HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020-11_MunicipalInsight_print-compressedIn the Municipality of the District of Chester this fall...
Charity begins at home The "C" Word Got leaves?
Charlie is a giver. Christmas on your mind? If you're a-rakin', we're
A cute, adorable, cuddly We've got you covered. a-takin'. Leaf Collection
giver (Page 2). See Page 4. is in November (Page 7)!
MEET YOUR 46TH COUNCIL
Councillors sworn in at October 29 Council meeting.Many of you took the time to vote in this
year's Municipal Election - 60.3% of our
voting population to be exact. As a result, six of
the seven Council members are returning, and
we welcome back, Andre Veinotte, who was
elected as Councillor for District 1. Some might
remember that Andre was elected in 2012 and
served six years as that District's Councillor.
If you didn't check out the results online at
www.chester.ca/results, they are as follows:
District 1
Terri DeMont 122
Marshal Hector 337
municipal insightmunicipal insight
“ “Keeping you informed about November/December 2020Keeping you informed about November/December 2020
your municipal government” your municipal government”
Andre Veinotte 418
District 2
Floyd Shatford ACCLAIMED
District 3
Danielle Barkhouse 623
Kerry Keddy 140
District 4
Steven Millett 236
Allen Webber 365
District 5
Abdella Assaff 616
Your Municipal Council, appropriately distanced, consists of (front row, left to right): Tina Connors, Allen Webber, Sharon Church, Abdella Assaff, (back row, left to right) Danielle Barkhouse, Floyd Shatford, and Andre Veinotte.
Every day, people in our Municipality use
the Internet to find jobs, conduct business,
further their education, keep informed on mat-
ters of public concern, consult with health care
professionals, and interact with all levels of gov-
ernment.
If nothing else, COVID-19 has accentuated
that there are very few things more frustrating
than the other participants on your Zoom call
discovering that you're standing on a chair in
the corner of your kitchen trying to get two bars
of service. Or, spending three hours watching
an hour-long season finale on Netflix because it
buffers every 16 seconds.
Believe us. The Municipality of Chester recog-
nizes the critical importance of reliable, high-
speed Internet and affordable access to it, which
is why we work with provincial and federal gov-
ernment leads, as well as private sector ISPs, to
support and facilitate all rural internet projects
in our communities.
Develop Nova Scotia leads a provincial man-
date to provide a minimum of 97% of Nova Sco-
tians with access to high-speed Internet at mini-
mum speeds of 50/10 Mbps. Several federal
programs and agencies have also been active in
providing internet project support, and we look
forward to details about the federal govern-
ment’s forthcoming Universal Broadband Fund.
We are pleased to share information on the
current rural internet infrastructure projects un-
derway or just recently announced:
Project #1: Dedicated high speed broadband
wireless towers, with a maximum of seven tow-
ers serving multiple communities. Project lead:
TNC Wireless Inc., with investment from Inno-
vation, Science and Economic Development
Canada’s Connect to Innovate program and the
Municipality of Chester. Status: community con-
sultation process for the first four tower sites
completed.
Project #2: Fibre-to-the-home network in
New Ross. Project lead: Bell Canada, with in-
vestment from Develop Nova Scotia’s Internet
for Nova Scotia Initiative program. Status: con-
struction underway with projected completion
date of early November, 2020.
Project #3: NEW! Fibre-to-the-home network
project “Blandford”, with communities served
to include Northwest Cove, Southwest Cove,
Aspotogan, Bayswater, Upper Blandford, Bland-
ford, and New Harbour. Project lead: Bell Can-
ada, with investment from Develop Nova Sco-
tia’s Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative program
and the Municipality of Chester. Status: details
about timing and mapping for the proposed
coverage area to be announced.
Project #4: NEW! Fibre-to-the-home network
project “Chester Surround”, with communities
served to include: Aldersville, Seffernville, New
Russell, and Canaan. Project lead: Bell Canada,
with investment from Develop Nova Scotia’s In-
ternet for Nova Scotia Initiative program and the
Municipality of Chester. Status: details about
timing and mapping for the proposed coverage
area to be announced.
For details about Internet projects in MOC,
check out voicesandchoices.ca/ruralinternet
and Municipal Insight for further updates when
they’re available.
Blake Rafuse 229
District 6
Tina Connors ACCLAIMED
District 7
Sharon Church 487
Doug Sharpham 125
The outgoing Councillor is Marshal Hector.
Thank you for your service to your community,
Marshal. We wish you all the best in your future
endeavours!
Thursday, October 29 was the first official
Council meeting since the Election wrapped
up on October 17. During the meeting, Council
elected Allen Webber to sit as Warden for the
next four years and Floyd Shatford to sit as Dep-
uty Warden for the next two.
Councillors have quite a full slate over the next
few months as they catch up on local issues, cur-
rent processes, and municipal-led projects.
Top of the list will be a review of Council's Stra-
tegic Priorities for the upcoming budget prepara-
tions. Hot off the campaign trail, Councillors will
have heard from residents who had the chance
to share their views and ideas for their commu-
nities, express opinions on municipal business,
and talk about issues important to them.
If you have concerns, suggestions, and ideas,
please feel free to reach out to us or your district
councillor. Contact information can be found on
our website at www.chester.ca or on the back
cover of this newsletter.
INTERNET PROJECTS MOVE AHEAD Updates on high-speed Internet good news for rural areas
Carol Nauss accepts a $500 donation from the
Chester Farmers' & Artisan Market on behalf
of the Chester Municipal Heritage Society.
The cheque was presented to Carol by Nancy
Rhodenizer, Vice President and long-time ven-
dor of the Market, and Charlie the Portuguese
Water Dog. The support will greatly help the
Heritage Society as most of their fundraising
plans are put on hold due to COVID-19.
COUNCIL & GOVERNANCE
"I want to try the impossible to show it can be done." - Terry Fox
Holiday Hours: Municipal Offices will close
on Wednesday, November 11 to observe Re-
membrance Day. Kaizer Meadow Landfill will
also close, and waste collection is resched-
uled to Saturday, November 14.
For hours during the Christmas Break, please
refer to the back page.
Landfill Fire: On October 2, staff at Kaizer
Meadow Environmental Management Centre
noticed a small fire that had ingnited in the
landfill. Staff person Josh Wile extinguised
the flame and removed a flare. The area was
doused with water and foam applied. Thank
you for your quick thinking, Josh!
This is an excellent time to reiterate that
flares do not belong in the garbage. They can
be dangerous and must be disposed of safely.
Take expired flares to the RCMP Detachment
on Windsor Road for disposal.
Water Distribution Program: As of October
23, the total number of coupons we distrib-
uted to residents with poor water quality and
quantity due to the dry weather was 17,351.
Each coupon is good for one 4L bottle of wa-
ter. The number of dry wells reported overall
is 278 with the highest reports being in Ches-
ter, Chester Basin and Western Shore. The
program is set to end on November 8.
Something Amiss? We have combined our
online compliment/complaint submission
form with our contact form. If you want to
pay us a compliment, register a complaint,
report a service issue, or make a request at
www.chester.ca/uhoh.
Tender Award: The tender to upgrade Kai-
zer Meadow's Leachate Treatment Plant was
awarded to Western Plumbing and Heating
Ltd. in the amount of $431,935.
IN BRIEF...
2
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, Remem-
brance Day ceremonies hosted by Legions
across Nova Scotia have been greatly reduced
with many closed to the general public or with
modified activities. Please contact your local
Branch beforehand to inquire about events.
Instead of attending, we encourage you to
take a few moments at 11:00am on Novem-
ber 11 to remember the sacrifices made by
our Veterans.
The Royal Canadian Air Force will still conduct
flybys over commemmorations.
September 24 was an historic day for Council as they signed an agreement that will ensure the
protection of the Gray Grant in District 4 (Chester Basin/Chester Grant area). Shown above is
Warden Allen Webber and Art Backman, Chair of the Gray Grant Society, as they "air high five"
after signing. The Gray Grant is a natural area for residents to enjoy that was donated to the com-
munity by Samuel Gray, a soldier, in 1765. Originally 1000 acres, "The Vacant" dwindled over the
years until formally deeded in 1988. A clear title was legislated by the Government of Nova Scotia
to the Gray Grant Society in 2002. This agreement charges the Municipality of Chester with en-
suring that any future long-term leases or sale of land proposed by Gray Grant Society members
will require the permission of District 4 residents through a plebiscite. Only if residents agree by
majority will ownership of the public lands change hands.
Chester Playhouse has been a staple in our
community for more than 80 years, pro-
viding performers with an intimate venue to
showcase their musical, comedic, and dramatic
talents year round. After-school programs, com-
munity productions, and successful fundraisers
have graced the stage and warmed our hearts.
After welcoming patrons for generations,
The Playhouse is undergoing a significant and
much-needed restoration. Renovations include
creating a more accessible interior, upgrading
backstage and technical aspects - like sound and
lighting - and making safety and environmental
improvements.
The project is estimated to cost $1,000,000,
a considerable undertaking for any non-profit
organization. While there are government grant
programs available for non-profit organizations,
the competition is high. Grant applications need
to reflect the sustainability of a project and the
value it brings to communities. If community
support isn't demonstrated or if need and im-
portance isn't communicated, the likelihood of
a successful application isn't very high.
Luckily, that part wasn't a challenge for the
Chester Theatre Council when applying. The
Playhouse has been an anchor in the Muncipali-
ty for many, many years, entertaining young and
old from near and far. Its value is immeasurable.
Hours and hours of presentations, meetings,
CURTAIN CALL TO ACTION Playhouse launches appeal to raise funds for renovations
and grant writing culminated in an announce-
ment held at The Playhouse in September. Rep-
resentatives from The Playhouse and all three
levels of government (including our Councillor
for District 3, Danielle Barkhouse) safely gath-
ered at a six-foot distance and celebrated the
accomplishments of the beloved theatre.
Bernadette Jordan, MP for South Shore-St.
Margaret's announced funding that totalled
$593,000 from two federal programs - ACOA's In-
novative Communities Fund and Canadian Heri-
tage's Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Gov-
ernment of Nova Scotia contributed $110,000
towards the project under the Department of
Communities, Culture and Heritage. The Mu-
nicipality of Chester invested $100,000 under
our Major Grants Program that is available to
non-profit groups in MOC undertaking capital
projects exceeding $10,000. Contributions total
an impressive $803,000, leaving approximately
$200,000.
The Playhouse is looking to the community
for support and recently launched the 'Chester
Playhouse Restoration Community Campaign',
encouraging anyone who values the theatre to
donate.
If you are interested in learning more about
the project or making a financial contribution,
please visit their website at https://chesterplay-
house.ca/about-us/chester-playhouse-restora-
tion-project/
Feel free to drive by to see the outdoor prog-
ress, or view the online photo gallery at www.
chesterplayhouse.ca.
We can't wait to see the results!
"Take your voice to where it'll be most effective." - Buffy Sainte-Marie 3
STRATEGIC PLANNING
PERSPECTIVE
We are inviting groups and residents to
share positive stories and lessons us-
ing this newsletter. The goal is to educate and
enlighten each other about..well, each other.
Traditions, beliefs, culture, heritage, life experi-
ences, etc.
Too often, people are judged (and sometimes
quite harshly) for things like outward appear-
ance, how much disposable income they make,
sexuality, gender, colour, level of education, or
anything that is perceived as "different". Truth
is, we are all different, but we are also all similar.
Let's celebrate the differences and the simi-
PERSPECTIVE
larities, offer support to each other, encourage
each other, understand where each other is
coming from. Not everyone has to agree. We
have different perspectives, ideologies, priori-
ties, struggles that might even make it impos-
sible to agree. However, it doesn't hurt to listen,
understand and respect.
We welcome you to express yourself and
share your experiences. Inspire change and ac-
ceptance by giving your perspective. Through
understanding, we can personalize struggles
and hopefully overcome some of the obstacles,
both conscious and unconscious, that we face.
The 2021-2022 Municipal Budget process is
underway. Capital projects are being iden-
tified, and a draft capital budget is in the works.
Capital projects generally involve one-off infra-
structure or equipment projects, whereas oper-
ating describes everyday projects and programs.
The goal is to have the Municipal Budget,
which includes both Capital and Operating, ap-
proved late March or early April. This early time-
line will ensure a seamless start to a new fiscal
year (April 1-March 31) with no wait times for
projects to begin.
What is a Budget?
Our budget consists of basically two things:
revenue and expenses. The requirement is to
have enough revenue to cover expenses so that
the end balance is zero or as near to zero as we
can get it without a negative balance.
First, Council identifies all of the services that
the Municipality will offer, such as waste col-
lection, property tax collection, and planning.
Then, there are services that are provided to us
by other organizations and partners, such as po-
licing, education, and property assessment.
Projects are then added, both capital (infra-
structure/equipment) and operating (regular,
everyday). Examples of capital projects are
wastewater treatment plant upgrades or con-
structing a landfill cell. Operating projects would
be ones such as the Municipal Water Strategy
and the continuation of the Sector Strategy that
is currently being developed.
Expenses and Revenue
Operating costs to administer programs and
services are calculated into the budget and
cover staff, contracts, equipment, supplies, etc.
Then, less exciting expenses, like borrowing
costs, are included.
The Municipality has to have enough revenue
to cover all of these costs. If we run a deficit,
we must recover the amount we are short in the
next year's budget by raising property taxes. No
one wants to start in the hole, so if expenses are
greater than revenue, Council has two choices:
raise revenue or cut expenses. It's a tough deci-
sion, especially if the programs and services are
important to residents or will help the Munici-
pality progress.
Raising revenue usually means increasing
property taxes, but can mean borrowing or us-
ing reserves. Property taxes are calculated by
using the projected as-
sessment value multi-
plied by the property
tax rate. The Municipal-
ity is developing an in-
vestment strategy and
is open to "alternate
revenue" that is not
dependent on property
taxes. A great example
of this is the revenue we
receive from our wind
turbine. That revenue
is put directly into a re-
serve that is used for
community-based proj-
ects, economic devel-
opment programs, and
operational reserves
(see the Wind Energy
Revenue Policy P-79 on
our website at https://
chester.ca/government/
by-laws-and-policies).
Using this money in-
stead of general reve-
nue from property taxes
alleviates the burden to
tax payers.
Cutting expenses means either decreasing the
level of a service (like offering fewer recreation
programs), eliminating a program (like Council
Grants or this newsletter), or not moving ahead
with capital projects (like repairing trail surface).
If revenue is more than expenses using the ex-
isting tax rate, Council has the option to cut the
tax rate or to keep the rate the same and either
increase service or put the surplus into reserves
for a future project.
Priorities and Using the Budget as a Tool
The process used to develop the Municipal
Budget has four steps:
1. Set priorities - Council considers communi-
ty needs, current trends in other levels of
government, infrastructure, and the Mu-
nicipality's vision in the long- and short-
term to identify projects and programs for
the upcoming fiscal year.
2. Staff provide workplans - Resources re-
quired to carry out priorities and opera-
tional needs are provided to Council.
3. Budget is shaped - Resources are trans-
What is your perspective? ...as a woman in the
workforce? ...as a single parent? ...as a student?
...as a person of a visible minority? ...as a person
experiencing accessibility challenges? ...about
a tradition you celebrate? Life is all about per-
spective.
You can share your perspective with us by
emailing communications@chester.ca or mail-
ing Municipal Insight, PO Box 369, Chester NS
B0J 1J0.
We are hoping to highlight submissions from
MOC residents and groups that have a mean-
ingful story to tell for the purpose of creating
a positive opportunity for educating. We will
not entertain submissions cemented in bigotry,
hate, advocacy for illegal activity, or rhetoric.
Content that willfully undermines others won't
be printed either. This publication is also rated G
and content will be edited using that lens.
lated into numbers and put in draft capital
and operating budgets. Nothing is omitted
in this step. If expenses exceed revenue
(see the Expenses and Revenue section),
either the tax rate is adjusted or expenses
are reduced.
4. Review - Council reviews the budget, staff
implement revisions, and a final draft bud-
get is presented for approval.
Once the budget is approved, staff use it to
guide spending, implement programs, and pro-
ceed with projects. Of course, sometimes the
unexpected happens and a project cannot be
carried out or there are overruns. As those oc-
cur, options are taken to Council for direction.
If money is not spent, Council must approve a
carry over to the next budget or abandon the
project. If there is an overrun, Council must ap-
prove it as an unbudgeted expense and decide
from which account the money is spent.
Have a Question?
Reach out to us to have a conversation about
the Budget. Call your Councillor (contact infor-
mation on the back of the newsletter) or the
Municipal Office at 902-275-3554.
PREPARING A BUDGET Staff working on 2021-22 Budgets
"Does it pay to listen? Always." - Arlene Dickinson 4
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Tuesday, Nov. 10 Lighthouse Food
Bank
Serving clients from 9:30am-12:30pm
today in lieu of November 11 when they
will be closed for Remembrance Day.
Tuesday, Nov. 10
and
Thursday, Nov. 12
Watercolour
Cartography
with Peggy McCalla, Chester Art Centre,
9:30-11:30am. Call 902-275-5789 or
email info@chesterartcentre.ca or visit
www.chesterartcentre.ca
Monday Nov. 16-
Thursday, Nov. 19 Finding Your Muse
with Jennie McGuire, Chester Art Centre,
9:30am-12:30pm. Call 902-275-5789 or
email info@chesterartcentre.ca or visit
www.chesterartcentre.ca
Wednesday, Dec.
2 and Thursday,
Dec. 3
The Basics
with Lynda Shalagan, Chester Art Centre,
9:30am-12:30pm. Call 902-275-5789 or
email info@chesterartcentre.ca or visit
www.chesterartcentre.ca
Mondays Chase the Ace draw New Ross Legion, 8:30pm.
Fridays Friday Night Live
Music
New Ross Legion, 8:30-10:00pm. Call
902-689-2650.
COVID-19 measures are in place at community facilities. For more details on these
events, please visit www.chester.ca/events or check out our Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/chestermunicipality/
What do you call volunteers who
make masks? Maskateers! Be-
hind every great maskateer is another,
and in this case, Stephanie Vinnedge
has teamed up with Erin Gore to make
face masks for PRO Kids. These two have
made and sold masks all summer at the
Chester Farmers' & Artisan Market with
100% of the proceeds going to PRO Kids.
Now that Fall has arrived, they have
relocated to Chester's Café (43 Queen St
in Chester) on Saturday mornings from
10:30 am to 1:00 pm. Stop by and pick
out your own fabric and they will turn
it into a mask that you can pick up the
following week (custom order), or pur-
chase one from their ready-made col-
lection. These reversible masks are only
$10 and made to fit all ages.
New this Fall are face masks with an
attached scarf (see image on the right).
These specialty masks are $35 and
mostly custom orders.
If you are looking to help, consider
donating fabric to keep production go-
ing - batiks, silk screens, cotton or cot-
ton blends, specifically with interesting
or funny motifs or anything nautical
(plenty of floral already). A fabric dona-
tion to Erin and Stephanie is a donation
to PRO Kids as 100% of mask proceeds is
given to this program that serves youth
in our Municipality.
Besides Chester's Café on Saturdays,
ready-made masks are also for sale at
WINTER'S A-COMIN'
And with it, a new style of face mask
27th Annual New Ross Christmas FestivalWelcome toWelcome to
Our Our
Get your Christmas tree! We have
many Christmas Tree U-Picks open all
weekend where you can bring your
family to enjoy the smell of fresh cut
balsam fir! Wreaths also available.
Make it an outdoor weekend!
Friday, December 4
Community Tree Lighting Ceremony,
7pm. Please stick to your own family
bubble and physically distance. Please
keep a mask handy in case that isn’t
possible. Enjoy Christmas music and
join in the countdown to the lighting.
Santa Claus will drive by, and children
can check out 'Twinkle' the Walking
Christmas Tree and the Candy Cane
Chute. Vittles is offering hot chocolate.
Bring your lanterns and campfire snack
for our Lantern Walk up Ruby’s Trail.
Fireworks at 8pm, also visible from the
community parking lot between the
Post Office and Christ Anglican Church.
Saturday, December 5
Pop Up Market, 11am-3pm at the New
Ross Fair Grounds (weather pending).
Vote for your favourite at the Christmas
Tree and Wreath Competition. At 2pm,
join an Auction of decorative items.
Saturday, Dec. 5 & Sunday, Dec. 6
Take-Out Only at Forties Community
Centre. Watch for times since they
often sell out!
Christmas in the Country at Ross Farm
Museum with activities all weekend.
Book an appointment on their website
because of limited numbers.
Enjoy Festival Specials at Vittles and
Peasant's Pantry.
Our Festive Holiday Carollers will greet
you at the Bandstand and at peoples'
homes and businesses. Take your
picture with them and submit them to
newross.ca so we can see how much
fun you had at the Christmas Festival!
Like us on Facebook.
Need information? Pick up a brochure and map at the Festival Welcome Post at the Bandstand.
Station 20 Handcraft Shoppe, Old Train
Station, in Chester Thursdays to Sundays
from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also
email Erin at gore275@eastlink.ca.
Special Thanks to . . .
• Chester Farmers' & Artisan Mar-
ket (Ashley Marlin and Laura Mul-
rooney) for providing space for the
PRO Kids Face Mask booth.
• Chester Café (Moriah and Matthew
Lutley) for a Fall location.
• Station 20 Handcraft Shoppe (Caro-
lyn Conrad and Chester Municipal
Heritage Society) for giving us a new
home.
• To people who bought masks and
keep coming back for more.
• And, of course, thanks to everyone
who has helped along the way!
"Not doing it is certainly the best way to not getting it." - Wayne Gretzky 5
COMMUNITY INTEREST
SUPPLIES LIST
In anticipation of an emergency, have enough
supplies to stay in your home for a minimum of
three days. In the winter, access to a secondary
heat source may be necessary as well.
◻ 6L of water per person (2L per day)
◻ Food that won't spoil and a manual can
opener
◻ First aid supplies
◻ Enough medications, such as for an allergy
or a prescription
◻ List of your prescription medications with
prescription number and purpose along with
your pharmacy information
◻ Pet care
◻ Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight
◻ Wind-up or battery-powered radio
◻ Batteries
◻ Money
◻ Contact phone numbers for friends/family
In the event of an evacuation, you may want to
consider taking
◻ Important documents, such as your drivers
licence, insurance papers, health card, birth
certificate, etc.
◻ Car keys and house keys
YOUR STAY-IN-PLACE CHECKLIST
Before the storm, did you
◻ Get enough fuel (propane for a BBQ or stove,
gasoline for a generator or car, etc.)?
◻ Secure any loose items outside, like patio fur-
niture or toys (trampolines especially)?
◻ Fill the bathtub with water?
◻ Charge all of your battery-operated devices?
◻ Check on your neighbour? Maybe you can
make a plan together.
COMFORT CENTRES & RELIEF
Comfort centres may open to support local resi-
dents. These centres provide a place to get warm,
recharge devices, check on each other, and share
information. Comfort Centres operate voluntarily
and services offered may vary. Check with your
Councillor (contact info on back page), our web-
site and social media channels, or the radio to see
if the Comfort Centre in your area is open.
Are you a "critical customer?" Nova Scotia Power
offers a Critical Customer Communication pro-
gram for customers whose health depends on
electricity, such as those requiring oxygen ma-
chines or dialysis. Register with NSP to be added
to their communication list. You, especially, need
to prepare ahead of a potential power outage.
Ensure you have sufficient medical supplies, extra
batteries and an alternate power source.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Police/Fire/Ambulance .........................911
Non-emergency health advice .............811
Provincial road concerns ......................511
(report a washout or obstruction)
Non-emergency support ......................211
NS Power Outage Line ..........1-877-428-6004
(report a downed line or power outage)
Sewer concerns after hours ..1-888-664-6998
(report a back-up or pump station issue)
INFORMATION SOURCES
• Check www.chester.ca for local updates.
• www.GetPrepared.ca
• www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
• @RegionalEMO or @chestermun (Twitter)
• ChesterMunicipality on Facebook
• CKBW (98.1) or HANK FM (100.7)
• Your Councillor (contact information on
the back of the newsletter) because they
will know a) if the area's comfort centre is
open, b) any dangers (road washouts, etc)
in the area.
If a state of local emergency is
declared and evacuation is necessary,
someone will come to your door.
The Zoé Vallé Memorial Library is the oldest
community library in Canada. The Library
is open all year, housing a wide variety of books:
fiction, mysteries, history, biography, etc.
While the Municipality of Chester owns the
property, a Library Com-
mittee and an Endow-
ment Fund are respon-
sible for operating costs.
The Library has been
a part of the communi-
ty for 92 years, existing
solely on donations for
its books and to cover its
annual expenses.
The stability and
growth of the Zoé Vallé
Lightfoot Endowment
Fund is reliant on the
caring and generous
support of the commu-
nity. If you can make a
donation, please consider contributing to the
upkeep of the heritage library.
Donations over ten dollars will receive a re-
ceipt for income tax purposes. We now have
means of accepting donations online on our
website at https://zoevallememoriallibrary.
wordpress.com/make-a-donation/.
If you prefer, you can send your donation to
the Municipality of Chester at the address be-
low. The Municipality will collect donations and
Your HELPis needed!
forward them to the Library.
Director of Finance and Information Services
Municipality of the District of Chester
P.O. Box 369
Chester, NS, B0J 1J0
Please know that your much-appreciated sup-
port is responsible for the betterment of the en-
tire site, the Library, Garden, and Lightfoot Tow-
er. We thank you for your continued support.
Please feel free to contact Glen MacLeod, Li-
brarian/Custodian by calling 902-273-2526 or
emailing zoevallelibrary@gmail.com. To read
about the Library's rich history, please visit their
website at https://zoevallememoriallibrary.
wordpress.com/
PROPERTY SERVICES
"We rise by lifting others." - unknown 6
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.
Of course we miss you. We just want you to be safe, that's all. Please consider using online or drop-off options for municipal services.
www.chester.ca for payments, applications, tax rebate forms, and contact information.
Dear Shabby,
I recently had an alarming incident happen while
seated on my throne. There I was, enjoying my
"alone time", reading the latest issue of the mu-
nicipal newsletter, when...how can I say this...
to put it politely, I received a rather unpleasant
knock at the back door. My loo all of a sudden
turned into a geyser. You can imagine my sur-
prise! Do you have any advice as to why this hap-
pened and what I can do so that it never, EVER
happens again?
~ signed Cheeky on
Haddon Hill
Dear “Cheeky”:
While wastewater is not my forté, nor is it the
focus of this column, I'm compelled to help you.
Given your address is Haddon Hill, and knowing
Dear Shabby
Friendly waste disposal advice
that the Municipality was there recently flushing
sewer lines, I'm pretty sure I know what hap-
pened. When sewer lines are cleaned, water is
forced through pipes. Check valves are often in-
stalled to prevent water from flowing back into
your home's system. If a check valve wasn't in-
stalled, the forced water will take any route avail-
able. Sounds like your toilet was the path of least
resistance...
The good news is, you can prevent this from hap-
pening again by installing a check valve where
your sewer line enters your home. Or, wrap your
toilet in plastic wrap and put the lid down until
the line cleaning is done. Good luck.
***********************************************
Dear Shabby,
Why do people throw garbage into the ditch?
My mom says that sometimes people are just
inconsiderate and that we should overlook their
shortcomings because maybe they don't know
any better. But then she whispers bad words
when she thinks I'm not listening.
~ signed Little Ears in
The Forties
Dear “Little”:
I honestly don't know. I can only hope that they
realize that what they are doing is hurting the
environment and not the best choice.
If you would like to overlook people's shortcom-
ings because they don't know any better, visit
https://www.nspickmeup.ca/ to register your-
self or a team for The Great Nova Scotia Pick-
Me-Up.
MUNICIPAL WATER WORKS
Updates on the Municipality's water-related initiatives
Municipal Water Strategy
Earlier this year, Council and staff began work on
a Municipal Water Strategy. This Strategy will be in-
formed by two key considerations: that the quan-
tity and quality of surface water and groundwater
resources must be managed responsibly to ensure
their long-term sustainability, and that individual
communities throughout our Municipality often
have distinct as well as common issues when it
comes to water.
Climate change, sea level rise, underlying geology,
growth and development -- all create challenges
and needs that require a proactive and integrated
approach to water management in the Municipality.
The Strategy will provide a flexible approach through
which we can align programs, partners, and resourc-
es, and coordinate and communicate resulting ini-
tiatives in our efforts to ensure our communities
have access to safe, secure, and sustainable water
resources. Approaches may include, but are not lim-
ited to: public awareness and education programs,
increased water testing and conservation measures,
and investment in infrastructure.
Our first step was to gain a current snapshot of res-
idents’ needs and concerns for water supply, water
conservation, water protection, and drought man-
agement. To that end, from April 10 to June 5, 2020,
residents and businesses were able to complete a
Water Survey in one of two ways: as a hardcopy
form mailed to every household in the Municipality,
and online via the Voices & Choices Municipal Water
Strategy project page (www.voicesandchoices.ca/
waterstrategy).
Objectives of the Resident Water Survey were to:
• determine residents’ knowledge regarding wa-
ter usage, conservation, quality, and quantity;
• determine residents’ concerns regarding water
usage, conservation, quality, and quantity;
• determine residents’ current water conserva-
tion practices;
• determine barriers preventing residents from
implementing water conservation practices; and
• determine residents’ level of support for the
general principles informing a Municipal Water
Strategy and Action Plan.
Coastal Action, a conservation organization with
25 years of experience in environmental monitor-
ing and management, reviewed all 1,220 completed
surveys, conducted analysis of the results, and pro-
duced the Resident Water Survey Report. The report
is available in the Document Library of the Municipal
Water Strategy Voices & Choices project page.
We will feature highlights from that report, along
with further research ideas, via Voices & Choices in
the coming weeks. Consider subscribing to the Mu-
nicipal Water Strategy project page and join in the
conversation as we seek questions, comments, and
feedback that can then be considered as program
options as we roll out the Municipal Water Strategy.
Water Supply Upgrade Lending Program
Did you know? The Water Supply Upgrade Lending
Program provides eligible residents with low-inter-
est loans to help with the upfront cost of improving
the supply of potable water to their properties.
Upgrades eligible for this program include:
• the construction of a new dug or drilled well;
• an upgrade to an existing well required to source
potable water for the property;
• the installation of equipment such as a well
pump, a water line, and an electrical connection
to support the function of a new or upgraded
well; and
• other equipment, such as cisterns and contain-
ers, to improve the supply, use, and conserva-
tion of potable water.
The Water Supply Upgrade Lending Program oper-
ates on a first come, first served basis until the pro-
gram budget for the fiscal year has been allocated.
Further details about the program, including the
program’s Registration Form and Financing Agree-
ment template, are available on the Municipality’s
website here: https://chester.ca/water-sewer/wa-
ter-supply-upgrade-lending-program
PROPERTY SERVICES
"You are amazing. As you are. Stronger than you know. More beautiful than you think." - Tia Sparkles 7
Recyclable paper is like a roller coaster.Clean plastic is like three chili cheesedogs.The two don't mix.
(hint: put your clean paper in a separate recycling bag)
Since the last report, we received two
complaints.
The first complaint was about litter on the
trail. A resident spotted the litter during a
regular walk and suggested more education is
needed. We agree and will keep at it. We dislike
littering as much as you. It's labour intensive
for us, costly to taxpayers, and harmful to the
environment. Really, the only ones who seem to
benefit from littering are those who litter. Not
cool, litterers. Not cool.
We also received a complaint
about the lack of public washrooms
in MOC along with a suggestion to
install portable washrooms at more locations.
We place washrooms at some of the parks we
own (Croft Road, Wild Rose), the Village of
Chester Commission maintains a washroom at
the Lido, and the Province has washrooms at
their day parks. This year, some were closed or
not placed because of the challenges of cleaning
protocols around COVID-19. However, we plan
to discuss portable washrooms at budget time
as we plan for next summer.
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 on our website at
www.chester.ca/uhoh
Coming in to see us at 151 King Street in
Chester.
BOSSBOSS oror BUSTBUST
SPECIAL LEAF COLLECTION is on your regular collection day between
NOVEMBER 16 and NOVEMBER 27.
Place an unlimited amount of leaves in clear, plastic bags out for collection during Special Leaf Col-
lection. Place other yard waste in your green cart (except for branches that stick out over the top or
are more than 2" in diameter). You can also place up to three paper yard waste bags alongside your
cart for twigs, clippings, trimmings, etc. The only thing you cannot place in paper bags is branches.
Village Plan Review Public input on land use neededThe review and update of the Chester Village Sec-
ondary Planning Strategy (SPS) and Land Use By-
law (LUB) is underway.
The Village Planning Advisory Committee meets regu-
larly, and staff attended several events in the commu-
nity to solicit input and feedback on a variety of land
use topics. The project website has new information
added regularly and continues to be a great way to stay
up to date, learn about the topics being discussed and
to leave comments or ideas. Visit voicesandchoices.ca/
villagereview.
Staff are now reaching out to community groups and
stakeholders to discuss relevant land use matters. The
Committee will continue to meet to review and discuss
the existing policies in the Secondary Planning Strategy.
The revised policies will form the basis for the new plan,
with additional topics and policies added and consid-
ered later in the review process.
Throughout the Village Review (expected to conclude
in 2022), staff are always happy to speak with and en-
gage members of the community. If you have ideas or
concerns that you wish to express, please get in touch
via the website, email or phone.
Phone: 902-275-2599
Email: planning@chester.ca
Visit: voicesandchoices.ca/villagereview
Tweet of the Week
Our most popular post for September...
Oh, Hurricane Teddy. We've never been so happy to be so
disappointed!
LinkedIn: Find us on LinkedIn by searching "Municipality of Chester" and
get the latest updates on municipal careers, opportunities for business
and development, and community investment news.
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!
Community Development & Recreation
Building Services 902-275-3080
Fire Inspection Services 902-275-3080
Planning Services 902-275-2599
Recreation & Parks 902-275-3490
Finance & Information Services
General Inquiries 902-275-3554
Taxation Services 902-275-3554
Tax Rebate Program 902-275-3554
FOIPOP Officer 902-275-3554
Infrastructure & Operations
Public Works 902-275-1312
Solid Waste/Landfill 902-275-2330
Water/Wastewater 902-275-1312
Corporate & Strategic Management
General Inquiries 902-275-4147
Communications 902-275-4107
Council Inquiries 902-275-4109
Economic Development 902-275-4138
CONTACT USCONTACT US Municipal Districts and Councillors
#1 East Chester, East River to Northwest Cove
Andre Veinotte 902-277-1409
#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 Rd to Sherwood
Sharon Church 902-277-1301
Administration Offices are observing the following holiday schedule:
Thursday, December 24, 2020 CLOSING at noon (Council meeting cancelled)
Friday, December 25, 2020 CLOSED for Christmas Day
Monday, December 28, 2020 CLOSED for Boxing Day
Tuesday, December 29, 2020 CLOSED
Wednesday, December 30, 2020 CLOSED
Thursday, December 31, 2020 CLOSED
Friday, January 1, 2021 CLOSED for New Year’s Day
Monday, January 4, 2021 OPEN for regular hours
The Kaizer Meadow Environmental Management Centre (Landfill) schedule over the
holiday season is:
Friday, December 25, 2020 CLOSED for Christmas Day
Saturday, December 26, 2020 CLOSED for Boxing Day
Friday, January 1, 2021 CLOSED for New Year's Day
Waste Collection Information:
Friday, December 25 collection is RESCHEDULED to Saturday, December 26
(Friday Week B)
Friday, January 1 collection is RESCHEDULED to Saturday, January 2
(Friday Week A)
Happy Holidays
from Council and Staff
Please do not come to the second floor walk-
in clinic if you do not have an appointment. Dur-
ing the pandemic, all appointments must be
booked over the telephone. Please leave a mes-
sage and calls will be returned at least one hour
before the shift begins.
1-902-273-2098
Walk-In Clinic Schedule for November
• Tuesdays (15 people max)
November 10, 17, 24 4:00 - 7:00pm
• Wednesdays (24 people max)
November 11, 18, 25 9:00am - 4:00pm
• Thursdays (24 people max)
November 12, 19, 26 9:00am - 4:00pm
• Friday (30 people max)
November 6 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Saturdays (15 people max)
November 7, 14, 21, 28 9:00am - 1:00pm
You must wear a mask. Please bring one with
you to your appointment.
If you have questions for the NS Health Au-
thority, contact 1-902-527-5810 or 1-855-881-
7061 or email wearelistening@nshealth.ca
For trusted, everyday health information and
advice, call the Nova Scotia Health Authority's
811 line to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours
a day / 7 days a week.
Website: ourhealthcentre.ca
Facebook: ourhealthcentre
Instagram: ourhealthcentre
Twitter: @OurHealthCentre
Call: 902-273-2098 or 902-275-3847