HomeMy Public PortalAbout2017-11_MunicipalInsight_web-compressedmunicipal insight
“Keeping informed about November/December 2017
your municipal government”
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this fall...
A whole week dedicated to US! GIVE US YOUR GOODS! Winter (yes winter) parking
Your are invited to join Let the giving begin! We Are you prepared for
us during Municipal are ramping up for our winter? And winter
Awareness Week (Pg 2). annual food drive (Pg 4). parking? See Pg 5.
ReVISION APPROACHING FINAL PHASE
Two-year project culminates in document changes
“Revision”, the MODC’s program to review and
rewrite its planning documents, has reached a
new milestone. The most recent drafts of the
Municipal Planning Strategy and the Land Use
By-law, can now be viewed online on the Mu-
nicipality’s website.
The Municipal Planning Strategy, or MPS for
short, is the document that sets out policies on
matters such as land use, economic develop-
ment, and environment. The Land Use By-law,
or LUB, sets out zoning rules and regulations.
There’s some history to this! Since 2015, the
Community Development Department has been
talking with communities about the creation
of new planning documents. The first round
of public meetings took place in the winter of
2015. Staff developed a vision and set of goals
based on the discussions, and proposed some
broad “character areas” which they took back to
communities for more public meetings in 2016.
Staff then prepared a draft Land Use By-law
that proposes a new set of zones for the Mu-
nicipality. Our goal is to put a new set of rules
in place that are meant to protect our lakes
and rivers, and protect community character.
We heard that our rural character is important,
and that our communities are not looking for a
whole bunch of rules that impose control over
private property. However, we also know that
there are some uses that are currently allowed
without any rules. Some of these uses can have
impacts that could be concerning to our com-
munities. The proposed rules do not necessarily
prevent these uses from occurring, but instead
they place some controls around how these de-
velopments should occur. This is done by using
tools such as development permits, site plan ap-
provals, and setbacks.
Where are we in this process?
We want to hear from you! There is still plenty
of opportunity to be heard by Council and their
advisory committee, the Citizens Planning Advi-
sory Committee (CPAC). The CPAC is a group of
citizens with a member representing each dis-
trict of the Municipality. The CPAC is currently
reviewing the planning documents and will hear
all comments received as it continues to meet.
They need to know if you support these chang-
es or not. It is important for them to hear from
those who disagree with the changes so that
they can consider making any amendments that
might be needed. It is also important that they
hear from people who agree that some new
rules are needed so that they can determine if
they got it right. As they continue to refine and
make new versions of the documents, they will
be posted on our website.
Council ultimately approves planning docu-
ments, but only after it has considered the feed-
back from residents and property owners in all
districts. So Council, in turn, can require that
changes be made before it grants approval.
The MODC wants to make sure that there
is ample opportunity to hear comments and
concerns. Staff is planning public open houses,
meetings with local organizations, and informa-
tion to be posted on our website and in social
media, and is working on different ways for
residents to comment. Stay tuned for dates and
times of these meetings. There’s a newsletter in
the works as well. Basically, we want the public
to tell us if we got it right. After this, we’ll re-
sume work on the Village of Chester planning
documents.
For further information on the Plan Review
process, and to view the draft documents, check
our web page at www.chester.ca/revision, or call
902-275-2599. If you would like to keep up to
date on the reVISION process, please subscribe
to online notifications at http://www.chester.
ca/engage/subscriptions/user/modify
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Message from
the Warden
Well, we are now one year into the new
Council mandate with three years left to
go.
Councillors have settled into their new roles
and have developed a good working relationship
among themselves and staff, and I believe they
have demonstrated their commitments to serve
and provide effective leadership to the residents
of the Municipality.
Since our last newsletter, we have begon
several new initiatives, which I will touch on
briefly.
First, in an attempt to work more effectively
regionally, we have begun the process of
developing a memorandum of understanding
with our municipal partners to provide building,
fire and unsightly premises services on a regional
basis. This initiative will provide greater capacity,
more uniform processes for contractors, and
the ability to apply for permits to construct from
any office in the participating units for any site
within the area served. There is still work to be
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
Follow @chestermun on Twitter for live tweets from Council meetings!2
done, but this should benefit all units and our
citizens.
We have initiated two new projects at Kaizer
Meadow, which are still in the exploratory stage,
but have the potential to create economic activity,
revenue sources, and resolve environmental
and waste management concerns.
The first will explore potential uses and
economics of capturing and utilitizing landfill
gas. The second is looking at the the potential
of utilizing organic material through a wet
anaerobic digestion process to create compost
and generate electricity so we can make use of
our existing COMFIT approval.
The Municipality, through the generosity of
the late Rudy Haase, has acquired two parcels of
land on Buccaneer Road in East Chester. These
two lots have direct ocean frtontage and will be
preserved for public enjoyment in partnership
with the Mahone Islands Conservation
Association. Thank you, Rudy.
Just a heads up, we are close to acquiring
another significant landmark parcel of land that
is well known to all and can be seen from afar.
We have been reviewing and revising our
Municipal Planning Strategy over the past year
or so, and we are at the stage where we have
a document to share with the public. Land use
policies and by-laws are complex documents,
and I would like to thank staff, the citizens,
and the Planning Advisory Committee for
the enormous efforts they have put into this
process. The document is ready to take back out
the public for review, comment or revision so
please participate in our public sessions, and let
us know what you think.
Municipal Awareness Week is coming up
during the week of November 22 to 26. We have
a number of events designed to help you better
understand what local government is all about.
I hope you can take in a few, and if you have any
ideas for next year, please let us know.
Take care and all the best,
Council is hosting community members at a
number of events and activities happening
during Municipal Awareness Week this year. Take
your pick from several events throughout the Mu-
nicipality, or come to all of them!
Municipal Awareness Week was designed to
get people thinking about the integral role that
municipal services have in daily life; the impor-
tance of selecting a municipal representative; and
the assortment of responsibilities that we are in
charge of as opposed to what other levels of gov-
ernment are in charge of.
The chart below is a special invitation to mem-
bers of the public to join us. At each event, we will
MUNICIPAL AWARENESS WEEK
Council takin' it to the streets November 20-26, 2017
have information available that we promise won't
bore you to death, plus we have prizes and the oc-
casional refreshment.
A more detailed description is available on our
website under the Engage menu or at www.ches-
ter.ca/municipalawareness
Each event will also be advertised closer to the
date so you don't forget! For answers to any ques-
tions you may have, please contact your Council-
lor, call 902-275-3554 ext. 1202, or send an email
to communications@chester.ca
RSVP to events by emailing
communications@chester.ca
Holiday Waste Collection: Kaizer Meadow Landfill is
closed on Saturday, November 11.
The site is also closed on Monday, December 25
and Tuesday, December 26. Waste scheduled for
December 25 is rescheduled for Saturday, December
23. This affects residents and businesses on Monday
Week B. Waste collection for December 26 will take
place as usual.
Waste collection for New Year's Day (Monday,
January 1) is rescheduled for the PREVIOUS Saturday,
December 30. This affects residents on the Monday
Week B collection route.
Welcome Ben Foote: The Engineering & Public Works
Department welcomes Ben Foote, who took over Luke
Verge's position as Labourer on October 10. Ben will
assist with property maintenance and all associated
duties and responsibilities. Ben resides in Western
Shore and is a long time member of the Western
Shore and District Fire Department. He enjoys going
to the gym, fishing, canoeing and anything outdoors.
Water Study Ongoing: After the last report, Council
made a motion to proceed with a socio-economic
study to determine the cost benefit of a central water
system for the Village of Chester. This is the final
part of Phase One and will provide firmer costs to
present to residents. The scope of work for this study
will be drafted in collaboration with the Village of
Chester Commission and brought back to Council in
November, but not in time for the publication of this
newsletter. Updates will be online at www.chester.ca
and within Council's public agendas and minutes.
Marketing Videos: The Municipality took advantage
of an opportunity given to us during Chester Race
Week to have several marketing videos produced.
Three separate videos with aerial and ground footage
highlight Race Week, some of the Municipality's
farmers' markets, and Chester Creates - an event
hosted by the Chester Art Centre. You can view
the videos on the Municipality's YouTube channel
(modcvideo) or by clicking the links on our website
under the "Explore" menu. We will invest in marketing
videos annually to use in marketing, tourism and
economic development initiatives.
Youth Sponsorship: Council sponsored Matthew
Chandler in the amount of $500 for being selected
to compete at the Canadian Junior Boys' Golf
Championships in Ontario. Good job, Matthew!
IN BRIEF...
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS...
Tag @chestermun on Twitter, ChesterMunicipality on Facebook, or chestermuni on
Instagram to share your pictures, videos or thoughts of your community ALL WEEK!
Use the hashtag #municipalawareness and get a chance to win some municipal swag!
A SCHOOL BY ANY OTHER NAME...
Join Council and Student Government for a special Committee of the Whole meeting
at Forest Heights Community School on NOVEMBER 21 at 9:00 a.m. Refreshments and
networking afterward! Meeting will be livestreamed via Facebook.
CLASS ACTION...
Councillors will visit classrooms at New Ross Consolidated School and Aspotogan
Consolidated Elementary School on NOVEMBER 22. Sorry, this event is exclusive to the
classrooms and not open to everybody.
LOVE YOUR LANDFILL...
We'll show you around Kaizer Meadow Environmental Management Centre, hang out
at the wind turbine and campsite, highlight recycling, give away some prizes, and have
some snacks! It all starts at noon on NOVEMBER 23.
SEWER TREATMENT DECONSTRUCTED...
An exclusive look at the inner workings of the Chester Sewer Water Treatment Plant!
Join us on NOVEMBER 24 at 1:00 p.m. when an expert will be on hand to show you
around and answer any questions. Dress appropriately with no open-toed shoes!
THE GREAT OUTDOORS...
Join staff for a guided hike in East River on NOVEMBER 25. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Space is limited for this one, so call 902-275-3554 ext. 1202 to register. We are also have
a kids fun day at Gold River/Western Shore school property from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
LOCAL BUSINESS
"WhyHere" videos marketing our local businesses are online at www.chester.ca 3
This new section of the newsletter is dedicated to business events and learning opportunities happening in Nova Scotia to help you connect
and grow your business. Please read the listing below for information that could be valuable to you and your business.
IT'S A PLEASURE DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU
If your organization is holding an event of interest for the Chester Municipality business community, please send us your event details.
We'll review your submission and be glad to include all qualifying events in the next newsletter. Forward submissions to Erin Lowe, Eco-
nomic Development Officer, at elowe@chester.ca or call 902-275-2599.
Business Outlook Conference
A revival of the softwood lumber dispute and a renegotia-
tion of the North American Free Trade Agreement raise
concerns about Canada's access to its biggest export
market. Yet a major trade deal with the EU is coming into
force, and Canada has begun exploratory discussions for
a possible free trade agreement with China, Atlantic Can-
ada's largest export destination after the US. And, on the
domestic front, the new Canadian Free Trade Agreement
took effect July 1, aimed at liberalizing Canada's internal
market. What are the implications of these developments
for Atlantic Canadian companies?
November 6, 7:45am to 12:00pm $420.00
Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, Pier 21, Halifax
https://www.apec-econ.ca/events/view/?event.id=117
NOW Lunenburg County 150 Tour Screenings
You've heard about the Cross-Canada Tour, now come
and see what we did, why we did it, and how you can
get involved. Visit any of these venues or contact Tina at
902-523-5725 for information or email tina@nowlunen-
burgcounty.com
November 7, 7:00pm Forties Community Centre
November 8, 7:00pm Lunenburg Town Hall
November 9, 7:00pm Our Health Centre, Chester
November 15, 7:00pm Bridgewater Baptist Church
November 22, 7:00pm Petite Riviére Vineyards
November 29, 7:00pm Hebbs Cross Fire Hall
Introduction to Workplace Culture (online)
The direct relationship between your organization's suc-
cess and the building of a cross-culturally inclusive work-
place. Choose one of two sessions:
November 8, 9:00 to 11:00am FREE
December 13, 9:00 to 11:00am FREE
http://www.isans.ca/events/
Sell Beyond Borders Program
There are many sales programs on the market, but very
few address the issues involved in selling effectively across
cultures. Gain insight about cultural differences and their
influence on behaviour and decision-making.
Starts November 8 Contact SMU for cost
Saint Mary's University Sobey School of Business, Halifax
www.smu.ca/academics/sobey/selling-beyond-borders.
html
Introduction to the "Immigrant-Friendly" Workplace
(online)
Explore the question, "What makes a workplace support-
ive to immigrants?" Choose between two sessions:
November 9, 2:00 to 4:00pm FREE
December 14, 9:00 to 11:00am FREE
http://www.isans.ca/events/
2018 Creative Industries Trade Mission to China
As Canadian artists, entrepreneurs, creators and business
owners from creative sectors (music, books, audio-visual,
performing arts and new technologies, among others) are
thriving on the international scene, this trade mission will
support businesses and organizations in the creative in-
dustry who are looking to further new partnerships and
build business-to-business relationships in China.
Expression of interest due November 13
Projected dates: April 2018
Projected cities: Beijing and Shanghai
www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/
canada-china-trade-mission-2018.html
Consulting Circle
Connect with industry experts through speed networking.
Focus on your specific business goals and questions, and
gain consulting from several experts in this fun, fast-paced
session. Connect with those in marketing, sales, financ-
ing, human resources and more.
November 17, 9:00am to 12:00pm $10.00
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development,
Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Verification and Validation of your Food Safety System
Differentiate between verification, validation and moni-
toring activities and identify steps to verify and validate
your food safety system.
November 21, 8:30am to 4:30pm $695.00
NS Department of Agriculture/Perennia, Bible Hill
www.perennia.ca/food-safety-news-2/
Blast Off to Business
Accelerate your business success, and learn the business
development process through a three-day, interactive
workshop with subject matter experts, guest speakers,
and a site visit to the Halifax Central Library. Develop an
understanding of online and community resources avail-
able for entrepreneurs and learn how to develop a solid
business plan. Choose between two sessions:
November 21-23, 8:30am to 4:30pm $295.00
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development,
Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/event/blast-off-to-business-25/
December 19-21, 8:30am to 4:30pm $295.00
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development,
Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/event/blast-off-business/
Recognition of Prior Learning, Making $ense of Today's
Labour Force, Framing it for the Future
This year's event offers five themes, each aligning with
human capital and econonic development in Nova Scotia.
The aim is for participants to return to their workplaces
with refreshed knowledge, new contacts, and in posses-
sion of at least one tangible tool that will encourage them
to tap into Nova Scotia's unrecognized talent.
November 21-22 FREE
Nova Scotia Community College's Akerley Campus,
Dartmouth
www.rplsymposium.ca/symposium-workshops/
Allergen Management
Effective allergen management and prevention of cross-
contamination requires implementation of good manu-
facturing practices, a HACCP-based food safety system,
and an effective allergen management plan. A well-de-
veloped system for the management of allergenic mate-
rials to reduce risk of contamination and meet labelling
requirements is necessary for GFSI certification. Learn
how to control potential sources of food allergen risk and
manage allergens in your plant.
November 22, 8:30am to 4:30pm $695.00
NS Department of Agriculture/Perennia, Bible Hill
www.perennia.ca/food-safety-news-2/
Business Model Canvas 101 (online)
Learn where the Business Model Canvas came from, what
it is, and how you can help small business owners use the
tools to test their ideas and plan a strategy for success.
Business Model Canvas is accepted worldwide as an es-
sential business startup tool that helps would-be business
owners.
November 23, 10:00am to 4:00pm $300.00
http://aec-wordpress.colibri-software.com/calendar/aec-events/
FITTskills: International Trade Finance
Learn everything an importer or exporter needs to know
about payment, risk mitigation and financing, and the fi-
nancial flow of goods and services in global trade. This
course examines how you can manage your cash flow and
mitigate financial risk by selecting appropriate transaction
methods and tools for international trade activities. You
will also learn to select the best options for negotiation
terms, and non-payment dispute resolution to keep your
business on sound financial foundations.
November 24-December 1, 8:30am to 4:30pm $50.00
Nova Scotia Business Inc., Argyle Street, Halifax
www.novascotiabusiness.com/events
Tourism Summit
This annual summit is a combination of high-calibre key-
note speakers, educational sessions, networking events
and marketplace. The three-day event culminates with
the Crystal Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner.
November 26-28, all day see website for cost
World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax
https://www.conferenceontourism.com/registration/
Annual General Meetings
A list of organizations whose AGMs you may not want to
miss. All meetings take place at the Best Western Glen-
garry in Truro.
NS Federation of Agriculture Nov. 30-Dec. 1, all day
Agri-Futures Nova Scotia Nov. 30, 12-1pm
Farm Safety Nova Scotia Dec. 1, 11am-12pm
www.nsfa-fane.ca/calendar
Business Plan Analysis for Small and Micro Enterprise
(online)
A focus on small and micro enterprises, and a practical,
hands-on opportunity to learn a systematic approach to
analysis. Using two real-life micro enterprise plans, you'll
be asked to analyze, enhance, and provide simulated
feedback on what you see (and what you don't see).
December 6, 10:00am to 4:00pm $300.00
http://aec-wordpress.colibri-software.com/calendar/aec-events/
Pricing & Costing Your Product
This session has both a marketing and financial focus, and
gets to the heart of how pricing plays an important role in
your overall business success.
December 6, 9:00am to 12:00pm $69.00
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development,
Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Think Export Information Session
Research shows that companies that export are more
profitable and stay in business longer than companies
that don't. Become a more successful exporter and tackle
new markets. Offered by Nova Scotia Business Inc. and
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Choose between
two sessions:
December 6, 1:00 to 4:00pm FREE
CO3, King Street, Bridgewater
December 7, 1:00 to 4:00pm FREE
Nova Scotia Business Inc., Argyle Street, Halifax
www.novascotiabusiness.com/events
SEB Orientation
The CEED Self-Employment Benefits Program assists as-
piring entrepreneurs to become self-sufficient through
self-employment. This 40-week program is available to
those who are Employment Insurance eligible. It provides
them with income and entrepreneurial support as they
start a business. The program is comprised of mandatory
business training workshops, and provided ongoing sup-
port from our SEB Business Development Officers.
December 7, 9:00am to 4:00pm FREE
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Develop-
ment, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Biz Success Tips
Hear from seasoned business owners as they share their
experiences, tips, tricks and advice for start-ups. Be ex-
posed to local entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors and
have the chance to seek advice, avoid potential pitfalls,
and learn how to identify and take advantage of valuable
opportunities. Learn how to overcome failure, celebrate
successes and network with fellow entrepreneurs.
December 8, 9:00am to 12:00pm $10.00
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Develop-
ment, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Operations for Small Business
Do you know all the essential elements for successfully
operating a business? Creating a vision or plan for your
operations will provide a framework for success. In this
session, we will explore how you can determine who does
what, where, when, how and most importantly, why.
December 8, 1:00 to 4:00pm $69.00
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development,
Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Doing Business with the Government
Secure government contracts with confidence, and de-
velop an understanding of the procurement process. In-
crease your competitive advantage with knowledge on
expectations and procedures when bidding on govern-
ment tenders. You will have the opportunity to meet with
representatives from Public Works and Procurement Ser-
vices Canada and be able to ask questions that pertain to
your business.
December 13, 1:00 to 4:00pm FREE
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development,
Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Events listed on our website have more details than those listed here. Visit us online!4
Wednesday, Nov. 8
Lest We Forget:
War Remembrance
Afternoon
Trellis Cafe, Hubbards, 2-4pm. Sponsored
by Outreach Group of the Anglican
Churches of St. Luke's in Hubbards and
St. Mark's in Mill Cove.
Friday, Nov. 10 Oh Canada, We
Sing for Thee!
Chester Playhouse. Call 902-275-3933 or
visit www.chesterplayhouse.ca
Saturday, Nov. 11
Remembrance Day
Service Chester Legion. Call 902-275-3315.
Country Jamboree Little Red School, Canaan, 7-10pm.
Sunday, Nov. 12 Holiday Arts &
Craft Fair
District #1 Community Centre, Blandford,
10am-3pm. Call 902-471-7323 or email
district1blandfordreccentre@gmail.com
Friday, Nov. 17 Lullaby: Inside the
Halifax Explosion
Chester Playhouse. Call 902-275-3933 or
visit www.chesterplayhouse.ca
Saturday, Nov. 18
Country Christmas
Craft Fair
Forties Community Centre, 10am-3pm.
Call 902-689-1597 or 902-689-2276.
Annual Christmas
Craft Fair Chester Basin Legion. Call 902-275-8391.
Tea, Treats and
Bake Sale
Chester Legion, 2-4pm. Hosted by St.
Augustine's Guild
Prize Bingo District #1 Community Centre, Blandford,
7pm. 902-228-2790 or 902-228-2606.
Sunday, Nov. 19 Crib Tournament Chester Legion, 1pm.
Saturday, Nov. 25
3rd Annual Craft &
Bake Sale
Western Shore & Area Improvement
Association Hall, 9:30am-2:00pm.
Christmas Bazaar St. Stephen Parish Centre, Chester,
10:30am-1:30pm.
Saturday, Nov. 25
Christmas Bazaar
District #1 Community Centre, Blandford,
11:00am-1:30pm. Sponsored by St.
Barnabas Ladies Guild.
Short Notice Chester Legion. Call 902-275-3315.
Friday, Dec. 1 to
Sunday, Dec. 3
24th New Ross
Christmas Festival
Visit www.newross.ca or call the Info Line
at 902-689-2825 or 902-299-0588.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Craft Fair & Sale New Ross Legion, 10am-3pm. Call 902-
689-2668.
Crib Tournament Little Red School, Canaan, 11am.
Wednesday, Dec. 6 Seniors' Christmas
Party
Chester Legion, 1-4pm. For ages 50 years
and over. Call Community Wheels at 902-
275-5585 for a drive. Space limited.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Christmas Country
Jamboree &
Lighting of
Memory Tree
Little Red School, Canaan, 7-10pm. Call
902-275-3496 or 902-275-3667.
Monday, Dec. 11 Blood Donor Clinic Chester Area Middle School, 4:30-
8:30pm. Call 1-888-236-6283.
Saturday, Dec. 16 Amanda Riley Chester Legion. Call 902-275-3315.
Members & guests 19 years +.
Sunday, Dec. 17 Crib Tournament Chester Legion, 1pm.
To have your event included in this listing, on the Municipality's online event
calendar and in the local paper monthly, please send it to recreation@chester.ca
Iron Person Golf Tourny"Fore" PRO Kids
The Chester Golf Course is swinging in a
new direction with their annual Iron Per-
son Golf Tournament this November. They have
agreed to pass along the proceeds from this
event to the Municipality of Chester PRO Kids.
The tournament is the first Saturday in No-
vember and attracts 30 teams, with others on
a waiting list. At the time of writing this article,
the exact amount that will be raised for PRO
Kids was unknown, but we anticipate it to be in
the vicinity of $4,000.
Also new to
this event is
subs donated
by Subway,
increasing the potential for even more
money to be raised for PRO Kids.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to
both Chester Golf Course and Subway for part-
nering on this event. It is this true community
partnership building that makes PRO Kids so
successful in assisting over 250 kids each year
to take part in recreational activities.
The families who benefit from PRO Kids great-
ly appreciate the tremendous community sup-
port shown by local businesses, community
organizations and individuals. It takes a com-
munity to raise a child and each partner is a tre-
mendous asset to this philosophy. We live in a
great community and each one of us contribute
in one way or another to make the Municipality
of Chester an awesome place to live and play.
Special thanks is given to Chester Golf Course
for making the decision to choose PRO Kids as
their charity and to Subway for partnering with
the Golf Course to enhance this event. Your con-
tribution is a true asset to our community!
If you have any questions about PRO Kids or
how you can contribute, feel free to contact
Cosette Howlett, PRO Kids Coordinator, at 902-
275-3490 or by email at prokids@chester.ca
Chester Legion
Wednesday, December 6
1:00 to 4:00pm
Doors open 12:30pm
ChristmasParty
Need a ride? Call Community Wheels at 902-275-5585.
Se
n
i
o
r
s
Free for
50 years +
The Totally Awesome and Super-Fantastic Holiday FOOD DRIVE
COMMUNITY INTEREST
It's that time of year again! Join the Munici-
pality of Chester as they host the Totally Awe-
some and Super-Fantastic Holiday FOOD DRIVE
for the third year.
We will collect non-perishables and financial
donations for the Lighthouse Food Bank starting
Tuesday, November 14. You can drop off your
items or make a donation at the Municipal Of-
fice in Chester, Monday to Friday from 8:30am
to 4:30pm.
To make things a little interesting, we will keep
a tally of how much is donated and engage in
a friendly competition with the other municipal
units in Lunenburg County. The Town of Bridge-
water will keep track of the weekly totals this
year. Is it impolite to point out that the Munici-
pality of Chester won last year? We are hoping
that we can top our 2016 total of 778 (dollars
and number of food items combined).
We will wrap up the food drive on Friday, De-
cember 8, in time for delivery to the Food Bank
early the following week.
Search and Like Lighthouse Food Bank on Face-
book to keep updated on specific items needed.
Most of our grant applications are available for download online at www.chester.ca 5
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Friday, Dec. 1 - Chocolate milk and cookies, NR Credit Union (9:30am-6pm); Community
Supper, NR Legion (4:30-6:30pm); Tree Lighting/Visit from Santa/Parade of Lights, Bandstand
at the Cross (7pm); Hot chocolate and treats, Vittles (12-7pm); and Family Entertainment,
NR United Baptist Church (8pm).
Saturday, Dec. 2 - Firefighter's Breakfast, NR Fire Hall (7-10am); Craft and Gift Fair, NR
Consolidated School (10am-3pm); Photo Exhibit, Ross Farm (10am-3pm); Craft Fair, NR
Legion (10am-3pm); Family Fun, NR Family Resource Centre (11am-2pm); Concert, NR
Anglican Christ Church (7pm); and Dance, NR Legion (9pm-1am).
Saturday, Dec. 2 & Sunday Dec. 3 - Christmas in the Country, Ross Farm (9:30am-4:30pm);
Christmas Tree Decorating Contest; U-picks at various locations; Turkey Supper (11:30am-
1:30pm & 2:30-4:30pm) and Craft Market (10am), Forties Community Centre; and Festival
Specials at All is New Again Frenchy's, Vittles, C Squared Bakery, and Peasant's Pantry.
Sunday, Dec. 3 - Ecumenical Church Service, Christ Anglican Church at the Cross; Craft Fair,
Ross Farm (10am-3pm); Artisan demonstrations and displays including wood carvings,
paintings and blacksmithing from artists Scott Hamlin, Sylvia Dodge, Reta Meister, William
McDow (1-4pm).
FULL SCHEDULE ON FACEBOOK. Search New Ross Christmas Festival.
New Ross
Christmas
Festival
December 1 - 3, 2017
www.newross.ca
Schedule of Events(all events take place in New Ross)
Would you like to have a doctor at OHC?
If you do not have a doctor at Our Health Centre and would like to be a patient
of OHC, there are two ways to add your name to a waiting list depending on your
circumstances.
1. If you are an NS resident without a doctor, call 811 to have your name
added to the provincial waiting list.
2. If you are not an NS resident, but you are a seasonal resident of the Munici-
pality of Chester or surrounding areas, please visit OHC and ask the admin
staff at the first-floor reception desk to add your name to the seasonal
waiting list.
Thank you for your patience as the OHC Association Board works with the NS
Health Authority to meet the needs of the communities served by OHC.
Winter Parking Ban Regulations are in effect from December 15 to March 31. Until the parking ban ends, you
cannot park on municipal property or any street in Chester or Western Shore between 1:00 and 6:00 a.m.
ALSO, you cannot park on the street an hour after a storm starts until two hours after it ends.
Your vehicle can be towed (at your expense) if you obstruct winter maintenance (like plowing, salting, sand-
ing, etc). Incidentally, if you plow driveways, it’s illegal to plow snow across a street or onto a sidewalk.
Call the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal to receive or report information on local
roads. Their phone number is toll free: 1-888-432-3233. You can also access all of this information (plus
more) on their website: http://novascotia.ca/tran/winter
SNOW PARKING
If you own and/or drive a vehicle in Nova Scotia, there are a few things you need to know this winter.
Councils and CAOs for the five municipal units that
make up Lunenburg County recently met to discuss
the current challenges facing their building and fire
inspection services.
Although delivery of these services is still function-
ing well in all municipalities, several issues promise
to directly impact that delivery in the future. For ex-
ample, recruiting and retaining building inspectors is
increasingly difficult as the number of those trained
and certified is declining; in part caused by the
length of time to obtain certification. As with many
professions, there are a larger number of inspectors
nearing retirement age, and as current inspectors
retire or vacate their positions, finding fully qualified
replacements will continue to become problematic.
One option proposed was to negotiate an inter-
municipal shared services agreement among all
five municipal units: Municipalities of Chester and
Lunenburg, and Towns of Bridgewater, Mahone Bay
and Lunenburg. “Shared services” is not a new con-
cept in Lunenburg County with all five units partici-
pating in resource pooling in one form or another.
The Municipality of Chester provides planning, de-
velopment and building/fire inspection services to
the Town of Mahone Bay. The Town of Lunenburg
and Region of Queens share by-law enforcement.
The Joint Services Board, responsible for waste col-
lection and Information Services in the Municipal-
ity of Lunenburg as well as the Towns of Mahone
Bay and Bridgewater, has been in operation for five
years. In addition, all five units in the County partici-
pate in shared emergency measures services.
To date, four of five municipal units have com-
mitted to developing this model, with the Town
of Bridgewater opting to explore shared building/
fire inspection through the existing Municipal Joint
Services Board. The remaining units will proceed
with developing a memorandum of understanding
(MOU).
The MOU, to be struck next month if the proposal
moves ahead, would see each municipal unit con-
tribute to a joint budget covering the costs associat-
ed with building inspection, fire inspection, and dan-
gerous/unsightly premises. The
principle is to establish uniform
processes and interpretation
through a group of inspectors,
who would be available to cover
services in all municipal units if
needed. Maximizing the use of
existing capacity can eliminate
shortfalls and the associated
service level impacts felt by oth-
er municipalities and increase
service to property owners and
developers.
New Model Proposed for Some Services Joint proposal affects Building, Fire & Unsightly Premises
If this proposal is adopted, building services offices
in each respective municipality would remain un-
changed for two years while preparations are jointly
made for a possible regional service. In the two-year
interim, all three services (building, fire and unsight-
ly premises) will be blended so inspectors can serve
multiple functions without compromising service
levels, ensuring continuous delivery across Lunen-
burg County. In addition, units can focus on some of
the gaps that presently exist, such as outstanding oc-
cupancy permits.
There will be no cost savings or job cuts. Focus will
not be on not saving money, but on reducing risks,
ensuring continuity in the delivery of a mandatory
service, and using resources more efficiently.
Municipal units are also working with the province
to make legislative changes related to training and
certifying qualified professionals in these fields.
After two years, the participating units will evalu-
ate options for regional offices.
PROPERTY SERVICES
6
Collection days that fall
on holidays are either
rescheduled to the
Saturday BEFORE or the
Saturday AFTER.
Holiday Alternate day
December 25 December 23
January 1 December 30
If a holiday isn't listed, we
will collect as usual.
Solid Waste Department
902-275-2330
Subscribe to electronic waste collection notices at www.chester.ca under the Engage menu or click "subscribe" on the homepage.
Dear Shabby,
I just returned from a four-month-long "me-time"
vacation and I just wanted to make sure nothing
has changed with recycling rules while I was gone.
Do I still put paper cups in the garbage instead of
the green cart?
~ signed Bin Out of the Loop in
Sherwood
Dear “Bin”:
Yes, they are still garbage. Same as plastic and plas-
tic-like "compostable" bags. Turns out they don't
degrade fast enough in compost even though leave
them for a month under your sink and they practi-
cally turn to dust. So, to recap; cups garbage, paper
or boxboard for cart liners.
********************************************************
Dear Shabby,
Do you have any advice to keep compost from
sticking to my green cart in the winter?
~ signed Cart Prepper in
The Forties
Dear “Prepper”:
Yep, I sure do! What kind of advice columnist
would I be if I didn't have advice? The key to keep-
ing your organic material from sticking is to not let
it all clump together so it can freeze in one solid
compost-cicle. First, strain all of the excess liquid.
Dear Shabby
Friendly waste disposal advice
Then the most sure-fire way is to use paper bag
liners so it just pops out when dumped. You could
also use individual paper or boxboard liners in your
countertop bin or line the bottom of your cart with
newspapers or cardboard. If paper products aren't
your thing, you could also try spraying the sides of
the cart with vegetable oil so the compost can slide
right out! Or, layer your compost with something
drier like brush.
********************************************************
Dear Shabby,
I live on a private road. Last winter, the waste col-
lection truck didn't make it back during a storm.
Is there any way that we can find out if the truck
won't be back our road?
~ signed Uninformed in
Mill Cove
Dear "Uninformed":
If a storm is a-brewin', listen to CKBW for a cancel-
lation notice or call the Solid Waste Department at
902-275-2330. If collection is cancelled, a reschedule
date will be posted on www.chester.ca, on the Mu-
nicipality's Facebook and Twitter accounts, or an
electronic notice will be sent to your email if you
have subscribed to collection notifications on the
website. If it isn't cancelled, make sure your waste
isn't left behind by plowing and salting your private
road and ensuring your collection area is accessible.
LEAF IT TO US between November 13 to 24
Special Leaf Collection is the only collection when you can put your leaves out in
clear, plastic bags. On your regular waste collection day between November 13
and 24, place your leaves curbside beside the rest of your waste.
Recently there have been many discussions
and several proposed amendments to the
Chester Village Secondary Planning Strategy and
Land Use By-law related to the use of industrial
shipping containers for non-residential storage.
This type of container had previously been
prohibited within the Chester Village Planning
Area (indicated in red on the map to the right),
but Council received several requests to allow
these containers as an option for inexpensive
and secure storage.
In April 2017, an amendment was adopted
that allowed shipping containers on Highway
Commercial properties outside of the Chester
Village Boundary (Rural Commercial Overlay) as
well as within the Village Boundary (indicated in
blue on map) on properties north of Highway 3.
Council rejected a proposed amendment that
Do you qualify for a property tax exemption?
You may if ALL of the following applies to you:
• The total income from all assessed own-
ers, including spouses and common law
spouses, residing at the property, and total
income from those persons who hold an
interest in the property and contribute to
the household income together is less than
$21,000.00 in the 2016 calendar year; and
• Exemptions are only for residential proper-
ty tax on the principal residence. Although
all owners do not have to live in the resi-
dence, it must be a principal dwelling of
one of the owners.
Proof of income is required. Please bring your
Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada
with you. The deadline is March 29, 2018.
Please see P-25 Tax Exemption Policy for more
details or call the Revenue Administrator at 902-
275-3554.
PROPERTY TAXEXEMPTION
Property Tax Rebate for Seniors
This program is administered by Service Nova
Scotia. It is designed to help eligible seniors re-
main in their homes by providing them with an
annual rebate on their municipal property taxes.
If eligible, homeowners could receive a 50% re-
bate on their previous year paid property taxes
($800 maximum). This program runs annually
from July 1 to December 31. Applications must
be postmarked by December 31, 2017.
Please call Service Nova Scotia at 1-800-670-
4357 to see if you are eligible.
would have expanded this permitted area to
properties located south of Highway 3. Follow-
ing public comments and feedback, Council has
now set a date for a Public Hearing to consider
an amendment which would prohibit shipping
containers on any properties within the Chester
Village Boundary. Shipping containers will still
be permitted on Highway Commercially zoned
properties that are outside of the Chester Vil-
lage Boundary.
A Public Information Meeting was scheduled
for October 23, 2017, and a Public Hearing will
follow on November 16, 2017 at 8:45 a.m. At
the Public Hearing, Council will receive public
submissions and vote to accept or reject the
amendment. If you have an opinion, please for-
ward it to Pam Myra at pmyra@chester.ca to
have it included in the agenda.
Shipping Containers in the Village Deconstructing the shipping container issue in Chester
We may not be available 24/7, but our website is. Visit us at www.chester.ca
PROPERTY SERVICES
7
For bacon lovers, there aren't too many scenarios where ba-
con can be wrong; bacon dipped in chocolate, bacon with
maple syrup, on a sandwich, in a salad. It goes with everything...
except sewer pipes.
In a sewer pipe, fat drained from a big pan of bacon congeals
into a greasy mess. Over time, the greasy mess turns into a big
lump that lodges itself in the most inconvenient places, like an
elbow pipe or around a sewer pump.
Let's not stereotype the most favourite of cured meats though.
All types of fats, oils and grease are culprits. They "stick togeth-
er", literally. Once a collection of grease forms a blockage in the
central sewer system, the only way to remove it is to suction it
out. The average cost of locating a blockage, the cause of it, and
treating it is approximately $2,000.00. That's a pretty hefty price
for users to pay, especially if it happens multiple times per year.
In a private, on-site system, the cost and time spent finding a
blockage can be just as unwanted.
There is a solution! Many residents collect fat and grease and
dispose of it where it belongs: in the green cart. Businesses, such
as restaurants who deal with large amounts of grease, fats and
oils, can have select material picked up by commercial handlers
who repurpose it for things such as fuel.
For information on disposing of grease and oils, please call the
Solid Waste Department at 902-275-2330. For information on
tips to treat your central sewer system with the love and care it
needs, call the Public Works Department at 902-275-1312.
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 two complaints.
• Our compliment came from a resident
representing a homeowners association
that had a problem with controlling
waste and illegal dumping in the area.
Tammy Harnish and Yvonne Weisner
helped find a solution. They were
"courteous, innovative in the approach
and quick to respond". He also reported
that they are always cheerful, and that
he is very pleased with
the service they provide.
• We received a complaint
about a grammatical error on a sign in
the Village. We forwarded the comment
to the organization who put the sign up.
• We also had a complaint about a waste
collection truck driver who had a run
in with a resident's flower bed and left
the tops open of all the green carts on
the road. The Solid Waste Department
contacted the waste collection company
to ensure it didn't happen again.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
way cameras, and which roads are plowed and when
(road priority list). There is also some safety infor-
mation including road conditions and a winter travel
safety pdf.
You are responsible for
• following the Winter Parking Ban Regulations;
• maintaining your own road if it is private;
• clearing your own driveway entrance after the
plow has passed by;
• reporting uncleared or messy sidewalks by
calling us any time during the day (office #) or
evening (after hours #);
• reporting road conditions to NSTIR; and
• using caution when winter traveling; whether
walking, driving or biking.
Snow removal in the Municipality of Chester (and
pretty much in all municipalities) is a shared effort
between us, the NS Department of Transportation &
Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR), RCMP and citizens.
The Municipality is responsible for our own roads:
• Captains Way, Aspotogan
• Commodore Drive, Aspotogan
• Foxwood Drive, Mill Cove
• Lake Road, Mill Cove
• Landing Drive West, East River
• Endeavour Avenue, East River
• Millennium Drive, Chester
• Parkwood Drive, Mill Cove
We are responsible for plowing our own municipal
properties and infrastructure, including sewer plants
US
SNOW REMOVAL...us, them or you?
902-275-1312 office1-888-664-6998 after hours
and sidewalks. Our sidewalks are in Chester Basin,
Chester Village, Hubbards, Mill Cove, New Ross, and
Western Shore. We contract snow clearing.
NSTIR is responsible for all provincial roads, includ-
ing highways, routes, and all roads represented by a
green road sign. Examples are Highway #103, Route
#14 (Windsor Road), and Chester Grant Road and
most Village roads.
To make plowing easier for NSTIR, Winter Parking
Ban Regulations are in effect from December 15 to
March 31 (see Page 5), which the RCMP enforce.
You can also visit http://novascotia.ca/tran/ and
check out cool things like NSTIR's Plow Tracker, high-
THEM 511 information1-888-432-3233 office YOU
BACON IS GOODexcept when it's bad
Hurricane season has started.
Are you prepared for 72 hours?
www.emergencymeasures.ca/shelter-in-place
Tweet of the Week
Our most popular post on Twitter in October...
A great video featuring some of our markets! Watch it on YouTube at modcvideo!
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!
YouTube: Subscribe to modcvideo for our latest videos. We have a
collection showcasing some of our outstanding attractions and busi-
nesses, and we are hoping to add more!
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
Marshal Hector 902-277-2982
#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
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
Hugh MacKay, MLA ...................................................902-826-0222
...............................................................................1-833-826-0333
Want to give us your feedback? Call, visit, mail,
email, post a message or come to a Council
meeting. We are all ears!
Administration Offices are observing the following holiday schedule:
Friday, December 22, 2017 CLOSING at noon
Monday, December 25, 2017 CLOSED for Christmas Day
Tuesday, December 26, 2017 CLOSED for Boxing Day
Wednesday, December 27, 2017 CLOSED
Thursday, December 28, 2017 CLOSED (Council meeting is cancelled)
Friday, December 29, 2017 CLOSED
Monday, January 1, 2018 CLOSED for New Year’s Day
Thursday, January 4, 2018 Committee of the Whole meeting
Tuesday, January 2, 2018 OPEN regular hours
The Kaizer Meadow Environmental Management Centre (Landfill) schedule over the
holiday season is:
Monday, December 25, 2017 CLOSED for Christmas Day
Tuesday, December 26, 2017 CLOSED for Boxing Day
Monday, January 1, 2018 CLOSED for New Year's Day
Waste Collection Information:
Monday, December 25 collection is RESCHEDULED to Saturday, December 23
(Monday Week B)
Tuesday, December 26 collection is PROCEEDING AS USUAL
Monday, January 1 collection is RESCHEDULED to Saturday, December 30
(Monday Week A)
Municipality of Chester
Holiday Hours & Waste
Collection Information