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“ “Keeping you informed about October/November 2021Keeping you informed about October/November 2021
your municipal government” your municipal government”
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this fall...
Time for reflection Have an opinion? Take a hike!
October brings Municipal By-Laws open Unique badge awarded
awareness. for public review. for hiking municipal trails
See Page 2. Info on Page 3. (Page 4).
Danielle Barkhouse, elected to represent Dis-
trict 3 in the Municipality of Chester in 2016,
said goodbye to her fellow Councillors on August
26, 2021. We are proud of her success, wish her
nothing but the best, and look forward to working
with her in this new role.
With the District 3 seat vacant, Council is look-
ing to hold a special election as soon as possible.
The Municipal Elections Act (one of the pieces
of legislation that governs municipalities) spells
out specific requirements that municipality must
meet when calling a special election, ensuring
that there is enough time for us to prepare, for
candidates to offer, and for residents to make sure
they are on the voter list and vote. Following this
timeline, the Special Election for District 3 will be
on Saturday, November 13, 2021.
The time leading up to the Special Election Day
is broken down into several periods:
• Revision Period
• Nomination Period
• Advance Polling
• Election Day
Revision Period (date)
The Revision Period is the time we use to make
any revisions to the list of electors (voters). Elec-
tions Nova Scotia shares their most recent list of
electors with us, so if you weren't registered to
vote in the past Provincial Election, you are not
likely on our list either.
We use the Provincial list to mail an instruc-
tion letter to eligible electors prior to the Special
Election. As in the last Municipal Election, we are
choosing to use electronic voting only, and the let-
ter you receive will have the personal identifica-
tion number (PIN) required to vote.
If you don't receive a letter by November 1,
please contact us at election@chester.ca or call
902-275-3631 to ensure that you are on the list.
Nomination Period (ends October 19)
Perhaps you want to take on the responsibility
of representing the constituents of District 3 at
the local level, bringing their concerns and ideas
to the Council table. To run for Council, you must:
• be 18 years of age at the time of nomina-
tion;
• be a Canadian citizen; and
• be a primary resident of the Municipality of
Chester for at least six months before Nomi-
nation Day and continue to live in the Mu-
nicipality. You do not have to live in District
3 to run as Councillor.
Qualified candidates must declare their nomi-
nation by Nomination Day - Tuesday, October 19.
SPECIAL ELECTION FOR DISTRICT 3 Councillor for Chester and area wins seat in Provincial Election, vacating Council position
Municipal boundary of
District 3
Nomination papers must be filed at the Munici-
pal Office with the Returning Officer on Tuesday,
October 19 any time between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m. or by appointment in the seven business
days preceding Nomination Day. Pick up nomina-
tion packages from the Assistant Returning Offi-
cer, Pamela Myra, at the Municipal Office during
office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to
Friday).
An orientation session outlining obligations to
constituents (residents in District 3) and to us will
be held for candidates.
Candidates have until 4:00 p.m. October 20 to
change their nomination papers. A final list of can-
didates nominated for office will be posted on our
website and announced on our social media chan-
nels by October 21. If there is only one candidate
nominated, they will be declared acclaimed and
sworn in at the next Council meeting.
Advance Polling and Election Day
(November 3 to November 13)
Electors may begin voting by telephone and by
internet starting at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, No-
vember 3. Voting is open 24 hours per day, every
day, until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day (November
13). If you don't have access to a telephone or the
internet, you can make an appointment to use a
voting kiosk located at the Municipal Office. Ap-
pointments are available between 8:30 a.m. and
4:30 p.m. on November 6. Stop in at 151 King
Street in Chester during business hours and speak
to Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk and Assistant Re-
turning Officer.
Results of the election will be posted on our
website and social media channels shortly after
the polls close.
Next Steps
Unless a candidate is elected by acclamation (no
other candidates are nominated), the candidate
with the most votes will be sworn in at the first
Council meeting following the Special Election
and their contact information will be posted on
our website under Government/Council.
Questions?
Returning Officer Samuel Lamey or
Assistant Returning Officer Pamela Myra
Municipality of the District of Chester
151 King Street, P O Box 369
Chester NS B0J 1J0
902-275-3631 or election@chester.ca
COUNCIL & GOVERNANCEMessage from
the Warden
As I'm sure you are aware, since our last
newsletter, we have had both a Provincial
and Federal Election. I would first like to
congratulate one of our own, Danielle
Barkhouse, on her success and wish her
well. Danielle will give us a strong voice
with the Provincial governing party, which
will be an asset to our municipality.
I would also like to congratulate Rick
Perkins on his success in the Federal
Election. Rick has family ties to Chester
Basin, and I'm sure he will do his best to
represent all of our interests.
It's too soon to tell what changes in
federal and provincial priorites and policy
changes will mean to local government
and the Municipality of Chester in
particular, but I'm sure there will be some
impact and, hopefully, our newly elected
representatives can assist as we move
forward.
Now, on to the next election. As I'm
sure you are aware, Danielle's seat at the
Council table must be filled. We are holding
a Special Election on November 13, 2021. I
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
2
encourage all who are interested to consider
the challenges and time commitment
associated with the responsibility of
serving on Council and understand the role
of local government as opposed to federal
and provincial responsibilities when
making their decision. It is a rewarding
responsibility but does have its challenges.
The Municipality is currently experiencing
some staff shortages in some departments,
which we are in the process of addressing.
These shortages may cause some delays in
responding to concerns in the immediate
future. Staff are doing their best, but you
may need to be a little patient.
There is a lot of information in this edition
of the Insight, and I hope you find it helpful.
Thanks for your continued participation
and support of our community.
Closures: Municipal Offices are closed on Mon-
day, October 11 for Thanksgiving and Thursday,
November 11 to observe Remembrance Day.
Kaizer Meadow Landfill is open on Monday, Oc-
tober 11 and waste will be collected as usual.
The Landfill will close on Thursday, November
11 and waste collection is rescheduled to Sat-
urday, November 13.
Staffing Changes: Kavita Khanna, our former
Assistant Director of Infrastructure & Opera-
tions, has taken another position. Her last day
was September 15. Kavita was instrumental in
moving forward some of our key projects, and
we will miss her greatly. Thanks for everything,
Kavita, and all the best!
Heather Hennigar, Community Economic De-
velopment Officer, has also taken another posi-
tion. She will be making a difference at NSBI.
Congratulations, Heather! We will miss you.
Ellen Johnson has filled the role of Accessibility
Coordinator. This position is jointly shared be-
tween the municipal units in Lunenburg Coun-
ty. Ellen will guide us through our next steps
and help us comply with accessibilty standards
and better serve our residents and visitors.
We welcome Brendan Mosher as our new By-
Law Enforcement Officer. He starts October 4.
Welcome, Brendan!
Preliminary Survey Results: Some of you may
have participated in a survey that circulated
over the summer in Chester. The Village of
Chester Plan Review Resident Survey asked
your opinion on topics, such as character, heri-
tage, backyard suites, signage, and more. Re-
sponse rate was high and preliminary results
were posted on https://www.voicesandchoic-
es.ca/villagereview.
IN BRIEF...
Chester Municipal Grant Programs.
“Fun”ding communities.
Every year, the Municipality of Chester improves communities by funding many non-profit
community groups and youth through our grant programs.
• Council Grants - application deadlines of May 31 and October 31.
• Council District Grants - contact the Councillor for your district.
• Economic Development Sponsorship - contact Economic Development at 902-275-4110.
• Tourism Grants - application deadlines of May 31 and October 31.
• Major Projects Grants - application deadline for 2021 is January 31.
• Recreation Grants - application deadline for 2021 is October 1 (passed).
• PRO Kids - applications received all year round.
• Youth Sponsorship Grants - applications received all year round.
All grant programs have eligibility requirements. Download the guidelines and applications at
www.chester.ca/government/grants-and-sponsorship or telephone 902-275-3490 and let us
help you choose the grant program that’s right for you.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER...
October: a month for both celebration and reflection
September 30 marked Canada's first National
Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The obser-
vance asks citizens to acknowledge and reflect
upon the arrival, history, and impact of residen-
tial schools in Canada. Over 150,000 First Nations,
Inuit and Métis children and their families were
immediately affected. Whole communities have
suffered in the aftermath.
Following this important day is Treaty Day on
October 1. This day brings awareness to Mi'kmaw
culture and honours relationships. It is also the
first day of Mi'kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia.
October also heralds LGBT History Month. LGBT
stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgen-
der. The month is also host to several awareness
days, including International Lesbian Day, Nation-
al Coming Out Day, Spirit Day, International Pro-
nouns Day, Intersex Awareness Day.
In recognition of LGBT History Month, the Mu-
nicipality and members of Lunenburg Pride will
paint the six colors of the pride flag on two of the
pedestrian boulevards in our parking lot. You are
invited to join the painting party on Thursday, Oc-
tober 14 at 11:30 am.
Often, days of recognition stem from struggle
and injustice. Standing up against oppression, be-
ing an ally, and challenging exclusion, discrimina-
tion, and racism has brought attention to issues
that divide us. Learning about those issues with-
out bias starts to bridge that divide.
While parts of Canada's history are difficult to
own, and even more uncomfortable to talk about,
we need to. We can't brush it aside and wish it
didn't happen. Learning and appreciating is far
more productive than ignoring and denying.
If you want to learn more about Canada's his-
tory and culture of its original people, there are
plenty of resources available.
As an organization, we are committing ourselves
to learning and understanding. We want safe com-
munities that are open and welcoming and friend-
ly for all. Learning takes time, but acceptance and
friendship can be immediate.
While learning isn't restricted to only days of
observance, they serve as a reminder that we
aren't all the same and the differences should be
acknowledged and sometimes celebrated instead
of ignored.
3
COUNCIL & GOVERNANCE
OUTDOOR BURNING BY-LAW
Amendments balance recreational with health and safety
The Outdoor Burning By-law No. 142 came
into effect in 1997. Council called for a re-
view of the By-law as it no longer meets the needs
of residents in the affected area, and recently,
staff returned with recommended amendments.
After some fine-tuning, Council moved that
the proposed amendments be given First Read-
ing, which means that we move to the next step:
public engagement. This is an opportunity for you
to tell us your thoughts on the proposed amend-
ments. Do you agree? Disagree? Your feedback
will be discussed at the Second Reading stage,
which is when Council will decide to change the
amendments, adopt the amendments, or defeat
them altogether.
Proposed amendments to the Outdoor Burning
By-law recognize the desire for residents to enjoy
smaller, recreational fires throughout the Munici-
pality of Chester (MOC) and also be permitted to
burn for land clearing and property maintenance
reasons in selected areas of lower population
density, reducing the probability of fire hazard
and nuisance complaints.
By the way, as an environmentally safe alterna-
tive to outdoor burning for the disposal of garden
waste and brush, Kaizer Meadow Landfill accepts
garden waste materials and brush free of charge.
What is updated?
First, and as shown in the map, for the purposes
of this By-law, there is a distinction between Ches-
ter Village, (Chester Village Fire Control Area),
surrounding areas of higher building/population
density (Chester Outer Fire Control Area), and the
rest of MOC. Islands are not included in the re-
vised By-law.
Second, within MOC as a whole, the By-law now
presents general requirements for outdoor burn-
ing. Proposed revisions:
• prohibit burning of prohibited materials or
any household hazardous waste;
• prohibit fires that create a recognized nui-
sance or hazard;
• require that fires comply with permits and
conditions imposed by the Department of
Lands and Forestry and with any other Fed-
eral or Provincial regulations;
• require that fires for the purposes of build-
ing demolition must have prior approval of
the Department of Environment;
• require that fires be attended by an adult of
19 years of age with suitable fire suppres-
sion resources readily available; and
• require that outdoor furnaces meet re-
quirements of MOC development permits.
Third, within the Chester Outer Fire Control
Area, the By-law now permits recreational, open-
air fires and, within limits, the burning of garden
waste and brush from land clearing. Proposed re-
visions:
• require that outdoor furnaces meet re-
quirements of MOC development permits;
• place limits on the size of the fire for garden
waste and land clearing of 3 meters in diam-
eter and 2 meters in height, 9 meters from
other combustibles and property lines;
• permit recreational fires of up to 1 meter
in diameter, burning solid fuel (dry wood
materials), either open air, in an acceptable
burning pit, or in an approved appliance,
4.5 meters from combustibles and property
lines; and
• permit only one fire on a property at one
time.
Lastly, within the Chester Village Fire Control
Area, the By-law now permits recreational open-
air fires and fires contained within acceptable
burn pits and appliances (within limits). The use
of outdoor furnaces continues to be prohibited.
Proposed revisions:
• permit small (0.75 meters in diameter) rec-
reational open-air fires burning solid fuel
(dry wood materials) 3 meters from com-
bustibles and the property line;
• permit fires (1 meter in diameter) within
acceptable fire pits and appliances burn-
ing solid fuel (dry wood materials) 3 meters
from combustibles and the property line;
• permit only one fire on a property at one
time.
The By-Law Enforcement Officer for MOC is re-
sponsible for enforcing this By-law. Where the By-
law Enforcement Officer (or someone they des-
ignate) determines that a hazard or nuisance to
persons or property exists, an Order will be issued
to the property owner to extinguish the fire and/
or take other remedial action required to meet the
provisions of the By-Law. Also, a Fire Chief may ex-
tinguish the fire, or order the fire extinguished, if
it's considered a hazard.
Send your feedback to our Municipal Clerk, Pam
Myra, at pmyra@chester.ca or call 902-275-3554.
BY-LAW READY TO ADOPT
Uniform Signage By-Law going to Council for Second/Final Reading
In the last edition of the newsletter, we included
information about a proposed program and by-
law meant to streamline tourism-related signage
along main highway routes in the Municipality of
Chester.
A draft Uniform Signage By-law & Program
(along with details for a pilot) were presented
to Council, and Councillors voted to move ahead
with the public feedback portion.
If you have any comments about what you read
in the last newsletter, want to review a copy of the
proposed By-law, or would like to have a discus-
sion about the impact this would have - positive
or negative - please contact us.
Your feedback will be discussed at the Second
Reading, which will happen at the October 14
Council meeting. At this meeting, Council will opt
to revise, adopt, or defeat the by-law.
To review the proposed by-law, visit https://
chester.ca/government/by-laws-and-policies. If
you don't have reliable internet, or would prefer
a paper copy, please contact us and we will be
happy to assist.
Please forward your written comments to Pam
Myra, Municipal Clerk, by October 7, 2021 at
noon. You can contact Pam by emailing pmyra@
chester.ca, dropping in to the Municipal Office at
151 King Street in Chester Monday to Friday from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by faxing 902-275-4771.
She is also available by telephone for inquiries:
902-275-3554.
If you own a business in the Municipality of
Chester, have a sign along a secondary highway,
and have questions, please contact Erin Lowe, our
Senior Economic Development Officer, at 902-
275-4110.
This process will provide Planning Services
with an inventory and review of existing built
forms, including styles, materials, appearance,
lot layout, character, design, etc. Using the
inventory, the successful bidder will provide
recommendations that the Municipality will
consider when determining appropriate archi-
tectural controls and design guidelines for the
Village of Chester during its Plan Review pro-
cess. If interested, read the tender specifica-
tions document here: https://chester.ca/gov-
ernment/procurement or call 902-275-3554.
4
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Community Events
CHESTER FARMERS' & ARTISANS' MARKET
Fridays until October 8, 9:00am to 1:00pm, Chester
Train Station. Visit www.chesterfarmersmarket.
wordpress.com.
NEW ROSS LEGION
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4:00 to
9:00pm. Social Tea Mondays. Bingo Thursdays,
7:00 to 10:00pm.
THANKSGIVING DINNER
Monday, October 11 at the Forties Community
Centre, New Ross, from 12:00 to 2:00pm and
again from 3:00 to 4:30pm. Turkey with all the
trimmings as well as local music and demonstra-
tions. COVID rules apply. Adults $14, Children
(5-12 years) $7 and under 5 years $3. Call 902-
689-2612 or 902-689-2000.
PORK TENDERLOIN TAKE-OUT SUPPER
Saturday, October 16 at the New Ross Legion
from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Pre-order deadline is
October 13. Maple-glazed pork tenderloin,
mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, apple
sauce, homemade roll, and cheesecake. Cost is
$15. Call 902-275-8585 to order.
VIRTUAL VARIETY SHOW
Sundays, October 17 and 24 via the Forties Com-
munity Centre Facebook page starting at 1:00
pm with local entertainment.
OKTOBERFEST ROAST PORK DINNER
Sunday, October 24 at the Forties Community
Centre, New Ross, from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Roast
pork, gravy, apple sauce, mashed potatoes,
peas, carrots, and dessert. Eat in or take out. Lo-
cal entertainment and demonstrations. COVID
rules apply. Adults $14, Children (5-12 years)
$7 and under 5 years $3. Call 902-689-2612 or
902-689-2000.
***********************
If your organization is hosting an event, please
let us know by emailing recreation@chester.ca.
We will include it in our weekly local newspa-
per column, post it on the Recreation & Parks'
Facebook channel (@ChesterRecParks), and also
include it on our calendar at www.chester.ca. If you
have a poster, please attach that as well. For more in-
formation, call Recreation & Parks at 902-275-3490.
The Regional Emergency Management Organization serving the Municipality of
Chester has launched a new comprehensive website alongside a Facebook page and
refreshed Twitter account. Please follow or search Lunenburg REMO online to get
invaluable information about preparing for emergencies, staying-in-place, status up-
dates, and tips for all type of potential emergency. #beprepared #stayprepared
CHESTER HIKER BADGE
Municipality and Hike Nova Scotia launch new Challenge
Hike Nova Scotia and the Municipality of
Chester are happy to announce the launch
of the new Chester Art Adventures Badge as part
of Hike NS’s Hiker Challenge.
The Hiker Challenge is about inspiring, motivat-
ing and rewarding hikers to start hiking or to hike
more. Your reward for completing a challenge is a
badge to show off on clothing or backpacks and
making the Honour Roll. Badges are free courtesy
of the Municipality of Chester.
Throughout this challenge, explore the trails
through various communities across the Munici-
pality of Chester and get inspired by the installa-
tions showcasing local artists. To qualify for this
badge, visit all seven installations listed below
in one year. The challenge will take you through
spectacular scenery including lush forests, calm
lakes and babbling brooks. You will find hiking
trails that suit all levels of skill and ability to enjoy.
Customize your challenge with a total distance
from 10 km to 40 km by using each installation as
a starting point and exploring the trail from there!
1. New Ross: “Lake Lawson Trail Archway”
2. Gold River: “Mirroring [In] Between: To See
Ourselves [In] Nature”
3. Chester Basin: “Pencil
Crayons”
4. Middle River: “The
Prismatic Comic
Fluctuater™”
5. Chester: “The Tree”
6. East River: “Leave Only
Footprints”
7. Hubbards: “B’s Lookout”
Learn more about the trails and
the artists by visiting the Munic-
ipality's website at https://ches-
ter.ca/recreation-parks/trails/
meet-the-artists. After you’ve
finished your challenge, apply
to receive your badge by visiting https://hikeno-
vascotia.ca/projects-hiker-challenge/
Badge earners will be entered into seasonal
prize draws for gift certificates provided by The
Trail Shop Halifax! So, get your hike on and take
the Hiker Challenge! Learn more at www.hikeno-
vascotia.ca.
5
COMMUNITY INTEREST
GOLF 4 CHARITY FUNDRAISER
Thousands raised for non-profit organizations in local golf event
The last couple of summers have been differ-
ent, that's for sure. We have learned how
to bubble, distance, and mask up - terms we've
come to know very well. We have also learned
how to adapt our lives and find new ways to carry
on through a pandemic. Robert Stevens and Tony
Cohoon are no exception.
Robert and Tony are long-time friends and part
of a group who raised thousands of dollars last
year for charity through a golfing fundraiser.
Encouraged by their success and recognizing
the financial challenges that organizations are fac-
ing with extended COVID restrictions, Robert and
Tony set out, once again, to conquer the links.
Altogether with an online auction, sponsors and
donations, the duo raised $11,200 power golfing
through 100 holes at the Chester Golf Course... in
one day! Impressive!
As always, their picks for charities resonate on
a personal level. Robert was diagnosed with dia-
betes in 2004 and his son, Jason, with Crohns in
2006. A portion of money raised was donated to
Diabetes Canada ($3,200) and Crohns and Colitis
Canada ($3,200). Another $1,600 was given to the
Junior Golf program at the Chester Golf Course.
A final donation of $3,200 was given to Integri-
ty's Haven Equine Rescue Centre Society (IHERC),
an animal sanctuary in Chester Basin. This organi-
zation has been close to the hearts of Robert and
his partner Grace Smith, who played a big part in
organizing the fundraiser, for quite some time.
For those not familiar with the organization, it
is operated by Angela Welburn with the help of
one part-time staff person and two volunteers.
PLEASE do not come to second floor Walk-in
Clinic if you do not have an appointment.
Please make a same-day appointment. Pre-
booking is no longer available. Phone will be
answered one hour before each shift.
902-273-2098
Please remember that you must wear a mask,
so please bring one with you.
Wednesdays
October 6 5:00 - 9:00 pm
October 13 5:00 - 9:00 pm
October 20 5:00 - 9:00 pm
October 27 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Thursdays
October 7 5:00 - 9:00 pm
October 14 5:00 - 9:00 pm
October 21 5:00 - 9:00 pm
October 28 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturdays
October 2 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Octobber 9 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
October 16 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
October 23 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Angela is an animal lover, and has rescued dogs,
cats, horses, a goat, and even two zonkeys (ze-
bra donkey hybrids). Many of these animals were
abandoned, mistreated, or marked for slaughter.
Angela provides the necessities: shelter, food,
medical care, and most of all, love.
The list of expenses for IHERC is long: veterinar-
ians, medication, dentistry, spaying/neutering,
food, hoof care, facility repairs, and more. Funds
raised through Golf 4 Charity were very welcome,
especially given that the pandemic put a halt to
Angela's primary source of revenue - clothing do-
nation bins. With restrictions starting to ease, we
are hoping Angela can resume bin collection. For
info, please follow IHERC on Facebook.
Thanks were extended to everyone who gave
donations, including all of the golfers on the day
of event who not only let Robert and Tony play
through, but handed cash to Course Marshal Mark
Chandler to give to the cause.
Many local businesses showed their support by
being hole sponsors for $100 per hole, and in some
cases, even more (special mention to GN). Busi-
nesses also contributed from outside the Munici-
pality, like hole sponsor Brothers Meats in HRM.
And businesses didn't just contribute as sponsors.
Online auction prizes, such as green fees and cart
rentals, were also generously donated (and gener-
ously bid on!). On top of that, Subway provided
lunch, and Chester Golf Club treated Robert and
Tony to supper.
A special thanks was directed to the volunteers
who helped make this happen, to the Chester Golf
Club, Dean Durnford and Gary Russell.
We think that Robert and Tony deserves thanks,
too! Thank you for putting together this event
and raising money for others during a time when
raising money for themselves is difficult. Thank
you for spending your time and inspiring others.
Here's to next year, fellas!
Zelda and Zonk chowing
down at IHERC.
PROPERTY SERVICES
6
Dear Shabby,
I've been doing my part to sort and recycle, but
there are two items that seem to keep changing:
empty paint cans and used oil containers. What
do I do with them?
~ signed Quit Changing Things in Sherwood
Dear “Quit”:
Yeah, I know. Sometimes the market for recycla-
ble items changes and sometimes it's a processing
change. In the case of used oil containers, the Pro-
vincial Government has banned them from Land-
Dear Shabby
Friendly waste disposal advice
fills, which is a positive thing in the long run. You
can bring your empty paint cans to Kaizer Meadow
or Adam's Bottle Exchange along with your par-
tially full paint cans and aerosol paint cans. Used
oil containers (and antifreeze containers) can be
brought to Kaizer Meadow Household Hazardous
Waste Depot.
***********************************************
Dear Shabby,
Quick question: what do I do with sharps?
~ signed Stuck on Marvins Island
Dear "Stuck":
That's an easy one. Go to the pharmacy and ask for
a sharps container. Then, place your used sharps,
lancets, syringes, etc. in the container once you are
done with them. When your container is full, take
it back to the pharmacy.
Please do not put sharps in the garbage, even if
they are still new. They can cause serious injury
to the waste collectors, or anyone else handling
garbage. Loose sharps in garbage bags are a very
unpleasant surprise.
Recyclable paper is like a 9 volt battery.
Clean plastic is like your tongue.
The two don't mix.
(hint: put your clean paper in a separate
recycling bag)
GIVE ME A BREAK... ON TAXES!
Do you qualify for an exemption or reduction on property taxes?
Do you qualify for a property tax exemption?
You may if ALL of the following applies:
1. The total income from all assessed owners,
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 house-
hold income together is less than $27,203 in
the 2020 calendar year.
2. Although all owners do not have to live in
the residence, it must be a principal dwell-
ing of the owner applying for the exemption.
Exemptions are only for the residential and
waste collection portion of your current property
tax on your principal residence.
The maximum exemption amount is $771 based
on total income and determined at the Munici-
pal Office. The exemption for the current fiscal
year (April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022) will expire
on March 31, 2022. Proof of income is required.
Please bring your 2020 Notice of Assessment from
Revenue Canada with you.
Please contact the Municipal Office at 902-275-
3554 to see if you qualify.
Provincial Seniors Property Tax Rebate
This program is administered by Service Nova
Scotia and designed to help eligible seniors re-
main in their homes by providing them with an
annual rebate on their municipal property taxes.
The rebate provides eligible homeowners with a
50% rebate of their municipal property taxes paid
the previous year, up to a maximum of $800. The
deadline to apply is December 31, 2021.
You must meet the following conditions to qual-
ify under this program:
• 2020/21 property taxes must be paid in full.
• At the time of application, applicants must
be an owner of - and regularly reside at -
the property for which the rebate is being
claimed.
• Applicants must be on Old Age Security or
Guaranteed Income Supplement (or eligible
as of January 2021).
For more information or to see if you qualify,
please call 1-800-277-9914.
SPECIAL LEAF COLLECTION is on your regular collection day between
NOVEMBER 15 and NOVEMBER 26.
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.
PROGRAMS/SERVICES
7
It's been quite some time since our last report of
compliments and complaints. We implemented a new
system that seems to be working well. Our lengthy
report consists of two compliments and 20 complaints.
Compliment #1 - happy with staff. This compliment
was paid to a staff person who answered the phone
and was not only helpful, but pleasant. Thank you!
Compliment #2 - great clean-up! Staff in Public
Works Services were complimented on their clean-up
of the trail entrance on Highway #3, near Victoria Road
in Chester. Thank you for the compliment!
Complaint #1, #8, #11, #16 & #20 - Gates on trail
too narrow for ATVs. The standard width for gates on
our trail is 66" (set by the Provincial government) to
accommodate machines 60" or less (the maximum
machine size permitted for use on our trails). Staff
went through the trail, measuring all the gates, and
reset the boulders where necessary. Thanks for letting
us know!
Complaint #2 - Barking dog. Our Animal Control
Officer is available by calling 902-275-0017.
Complaint #3 & #19 - Waste left behind. We have
found it more effective to have our contractor (GE
Environmental) contact residents directly for a couple
of reasons: 1) GE has GPS trackers in all of their
trucks and can pinpoint exact location and time to
help residents resolve waste collection issues, and 2)
GE can better answer operational questions, such as
"why didn't you pick up my garbage?". In the end, GE
returned to pick up the waste left behind.
Complaint #4 - Broken road sign. Public Works
Services will replace the broken sign once it's received
from the Sign Shop.
Complaint #5 - Trail surface needs work. The
trail surface in Western Shore desperately needs
maintainance. The work will be completed this Fall.
Complaint #6 - Update on Internet project in New
Ross. Bell is doing more work in the New Russell area
and have plans to complete that project in summer
of 2023. For updates, please visit our
community engagement website at
https://www.voicesandchoices.ca/
ruralinternet.
Complaint #7 & #13 - Overflowing litter. We had this
complaint at two locations, and cleaned up both areas.
One of the locations has an open top on the public litter
receptacle, and a resident suggested we try a different
style. We are replacing the existing receptacles in that
location through a beautification project.
Complaint #9 - Sidewalk and accessible parking
blocked. The general concept of sidewalk cafes is
supported by businesses and patrons, especially in
the midst of a pandemic where people want the
opportunity to get out and businesses need the
income. Council unanimously agreed to not enforce
the Land Use By-Law, which opposes this use, as long
as a few rules were followed, such as safe passage for
pedestrians, etc. There were a few hitches that were
worked out in the end. This was a pilot. Staff was
directed to work on a permanent program that will
include some new requirements for outdoor cafes that
extend onto sidewalks.
Complaint #10 - Pest control. The garbage bag at
Freda's Beach was crawling with grubs. We took care
of it!
Complaint #12 - Small rocks on trail washing out
during a rain. Regrettably, this will continue happening
despite placing a rock barrier.
Complaint #14 - Nails and planks in disrepair.
Exposed nails and damaged planks were removed and
replaced. Thanks for the report!
Complaint #15 & #18 - Broken green cart. Our
green cart order (including parts for repair) is delayed
again because of shipping issues. We are attempting
to borrow some from other municipal units but are
unsuccessful so far. If you are waiting for a green cart
repair or replacement, please bear with this disruption.
Complaint #17 - Blocked driveway. We are happy
that people are using our trail system, but please be
aware of where you park. Please use provided parking
spaces, or another safe location for parking that
doesn't include private property. This complaint was
specific to Castle Rock but the issue is not isolated to
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 that section of trail. Thanks!
Other complaints: We have several outstanding
issues related to by-laws infractions. Once we have
replaced the vacant By-Law Enforcement Officer
position, they will be dealt with. Until then, please
continue to report as we can address some reports
through existing staff.
There is also a backlog in issuing Building and
Development permits due to the significantly higher
volume of applications.
Sometimes we receive complaints that belong to
other organizations as we do not have authority to
act. We generally recommend reaching out to those
organizations. These complaints were:
• Outdoor fires allowed? (NS Department of Lands
& Forestry)
• Sloppy roadside vegetation removal (NS Public
Works)
• Rumour of a pit and quarry approval (NS
Environment and Climate Change)
• Potable water delivery (private sector)
• Request to clean up Exit 9 carpool parking lot
(NS Transportation & Public Works)
• Rental requests (private sector)
• Animal welfare concerns (SPCA or legal system)
• Fraud (legal system)
• Poor private road maintenance (homeowners'
association)
THE GOLD RIVER TRAIL
BRIDGE IS CLOSED DUE
TO PUBLIC SAFETY
CONCERNS.
UPDATES ARE ON
CHESTER.CA OR FOLLOW
US ON FACEBOOK.
Need warm winter clothing for you or a family
member? Stop by the South Shore Centre/
Bridgewater Mall after October 1 to get a free
coat, boots and mittens that suit your needs.
The Coats for Kids store is across from Coles
Book Store. First come. First served. The store
is unsupervised to allow for discreet shopping.
Every day thousands of people in Lunenburg
County must make tough financial choices to
satisfy the most basic of human needs. This
often includes skipping meals or medications
or putting off a needed purchase in order to
pay the rent or power bill or other necessity.
If you or someone you know must make tough
choices, please don’t let the need for warm
winter clothing be one of those choices.
Nobody should be cold this winter.
Tweet of the Week
Our most popular post for August/September...
This was posted with a poster for the Nova Scotia Harbour Swims.
Collectively, swimmers raised over $32K for the United Way!
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: Search ChesterMunicipality or ChesterRecParks 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!
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
VACANT
District #4
Chester Basin and Chester Grant
Allen Webber 902-275-8373
Municipal Districts and CouncillorsMunicipal Districts and Councillors
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
Contact Us!Contact Us!
Community Development & Recreation
Building/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 (incl Rebates) 902-275-3554
FOIPOP Officer 902-275-3554
Infrastructure & Operations
Public Works/Wastewater 902-275-1312
Solid Waste/Landfill 902-275-2330
Corporate & Strategic Management
General Inquiries 902-275-4110
Communications 902-275-4107
Council Inquiries 902-275-4109
Economic Development 902-275-4138
If you have questions about…call this Department...at this number
Animal Control (Dogs)Animal Control Officer 902-277-0017
Bandstand/Gazebo rental Community Development -
Recreation & Parks Services
902-275-3490
Boat Launches Infrastructure & Operations -
Public Works Services
902-275-1312
Building Permits/Inspections Community Development -
Building Services
902-275-3080
By-Laws Community Development 902-275-3080
Civic Numbering Community Development -
Planning Services
902-275-2599
Composting Infrastructure & Operations -
Solid Waste Services
902-275-2330
Council Meetings Corporate & Strategic
Management
902-275-4110
Fire Inspections Community Development
Building Services
902-275-3080
Islands (use of)Community Development
Recreation & Parks Services
902-275-3490
Kaizer Meadow Infrastructure & Operations -
Solid Waste Services
902-275-2330
Municipal Sewer
Infrastructure & Operations -
Public Works Services
902-275-1312
After Hours Emergencies 1-888-664-6998
Parks/Trails Community Development
Recreation & Parks Services
902-275-3490
Planning Areas/Development Community Development -
Planning Services
902-275-2599
Recycling Infrastructure & Operations -
Solid Waste Services
902-275-2330/902-275-1312
Taxes Finance & Information Services 902-275-3554
Waste Collection Infrastructure & Operations -
Solid Waste Services
902-275-2330/902-275-1312
Wharves Community Development -
Recreation & Parks Services
902-275-3490
Zoning Community Development -
Planning Services
902-275-2599
The Best Of Nova Scotia in one place... www.investchester.ca