCS NEWS
Forest Heights Community School Conti nues Its Traditi on of Supporti ng Student Civic and Politi cal Engagement
Photo credits; R. Johnson
Chester Basin
Exit 9 Carpool Parking Lot, Highway 103. What a dump!
Dear Litter!
It was so terrible to see you again to-day! Don’t worry though, the Dept. of Transportation will clean you up (again). In fact, they will clean all four of the Highway #103 Exits in our Municipality. It’s unfortunate how much you’re costing taxpay-ers though...HEY, maybe taxpayers can report the people who threw you away and THEY can pay...up to $10,000.
I don’t miss you and if I never see you again, it will be too soon! Love the Municipality
Litter
Exits 6, 7, 8 and 9
Highway #103
Municipality of Chester NS
Canada
Place
garbage
here
Wish you
weren’t here
!
The Municipality teamed up with the Nova Scoti a Nature Trust on June 25 to clean up
part of a 600-acre area in Gold River that was plagued with illegal dumping. The land is
designated as Lake Conservati on Lands and has been permanently protected by the Trust
since 2002.
When the Nature Trust reported the illegal dump site to the Municipality, a partnership
formed. We took the informati on, recognizing that without proof of who dumped the
material, the responsibility to clear away the debris rested on the shoulders of the Nature
Trust. Because of the circumstances and the scale of the project, the Municipality off ered
staff ti me as well as a vehicle to bring the waste to the Landfi ll.
• Call (902) 275-1312 and schedule a ti me to have your boat pumped
out Monday to Friday between 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Meet us at the Chester Back Harbour Wharf (Red Cross Wharf).
• Securely ti e your boat to the wharf (make sure to use your boat
bumpers against the wharf).
• A pump out during high ti de is easier, especially if you have an extra
long keel.
Leaking “dangerous goods”? Maybe you need to use our Boat Pump Out Service...
The overboard discharge of effl uent from a vessel is
illegal. The vessel must be either pumped out or the toilet
disassembled and contents disposed of appropriately. To
see the Regulati ons, visit htt p://laws.justi ce.gc.ca/eng/
regulati ons/SOR-2012-69/page-27.html#h-35
Chester Race Week
August 13 - 16
www.chesterraceweek.com
Aft er an enti re day of labour, a total of
1.78 metric tonnes of household gar-
bage was removed from the site and
taken to the Landfi ll.
For more informati on about the Na-
ture Trust, please call their offi ce at
(902) 425-LAND (5263) or visit them
online at www.nsnt.ca
It’s your community...We are just a part of it! ! Submit photos of events to communications@chester.ca and they could be included in our newsletter.5
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Tuesdays, July 8 to
August 26
Picnic and Dancing in
the Park
Live music at Lordly Park, Chester,
6-8pm. Free. Look on Page 8.
Saturday, July 12
Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Annual Auction &
Flea Market
Chester Train Station, 9am. Hosted by
Chester Municipal Heritage Society.
Bad Intentions will play at Chester Legion, 9pm-1am.
Members/guests 19 years and over.
Sunday, July 13 Crib Tournament Forties Community Centre, 1pm,
doors open at noon. Call 689-2147.
Friday, July 18 Karaoke Chester Legion, 8:30-midnight. Mem-
bers and guests 19 years and over.
Saturday, July 19
Little Red School Day
Canaan & District Hall Association,
11am-dusk. Chinese auction, yard
sale, live entertainment, bake table,
50/50, bingo, fish pond, colour wheel,
canteen, cold plate supper.
Garden Tour Organized by Chester Municipal
Chamber of Commerce. Info to follow.
Canada’s Parks Day
Graves Island Provincial Park, 2pm.
Event is at the Trailhead Building at
the Park.
Wednesday, July 23 Concert Series
Presents...
FOG (Four Old Guys) at St. Luke’s in
Hubbards, 7:30pm. Call 857-1034 for
advance tickets. www.twocoves.ca
Thursday, July 24
Chester Garden Club
Annual Flower Show
& Tea
“Reflections”, at Chester Legion, 1:30-
5:00pm. Visit their website:
chestergardenclub@wordpress.com
Friday, July 25 Karaoke Chester Legion, 8:30-midnight. Mem-
bers and guests 19 years and over.
Saturday, July 26 Newfie Breakfast Chester Basin Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Wednesday, July 30 Lightfoot Tower Gar-
den Party
Zoe Valle Library premises, Chester,
5-7pm. Hosted by Chester Trust. Re-
freshments, silent auction, and official
sealing of the Lightfoot Tower Time
Capsule. Purchase your own time
capsule by calling 275-4991.
Saturday, August 2 Country Breakfast Chester Basin Fire Hall, 7:30-10:30am
Sunday, August 3 Annual Lobster
Supper
Bonny Lea Farm, 4-7pm. Take-out
from 3-6pm and sit down from 4-7pm.
275-5622.
Saturday, August 9 Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Wednesday,
August 13
Concert Series
Presents...
ERIN COSTELO at St. Luke’s in Hub-
bards, 7:30pm. Call 857-1034 for
advance tickets. www.twocoves.ca
Saturday,
August 23 Newfie Breakfast Chester Basin Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Wednesday,
August 27
Concert Series
Presents...
AMANDA RILEY at St. Luke’s in Hub-
bards, 7:30pm. Call 857-1034 for
advance tickets. www.twocoves.ca
Every Friday Artisan and Farmers’
Market Chester Train Station, 10am-2pm.
Every Saturday
Hubbards Farmers’
Market
Hubbards Barn & Community Park,
8am-noon www.hubbardsbarn.org
Country Market Lion’s Park, New Ross, 9am-noon.
681-3171.
THE MACKEREL SNAPPERS PICNIC IS
CANCELLED THIS SUMMER
BAYSWATER BEACH INFO
Bayswater Beach officially opened for the
summer on June 28.
Regular water sampling began at this time
and will continue every week until lifeguard ser-
vice for Bayswater Beach ends on August 24.
Water samples were also collected on May 21
Community Snapshot
A few events you may have enjoyed or missed...
• Deputy Warden Floyd Shatford thought he escaped the camera lens (top row left) during the
Mill Cove Beach clean up in May;
• Legacy Park in Chester Basin received several new benches, handmade and handcarved by
students at Forest Heights Community School. They were placed on June 3 (top row 2nd);
• Municipality of Chester pulls ahead in the first heat of the “Municipal Council Dory Races”, a
first-time-ever competition between councils in Lunenburg County (top row 3rd). Represent-
ing us was Councillor Andre Veinotte and Recreation Director Chad Haughn. The Town of
Lunenburg ended up winning, but we’ll see them NEXT YEAR!;
• Tammy Harnish (Municipality) and Kirk Symonds (Region 6) along with Jennifer Veinotte
(Municipality) were at the Louisiana Pacific Compost Facility Open House on June 14 to chat
about composting and community gardens (top row last);
• Mill Cove Beach received some TLC in May during the annual clean up (middle); and
• The “Municipal Planting Event of the Year” was on June 7 (bottom). The Seed n Feed Com-
munity Garden still has space available if you’re interested! Call 275-3555 ext. 1202.
If you have a photo of a community event in your area, please forward it to communications@
chester.ca and it could make the next issue of municipal insight.
and June 3. The results show that bacteria levels
in both the ocean water and the lake/pond wa-
ter were satisfactory, and the water was safe for
recreational use.
In addition, the outhouses at the beach and
the adjacent picnic park were tested to deter-
mine if they were leaking. The outhouses at the
beach were functioning properly, but two of the
four outhouses at the picnic park were leaking.
Water samples taken near them confirmed
the lake is not being negatively affected, likely
due to natural filtration in the ground between
the outhouses and the lake/pond. Still, these
outhouses will be emptied and closed until they
are fixed.
Questions about the situation at the beach
can be directed to either Linda Passerini, De-
partment of Health and Wellness, at (902) 424-
2736 or via email to linda.passerini@gov.ns.ca
OR Donald Sam with the Department of Natu-
ral Resources at (902) 521-2960 or via email to
samdx@gov.ns.ca.
6
BUDGET 2014/15
Our 2014-15 Budget is available at www.chester.ca along with supporting documents and highlights.
The primary source of revenue for the Mu-
nicipality is that of property taxes. Prop-
erty taxes are calculated by dividing your total
assessment (determined by the Property Valu-
ations Services Corporation) by 100 and then
multiplying by the tax rate. This year, the tax
rate on residential property is 68.5₵. The com-
mercial tax rate is $1.53/$100.
Out of property tax revenue, we pay the Prov-
ince 63.61% for our portion of education, roads,
correctional services, regional housing, librar-
ies, and assessment services.
One of our highest sources of revenue is area
rates. These are sort of like “user fees”. For ex-
ample, if you are connected to central sewer,
you will pay an extra area rate compared to
someone who does not have a sewer connec-
tion. This year, Council implemented a “univer-
sal sewer rate”, which means all users pay the
same base fee.
The Municipality also collects area rates on
the behalf of fire/village commissions. We will
collect $1,695,629, an increase of 5.87% over
last year.
Transfers can come from a variety of places.
“Transfers from Own Funds” means we are us-
ing money from reserves, including the Gas
Tax Reserve, Operating Reserve, and Equip-
ment Reserve. A reserve is like a savings ac-
count for a specific item like the wind tower
or Landfill equipment.
The Provincial and Federal Government
also provide us with transfers. They repre-
sent what they would normally pay in prop-
erty taxes, employment grants, and Gas Tax
funding.
We also receive money for permits, rec-
reation programs, Landfill tipping fees, and
selling our services (fire and building inspec-
tions) to other municipal units.
Partnerships with Kaizer Meadow Envi-
ronmental Management Centre provide the
Municipality with our second highest source
of revenue. Along with area rates for collec-
tion, Landfill operations are covered.
The deed transfer tax is currently 1.5% of
the sale purchase price of a property once
the deed is registered.
Finally, “tax based on business revenue”
applies to certain businesses where their rev-
enue is used as a base for taxes rather then
property assessment. These businesses are usu-
ally service-based and are paying for other kinds
of infrastructure, like Aliant who pays for poles,
wires, and several small buildings.
These graphs attempt to compliment the budget, not replace it. To see the full budget, contact the Director of Finance at (902) 275-3554 or visit www.chester.ca/administration/financial-publications.html
Mandatory payments are, by far, the
largest expenditure we have. As
mentioned in the revenue section, these
are payments to the Province for educa-
tion, policing and corrective services, re-
gional housing, libraries, roads, and assess-
ment. Every municipality must pay these
obligations.
“Departmental Services” is how much it
costs to operate all of the departments ex-
cluding Solid Waste. The departments are
Community Development, Recreation and
Parks, Financial Services, Administration,
Information Services, and Public Works.
Expenses for Council and Committees are
listed separately.
The wind tower at Kaizer Meadow will
cost us $200,166 in operational costs. The
NET revenue from the wind tower is ex-
pected to be $522,834.
Along with the budget, Council approved
a policy called the “Wind Revenue Policy”.
This Policy stipulates where the Municipal-
ity will spend revenue from wind energy proj-
ects at both Kaizer Meadow and South Canoe.
Revenue will be divided into thirds and held for
economic development programs, operating re-
serves, and community based projects and in-
frastructure. Otherwise, money spent on these
items would have normally come from general
revenue.
Transportation Services and Municipal Proper-
ty expenses include money spent for maintain-
ing wharves, floats, boat launches, sidewalks,
municipal roads, parks and all other properties
owned by the Municipality.
Protective services and municipal fire services
include money collected for fire departments
and commissions (as mentioned in the revenue
section), animal control, by-law enforcement,
emergency measures, and legal fees.
The amount allocated to Council grants more
than doubled this year. This is largely because
we are contributing $50,000 towards Our Health
Centre this year.
The Municipality considers grant applications
from non-profit organizations locally, regionally,
provincially, and nationally. Local groups are
given priority. For criteria or application forms,
please call the Municipal Office at (902) 275-
3554 or visit our website. This slice also includes
grants received by the Recreation and Parks De-
partment.
This, of course, is a summary of expenses
grouped into categories that hopefully make
sense. For a full version of the budget or for oth-
er budget information, check our website in the
Document Library under Financial Publications/
2014-15; or, fee freel to call the Municipal Office
at (902) 275-3554 and request a copy.
PLANNED CAPITAL PROJECTS
This year, Council approved the following capital
projects:
• Investigate future energy opportunities that
will lend themselves to financial security for
the Municipality;
• Decommission Mill Cove Water Utility and in-
stall a sprinkler system;
• Repair Aspotogan Wharf;
• Updating plans for the Duke Street sidewalk;
• Constructing a new cell site at Kaizer Meadow;
• Numerous upgrades to municipal properties,
including the roof and chimney at Zoe Valle
Library and amenities at Anvil Park in Chester
Basin (cover page);
• Sewer system repairs;
• Repair and upgrade trails; and
• Vermicomposting pilot project at Kaizer
Meadow Environmental Management Centre.
Special Collection
You can put your bulky items out for
collection along with your regular waste
between July 21 and August 1 on your
normal day.
Just remember to keep any items you
want to keep well away from your col-
lection point. They may be mistakenly
collected and we aren’t responsible for
lost items.
We won’t collect hazardous waste,
tires, any appliances that have or used
to have Freon, or paint. But, we’d be
more than happy to accept it at the
Landfill free of charge (for residents in
the Municipality and only up to 1,500
lbs per trip).
PROPERTY SERVICES
7Want to check out one of our by-laws? They are all listed on www.chester.ca or drop in to the Municipal Office.
Three very good reasons why your dog should be licensed...
On occasion, dogs can leave their
property for whatever reason... chas-
ing a cat, person or car, or just to go
out for a walk. We receive calls of stray
dogs often. If by chance, your dog leaves your
property, is found by someone else and is li-
censed, you can be contacted quickly!
License fees aid the Municipality with care
of animals and handling citizens’ concerns
about stray, aggressive or dangerous dogs
as well as preventing cruelty to dogs.
It is the law! Every owner of a dog must
hold a valid license for each dog owned.
Dog licenses are available for purchase at the
Municipal Office at 151 King Street, on the first
floor between 8:30am and 4:30 p.m. Mondays
to Fridays. The license fee is $15 and is valid for
five years.
Municipal Heritage Properties are buildings,
streetscapes, landscapes or areas that have
been registered with a municipality and listed in
the corresponding registry of heritage proper-
ties.
These properties have been deemed to have
significant aesthetic, historic, scientific, cultural,
social or spiritual importance for past, present
or future generations.
Municipal Heritage properties have restric-
tions placed upon them and owners must
conform to these regulations when perform-
ing alterations, additions or renovations to the
property. These regulations vary from one prop-
erty to another, but are designed to protect the
PARKING
in the Village of Chester is limited to
4 HOURS
unless otherwise signed.
Longer term parking is available in the
Tancook & Visitors Parking Lot at the
corner of Valley Road and Main Street.
Violations may result in
tickets or other penalties.
character of the structure or property that has
been deemed worthy of heritage protection.
Currently, several financial incentive pro-
grams are available to owners of municipal heri-
tage properties to assist with the cost of restora-
tion and maintenance for these properties:
Conservation Advice Grant is available to all
owners of municipal heritage properties. If ap-
proved, the program will fund up to 50% of the
cost to prepare a conservation advice report on
the property, to a maximum of $3,000. These
reports are prepared by a professional engineer
or architect and provide advice on the preserva-
tion or structural integrity of the heritage struc-
ture or building.
BY-LAWSConcerning kennels.....
Kennels within the Municipality of the District of
Chester are regulated by By-Law 140. There are
two different types of kennels that the Munici-
pality regulates:
Breeding kennels: Purebred, and mixed
dogs that are bred, housed, and sold for
profit; and
Boarding/Daycare kennels: Any type of
building or facility that is used for the
boarding/housing (for profit) of more than
one dog.
All kennels within the Municipality must have
a yearly kennel license and be inspected by the
By-Law Enforcement Officer annually.
Call (902) 275-3080 for information, or check
our website at www.chester.ca to view the By-
Law.
1.
3.
2.
Conservation Work Grant is for owners of
municipal heritage properties that are current-
ly used as a place of worship or occupied by a
registered non-profit group. The program pro-
vides approved applicants with up to 50% of eli-
gible conservation work costs to a maximum of
$7,500 every two years.
Heritage Property Tax Rebate offers heritage
property owners a full rebate of the provincial
sales tax (currently 10%) for eligible materials
used for the repair, improvement or restoration
of the exterior of a heritage property. To be eli-
gible, approval of the work by the Municipality
is required unless it is basic repairs.
Information and application forms for these
opportunities can be found at http://cch.novas-
cotia.ca/exploring-our-past/heritage-property,
by calling the Community Development Depart-
ment at (902)-275-2599 or emailing planning@
chester.ca.
Need Some Incentive? There is financial relief available to heritage property owners
WATCHING YOUR WASTE
No one likes rejection
Avoid rejected waste by...
Sorting waste. Separate recyclable and
compostable material from regular gar-
bage.
Keeping recyclables in a different bag
from paper. This is because they are pro-
cessed in different locations.
Cleaning recyclables. Dirty plastic and
glass can’t be recycled because there is
no way to clean it once it reaches the
processing plant.
Using clear bags. This includes during
special collection, delivering waste to the
Landfill, and when you’ve already used
one black bag per collection.
Public Waste Stations
There are public waste receptacles at
various locations throughout the Mu-
nicipality. They are for those visiting our
public spaces to dispose of their inciden-
tal waste.
Most of them have separate contain-
ers for garbage, organics and recyclables.
Please remember that the same recycling
rules apply away from home.
Also, if you miss your collection day,
please hold your waste until your next
regular day or bring it to the Landfill.
Public waste stations are no place for
household garbage. Not only does it get
torn open and turn an otherwise beauti-
ful landscape into an eyesore, but it costs
taxpayers money to have municipal staff
clean it up.
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.
Twitt er: Search for @chestermun or @ChesterRecParks in your
Twitt er account. Follow us and get regular updates and noti fi cati ons
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 questi ons about… call this Department... at this number
Animal Control (Dogs)Animal Control Offi cer 277-0017
Bandstand/Gazebo rental (Wedding) Recreati on & Parks Department 275-3490
Boat Launches Recreati on & Parks Department 275-3490
Building Permits/Inspecti ons Building/Fire Inspecti on 275-3080
By-Laws Community Development Dept 275-3080
Composti ng Public Works/Solid Waste Dept 275-1312/275-2330
Council Meeti ngs Administrati on/Tax Department 275-3554
Fire Inspecti ons Building/Fire Inspecti on 275-3080
Islands (use of)Recreati on & Parks Department 275-3490
Kaizer Meadow Solid Waste Department 275-2330
Municipal Sewer Public Works Department 275-1312
Aft er Hours Emergencies 1-888-664-6998
Parks/Trails Recreati on & 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 Administrati on/Tax Dept 275-3554
Waste Collecti on 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 administrati on@chester.ca publicworks@chester.ca
P O Box 369 building@chester.ca recreati on@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 Veinott e 277-1409
#2 Simms Sett lement, Hubbards to The Lodge
Floyd Shatf ord 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 Marti ns River
Robert Myra 627-2470
#6 New Ross and area
Tina Connors 679-4461
#7 Marriott s Cove, Windsor Road to Sherwood
Sharon Church-Cornelius 275-2281
For exact district boundaries, call the Municipal Offi ce at (902) 275-3554
or click on the “Municipality” menu opti on on our website.
Provincial Contacts
Department of
Environment .........................................................543-4685
Labour ..................................................................543-0665
Natural Resources ................................................634-7555
Public Health ........................................................543-0850
Transportati on (Bridgewater) ...............................543-8169
Transportati on (Marriott ’s Cove)..........................275-3221
Property Valuati on Services (Assessments) ...........1-800-380-7775
MP Gerald Keddy ...................................................1-888-816-4446
...............................................................................527-5655
COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE
We held our “Municipal Planti ng Event of the Year” last
month, and things went great! We planted most of the
big garden, and got so carried away, we took over the
fl ower box in front of the Municipal Offi ce too! We have
raspberries, vegetables, an apple tree, and the start of a
promising herb garden!
If you want to plant something, just pick a spot with
no sprouts in it already, or bring something to the herb
garden. There’s also a whole season of watering and
weeding! If you’d like to help, you can email commu-
nicati ons@chester.ca or call (902) 275-3555 ext. 1202.
Lighthouse Food Bank receives the “municipal” share,
and everyone involved in planti ng or maintaining the
garden can help themselves to lovely fresh vegetables!
- Archie (above) in the
community garden last year
Seed Feedn
Dudley takes
in the atmo-
sphere at
Mill Lake...
we think he
looks relaxed.
Photo contrib-
uted by Debbie
Harnish