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“ “Keeping you informed about March/April 2021Keeping you informed about March/April 2021
your municipal government” your municipal government”
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this spring...
Picture this... Water still top o' mind A rag is a rag is a rag
Tourism Chester A snapshot into our Rags are still showing up
launches new campaign water quality initiatives. our central sewer system.
See Page 3. Page 4. See Page 7.
Plans are underway for the 2021 growing sea-
son at the Community Garden located beside
the Municipal Office in Chester.
The last couple of years have seen dramatic
change to the original small plot. We have in-
creased the number of garden beds, installed
taller beds for residents with a range of mobility
issues, implemented the Porch Produce Program
that delivers ready-made vegetable containers to
residents who find it difficult to get to the com-
munity garden, and have a natural herb garden.
Last year, a group approached the Municipal-
ity to use the beds and proposed another expan-
sion. Growing Friends is a community-led initia-
tive partnering seniors with garden "buddies" to
plant, care for, and harvest vegetables.
OH MY GOURD!
Community Garden prep underway
The previous year's addition
of taller beds was an added as-
set as the taller garden beds are
the perfect height for wheel-
chair access and eliminates
painful bending that comes with the lower beds.
With a few slight adjustments to accommodate
Public Health restrictions, Growing Friends had a
successful season with all of the beds overflow-
ing with produce and many friendships forged!
After the season ended, the group offered a vir-
tual cooking series on Facebook at facebook.com/
growingfriendsinchestermun. Visit their page for
planting and harvesting tips too.
We are looking to make this year just as success-
ful. We will construct three new beds and are tak-
ing bookings for raised beds and porch contain-
ers. For more information, visit https://chester.
ca/community/community-garden or email us at
communications@chester.ca.
Erin Gore, our Provincial Volunteer Representative.
Volunteer WeekApril 18 to 24, 2021
Sunday, April 18 to Saturday, April 24, 2021 is
National Volunteer Week. This is a time when
we recognize the important contributions that
volunteers make to our communities.
The Municipality of Chester will celebrate the
tremendous efforts of our local volunteers in April.
Our celebrations will look a little different this
year because of COVID-19 restrictions. Volunteers
will be recognized every Thursday in April during
Council/Committee of the Whole meetings, which
are streamed live on Facebook.
In the meantime, presenting our 2021 volunteer
award nominees:
• William Burns from Hubbards was nominat-
ed by Hubbards Area Lions Club.
• John Chandler from Chester was nominated
by Clarke Lodge #61.
• Dawn Curry from Chester Basin was nomi-
nated by Cynthia Myers.
• Erin Gore (photo on the right) from Chester
was nominated by Lynne Ross and Judy Par-
sons and several other community members
representing various groups.
• Anita Hume from East Chester was nomi-
nated by Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #88
Ladies Auxiliary, Chester Basin.
• Suzanne Isaacs from Chester was nominat-
ed by Our Health Centre.
• Cecil Joudrey from Martins Point was nomi-
nated by Royal Canadian Legion, Branch
#144 Western Shore.
• Kelly McCann from Hubbards was nomi-
nated by District #1 Community Centre in
Blandford.
• John Mosher from Chester Basin was nomi-
nated by Aenon Baptist Church.
• Marty Murphy from New Ross was nomi-
nated by New Ross Farmers Association.
• Carol Nauss from Chester was nominated
by Chester Municipal Heritage Society.
• Paul Rowe from Chester Basin was nomi-
nated by Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #88
Chester Basin.
• Rufus Sweet from Chester was nominated
by Chester Minor Hockey.
• Carol Vaughan from Hubbards was nomi-
nated by Aspotogan Arts & Crafts.
• Joanne Corbett & Greyson Corbett-Lumb
(Family category) from Chester was nomi-
nated by Bonny Lea Farm.
• Roger & Christine Hirtle (Family category)
from Chester Basin was nominated by Erroll
Zwicker.
• G & C Hughes Enterprises (Colin Hughes)
from New Ross was nominated by New Ross
Farmers Association.
Please stay tuned to the Municipality of Chester
Recreation & Parks Service new Facebook page or
visit our website at www.chester.ca for updates
on what our volunteer recognition, or tune into
Facebook every Thursday!
Congratulations to all of our nominees! Your ef-
fort and love for your communities is evident by
being nominated. We thank you for everything
you do and everyone you help and recognize your
hard work and dedication.
A special congratulations to Erin Gore of Chester
as she is selected to receive the Provincial Volun-
teer Award. She will represent the Municipality
of Chester and all our volunteers at the Provincial
Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 26. Given her
volunteer history, it is a well-placed award! Kudos!
COUNCIL & GOVERNANCEMessage from
the WardenMarch certainly came in like a lion.
Hopefully, it will exit like a lamb. I'm
already eager to go trout fishing, start my
garden and stop burning so much wood!
Our community volunteers continue to
be front and centre with the last edition
of Municipal Insight recognizing the 20th
anniversary of our Volunteer Week and this
edition highlighting this year's nominees.
Erin Gore was selected, very deservingly,
as the provincial nominee representing
Chester.
We need to get creative in finding a way
to thank all of the nominees in public, so
stay tuned. We are working on a plan.
Council has authorized a second round of
emergency assistance for our community
organizations to help them get through
these challenging times and aid them in
getting creative in helping us all find safe
ways to enjoy and support our community.
I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of our staff. This past year has
been a challenge for them as well as the
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
Holiday Hours and Waste Collection Schedule:
Municipal Offices will close on Friday, April 2
and Monday, April 5 for Good Friday and Easter
Monday.
Kaizer Meadow Landfill will close on Friday,
April 2 and waste collection rescheduled to Sat-
urday, April 3. The Landfill will reopen on Mon-
day, April 5 and collection will proceed as usual.
Site Assessment: An Environmental Site As-
sessment will be carried out at Kaizer Meadow
Eco-Industrial Park in preparation for certifica-
tion under the Atlantic Canada Site Selection
Program. Certification will give Kaizer Meadow
the exposure it needs as a pre-qualified devel-
opment location to attract industrial business.
Equipment Replacement: Kaizer Meadow trad-
ed in their D5 dozer for a D6 dozer. The dozer
is one of the most used pieces of equipment
and performs a variety of jobs, such as a stand-
in for the compactor when it is out of service,
maintains our roads, and moves construction
and demolition waste, soil, wood and brush
and more. It's also the only equipment that we
can tow our hydroseeder with.
Staff Changes: We have two staff people leav-
ing us. First, our beloved Finance Director has
decided to retire. Malcolm Pitman has been
with us for the last four years and we'll miss
him terribly, but we understand.
Greg Jonah, our Engineer Technician in Public
Works Services, will be taking another posi-
tion in a neighbouring municipality. Don't be a
stranger and good luck in your new role, Greg!
Spring Tax Sale: The Tax Sale usually held in the
Spring will be delayed. Once a date has been
determined, we will post it on our website at
https://chester.ca/government/property-
taxes-and-rates/tax-sales.
IN BRIEF...
2
public in trying to maintain a level of service
consistent with your needs. Many working
from home at first, then some days in the
office, others developing safe protocol
for necessary public interactions and all
moving our ever-increasing workload
forward in a productive way. Thank you.
Next week, Council will try to complete
a refresh of our Strategic Priorities for the
next few years, identifying challenges and
opportunities and the best approach for
ensuring success.
This exercise will help us develop the
Capital and Operating Budget over the
next several years.
Stay engaged, support local business
where possible, and thanks for your
commitment to maintaining a thriving
community.
Sincerely,
Your first line of defense against injury
and death in the event of a fire is a work-
ing smoke detector or smoke/fire alarm system.
Properly placed and functioning detectors provide
occupants with the best chance to escape without
injury should a fire occur.
However, false fire alarms issued by monitored
systems are serious and, in many cases, prevent-
able. In 2020, our seven district fire departments
responded to over 60 false fire alarms. The volun-
teer stations are located in Blandford, Hubbards,
Chester, Chester Basin, Western Shore, New Ross,
and Martins River.
False fire alarms can put the whole community
at risk. Our volunteer firefighters need to spend
their time, funds and effort responding to non-
existent fire conditions. Emergency first respond-
ers, other road users and the public face unneces-
sary risks due to emergency vehicles being on our
streets. Also, there can be potential delays in re-
sponse to real emergencies where people's lives
are at stake.
Although weather and other occurrences out of
your control can cause false alarms, most of the
time they can be avoided. The major causes of
false alarms include fumes from cooking, steam
from showers, dust from building work, insects in-
PREVENT FALSE FIRE ALARMS
Unnecessary calls risky and on the rise, but preventable
side detectors, poorly trained users, lack of main-
tenance, and incorrect or poorly designed and in-
stalled systems. You can:
• Make sure your alarm provider and monitor-
ing company is reputable and qualified;
• Always ask for detailed information and a
complete demonstration of the system;
• Maintain your fire alarms system annually us-
ing authorized service companies.
• Avoid placing your detector too close to
kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces or locations
where high particulate matter - like dust,
smoke, or steam - may interfere;
• Pay close attention to surroundings and know
what you are doing could impact the alarm
system;
• Cover detectors that may be affected by con-
struction activities. Restore all detectors daily
to proper functionality after construction or
renovation activities. After construction or
renovations are completed your alarm com-
pany should be called to service your system;
• Test your alarm system regularly. Advise your
monitoring company before and after a test;
• Complete a thorough investigation to deter-
mine causes of activation;
• Have local contacts available to immediately
cancel accidental alarms and meet with the
fire department at your location.
The Municipality of Chester reminds all citizens
of their responsibility to comply with the Alarm
By–Law 141. Copies of this By-law are available at
the Municipal Offices at 151 King Street Chester
or on the Municipal web site at www.chester.ca
Under the By-Law # 141, it is the responsibil-
ity of the occupant, owner and their alarm com-
pany to take all actions necessary to prevent any
occurrence of false alarms. Violations of the By-
Law may result in fines of a minimum of $100 to a
maximum of $10,000.
We would like to recognize the corrective and
preventative actions that have been taken by
many alarm system owners. It is truly in every-
one’s interest to have fire alarms used for their
intended purpose and to be maintained in proper
working condition. We thank you for your con-
tinuing assistance and ask that you be even more
diligent in using and maintaining your alarm sys-
tems in the proper operating conditions.
Congratulations on the addition of your new
furbaby to the family!
To keep your canine furbaby safe, dog licenses
can be purchased at the Municipality for $15.
When you register your dog with the Municipal-
ity, your contact information is recorded along
with your dog's registration number. They are
valid for five years and a cheap, easy way to avoid
dog pound fees should you and your pet get sepa-
rated. By registering, we can help you get recon-
nected as quickly as possible.
Visit our website at https://chester.ca/public-
safety/animal-control for more information or call
our Animal Control Officer, Brian Truelove, at 902-
277-0017 if you have any questions.
DOGDOGTAGSTAGS
3
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Own a business in Own a business in the Municipality the Municipality of Chester?of Chester?
Register with our Business Directory at chester.ca/business-directory and have access to thousands of views per month!
Upload photos, link reviews, post your menu and link to your social media account. Edit your listing at anytime!
For info, call 902-275-4161 or email ecodev@chester.ca
PICTURE PERFECT!PICTURE PERFECT!
Tourism Chester is embarking on a brand new
social media advertising campaign! Called “Pic-
EMERGENCY $
Council extends COVID grant
Gathering limits and health guidelines due
to the pandemic continue to restrict options in
terms of fundraising events and rental income
for many of our community groups and facilities.
Therefore, Council extended the period in which
eligible groups and facilities can recover some ba-
sic operating costs and lost revenue. The period is
from January to May 2021.
There are two one-time grants available: a)
community facilities and b) community groups
without facilities. Please refer to our website for
complete details on each grant as well as eligibil-
ity criteria, deadlines, and applications.
Organizations are still eligible to apply for regu-
lar municipal grants, even if they have received
emergency funding, providing they fit the criteria.
Community Facilities
Non-profit facilities located within the Mu-
nicipality of Chester, including Legions and other
member-based clubs, could apply for up to $1000
per month to a maximum of $5000 (January to
May) if a negative financial impact caused by the
pandemic can be demonstrated.
Community Groups Without Facilities
Municipality of Chester non-profit groups are
also eligible for emergency funding for the period
between January and May 2021. There are two
options for groups without facilities:
Option A - Financial Relief: Available to groups
who experienced financial challenges due to lost
revenue and/or increased expenses as a result of
COVID-19. Groups can apply for up to $500 per
month to a maximum of $2500 (January to May).
Option B - Pandemic Response: Funding is avail-
able to groups to develop a new program, event
or activity that will lessen the pandemic's impact
in the community while following health proto-
cols. Groups can apply for a maximum of $2500.
Visit https://chester.ca/government/grants-
and-sponsorships for the full details and guide-
lines or call Recreation and Parks Services at 902-
275-3490 to speak to someone.
ture Perfect”, the campaign aims to engage with
our Facebook and Instagram followers by helping
them get a real feel of what it is like to experience
our wonderful region.
The campaign will fea-
ture all the incredible
assets we have and the
many things to experi-
ence in all seasons. The
program will feature our
outdoor activities (such
as golf, cycling, sailing
and kayaking), trails,
beaches, Ross Farm Mu-
seum, and food and din-
ing. The campaign will
also feature tourism as-
sets from all seven dis-
tricts.
Our goal is to help visi-
tors “picture” what it is
like to visit our beautiful
community. It’s about
helping instill emotion
and share that we have
so much to see and do.
We will promote to Nova
Scotians, encouraging
them to explore their own backyard.
For information, contact Heather Hennigar, Eco-
nomic Development Officer, at 902-275-4161.
COMMUNITY INTERESTWATER QUALITY PROJECTS
Municipality of Chester participates in several testing programs
As residents of Nova Scotia, and especially of
our own communities, we appreciate the
value of clean water. We drink it, cook with it, and
bathe in it - all fundamental uses. Some of us rely
on water for our livelihood: lobster fishing, sea-
weed harvesting, tourism, agriculture. Others re-
treat to water to release stress: swimming, boat-
ing, freshwater fishing, or just relaxing lakeside.
Conditions that negatively impact the quality
and quantity of our water, whether it is naturally
occuring or manmade, threaten the critical rela-
tionship we have with this life source. Blue algae,
coliform bacteria, drought, flood, irresponsible
landscaping, and pollutants are some of the ad-
verse conditions our water bodies face.
The Municipality of Chester acknowledges the
importance of clean water, which is why we have
taken steps in identifying some of the issues fac-
ing our communities.
Fox Point Lake
Fox Point Lake has been monitored for changes
to water quality since 2014, stemming from con-
cerns around the potential impact from develop-
ment around the lake. Trained volunteers and a
specialist from Coastal Action test the water quar-
terly and results are reported annually to the Fox
Point Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee
and to Council.
The budget for this water quality program is
$13,000, historically shared by the Municipality
and Aspotogan Heritage Trust.
Sherbrooke Lake
Council entered into an agreement with the
Municipality of Lunenburg (MODL) to monitor the
quality of Sherbrooke Lake after MODL started de-
veloping a public park on the lake.
A joint committee, with assistance from Coastal
Action, tests the water and provides an annual
report. Our share of the cost of this program is
$7,000.
Bayswater Beach
This location was targeted in a series of water
quality testing done over several months last sum-
mer/early fall. While the tests came back fine, the
Province has closed Bayswater Beach in the past
because of bacteria present in the freshwater out-
let that crosses the beach.
Council expressed concern over this bacteria as
well as what appears to be gas escaping from the
sand. Therefore, they requested options for addi-
tional testing by Coastal Action. This is ongoing.
Rafuse Cove
Rafuse Cove, located in Western Shore, was
included in the same testing program done by
Coastal Action at Bayswater Beach. One area in
particular exceeded the provincial water quality
standards for ocean water. Coastal Action provid-
ed a report to Council that identified some pos-
sible options, but cannot pinpoint without more
investigation. Council asked Coastal Action to pro-
vide some options and pricing. This is still ongoing.
Municipal Water Strategy
Municipal staff and Coastal Action have com-
pleted a public survey and presented a report to
Council. Using the survey results, we have out-
lined an overview and are currently developing a
final action plan and strategy scheduled to come
4
Community Events
NEW ROSS LEGION (health protocols in place)
Monday: Weekly Coffee Social, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Monday: Chase the Ace draw 8:30 pm
Thursday: Bingo 7:00 - 10:00 pm
March 13: Roast Beef Supper take-out. Call
902-275-8585 to pre-order by March 10. Pick-
up March 13, 4:00-6:00 pm.
For info on events, call the Legion at 902-689-
2650 or visit their Facebook page.
CHESTER LEGION
March 21: Prime Rib Takeaway Meal.
Fundraiser for Chester Municipal Heritage
Society. For info or tickets, call 902-275-3826 or
902-228-2628.
DISTRICT #1 COMMUNITY CENTRE
March 27: Corned Beef & Cabbage Supper
Drive Thru Take-out, 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Call 902-
403-4339 by March 20 to reserve.
Email events to recreation@chester.ca to
have them included on our website and this
newsletter. We will resume our weekly events
column published in a local newspaper when
restrictions are eased and there are more events
happening to advertise. Meanwhile, let's enjoy
some take-out and stay safe!
out in April. Find the survey report and other in-
formation on our engagement website at https://
www.voicesandchoices.ca/waterstrategy
Any times that testing has revealed unsafe wa-
ter conditions, residents have been notified. If you
are interested in reading any of the reports men-
tioned or learning more about testing programs,
visit our website at https://chester.ca/water-sew-
er/municipal-water-strategy
5
There is no question about it. We love Tan-
cook. We would just about flip over back-
wards and hang upside down to have them in our
Municipality. For decades residents and visitors
of Chester have had the pleasure of boarding the
William G. Ernst for the ferry ride to Big and Little
Tancook Islands. On a nice day, many a passenger
has enjoyed the top deck.
A day-trip to Tancook is so popular, that often
the ferry is full and passengers are turned away to
await a later boarding. Recreation & Parks Servic-
es has planned successful (and usually full) work-
shops and programs on Tancook.
Last November, the Province of Nova Scotia an-
nounced that residents will be getting a $4.9 mil-
lion ferry to replace the aging William G. Ernst.
The new ferry can accommodate 18 cars and will
mean that residents can take their vehicles home
TANCOOK
New ferry brings route change
instead of parking them in Chester or elsewhere.
It also means that once residents land, transport-
ing purchases and heavy items, like firewood,
could be less of a burden.
Presently, there are vehicles on Tancook, but
not everyone has one and some are in disrepair.
Also, getting groceries, furniture, appliances, etc.
to the ferry for transport and then off the ferry
to homes can be a challenge. True, Islanders help
each other out and true, there's always a way, but
having the option to take a vehicle back and forth
(continued from "Tancook") will certainly make
things easier. Not to mention that emergency ve-
hicles can respond.
From a visitor's perspective, taking a vehicle
over is significant if you're unfamiliar with the Is-
land or don't know anyone who lives there.
In addition to the switch to a vehicle ferry, the
number of crossings has increased to 11 per day
and the route has shortened by 20 minutes. The
wharf in Chester cannot accommodate the new
ferry, so the new ferry will dock in Blandford,
which is actually closer to Tancook than Chester.
There is definitely a transition period to these
new changes. Chester is used to having Islanders
coming to the Village and Islanders are used to
going to Chester. Decades-long routines are be-
ing affected, not to mention the tourists that the
Tancook Islands attracted to the Chester area will
be rerouted. On the plus side, Blandford and sur-
rounding areas will benefit.
The Municipality of Chester is on board with the
advantages a vehicle ferry will bring, the shorter
commute and an increase to service for residents
and visitors. We are excited to see how the new
Blandford ferry wharf will turn out and what that
will mean for the area. While the Village will cer-
tainly miss the Ferry and its occupants, our rela-
tionship isn't over, it's just different.
The ferry should be completed by 2022. For
more information, visit the Government of Nova
Scotia's website at https://novascotia.ca/news/
and search "Tancook" under the 2020 releases.
For information about the Tancook Islands, visit
https://www.tancookcommunitynews.com/.
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.
WANTEDsummer staff
Mobile Ambassador
We are taking an exciting, new approach to
Tourism, and we’re looking for someone who
loves meeting people and who enjoys visiting
a different community each day. We need
someone who enjoys social media and is eager
to learn new skills in online marketing. If you’re
up for a ‘one of a kind’ kind of summer - join
the Tourism Chester Team and be our Mobile
Ambassador.
Send your resume by April 30 at 4:00 p.m.
ATTN: Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk
151 King Street, P O Box 369
Chester NS B0J 1J0
employment@chester.ca
902-275-4771 fax
Recreation & Parks - Summer Team
Recreation & Parks is accepting applications
from students who would like to be part of our
Summer Staff Team. Specifically, we need four
Youth Leaders to start in late June.
You will organize special events and plan
summer recreation programs. So, if you are
a student, creative, outgoing, energetic and
enjoy working with youth and the public, we
have been looking for you!
Send your resume by April 16.
ATTN: Jody Conrad
151 King Street, P O Box 369
Chester NS B0J 1J0
jconrad@chester.ca
902-275-3630 fax
Call 902-275-2712 for information.
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Visit www.chester.ca/
government/employment
WASTE MANAGEMENT
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.
Dear Shabby,
The waste collector hates me. I just know it. This
is the third time I put an old propane tank and
desktop computer out for collection and he keeps
leaving it. Why does he hate me? Why? WHY??
Please, I'm begging you, ask him to forgive me!
~ signed Brokenhearted in Chester Grant
Dear “Brokenhearted”:
I think you are being a little dramatic. The waste
collector doesn't hate you. He doesn't even know
you for Heavensakes. He isn't collecting your
propane tank or your computer because he can't.
Propane tanks have the potential to explode if
compressed in a garbage truck. Those must go to
Kaizer Meadow's Hazardous Waste site. Com-
puters are recyclable. Just drop electronics off at
Dear Shabby
Friendly waste disposal advice
Adam's Bottle Exchange in Gold River. Ta da!
***********************************************
Dear Shabby,
What a time to be alive! My favourite day of the
year is coming up: Earth Day! I spend all year plan-
ning for this huge, blowout party. Of course, the pan-
demic is putting a cramp in my style, and I can only
invite my bubble, but that isn't stopping me! Stream-
ers, fireworks, confetti guns, pinatas with individually
wrapped candies, and plenty of balloons - plenty, I said.
Don't worry, I am using disposable plates and cups so
it won't take too long to clean up. My question is, how
many bags of garbage can I put out for collection?
~ signed Party It Up in Goat Lake
Dear "Party":
While I admire your enthusiasm, I think you are miss-
ing the point of Earth Day. Earth Day is a day we
honour the Earth by reducing our consumption,
picking up polluting litter, and not producing waste.
For example, if you and your bubble want to truly
celebrate the Earth, grab a handful of free bags from
the Municipality and clean up the ditches instead
of littering them with confetti. There is no limit on
bags of litter you put out for collection if you register
for Earth Day with us. Call me at 902-275-2330.
***********************************************
Hey Shabs,
What up?
~ signed Dude in Bayswater
Dear "Dude":
Not our disposal rate, that's for sure! The Munici-
pality is recycling like a boss! Our disposal rate is 332
kg/person/year, well below the Provincial average
of 399 kg/person/year..
Waste Collection starts at 7:00 a.m.
SOLID INFORMATION ABOUT WASTE
This isn't just a bunch of garbage...
Below are some reminders about waste pro-
gram changes that might not affect you often
enough to stick in your mind.
Protective equipment: If you plan on visiting the
Landfill and need personal protective equipment,
please bring your own. We are not lending equip-
ment because of COVID- 19. You don't need pro-
tective equipment to visit the Public Drop-Off or
Household Hazardous Waste site, but if you are
disposing of construction and demolition waste,
you will be directed to the collection area near
the Landfill itself. Protective equipment ( hard
hat, safety boots, glasses, and vest)
are needed in areas beyond the
Administration Building.
Used oil and antifreeze
containers: These con-
tainers are now banned
from landfills but can be
dropped off at our House-
hold Hazardous Waste site
instead. The ban includes
used oil containers (50L or
less), used antifreeze con-
tainers (50L or less), oil filters,
diesel exhaust fluid containers
(50L or less), lubricating aerosols,
and automotive parts cleaner.
Paint and paint cans: In addition to paint, resi-
dents can bring empty paint cans and empty aero-
sol paint cans to Kaizer Meadow for disposal. An
alternate location is Adam' s Bottle Exchange in
Gold River, which is also the ENVIRODEPOTTM.
Paper recycling: Please do not bring boxes of
recyclable paper to the Public Drop-Off at Kai-
Recyclable paper is like a warm summer breeze.
Clean plastic is like the stench of burning plastic.
The two don't mix.
(hint: put your clean paper in a separate recycling bag)
zer Meadow. When we dump the recycling bins
at the Drop-Off into the container that goes to
Halifax Regional Municipality for processing, the
boxes open and the loose paper creates a litter
issue. We have enough litter to pick up as it is!
Please bag your recyclable paper when you bring
it to Kaizer Meadow.
Items with Freon: Appliances or items with Freon
in them cannot be placed curbside for collection,
even if the Freon is removed. Air conditioners, re-
frigerators, freezers, some water coolers, and de-
humidifiers are examples of appliances with
Freon in them. All of those items can
be taken to the Kaizer Meadow
Landfill for disposal.
Compact Fluourescent
Bulbs: Bring your CFLs to
the hardware stores in
Hubbards and New Ross
as well as Kaizer Meadow.
Spring Weight Restric-
tions: Weight restrictions
on roads are in place any
day now. This will not change
waste collection as we will ad-
just by using a smaller truck.
Waste Collection Calendar: The 2021
Waste Collection Calendar was sent to residents
through Canada Post in December. You can access
it, along with other valuable information, on our
website at https:// chester. ca/ waste- recycling.
If you would like a paper copy but didn't receive
one, contact Solid Waste Services at 902-275-
2330 or email solidwaste@chester. ca.
If you want
important waste
collection information
delivered right to your inbox,
sign up for Waste Collection
Notices on our website at
www.chester.ca and click on
"MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS"
on the front page.
PROPERTY SERVICES
7
MUNICIPAL Q & A - CONSTRUCTION Some of the most common questions posed to Building Services
Spring Building Season is upon us and we are
here to help. Before beginning your project, we
encourage you to ask us lots of questions. Our
goal is to ensure your project meets the minimum
Building Code requirements and to help guide you
through the permitting process.
Q. I have a small project, but I am not sure
what permits I might need.
A. We encourage lots of questions and are
here to give you as much guidance as possible.
Please call us at 902-275-3080.
Q. How long does it take to get a building
permit?
A. Once a completed application is received,
including any possible permits from other agen-
cies or department, relevant drawings, and con-
struction details, generally a permit can be issued
within two weeks.
Q. How do inspections work?
A. You or your contractor request an inspec-
tion based on the stage of construction. To pre-
vent delays, please call a day or two in advance.
Q. For how long are permits valid? What if I
have an outstanding building permit?
A. Permits are good for 18 months after the
date of issue. If you think your permit has expired,
VILLAGE PLAN REVIEW Update on the status of the Review and what's happening next
Despite the challenges of 2020, progress on
the Village Review, the update and rewrite
of the Chester Village Secondary Planning Strat-
egy and Land Use By-law continues.
The Chester Village Planning Advisory Com-
mittee meets monthly to discuss and consider
various planning matters related to the Village
Review. These meetings have been held online
but are open to the public to view or make an ap-
pointment to speak (contact us at 902-275-2599
or email planning@chester.ca to attend a meet-
ing). Minutes and meeting materials are available
online following each meeting at https://chester.
ca/government/committees-and-appointments.
Alongside the work of the Committee, staff have
begun drafting the revised Secondary Planning
Strategy and met with several stakeholder groups.
The schedule for public engagement in 2021 is
not yet finalized and will depend on public health
guidelines, likely requiring flexibility and adapta-
tion. Preliminary plans include public open house
sessions and question-answer sessions.
Drafts of the revised Secondary Plan will be
made available for review and comment once
complete. Staff and the Committee will focus on
revising the Land Use By-law regulations for the
majority of 2021 and drafts of the new Land Use
By-law will receive a similar public process once
complete.
The project website - www.voicesandchoices.
ca/villagereview - is a great place to keep up to
date and provide comments and feedback. Com-
plete a survey, view a video or ask us a question!
Staff are also always happy to speak with any indi-
viduals or groups who want more information or
want to contribute ideas or thoughts toward the
Village Review. Please don’t hesitate to reach out
and contact us!
Getting a civic address for your building
Municipalities assign civic addresses. New buildings
are issued civic numbers during the building permit
process.
If you have an existing building, and you are not
sure of its civic address, please call Planning and
Development Services at 902-275-2599 or email
civicaddress@chester.ca
Did you know you can purchase civic number signs
at the Municipal Office? Order forms are available
on the Civic Addressing page of our website. The
signs cost $14.00 (prepaid). If you would like a sign
mailed to you, just add $3.00 to cover postage.
please contact us and we can renew your permit.
It is very important to keep permits renewed and
current.
Q. I’ve been issued a building permit, but I’m
not sure if a final occupancy permit has been is-
sued or if the file has been closed.
A. We can do a quick search and see if any
permits are outstanding on your property. It is
very important to have an occupancy permit is-
sued for any building permits you have to ensure
code compliance and that no issues arise if you
have a claim through homeowner’s insurance.
Ensure a final inspection is completed before the
final payment was paid to your contractor just in-
case there are any building code concerns.
Please call Building Services at 902-275-3080 or
email us at building@chester.ca.
Renovating or Building?
Whatever your plans, if it involves a sewer line connection or disconnection to a Municipal Central Sewer System, you need to see us.
1. Please contact Public Works Services PRIOR to starting.
2. To connect, pick up an application at the Municipal Office or visit https://chester.ca/water-sewer/central-sewer. Submit the signed application and
deposit for review (capacity, as-built drawings, sewer by-laws, and site). Approvals are usually issued within seven days. We will forward approvals
to Building Services to accompany your building permit, if needed.
3. In some cases an application for a Breaking Soils Permit will be required through Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Upon re-
ceipt of this approval, a work order to the Maintenance Supervisor will be issued to schedule construction.
4. The Municipality schedules contractors, traffic control, and delivery of materials. An inspection to confirm installation meets the recent version of
Standard Specifications for Municipal services will be conducted. The private portion of the service connection can be connected at this time. If it is
not completed immediately, the public portion will be capped and marked.
5. Once the work is complete, Public Works will calculate the costs and deduct the total from the deposit. Any money left over will be returned to the
person who paid it, or if further payment is required, we will send an invoice.
6. A final letter of approval for the service connection will be sent to Building Services and Finance Services, and the file will be closed once refund is
issued or final payment is received.
7. If you have any questions, contact Public Works Services any time at 902-275-1312.
RAGS ARE DRAGS Yes, we're still dealing with rags
Shop towels, disposable wipes, cloth rags,
microfibre cloths. None of those things be-
long in a sewer pipe. They are destructive when
it comes to central sewer systems as they wind
themselves around the pump causing expensive
malfunctions and unnecessary shutdowns.
Strong cloths are great for cleaning, wiping up
nasty materials, cutting grease or whatever else
you can think of. They are not great in the sewer.
The more durable the material is, the larger the
risk of clogs.
Depending where the blockage occurs, it could
also put your home at risk of a sewer backup. That
is a risk very few people want to take.
Once the cloth is stuck it will collect other things,
such as toilet paper, which then creates the block-
age and sooner rather than later a back-up can
occur resulting in issues for the property owner
along with infrastructure costs to the Municipal-
ity's system and to taxpayers; money going down
the drain.
So if you are unsure if wipes are flushable or
if rags are harmless, there is only one solution;
when in doubt, throw it out.
For the love of all things good, please throw rags
and disposable wipes in the garbage, where they
belong!
If you would like more information about cen-
tral sewer systems or rags, call Public Works Ser-
vices at 902-275-1312.
Tweet of the Week
Our most popular post for January/February...
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District #1
East Chester, East River to Northwest Cove
Andre Veinotte 902-277-1409
District #2
Simms Settlement, Hubbards to The Lodge
Floyd Shatford 902-275-7868
District #3
Chester and part of East Chester
Danielle Barkhouse 902-277-1624
District #4
Chester Basin and Chester Grant
Allen Webber 902-275-8373
District #5
Gold River to Martins River, including
Beech Hill
Abdella Assaff 902-277-2765
District #6
New Ross
Tina Connors 902-277-1095
District #7
Middle River to Haddon Hill/Windsor Road to
Sherwood
Sharon Church 902-277-1301
Municipal Districts Municipal Districts
and Councillorsand Councillors
Spring is coming.
So is Explore Life.
Look in your mailbox for your copy
on April 7.
Municipal
Bulletin Board
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for 72 hours?
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