HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-01_MunicipalInsight-compressedmunicipal insight
“Keeping informed about January/February 2018
your municipal government”
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this winter...
Interested in giving input? SHOW A LITTLE APPRECIATION! Sewer system troubles?
We have committees to Volunteer Week is When it comes to toilets,
give you the opportunity approaching. Recognize some things just don't
The list is on Pg 2. someone this year! (Pg 4). "go away" (Pg 6).
FOOD/TOY/CLOTHING DRIVE SUCCESSFUL
Event brings in thousands of items and dollars
SOMEone is a little excited...but not as excited as we are!
Our website is undergoing a makeover and will relaunch this spring. Same location, different
look, feel and experience. We've gathered information and suggestions from our focus groups
and online poll to prepare for this very moment! We totally got this! In a few short months,
you will be looking at the best dang website in the world! Okay, maybe we're taking it too far,
but it will be pretty dang good! www.chester.ca
The "totally awesome and super fantastic holiday
food drive" started out like it did any other year:
dragging a table from one of the offices in the Munici-
pal Building to the upstairs foyer so residents, staff and
councillors can fill it with canned goods and other non-
perishable items.
Then three very distinct things happened that changed
the course of this year's holiday food drive. First, the Mu-
nicipality and Forest Heights Community School Student
Government teamed up to expand the food drive to also
collect toys and warm clothes; to distribute items to food
banks in both Chester and Hubbards; and to provide col-
lected toys and warm clothes to individual families and
non-profit organizations that also work to meet those
Zachary Tarbox stands in front of the holiday drive drop-off location at the Municipal Office in Chester.
needs.
Affordable access to food and warm
clothing is getting increasingly difficult
for families for many reasons. This is
evident through the steady rise in us-
ers recorded by food banks across
Canada. Whatever the circumstances,
the choice between paying rent or buy-
ing food shouldn't exist. Jenna Wilson
(bottom right) and Mataya Hancock,
students at Forest Heights, agree. They
were the driving force behind expand-
ing the program and approaching the
Municipality.
Second, when the news got around
that we were expanding the food drive
to include toys and clothing, a real need
emerged. We became aware of families
struggling with the cost of providing
both Christmas and winter coats for
their children; an easy decision for par-
ents to understand but not so easy for
children to understand. We were able
to provide toys to a family whose home
burned down only a few days before
Christmas. Jenna and Mataya estab-
lished "clothing closets" in a couple of
locations that can be easily accessed.
Finally, we also learned of many orga-
nizations that have a need for toys and
household items for individuals and
families who have come upon difficult
times in their lives for a variety of reasons. Sometimes
just having a few items available to them means a lot.
Third, and most important by far, was the response.
The sheer support during a financially stressful time of
year for most people was remarkable. At the Municipal
Office alone, over $1500 was donated for the Lighthouse
Food Bank. Overall, 1400 food items, over 100 toys, over
a dozen boxes of household items, and two large bags
full of winter clothing like hats, mittens and coats were
collected. During the holiday drive, we experienced the
thoughtfulness, generosity, and selflessness of our resi-
dents every time they went out of their way to one of the
drop-off locations, quietly slipped a cheque to one of the
organizers, or purchased a toy specifically for one of the
children who benefitted from the drive.
We'd like to share a few of those experiences.
Zac Tarbox's (above) donation of groceries to the food
bank was pretty exceptional as he willingly used every
dollar of his savings from his allowance. You see, this year,
his new Christmas tradition is giving back to someone in
need. After discussing some possibilities with his parents,
he settled on donating to the food bank and got to work
making a shopping list that fit within his budget. Then he
dropped off his purchase, along with his outgrown skates
for PRO Kids, to the Municipal Office.
We asked him how he felt about his act of kindness and
what motivated him. Zac replied that he "felt good about
helping, like he made a difference," and seeing how ex-
pensive food was made him "grateful that he had fresh
meat, fruit and vegetables." He recommends others give
if they can, and if it's to a food bank, make a list!
Drop-off locations were positioned throughout the
Municipality. However, New Ross Consolidated School in-
fused a heap load of fun into their collection efforts. They
organized what we deemed the "Great Can Race of 2017"
on the last day of school before Christmas break where
students competed by rolling canned goods towards a fin-
ish line. First they competed within their own classrooms
and selected competitors for the finals in the gymnasium
where each heat increased in difficulty and intensity. Af-
ter much cheering, nail biting and edge-of-chair sitting, a
winner was announced! Cassandra Chaisson, Grade 8, at-
tributed the win to the size and contents of her can (black
beans). Congratulations! In the end and one very full car
later, all of the cans and many boxes of household items
were delivered to Forest Heights for distribution.
Although many individuals and businesses contributed
through donations or by hosting a drop-off location, one
business owner in particular made it her mission to raise
money and collect items for the holiday drive. Cynthia
Spraggs rallied her staff to donate items to be given to
the food bank and to sell with 100% proceeds for charity.
They raised over $1,000!
The Municipality and FHCS have an enormous list of
people to thank, and can't possibly fit everyone in these
remaining few lines. It goes without saying that anyone
who was a part of this venture, either giving or receiving,
were touched. We hope to develop this into something
bigger and better next year and look forward to working
with even more partners to do just that.
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Message from
the Warden
First off, I seriously hope all of you had a
great Christmas and Happy New Year.
In the last edition of the Insight, I gave you
a heads up about a potentially significant land
acquisition in the works. Well, it's a reality now.
Castle Rock - and 200 acres surrounding it - is
now yours to enjoy!
This acquisition, along with other recent ones
primarily acquired by way of gifts from citizens,
has prompted Council to take a serious look at
how best to take advantage of the properties
and market the unique green spaces that we
have to offer citizens and visitors alike.
In support of our Economic Development
Strategy, the Municipality is poised to purchase
a significant parcel of industrial/commercial
land in a prime location and are preparing a
development plan and marketing strategy.
The front page of this edition highlights our
evolving and unique partnership with Forest
Heights Community School students. We
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
recently held a meeting at the School with
involvement from Student Government. They
indicated their desire to help those in need in
our communities and willingness to work with
Council to achieve success.
Well, partnerships work and together, we
created an awareness supported by all of you
that made a positive impact on many families in
need. Thank you to Forest Heights students and
all of you. Great job.
During the month of December, we have had
several discussions at Council on the challenges
of facing the forestry industry, with presentations
by WestFor Mangagement and local foresters
from our Municipality. The management of
Crown lands is a provincial matter, and we
recognize this, but giving those involved the
opportunity to express themselves in a public
forum and provide potential solutions is an
important role we can play. We have committed
to holding a public forum in cooperation with
the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
and the Department of Natural Resources in the
near future.
If we can keep the conversation going and
share ideas, perhaps we can help develop a path
forward for this important local industry.
The Citizens Planning Advisory Committee
has developed a broad-based vision for the
next twenty years that we will roll out at public
forums all across our Municipality over the
next several months. This represents what we
believe we heard from you. We fully expect that
changes will need to be made. It's up to you to
let us know if we got it right, and if not, how can
we improve upon it? Please come out and let us
know what you think.
Well 2017 has been a very busy year; lots of
challenges, opportunities and successes. This
year is looking pretty active as well. Please
stay engaged in helping us give you the kind
of community that you deserve - Nova Scotia's
Treasure.
Open Data: The Municipality's LiDAR data is available
for free on a website hosted by the Province. This
technical mapping data is most used by surveyors,
engineers, and other professionals who need to
access specific land data. The data can be found at
https://nsgi.novascotia.ca/datalocator/elevation
Staff Appointments: In the absence of a Fire Inspector
(Arden Weagle accepted a position elsewhere), Brent
Haase was appointed as the Municipality's Fire
Inspector. Brent is currently our Building Inspector.
At the same time, Brent was also appointed as the
administrator for dangerous and unsightly premises.
Municipal Properties grow: In an agreement with
the Mahone Islands Conservation Association, the
Municipality took ownership of a piece of waterfront
property on Bucaneer Road in East Chester that was
donated by the late Rudy Haase, whose legacy will
live on through the many lives he inspired.
We are also working towards a purchase agreement
for a sizeable piece of property that will accommodate
a potential business park. Once it's finalized, we will
let you know!
Lastly, the famous "Castle Rock" has become an open,
public space for all to enjoy! The previous owner
approached the Municipality with an offer to sell so
it could be developed into a public area. Look in the
spring edition of Explore Life for a feature spread!
Councillor's Expenses: As part of changes to the
Municipal Government Act, we will post expenses
for councillors, the CAO and possibly others on our
website. This information has always been available
to the public, but this will be the first time we have
posted anything other than the budget and audited
financial statements on the website.
We are also developing a new Council Expense Policy
to reflect these changes, along with a hospitality
policy (guidelines for when food, accommodations,
etc. are provided to people not engaged in work for
the Municipality) and a code of conduct for councilors
and staff.
IN BRIEF...
Each Councillor serves on a number of special com-
mittees. Sometimes the public sits on these commit-
tees (Citizens Landfill Monitoring Committee); sometimes
representatives from other organizations (Regional Emer-
gency Measures); and sometimes just Councillors (Com-
mittee of the Whole).
In any scenario, the purpose of these committees is to
discuss, research, investigate and come up with the best
solutions and practices for the Municipality. These com-
mittees receive the public's input, hash out options and
address concerns.
So who decides who sits on what committee? The
Warden appoints a Nominating Committee Chair and
members (fellow councillors), and they come up with a
proposed list. Council, as a whole, either accepts it or
changes it. In the case of public members, they apply
when a position becomes available.
So what's all this matter to me? Well, maybe nothing,
but these committees are another way for residents to
either engage in the processes that govern them or facili-
tate change in those processes.
For example, consider all of the meetings that the Mu-
nicipality has held concerning the Plan Review. First, pub-
lic meetings were (and still are) held to gather input, opin-
ion and knowledge. Then, that information is translated
into possible changes to our planning documents and pre-
sented to our Planning Advisory committees to discuss,
tweak and provide perspective. At this point, members of
the Advisory Committee have a responsibility to listen to
the public's concerns and ensure they are reflected during
the discussion and decision-making stages.
At each stage of the Review, this process is followed.
The Advisory committees have representation from Coun-
cil and the public. After all of the stages of the Plan Review
are complete, proposed changes are made to the Munici-
pality's Planning documents and given to full Council for
final discussion, review, input, and approval.
If the Planning Advisory Committees did not exist, Coun-
cil would still receive the public's input, but it would hap-
pen a different way. Probably through Council meetings,
which would work, but be very cumbersome as far as the
volume of time it would take. Committees are a two-way
street. They not only provide a vehicle through which the
public can give input to Council, but also through which
Council can seek input as well.
How do you give your input, you ask? If you have an is-
sue and a committee exists that deals with those issues,
you can approach a member or contact the Municipality
to see if it can be put on a list of discussion items for a
particular committee meeting.
COUNCIL IS COMMITTEED
That's not a typo...the list for Council Committees is out
The list of members that are appointed or elected to
"Committees of Council" and "Special Committees" is list-
ed on our website at www.chester.ca or can be forwarded
to you by contacting us. Meetings are open to the public,
but some of them require appointments if you want to
present or address the committee.
A list of Committees is below along with if they have
public members or just Councillors.
• Audit & Budget (Council/Public - NEW! This commit-
tee used to be Council only, but a Terms of Reference
is being developed to include public membership)
• Building Code & Unsightly Premises (Council)
• Citizens Landfill Monitoring (Council/public)
• Citizens Planning Advisory (Council/public)
• Committee of the Whole (Council)
• Joint Building/Fire Inspection Services (Council)
• Joint Fire Services (Public)
• Landfill Consultation Committee (Council)
• Municipal Area Advisory (Council/public)
• RCMP Advisory (Council/public)
• Recreation & Parks (Council/public)
• Sherbrooke Lake Access Advisory (Council/public)
• Spectacle Lake Watershed (Council/public)
• Village Area Advisory (Council/public)
• Water Quality Monitoring - Mill Cove (Council/
public)
In addition to these Committees, Councillors are also
appointed to outside committees (like Church Memorial
Park Trustees) because partnerships exist between the
Municipality and these organizations. A Councillor is ap-
pointed to each of these:
• Bluenose Coast Action Foundation
• Church Memorial Park Trustees
• Community Use of Schools (ACES & FHCS)
• Fire Advisory
• Highway 103 Committee
• Louisiana Pacific Community Liaison
• Lunenburg County VON
• Mersey Woodlands Advisory
• Region 6 Inter-Municipal Committee
• Regional Emergency Measures
• Senior Safety Program for Lunenburg County
• South Canoe Community Liaison Committee
• South Shore Housing Action Coalition
• South Shore Regional Enterprise Network - Liaison &
Oversight Committee
• South Shore Regional Library Board
• Southwest Regional Community Advisory
• Western Region Crown Land Stakeholder Interaction
• Western Regional Housing Authority
• Zoe Valle Library Municipal Trustee
oopsies...
The civic numbering ad on page 7 of the
November/December newsletter indicated
that number plates could be ordered by
calling 902-275-2559. That isn't our phone
number. You should call 902-275-2599 to
order reflective civic number plates.
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.
Entrepreneurship Certificate Community of Practice
#16 Technology, Security and Privacy
During this workshop, we will think about, discuss, ap-
ply and practice: current technology review, computer
and internet security, securing customer data, and a
social media privacy review.
January 10, 9:00 to 12:00am FREE
Acadia Entrepreneurship Ctr, King St, Bridgewater
http://www.acadiaentrepreneurshipcentre.com/events/
Think Export Information Session
Learn what businesses need to know in order to be-
come successful exporters.
January 11, 1:00 to 4:00pm $49.00
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and
Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Pricing and 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.
January 12, 9:00am to 12:00pm $69.00
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and
Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project Information
Session for Employers (online)
This is a new employer-driven immigration program
designed to address the labour gaps of employers in
the Atlantic Provinces.
January 16, 9:00 to 10:00am FREE
http://www.isans.ca/events/
Entrepreneurship Certificate Community of Practice
#17 Lean Startup
During this workshop, we will think about, discuss, ap-
ply and practice: what is Lean Startup? What isn't it?
How to learn what your customers want fast. Avoid the
common pitfalls of startups.
January 17, 9:00am to 12:00pm FREE
Acadia Entrepreneurship Ctr, King St, Bridgewater
http://www.acadiaentrepreneurshipcentre.com/events/
FITTskills: Feasibility of International Trade
Decide whether new international trade opportunities
are viable, assess your company's readiness to take ad-
vantage of them and determine whether the potential
benefits outweigh the risks and costs.
January 17, 8:30am to 4:30pm $50.00
NS Business Inc, CO3 on King St, Bridgewater
www.novascotiabusiness.com/events
Introduction to Workplace Culture (online)
A two-hour discussion-led workshop on workplace cul-
ture showing the direct relationship between your or-
ganization's success and the building of a cross-cultur-
ally inclusive workplace. Choose one of two sessions:
January 17, 9:00 to 11:00am FREE
February 14, 9:00 to 11:00am
http://www.isans.ca/events/
Annual Meetings
Maritimes Energy Association Annual Dinner & AGM
January 17, 4:30 to 8:30pm $215.00
Westin Nova Scotia, Halifax
www.maritimesenergy.com/eventdetails.asp?ID=478
Maple Producers Association of NS Annual Meeting
January 20 FREE
Springhill Community Centre
www.novascotiamaplesyrup.com
Forest Nova Scotia 84th Annual Meeting
January 24 & 25
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront
http://forestns.ca/annual-general-meeting/
Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Assoc Annual Meeting
January 24, 11:00am to 12:00pm
Old Orchard Inn, Greenwich
Exploring Your Future
A free workshop to help you connect with who you are,
what you love and exploring your options
January 18, 9:00am to 12:00pm FREE
Acadia Entrepreneurship Ctr, King St, Bridgewater
http://www.acadiaentrepreneurshipcentre.com/events/
Entrepreneurial Client Management Education Se-
ries: Client Management, Part 1 course (online)
In this one-day introduction to working with
entrepreneurs and small business owners, we explore
some of the factors that build-and prevent-trust in
client relationships.
January 18, 10:00am to 4:00pm $300.00
Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre
http://www.acadiaentrepreneurshipcentre.com/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.
January 18, 1:00 to 4:00pm $69.00
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and
Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/event
Introduction to the Immigrant-Friendly Workplace
(online)
A two-hour workshop exploring the question, "What
makes a workplace supportive to immigrants?" Choose
one of three sessions:
January 18, 9:00 to 11:00am FREE
February 15, 9:00 to 11:00am
February 23, 9:00 to 11:00am
http://www.isans.ca/events/
So You Want to Start a Business
Examines the necessary steps to writing a business
plan.
January 19, 9:00am to 12:00pm FREE
Acadia Entrepreneurship Ctr, King St, Bridgewater
http://www.acadiaentrepreneurshipcentre.com/events/
Scotia Horticultural Congress 2018
January 22 & 23 see website for pricing
Old Orchard Inn, Greenwich
http://horticulturens.ca/scotia-horticultural-congress/
Entrepreneurship Certificate Community of Practice
#18 Seeing Opportunities
We will think about, discuss, apply and practice: chang-
ing your mind - literally, innovation vs invention, cre-
ative thinking techniques, decomposition and forced
association, metaphor, free association and synthetics.
January 24, 9:00 to 12:00am FREE
Acadia Entrepreneurship Ctr, King St, Bridgewater
http://www.acadiaentrepreneurshipcentre.com/events/
Business Building Brainstorming Session
Join us for coffee and conversation. We are offering the
space to bring forward ideas, challenges and opportu-
nities with like-minded people.
January 31, 9:00 to 11:00am FREE
Acadia Entrepreneurship Ctr, King St, Bridgewater
http://www.acadiaentrepreneurshipcentre.com/events/
SEB Orientation
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.
February 1, 9:00am to 4:00pm FREE
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and
Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Start Smart
Kick start your business ideas with CEED. Explore local
resources, be introduced to CEED's programs and ser-
vices including loans, training and the Self-Employment
Benefits Program.
February 1, 5:00pm to 6:30pm FREE
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and
Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Financing Options Panel
Hear from experienced small business financing pro-
fessionals, ask questions, and gain advice and exposure
to financing opportunities for your business.
February 2, 9:00am to 12:00pm FREE
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and
Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
Annual State of the Province with Premier McNeil
This summit is a combination of high-calibre keynote
speakers, educational sessions, networking events and
marketplace. The event culminates with the Crystal
Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner.
February 7, 11:00am to 1:30pm $114.95
Cunard Centre, Halifax
http://business.halifaxchamber.com/events/
Entrepreneurial Client Management Education Se-
ries: Client Management Part 2 (online)
This practical and experiential course builds on the con-
tent covered in "Client Management Part 1" and raches
deeper into building and managing client relationships.
February 15, 10:00am to 4:00pm $300.00
Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre
http://www.acadiaentrepreneurshipcentre.com/events/
Consulting Circle
Connect with industry experts through speed net-
working. Focus on your specific business goals and
questions, and gain consulting from several experts in
one, three-hour session.
February 16, 9:00am to 12:00pm FREE
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and
Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax
https://www.ceed.ca/events/
One of Council's strategic priorities is to assist in
the promotion and attraction of select sectors in the
Municipality. The idea is to grow, strengthen and
expand our business community.
A "sector" is a part or category of industry or
economy. For example, the manufacturing sector
would include businesses like plants that mass
produce their products.
The retail sector would
include businesses like
gift shops or hardware
stores.
The overall objective of this project is to prioritize
and create sustainable sector strategies and action
plans within each of the key sectors to support
long-term, diversified growth in the Municipality
of Chester. This project has been broken into three
phases:
Phase 1 is the Sector Opportunity Assessment.
We will prioritize and create sustainable sector
strategies and investment targets for growth within
each of the key sectors.
Phase 2 is Investment Attraction Strategy. The
creation of sector-specific marketing plans to
provide direction for the Municipality to effectively
implement the recommendations of the Sector
Opportunity Assessment.
Finally, Phase 3 is the Execution Phase where we
will build out the creative, digital, and video media
required to support implementation of the strategies
and plans.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Municipality begins strategy for growth
Events listed on our website have more details than those listed here. Visit us online!4
Friday, Jan. 12 Plaid & Black plays at New Ross Legion, 8:30pm. Mem-
bers/guests 19 yrs +. Call 902-689-2650.
Saturday, Jan. 13
Church Fundraising
Breakfast
St. Martin's Anglican Church Hall, Martins
River, 7-11am.
Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Country Jamboree Little Red School, Canaan, 7-10pm.
Sunday, Jan. 14 Variety Show Forties Community Centre, 1:30-4:00pm.
Call 902-689-2000 or 902-689-2612.
Friday, Jan. 19
Jimmy Buffett with
Steve Cochrane &
Aaron Warren
New Ross Legion, 8:30-11:30pm.
Members and guests 19 yrs & over. Call
902-689-2650.
Saturday, Jan. 20 Breakfast District #1 Community Centre, Blandford,
9-11am.
Sunday, Jan. 21 Crib Tournament Chester Legion, 1pm.
Friday, Jan. 26 Tony & Lenny New Ross Legion 8:30pm. Members/
guests 19 yrs +. Call 902-689-2650.
Saturday, Jan. 27 Newfie Breakfast Chester Basin Legion, 7:30-10:30am.
Friday, Feb. 2 Triple Threat New Ross Legion 8:30pm. Members/
guests 19 yrs +. Call 902-689-2650.
Saturday, Feb. 3 Country Breakfast Chester Basin Fire Hall, 7:30-10:30am.
Every Tuesday
starting January 9 Jam Matinee Chester Basin Legion, 2:00-4:30pm.
Acoustic only.
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.
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Message from the OHC Association Board
Our Health Centre was built to deliver community
based, collaborative health care to the residents of
Chester Municipality and surrounding areas. But
what does ‘collaborative health care’ really mean?
We agree with the Nova Scotia Health Authority
that interprofessional collaborative family practice
teams within the primary care system are key. We
also believe it means that the Nova Scotia Health Au-
thority and its agents (doctors, nurse practitioners,
mental health and addictions folks, diabetes educa-
tors, public health and continuing care, etc.) should
view community resources as vital partners in
achieving healthier communities. This goes beyond
recognition, to actively and collaboratively foster
such partnerships. This means making space, how-
ever tiny, in a doctor’s day to learn about the great
new recreation programs being offered, or how the
family resource centre can help a young mom. This
also means that we need to see everything through
a social determinants lens. The social determinants
of health influence the health of populations. They
include income and social status; social support net-
works; education; employment/working conditions;
social environments; physical environments; per-
sonal health practices and coping skills; healthy child
development; gender; and culture.
We agree with NSHA that working with our com-
munities and our providers as partners throughout
the journey is of primary importance. We admit,
though, that we have a long way to go and lots to
learn but we are determined at OHC that we will be
successful. To that end, we continue to work with
NSHA to achieve the right balance of primary care
providers within the Clinic at OHC and to delivering
programs at OHC that will help support healthy life-
styles. We also recognize that there are other excel-
lent community resources, not at OHC, that can help
our community achieve better health outcomes and
we will be sure to tell you about them.
Happy New Year and all the best for 2018.
Although our beloved Trishe Colman will fondly
be in our hearts (and occasionally on our Facebook
page), we are most delighted to welcome the effer-
vescent Nadine Hackney.
Nadine has taken on the role of Community De-
velopment Coordinator, which is a slightly revised
version of the previous position that Trishe held. The
role of this permanent part-time position includes
supporting the Recreation & Parks Department by of-
fering diverse recreation opportunities and support-
ing community-based organizations and initiatives.
Over the next year, part of Nadine's time will be
spent focusing on coordinating the community use
of New Ross Consolidated School. She is excited to
see what opportunities evolve through this project
and is looking forward to working with the residents
of such a vibrant community!
Nadine has worked in the recreation field for al-
most 10 years with a focus on youth and outdoor
education. She lives in the community of Hubbards
and is a board member of the Hubbards Area Rec-
reation Association as well as active community gar-
den volunteer.
This position is evolving and adapting to the inter-
ests and needs of the community, so if your organiza-
tion is looking for support, networking or collabora-
tion, please contact Nadine by calling 902-275-3490,
or emailing nhackney@chester.ca or stop in!
Everyone, this is Nadine.Nadine, this is Everyone.
Most of our grant applications are available for download online at www.chester.ca 5
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
October 31 marked the deadline for the
second round of the Council and Tourism
grant programs. The deadline for recreation-
based grants was October 6, however, not all of
the budget was used so a second call went out
for that program as well. The deadline to apply
for second-round funding from Recreation is
January 26, 2018.
To the right is a table with all of the organiza-
tions and individuals who received funding since
June except Canada 150 Grants as they have
mostly been reported in the newsletter already.
To see a full listing of grants, including Canada
150, look under "Grants and Sponsorship" un-
der the Engage menu on our website. Below is
a list and description of the Municipality's grant
programs, including those accessed this past six
months.
Canada 150 grants: This one-time grant was
available to non-profit groups for community
events and initiatives that commemmorated
Canada's 150th birthday. Each district received
$5,000 to divvy among groups who applied. Out
of the $45,000 designated to this fund (through
the Wind Revenue Policy), $35,000 was ear-
marked for groups and the rest was earmarked
for swag and to pay for travel and accommo-
dations for a resident to join NOW Lunenburg
County at a select location during their cross-
country tour as the Municipality's ambassador.
No one applied for the trip, so the unused mon-
ey went back into the fund only for a portion
of it to be used for more swag because the de-
mand was so high!
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 initia-
tives are tourism-related. DEADLINE is May 31
and October 31.
PRO Kids: This program provides financial as-
sistance to youth for sport and recreational ac-
tivities. Applicants must be 18 years and under
and live in the Municipality of Chester. Applica-
tions are confidentially received all year.
Recreation Grants: The deadline for this year
was October 6, 2017. These grants are available
as support to non-profit groups within the Mu-
nicipality of Chester who offer recreational op-
portunities 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 provincial, national, or international levels.
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 leadership posi-
tions. There is a catch: the skills and knowledge
gained must be used to teach within the Munici-
pality at least once.
MUNICIPAL GRANTS REPORT Some grant programs for 2017-18 wrap up for the year
ORGANIZATION APPROVED GRANT USED TOWARDS...
2 Bays 4H Club $ 50.00 Travel expenses for tug of war competitions
Aspotogan Arts & Crafts 500.00 Art supplies for seniors program
Aspotogan Recreation Association 2,500.00 Programs, activities, playground equipment, rent,
and instructors
Blandford & Area Historical Society 500.00 Publishing "Pictorical History of Blandford"
Blandford Seaside Seniors Club 2,000.00 Social, recreational and spiritual events
Charing Cross Garden Club 500.00 Purchase and maintain hanging baskets
Chester Brass Band 1,000.00 Support the summer Bandstand Concert Series
Chester Duplicate Bridge Club 800.00 Purchase of an electronic clock and 12-side table
Chester Garden Club 500.00 Maintenance of Cove Garden, Parade Square, and
Post Office bulletin board area.
Chester Minor Hockey 2,000.00 Development ice time to train players
Chester Playhouse 2,000.00 Support two matinee performances for school
groups and families
Church Memorial Park 50,000.00 Annual grant
Engage Nova Scotia 500.00 Public engagement clinic
Fire Inspectors Association of NS 250.00 FIANS Fall Conference sponsorship
Forties Garden Club 1,000.00 NS Assoc of Garden Clubs Dist 5 meeting/workshop
Friends of Chester Competitive Dancers 1,000.00 Assist with dance fees (competition, costumes and
training)
Heritage Handwork 1,000.00 Rent, tools, equipment, refreshments, photos
Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia 500.00 Adopt 10, Grade 8 students for Economics for
Success Program
Lunenburg County Crime Prevention Assoc.250.00 Purchase of a new laptop computer
New Ross Consolidated School 2,400.00 Six hover cams for student and community use
New Ross Country Market Co-op Ltd.2,000.00 Steel roof, plywood for booths, landscaping and
benches
New Ross Legion (Designated Comm Fund)2,100.00 Collected donations on their behalf and returned
them to the Legion for work to cenotaph and patio
Red Bear Healing Home Society 200.00 Free voicemail to those living in poverty
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 88, Chester Basin 1,000.00 Remembrance Day ceremony
Rural Roots Market 1,817.00 Market advertising, workshop, festival
South Shore Seniors Society 1,500.00 Recreation activities, bus trips and outings
Western Riptides 500.00 Female Hockey on the Hill Tournament in Ottawa
Brianna MacDonald 228.00 Yoga in Your School program (leadership)
Crystal Fraughton 228.00 Yoga in Your School program (leadership)
Gwen Hamm 500.00 Halifax Yoga Teacher training (leadership)
Natalie Baker 500.00 Quinte Ballet School of Canada (leadership)
Natalie Dockrill 228.00 Yoga in Your School program (leadership)
Mya Dockrill 228.00 Yoga in Your School program (leadership)
Wanda O. Broome 187.00 Seniors Fitness Instructor course (leadership)
Cohen Perry 500.00 Youth Guns Hockey Tournament (Sponsorship)
Isabella Noble 500.00 NS U15 Girls Volleyball - Eastern Elites (Sponsorship)
Matthew Chandler 500.00 Canadian Junior Boys Golf Championship
(Sponsorship)
Tiara & Corrinne White 540.00 Atlantic Bantam Female AAA Hockey
Championships (Sponsorship)
TOTAL $82,506.00
There is $6,000 remaining in Recreation
Grant Funding for the 2017-18 fiscal
year. If your group has not received a
Council or Recreation Grant this year
and you have a project in mind, please
submit a completed application by the
deadline of Friday, January 26, 2018.
Nominate a Volunteer!
Nominate a volunteer from your non-profit group to be recognized at our Volunteer Awards
Ceremony in April. They could even be selected to represent the Municipality of Chester at
the Provincial Awards Ceremony in Halifax. You have until Friday, January 26, 2018 to submit
a nomination form at http://www.chester.ca/explore/volunteers/celebrate-volunteers or
drop in to the Recreation & Parks Department at 151 King Street or call 902-275-3490.
Recreation Start-up grants: This is available
to newly-formed, non-profit organizations in the
Municipality of Chester. Often, there are addi-
tional grants available through Provincial or Fed-
eral funding, so a conversation with the Director
of Recreation is encouraged before a group ap-
plies for any funding under this program.
Groups can only apply for and receive one
grant per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). Coun-
cil, Tourism, Recreation and Major Projects
grants are only available to non-profit organiza-
tions. The rest are for individuals who live in the
Municipality of Chester.
To learn more about Municipal funding, visit
our website at www.chester.ca where applica-
tions are found under "Engage". Criteria is out-
lined on the first page of each form. If you don't
find an application, please call 902-275-3490.
PROPERTY SERVICES
6Subscribe to electronic waste collection notices at www.chester.ca under the Engage menu or click "subscribe" on the homepage.
Dear Shabby,
I own a business in the area and work hard at it.
I appreciate local patronage, but what I don't ap-
preciate is people using my dumpster for their own
waste. Most of the time, it's unsorted and I get the
blame for it. What some people don't know is that
I have to pay for the dumpster in the first place.
Not only that, my bag limits are the same as theirs:
one black bag and five clear bags of garbage and
ten bags of recyclables. As a business, I have more
than that, which means I have to pay extra. Don't
get me wrong, if you legitimately miss your waste
collection day, I sympathize. However, I don't sym-
pathize enough to pay for your waste disposal, ES-
PECIALLY since it's unnecessary. Just sort your
garbage and put it at the end of your driveway like
everyone else has to. If you miss your waste collec-
tion, make the beautiful drive to the landfill and
drop it off...STILL free for you.
~ signed Ranting in
Hubbards
Dear “Ranting”:
I couldn't agree more. Here's something you may
not know: placing garbage on another person's
property without their permission is illegal dump-
ing and subject to fines by the Province. Invest in
a camera and you may find that what you save in
extra waste collection will pay for it.
********************************************************
Dear Shabby
Friendly waste disposal advice
Dear Shabby,
I didn't receive my Waste Collection Calendar for
2018 yet...any idea where it is? In the meantime,
can you give me the run down on what is coming
my way in the New Year?
~ signed Anxiously Awaiting in
Marvins Island
Dear “Anxiously”:
In answer to your first question, your Calendar
might be stuck in "mail traffic" due to the recent
holidays. I'd give it a few more days and then call
Kaizer Meadow at 902-275-2330 and ask for one. If
you can't wait that long or prefer an electronic ver-
sion, it's also online under the Live menu at www.
chester.ca
SPOILER ALERT: Nothing really new this sea-
son: paper cups are still garbage, paper bags are still
preferred as green cart liners, and Kaizer Meadow
is still open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Saturday
(even most holidays, including Heritage Day on
February 19).
As an aside, if your tree is looking a little less "fes-
tive" than it once did and there are more needles
on the floor than on the branches, it may be time to
say goodbye to it. Christmas tree collection is from
January 15 to 27, 2018. Unless you are like me and
your tree goes in a box in your attic every year.
********************************************************
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 under the Engage menu.
Don't believe the “flushable” label on a
package of disposable wipes as they are
not as flushable as one is led to believe.
These wipes, which are more commonly used
as a cleaning tool, are becoming a nasty and ex-
pensive problem in municipal sewer systems.
Although, these wipes have a variety of uses
from household cleaning to hand sanitization,
it’s the use of the personal wipes which have ex-
panded from babies to adults that are causing
the biggest headache for municipal sewer sys-
tem operators.
These non-woven, “strong and thick”, adult
personal cloths get stuck in sewer pipes and
pumps, creating clogs and very expensive infra-
structure repairs. The more durable the mate-
rial, the larger the risk.
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
However, these are not the only cloths found
clogging our infrastructure: face cloths and tow-
els are among other items regularly found (see
the photo on the right of a rag found recently in
one of our pumps).
Once the cloth is stuck, it will collect other
things, such as toilet paper, and then create a
blockage. Before you know it, a back-up occurs
resulting in issues for the property owner along
with unnecessary infrastructure costs to the
Municipality and ratepayer; literally money go-
ing down the drain.
So if you are unsure whether the wipes are
truly flushable then there is only one solution;
when in doubt, throw it out. There is never a
good time to flush cloth down the toilet. Please
put them in their place: the garbage.
TO FLUSH, OR NOT TO FLUSH
that is a question you might be asking yourself...we have answers
A rag stuck in a municipal sewer pump, a regular occurrence unfortunately.
For other do's and don’ts, contact the Engi-
neering and Public Works office by calling 902-
275-1312 or emailing publicworks@chester.ca
WINTER WASTE WORRIES?
There are two scenarios for the cancellation of
waste collection.
If waste collection is pre-cancelled (by 3:00pm
the day before a predicted storm), then that
day’s waste will be collected on the following
Saturday. If waste collection is cancelled during
a storm because roads have become too difficult
to travel on, then the rest of that day’s waste
will be collected on the very next day.
To be sure, visit our website and look for col-
lection notices under the "Live" menu. Or, call
Kaizer Meadow at 902-275-2330 or listen to
CKBW. Put your waste curbside by 8:00 am.
Also:
• Private roads must be salted/sanded and
plowed before collection by the homeown-
ers who live on that road.
• Remove uncollected waste from the curb,
or the plow will do it for you.
• Be sure your collection box/area is shov-
eled/plowed.
• If there are side roads that cannot be col-
lected due to icy conditions, a list will be
posted on the website.
We may not be available 24/7, but our website is. Visit us at www.chester.ca
PROPERTY SERVICES
7
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.
• A resident with three bicycles to donate
complimented our bike recycling
program. The Municipality promotes and
participates in a program called Bikes for
Kids where we collect and refurbish used
bikes and then distribute them to kids
who don't have one! This kind donor
thinks our program is "terrific"! Well, we
think you're pretty terrific yourself for
donating three bicycles!
• We received a complaint and an offer all
in one. The complaint was around owners
letting their dogs run off leash
in public areas. The complaint
mainly centered around the
over-friendliness of loose dogs, but the
friendly nature is not always evident up front
and is only evident after the jumping on
unsuspecting pedestrians has begun!
Secondary to that, although this person isn't
usually leery of large dogs, they recognize that
some are, including their own partner who has
been bitten and won't go for walks anymore
because of off-leash pets. This person's offer
was to help the Municipality enforce the
regulation that's in place, prohibiting dogs
to be off their leash in public. Unfortunately,
it's not our regulation so we ceded to the
Department of Natural Resources since the
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
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 PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Two Public Auctions by the Treasurer of the Mu-
nicipality of Chester will be held on Tuesday, Janu-
ary 23, 2018 at 10:00am and 2:00pm unless, be-
fore the date of the tax sale, total amounts owing
are paid in full. The Tax Sale will be held at the
Municipal Building at 151 King Street, Chester.
TERMS OF THE SALE: Cash, money order, bank
draft, lawyers trust cheque, certified cheque or
debit card (Before date of sale verify with your
bank the amount of your available daily limit)
NOT credit card – for the amount specified for the
property at the time of the sale. Any excess to be
paid similarly by 12:00 Noon, on January 26.
If you want to view the properties, please stop
in to the Municipal Office between 8:30am and
4:30pm or visit our website at http://www.ches-
ter.ca/live/taxation-services/tax-sales
What is a Tax Sale?
• A list is prepared of properties to be sold. Tax
accounts that are two years in arrears are
eligible for tax sale;
• Preliminary notices are mailed to customers
stating that tax sale procedures will begin in
14 days (or longer if Council so determines);
• A title search is carried out and survey if
needed;
• The Notice of Tax Sale is served, and the Sale
will be held no earlier than 60 days after the
Notice;
• When the Tax Sale closes, purchasers have
three days to submit full payment;
• The Municipality issues the certificate of
sale to purchaser, records it at the Registry
of Deeds, and sends it to the original owner
along with a notice of "right to redeem" if
applicable;
• The Municipality then issues a tax deed (at
the request of the purchaser) and upon fee
payment provided the right to redeem has not
been exercised (the right to redeem expires
six months after the tax sale); and
• If the property owner comes in to pay the
arrears (and all expenses associated with the
Sale) before the final step, they can assume
ownership again.
1-888-664-6998(after hours)
Report sewer-related issues or emergencies
and starting this year...
also report condition of municipal roads and sidewalks
offence took place at a Provincial Park.
Incidentally, there is an off-leash dog park in
Chester Grant for those interested. It's not
free, but it might be cheaper than a fine.
Two interesting projects are happening at
Kaizer Meadow Landfill other than the ob-
vious Sustane project (whose facility should be
operational next year).
Interesting project #1
The Municipality was approached by not one,
but two companies who want to explore the po-
tential of harnessing methane gas at the Land-
fill. One of the companies will apply for fund-
ing with the federal government on our behalf
to conduct an exploratory survey of the quality
and quantity of gas at Kaizer Meadow. Then,
they will provide us with the results along with a
recommendation to either use the gas commer-
cially or remediate it. The cost is free.
Interesting project #2
Minas Energy proposed that the Municipal-
ity look into investing in an on-site wet anaero-
bic digester project that would process 7,000
tonnes of municipal source-separated organics
(green cart material) per year using material
from our own waste collection and that from
the Municipality of Lunenburg.
This project, because it has the potential to
also produce energy, falls under our COMFIT ap-
proval. Incidentally, the Province set an expiry
on COMFIT and isn't expected to renew any ap-
provals, which means if the Municipality is going
to proceed with an energy-producing initiatives
that fall under this program, we have to do so by
February 2019.
Council agreed to proceed with a feasability
study at a cost of $70,000. Minas Energy will
manage the assessment phase and apply to the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities under
their funding programs.
RESOURCE-FULL
• Captains Way, Aspotogan
• Commodore Drive, Aspotogan
• Endeavour Avenue, East River
• Foxwood Drive, Mill Cove
• Lake Road, Mill Cove
• Landing Drive West, East River
• Millennium Drive, Chester
• Parkwood Drive, Mill Cove
Please report poor conditions of these roads and sidewalks to the Engineering & Public Works
Department at 902-275-1312 during working hours (8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday) and
the above number outside of these hours:
Municipal Road locations Municipal Sidewalk locations
• Chester Basin
• Chester Village
• Hubbards
• Mill Cove
• New Ross
• Western Shore
ATTENTION MORTGAGE HOLDERS:
Starting in April, the Municipality will issue property tax bills to ALL customers - even those who
hold mortgages with a bank that pays their property taxes on their behalf.
If your property taxes are included in your mortgage payment, and the bank pays us on your behalf,
you will now receive a copy of your property tax bill for your own records only. DO NOT PAY IT as
the bank will continue to pay your property taxes for you until your mortgage agreement expires.
The copy of your property tax bill that you will receive in April is for your own information ONLY.
We issue property tax bills twice a year: April and September. When you receive it, you do not have
to take any action except to file it with your other papers. If you have any questions, please call us
at 902-275-3554 or email us at administration@chester.ca
Tweet of the Week
Our most popular post on Twitter in November...
Oh Municipal Awareness Week...good times!
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!
We are almost at the end of another
fiscal year and another year of being
the proud owners of the wind turbine at Kaizer
Meadow Environmental Management Centre.
Even though we post monthly statistics online
with regard to production and revenue from the
wind tower, we only post the last seven months
worth of data. Below is the last twelve available
months showing the predicted performance
alongside the actual performance in terms of
production and revenue, according to Nova Sco-
tia Power.
Also shown is something called "relative per-Community Snapshot
A few things you may have enjoyed or missed...
• Top row - Municipal Awareness Week was from November 20 to 26. The Municipality
celebrated in fine style by offering events throughout the week, including (left to right)
a classroom presentation at New Ross Consolidated School about our partnership with
emergency responders (seen is rookie K-9 officer Kaiden showing District 6 Councillor Tina
Connors some puppy love); smores at the Kaizer Meadow wind tower where we featured
waste management and alternative energy; "parachuting" with kids at our Family Day at
one of the Municipality's many public green spaces - Gold River playground; and what our
Committee of the Whole meeting at Forest Heights Community School looked like online
through Facebook Live.
• To the left - Bike Day was a fun and active event held in New Ross in October. People of all
ages came to ride the trails at Ross Farm, which isn't a regular occurrence and one to take
advantage of to be sure as they aren't usually open to the public. Gord and Jody from the
Recreation & Parks Department guided groups through the trails while Tina Connors, Susan
Larder and Sheena Isenor provided hot cider!
If you have a community photo, please share with us! Email communications@chester.ca