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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-04_MunicipalInsight-compressedmunicipal insight “Keeping informed about April/May 2018 your municipal government” In the Municipality of the District of Chester this spring... Best job everrrrr! This is our friend Darren... Oh yeah...and this is happening... Recreation & Parks is Meet our Provincial Just kidding! We are looking for students this Volunteer for 2018! TOTALLY excited about summer on Page 2. (Page 4) this!! Find out on Page 7. EXPRESS YOURSELFIE (x 600) Municipality embarks on journey of expression through art The Municipality of Chester is a haven for creativity, which is why Council knew we could handle this. Some time ago, Councillors received an email from Mosaic Canada Murals, personally inviting residents of the Municipality to take part in a nationwide, collaborative art project. The invita- tion recognized our "unique design" and lead- ership, and the organization felt that we would be a perfect match for this illustration in diver- sity. We couldn't agree more given the diversity within our own boundaries. Mosaic Canada Murals started in 2015 to cel- ebrate Canada's 150th birthday. The purpose then, as is the purpose now, was to represent all provinces and territories in one, unique master- piece. The goal was to connect all of the individ- ual murals as one to reflect Canada's celebrated cultural differences. Each coast-to-coast mural is designed by Key Artist Lewis Lavoie, one of the founding artists who has been creating "collective murals" since 2003. Murals created by Lewis and his team were featured at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the 2012 Summer Olympics in Lon- don, and the Alberta-Saskatchewan Centennial of 2005 among other high profile events, includ- ing a Royal unveiling for Queen Elizabeth II. How it works Residents of the Municipality of Chester will come together over three days to paint four hundred tiles in their own styles depicting what they feel is representative of the Municipality's lifestyle, landscape, and people. This is com- pletely open to individual interpretation. Those four hundred tiles will be combined with roughly two hundred "foundation tiles" painted by two artists who will travel to the Municipal- ity to do the work and facilitate workshops for residents. The "foundation tiles" will structure the mural's theme. The Grade 11 Forest Heights Art Class has some fun in front of the lens after a brainstorming session to help come up with the 2018 Canada Mosaic theme. Mosaic Canada Murals will come up with the overall design of the theme taking concept sug- gestions from Forest Heights Community School students. Our individual tiles, along with the artists' tiles, will be united in the larger legacy piece (8'x8') that will represent the Municipality of Chester. Motifs presented by students of Forest Heights Community School include, • boats (sailing and fishing) • trees - both Christmas trees and forestry aspects • First Nations community • oxen • Oak Island mystery • beaches • lobster • farming • lupins • barrel making The only other community that is representing An example of a mural done though Mosaic Canada Murals. This piece represents New Brunswick during Canada 150. Nova Scotia with a mural is Sackville. Our mural, coupled with Sackville's, will join all others from one coast to the other to form Canada's massive overall mural. The national theme is a railroad, with each community mural representing a rail- road car. The project will cost $12,500, which cov- ers the price of supplies and travel for the art- ists. Supplies include almost six hundred 4"x 4" aluminum tiles, paints, and brushes. After the mural is complete, Canada Mosaic will mount, clearcoat, and photograph it as well as provide us with twenty-five poster prints and space on their website. If you want to literally make your mark and have it be a part of this legacy masterpiece, please plan to attend one of the hour-long workshops on May 9 at St. Stephen's Commu- nity Hall. Times available are 10:00 am, 11:15 am, 2:00 pm, 3:15 pm, 6:00 pm, and 7:15 pm. Two workshops are also available on May 10 at Forest Heights Community School at 6:00 pm or 7:15 pm. Students at Forest Heights as well as Chester Area Middle School will have additional sessions during their school day. Please let us know you're coming by pre-regis- tering with the Recreation & Parks Department. Call them at 902-275-3490 or register online at ca.apm.activecommunities.com/doc Our hope is to showcase the community mu- ral at events and various locales, but when not in use it will stay in the foyer of Forest Heights Community School. For more information about the project itself, please contact the Recreation & Parks Depart- ment via email at recreation@chester.ca or call the number above. For information about Mo- saic Canada Murals, visit their website at canada150mosaic.com MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Message from the Warden Well, spring is finally here. We got lucky, and up until the last couple of weeks, it was a pretty easy winter weather-wise. The only exception seems to be that the wind has been blowing a bit much, but on the bright side, our wind turbine is set to exceed revenue expections, and I understand that South Canoe is projecting a very good year. Not surprising! Public engagement in the Plan ReVISION process is about to get into high gear with open houses and town hall meetings set to begin April 9 and run through until May 28. I hope as many of you as possible will come see what the Citizens Planning Advisory Committee has come up with and offer your opinion on our path forward over the next 20 years. We have another exciting project that you may have heard about. We are about to embark on the creation of a legacy project called a Mosaic Canada Mural. This is an art project being created with professional help, the support of the art classes and students at Forest Heights Community School and Chester Area Middle School, and artistic groups from across the Municipality. We need about 400 individual tiles to be created, so if you want to join in, we will hold two painting workshops: one on May 9 and the second on May 10. Hope to see you there. It's time to recognize the enormous effort and commitment to communities that our many volunteers display each and every day as on April 9, the Provincial Volunteer Awards will take place, and on April 18, our local appreciation event will be held in the community of New Ross. Proposals for anaerobic digestion technologies have been received and are currently being evaluated for sustainability and cost effectiveness for Kaizer Meadow. Stay tuned. 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 The Province has recently made a funding announcement concerning improving rural internet in communities that are underserviced. We are well aware that there are locations in our Municipality that fall into this category. The details are still somewhat unclear, but we hope to work with the Province and the private sector in order to ensure our needs are met and are sustainable over the long term. Well, spring is also budget time, and although it is too early in the process to make any firm predictions, it is a time when decisions do have to be made for a variety of reasons; one of which is contractual obligations. To that end, the Municipality of Chester has given formal notice to the Province of Nova Scotia and our municipal partners that form the South Shore Regional Enterprise Network of our intention to withdraw from the organization effective March 31, 2019. This decision was not taken lightly nor without considerable discussion, with our partners in Lunenburg County in particular. This does not mean that we are not committed to a regional approach to economic development where and when it makes sense, but we believe that the current structure stretching from Hubbards to Shelburne is too large, too diverse, and does not adequately represent historical and readily accepted geographic trading patterns. As a result, a cohesive and targetted regional plan was difficult to craft and make effective. Over the course of the next several weeks, and as a group, we will discuss a new path forward that more effectively meets our needs. We will also seek input from others, consult with the Province, and attempt to ensure that a path forward can be put in place that does not adversely affect other current members of the REN. We have been working with the other municipal units in Lunenburg County to find ways in which we can better cooperate on a county basis to enhance service delivery and be more effective and sustainable local governments. I believe there is a willingness to continue with this approach and find practical solutions that work for us all. Economic development certainly provides us with an opportunity to achieve that goal. As always, there is lots going on and a number of upcoming events for all of you to get involved in. We need your input (and your artistic skills). Sincerely, Staff Changes: Garth Sturtevant, previously our Planning Assistant, has taken the position of Planner in the Community Development Department. This position became vacant when William (Bill) DeGrace announced his retirement before Christmas. Garth accepted the position at the end of January. Also, join us in congratulating Christa Rafuse as she transitions from the Engineering & Public Works Department to the Director Of Solid Waste. On Air Donation: The Health Services Foundation of the South Shore took to the air waves on Valentine's Day to raise money for a much-needed ultrasound machine. Thanks to the campaign, their goal of raising $150,000 was almost realized that very day! Our own Councillor Danielle Barkhouse presented the Foundation with a cheque from MODC for $1,000 and spent a little time with the CKBW/Hank FM crew. Great job everyone and congratulations on your new ultrasound machine, which is in place. New opportunity!: Non-profit groups now have another advertising opportunity with us. The Explore Life Recreation Guide will have a section that groups can use to promote activities. Please email your submissions to recreation@chester.ca or call the Recreation & Parks Department at 902-275-3490. Sponsorship Grants: Council approved three youth sponsorship applications: Kate MacKinnon was invited to compete at the Snowboard Cross Nationals in Kelowna, BC. and received $600 to do so; Adam Cox attended the U21 Curling Nationals in Shawinigan, PQ and was awarded $400; and Jenna Turner received $700 towards her competition as part of Team NS U14 Soccer in Vancouver. Congratulations to all! IN BRIEF... Throughout Canada, an ongoing and proac- tive review of municipal policies is an es- tablished ‘best practice’ and helps local govern- ments respond to the specific contexts of their residents and other stakeholders. Our Council recognized the importance of an active and rel- evant policy framework by including ‘policy re- view’ as a 2017-18 Strategic Priority. Done right and done well, policies are a guide rather than a substitute to decision-making. They help pro- vide a consistent yet flexible framework that gives direction and authorizes delegation so that a municipality may best be able to serve its residents and their needs. This is an ideal time to undertake policy re- view. Recent changes to the Municipal Govern- ment Act, for example, require all municipalities to develop and adopt an Expense Policy, a Hos- pitality Policy, and an associated Code of Con- duct. These are legislated policy requirements that will set down, and augment still further, governance practices that already exist. Expect to see options for the scope of these policies be- POLICY REVIEW BEGINS Council starts task of updating current municipal policies fore Council this spring. Other policy review work is necessary be- cause, over time, changes in content and con- texts for which some policies were adopted have led to some inconsistencies in our overall policy framework. Outdated policies run the risk of providing unclear guidance for Council, staff, and residents. Clearly, there is a need for an ongoing policy review process to ensure our policy framework is current. To that end, each Committee of the Whole Agenda will have ‘Pol- icy Development/Review’ as a standing agenda item. As policies are reviewed, there may be amend- ments, repeals, or no action. The public has an opportunity to give input on proposed amend- ments. Unless it's an emergency, proposed changes to policies are usually advertised on our website, in the local newspaper, and if timing is appropriate, within this newsletter. For informa- tion on the policy review process, contact the Municipal Clerk, Pam Myra, at 902-275-3554. The Municipality of Chester Recreation & Parks Department is seeking applications from students who would like to be part of our summer staff team. You will organize special events and plan summer recreation programs. If you are creative, outgoing, energetic and enjoy working with youth and the public, you have until Friday, April 20 to submit your resume to: Municipality of Chester Recreation & Parks Department ATTN: Mr. Jody Conrad 151 King Street P O Box 369 Chester NS B0J 1J0 email: jconrad@chester.ca phone: (902) 275-2712 fax: (902) 275-3630 NEED A JOB THIS SUMMER? LOCAL BUSINESS "WhyHere" videos marketing our local businesses are online at www.chester.ca 3 This 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. Introduction to Workplace Culture (online) A discussion-led workshop on workshop culture showing the direct relationship between your orga- nization's success and the building of a cross-cultur- ally inclusive workplace. April 18, 9:00 to 11:00am FREE http://www.isans.ca/events/ Blast Off to Business 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. Choose one of two sessions: April 24 to 26, 8:30am to 4:30pm $295.00 May 22 to 24, 8:30am to 4:30pm Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax https://www.ceed.ca/event SEB Orientation This 40-week program is for those who are Employ- ment Insurance eligible, providing them with income and entrepreneurial support as they start a business. May 3, 9:00am to 4:00pm FREE Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax https://www.ceed.ca/events/ Start Smart Explore local resources, be introduced to CEED's programs and services including loans, training and the Self-Employment Benefits Program. May 3, 5:00 to 6:30pm FREE Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax https://www.ceed.ca/events/ Building Your Online Brand Develop creative ways to ensure your online invest- ment is rewarded – with sales! Drive sales, gener- ate leads and build your online brand with practical and easy to use tools, maximizing your online pres- ence. Explore digital marketing tools including video and websites, podcasts, emails, social media and e- newsletters; build your online brand through web- sites, blogging and online engagement, and connect with your consumer through digital media. April 10, 1:00 to 4:00pm $99.00 Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax https://www.ceed.ca/events/ Introduction to the "Immigrant- Friendly"Workplace (online) A two-hour workshop on workshop exploring the question "What makes a workplace supportive to immigrants?" April 19, 9:00 to 11:00am FREE http://www.isans.ca/events/ Smart Energy Event Network with over 250 delegates and speakers from across North America to discuss clean energy trends, storage innovations, electric vehicles, efficiency practices, tidal and ocean technologies and listen in on five pitches from the region's top energy startups during the Pitch Event. April 24 to 25 Maritimes Energy Association http://smartenergyevent.ca/ 2018 Nova Scotia Trade Mission Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas Join the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Maritimes Energy Association on a trade mission to Houston, Texas to participate in the 2018 Offshore Technology Conference. April 30 to May 3 http://www.maritimesenergy.com/ Operations for Small Business Creating a vision for your operations will provide a framework for success. Explore how to determine who does what, where, when, how and why. May 2, 9:00am to 12:00pm $69.00 Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax https://www.ceed.ca/event Spring Dinner: Explore Insights to the Deep Opportunities of our Ocean Playground Halifax Chamber of Commerce will host this session where you will learn about ocean innovations, tech- nology and the economic impact of Nova Scotia's ocean industries. May 2, 5:00 to 9:00pm $330.00 Halifax Convention Centre http://business.halifaxchamber.com/events/ Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Program For immigrant women who want to develop or en- hance their business skills. Topics include business plan writing, market research, rules and regulations, legal issues, marketing, financial management, com- munication, operations, administration, and net- working. Every Monday and Wednesday 6:00 to 8:00pm FREE Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, Mumford Road, Halifax http://www.isans.ca/events/ Money Matters Hear from experienced small business financing pro- fessionals, have the opportunity to ask questions, and gain advice and exposure to financing opportu- nities for your business. May 4, 9:00am to 12:00pm FREE Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax https://www.ceed.ca/event Atlantic Business Magazine Top 50 CEO Awards Join celebrity emcee, March Critch from This Hour has 22 Minutes and special presentation by John Risley. May 9, 4:30 to 9:30pm $250.00 Halifax Convention Centre https://www.atlanticbusinessmagazine.net/ Consulting Circle Connect with industry experts through speed net- working sessions. Focus on your specific business goals and questions, and gain consulting from sev- eral experts in one three-hour session. May 11, 9:00am to 12:00pm FREE Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, Bayers Road Centre, Halifax https://www.ceed.ca/event Rendez-vous Canada 2018 Rendez-vous Canada is Canada's premier interna- tional tourism marketplace. Four days. More than 1800 tourism professionals. Eleven minutes to pro- mote or discover unique Canadian experience. The potential for hundreds of millions of dollars for Ca- nadian tourism business. Hosted by the Tourism In- dustry Association of Canada. May 13 to 16 Halifax Convention Centre http://rendezvouscanada.travel/learn-more/ Benefits of a Diverse Workplace Culture (online) Learn how to develop a diverse workplace culture to enhance your organization's success. May 17, 2:00 to 4:00pm FREE Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia http://www.isans.ca/events/ Leveraging Your Workplace Culture (online) This webinar explores the question, "What can help make us a more immigrant-frienly workplace?" May 18, 9:00 to 11:00am FREE Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia http://www.isans.ca/events/ Canadian Brewing Awards & Conference Three days of industry education and business net- working, ending with an exciting awards gala recog- nizing the top beers in 55 different style categories. May 24-26 $350.00 Halifax Convention Centre https://www.canadianbrewingawards.com/ Major Projects This is the 11th annual event which includes the re- lease of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council May 28 $275.00 7:45 to 10:30am Pier 21, Halifax https://www.apec-econ.ca/events/ Saltscapes East Coast Expo April 20-22 The Municipality has purchased a booth at the upcoming Saltscapes Expo to showcase our region and promote all that there is to see and do! If any members would like us to take their marketing material to the Expo or want a particular event promoted, please reach out to Erin Lowe, Economic Development Officer for the Municipality, by Friday, April 13. Call Erin at 902-275-2599 or email elowe@chester.ca cial Volunteer Award. Darren has had a huge impact in our Municipality coaching basketball and supporting our youth. He will represent the Municipality of Chester at the Provincial Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 9 in Halifax. Darren Russell, our Provincial Volunteer Events listed on our website have more details than those listed here. Visit us online!4 Saturday, April 14 Breakfast St. Martins Anglican Church Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30am. Crib Tournament Little Red School, 11am. 7th Annual Sing for a Cause, Dance for a Cure Chester Legion, 7pm. Raising funds for Breast Cancer Research and Chester PRO Kids. Local performances. Sunday, April 15 Crib Tournament Chester Legion, 1pm. Saturday, April 21 Home-based Business Fair Chester Basin Legion, 10am-2pm. Call 902-275-8391 Country Jamboree Little Red School, 7-10pm. GypsyMinstrels Chester Legion, 9pm. Members/guests 19 years and over. Call 902-275-3315. Saturday, May 5 PRO Kids Fundraiser Mayfest Chinese Auction and Bake Sale, Municipal Office, 8am-3pm. Call the Recreation Dept at 902-275-3490. Castle Rock Hike Guided hikes every 30 minutes from 10am-2pm. Call 902-275-3490. Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 Mayfest 2018 Yard Sale Weekend Yard sales and events municipal-wide! Submit your yard sale at www.chester. ca/mayfest or call 902-275-3490. Saturday, May 12 Breakfast Chester Legion, 7:30-10:30pm. Hubbards Farmers' Market Opens! Hubbards Barn, 8am-12pm, Saturdays til October 27. www.hubbardsbarn.org. Saturday, May 12 & Sunday, May 13 18th Annual Art Exhibition & Sale District #1 Community Centre, 10am- 5pm. www.aaandc.org Saturday, May 19 Short Notice at Chester Legion, 9pm. 902-275-3315. Sunday, May 20 Crib Tournament Chester Legion, 1pm. Every Tuesday Jam Matinee Chester Basin Legion, 2:00-4:30pm. Bingo Chester Legion, 7pm. Call 902-275-3315. Darts New Ross Legion, 8-10pm. Call 902-689-2650. Every Thursday Bingo New Ross Legion, 7-10pm. Call 902-689-2650. 45's Card Games District #1 Community Centre, Multi- Purpose Room, 7:30pm. COMMUNITY INTEREST THE WALK-IN MEDICAL CLINIC We announced a few weeks ago that OHC plans to open and operate a walk-in medical clinic. Tentative opening is the first week of April, but this will be confirmed once all the de- tails are final. The location will be on the 2nd floor, just outside the elevators. The walk-in clinic will provide access to health care for residents in our service area who do not currently have a family doctor, seasonal residents, visitors and people who need medi- cal care outside of their family physician’s usual working hours. If you do have a family doctor, we encourage you to first seek an appointment with him or her. The clinic will operate in the same way as any other walk-in clinic. There are four physicians who have agreed to work with us, and they will bill MSI for the cost of your visit. There will be no cost to the patient unless the patient asks for services not covered by MSI like ear wax remov- al and completion of government forms. These fees will be explained in our info brochure and posted at the walk in-clinic in the same way they are posted in the primary care clinic on the first floor and every other clinic in NS. The walk-in clinic will be managed by OHC Association, not the NS Health Authority; how- ever, the Health Authority will help with some logistical issues. We are pleased to be able to offer this service to our communities. More information will be provided soon. April 15-21, 2018 is Volunteer Week and is a time when we recognize the important contributions that volunteers make to the com- munity. The Municipality of Chester will celebrate the tremendous efforts of our local volunteers by hosting a Volunteer Awards Ceremony and Reception. This year’s reception is at New Ross Consolidated School on Wednesday, April 18 starting 7:00 pm. We welcome you to join us and help recognize the following volunteers: • John Craig from Chester was nominated by the Chester Basin/New Ross/Chester Lions Club • Sandy Dumeresq from Chester was nomi- nated by the St. Augustine's Guild • George Evans from Chester was nominat- ed by the Chester Garden Club • Herb Fraser from Chester was nominated by the Chester Garden Club • Darren Russell from Chester Grant was nominated by Chester Basin Recreation Park • Georgina Sawler from Western Shore was nominated by the Western Shore Volun- teer Fire Deaprtment • Lisa Schnare from Chester Basin was nom- inated by Aenon United Baptist Church • The late Joan Swinimer from Chester Ba- sin was nominated by the Ladies Auxil- iary of the Royal Canadian Legion Everett Branch #88 and St. John's Anglican Church. This award will be accepted posthumously by daughter, Gloria Nauss. • Bruce & Chad Walters from Chester Basin was nominated by the Royal Canadian Le- gion, Everett Branch #88 After the ceremony, everyone is invited to stay for some refreshments and congratulate the award recipients. This is a great opportunity to mingle and talk with the various volunteers from our Municipality. We ask that you please RSVP by Tuesday, April 10 by calling the Recre- ation Office at 902-275-3490. Congratulations to Darren Russell of Chester Grant who is selected to receive the Provin- Volunteer WeekApril 15 to 21, 2018 Crafty? The Chester Municipal Heritage Society is seeking crafts people to join them at Chester Train Station this summer beginning Friday, June 15. For more info call Fran at 902-275-5179 or Wayne at 902-273-3111. Sunday, June 3 8th Annual Cut N Run recreation@chester.ca 5K Walk/5K Run/10K Run 902-275-3490 Follow us on social media for updates on the Best of Chester Municipality Business Awards or visit www.chester.ca/BestOf 5 BUSINESS AWARDS This annual business awards program show- cases business excellence in the Munici- pality of Chester, and this year the program is introducing some changes. Historically, residents had roughly three weeks to submit the names of their favourite local busi- nesses, and at the end of those three weeks, the businesses with the highest number of submis- sions were recognized as a "Best Of". This year, we will change things up a tiny bit by opening a nomination period, similar to previ- ous years' nomination/voting period. Then we will take it a little bit further by selecting the top nominees in each category. From there, resi- dents will vote for their favourite out of those top nominees. So here's how it works... 1. Nominations open April 1 and are accept- ed until April 29. We will accept one nomi- nation per category per device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.). 2. Submit the name of your favourite busi- ness in one or all 23 categories. Business- es must be located in the Municipality of Chester. Nominate online at www.chester. ca/BestOf or call 902-275-2599. 3. Shortly after the nomination period clos- es, we'll release a list made up of the top nominees in each category. 4. From this list, vote for your favourites. Again, one vote per category per device. The voting period is from May 2 to 20 and winners will be announced on May 24 dur- ing the Committee of the Whole meeting that morning. The list will later be released in a media release and on our website. So businesses, lobby your fans for votes, but only one vote per device is allowed. Patrons, keep your choices local, and stick to shops and services that are owned and operated here in the Municipality of Chester. In place of an awards ceremony this year, our winning businesses will be celebrated across three regions in Nova Scotia with a full page ad promoting them in the Halifax Citizen, Valley Harvester, and South Shore Breaker. Questions? Contact Erin at elowe@chester.ca or call her at the office at 902-275-2599. BEST OF CHESTER MUNICIPALITY Annual business recognition program undergoes refresh Best of... Chester MunicipalityAWARDS www.chester.ca/BestOf Best Artisanal Retailer Best Building Services (such as contractors, engineers, architects, interior designers, trades, etc.) Best Building Supplies Store Best Community Space Best Farm/Forestry Business Best Garden Services Best Gas Station Best Grocery/Convenience Store Best Health/Beauty Services Best Health Care Provider (such as doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, etc.) Best Manufacturing Business Best Marine Services Business Best Mechanic/Auto Shop Best Non-Profit Group Best Pet Services Best Place to Have Coffee Best Place to Stay Best Professional Services Nominate your favourite businesses in these categories then vote for the top nomineees! (such as financial institutions and services, IT services, etc.) Best Real Estate Company Best Restaurant Best Spa/Fitness Facility Best Specialist Retailer (such as bakeries, vegetables, meat, etc.) Best Vendor at a Farmers’ Market NOMINATE VOTE April 1 to 29 May 2 to 20 Questions?elowe@chester.ca 902-275-2599 PROPERTY SERVICES 6Subscribe to electronic waste collection notices at www.chester.ca under the Engage menu or click "subscribe" on the homepage. Dear Shabby, Now that Sustane Technologies is almost ready to open their new recycling facility, do we still have to recycle? ~ signed Optimistic in Martins Point Dear “Optimistic”: Yes. It's too early to say whether Sustane Techo- nologies will one day accommodate all of our re- cyclable material or not. For right now, they are accepting all of our municipal LANDFILLABLE waste. That will be processed and turned into bio-fuel. On top of that, the plastics from garbage bags and waste bin liners and other assorted plastic waste that can't be recycled will be reconstituted into petroleum. Efficient, eh? Let's stay focused and continue to do the excellent job we've been doing in diverting waste away from a big hole in the ground. Otherwise, the waste col- lectors will put a big, yellow rejection sticker on your garbage, and no one likes rejection. ******************************************************** Dear Shabby, Why do my neighbours keep calling the Depart- ment of Environment and reporting me? I've had to pay $22,000 in fines this year alone! Can't a per- son burn their garbage in the comfort of their own Dear Shabby Friendly waste disposal advice backyard anymore? I mean, COME ON! It's not like this whole "climate change" nonsense is a real thing, right? ~ signed Stupid Environmental Law in Middle River Dear “Stupid”: Seriously, dude? ******************************************************** Dear Shabby, In one of your columns some time ago, I read about disposing of old batteries. I can't seem to find the column so can you please print the information again? I have alkaline (disposable) batteries as well as rechargeable batteries with lithium and cadmi- um in them. Thank you in advance! ~ signed Too Many Batteries in My House in Aspotogan Dear “Too Many Batteries”: First of all, I cannot stress the importance enough that improperly disposed batteries can cause fires at the Landfill. It is always best to collect your batter- ies and take them to one of our drop off locations, which includes the Municipal Office, Kaizer Mead- ow, Adams Bottle Exchange, Hubbards Hardware, and New Ross Home Hardware. If you ever need valuable waste collection informa- tion again, please call me at 902-275-2330 or email me at solidwaste@chester.ca 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. If your garage, basement, or yard is too clut- tered, it won't be because of our special col- lection schedule. That's because we are going from three special collections per year to 26. Yes, 26. That's right, 26. I'll say it again, 26. At this point, you might be thinking this is a typo, but there it is, written four times in black and white. Alright, it isn't a typo then. Now you might be debating whether to call us and de- mand that we stop wasting tax payers money on so many special waste collections. Surely it must be costing us a fortune! Not so. In fact, there will be no increase in what we pay our collector now for three special collections compared to what we will pay for 26. "Wait a minute," you say. "You're telling me that collecting bulky items every two weeks during regular collection is affordable?" We say, "You bet it is!" Here's why. Collectors face what seems like mountains of items during special waste collection because some people abuse the service. They place 2x, 5x, even 10x the amount that they are allowed to place at the curb. Because of that, extra trucks are needed, and the Landfill often has to remain open well past regular hours causing our operating and labour costs to increase. If residents didn't have to save up their large items and could place a bit at the curb every garbage day, we wouldn't be so overwhelmed. It's a win-win-win situation. First, residents win because they don't have to use an entire PARDON ME? DID YOU SAY 26? Curbside waste collection services increase for residents of MODC 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 WE HAVE ACONNECTION Spring is here and construction season is hot on its heels. If you need to connect to the central sewer, make application now so it can be reviewed, approved and ready for connection. Call us at 902-275-1312 or email publicworks@chester.ca A warm welcome to Erin Schurman-Kolb, our newest Fire Inspector/Building Official and Special Constable. weekend to gather their items in anticipation of special collection. Second, waste collectors win because they aren't working 12-14 hours days trying to keep to their schedules. Third, the Municipality wins because we don't have to ask staff to work overtime, we don't have to waggle our fingers at residents who are abusing the ser- vice, and we don't have to pay for as many (if any) extra waste collection trucks. We will have more details over the next cou- ple of weeks as the Solid Waste Department and our waste collection contractor hammer out de- tails in terms of what residents can place at the curb. Everything should be in place in early May. Please keep an eye on our social media ac- counts and our website as we will post updates as they come up. If you have any questions, please call Kaizer Meadow Environmental Man- agement Centre at 902-275-2330. Pretend recyclable paper is water. Then pretend clean plastic is oil. The two don't mix. (hint: please put your clean paper in a separate recycling bag) We may not be available 24/7, but our website is. Visit us at www.chester.ca 7 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES For the second time in as many years, a sur- plus was left in the Recreation & Parks De- partment's grants budget. ANOTHER ROUND Four groups awarded grants in second call Strategic Priorities Refresh Typical to budget planning, Council reviewed their priorities for the 2018-19 fiscal year. When they determine which direction the Mu- nicipality should go (mostly from listening to feedback from their constituents, by the way), it sets the foundation for the Operating and Capital Budget. Once the budget is set (estimated to be next month), both that and the Strategic Priorities list is a blueprint for staff. This year, Council picked a "Top 8". We will focus on those priorities first. After that, we will focus on "Next Priorities" and then the "Wow! You finished your list so here are some other things" priorities, which staff may already be working on simultaneously. Here's the game plan (not in any particular order) for this year: South Shore Regional Enterprise Network: Council decided to withdraw their partner- ship with this organization as the region was too large and diverse to effectively implement an overall development plan. We will work with municipal units in Lunenburg County to narrow the focus. Streetscape Plan: This Plan laid out the de- sired appearance of North Street according to residents and the Municipality. All develop- ment along this stretch of Highway 3 going forward is to follow certain rules for beauti- fication, parking, facades, public spaces, etc. The Department of Transportation is prepar- ing to do some work on this piece of road and we are hoping to coordinate some of our work with them such as paved shoulders. Investment Strategy: The newly appointed Audit Committee already has a task to do. Develop an updated investment strategy for the Municipality's reserves. Where should we invest? What are the long- and short-term options? Central Water System for Chester: Council will evaluate the socio-economic report and work with the Village of Chester Commission on a plan to proceed. Shared Services: This year, we will focus on the regional delivery of building/fire/danger- ous and unsightly services that you heard about awhile back. Just as a reminder, we will share these services among most of the municipal units in Lunenburg County - Mu- nicipality of Lunenburg, Town of Lunenburg, Town of Mahone Bay, and us. Sustane Transition: We are all wondering what the advent of this revolutionary tech- nology will mean to waste management for • Service inventory • Business planning • 10-year Capital Plan • 2018-19 Operating Plan • Internal process/control review • Start-up of the Audit Committee • Purchase order module • Tax rate and debt strategy • Software access roll-out • Human resources succession strategy • Business retention/engagement • Visitor info services start-up • Website upgrade - phase two • GIS database awareness initiative • IT risk mitigation plan • Community use of Gold River open space • Sherbrooke Lake park design • Annex building renovation • Western Shore/Mill Cove sewer • Village parking amendment • Fire inspection policy • Portable signage amendment • Sewer system assessments and annual reports • Business Park commercial entrance ap- proval • Shatford's by the Sea development agreement and amendment • Utility and Review Board appeal • Planning staff recruitment • Public participation policy/program Top 8 Wow, you finished your list so here are some other things After distributing $20,000 in grants ear- lier this year, $6,100 was left unawarded. Rather than leave it unspent, the Recreation Department put out a second call for applicants. They received $8,310 in requests from five non-profit groups. After reviewing the applications, the Rec- reation & Parks Com- mittee recommended four groups receive grants, and Council ap- proved those recom- mendations at their February 8 meeting (see list on the right). Last fiscal year (2017-18), the Mu- nicipality budgeted $757,995 altogether for grants to non-profit organizations and indi- vudual sponsorships. Grant programs include Council grants, Recre- ation grants, Youth Sponsorship, Major Projects, Recreation Start-up, Recreation, and Tourism. For information on grant programs, please visit our website at www.chester.ca and click "Grants and Sponsorships" under the Engage menu. You can also call Chad Haughn at 902-275-3490 or Erin Lowe (Tourism grants) at 902-275-2599. Grant Recipients • Chester Area Pickleball Club received $1200 to purchase basic pickleball equipment, in- cluding paddles. • Chester Curling Club was granted $2400 to fund a recruitment campaign for new mem- bers that includes equipment purchase and events, such as Day of Curling, Stick Curling and Learn to Curl. • Shoreham Village was given $1500 for art supplies and a facilitator for residents. • Through the Years Daycare received $1000 to purchase skates and helmets to lend to kids to use at their outdoor rink. Next Priorities • Marketing strategy • Sector strategy • Business/industrial and EcoPark develop- ment plan • Village Land Use By-Law and Secondary Planning Strategy • Open spaces plan • Asset management • Active Living Strategy • Gold River sewer assessment • Code of Conduct and Expense Policy for Council • Salary/remuneration/benefit review • Plan Review - public engagement • Community use of New Ross Consoli- dated School • Sewer capacity analysis • Signage by-law program • Wastewater management by-law the Municipality. Staff and Council will spend the first year further adjusting operations at the Landfill as we transition to Sustane and preparing for future years. Well Upgrade Lending Program By-Law: This Program will enable property owners to apply to the Municipality for financing for on-site water supply upgrades on their properties. Water supply upgrades could include the con- struction of a new dug or drilled well or an upgrade to an existing well required to source water for the property. COMFIT: We have a limited amount of time to embark on projects related to renewable energy as the "provincial window" will soon close. Any projects that we take on must be operational by next February. We have our eye on one, and Council will discuss it in April. We will give more detail about the next priorities and other priorities in the next newsletter as well as update you on the Top 8. EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!reVISION takes next steps in Plan Review(see insert in the middle of this newsletter!) Tweet of the Week Our most popular post on Twitter in February... The Health Services Foundation raised enough for a brand new ultrasound machine! #WTG 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 updates, 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, includ- ing live tweets from Council meetings. Facebook: Visit www.facebook.com/ChesterMunicipality and learn about events and stories happening in the area. If you have something 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 channel show- casing some of our outstanding attractions and businesses, 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 ...............................................................................1-833-826-0222 Mayfest 2018 Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 If you are planning a Mayfest event or yard sale, register online at www.chester.ca/mayfest, call 902-275-3490, or email recreation@chester.ca The deadline to have it included in the printed booklet is Friday, April 20 and the deadline for online listings is Friday, April 27 Mayfest booklets are available starting May 1 at: ● Pharmasaves in Chester Basin, Chester and Hubbards ● Richardson's Garage in Western Shore ● Island View in Western Shore ● Vittles Cafe in New Ross ● The Deck in Blandford Stop by the Municipal Building on Saturday, May 5 from 8:00am to 3:00pm for our annual PRO Kids Chinese Auction and Bake Sale. Ten new prizes valued at $50+ each! A very special thank you to Ben Miller for fearlessly braving icy waters to show his commitment to a cause that's near and dear to our hearts. After this video, Ben dropped off a $1,000 personal donation for PRO Kids, 100% of which will help kids in the Municipality enjoy recreational activities that they otherwise couldn't afford. Thank you so much Ben, for your courageous act of kindness! #LivewellChallenge Introducing VOICES & CHOICES, an online engagement platform just for you. Starting April 7, you can visit www.voicesandchoices.ca to keep up-to-date on municipal projects. Leave comments, ask us questions, or even participate in a poll every now and then. The first project we will post is the reVISION Plan Review. Visit the site to look around or create an account in one easy step to leave a comment. For information about VOICES & CHOICES, please email communications@chester.ca or call Jennifer at 902-275-3555 extension 1202.