HomeMy Public PortalAbout2017-07_MunicipalInsight_web-compressedmunicipal insight
“Keeping informed about July/August 2017
your municipal government”
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this summer...
Picnic in the Park! FINALLY! Canada's one-five-oh Now where did I put that wheelbarrow
We've been waiting for We must say, Canada, you A cautionary tale that is
this all year...dancing look FANTASTIC for your worth reading...
picnics return! (Pg 5). age. Celebrations Pgs. 6-7 Pg 10.
Thanks to the Chester Municipal Heritage Soci-
ety and George Evans, the doors of the Visitor
Information Centre opened to the public on May 17
to what looks to be a busy and event-filled season.
The VIC, located at the Chester Train Station on
Smith Road in Chester, is open from 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. until July 1 when they will extend their
hours until 5:30 p.m.
The VIC's future hung in the balance for a time
when the Chamber of Commerce shifted priorities
and divested themselves of the operation. Council
offered a contribution of $25,000 to both the private
and non-profit sectors to open the VIC for the 2017
season, and the Heritage Society answered the call.
The Society expressed how significant the Centre's
impact is on the Municipality; often being the first
stop for many tourists visiting the area. It's a valu-
able opportunity to showcase our landmarks, pro-
mote special events and festivals, and encourage lo-
cal shopping.
According to the last available statistics, the VIC
welcomed 6,236 people in 2015 with over 2,000 in
August alone. Nice!
In fact, the VIC has gotten such a reputation for
being helpful in directing visitors that locals starting
frequenting the office to find out what's happening
during the summer too.
If you don't have time to visit the Visitor Informa-
tion Centre, you can check out their website instead.
Go to www.chestertourism.ca to discover news,
events and local information about our Municipality
as well as along the South Shore. You can also call
902-275-4616 or email infochesterns@gmail.com
We're pleased to have the VIC back for another
season and wish George and the Heritage Society
a summer of smooth sailing. We will keep you up-
dated around any discussions about the Municipal-
ity's involvement in future seasons or the delivery of
tourism services.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE The VIC isn't just for tourists anymore!
Demolition of the Gold River-Western Shore
School happened a few short weeks ago. Driv-
ing by, it feels weird. The school has been there for
as long as many of us can remember.
At some point, it feels like schools cease to be-
come buildings and more like another home. As
children, we spend most of our day there. Sure, we
don't appreciate the school itself because we have
to go and it's work. But, it's there where we forge
life long friendships, possibly meet our first love, and
make memories that last forever. Without school, no
one would have stories that start with, "When I was
in school..."
As parents or guardians, we drop our kids off, meet
their teachers, sit in hot gyms listening to them sing
the best darn Christmas songs we've ever heard. We
do the same things our parents did for us when we
were there. We become invested in school because
GOLD RIVER SCHOOL DEMOLISHED Loss of school generates feelings of solidarity
we are invested in our children's futures.
When school boards opt to close schools because
of low attendance or the repairs are too costly or a
new school is planned, it feels personal. Even though
it probably makes sense on paper, losing a corner-
stone of daily life never sits right in your heart.
Since the time of the announcement of the closure
of GRWS, it has been the center of much discussion.
First at the provincial school board level and then
again at the municipal level when the school was re-
turned to us. When it was clear that renovating the
school was no longer an option that the Municipality
could afford, residents of District 5 gathered to give
their opinions, suggestions and feedback. From that,
it was clear that the community wanted the space
to be used for a good purpose; affordable housing, a
park, and seniors living were among the suggestions.
As long as the use was beneficial.
At the July 6 Committee of the Whole meeting,
Councillors will hear its first presentation from a
community group from District 5 in cooperation
with the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation about
a possible future use of the property. Meetings are
open to the public in case you want to come listen.
Because we know it's important, we want to report
that we conducted an inspection of the community
playground equipment and found a few safety viola-
tions according to today's standards. Subsequently,
the playground will be closed so we can do the nec-
essary repairs. It is scheduled to reopen by the end
of July. Additionally, all of the asbestos from the site
was removed safely during demolition.
Finally, comments on our Facebook account fol-
lowing a recent post about the demolition reflected
sadness, anger and hope. Mostly, it captured memo-
ries of those who either attended, worked at or were
involved in some way with GRWS. We would love to
collect your stories and old photographs to compile
into an online memory book. If you want to be a part
of it, post on our Facebook or email communica-
tions@chester.ca
A group of students visit the
premises. photo by George Evans
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Message from
the Warden
I want to start by welcoming back all of
our summer residents who have homes
and cottages across our Municipality. We
look forward to sharing our community
with you over the summer months, and
also look forward to your participation
in the many events we have planned this
season.
This year marks Canada's 150th and
as you can see on pages 6 and 7 in
the newsletter, there are many events
happening in the Municipality. We have
financially supported 21 groups in their
celebrations to date as well as distributed
a number of promotional items to use
during activities and as a keepsake of this
prominent occasion.
There is also another milestone to
recognize in the Municipality: Canaan is
commemorating their 200th birthday!
Congratulations to the residents of Canaan,
and enjoy your celebration!
On behalf of Councillors and staff, I would
You can contact the Warden by calling the Municipal
Office at (902) 275-3554, calling his home at
(902) 275-2536, or emailing awebber@chester.ca
Do you know who your Councillor is? Visit www.chester.ca for bio and contact information.2
NOW Lunenburg County (NOWLC): The Municipality
didn't receive any applications for our ambassador
position. However, all is not lost. We will be
represented by some cool pamphlets, and we're sure
the NOWLC and reps from other communities will
mention us!
Dry Well?: The Municipality will collect information
on dry wells again this year. The electronic form is
under Live>Public Safety>Water Shortage Tracker at
www.chester.ca. Last year's drought was said to be an
anamoly, but we still want to keep track of any trends.
Change of Hours: As of July 4, the Building & Fire
Inspection Services Office will be open from 8:00am
to 4:00pm Monday to Friday until the end of August.
Croft Road Playground: The waste receptacles at the
playground on Croft Road were moved to the outside
of the fence where the waste is more convenient to
access by our collector.
Holiday Closures: Municipal Offices will be closed on
Monday, July 3 (Canada Day) and Monday, August
7 (Civic Holiday). Waste collection will continue as
usual, and Kaizer Meadow will be open for regular
business on both days.
Tree Planting: It was pointed out by a resident that
we have not replaced a dead tree that was removed
from the perimeter of the Municipal Office grounds.
All of the trees were planted in memory of veterans
lost in WWII. It will be replaced as soon as possible.
IN BRIEF...
"ReVision" Plan Review continues through Summer 2017
also like to congratulate the graduating
class of 2017. May you succeed in your
future endeavours and we extend our best
wishes.
Council recently awarded its first round
of grants and received over $300,000 in
total requests. We were able to grant over
$100,000 in funding. Not only are we are
lucky to have a robust grants program,
but fortunate to have a large number
dedicated and active community groups
who serve our residents. We pleased to be
able to provide the much needed support.
Now that our Business Plan and Budget
have been approved, we are well on
our way to implementing our Strategic
Priorities. First on our list is to review
our Economic Development initiatives to
ensure we are positioned to achieve our
economic development goals. I am pleased
to welcome Erin Lowe as our new Economic
Development Officer, who will be tasked
with moving the Municipality forward
in meeting its economic development
priorities. Erin is a resident of Hubbards
and brings both experience and expertise
to the table. Erin's start date is July 31.
An important economic development
initiative that we have been working on
over the past 2.5 years is the Sustane
Technologies project at Kaizer Meadow.
I am pleased to report that Sustane
Technologies has begun the construction
phase of their new recycling facility at the
Kaizer Meadow Eco-Industrial Park. They
anticipate completion in the fall and plan
to start operating early in the new year.
In closing, I would like to thank you for
your continued support of Council and
staff on making our communities great
places to live.
Warden Allen Webber
Readers of municipal insight will recall the
various public meetings and workshops
held over the past two years, where we re-
quested public feedback on a new Municipal
Planning Strategy, a new Chester Village Area
Planning Strategy, and new Land Use By-laws -
documents intended to help protect our natural
environment and character, while supporting a
strong local economy and lifestyle.
The Citizens Planning Advisory Committee
(CPAC), composed of members of the public
representing each of the Municipality’s seven
districts, has been working with staff to produce
the new Planning Strategy. A preliminary draft
was completed over the past winter and was
taken to Council as a “check-in” – not for ap-
proval but for information and comments. You
can see this draft at www.chester.ca/revision.
Refinements will be made while staff work on
the Land Use By-law. This is the “companion”
document which sets out the zones and devel-
opment standards.
The Committee and staff expect to bring the
draft documents back to the public for further
review and feedback this coming fall, prior to
being tabled in Council. As the Planning Strat-
egy and Land Use By-law are finalized, the Com-
mittee and staff will resume working on the Vil-
lage Area planning documents.
Please watch for announcements in the press
and on our web site regarding public meetings.
You can also sign up for our e-mail list if you
would like to receive updates.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
We may not be available 24/7, but our website is. Visit us at www.chester.ca 3
BOSS or BUST
REGISTER A COMPLIMENT OR COMPLAINT BY:
Calling 902-275-3554. Leaving your name
is optional.
Emailing the Municipal Clerk at pmyra@
chester.ca
Filling in our online form at www.chester.
ca under "I Want To..."
Coming in to see us at 151 King Street in
Chester.
Since the last report, we received one
compliment and one complaint.
• Someone noticed that the Public Works
were doing yard maintenance at Chester
Train Station and complimented them on
a job well done! Thanks for noticing!
• A complaint was received about a few
issues around the condition of Basin Rec
Park. If you're not familiar, Basin Rec
Park is located at the end of Lower Grant
Road in Chester Basin and has a ball park,
lakeside beach and play area. The space
is maintained by a volunteer group and
not by the Municipality, so we
passed on the message! If anyone
would like to help with the Park,
please contact Kevin Marczak at
902-275-5225.
Capital ProjectREVIEW
A Capital Budget in excess of $9 million is a lot
to keep on top of. With the construction season
in full swing, there's more than enough to keep
us hopping. All of the projects listed below are
identified on Council's strategic priorities chart
with a few more thrown in for good measure.
Our last report was January 2017. If there is a
project not listed that you would like information
on, please contact us at 902-275-3554. If you
would like to view the 2017/18 Capital Budget,
please visit our website at www.chester.ca and
look under Engage.
Chester Water Supply Feasibility Study: A survey
was available to property owners until the end
of April. By the time this newsletter is in your
mailbox, water sampling will be complete. A re-
port on findings and options will be presented to
Council and the Village of Chester Commission at
the end of July. To ensure you don't miss it, sign
up to receive Council agenda packages at chester.
ca (click "subscribe" in the Information Hub), or
wait for the report to be posted online (if accept-
ed by Council) at www.chester.ca/centralwater
Annex Building Renovation: Almost all of the
renovations downstairs are finished. The public
entrance is complete and the only thing left is
to finish storage areas. Staff downstairs are the
Senior Planner, Planning Assistant, Fire Services
Coordinator, Economic Development Officer, and
summer student. Next to do are minor renova-
tions upstairs, including an improved public re-
ception area. Completion is end of February 2018.
Parkwood Drive, Mill Cove: Three speed bumps
should be installed by the end of June.
Manhole Replacement/Infiltration: This multi-
year project will improve manholes in Western
Shore and Chester. We simultaneously clean and
video sewer lines so we can identify problems
before they become problems, and it helps us
plan for future repairs.
Chester Basin Wharf Development: On hold due
to time constraints. Project will see upgrades to
exterior wood, decking, cribbing, and parking
when complete.
Landfill Cell Construction: Design and build of
half cell 4A is on schedule. The bowl is currently
being shaped, and the project is scheduled for
completion by the end of September or earlier.
Trail Upgrades: 3 km of trail in East Chester has
been resurfaced and brush was cut. Additional
swing gates will be installed, eventually replacing
all the existing bollards. The gates are to improve
accessibility for emergency vehicles and will en-
hance the Rum Runner's Trail as a "destination
trail" for visitors. Signage is also on "the list".
Mill Cove Fire Protection System: Replacement
of a fire pump is underway and will be done Au-
gust 2017.
Western Shore Waste Water Treatment Plant:
This $1.6 million project is receiving 75% federal
and provincial funds. Mid-Valley Construction
will commence the work soon.
Mill Cove Waste Water Treatment Plant: Mid-
Valley Construction was also awarded this project
and began in mid-May. The are excavating, rock
blasting and starting concrete work. This project
is also funded federallya nd provincially (75%).
Second EVC Tower at Landfill: A second tower to
disperse treated leachate from our Landfill has
been approved by the NS Department of Environ-
ment. Next steps are design and procurement.
Engineered Bridge Inspections: We have three
bridges to be inspected by engineers: Little East
River, Goat Lake, and Barkhouse bridges. Plans
are to complete this summer.
Much of our work comes from a Strategic
Priorities list that Council determines
early in the year. This year, the list was finalized
in February in time to build the 2017-18 Capital
Budget and Business Plan.
Council locks itself away for two days and
looks at an extensive list of items identified as
"to do's". Several factors determine what makes
the overall list: infrastructure that requires at-
tention like repairs or replacement or inspec-
tion; operational planning like necessary up-
dates or creation of policies; citizens' priorities
like utilities and affordable housing; and future
planning like projects that build economic sus-
tainability and programs or policies that steer
the Municipality towards long-term stability.
Council looks at the entire list and from that,
selects which projects and services are most
needed outside of regular daily operations and
service delivery. The process is democratic in
the sense that each Councillor chooses for him
or herself which priorities are most important
based on input they received from their District
residents as well as their own judgment. In the
end, the projects and services that gained the
The "S" List RULES! MODC's Strategic Priorities List Represents Annual Work Plan and Community Needs
most consensus and are of urgency are chosen
as the "Top 5 Priorities". Of course, that doesn't
mean the other priorties are gone; they are des-
ignated as "next priorities". Often, we are work-
ing on "now" and "next" priorities concurrently.
This is why contacting your Councillor is im-
portant. They are your representive and bring
the needs of their district to the Council table.
Once the Strategic Priorities List is defined,
budgets, departmental work plans, and Council
policies are adjusted to reflect it. Carrying out
the list is a group effort with all hands on deck.
Policies are reviewed or developed, project
management is established, and workloads are
examined and shifted.
If an unplanned issue that needs attention
is discovered during the year, the priorities list
is adjusted and one of the existing priorities is
bumped.
Our Strategic Priorities list in shown on the
right as it exists now. If you have questions
about the process or the list itself, please send
an email to pmyra@chester.ca
Strategic Priorities Chart
Now:
1. Economic development project list
2. Windfarm project
3. Plan Review - Council check-in
4. Biomass/alternative energy expression
of interest
5. Village of Chester public water system
Next Priorities:
• Property Assessed Clean Energy by-law
• Service capacity review
• Wastewater strategy
• Chester Village Land Use By-Law and Sec-
ondary Planning Strategy
• 10-year capital plan
• Procurement Policy
• Policy review
• Shared services (our services shared with
other municipalities)
• Organizational review
• Signage by-law/program
• Visitor Information Centre strategy
Additional Departmental Priorities:
• Debt strategy
• Investment strategy
• Alternative revenue research
• Affordable housing
• Marketing strategy for Kaizer Meadow
• Mill Cove fire pump
• Gold River-Western Shore school demo-
lition
• Loader tender
• IT risk management plan
• Website improvement
• Open space report
• GRWS Playground repairs
• Community use for New Ross school
• Sherbrooke Lake design project
• East River land acquisition
• Waste contract
• Sustane Technologies start-up
• Joint services waste disposal contract
• Recyclable processing contract
Events listed on our website have more details than those listed here. Visit us online!4
Friday, June 30
Ariana Nasr Chester Playhouse, 7:30pm. 902-275-
3933 or www.chesterplayhouse.ca
Karaoke Chester Legion. Members & guests 19
years and over. Call 902-275-3315.
Saturday, July 1
Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Country Breakfast Chester Basin Fire Hall, 7:30-10:30am.
Canada Day Walk Western Shore Legion, 9am, followed
by garden party and refreshments.
Special Canada Day
Bingo Chester Legion. Call 902-275-3315.
60th Anniversary and
Canada 150 BBQ,
Cake & Fireworks
Western Shore & District Fire
Department, 7pm. Professional
fireworks to follow at 10pm.
21st Annual Canada
Day Chicken BBQ
Western Shore & Area Improvement
Association Hall, 11am-2pm. Proceeds
for Wild Rose Park.
Canada 150
Celebration
New Ross Legion. Opening ceremony
at 2pm followed by BBQ. Live music
2:15-10:00pm. Pig roast, 4:30pm.
Fireworks at dusk.
Chester Harbour
Parade of Lights &
the Village of Chester
Fireworks
Parade of lights sails at 9pm with
fireworks to follow at 10pm. Raindate
July 2. Call David at 902-275-3747.
Sunday, July 2 Crib Tournament Forties Community Centre, 1pm. Call
902-689-2147.
Tuesday, July 4 Pig Roast Lordly Park in conjunction with Picnic
in the Park (see below)
Saturday, July 8
Breakfast St. Martin's Anglican Church Hall,
7-11am.
Mackerel Snappers
Picnic
Graves Island Provincial Park, 12-6pm.
Call 902-275-2174 or 902-275-3107.
Poison Cherry Chester Legion. Members & guests 19
years and over. Call 902-275-3315.
Sunday, July 9
Annual Heritage
Auction and Flea
Market
Chester Train Station. Flea Market
starts at 9am, Auction at 9:30am.
Preview of items is July 8, 5:30pm.
Chester Playhouse
Family Fun Day Captain's House, 2-5pm.
Strawberry Supper Forties Community Centre, 4:30-
6:00pm. Call 902-689-2612.
Friday, July 14 to
Sunday, July 16
Aspotogan Arts &
Crafts Show
Ocean Swells Community
Centre, 10am-5pm. www.
peggyscoveareafestivalofthearts.com
Saturday, July 15 FINAL Little Red
School Day
Canaan's 200th birthday and Canada
150 at Canaan Community Centre,
11am-dusk. Chinese auction, 11am-
6pm; giant flea market, 11am-dusk;
live entertainment, 2pm; cold plate
supper 3:30-6pm. Rain or shine.
Wednesday, July 19 Chester Minor
Hockey Registration
Chester Rink, 6:30-8:00pm. Bring your
used gear to donate.
Saturday, July 22 Newfie Breakfast Chester Basin Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Tea with Mrs. Lordly Lordly House Museum, 2:30pm.
Thursday, July 27 Chester Garden Club
Flower Show & Tea
Chester Legion, 2-4pm. Visit www.
chestergardenclub.wordpress.com
Friday, July 28 Karaoke Chester Legion. Members & guests 19
years and over. Call 902-275-3315.
Saturday, July 29
150 Years of Food
with the Heritage
Society
Picnic with Sir John A. MacDonald!
Pre-ordering necessary. Call 902-275-
3826 or 902-275-3842.
Saturday, August 5
Pancake Breakfast Hubbards Area Lions Club, 9-11am.
Call 902-857-9845.
Turkey Dinner Hubbards Area Lions Club, 4-6pm. Call
902-857-9845.
Monday, August 7 Blood Donor Clinic Chester Legion, 4:30-8:30pm. For info
call 1-888-236-6283.
Saturday,
August 12
Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Annual Garden Party
and Street Parade
Western Shore Fire Dept. Punt race,
10am; fire apparatus show & shine,
2-4pm; parade, 2pm; supper, 3pm;
garden party, 6pm then fireworks.
Friday, August 18 Canada 150
Celebration BBQ
Chester Legion, 4-7pm. 902-275-4471
or email sylviaswinimer@eastlink.ca
Saturday,
August 19
Tea with Mrs. Lordly Lordly House Museum, 2:30pm.
Canada 150 Dance &
BBQ District #1 Community Centre, 3pm.
Every Tuesday until
August 29 Picnic in the Park Lordly Park, 6-8pm.
Every Friday until
October
Chester Farmers' &
Artisan Market
Chester Visitor Information Centre
at the Train Station, 10am-2pm.
Email chestermarket@hotmail.com,
visit www.chesterfarmersmarket.
wordpress.com or check Facebook
Every Saturday Hubbards Farmers'
Market
Hubbards Barn & Community Park,
8am-noon. www.hubbardsbarn.org
Every Saturday
until October 7
New Ross Country
Market
New Ross Community Fairgrounds,
9am-noon. Call 902-681-3171.
Every Sunday Rural Roots Market
Entrance to Ross Farm, 10am-2pm.
Visit www.ruralrootsmarket.ca or call
902-599-1207.
Canada 150 events are also listed in the centre spread of this newsletter (pages 6
and 7). Call the Recreation & Parks Department at 902-275-3490 for information.
The Positive Aging Directory is a compre-
hensive listing of programs and services
especially for seniors in Nova Scotia.
This is an excellent resource for seniors
and those working with seniors. It
contains information on everything from
transportation to active living to health
services.
Get a copy in the Municipal Office foyer or at
https://novascotia.ca/seniors/directory
The MODC’s Water Quality Monitoring
Committee for Fox Point Lake is overseeing
a third water testing season.
Beginning in late May, volunteer residents in
the Fox Point Lake area, under the supervision
of staff from Bluenose Coastal Action Founda-
tion, have been conducting bi-weekly sampling
in order to assess such factors as water temper-
ature, dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, and
streamflow discharge. On a monthly basis, grab
samples will be taken to assess phosphorous, ni-
COMMUNITY INTEREST
trogen, chlorophyll a and fecal coliform. Finally,
water level and water clarity will be taken on a
daily or bi-weekly basis. Volunteers undergo an
online training program, and sampling equip-
ment is borrowed from the Community Based
Environmental Monitoring Network, which op-
erates out of St. Mary’s University.
If necessary, assessments of algae blooms will
be taken. Because it takes time for results to
come back, MODC recommends that all such al-
gae blooms in the lake be treated with caution.
Until the bloom dissipates, domestic and recre-
ational water use should be restricted.
Water quality monitoring of Fox Point Lake
started in 2015 following an assurance by Coun-
cil that the health of the lake would be moni-
tored in the wake of a proposed new golf course/
residential development, “Aspotogan Ridge” in
the Mill Cove area. The Water Quality Monitor-
ing Committee includes a representative of the
Fox Point Lake Property Owners as well as the
Aspotogan Heritage Trust, and a new represen-
tative of Aspotogan Ridge Inc. will shortly be ap-
pointed.
Water Quality Monitoring enters third season
Since beginning operations in December
2016, Our Health Centre (OHC) has wel-
comed the collaborative practice of four physi-
cians and a nurse practitioner, a growing roster
of health and wellness providers, and a dedicat-
ed band of volunteer greeters and navigators
ready to assist people with finding their way
through the healthcare system. People do not
need a doctors’ appointment to come to OHC
and get help navigating the health care system.
Our volunteers are happy to be of help! We have
Summer is finally here and we will en-
joy more of our time outdoors, active
in our gardens, on the trails or in our great
parks and campgrounds. We all look forward
to such time with our families and friends,
especially after a dreary winter and spring.
However, it is important to remember that
being outdoors, especially in grassy, wooded
or shrub covered areas, exposes us to tick
bites. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection
transmitted to humans by a bite from an in-
fected blacklegged tick and there are many
reported cases within Lunenburg County.
Please be aware of some simple steps we
can take to help protect ourselves against
ticks and the potential of infection with
Lyme Disease. The Nova Scotia Health Au-
thority recommends that you help protect
yourself and your family while outdoors by:
• applying insect repellents containing
DEET or lcaridin to exposed skin and
clothes;
• wearing light-coloured,
long sleeved shirts and
pants, closed shoes and
tucking pant legs into
socks;
• keeping lawns mowed
short;
• putting playground equipment in sun-
ny, dry places away from wooded areas,
yard edges, and trees; and
• checking your whole body for ticks and,
when possible, taking a bath or shower
within two hours of coming indoors. This
makes it easier to find ticks.
If you suspect you have been bitten or may
be suffering from symptoms of Lyme Dis-
ease it is important that you seek medical
attention. Lyme disease can be treated with
antibiotics.
For more information on ticks and pre-
vention of Lyme Disease are available at the
Municipal Offices and can be found at the
following Nova Scotia health links:
• https://novascotia.ca/dhw/CDPC/lyme.asp
• https://novascotia.ca/dhw/CDPC/docu-
ments/06037_LymeDisease_Pamphlet_
En.pdf
• https://novascotia.ca/dhw/CDPC/docu-
ments/Landscape-Management-Handbook.
pdf
Stay safe while you enjoy the summer!
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Wonder if you can submit an article for the Municipal Insight? Email communications@chester.ca for criteria.5
TICKS RUIN EVERYTHING Have a great summer outdoors. Protect yourself from tick bites.
created a unique website called https://ohcfor-
health.com/ to help you find your way, and we
have a computer dedicated to do just that at the
OHC Info Desk on the first floor to the left of the
clinic reception windows.
Thanks to a terrific working relationship with
the MODC Recreation and Parks Department,
and through our own programming committee,
the centre has hosted a number of programs
and classes in the Community Room that have
drawn wide audiences.
If you would like to receive our monthly
e-newsletter please contact Lorraine Burch,
General Manager, at lburch@ourhealthcentre.
ca, 902-275-3487 or write to Lorraine at 3769
Highway # 3 Chester NS B0J 1J0.
CHESTER.CA
This isn't just any birthday. Canada is cele-
brating 150 years of Confederation. And,
man, are we celebrating! Our two official “Can-
ada 150 Ambassadors”, Carol Nauss and Kath-
ryn Gamache, have been busily gathering event
information, planning community celebrations,
and contacting groups to make sure they are
taking advantage of all available opportunities.
All of the events we received by June 15 are
listed to the right and all to date are on our web-
site at www.chester.ca/canada150
We also have posted information on how to
apply for Canada 150 funding. Applications will
be received up until October 31, and funding is
limited ($5,000 per District) and is only available
while it lasts. Call Recreation & Parks for details.
To date, Council approved the following Canada
150 grants.
Organization Amount
Blandford Fire Service $ 1,000.00
Canaan & District Hall 2,500.00
Charing Cross Garden Club 500.00
Chester Art Centre 250.00
Chester Curling Club 300.00
Chester Junior Sailing Program 500.00
Chester Legion 350.00
Chester Merchants Association 250.00
District #1 Community Centre 2,000.00
Forties Community Centre 200.00
Friends of Nature 250.00
Hubbards Area Business Assoc 500.00
Hubbards Area Lions Club 1,500.00
Hubbards Barn 500.00
Hubbards Radio Society 1,500.00
New Ross Farmers Association 500.00
New Ross Legion 1,000.00
New Ross School 500.00
Rural Roots Market 682.00
Western Shore Area Improvement Assoc 1,666.00
Western Shore Fire Hall 1,666.00
Western Shore Legion 1,666.00
Share your event via social media! Tag the Municipality so we can share and like!6
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!
EVENTS
Thursday, June 29
BBQ & Balloon Animals at Spidle’s Independent
Grocer in Chester from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Pro-
ceeds for PRO Kids.
Canada 150 Ecumenical Service at Lordly Park in
Chester starting 6:30 pm featuring Praise Band
and Special Music. Everyone Welcome.
Saturday, July 1
Breakfast at the Chester Legion from 7:30 to
10:30 am. Enjoy eggs (any way you like them),
French toast, hash browns, beans, bacon, sau-
sage, toast, tea/coffee and juice.
Country Breakfast at the Chester Basin Fire Hall
from 7:30 to 10:30 am. Enjoy bacon, sausage,
baked beans, scrambled eggs, toast, juice, tea/
coffee. Cost $7. Take-out available.
Canada Day Walk at the Western Shore Legion
starting 9:00 am then return to the Legion for
some refreshments and a garden party.
Pavilion Opening at the Hubbards Barn & Com-
munity Park, #57 Hwy 3, starting 10:00 am.
Please join us to open our new pavilion as our
Canada 150 Legacy project. We’ll hear how the
project came to be, cut the ribbon, and have a
chance to thank those who make the Hubbards
Barn & Community Park what it is. There will be
music, strawberries and biscuits.
Special Canada Day Bingo at the Chester Legion.
For more info call 902-275-3315.
Come Celebrate our 60th Anniversary and
Canada 150 with a BBQ, Cake & Fireworks at
the Western Shore & District Volunteer Fire
Department starting 7:00 pm. To finish the
day, we will have a professional Fireworks dis-
play starting around 10:00 pm. Everyone wel-
come to attend.
21st Annual Canada Day Chicken BBQ at the
Western Shore & Area Improvement Association
Hall, 6485 Hwy 3, Western Shore from 11:00 am
to 2:00 pm. Enjoy ½ chicken dinner with choice
of baked potato, potato salad or tossed salad,
coleslaw, roll, coffee/tea/punch and delicious
dessert. Cost $12. All proceeds used to support
Wild Rose Park.
New Ross Legion invites you to the Party! Come
celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with us.
Opening Ceremony 2:00 pm and BBQ starts 2:00
pm with burgers, hot dogs, pop. The bar will be
open. Entertainment Stage with Live Music 2:15
to 10:00 pm with Rickey Naugler, Broken Circuit
and the Midtown Blues Band. There will be
Children’s Games. Pig Roast with salads starts
4:30 pm. At dusk will be a spectacular fireworks
show. Sponsored in part by Heritage Canada
150, Municipality of Chester and local Commu-
nity Partners and people of New Ross.
Chester Harbour Parade of Lights & the Village
of Chester Fireworks Celebrating Canada’s 150th
will start at 9:00 pm with the Parade of Lights
Sail Past followed by Fireworks at 10:00 pm.
Raindate: Sunday, July 2. Celebrate Chester’s
maritime heritage on Canada Day 150 along the
shores of Chester’s Front Harbour. Experience
the Parade of Lights Sail Past flotilla of local boats
festooned with lights and live entertainment!
For more information or to enter your boat
in the Parade of Lights, please contact David
Archibald 902-275-3747.
Tuesday, July 4
Pig Roast at Lordly Park in conjunction with Pic-
nic in the Park from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Join us for
the first Picnic in the Park and a Pig Roast (Ches-
ter United Baptist Church, 84 King Street, in case
of rain). Tickets $15 cash or cheque – a limit of
75 will be sold and available at Maple Cottage,
Events listed on our website have more details than those listed here. Visit us online!7
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!
75 Regent Street from Tuesday to Saturday,
10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For tickets or info, call
902-275-3842. Our sponsors: B.W. Armstrong
Insurance, Fo’c’sle Tavern, Chester Building Sup-
plies, Hawboldt Industries, Tradewinds Realty,
Chester Auto and Cameron’s Fine Art.
Friday, July 7
The 2 Bays 4-H Club would like to welcome the
community to celebrate Canada’s 150th Birth-
day while the Club has their Achievement Day
at the Farm, 377 New Harbour Road, Blandford
from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. See 4-H mem-
bers show their handling skills with their animal
projects. Enjoy a BBQ lunch at the Blandford Fire
Hall from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Be entertained
by a fashion show, 4-H member meeting, craft-
ing opportunity with the members, and a tug-
of-war competition among members. For more
info contact Patti at: gouldenpatti0@gmail.com.
Saturday, July 15
The “FINAL” Little Red School Day and we will be
Celebrating Canaan’s 200th Birthday and Cana-
da’s 150th Birthday at the Canaan & District Hall
Association from 11:00 am to dusk. Chinese
Auction 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Giant Flea Market
11:00 am till dusk, Live Entertainment 2:00 pm,
Cold Plate Supper 3:30 to 6:00 pm. Adults $10,
Children 5-12 yrs. $5 and under 5 years are free.
There will also be burgers, fries, bake table, col-
or wheel, canteen and 50/50 and raffle draws.
Come have some fun. Rain or shine.
Saturday, July 22
Celebrate Confederation by joining Mrs. Lordly
for tea at Lordly House Museum starting 2:30
pm. Finger sandwiches and sweets - $5/person.
Thursday, July 27
Chester Garden Club Flower Show & Tea Cele-
brating Canada 150 at the Chester Legion from
2:00 to 4:00 pm. Exhibits & Tea: Adults $7 and
Children (16 & under) $3. Exhibits only: Adults
$4 and Children are free with an adult. For info
visit: www.chestergardenclub.wordpress.com.
Saturday, July 29
This summer the Heritage Society is celebrat-
ing the 150th year of Canadian Confederation
with 150 years of food. Picnic With Sir John A.,
Canada's first prime minister. Our proposed
Bill of Fare is smoked trout appetizer, Julien’s
fresh baguette; your choice of: grilled beef fillet
MacDonald with horseradish cream or Riesling
poached salmon and herb vinaigrette with three
sides; a beverage; and chocolate mousse and
something maple. Basket costs and donations:
Governor General basket for two $500; Prime
Minister basket for two $250; Senator basket
for two $125; Member of Parliament basket for
one $75. Pre-ordering is necessary to ensure
you receive the menu you want for your picnic.
Baskets will be delivered within the area. Pick-
up will be at the Masonic Hall on Queen Street
in Chester. Contact Carol at 902-275-3826 or
902-275-3842.
Saturday, August 12
Annual Garden Party & Street Parade at the
Western Shore Fire Department. Punt Race reg-
istration starts 9:00 am. Race starts 10:00 am.
There is a Fire Apparatus Show & Shine from
2:00 to 4:00 pm. Parade starts 2:00 pm. Supper
starts 3:00. Garden Party beings 6:00 pm and
then followed by Fireworks.
Friday, August 18
Canada 150 Celebration BBQ at the Chester Le-
gion, 14 Union Street, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. For
more information, call Sylvia Swinimer at 902-
275-4471 or email sylviaswinimer@eastlink.ca
Saturday, August 19
High Tea with Mrs. Lordly at the Lordly House
Museum starting 2:30 pm. Finger sandwiches
and sweets - $5 per person.
Saturday, August 26
Canada 150 Dance & BBQ at the District #1
Community Centre, Blandford starting 3:00 pm.
Friday, September 22
Murder Mystery Night & Roast Beef Dinner at
the Hubbards Area Lions Club. For more info
call the Club at 902-857-9845.
RESOURCES
Make the most of Canada 150 by keeping
updated with all of the local and national
projects, activities, events, and opportunities.
Here is where you can find information:
• Hit the federal government’s Canada 150
homepage for nationwide celebrations
and listings of Signature Projects as well as
fascinating pieces of history.
http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468262573081
• Passport 2017 is the official Canada 150
app that helps Canadians like you discover,
enjoy and experience our beautiful coun-
try. Search “Passport 2017” on your mo-
bile device or visit www.passport2017.ca
• Check the Municipality’s website fre-
quently at www.chester.ca/canada150 for
event updates.
• Use #Canada150 when posting in Twitter
or Instagram about an event you are or-
ganizing or attending. Tag the Municipality
on Twitter @chestermun or Instagram at
chestermuni and we will like and share.
Follow the official Canada 150 Twitter feed
@canada150th; canada150 on Instagram
to see photos; and search @canada150 on
Facebook for official updates.
• Explore Canada. If you are a traveller, con-
sider a vacation in your own country this
year. Perhaps a national park (free admis-
sion in 2017); heritage site; national mu-
seum and more! Follow the link below for
exciting destinations.
http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468867125468
Check out all of our services online at www.chester.ca 8
SEASONAL INFORMATION
We have planted our vegetables, thanks to the advice and garden plan provided by Gena
Rafuse, and are awaiting the fruits (vegetables) of our labour. Over the last month,
we’ve had several visitors inquiring about the Sharing Square Community Garden who were
surprised of its existence. We welcome and encourage anyone passing by to spend some time
in the garden whether it’s weeding, watering or grabbing a handful of peas for supper! We are
located on the Municipal Building property, 151 King Street in Chester.
In conjunction with Canada 150, this year marks the garden’s 15th anniversary, and we are
pleased to announce that all of our harvest will be from heirloom seeds. We are growing squash,
cucumbers, raspberries, tomatoes, onions, beets, snow peas, snap peas, chard, carrots, two
types of lettuce, and zucchini. We also tend to an herb garden that often needs harvesting.
Sharing Square is part of the Nourish Community Garden Cooperative (NCGC), a group with
municipal and community representatives who wants to spread the joy of gardening and a sup-
ply of fresh vegetables. What we grow is available to anyone who needs it, please help yourself.
Any unused harvest goes to the Lighthouse Food Bank.
As an added feature, we are installing a pollinator garden this year and the Mersey Tobeatic
Research Institute is offering a workshop on our site to those interested in doing the same.
For information about the Sharing Square Garden or the workshop, please email communica-
tions@chester.ca or call Jen at 902-275-3555 ext. 1202.
THE COMMUNITY GARDEN The Sharing Square is for everyone!
Waste not...
Enjoy some of our public spaces:
• Trail systems and skate park
• Municipal gazebos and Library
• Parks and playground
• Islands and beaches
Call 902-275-3490 for a copy of
our Recreation Map & Guide
Hang around...A-boat time...
Remember to be responsible
with your waste while visiting
public spaces or picnicking.
Don’t litter, use recycling options
when available, and don’t illegal-
ly dump household garbage.
During boating season, we offer:
• Free pump out services (call
902-275-1312 for appointment)
• Access to municipal wharves,
floats and launches
• Sorting guides for waste
Call 902-275-1312 for limitations
Renovation or New Construction
Apply for Development
Permit (depends on the
scope of the project - call
275-2599 to inquire)
Apply for Sewer Permit (if
connecting to central sewer
Call 275-1312 or go online
for applications)
Apply for Building Permit
(call 275-3080 to see if
required)
All other permits must be
received before approval
(fee paid with application).
STEP ONE
Applications are available at the
Municipal Offices in Chester.
STEP TWO
Applications are reviewed for
approval by Municipality.
The Development Officer
approves these permits
(fee paid with application).
Timeline depends on the
project.
If application is in order, it takes up to seven days for approv-
al, which includes site inspection and assessment of system
capacity and by-laws (a deposit for estimated cost of labour and
materials is paid after the site inspection and before approval)
Depending on location and
type of project, Sewer and
Development Permits must
be included.
Sometimes, permits are
required from the Depart-
ment of Transportation as
well. Double check!
STEP THREE
Work and inspections begin.
The Chief Building Inspector
will make a series of regular
inspections before, during
and after construction.
The Maintenance Supervisor schedules a sub-contractor and
flaggers to connect to the central system. Then, an inspection is
conducted to make sure the installation meets Municipal Specifi-
cations. If the private portion cannot be conveniently scheduled
at the same time, the public portion is capped.
STEP FOUR
Completion
If constructed according to
the Building Code, the Chief
Building Inspector issues an
Occupancy Permit
Actual costs will be calculated against the deposit and either
a refund or an additional invoice will be issued. After payment
(yours or ours) is made, final approval is sent to the Community
Development and Finance Departments.
If demolishing a structure,
apply for a Demolition Permit
(275-3080) and inform us if the
structure is connected to the
central sewer so when you cap it,
we can inspect it (275-1312).
Most of our grant applications are available for download online at www.chester.ca 9
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
At their June 22 meeting, Council ap-
proved $106,500.33 in funding to thirty-
three non-profit community groups through
their council and tourism grant programs. The
groups are listed on the right.
Below is a list of the Municipality's grant
programs, each devoted to specific activities.
They are categorized as:
Major Projects grants: Available to non-
profit groups for project amounts of $10,000
or more. DEADLINE is January 31.
Council grants: For non-profit organizations
that benefit residents of the Municipality of
Chester. DEADLINE is May 31 and October 31.
Tourism grants: Also for non-profit organiza-
tions that benefit the residents of the Munici-
pality of Chester, but whose activities and ini-
tiatives are tourism-related. DEADLINE is May
31 and October 31.
PRO Kids: This program provides financial
assistance to youth for sport and recreational
activities. Applicants must be 18 years and un-
der and live in the Municipality of Chester. Ap-
plications are confidentially received through-
out the year.
Recreation Grants: The deadline for these
grants this year is October 6, 2017. These
grants are available as support to non-profit
groups within the Municipality of Chester who
are offer recreational opportunities to the
community.
Youth Sponsorship Grants: This is for youth
aged 21 years and under who have won their
way or are selected to attend a recognized
event at the provincial, national, or interna-
tional level. Applications are received all year
round.
Leadership Training: These funds cover up
to 50% of registration fees associated with
training or certification in coaching and lead-
ership positions. There is a catch: the skills
and knowledge gained must be used to teach
within the Municipality at least once.
Recreation Start-up grants: Only available
to newly-formed organizations. Applicants
must represent a non-profit group within the
Municipality of Chester. Often, there are ad-
ditional grants available through Provincial or
Federal funding, so a conversation with the
Director of Recreation is encouraged before a
group applies for any funding under this pro-
gram.
Groups can only apply for and receive one
grant per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).
Council, Tourism, Recreation and Major Proj-
ects grants are only available to non-profit or-
ganizations. The rest are for individuals who
live in the Municipality of Chester.
To learn more about Municipal funding,
please visit our website at www.chester.ca
where applications are found under "Engage".
The criteria is outlined on the first page of
each form. If you don't find an application
form, please call 902-275-3490.
FUNDING GRANTED
Round One of 2017-18 Council and Tourism Grants Approved
ORGANIZATION APPROVED GRANT USED TOWARDS...
Aenon United Baptist Church 1,000.00 Community Fun Day entertainment
Canadian Red Cross 500.00 Spring flood relief
Card Lake Park 2,000.00 Maintenance
Chester & Area Family Resource Centre 5,000.00 Natural playground
Chester Merchants Group 1,500.00 Brochure production
Chester Municipal Heritage Society 29,500.00 VIC operation, top dress park lawn, signage & gate
Chester Municipal Relay for Life 1,500.00 BBQ
Chester Race Week (Chester Yacht Club)4,000.00 Promotion and support race officials
Chester Seaside Farmers & Artisan Market 1,000.00 Purchase and installation of flagpole and flags
Christmas Daddies 100.00 Annual donation
Deep Cove Fireworks & Weiner Roast 300.00 Fireworks display
Destination Bluenose Coast 1,000.00 Update and reprint map brochure
District #1 Community Centre 3,000.00 Purchase of grease hood for kitchen
Forest Heights Community School 1,250.00 Purchase of 3D printer, cart and filament
Forest Heights Parent Prom Committee 200.00 Community planned prom
Forties Community Centre 2,500.00 Kitchen upgrades (ice machine, sink, commercial
taps) and Oktoberfest support
HHELLPS 2,000.00 Repairs to parking lot - grade and add class A
Hubbards Area Business Association 500.00 Canada Day at AHT & Hubbards Street Parade
Hubbards Area Recreation Association 2,000.00
Hubbards Community Waterfront Association 500.00 Summer outdoor movie series
L/Q Volunteer Partnership 2,000.00 Municipal contribution
Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers 1,500.00 50th Anniversary event
Lunenburg County Sport Heritage Society 500.00 Lun. Co. Hall of Fame - inaugural event & wall
MICA 1,000.00 Gala sponsorship
Mill Cove/Fox Point Beach Committee 500.00 Rebuild walkway
Mun of Chester Transportation Society 6,000.00 Community Wheels
New Ross Community Care Centre Society 3,100.00
Development and implementation of of
communications plan
New Ross Family Resource Centre 4,600.00 Portion of power, heat, phone and summer
student
New Ross Farmers Association 2,700.00 Tables, chairs and ceiling tiles
New Ross Regional Development Society 1,490.00 Bandstand taxes and Christmas Festival
Nova Scotia 55+ Games (Lunenburg County) 3,500.00 Support for hosting Games in September 2017
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 79 New Ross 500.00 Canada Day entertainment
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 144 Western Shore 1,400.00 Remembrance Day and Levee
St. Stephen's Anglican Church 3,500.00 Musical Friends program
South Shore Riders ATV Club 1,000.00 Trail repair, signate, map updates, brush cutting
South Shore Safe Communities 5,967.33 Program support for Municipality
South Shore Tourism 3,693.00 Tourism promotion (municipal portion)
United Way of Lunenburg County 1,200.00 Match municipal employee contributions
VOCTADA 3,000.00 Replace signs in Village of Chester (subject to
design approval by Council)
Victorian Order of Nurses 1,500.00 Blandford foot care clinic, Chester Basin frozen
meal delivery and New Ross breakaway program
TOTAL $108,000.33
Chester Municipal Grant Programs.
“Fun”ding communities.
Every year, the Municipality of Chester improves communities by funding many
non-profit community groups and youth through our grant programs.
• Council Grants - application deadlines of May 31 and October 31.
• Tourism Grants - application deadlines of May 31 and October 31.
• Major Projects Grants - application deadline is January 31.
• Recreation Grants - application deadline is October 6, 2017.
• PRO Kids - applications received all year round.
• Youth Sponsorship Grants - applications received all year round.
All grant programs have eligibility requirements. Download the guidelines and
applications at www.chester.ca/engage/grants-and-sponsorship or telephone
902-275-3490 and let us help you choose the grant program that’s right for you.
PROPERTY SERVICES
10Call the Solid Waste Department at 902-275-2330 if you haven't received your 2017 Waste Collection Calendar
'TIL WE MEET AGAIN We say "hello again" to an old friend
Dear Shabby,
Could you PLEASE remind my neighbour that
paint is not collected during special collection? This
is the seventh time she put it out. I'm soon going
to pick it up myself just so I won't have to look at
it anymore!
~ Frustrated in
Fox Point
Dear “Frustrated”:
Of course! Neighbour, paint is not collected dur-
ing special collection. Take it easy on her though;
sometimes it seems like there are so many rules, it's
hard to keep track. Ordinarily, one would think
that paint is classed as a hazardous waste; however,
leftover paint is recycled and turned into new "old"
paint that can be purchased at select locations.
Yeah, I know...it's pretty cool. Paint in aerosol cans
is most definitely hazardous though. If crushed,
those babies can explode and cause some serious
injury! All paint can be taken to the Hazardous
Waste site at Kaizer Meadow or to Adam's Bottle
Exchange and ENVIRO-DepotTM in Gold River.
********************************************************
Dear Shabby,
My neighbour is giving me the evil eye from be-
hind his shrubs. I think it's because I keep putting
my paint cans out for special collection. Can you
Dear Shabby
Friendly waste disposal advice
tell me why they always leave them behind?
~ signed Equally Frustrated in
Fox Point
Dear “Equally”:
I suggest you read the previous submission.
********************************************************
Dear Shabby,
My refrigerator has finally kicked the bucket. I
know this because my milk is solid and my but-
ter is liquid. I know they won't collect it curbside
because of the Freon, and Efficiency Nova Scotia
won't pick it up because it no longer runs. What
should I do with it?
~ signed Rotten Tomatoes in
Leminster
Dear “Rotten”:
As always, Kaizer Meadow will accept worn out
appliances. In fact, they will accept pretty much
everything that cannot be collected residentially
including:
• tires
• household hazardous waste (like pesticides
and degreasers)
• refrigerators and freezer
• large amounts of shingles
• lots more!
If you want important waste collection information delivered right to your inbox, sign up for Waste Collection Notices on
our website at www.chester.ca and click on "SUBSCRIBE" on the front page, or "Subscriptions" under the Engage menu.
The Municipality of Chester takes great
pleasure in officially (re)introducing Brent
Haase as our new Building Official.
He took over this position from Earl Wood-
worth, who retired on June 16 after being Chief
Building Inspector for almost 20 years. In all, Earl
has worked for the Municipality since 1995! His
retirement plans include an extended camping
trip to Newfoundland and lots of relaxing. We're
sad to see you go Earl, but happy that you'll now
have time to do all of the things you want to do.
Brent joins us again after 11 years of be-
ing Building Inspector for the Municipality of
Lunenburg. Prior to that (from 2000 to 2006),
he worked for the Municipality of
Chester as By-Law Enforcement
Officer, and doing fire and build-
ing inspections.
For those who haven't met
Brent already, he is from the Vil-
lage of Chester and is married
with two grown sons.
To reach Brent at the Commu-
nity Development Department,
please call the office at 902-275-
3080 or send him an email at
bhaase@chester.ca
WE
CANADA
which is why the
Landfill is CLOSED
on Saturday, July 1
(Canada Day).
General Waste Reminders:
• Items cannot be put out more than 24
hours before collection for special pick-up.
• Paper and recyclables belong in separate
bags. Please do not mix these two things or
your recyclables will be rejected.
• Batteries do not belong in the garbage
because they create risk for fires in the
Landfill. Please drop them off at one of our
drop off locations: Municipal Office, Kaizer
Meadow, Adam’s Bottle Exchange,
Hubbards Hardware, or New Ross Home
Hardware.
Recently, our Solid Waste Inspector, Yvonne
Weisner, asked that we include a notice in
the newsletter about special collection. Since
the next special collection is from July 17 to 28,
it is perfect timing.
It's not uncommon for people to use a wheel-
barrow or tote to carry items from the house or
garage to the road. If there is a large amount to
carry, it makes sense, and it makes the whole
process of transporting items a lot easier.
What Yvonne wants to warn people about is
leaving their "carriers" roadside with their items
for special collection still in them. It is impossible
for waste collectors to know what to take and
what to leave. One might say, "but that wheel-
barrow was in perfect condition! Who would
think that it's garbage?" While that may be true,
another might say, "why wouldn't they take that
Garbage or NOT Garbage? Confusion around special collection items
old wheelbarrow? It's obvi-
ously garbage!". It's not the
driver's job to determine if
something left with a pile
of garbage is not actually
garbage.
Regular drivers may be-
come accustomed to their
customers' habits, but dur-
ing special collection we
have drivers that are new
to that particular area or
new to the job itself.
The safest bet is to keep the items you want far
away from your waste collection area(s). Other-
wise, you may never see those items again.
If you are unsure of the rules around special
collection, check your 2017 Waste Collection
Calendar that came in the mail in December.
If you didn't receive one, you can call the Solid
Waste Department at 902-275-2330 or look on-
line at www.chester.ca
Grant deadlines are looming! Visit www.chester.ca to download a copy of the application you need.
Collection days that fall on
holidays are either rescheduled
to the Saturday BEFORE or the
Saturday AFTER.
Holiday Alternate day
September 4 September 2
December 25 December 23
If a holiday isn't listed, we will
collect as usual.
Solid Waste Department
902-275-2330
PROPERTY SERVICES
11
Questions?
902-275-2330
solidwaste@chester.ca
X
X
Need a copy of the
2017 Waste Collection
Calendar?
Call 902-275-2330 or
visit www.chester.ca
Canada Post is offering customers a new way to get electronic mail. Epost is a
service that allows users to receive certain bills and notices in one convenient
location. The Municiality of Chester has partnered with Canada Post to provide
customers with the option of receiving our tax bills instantly through the epost
service. Property Valuation Services has also made assessments available the
same way.
To sign up follow these easy steps:
Step 1 - Go to www.epost.ca and click on “Create an Account”.
Step 2 - Fill out personal information (you are only required to fill out the
boxes with an * beside them).
Step 3 - Verify/Continue.
Step 4 - Choose your username and password.
Step 5 - Next click on “Add a NEW Bill or Statement”. Enter Chester in the
“By Name” search window and The Municipality of Chester – taxes will pop
up. Select and click on next.
Step 6 - You will be transferred to our setup window so have your last prop-
erty tax bill on hand. Enter your municipal tax account number (all eight
digits including zeros at the beginning) and enter your epost ID which is your
customer ID followed by a dash and the word “PRIMARY” (i.e. FLINT001-
PRIMARY).
Step 7 - If you have more than one property then you must go through Steps
5 and 6 again until you have created a mailer for every property you own.
Congratulations! You are now ready to receive your property tax bills through
this secure and reliable service!
Elevate your mailbox Residents can now receive electronic tax bills
PROPERTY TAXEXEMPTIONS
Do you qualify for a municipal property tax ex-
emption? You may if ALL of the following ap-
plies to you:
• Your total income for the 2016 calendar
year on Line 150 on the Notice of Assess-
ment from the Canada Revenue Agency for
is $21,000 or less.
• This includes a combined total of all inter-
est holders residing at the property, includ-
ing spouses, common-law spouses, or those
who contribute to the household expenses.
• The amount of your exemption is relative to
your income. The maximum exemption that
is granted is $500.
• Exemptions are calculated in relation to the
total Residential portion of the property
taxes only. Exemptions are applied after the
Final tax bill (September).
• The person applying for the exemption must
be using the dwelling as his or her primary
residence.
• Proof of income is required at time of ap-
plication. Please bring your 2016 Notice of
Assessment from Revenue Canada with you.
• If you have received the exemption previ-
ously, you must re-apply for the current year.
If you are unable to come to the Municipal Of-
fice, your Councillor can come to you. You must
have your proof of income at the time of visit.
If you are unsure of how to contact your Coun-
cillor, or even who your Councillor is, please visit
our website at www.chester.ca or call the Mu-
nicipal Office at 902-275-3554.
Please see our P-25 Tax Exemption Policy for
more details or call the Revenue Administrator
at 902-275-3554 for information about the ex-
emption.
The exemption for the current fiscal year (April
1, 2017 to March 31, 2018) will expire on March
31, 2018. Please contact us to see if you qualify.
Tweet of the Week
Our most popular post on Twitter in May/June...
We received 62% return rate on this survey. Thank you to everyone who responded!
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. Here, you will find all of the latest up-
dates, minutes, tender information, and more.
Twitter: Search for @chestermun or @ChesterRecParks in your
Twitter account. Follow us and get regular updates and notifications
about municipal issues, including live tweets from Council meetings.
Facebook: Visit www.facebook.com/ChesterMunicipality and learn
about events and stories happening in the area. If you have some-
thing to share, message us! We will post your event or photos!
Instagram: Follow us at chestermuni to see photos of municipal
events and daily life in the Municipality! Tag us in your pics!
If you have questions about…call this Department... at this number
Animal Control (Dogs)Animal Control Officer 902-277-0017
Bandstand/Gazebo rental (Wedding) Recreation & Parks Department 902-275-3490
Boat Launches Public Works Department 902-275-1312
Building Permits/Inspections Building/Fire Inspection 902-275-3080
By-Laws Community Development Dept 902-275-3080
Civic Numbering Information Services Dept 902-275-3554
Composting Solid Waste Dept/Public Works 902-275-2330/902-275-1312
Council Meetings Administration/Tax Department 902-275-3554
Fire Inspections Building/Fire Inspection 902-275-3080
Islands (use of)Recreation & Parks Department 902-275-3490
Kaizer Meadow Solid Waste Department 902-275-2330
Municipal Sewer Public Works Department 902-275-1312
After Hours Emergencies 1-888-664-6998
Parks/Trails Recreation & Parks Department 902-275-3490
Planning Areas Community Development Dept 902-275-2599
Recycling Solid Waste Dept/Public Works 902-275-2330/902-275-1312
Taxes Administration/Tax Dept 902-275-3554
Waste Collection Solid Waste Dept/Public Works 902-275-2330/902-275-1312
Wharves Recreation & Parks Department 902-275-3490
Zoning Community Development Dept 902-275-2599
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 solidwaste@chester.ca
Municipal Districts and Councillors
#1 East Chester, East River to Northwest Cove
Andre Veinotte 902-277-1409
#2 Simms Settlement, Hubbards to The Lodge
Floyd Shatford 902-275-7868
#3 Chester and part of East Chester
Danielle Barkhouse 902-277-1624
#4 Chester Basin and Chester Grant
Allen Webber 902-275-8373
#5 Gold River to Martins River
Abdella Assaff 902-277-2765
#6 New Ross and area
Tina Connors 902-277-1095
#7 Middle River to Haddon Hill, Windsor Road to Sherwood
Sharon Church 902-277-1301
For exact district boundaries, call the Municipal Office at 902-275-3554
or click on the “Inform” menu option on our website.
Provincial/Federal Contacts
Nova Scotia Department of
Environment ..........................................................902-543-4685
Labour ...................................................................902-543-0665
Natural Resources .................................................902-634-7555
Public Health .........................................................902-543-0850
Transportation (Bridgewater) ................................902-543-4121
Transportation (Marriott’s Cove)...........................902-275-3221
Property Valuation Services (Assessments) ...........1-800-380-7775
Bernadette Jordan, MP .............................................902-527-5655
...............................................................................1-888-816-4446
Want to give us your feedback? Call, visit, mail, email, post a message
or come to a Council meeting. We are all ears!