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COVID-19 CREATES NEW NORMAL
MOC tries to meet needs during evolving pandemic situation
As the pandemic continues, the Municipal-
ity of Chester is looking for ways to keep
you and our staff safe, to assist you where we
can, and to maintain services. We anticipate a
slow return to normal, but until then, we have
implemented measures to accommodate direc-
tion from the Provincial Government as well as
our own residents' needs.
Please read the following for a list of closures,
service changes, and program status. After the
Provincial State of Emergency ends, we will
work towards a gradual opening. Please stay
tuned to our website and social media pages, or
feel free to call us about it AFTER the Provincial
Government has ended the emergency. We will
issue a news release as well.
Facility Closure
• Social distancing required in open facilities
• All municipal offices are closed to public.
• All municipal beaches and playgrounds are
closed to public.
• All municipal parks are open, except for
Croft Road Green Gym/Park. The Skate
Park is open.
• Boat launches and wharves are open.
• Trails remain open; however, please avoid
driving, if possible. Don't park too close.
• Kaizer Meadow Landfill public drop-off
is closed on Saturdays. Unless you are a
contractor, staff ask you to avoid coming
to the landfill for now. Contractors are re-
quired to have protective equipment be-
yond the public drop-off area.
• Kaizer Meadow Household Hazardous
Waste Drop-off is closed to public.
• The community garden will open.
Service and Program Changes
• Recreational programming is cancelled
until further notice.
• There is no change to waste collection.
• We are accepting applications for building
permits, sewer conncections, and devel-
opment permits.
• Sewer locates continue.
• Building and fire inspections continue
through appointment.
• If you have the means to pay your property
taxes, please do so either online, by mail,
or by dropping off your payment using the
drop-off box on the side of the main Mu-
nicipal Building (no cash).
• Online payments can be made by credit
card at https://ipn.paymentus.com/otp/
stde/chns or through telephone or inter-
net banking.
• The due date to pay property taxes is June
15; however, we will not charge interest
until August 31.
• You may qualify for a low income tax re-
duction. The expiry date for the 2019-20
program was extended from March 31 to
June 30, 2020.
• We have implemented a one-time pro-
gram change to the 2020-21 exemption
program. The household income threshold
increased from $21,698 to $27,124. Call in
September 2020 to see if you qualify.
COVID-19 Programs
We are offering a number of one-time finan-
cial assistance programs for small business and
non-profits affected by COVID-19. Please visit
chester.ca/covid-19/covid-19-financial-relief.
Businesses can call 902-275-4138, and non-
profit organizations can call 902-275-3490.
• Non-profit organizations with facilities that
are negatively impacted by COVID-19 may
be eligible to receive up to $1000/month
to a maximum of $5000 per organization.
• Council Grants will increase to $50,000.
• The Emergency Assistance Fund Grant was
established to help non-profit community
groups who have experienced a loss in fun-
draising profit because of forced closure.
• Council is discussing options for our local
businesses in terms of assistance and sta-
bilization programs. Details have not been
finalized, but will be shortly, so keep up-
dated through our website or call the con-
tact number mentioned earlier.
• We have gathered financial aid resources
offered by other levels of government
aimed at businesses. Call us to see what
fits for your situation, or visit our Financial
Relief page at www.chester.ca/covid-19/
covid-19-financial-relief.
We may have closed our buildings, but staff
are still waiting and available to serve you. If you
have a question, request, or need information,
please reach out using the regular telephone
numbers listed below.
Community Development & Recreation
Building Services 902-275-3080
Fire Inspection Services 902-275-3080
Planning Services 902-275-2599
Recreation & Parks 902-275-3490
Corporate & Strategic Management
Economic Development 902-275-4138
Finance & Information Services
General Inquiries 902-275-3554
Taxation Services 902-275-3554
Tax Rebate Program 902-275-4114
FOIPOP Officer 902-275-3554
Infrastructure & Operations
Public Works 902-275-1312
Solid Waste/Landfill 902-275-2330
Water/Wastewater 902-275-1312
As a final note, the Municipality established
a Facebook group called Lean On Me - Making
Municipal Connections. This group puts people
in need in touch with people willing to help.
Please join if you are interested in helping or if
you need some help. If you don't use Facebook,
just check in with each other once in a while.
We are looking forward to seeing you again,
but in the meantime, you know the drill ... Stay
the blazes home!
municipal insightmunicipal insight
“ “Keeping you informed about May/June 2020Keeping you informed about May/June 2020
your municipal government” your municipal government”
The Nova Scotia Government adopted this slogan when Premier Stephen McNeil made this statement during a televised news conference.
COUNCIL & GOVERNANCE
Wash your hands
Message from
the WardenI would first like to start by expressing
my most sincere and heartfelt sympathy
to all of those who lost loved ones in the
tragic shootings in our Province. Under the
current circumstances, this loss only served
to compound the stress our community, and
indeed our country, is experiencing.
These are trying times and although I
know our community is strong, we are facing
many challenges, and I thank you all for the
efforts you are making to keep us all safe
and to keep essential services functioning in
a careful and respectful manner.
This issue of Municipal Insight contains a
lot of information specific to the impacts of
COVID-19 in our community, and although
it seems that it changes frequently, we are
doing our best to keep it current.
There is also a lot of detail concerning our
current year's Operating and Capital Budget
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
Victoria Day Holiday: Municipal staff (except those
at the Landfill) are off on Victoria Day, Monday,
May 18.
Waste will be collected as usual, and the Kaizer
Meadow Landfill will be open. We are asking resi-
dents delay their trips to the Landfill and only go
if necessary, and the Household Hazardous Waste
site is closed for now.
Council Proceedings: Council meetings are closed
to the public for the time being. Instead, Council-
lors are meeting via Zoom (an online application)
and draft minutes are posted on our website within
24 hours. You can still make an appointment with
Council by calling the Municipal Clerk at 902-275-
3554. If you would like to see the minutes but don't
have access to a computer, call the Municipal Clerk.
Development Permit Fees: Costs for Development
Permit applications have decreased and are now
$0 (previously $40) for construction values $5000
or less, and $10 (previously $60) for values over
$5000. Need to apply for a permit? Call Planning
Services at 902-275-2599.
Our Health Centre: There is no more “walk-in” ap-
pointments until further notice. All appointments
must be booked over the phone. Call 902-273-
2098 to confirm. Everyone will be provided with a
mask before they enter.
IN BRIEF...
2
and an overview of our current fiscal health
as a Municipality.
We have had to cancel or postpone many
community activities as well as our Annual
Volunteer Recognition evening. This is an
important opportunity to show our support
to all of these who give so much time to
make our community vibrant and strong. I
extend the sincere appreciation of Council
and your community for your selfless service
and commitment.
I closing, please stay safe. You are not
alone. We are all in this together, and better
days will come.
Respectfully
Do you qualify for a 2019/20 property tax
exemption? You may if ALL of the following
applies to you:
• The total income from all assessed own-
ers, including spouses and common law
spouses, residing at the property, and
total income from those persons who
hold an interest in the property and
contribute to the household income
together is less than $21,698.00 in the
2018 calendar year; and
• Exemptions are only for residential
property tax on the principal residence.
Although all owners do not have to live
in the residence, it must be a principal
dwelling of one of the owners.
Proof of income is required. Please bring
your Notice of Assessment from Revenue
Canada with you. The deadline was extend-
ed to June 30, 2020.
Please see P-25 Tax Exemption Policy for
more details or call Finance & Information
Services at 902-275-3554.
PROPERTY TAXEXEMPTION
Didn't get a 2020 calendar?
Call 902-275-2330!
Municipal Water Strategy
The Municipality of Chester, with the help of
Coastal Action, is developing a Municipal Water
Strategy to address a broad range of water issues
throughout the entire Municipality through
services, support and projects.
We need your input to move forward. Please
check your mail for your survey package and help
us chart a course of action. Mail in by June 5 or
complete online at
www.voicesandchoices.ca/
waterstrategy
The planting season is approaching quickly, and
the community garden will open to residents soon -
under restrictions, of course.
There are nine raised beds (four constructed using
accessibility standards) available at the community
garden site at the Municipal Office to those interested
in growing and caring for a vegetable garden but don't
have a suitable space of their own.
Growing Friends in Chester Municipality is a new
group that will help residents access the community
garden and offer options for seniors, residents who
need access to food, and those with mobility issues.
Mobility issues include lack of transportation or living
a significant distance from the community garden site.
Growing Friends is hoping to develop programming
to include sharing tips and learning from others, trans-
portation using Community Wheels, planting and har-
vesting, workshops, "cooking parties", and visits with
Vintage Voices at St. Stephen's Anglican Church.
If you are interested, please contact Julia Creighton
via email at growingfriends2020@gmail.com, leave a
message at St. Stephen's Parish at 902-275-3804, or
visit their Facebook page: Growing Friends in Chester
Municipality.
While we are encouraging people to use the commu-
nity garden, we need to be aware of restrictions that
might be with us for some time. Gardeners can use our
sanitized tools or bring their own - please take them
LET THERE BE FOODFOOD
with you when you go. If you know what you want to
plant, but are hesitant to leave your home at this time,
please contact Julia or the Municipality with seed or-
ders and we can discuss planting options. We will also
establish a weekly schedule for gardeners to visit their
beds to weed and water.
If you already have a garden bed booked for this sea-
son, we will be in contact soon or feel free to contact
us!
The Municipality will continue with the Porch Pro-
duce Program, so call 902-275-4107 now to book a
container or email us at communications@chester.
ca. Select your produce, and we will deliver it to your
porch already planted and ready to go.
Maintain physical distancing of 6'3
PROPERTY SERVICES
Since the last report, we received two
complaints.
• A resident is discouraged by dog owners
who don't clean up their dog's poop and
allow their dogs off leash when on the
trail. We feel your pain. We encourage
trail etiquette, but it sometimes doesn't
happen. The rules are there for a reason,
and the reasons are most people don't
enjoy looking at dog poop nor do some
people feel comfortable with a loose dog
approaching them. Trails are
a shared asset, enjoyed by
many people. Being a con-
siderate and respectful trail
user enhances the experience for all.
• A second complaint was received about
the lack of protective equipment at a local
care facility. While we are limited when it
comes to public or private healthcare, we
share your concern about safety. Which is
why we readily agreed to compensate Mat
Nightingale for face shields and ear pro-
tectors that he made on his 3D printer for
Shoreham Village. Thank you Mat!
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.
BOSSBOSS oror BUSTBUST
Recyclable paper is like grape juice.
Clean plastic is like your white dress shirt.
The two don't mix.
(hint: please put your clean paper in a separate recycling bag)
Village of Chester Plan Review Staff embark on review of Village planning documents
WHAT IS IT?
The Chester Village Secondary Planning Strat-
egy (SPS) and Land Use By-law (LUB) are being
updated. This follows the introduction of a new
Municipal Planning Strategy in early 2020.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
Sign-up at the project website to stay up to date:
voicesandchoices.ca/villagereview
Ask a question • Leave a comment • Complete
a survey • Access information and documents
• Suggest an idea • View the project timeline •
Register to stay up to date.
Download theR6RECYCLES app and never miss another collection day.
Create a personalized collection calendar
Find out "What Goes Where"
Receive notifications by email, text or phone
Receive real time alerts on weather-related
service disruptions
Play our "What Goes Where" sorting game
No smart phone or tablet? No
problem! Visit https://chester.ca/
waste-recycling/r6recycles for the
same features.
TIMELINE
The review of the Chester Village SPS and LUB is
expected to be completed in 2022. The project
will end when the updated SPS and LUB take ef-
fect.
WHO IS GUIDING THE REVIEW?
Municipal Council • Village Planning Advisory
Committee • Planning Staff
WE WANT YOUR INPUT & IDEAS!
Phone: 902-275-2599 • Email: planning@ches-
ter.ca • Visit: voicesandchoices.ca/villagereview
Solid Waste General Reminders
Some things to remember when dealing with your wasteIn case you forget about some of the more
infrequently asked questions about solid
waste, let us remind you. Below is a reference to
waste situations that you may not come across
too often, but are still important to know once
the pandemic restrictions ease up a bit.
Boxed paper should NOT be delivered to Kai-
zer Meadow Landfill. Recyclable paper needs to
be bagged. If not, it creates a litter issue when
staff dump the bin at Public Drop-off into the
container that goes to Halifax Regional Munici-
pality for processing.
Ammunition, smoke canisters and flares of
any kind do NOT belong in the garbage, blue bag
or green cart. Please take these potentially dan-
gerous items to local RCMP.
Aerosol cans (empty or full), propane tanks
(small and large), and batteries do NOT belong
in garbage. Kaizer Meadow accepts all of these
items. See pg 30 of calendar for other locations.
Items with Freon cannot be placed curbside
for pick up. Those items have to be brought to
Kaizer Meadow Landfill.
Secure your load before coming to Kaizer
Meadow. Blowing waste is a hazard.
Collection sites (Mill Lake, Lakeshore Drive in
particular) are meant for the residents who live
on these roads, not illegal dumping. The abuse
at these sites is outrageous and expensive to
taxpayers.
Public waste stations are in place to reduce
litter, not for dumping household waste. Again,
the abuse is expensive to taxpayers. If caught,
offenders can face a fine.
Don't touch your face 4
MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Revenue
$2
6
,
7
7
5
,
2
9
6
The revenue that the Municipality receives can be broken down into two categories: Tax
Revenue and Non-Tax Revenue.
Tax Revenue Sources $20,059,023 % of TOTAL REVENUE
Property Tax $ 14,529,231
Area Rates*5,130,363
Private roads**154,882
*Area rates are for streetlights, sewer charges, fire protection (which is returned to fire
commissions and valued at $2,067,586), 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 $6,716,273
Landfill* $ 3,998,945
Grants**819,460
Wind turbine 760,000
Sale of services 156,012
Reserves transfers 630,717
Other revenue 570,586
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.
****Sale of services is when we work for other municipalities or for permit application fees.
54.3%
0.6%
19.1%
14.9%
3.1%
2.8%
0.6%
2.1%
0.1%
TOP 5 Expenses TOP 5 Expenses
for MOCfor MOC
These are the five largest expenses
in the Municipal Budget.
#4
Fire protection
includes
the amount
given back to
Commissions.
$2,234,962
#5
Policing and
Corrections
include
mandatory
contributions
to the
Province.
$2,104,757
Highlights
Property Services $1,617,637
Property services incur costs related to engineering and public works, municipal
properties, and planning services. We will work on,
• floodplain modeling
• renovations to the Municipal Building (fix roof and chimney and replace rotting
siding and windows).
• improvements to wharf in Aspotogan
• development of an accessibility plan
• continuation of well upgrade lending program
Transportation Services $682,635
Transporation services include roads (provincial contribution) and streetlights. This
year, we earmarked money for J-class road upgrades.
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. MOC has the lowest rate
among municipalities in NS.
OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGET
Off the top, we pay mandatory contributions
for certain provincial services and certain
municipal services provided by other agen-
cies.
Required contributions towards provincial
services equals $5.35 million:
Education $ 5,093,419
Corrections $ 234,295
Housing Authority $ 20,000
Municipal services provided by others equals
$2.48 million:
RCMP $ 1,846,082
Assessment $ 354,714
Library $ 85,700
Provincial roads $ 196,746
2.4%
Visit our COVID-19 Response Hub at https://coronavirus-response-modc-modc.hub.arcgis.com/5
FISCALYEAR2020-21
*excludes depreciation costs of $2,546,518
$26,775,296Expenses
TOP 5 Expenses TOP 5 Expenses
for MOCfor MOC
These are the five largest expenses
in the Municipal Budget.
#1
Education is
the largest
expense
for the
Municipality
of Chester at
$5,093,419.
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.
$4,239,277
#3
We save
a certain
amount for
the future in
our reserves.
$2,386,922
#4
Fire protection
includes
the amount
given back to
Commissions.
$2,234,962
Highlights
Environmental Services $2,692,594
These are services related to sewer, solid waste, and our wind turbine. At the land-
fill, projects include road improvements, equipment replacement, scale house and
public dop-off renovations, and a leachate treatment plan upgrade.
Sewer projects will see upgrades/improvements to systems, pump replacements,
and permanent generator installment. We will also replace some lift station panels
as well as our usual manhole repairs.
Government Services $3,637,759
Government services incur costs related to Council, Administration, Taxation, and
IT services.
This year, in addition to regular operations, we will work on an Accessiblity Plan,
Municipal Water Strategy and Action Plan, Wastewater Strategy, IT infrastructure
upgrades, procurement improvements, and a Funding and Investment Strategy. We
will also distribute grant funding to organizations.
Property Services $1,617,637
Property services incur costs related to engineering and public works, municipal
properties, and planning services. We will work on,
• floodplain modeling
• renovations to the Municipal Building (fix roof and chimney and replace rotting
siding and windows).
• improvements to wharf in Aspotogan
• development of an accessibility plan
• continuation of well upgrade lending program
Transportation Services $682,635
Transporation services include roads (provincial contribution) and streetlights. This
year, we earmarked money for J-class road upgrades.
Recreation & Cultural Services $846,954
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 Chester
Basin and East Chester, a foot bridge in East River, bridge evaluation in East River and
Goat Lake, and parking improvements in East River. Also, we will update the Active
Living Strategy.
Economic Development $574,113
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, 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. MOC has the lowest rate
among municipalities in NS.
Some fees have changed:
• Landfill tip fees increased by
$5.28 per tonne. The new tip
fee is $76.27 per tonne for
MOC waste.
• The universal sewer charge
increased by $10 and is now
$630 per EDU.
• Streetlight rates increased
in East Chester (0.007), New
Ross (0.012), and Haddon Hill
(0.002). They decreased or
stayed the same in the other
areas.
Proposed capital projects
for this year budgeted to be
$6,643,500. The money to pay
for these projects will come
from the following sources:
• Reserves* - 1,659,000
• Grants - 135,167
• Operating - 212,733
• Area rates - 90,000
• Borrowing - 4,546,600
*Reserves used include Gas
Tax, Wind Revenue, Equipment,
Sewer and Operating.
We will increase our reserves by
$237,451 (net).
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 $664,267
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 joint building inspection
services proceeding as planned.
+
MUNICIPAL BUDGET
WATER QUALITY
Take care of your physical and mental health. Visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/staying-healthy/
FOX POINT LAKE WATER QUALITY MONITORING COMMITTEE
BackgroundFox Point Lake is one of the beautiful lakes found
in Hubbards. The 1.4 km2 lake drains into St.
Margaret’s Bay and is surrounded by both the Aspo-
togan Golf Course and residential properties.
Volunteers participate in sampling and monitoring
at the North Inlet site (coastalaction.org)
Water Quality Sampling Program
In 2014, the Municipality of Chester created the
Fox Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee
(WQMC) after water quality concerns were raised
over the impacts of development around the lake.
The WQMC oversees the monthly water quality
sampling that occurs within the Lake, its two inlets,
and outlet. Sampling is done by both trained volun-
teers and Coastal Action’s Water Quality Specialist
and improvements in phosphorus and sediments
have been documented within the Lake since the
water sampling program’s first collection in 2015.
To learn more about the program, the results, or to
become a volunteer, please contact the Municipality
of Chester by phone 902-275-2599, email planning
@chester.ca or visit www.chester.ca
Fox Point Lake Stewardship
The Fox Point Lake WQMC is a group comprised
of a representative for property owners on the Lake,
the Executive Director of Aspotogan Heritage Trust,
a representative from the Municipal Planning Advi-
sory Committee, a representative for the developer
of the Golf Course and planned residential com-
munity, the Councillor representing District 2, and
support from Municipal Planning staff. The group
receives technical support and expertise from Coast-
al Action, which also supports the Sherbrooke Lake
Water Quality Monitoring Committee.
The budget for the monitoring program is ap-
proved by Council. The cost for the monitoring
program for the 2019 season was approximately
$13,000. With each budget approval, Council com-
mits to fund the program for the season; however,
Aspotogan Heritage Trust has contributed annually
to the cost of the monitoring program since its start
in 2014. Thank you AHT!
How Can You Help?
To help protect Fox Point Lake, and all other waterbodies, it is important to remember that you have an impact on the environment!
Tips for Being Water-Wise At Home
Water quality is everyone’s responsibility and small changes made by everyone can go a long way in helping to protecting our waters. Here are
some tips to be water-wise:
• Put waste in its place: Put pet waste in the trash. Waste is a source of nutrients and bacteria that can leach and contaminate nearby waters.
• Fertilize responsibly: If you fertilize your lawn before a storm, the rainfall can wash away your hard work and contribute harmful nutrients and
metals into our waterways. Also, line manure and fertilizer piles or store them in bins. Protecting manure and fertilizer from rain means you
keep more for your garden, and we get less in our waters!
• Reduce Nutrient and Algal Blooms: When mowing lawns, harvesting crops or clearing vegetation, leave a buffer zone (known as a “riparian
zone”) along the edge of all waterbodies and watercourses. This will help to protect the water against erosion and filter out pollutants and
excess nutrients. If an algal bloom occurs, please inform the local Nova Scotia Environment office (902-543-4685) so the situation can be as-
sessed. Remember, if toxic algae are present, their toxins can last several weeks after the bloom disappears, so be careful around the water
and rinse off after contact (including pets!).
• Reduce Fecal Bacteria: Sewage and grey water should never be discharged through a straight pipe to a watercourse or waterbody. Nova Scotia
Environment is the authority for on-site septic systems in the Province, and property owners should consult with NSE for questions relating to
septic systems. Regular maintenance of septic systems is a proactive way to reduce pollutants entering Fox Point Lake.
• Reduce Hydrocarbons: Don’t let boat motors idle. Turn off when not in use. Be cautious with fuels and chemicals used around the house, car,
and boat. Avoid spills and clean up and dispose of waste properly if a spill does happen.
Call forCall forVolunteersVolunteers
The Committee depends on volunteers to assist
Coastal Action staff in sampling and monitoring ac-
tivities on a monthly basis during the summer and
early fall (June-October).
Volunteers receive training during the first sample
day of the season and work with existing volunteers
and Coastal Action staff to determine when and how
they could contribute to the program.
Maintaining an active group of engaged volun-
teers is vital to the continuation of the monitoring
program at Fox Point Lake. Volunteers help lower
the financial cost of the program but more impor-
tantly, active and engaged volunteers makes it clear
to Council that there is strong support in the local
community to continue monitoring and protection
efforts for Fox Point Lake. Interested members of the
community are strongly encouraged to contact Mu-
nicipal Planning staff for additional information on
becoming a volunteer.
6
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Clean and disinfect often 7
With tick populations growing in
Nova Scotia, it's important to pro-
tect yourself and your family while enjoy-
ing the outdoors all year round.
Ticks have two things going for them:
they are very small, which makes them
hard to spot, and their bites are painless.
They can also carry bacteria and tick-borne
viruses, like Lyme disease. This is why it's
important to take precautions when spend-
ing any time outdoors.
Ticks live in or near woods, shrubs and
long grass. They like to hang around until
a host walks by. They will hitch a ride and
then look for exposed skin so they can at-
tach themselves. To avoid contact, wear
socks with your pants tucked in and closed-
toed shoes. Light-coloured clothing is also
recommended as is insect repellents con-
taining DEET or Icaridin.
They attach themselves to a host in or-
der to feed on its blood. Since their bites
are painless, it may be some time before
they are noticed, so tick-checks should be
TICKS RUIN EVERYTHING
Be aware and prepare for these nasty parasites
Road maintenance
a regular part of your routine. Check your-
self, your family members and your pets
for unwanted dinner guests. The diagram
on the right shows the common areas that
ticks like, but they have been known to bite
other areas as well.
If you find a tick, grasp it as close to the
skin as possibly with tweezers. Gently and
slowly pull it straight out. Wash the bite
with soap and water or alcohol hand sani-
tizer. Flush the tick down the toilet, drown
it in rubbing alcohol or freeze it in a bag-
gie before throwing it in the garbage. Don't
crush it with your bare fingers.
If you feel ill after a tick bite, see your
doctor.
Finally, spread the word. Tick-borne ill-
nesses are serious. Follow @nshealth on
Twitter and Nova Scotia Department of
Health and Wellness on Facebook and
share and retweet their posts on tick safe-
ty. For resources and more information,
visit their website at www.novascotia.ca/
ticksafety.
In the midst of trying to navigate operations dur-
ing COVID-19, the Municipality of Chester (MOC)
is offering financial aid to non-profit organizations,
developing support and stabilization programs for
our local businesses, and cutting interest payments
and increasing low-income incentives to property
taxpayers.
While some municipalities in Nova Scotia are
struggling financially with similar programs, MOC is
able to bear both the costs of financial aid programs
as well as additional (and unbudgeted) operating
costs associated with workplace safety and imple-
menting public safety measures. Why, you ask? First,
the Municipality is already financially sound. We
have healthy reserves, accumulated through invest-
ments, mild budgetary surpluses, and revenue gen-
erated from projects unrelated to property tax.
Second, many municipalities are experiencing sig-
nificant revenue loss coupled with an increase to
expenditures. Rather than an increase to expendi-
tures, MOC is able to redirect expenses rather than
add to them, and we are lucky enough to be able to
withstand a loss in revenue. Sounds good, but how?
To avoid a lengthy, convoluted description of mu-
nicipal finances, you will see two columns on the
right. The first column describes the impacts of CO-
VID-19 on municipalities and MOC in particular, and
the second column describes the financial results for
MOC. At the bottom of both columns is a box the
shows our net expenditures.
For further discussion or questions on COVID-19's
financial impacts, please contact us at 902-275-3554.
for information about available programs, grants,
and initiatives, visit www.chester.ca or contact staff
using the numbers on the front page.
CAN WE AFFORD THE PANDEMIC?
Why MOC is able to weather the COVID-19 financial storm
Recreation:
• MOC does not have significant fixed costs,
such as staff or maintenance of facilities that
are owned/operated by other municipalities,
such as swimming pools, arenas, etc.
• Recreation programs for the spring and
possibly summer are cancelled.
• MOC will spent $100,000 in emergency grants
to support community facilities experiencing
financial hardship due to COVID-19.
• Grants to organizations increased to $50,000
• Cancelled programs result in an overall savings
of $20,000.
• Operating costs will decrease by $18,500
Transportation:
• MOC partners with Community Wheels to
provide transit. Some municipalities, like
HRM, are losing revenue while keeping costs.
• Other units will lose revenue related to
parking meters and garages and traffic fines.
• No budget changes as we will continue to
support Community Wheels through the
budgeted amount.
• MOC does not own parking facilities.
Public Safety:
• Municipalities with their own police forces
will see pressure related to personal protec-
tive equipment and possible staffing increase.
• MOC has a fixed policing contract with the
RCMP, so nothing unusual is expected.
Property Taxes:
• The average commercial assessment percent-
age of total assessment for rural municipali-
ties is 9.6%. Interest forgiveness and proper-
ty tax deferral programs mean revenue loss.
• Deed Transfer Taxes will experience
reductions for many municipalities.
• MOC's commercial tax rate is already well
below average at 5.8%.
• Interest forgiveness will cost $12,800.
• Low income tax exemptions budget will
increase to $57,000.
• Deed Transfer Tax revenue losses are currently
estimated at approximately $164,000.
Operations:
• Most staff are working from home, in-person
training events are cancelled and offices will
be fit with safety equipment upon opening.
• MOC will see a savings of $50,000 in training
and conference costs.
• The $17,700 library funding increase is not
needed for this year.
Economic Development/Commercial:
• Small business across all municipalities is
suffering from revenue loss and is threatened
with potential permanent closure.
• We will implement a number of business
support programs to fill gaps left by provincial
and federal initiatives. The cost is expected to
be between $10,000 and $50,000.
Impacts Results Impacts Results
Overall current financial Overall current financial
impact of COVID-19 to impact of COVID-19 to
taxpayerstaxpayers
$220,235.00$220,235.00
The Municipality of Chester can use Reserves
and existing budget to cover expenses.
Just off the Chester Connection Trail in East River, Nova Scotia – that’s where you’ll discover Castle
Rock. A fantastic natural formation that measures 428m at its peak. Once you reach the summit your
rewarded with 360 degrees of spectacular bird’s eye view of all the beautiful trees and sea and sky.
There are three routes to climb to the top (easiest, moderate and most difficult) depending on your
experience as a hiker – so it’s perfect for all skill levels and great for all ages.
It’s an awesome adventure all year long but with anything in nature – it’s great to go prepared.
Wear comfy shoes – From the parking lot off of Hwy 329 it’s about 4.5km to
the top, round trip that’s a lot of walking, so best to keep your feet happy.
Park and walk safely by practicing social distancing.
Hike with a friend (once pandemic restrictions are lifted) – While pace and
stride may vary, we estimate a round trip visit to take between 3 to 4 hours
so having a pal along will sure help pass the time, plus you’ll have someone
to take your picture at the top! Furry friends are welcome too - just be sure
to keep them on a leash and keep them clear of any steep drops.
Don’t be bugged – you’ll be in the woods and amidst the wonders of nature
so you know black flies, mosquitoes and ticks will be there too – protect
yourself and check yourself.
Leave no trace – it’s great to bring a water and some snacks for the trip, just
be sure if you pack it in for the adventure – pack it out with you when you
go! Keep this natural wonder naturally clean.
For more on Castle Rock and all the other amazing things to see and experi-
ence in the Municipality of Chester visit tourismchester.ca
To officially join the CASTLE ROCK CLUB just take your picture at the top and
post it to social media being sure to include the hashtag #CastleRockClub in
your post and tagging us @tourismchester
JOIN THE CASTLE ROCK CLUBJOIN THE CASTLE ROCK CLUB