HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-07_MunicipalInsight_indd-compressedmunicipal insight
“Keeping you informed about July/August 2019
your municipal government”
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this summer...
Bob's Legacy continues... You are in for a treat! It's camping season again!
The 4th Annual Robert The Budget has passed Find out how to book
(Bob) Myra Softball and we're sharing all the your next eco-camping
Tournament (Page 2)! highlights on Pages 4-5. adventure on Page 7!
MAKING HOUSING AFFORDABLE
How our Municipality is answering this important call to action
Affordable housing has been high on Council's list of
discussion topics as of late, but if you are on a fixed
income or your income barely covers your necessities, the
words "affordable housing" can seem like an oxymoron
- that is to say, two words put together that couldn't be
more opposite.
Data collected from the Census shows that between
2006 and 2016, the average monthly shelter cost to rent
increased by 43.8%. The average monthly shelter cost to
own increased by 37.8%. Whatever the number, for some
residents it's a challenge, to say the least.
Affordable housing is, in large part, a provincial respon-
sibility, but the Municipality of Chester (MOC) has often
been involved in one way or another. For example, a
Councillor has historically sat on the South Shore Hous-
ing Action Coalition (SSHAC), which is a group of inter-
ested local organizations as well as representatives from
the Public Health Department and the Lunenburg Coun-
ty Community Health Board. This group actively raises
awareness, educates the public, and seeks action on the
need for more safe and accessible housing on the South
Shore. By participating at this level, the Municipality has
an opportunity to engage in the discussion about local
housing issues and hear firsthand of the opportunities
happening close to home.
One of those close-to-home opportunities is happen-
ing in New Ross. Plans for the New Ross Community Care
Project began to solidify in 2018 with confirmation of a
site, professional services (ie. architect, etc.), and posi-
tive discussions with provincial and federal departments
around funding.
The objective of the Community Care Project is to pro-
vide quality housing options for people, including seniors,
who struggle with finding or maintaining a home that's
The boardwalk at Shoreham Apartments in Chester.
BOOK-A-BED PORCHPRODUCEPROGRAM
The Municipality of Chester
has a new addition to their
community garden...twenty
new additions to be exact.
Accessibility is our focus for
2019, and thanks to the TD Friends of the Environment
Foundation, we constructed four new raised garden beds
that will allow those with mobility challenges an oppor-
tunity to enjoy the benefits of gardening. These beds are
dedicated and not open for all residents to pick from,
unlike the main community garden beds. These raised
beds will accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, be high
enough to either sit beside or access more easily from a
wheelchair than the lower, main beds. What is planted is
entirely up to the selected gardener.
&If you have a need for an acces-
sible garden bed, please contact
us! Any of these special beds that
aren't used for residents with mo-
bility issues can be reserved by
anyone.
The new Porch Produce Pro-
gram is for those who can't access our community gar-
den, but would still like a small, freshly grown supply of
select veggies right on their own doorstep. Although all
the pre-planted container vegetable gardens have been
distributed for this season, please contact us to have your
name put on the list for next year. Preference will be given
to those with mobility challenges, such as limited access
to transportation or other challenges that limit move-
ment. First come,
first served and
containers will be
collected at the
end of the season
to be redistributed
in the spring.
As we continue
growing (pun intended), we invite you to visit the com-
munity garden when you have a few minutes. Grab a
handful of beans, harvest a few seeds for your own gar-
den, and maybe pull a few weeds.
To book-a-bed or reserve a Porch Produce container,
call 902-275-4107 or email communications@chester.ca.
affordable. The group has selected a suitable site and
work progresses on what the development will look like
in terms of number of units, rental agreements/leases,
construction cost and timelines, and community support.
MOC supports the project in principle and financially
has agreed to provide $100,000 in funding from the
Community Development portion of the Wind Revenue
Reserve. The grant is conditional upon completion of a
feasibility study that will outline the framework and finer
details of the project. This is a great start and will hope-
fully leverage additional funding from other sources.
We will have more to update on this project as the
group works towards construction.
The Community Care Project is not the first large afforb-
able housing project in our municipality. Over 40 years
ago, a seniors independent living complex was developed
in Chester and remains a model for success today.
Shoreham Seniors Apartment Complex was built on 14
acres of land near the Shoreham Village Home for Spe-
cial Care. While they share a name and property, they are
two, separate organizations, each with their own vision
and goals.
The Seniors Complex is the largest renter in MOC with
70 tenants in 58 units. There is such a demand for afford-
able housing that 35 people are on the waiting list. The
renovation of the on-site medical building in August will
help alleviate the problem by adding an additional four,
one-bedroom units. The units will be reserved for mem-
bers of the community as the original building was com-
munity-driven.
The current Board, comprised of four MOC residents
and three tenants, voluntarily takes care of oversight,
long- and short-term planning, and budgeting.
As with any non-profit, there is always a need for re-
sources, both financial and human. The Complex doesn't
have employees per se, but has a part-time property
manager who is with the Community Housing Manage-
ment Network. In addition, two sub-contractors take care
of maintenance and tidying of common areas. The rest
comes down to volunteers.
In terms of operating an affordable housing facility,
there are several conditions that apply that wouldn't be
in place if the facility were open to any tenants. For ex-
ample, provisions in the Tenancy Act of Nova Scotia must
be adhered to in terms of safety of seniors.
In the case of Shoreham Seniors Apartment Complex,
tenants must be 65 years or older and have an income of
less than $45,000 per year. Currently, 20 units have pro-
vincial subsidy.
The Shoreham model operates the complex at cost
through a non-profit volunteer board. Rent increases are
based on necessity and affordability, not profit, and must
be approved by the Tenancy Board. As of right now, rents
(with utilities included) are $682 per month for a one-
bedroom unit or $911 per month for a two-bedroom unit.
The Board received a 15-year, $813,000 forgivable
loan of federal money controlled by Housing Nova Sco-
tia to carry out much needed renovations to the older 34
boardwalk units. The Board was also able to negotiate a
new mortgage for these 34 units. The savings on interest
allows them to maintain affordable rents, achieving both
their goals and Housing Nova Scotia's requirements.
The future of affordable housing is sounding brighter
in the Municipality of Chester with talk of future hous-
ing developments in the area and a climbing awareness
of statistics surrounding the issue. With working families
relocating to the area and a rise in the number of retirees
looking to stay close to home with the security of complex
living, the need is evident.
The Municipality's Age Friendly Housing Plan, published
in 2016, identifies median individual and family incomes
to be lower than the provincial average while home own-
ership and value are higher than the provincial average.
Also, overall population is declining slightly, but the num-
ber of seniors is increasing, which is good news for our
communities on many levels. However, annual income
for some might dramatically decrease once retirement is
achieved.
In any case, the Municipality supports affordable hous-
ing as a whole and is happy to at least be at the table for
discussion. For information on affordable housing proj-
ects, visit the Housing NS website at https://housing.
novascotia.ca/programs/affordable-housing-projects
For information on local initiatives or the Municipality's
involvement in SSHAC, please call us at 902-275-3554 or
email administration@chester.ca
On the private sector front, Tipping Point
Distillers in Chester Basin have opened up
for business, and we welcome them to our
community.
The Municipality has received a long-
awaited development agreement appli-
cation for Mill Cove Park for phase one of
a significant residential complex, which will
begin with the construction of approximately
50 apartment units.
The summer season has finally arrived and
our communities and volunteers are gearing
up for what looks like a fantastic and ever-
growing number of local events for all ages.
All the best to all of you. Get out and enjoy
your community!
Respectfully,
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Follow @chestermun on Twitter for live tweets from Council meetings!
Message from
the WardenFirst, I'd like to welcome back our summer
residents. I look forward to seeing you
and receiving your input on current events
taking place in our communities.
This edition of the Insight covers a lot of
topics that I hope you will find informative,
from budget highlights to the recent fire at
Kaizer Meadow Landfill.
Speaking of the budget, I am pleased to
say that we have held the Residential Tax
Rate at $0.705 for the third year in a row,
and the Commercial Rate at $1.53 for the
fifth consecutive year.
This being said, we continue to improve
service levels, maintain healthy reserves,
and invest in capital projects that support
community needs.
On the capital side, two projects being
funded that may be of interest to you are
Highway #3 Streetscape improvements
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
from Marriotts Cove through to Chester and
improved internet service.
First, the Municipality has approved funding
for paved shoulders and some intersection
improvements in the Village to supplement
the repaving being done by the Province of
Nova Scotia. It is our understanding that this
work will be completed this construction
season.
The second project of note is our financial
support for improved internet service.
We are providing $150,000 in support of
a private sector initiative that will improve
internet service by 85% to approximately
4,000 households. Construction of the first
of seven tower sites will begin in September
of this year, with the main network site in the
Chester Basin area. There is a lot happening
on this front, and we will try to keep you
updated as things progress.
Fox Point Lake water monitoring: The
Municipality will continue with monitoring
water quality at Fox Point Lake. Coastal
Action (formerly Bluenose Coastal Action
Foundation) and volunteers implement
this program. To see the latest report, visit
https://chester.ca/government/plans-
reports-and-strategies/fox-point-lake-water-
quality
Policy amendment: The Municipality's
Procurement Policy (P-04) was amended to
change the term length for Septage Removal
and Disposal Services. The previous term
was three years, and now it is five years.
IN BRIEF...
HAUL-iday
Kaizer Meadow Landfill
and Municipal Offices are closed on
Monday, August 5 (Civic holiday). Waste
collection rescheduled from August 5 to
Saturday, August 3.
Download R6RECYCLES
for Android and Apple devices Take the guesswork out of recycling Never miss a collec�on day
Orthophotography: We should expect
digital images some time in October from
Aeroquest Mapcon, the company who was
awarded our orthophotography tender in
April. Orthophotography is essentially aerial
imagery used for mapping and geographical
information systems (GIS).
Road names: Two new road names have been
made official since the last newsletter. Robins
Way is a new road in Mill Cove. The former
Herring Cove Road in Blandford was renamed
to Herring Point Road as there is a road with
the exact same name in HRM and that has
caused confusion.
Sale of former school: The Municipality has
sold the former school property in Simms
Settlement to an individual. The sale was fair
market value at $55,200.
2
Check our "News" page often at www.chester.ca for announcements, or sign up for automatic notifications.3
STRATEGIC PRIORITIESBOSS 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 "Contact" or https://webfiche.district.
chester.ns.ca/Forms/CCRegister
Coming in to see us at 151 King Street in
Chester.
Since the last report, we received one
compliment and two complaints.
• We received one compliment on the
prompt action from Public Works Staff to
have several full-to-capacity waste con-
tainers emptied before the garbage inside
could be strewn around the Parade Square
in Chester again. The person responsible
for the initial call to us, along with the oth-
ers who helped, deserve the real thanks as
they freely gave their time to clean up the
litter caused by overflowing receptacles.
The main cause of the mess, according
to the caller, was the presence of illegally
dumped household waste. This is not an
isolated incident.
While we appreciate the compliment and
recognize the acts of kindness of local resi-
dents, we would just as soon not have to
deal with this issue at all. The unfortunate
truth is that our taxpayers continue to
shoulder the costs caused by illegal dump-
ing when it's those dumping who should
be paying.
As an aside, Kaizer Meadow Land-
fill is open six days a week from
8:00am to 4:00pm. It is closed on
Sundays and some holidays. We accept
residential waste for free up to 1500 lbs
per trip. We also have curbside collection
of most waste (not hazardous) once every
two weeks. The only condition is compli-
ance under recycling and composting laws
and regulations, which have been in effect
for over 20 years in Nova Scotia.
• Our first complaint is also around waste.
A user complained that the public waste
containers at Bayswater Beach and Mill
Cove Beach are not emptied enough (or at
all) during the winter and spring. Further,
there aren't even any bags in the Bayswa-
ter Beach receptacles.
Waste collection at Bayswater Beach is
managed by the Department of Lands and
Forestry because it's a provincial park.
We called our hauler and they went to
Mill Cove Beach to empty the containers
there. We are also reviewing the locations
of waste collection sites and their levels of
service.
• The final complaint was about the failure
of road repairs causing excessive damage
to a homeowner's lawn and garden,
depositing excessive amounts of gravel.
The road itself is also damaged again
because of washouts.
Because this road is a provincial road,
we passed this on to the Department of
Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal.
If you have an issue with your road and
you are not sure whether it is municipal,
provincial or private, please visit our
website at https://chester.ca/
transportation/roads-and-sidewalks
In May and June 2019, 80,000 Nova Scotia
households received, in their mailboxes, an
invitation to participate in a first-of-its-kind sur-
vey measuring quality of life across the province.
The survey asks how people feel they are doing
in eight key areas related to their quality of life.
It’s important for Nova Scotians to choose to
“fill it out and not throw it out” if they receive
the opportunity to participate.
Once collected, the information from the sur-
vey will be compiled and prepared into up to 10
regional reports to be released early in 2020.
Those reports will then serve as the foundation
for innovative approaches to priority setting and
planning at a local level for years to come. This
map sets out where those regional groups are
organized.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS SURVEY?
Perhaps the biggest difference is that Local
Teams are already mobilized to ensure the sur-
vey results lead to concrete action in each of the
10 regions of the province.
The survey explores topics that often get for-
gotten when we consider quality of life – like
loneliness, discrimination, life satisfaction,
work-life balance, and healthy work conditions.
For those who identify as being part of a mar-
ginalized population or “visible minority,” this
shines a new light on their challenges and op-
portunities because of the high sample size.
How can we work together to be happier,
healthier and more fulfilled in all areas of our
lives? We think these are questions worth ask-
ing.
Check your mailbox for an opportunity to par-
ticipate in the Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey.
This is a first-of-its-kind survey for Nova Scotia.
By filling it out, you will help ensure a unique
Quality of Life Report is created for every region
across the province! The results will then serve
as the foundation for innovative approaches to
priority-setting and planning at a local level for
years to come. By completing the survey you will
have the opportunity to enter for a chance to
win 1 of 25 Sobeys gift cards (value $400 each!).
This initiative is being led by Engage Nova Sco-
tia with the support of Nova Scotia Community
College and a Local Leadership Team for the
province. Watch out for the survey envelope
with the Nova Scotia Quality of Life logo.
The Municipality has invested $150,000 to
secure seven tower sites as part of a fed-
erally-led Connect to Innovate wireless broad-
band internet project spanning the Municipality
of Chester, Municipality of Lunenburg and Re-
gion of Queens.
When completed, internet service provider
TNC Wireless Ltd. will offer high-speed, wireless
internet packages to 3,782 eligible households
in MOC at rates of between 5 and 10 Mbps
download speed, which is up to 85% higher than
the current service at the proposed sites.
Construction and installations will begin as
early as September 2019 with the placement of
a main network site in the Chester Basin area.
Following that, three towers will be erected in
Dauphinees, Nine Mile Lake and Seffernville by
December 2019. The final three towers in Camp
Lake, the Forties, and Christie Lake will be in
place by September 2020.
Funding for this leg of the project will fall un-
RURAL INTERNET UPDATE Municipality of Chester invests in internet project
der a contribution agreement between MOC,
with an investment of $150,000, TNC Wireless,
covering all costs associated with customer
equipment, and the Federal Government, con-
tributing 75% of infrastructure costs through
their Connect to Innovate Fund.
More broadly, Develop Nova Scotia has been
tasked with making reliable rural internet more
accessible to Nova Scotians. They are currently
reviewing submissions from service providers
on how to make that happen using 25 Mbps
download speed as a minimum standard.
TNC Wireless is offering their project as an in-
terim solution to help residents until Develop
Nova Scotia is in a position to implement their
strategic plan. Once that occurs, TNC intends to
apply for additional funding to increase speeds.
For more information, please contact Jona-
than Meakin, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator,
at jmeakin@chester.ca or 902-275-4122.
SUSTANE CHESTER
Residents have been anxiously awaiting the of-
ficial opening of the Sustane Chester facility at
Kaizer Meadow. And, no wonder. With a forecast
of 90% diversion in solid waste, we will achieve
the highest diversion rate in Canada.
Besides a stellar diversion rate, Sustane will
produce the cleanest biomass fuel available us-
ing municipal solid waste.
Sustane has also tested their plastics-to-diesel
technology with success and are awaiting a fi-
nal permit that will allow them to proceed with
commercial production.
Half of the 25 staff people expected to be em-
ployed at the Kaizer Meadow location have been
hired with the rest coming on board when oper-
ations are fully underway this summer. Sustane
will run at full capacity, 24 hours per day, six days
per week.
At full capacity, the amount of greenhouse gas
emissions that Sustane operations will be equal
to taking 40,000 cars off the road per year!
As if that isn't enough, Sustane is currently
exploring even more innovative projects! Stay
tuned!
Revenue
$26,679,846
The revenue that the Municipality receives can be broken down into two categories: Tax
Revenue and Non-Tax Revenue.
Tax Revenue Sources $19,268,712 % of TOTAL REVENUE
Property Tax $ 14,161,640
Area Rates*4,944,400
Private roads** 162,672
*Area rates are for streetlights, sewer charges, fire protection (which is returned to fire
commissions and valued at $1,953,279), and waste collection.
**Private road revenue is collected from homeowners who want to improve their road. We
charge a rate to their taxes, hold it in a reserve, and then return it to them when they are
ready to start their improvements.
Non-Tax Revenue Sources $7,411,134
Landfill* $ 3,860,118
Grants**1,242,294
Wind turbine 770,000
Sale of services 887,623
Transfers***626,099
Eco-Park 25,000
*Landfill revenue is from commercial tip fees and from our other municipal customers and
partners, like Valley Waste.
**Grants we receive are from the provincial or federal government.
***Transfers are transfers from reserves
****Sale of services is when we work for other municipalities or for permit application fees.
53.1%
0.6%
18.5%
14.5%
4.7%
2.9%
3.3%
2.3%
0.1%
TOP 5 Expenses
for MOC
These are the five largest expenses
in the Municipal Budget.
#3
We save
a certain
amount for
the future in
our reserves.
$2,862,786
#4
Fire protection
includes
the amount
given back to
Commissions.
$2,107,696
#5
Policing and
Corrections
include
mandatory
contributions
to the
Province.
$2,087,784
Highlights
Property Services $1,320,798
Property services incur costs related to engineering and public works, municipal
properties, and planning services. We will work on,
• floodplain modeling
• renovations to Zoe Vallé Library, New Ross Family Resource Centre, and the Mu-
nicipal Building (fix roof and chimney and replace rotting siding and windows).
• improvements to boat launches in Deep Cove and Borgald's Point, sidewalk on
Duke Street and the pump house in Mill Cove
• development of an accessibility plan
• continuation of well upgrade lending program
Transportation Services $697,317
Transporation services include roads (provincial contribution) and streetlights. This
year, you will see the continuation of paved shoulders from Wake-Up Hill to East
Chester, and a strategy for road prioritization and funding.
Tax rates stay the same as last year:
Residential $0.705
Commercial $1.53
Solid Waste $0.1205
Tax rates are applied to every $100
of your assessment. Assessments are
set by the Property Valuation Services
Corporation.
OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGET
Off the top, we pay mandatory contribu-
tions for certain provincial services and
certain municipal services provided by
other agencies.
Required contributions towards provin-
cial services equals $5.21 million:
Education $ 4,958,834
Corrections $ 235,600
Housing Authority $ 20,000
Municipal services provided by others
equals $2.44 million:
RCMP $ 1,827,804
Assessment $ 352,585
Library $ 69,015
Provincial roads $ 192,511
FISCALYEAR2019-20
*excludes depreciation costs of $2,522,088
$26,679,846Expenses
TOP 5 Expenses
for MOC
These are the five largest expenses
in the Municipal Budget.
#1
Education is
the largest
expense
for the
Municipality
of Chester at
$4,958,834.
It is part
of our
mandatory
contribution
to the
Province.
#2
Landfill costs
are generally
recouped
through user
and partner
fees, tip fees,
and waste
collection
rates.
$4,373,619
Highlights
Environmental Services $2,741,801
These are services related to sewer, solid waste, and our wind turbine. At the land-
fill, projects include road improvements, mobile equipment replacement, a second
EV tower for treated leachate, and site repairs and upgrades.
Sewer projects will see upgrades/improvements to systems in Mill Cove, New Ross,
Gold River and Chester. We will also replace some pumps and lift station panels as
well as our usual manhole repairs.
Government Services $3,456,547
Government services incur costs related to Council, Administration, Taxation, and
IT services.
This year, in addition to regular operations, we will contract orthophotography, de-
velop an expense and hospitality policy and invest in audit tracking, financial report
writer, and purchase order software. We will look at strategies for funding, street-
lights, open spaces, and transitioning municipal water, wastewater and landfill. We
will also distribute an additional $237K in grant funding to organizations.
Property Services $1,320,798
Property services incur costs related to engineering and public works, municipal
properties, and planning services. We will work on,
• floodplain modeling
• renovations to Zoe Vallé Library, New Ross Family Resource Centre, and the Mu-
nicipal Building (fix roof and chimney and replace rotting siding and windows).
• improvements to boat launches in Deep Cove and Borgald's Point, sidewalk on
Duke Street and the pump house in Mill Cove
• development of an accessibility plan
• continuation of well upgrade lending program
Transportation Services $697,317
Transporation services include roads (provincial contribution) and streetlights. This
year, you will see the continuation of paved shoulders from Wake-Up Hill to East
Chester, and a strategy for road prioritization and funding.
Recreation & Cultural Services $934,270
These services incur costs related to recreation programming and opportunites, and
heritage and cultural properties like libraries.
This year, some of our focus will be on the trail with surface upgrades in Western
Shore, swing gate installation in 10 locations, a foot bridge in East River, bridge eval-
uation in East River and Goat Lake, and parking improvements in East River. Also, we
continue to look at ways to use the New Ross Community School and update the
Active Living Strategy.
Economic Development $426,549
Services related to economic development include programs and supports for com-
mercial sector, business retention/attraction, the EcoPark and tourism.
This year, attention is on developing the EcoPark at Kaizer Meadow, the sector strat-
egy, events and awards, rural internet, and tourism initiatives.
Tax rates stay the same as last year:
Residential $0.705
Commercial $1.53
Solid Waste $0.1205
Tax rates are applied to every $100
of your assessment. Assessments are
set by the Property Valuation Services
Corporation.
Some fees have changed:
• Landfill tip fees decreased by
$18.07 per tonne. The new
tip fee is $70.99 per tonne
for MOC waste.
• The universal sewer charge
increased by $20 and is now
$620 per EDU.
• Streetlight rates increased in
Chester Basin (0.0008), New
Ross (0.01), and intersections
in District 5 (0.001). They de-
creased or stayed the same
in the other areas.
Proposed capital projects
for this year budgeted to be
$6,889,364. The money to pay
for these projects will come
from the following sources:
• Reserves* - 1,739,325
• Grants - 1,004,084
• Area rates - 225,955
• Borrowing - 3,920,000
*Reserves used include Gas Tax,
Wind Revenue, Sewer and Op-
erating. Gas Tax was doubled
this year (one-time doubling) to
$616,000.
We will increase our reserves by
$3.4 Million.
Council sets their budget based on financial
obligations, such as provincial contributions,
strategic priorities agreed upon earlier in the
year, infrastructure needs (repairs, upgrades),
and development (economic and community
investments). In no way do these two pages
replace the complex budget process or at-
tempt to describe everything that is done in
the course of one fiscal year.
To learn more about the budget process,
please contact us at 902-275-3554, email fi-
nance@chester.ca, or visit our website at
www.chester.ca/budget
OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGET
Protective Services $711,847
Protective services incur costs related to animal control, by-law enforcement,
building and fire inspection, emergency measures, and public health (provincial
contribution). This year, programs are status quo with the addition of joint building
inspection services.
+
PROPERTY SERVICES
Subscribe to municipal email notifications and alerts at www.chester.ca on the homepage.6
Dear Shabby,
I'm hoping that you can settle a score between my wife
and I. I have been burning certain things in our woodstove
since I've been old enough to light a fire. My father did it
and my grandfather before him. It's nothing serious, some
styrofoam, old cardboard juice cans, wrappers, old painted
wood scraps, plastic muffin trays. You know, NORMAL
stuff. My wife is under the impression that this is wrong.
She keeps talking about "destroying the ozone layer" and
"killing everyone with poisonous air" and her long-time fa-
vourite "causing a chimney fire with plastic residue." Please
tell her that people have been doing this for generations so
it must be okay.
~ signed Burning Love in
Aaldersville
Dear “Burning”:
Let me speak to your wife.
Dear "Burning's Wife"
You are unequivically, 100% right. Stick to your guns. Call
me if you have to and I'll come over for moral support.
Under no circumstances let your husband burn anything
except clean, dry wood. I repeat...CLEAN, DRY WOOD.
********************************************************
Dear Shabby,
I know you probably get this all of the time, but I'm a huge
fan - probably only second to your own mother. I read all
of your columns and then cut them out and tape them into
a scrapbook according to topic. I notice that you have ref-
Dear Shabby
Friendly waste disposal advice
erenced batteries quite frequently, but haven't explained
how they are so hazardous. Can you please elaborate?
~ signed Number Two Fan in
Chester Basin
Dear “Number Two”:
You would be very surprised to learn that you are the only
person that I know who indexes my columns in a scrap-
book. Remarkable, I know.
Anywho, I can most certainly explain why batteries are so
hazardous. On their own, they are somewhat innocent but
in a group or mixed with certain materials, they can wreak
havoc. Lithium batteries are the WORST. It's possible
that when a lithium battery comes in contact with metal,
it can create a spark. Or, if the the battery casing becomes
damaged, the battery could explode.
When the terminals of alkaline batteries touch and come
in contact with metal (including DVD or gum wrapper),
it can create enough heat to start a fire. This is much more
common than you think, especially if a few batteries are
thrown into the garbage. The results are dangerous.
If you have batteries to dispose of, please take them to one
of our disposal sites: Municipal Office, Kaizer Meadow,
Adams Bottle Exchange, Hubbards Hardware or New
Ross Home Hardware.
********************************************************
Dear Shabby,
We are dusting off the ole patio chairs and getting ready to
enjoy cottage season. Has anything changed since last year
as far as waste disposal goes?
~ signed Takin' it Easy in
East Chester
Dear “Takin'”:
Welcome back! There hasn't been any dramatic changes
since last summer, but a few reminders couldn't hurt.
• If you need a waste collection calendar, call Kaizer
Meadow at 902-275-2330.
• We are steering away from compostable bags, so we
ask that you use paper options for compost, such as
boxboard or paper bag liners. You can purchase them
or you can use things like flour bags or cereal boxes.
• Any old ammunition, smoke canisters or flares that
you aren't using anymore should be taken to the
RCMP detachment on Windsor Road.
• We collect one bulky item per collection now instead
of several special collections throughout the year.
Same rules apply.
• Paint cans (full or empty) and aerosol paint cans are
disposed of at Kaizer Meadow or Adam's Bottle Ex-
change.
• If you miss your garbage day, please don't be tempted
to illegally dump your household waste at a public
waste container. In case the name didn't imply it, il-
legally dumping is illegal. Also, if you use a group
collection site, please remember that recycling rules
still apply to you.
The second fire in exactly 10 months broke out at Kai-
zer Meadow Landfill in the early morning of May 10.
Staff noticed flames around 6:45 that morning and called
9-1-1 immediately.
The Chester Fire Department arrived on the scene in less
than 30 minutes from the time of dispatch - an amazing
response time considering the drive from Chester is 20
minutes.
Eight other fire departments responded to the scene or
were on alert for mutual aid. They were:
• Chester Basin Fire Department
• New Ross Fire Department
• Lunenburg Fire Department
• Hantsport Fire Department
• Brooklyn Fire Department
• Windsor Fire Department
• Wolfville Fire Department
• Greenwich Fire Department
Nova Scotia Public Safety provided their support vehicle
to assist with the emergency radio communications needs.
Provincial Emergency Measures, Lands and Forestry, and
Environment were on call to assist if required.
In the end, approximately 1,200 square metres of the
landfill face (Cell 4A) burned at a maximum depth of 30-
60 cm. The fire was successfully knocked down with the
last fire department departing just after 4:00pm. Not
including staff time or municipal equipment, the total cost
of the fire is approximately $14,560.
It's difficult to pinpoint an exact cause; however, fires
are not unusual. There are often chemicals, batteries and
other materials that can generate heat and ignite under
certain circumstances, such as mixing incompatible
hazardous materials or the sun reflecting on glass. If
ever you have questions about what goes into the waste
stream and what does not, please contact us at 902-275-
2330 or consult your 2019 Waste Collection Calendar.
We want to extend thanks to a number of people and
organizations.
First, we are deeply, deeply grateful to the volunteer
first responders who arrived at the scene so quickly and
who were on standby in case the situation worsened. We
do not want to even imagine what would have happened
had you not been there for us. Your immediate response
to our call to help left no doubt as to your sense of duty
and dedication. This is why we need you.
We also thank the families of first responders. Thank
you for supporting them and thank you for understanding
their need to help others in crisis.
Thank you to staff. Bruce Blackwood, our Fire Services
Coordinator, kept a calm head, coordinated the inter-
agency lines of communication and service needs, and was
an all around rock. Landfill staff who provided support to
fire departments and coordinated site activities were Ben
Swinamer, Tim Townsend, Tim Weisner, Robert Russell,
FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!
An early-morning fire breaks out at Kaizer Meadow
Fire broke out at Kaizer Meadow Landfill
on May 10. Altogether, nine fire depart-
ments and four agencies were involved.
Josh Wile, Joey Rines, Ryan Smith, and Tammy Harnish.
A shout out to local businesses who worked to supply
food an drinks to the firefighters on scene and to the
media who covered the incident. You kept everyone
informed and safe by reporting on conditions that
unfolded throughout that long day.
Finally, a big thank you to residents for respecting
the public drop-off closure, for helping spread the news
over social media, and for expressing your concern and
thoughts.
You can schedule a time to have your boat pumped
out at the Municipality of Chester's pump out locat-
ed at the Chester Back Harbour Wharf; more com-
monly known as the Red Cross Wharf. Call the Engi-
neering and Public Works Office at 902-275-1312 for
an appointment between Monday and Friday from
7:00am to 3:00pm.
Handy tips to remember:
• Make sure the boat is secured (tied up to) the
wharf.
• When tying up, make sure your boat bumpers
are up against the wharf.
• It is easier to do a pump out when the tide is
high.
• If your sailboat has an extra long keel, you should
tie up at the end of the wharf during high tide.
Any vessels blocking the boat pump out location at
the wharf will be asked to move or shall be towed at
owners’ expense; as per Policy P-13 Sections 2(b),(h).
Also, a few other things that may be of interest to
boaters:
• We are cleaning the boat launch in Blandford
and improving the boat launch in Deep Cove.
• As soon as we receive approval from the Depart-
ment of Lands and Forestry (formerly the De-
partment of Natural Resources), we will repair
the launch in Borgald's Point.
• Municipal floats are in. Please be mindful of ten-
der crowding and monopolizing space at public
floats and docks.
• Wharves are open and ready to use. Be respect-
ful to other boaters and remember the 24-hour
rule. Boats cannot remain tied to the sides of
municipal wharves for more than 24 hours and
cannot be tied to the front for more than two
hours.
A-BOATTIME
We may not be available 24/7, but our website is. Visit us at www.chester.ca 7
Friday, July 5 Chester SK8 Park
Day
10th Anniversary, 11am-2pm. Rain date
July 6.
Saturday, July 6
Firefighters'
Breakfast
Chester Basin Fire Department, 7:30-
10:30am.
1st Annual Chester
Castaways Washer
Toss Tournament
Chester Rink, 9am. Call 902-275-7522.
Sunday, July 7
Crib Tournament Forties Community Centre, 1pm. Call
902-689-2147.
Chester Bandstand
Summer Concert
presents Bridgewater Fire Department
Band, 7pm. Call 902-299-0139.
Monday, July 8 to
Friday, July 12
High Seas Expedition
Exploring the Mighty
Love of God
Daily Vocational Bible School at Chester
United Baptist Church. Call 902-275-
7504 or abby.blanchard@yahoo.ca
Friday, July 12 Deep Cove Weiner
Roast & Fireworks
Weiner roast, 8:30pm and fireworks,
9:30pm. Raindate July 19. Fireworks
donations, 902-275-5966 or at The Deck.
Saturday, July 13 Mackerel Snappers
Picnic
Graves Island, 12-6pm. Raindate is July
14. Call 902-275-2174 or 902-275-3107.
Sunday, July 14
Meatloaf Supper Forties Community Centre, 4:30-6:00pm.
Call 902-689-2612 or 902-689-2000.
Chester Bandstand
Summer Concert
presents Chester Brass Band, 7pm. Call
902-299-0139.
Sunday, July 21
Chester Bandstand
Summer Concert
presents Dartmouth Concert Band, 7pm.
Call 902-299-0139.
Magician Michael
James in...Magic
Chester Playhouse, 7:30pm. Funds
raised go to Zoe Valle Library.
Visit www.chesterplayhouse.ca
Saturday, July 27 Gourmet Picnic
Baskets
Proceeds for Chester Municipal Heritage
Society.
Sunday, July 28 Chester Bandstand
Summer Concert
presents Chester Brass Band, 7pm. Call
902-299-0139.
Saturday, Aug. 3 Firefighters'
Breakfast
Chester Basin Fire Department, 7:30-
10:30am.
Saturday, Aug. 3
& Sunday, Aug. 4
Robert (Bob) Myra
Memorial Softball
Tournament
4th Annual softball tournament and
musical tribute, Western Shore Legion.
Proceeds for PRO Kids.
Sunday, Aug. 4 Chester Bandstand
Summer Concert
presents Mahone Bay Legion Swing
Band, 7pm. Call 902-299-0139.
Sunday, Aug. 11 Chester Bandstand
Summer Concert
presents Tuesday Night Band, 7pm. Call
902-299-0139.
Sunday, Aug. 18 Chester Bandstand
Summer Concert
presents Chester Brass Band, 7pm. Call
902-299-0139.
Sunday, Aug. 25 Chester Bandstand
Summer Concert
presents Clas Larson Quartet, 7pm. Call
902-299-0139.
Mondays Auction East Chester Recreation Hall, 1pm.
Chase the Ace draw New Ross Legion, 8:30pm.
Mondays,
Wednesdays,
Fridays
Elderfit Aquasize
Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre,
10:30-11:30am. Call 902-275-4245 or
902-527-1887 or elderfitlunenburg.ca
Tuesdays
Picnic in the Park Live music at Lordly Park from July 2 to
September 3, 6-8pm.
Auction 45s Card
Night
Western Shore Area Improvement
Association Hall, 7:30pm.
Bingo Chester Legion, 7pm. 902-275-3315.
Fridays
Chester Farmers' &
Artisans' Market
Chester Train Station, 9am-1pm. www.
chesterfarmersmarket.wordpress.com
My Time Square
Quilt Group Meeting
2nd and 4th Fridays, Chester Baptist
Church, 10:30am-1:30pm. 902-980-0345
Friday Night Live
Music
New Ross Legion, 8:30-11:30pm. Call
902-689-2650.
Saturday
Hubbards Farmers'
Market
Hubbards Barn, 8am-12noon, until Oct.
26. www.hubbardsbarn.org
New Ross Country
Market
New Ross Community Fairgrounds, 9am-
12pm, until Oct. 12. Call 902-681-3171.
Bingo East Chester Recreation Hall, 7pm.
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Wednesday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 2:30 - 6:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Clinic is open to everyone, but if you already
have a family physician and your situation is not ur-
gent, we encourage you to visit your own doctor.
• The Clinic is very busy! Wait times can vary. We
encourage you to register as early as possible.
Registration begins one hour prior to all times
listed above.
WALK-IN CLINICHOURS
(after June 8)
The water quality
monitoring program
is led by the Sherbrooke
Lake Stewardship Com-
mittee, with the help of
not-for-profit group Coastal Action.
Sherbrooke Lake is the largest body of water in
the LaHave River watershed and is fed by 14 inlet
streams. The lake’s drainage basin is used for forest-
ry, silviculture, and agriculture, with cottage devel-
opment concentrated around the lake.
Overall, results from the first year of water quality
monitoring indicate that Sherbrooke Lake is healthy,
but show that human activity has already had an
impact on water quality. Water conditions remain
vulnerable to the increase of harmful nutrients and
fecal bacteria from tributaries, as well as increased
shoreline development and use.
From May to October, a group of trained volun-
teers took field measurements and water samples
from the lake and its streams. The samples were
tested for total suspended solids, total nitrogen, to-
tal phosphorus, fecal coliform, hydrocarbons, and
chlorophyll A. Four streams around the lake were
WATER QUALITY A PRIORITY AT SHERBROOKE LAKE
monitored bimonthly, while seven other streams
were tested after significant rain events to monitor
for water quality changes related to high runoff. Bot-
tom sediment samples were also collected at two
lake sites and one river site, to assess the long-term
accumulation of nutrients and metals which also in-
fluence the lake’s water chemistry.
A detailed report on the 2018 sampling program
prepared by Coastal Action is available online from
the Municipality of Chester (chester.ca/sherbrooke-
lake-park), the Municipality of the District of Lunen-
burg (modl.ca/SherbrookeLake), or upon request.
The natural environment of Sherbrooke Lake—and
its continued health—is very important to both mu-
nicipalities.
Help protect all waterbodies: YOUR actions
matter!
To Reduce Nutrients and Algal Blooms:
• When mowing your lawn or harvesting crops,
leave a buffer zone (or ‘riparian zone’) along the
edge of all waterbodies. This helps protect the wa-
ter from erosion, filter runoff pollutants, and excess
nutrients.
• Be mindful when buying dish soaps – some con-
tain phosphorus which can promote algal blooms.
• Do not fertilize your lawns, as those nutrients
will be washed into nearby streams and bodies of
water.
To Reduce Fecal Bacteria:
• Discharging sewage or grey water through a
straight pipe to any body of water is prohibited.
• A properly designed and maintained septic tank
or approved composting system are the only ways
which can properly treat domestic waste. Maintain
and pump your septic system regularly, keep live-
stock out of the water by providing them with alter-
native water sources, and pick up your dog’s waste.
To Reduce Hydrocarbons:
• Don’t let your boat’s motor idle – turn it off
when not in use. Be cautious with fuels and chemi-
cals used around the house, car, and boat; be careful
not to spill, but clean and dispose of waste properly
if a spill does occur.
This article was written in-part and in collaboration
with not-for-profit group Coastal Action and
provided by the Municipality of Lunenburg
• Once a walk-in shift reaches the maximum num-
ber of patients that can be treated, a sign will
be posted on the main entrance door and in the
second floor waiting area, and the closed sign
will be posted outside.
• If, for some unforeseen circumstance, there is
no doctor available to cover a shift, notices will
be posted on Facebook, on the main entrance
door, and the 2nd-floor waiting area.
For information go to ourhealthcentre.ca, or call
902-273-2098 (messages retrieved on clinic days) or
902-275-3847, Monday to Friday.
Tweet of the Week
Our most popular posts for June was a retweet...
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, 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 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 showcasing 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 Community Development Dept 902-275-2599
Composting Solid Waste Dept/Public Works 902-275-2330/902-275-1312
Council Meetings Administration 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 Finance Department 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.
Provincial/Federal Contacts
Nova Scotia Department of
Environment ..........................................................902-543-4685
Labour ...................................................................902-543-0665
Lands and Forestry ................................................902-634-7555
Public Health .........................................................902-543-0850
Transportation (Bridgewater) ................................902-543-4121
Transportation (Marriotts 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