HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-09_MunicipalInsight (2)-compressedmunicipal insightmunicipal insight
“ “Keeping you informed about September/October 2022Keeping you informed about September/October 2022
your municipal government” your municipal government”
The Municipal Government Act requires all
Councils in Nova Scotia to conduct a Municipal
Governance & Electoral Boundary Review every
eight years. This process, including the final
decision on any recommendations that result
from the Review, is directed by the Nova Scotia
Utility and Review Board (NSUARB). Any changes
that result from the Review will not come into
effect until the 2024 Municipal Election.
Representation is essential to how municipal
government functions, with councillors
elected from polling districts to serve the
interests of those specific areas as well as of the
Municipality as a whole. In a way, the Review
provides a local democracy “health check” of
Council’s governance structure, the number and
boundaries of polling districts, and the number
of councillors representing those polling districts.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the voting power
of electors is effective, fair, and representative.
Municipal staff are conducting the Review
and will prepare a study that considers relevant
data, Council’s recommendations, and feedback
from residents during a community consultation
process. After the study is completed, the
Municipality must submit an application to
the NSUARB by December 31, 2022 with a
recommendation and rationale for confirming
or changing the number of Councillors and the
boundaries of polling districts. The NSUARB will
then hold a public hearing to allow members of
the public to comment before making a decision
on the application.
For its part in the Review process, Council’s
recommendation is that the current governance
structure and council size (seven councillors,
including the Warden, each representing one
of seven polling districts) continues to provide
effective representation for residents.
2013 map of Districts 1 to 7 in
the Municipality of Chester
FAIR REPRESENTATION
Governance & Electoral Boundary Review
In addition, given
that the number
of electors in the
Municipality of
Chester has increased
since the last review
in 2014, Council’s
recommendation is
for adjustments to
some polling district
boundaries to meet
NSUARB requirements
regarding voting
power parity among
districts.
The other part
of the process, as
directed by NSUARB,
is the solicitation of
public input as a “key
component of the
decision-making process leading to an application
by a municipality” (Municipal Boundaries User
Guide). To that end, we’re seeking input from
residents on several Municipal Governance &
Electoral Boundary Review components.
Information to aid community consultation is
available at the Municipality’s Voices & Choices
Boundary Review project page (https://www.
voicesandchoices.ca/boundary) or by contacting
the Municipality (contact info at the end of
article). This information includes:
• More about the Municipal Governance &
Electoral Boundary Review
• Municipal Boundary Review Resident
Survey
• Information about the number of electors
• Current Polling District Boundary Maps
• A Proposed
Adjusted Polling District
Boundaries Map (digital
version)
• Timeline, Q&A,
and staff contact
A key part of the consultation process is the
Resident Survey. There are several options for
completing the survey, all with a deadline of
October 28, 2022:
1. By telephone at 902-275-4122.
2. Online at www.voicesandchoices.ca/
boundary.
3. By mail. Complete the survey found on
Page 5 of this edition of Municipal Insight
and mail in care of
ATTN: Municipal Boundary Review
Municipality of Chester
P O Box 369
151 King Street
Chester NS B0J 1J0
4. In person. Complete the survey on Page 5
and drop it off at the Municipal Office,
151 King Street in Chester.
If you have any questions about the survey or
Boundary Review, contact Jonathan Meakin at
jmeakin@chester.ca or 902-275-4122.
Woopsies...
In the last edition of Municipal Insight, we mistakenly named
a donor as contributing significantly to the Chester Art Centre
expansion project. While the named donor is a past contributor
to the Art Centre and supporter of the arts in the community at
large, the contribution towards the expansion project was from
an anonymous donor. Our apologies for causing confusion!
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this fall...
New Housing Project Smoke alarms make a difference Thank yous from a great producer!
New Ross Community The first defense during a Picnic in the Park wraps up
Care making strides. housefire, smoke alarms another successful season!
Go to page 2 for info. save lives (page 6). Read more on page 7.
COUNCIL & GOVERNANCE
2
Holiday Information: Municipal Offices will close on
Friday, September 30 to observe the National Day
of Truth and Reconciliation. Kaizer Meadow Landfill
remains open and waste collection will continue as
scheduled.
Municipal Offices will also close on Monday, October
10 for Thanksgiving. Kaizer Meadow Landfill remains
open and waste collection will continue as scheduled.
Seniors Care Grant: The Province of Nova Scotia is
offering up to $500 to eligible Nova Scotians through
their Seniors Care Grant, plus an additional $250 avail-
able for a one-time emergency grant for home heating.
The list of services available for coverage include tele-
phone or Internet services, eye exams, dental work,
mental health supports, physical therapy, occupation-
al therapy, massage, foot care, lawn care, small house-
hold repairs, grocery and medication delivery, trans-
portation. For eligibility requirements, visit https://
beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-healthcare-
and-home-heating-costs-seniors-care-grant or call toll
free 1-800-670-4357.
Landfill Compactor: Council approved the purchase of
a TANA compactor for use at Kaizer Meadow Landfill.
The compactor is used to compact waste disposed of
in active landfill cells. The cost was $1.2 million.
FASD Awareness Month: Council proclaimed Septem-
ber as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness
Month. FASD is a lifelong disability. For more informa-
tion, visit https://novascotia.ca/dhw/healthy-devel-
opment/documents/NS-FASD-DVD-Pamphlet.pdf
Right to Know Week: September 26 to October 2,
2022 is Right to Know Week in Canada. This week
recognizes the public's right to access government in-
formation and is recognized internationally. The Mu-
nicipality honours the public's right to know and its
commitment follows the 10 Right to Know Principles
outlined at https://www.oic-ci.gc.ca/rtk-dai/. Our
Routine Access Policy describes records that must be
easily available. Records not included in the Policy can
be accessed by submitting a request. Call us for info.
IN BRIEF...
GRANT HELPS KICK START PROJECT
Council approves Major Project Grant for housing project
The following news release was written and con-
tributed by the New Ross Community Care Centre
(NRCCC). Council is pleased to support this impor-
tant project and the work of the NRCCC. Thank
you for taking on this significant and much-need-
ed project. We applaud your dedication, drive,
and compassion.
July 27, 2022
NEWS RELEASE
Municipality supports age-friendly/affordable
housing in New Ross
NEW ROSS – A non-profit group is 100,000 steps
closer to reaching its goal of providing housing for
seniors and families in need of affordable hous-
ing, thanks to a generous contribution from the
Municipality of the District of Chester. The New
Ross Community Care Centre (NRCCC) Society will
use the $100,000 contribution to purchase land
for the project.
Warden Allen Webber says that the Municipal-
ity of Chester has made it a priority to engage
with partners in the development of vibrant and
sustainable communities. “Council is supportive
of the New Ross Community Care Centre’s goal
of creating an age-friendly community,” says War-
den Webber. “We’re confident that the $100,000
grant provided by the Municipality will help kick
start the development of sustainable and afford-
able community housing options for the area.”
“We are excited to see this project advance in a
substantial way,” says Valerie White, president of
the NRCCC. “The contribution by the Municipality
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! Call 902-275-4161 for information.
A thoughtful way to recognize the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation is to wear orange on Friday, September 30.
not only provides funding for the land, but speaks
loudly to their support of the project and to their
citizens – from young families to senior citizens –
who need and deserve a safe, welcoming place to
live.”
The land was purchased from Christ Anglican
Church, New Ross. “Christ Church has also shown
their support of the project by donating a portion
of the purchase price,” says White.
Christ Church Warden Rustin Broome sees the
development as a step forward for the commu-
nity. “With all the emphasis on, and the need for
affordable and seniors housing now and in the
foreseeable future in NS communities and be-
yond, this project will fill a need for those who are
seeking housing,” says Broome.
The site for the NRCCC project is on Rosebank
Road, near the community school, resource cen-
tre, and just a short drive or walk to the heart of
the community, where banking, groceries and
other services are available. The site is also con-
nected to these services through developed,
well-groomed trails. The NRCCC has spent over
$40,000 to date developing the project, including
a housing market study, environmental assess-
ment and land surveys, architectural plans, brand
development and communications planning, civil
engineering, and site planning/service design.
Affordable housing is a challenge for many, in-
cluding low and moderate-income households.
The need for affordable housing in New Ross was
identified as a priority by the South Shore Housing
Action Coalition (SSHAC) as part of its 2017 Hous-
ing Needs Assessment, the Municipality of the
District of Chester’s Age Friendly Community Plan
(2016) and is reinforced by reports at the munici-
pal, provincial and federal levels, and groups like
the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission
(2021) among others. The MODC report indicates
that issues surrounding housing, which accommo-
date the needs of a community, are complex and
require community-based solutions to address
them, which is where the NRCCC project comes in.
The report predicts that over 1,300 seniors with
limited resources will require home care or relo-
cation to an independent living facility by 2026,
over 200 will require assisted or enriched hous-
ing, and nearly 170 will require long term care.
It’s clear that the need stretches beyond seniors.
There are few rental options in the area for work-
ing adults and families, resulting in many younger
adults leaving the area to work elsewhere. Limit-
ed housing also prevents new families from mov-
ing in, which all has an impact on population and
economic growth.
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.
• District Grants - contact the Councillor for your district. Deadline is February 28.
• Economic Development Sponsorship - contact Economic Development at 902-275-4138.
• Tourism Grants - application deadlines of May 31 and October 31.
• Major Projects Grants - application deadline for 2022 is January 31.
• Recreation Grants - application deadline for 2022 is October 1.
• PRO Kids - applications received all year round.
• Youth Sponsorship Grants - applications received all year round.
• Leadership Training - 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.
Project
Objectives
Project
Results
Project
Execution
Questions?
Contact Erin at 902-275-4138 or elowe@chester.ca
• Work with the local
business community and
partners in economic
development to ensure
the MOC becomes a place
where existing businesses
thrive, and new businesses
are welcomed and given
the best opportunity to
succeed.
• A plan for future
economic development
activities focused on the
top priorities of local
businesses.
• Survey businesses (random
selection via telephone)
• Analyze findings
• Focus group session with
industry leaders, partner
agencies, and MOC staff to
provide further insight and
advisement into the strategy
areas and potential projects.
3
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park
450 Kaizer Meadow Road, Sherwood
The park is home to Sustane Technologies, Rainbow Net & Rigging and
the Municipality’s proven world class solid waste facility and
environmental management centre.
Permitted Uses
• Waste-to-energy (Landfill gas and methane,
Biomass, Organic waste, Construction and
demolition waste)
• Light Industrial
• Outdoor Cannabis Production
• Forestry processing
• Heavy Industrial
Onsite Services
• High speed internet: 15/15 Mbps private wireless
extension available to tenants
• 3 phase power
150 acres
No conflicting
land uses
Zoned heavy
industrial
Large lots for
outdoor storage
Interested?
Please fill out the application at www.investchester.ca/kaizermeadow and
our economic development staff will contact you directly.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada made 94 Calls to Action. Find them at https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524494530110/1557511412801
Business Retention
+ Expansion Project
Supporting MOC businesses.
The Municipality of Chester has launched a Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) project. Working along-
side the municipalities of the District of Lunenburg and Region of Queens, we are taking a
collaborative approach to better understand the future plans and needs of local businesses and how
business owners/managers view the community as a place to do business. The information from the
survey will be used to plan future economic development activities focused on the top priorities of
local businesses.
Participation in the survey will be by random selection and will be selected from our business directory.
Ensure your business is listed on our directory at www.chester.ca/business-directory so
that you have the chance to participate in this important project. The survey should take no longer than
15 minutes to complete.
BOUNDARY REVIEW
4Treaty Day (October 1) marks the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month. Learn more about the Treaty of 1752 at https://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca/about/
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO POLLING
DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
The current number of electors in Polling
District 2 is 1,483, which is 13.21% above
the polling district average of 1,310 electors
for the seven (7) districts in the Municipality
of Chester. NSUARB directs a target variance
of +/- 10% from the polling district average,
so the proposed changes to the boundaries
of Polling Districts 1, 2, and 3 are as follows:
• The first adjustment moves the
boundary between District 1 and 2
east along Highway 3, following natural
features.
• This adjusted boundary line stretches
from the outflow of Timber Lake to
Officers Camp Lake, then southeast
to the outflow of Noonan Lake, then
South to an unset point that is part of
the current Polling District boundary
line. (See inset 2.)
• This adjustment reduces Polling District
2 by 63 electors, resulting in a total
of 1420 electors (down from 1483),
which brings District 2 to +8.40% of
the Polling District average of 1,310
electors.
• This first adjustment increases the
number of electors in District 1 to
1,482, which is over +10% from the
polling district average, so a second
adjustment is required.
• The second adjustment moves the
boundary between District 1 and 3
northeast.
• This adjusted boundary line stretches
from the outflow from Spectacle Lake
as the starting point, then southeast
to the intersection of Old Trunk 3 and
Birch Street, then southeast to the
intersection of Highway 3 and Chester
Shore Road, then southeast to an unset
point in the ocean where the original
council district boundary is located.
(See Inset 1.)
• This adjustment reduces Polling District
1 by 77 electors, resulting in a total of
1,405 electors or +7.25% of the Polling
District average.
• This adjustment also means that
District 3 gains 77 voters, resulting in
1,283 electors or -2.06% of the Polling
District average.
5National Seniors Day is October 1! Show your appreciation for older Canadians today!
BOUNDARY REVIEW
Other
6. Municipal Council is made up of
seven councillors, including the
Warden. The last Census in 2021
counted 10,693 residents in the
Municipality of Chester, which
is an average of 1,528 residents
per councillor. Which one of
the following general principles
expresses your opinion of the
impact of any change in Council size
on municipal services and councillor
working relationships?
A larger Council would be
more effective
A larger Council would be
less effective
A smaller Council would be
more effective
A smaller Council would be
less effective
The current size of Council is
effective
7. A requirement of the Municipal
Governance and Electoral Boundary
Review is that polling districts must
have a relative parity (equality) of
voting power of +/- 10% from the
average number of electors per
polling district. To better meet the
NSUARB directive regarding voter
parity among all districts, Council
recommends revisions to the
boundaries of Polling Districts 1, 2,
and 3. After you have reviewed the
map and description, please share
your thoughts or comments on
the proposed revisions in the space
below.
ResidentSurvey
Municipal Governance &
Electoral Boundary Review
INSTRUCTIONS
Submit no later than
October 28, 2022
Return by one of two ways:
Mail to:
Municipal Boundary Review
Municipality of Chester
151 King Street
P O Box 369
Chester NS B0J 1J0
Drop in:
Municipal Office
151 King Street, Chester
Complete online at
www.voicesandchoices.ca/boundary
Phone in your answers to
(902) 275-4122
BACKGROUND
The Municipal Government Act re-
quires all Councils in Nova Scotia to con-
duct a Municipal Governance & Electoral
Boundary Review every eight years. This
Review is a study of the number and
boundaries of polling districts as well as
the number of councillors.
As part of this Review process, the
Municipality of Chester invites electors
to complete this brief Resident Survey.
The information gathered is anonymous
and is used only to provide a sampling of
community context and input for Coun-
cil’s recommendation to the NSUARB.
Information related to Questions 6 and
7, along with other information related
to the Review process, is available on the
Voices & Choices Municipal Boundary
Review project page or upon request.
1.
2.
- OR -
For assistance, contact Jonathan
Meakin at 902-275-4122 or jmeakin@
chester.ca.
SURVEY BEGINS
1. In what community do you
currently reside in the Municipality
of Chester?
2. How long have you lived in the
Municipality of Chester?
Less than 1 year
1–5 years
6-10 years
11–20 years
21–50 years
More than 50 years
3. What is your age range?
18-19 years
20-24 years
25-34 years
35-44 years
45-54 years
55-64 years
65-74 years
75-84 years
85 years +
4. Have you voted in any of the past
three Council elections in the
Municipality? (Check as many as
apply.)
2012
2016
2020
Did not vote in any of these
elections
5. Using the following scale, how
would you rate the importance of
the following roles for a councillor?
Represent residents’ interests
Improve existing services and
facilities
Plan for future services and facilities
Develop & implement vision for
future
Lower taxes/expenditures
Work with other councillors
For assistance or info, contact Jonathan Meakin at jmeakin@chester.ca or (902) 275-4122.
1 not important 4 essential
2 somewhat important 5 don’t know
3 very important
- OR -
PROPERTY SERVICES
6October 10 is World Mental Health Day - a day to raise awareness around mental health issues and find ways to show your support.
A time-saving tip from Building Services!
Don't build on an infilled surface without
first getting engineering approval. Your
structure could sink over time, causing
expensive damage. Also, you may not get
a Building Permit to begin construction.
For more time-saving tips, call Building
Services at 902-275-3080 or email
building@chester.ca.
GIVE ME A BREAK... ON TAXES!
Do you qualify for an exemption or reduction on property taxes?The Municipality will soon set the income lev-
el and exemption amount required to deter-
mine eligibility for property tax exemptions. The
rates are usually set in late September or early
October. Once determined, you may qualify if ALL
of the following applies:
1. The total income from all assessed own-
ers, including spouses and common law
spouses, residing at the property, and total
income from those persons who hold an in-
terest in the property and contribute to the
household income together is less than the
level set by the Municipality.
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 determined
at the Municipal Office upon applying. Proof of in-
come is required and you will need a copy of your
2021 Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada.
Please contact the Municipal Office at 902-275-
3554 in late September or early October.
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, 2022.
You must meet the following conditions to qual-
ify under this program:
• 2021/22 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 2022).
For more information or to see if you qualify,
please call 1-800-277-9914.
WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES
Smoke alarms are the first defense during a house fire
Under the best of circumstances, you have
approximately one to two minutes to safely
exit your home when you hear the smoke detec-
tor alarm. Smoke detectors are inexpensive early
warning devices that can cut the risk of dying in a
home fire in half.
Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleep-
ing room, outside each separate sleeping area,
and on every level of the home, including the
basement. Larger homes may require additional
smoke alarms.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using
the test button. Make sure everyone in the home
understands the sound of the smoke alarm and
knows how to respond. Replace any smoke alarm
that does not respond after a new battery has
been installed. Replace all smoke alarms when
they are 10 years old.
Make a home escape plan, drawing a map of
each level of the home, showing doors and win-
dows. Go to each room and point to the two
ways out. Practice the plan with everyone in your
household, including visitors. Children, older
adults, and people with disabilities may need as-
sistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that
someone will help them.
When the smoke alarm sounds, get
out and stay out. Go to your outside
meeting place. If there is smoke block-
ing the door or your first way out, use
your second exit route. Smoke is poi-
sonous. If you must escape through
smoke, get low and go under the smoke
to an exit. Before opening a door, feel
the doorknob and then the door. If ei-
ther is hot, leave the door closed and
use your second way out. If there is
smoke coming in from around the door,
leave the door closed and use your sec-
ond way out. Call 9-1-1
As part of our ongoing fire safety and
prevention programs, the Municipality
in conjunction with our Fire Commis-
sions and Fire Departments distributed
smoke alarms and safety information to
all of our elementary school students.
Members of the New Ross Volunteer
Fire Department kicked of this safety
program on June 14, 2022, meeting
with the students at the New Ross El-
ementary School. Volunteer firefighters from the
Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department
and Blandford Fire Rescue visited the Aspotogan
Consolidated Elementary school on June 22. On
June 28, first responders from the Chester Volun-
teer Fire Department, the Chester Basin Volunteer
Fire Department and the Western Shore and Dis-
trict Volunteer Fire Department combined forces
and met with the students at the Chester Elemen-
tary School. In total smoke alarms and safety in-
formation were provided to over 500 elementary
students.
We believe they will bring home the important
message of having smoke alarms installed in the
home. For more information on smoke alarms and
fire prevention please contact us directly or visit
our fire services website at www.chesterfire.ca.
Left to right: Chief Jared Swinamer, Western Shore Fire
Department, Deputy Chief Jared MacDonald, Chester
Fire Department, Captain Chris Tarbox, Chester Basin Fire
Department, Chief Cody Stevens. Chester Fire Department
Firefighter, Emma Demont, Chester Fire Department,
Firefighter, Tessa Fudge, Chester Fire Department
TOP55 Our Public Works Department frequently gets
telephone calls, emails, and visits from residents
with questions that we can't help them with.
In case you have similar questions or requests,
perhaps this list of 'Top 5 Most Common Inquiries
and Their Solutions' can help you find the right
connection.
1. Brush Cutting - Our number one request/ in-
quiry in the warmer months is to cut brush
along the side of the road. That mainte-
nance is done by the Province's Department
of Public Works (NSDPW).
2. Road Maintenance - Other frequent re-
quests include filling potholes and ditching.
If the road is municipally-owned, we will do
it. If it's privately owned, the road owner is
responsible. Otherwise, NSDPW is the go-to.
3. Road Signs - Green road name blades and di-
rectional signs are replaced and erected by
(you guessed it) NSDPW.
4. Tree Cutting - If you need a tree cut down in
your yard, there are several private arbour-
ists or general contractors that can do that
work for you.
5. Infilling - If you would like to infill part of the
ocean, contact the federal Department of
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). If you're look-
ing to infill part of a lake, reach out to Nova
Scotia Environment.
NS Dept of Public Works 1-844-696-7737
Fisheries & Oceans (902) 634-8833
NS Environment (902) 543-4685
COMMUNITY INTEREST
7Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day is October 15. Visit http://www.october15.ca/
VANDALS TARGET DRY HYDRANT
Infrastructure is one of the most effective tools when fighting fires
Across the Municipality you may see dry
hydrants installed at the edge of lakes, riv-
ers, ponds and even on the ocean coast. These
important installations are used by our Fire De-
partments to quickly source water for emergency
fire suppression in our Fire Districts. These dry
hydrants are an integral part of our fire service’s
water supply system and each is registered with
the Fire Underwriters, an organization that deter-
mines the fire protection grade rating of our vari-
ous communities.
Our Fire Department have designed and in-
stalled these dry hydrants in key locations across
the Municipality and are working toward expand-
ing the water supply network with the goal of im-
proving our fire response capability especially in
the remoter areas of their Districts.
These dry hydrants must be tested each year
and maintained in top operating condition. They
must be ready to supply water to our fire appara-
tus with out delay.
Recently our Fire Department in Chester Basin
has become aware of repeated vandalism of their
dry hydrant at Hutt Lake. Signage has been torn
down and the dry hydrant cap has been removed
and discarded. The Chester Basin FD has also dis-
covered debris has been placed in the piping. Such
debris in the piping forces the Fire Department to
pre-flush the lines, using up valuable time during
an emergency call. Debris that possibly could en-
ter our fire apparatus pumps would likely cause
serious damage to the equipment and place the
fire truck out of service.
The Chester Basin FD and the Municipality are
working to repair the damages and install addi-
tional signage in this area. The Fire Marshal and
RCMP have been advised of the vandalism.
It is critical that all dry hydrants across the Mu-
nicipality be in proper operating condition at all
times. It is very important that everyone realizes
that damage to these installations puts our fire-
fighting response to the districts and surrounding
communities at serious risk. Everyone must re-
spect the critical nature of these installations and
their importance to the fire services.
Saturday, Oct. 1 Chester Community
Market Chester Legion, 10am-2pm.
Saturday, Oct. 15
Breakfast District #1 Community Centre, 9-11am.
PRO Kids Golf
Tournament Chester Golf Club. Call 902-275-3490.
Fall Craft Fair New Ross School, 9am-3pm.
Saturday, Oct. 22 8th Annual Harvest
Jam Online Auction
Auction website opens Oct. 22 to Nov. 5
Proceeds to Our Health Centre Foundation.
Saturday, Nov. 5 Chester Community
Market Chester Legion, 10am-2pm.
Sunday, Nov. 6
32nd Annual
Blandford Holiday
Arts & Crafts Sale
District #1 Community Centre, 10am-3pm.
Vendors can email blandfordns@gmail.com
Saturday, Nov. 19 Annual Christmas
Craft Fair
Chester Basin Legion, 10am-2pm. To book
tables, call 902-275-8391.
Mondays Auction 45s Western Shore Legion. Call 902-627-2570.
Wednesdays Auction 45s Little Red School, 7:30pm.
Thursdays Bingo New Ross Legion, 7-10pm. 902-689-2650
Fridays
Chester Farmers' &
Artisans' Market
Chester Train Station, 9:00am-12:30pm until
October 7. www.chesterfarmersmarket.
wordpress.com
Friday Night Live
Music
New Ross Legion, 8:30pm. Call 902-689-
2650.
Saturdays Hubbards Farmers'
Market
Hubbards Barn, 8am-12noon, until Oct. 29.
www.hubbardsbarn.org
GOLF FOR KIDS SAKE
Mark your calendars for the 21st “Annual Golf
for Kids Sake Tournament” in support of Big Broth-
ers Big Sisters of South Shore!
When: Friday October 7, 2022
Where: Chester Golf Club
200 Golf Course Rd. Chester
There are a number of ways you can support
Big Brothers Big Sisters
through Golf for Kids
Sake. You can register as
a golfer and/or sponsor,
donate items for prizes,
or make a cash donation,
all in support of the littles
and youth of Lunenburg,
Shelburne and Queens Counties.
We expect this tournament to sell quickly, so
don’t delay in returning your registration form!
• Registration: 12:00 p.m. (Free Driving Range)
• Pre-sale of drink tickets
• Welcome and announcements: 1:00 p.m.
• Shotgun start: 1:30 p.m.
• Dinner and Awards: 6:30 p.m.
To register or for information, contact Big Broth-
ers Big Sisters at 902-543-4435.
2022 was a milestone year for Picnic in the Park.
This was our 10th anniversary! We still have com-
memorative picnic blankets for sale at the Rec-
reation and Parks Office for $25, and they make
great Christmas presents! This year, our final con-
cert was a benefit for the Chester Playhouse and
featured three bands. As well, this was the second
year for PiP Fun Faire, an all-day-Saturday benefit
with six bands, belly dancers, a Kid Zone, and food
trucks. Beneficiaries this year were Chester Volun-
teer Fire Department, Lighthouse Foodbank, and
Chester PRO Kids.
There are so many people who contribute to
Picnic in the Park. The bills couldn’t be paid with-
out our very generous sponsors. A huge thank you
to our event sponsor Mike (and Denise) at Access
Storage; and to our individual evening sponsors:
Chris at All Outdoors Landscaping, Vivian at GN
Thermoforming Equipment, the Creighton sisters
in memory of Willa Creighton, our ever-faithful
Blair at AA Munro Insurance, Greg at Chester area
Pharmasaves, Suzi at Mecklenburgh Inn and Dolly
Hancock, Dr. Maureen Andrea, Susan Diamond of
Engel & Volkers, Eric Harding of Red Door Realty,
Mike at Fox Transport Canada, Steve (and Natalie)
at Chester Building Supplies (Castle), and Rufus at
Chester Auto Supplies (NAPA).
We are indebted to Royal Flush, who donated
the wonderful porta-potty for the summer; to
Forest Heights Community School for the sound
equipment; to the Chester Municipal Heritage So-
ciety for use of Lordly Park; and to Recreation and
Parks Services for so much! And of course, thanks
to the bands, who each week provided us with a
lovely dining and dancing experience.
Many thanks to Tom Myers, our August sound
guy and emcee; to those folks who helped us clean
up each night: Wendy and Brian, Susan and Sallie,
Julia, Esther and Anne; and to Cosette and Deb-
bie at the Rec Dept for their continued patience!!!
And my deep gratitude to my always-patient and
creative partner in this venture, Jody Conrad.
Lastly my personal thank you goes to all of you
for your support and compassion through my very
difficult time. See you next year.
Erin Gore, Producer
PICNIC IN THE PARK THANK YOUS
Another successful year for the annual summer concerts
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.
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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
Derek Wells 902-277-2263
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 Services/By-Law 902-275-3080
Planning/Fire Inspection 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 902-275-4147
Communications 902-275-4107
Council Inquiries 902-275-4109
Economic Development 902-275-4138
WALK-IN CLINIC HOURS (September)
Tuesdays 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Sept. 14 & 28 only)
Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays (telehealth) 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Sept. 8, 15 & 29)
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Sept. 10 & 17 only)
1-902-273-2098
• appointment required
• pre-booking unavailable
• wear a mask
Left to right: Robert Stevens (Golf 4 Charity), Darcy Stevens (Chester District Swim Program),
Angela Welburn (Integrity's Haven Equine Rescue Centre), and Tony Cohoon (Golf 4 Charity)
display donation cheques in front of the Lido Pool in Chester.
GOLFERS ACE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Duo's efforts successfully raise money for four charities
Golf 4 Charity has done it again - for the third
year in a row.
The duo, consisting of Robert Stevens and Tony
Cohoon, has raised thousands to aid charities
near and dear to their hearts. This year's efforts
raised an incredible $13,500, bringing the cumu-
lative total to $36,800 over three years. Recipi-
ents include the Chester District Swim Program,
IHERC (Integrity's Haven Equine Rescue Centre),
Heart & Stroke Foundation Canada, and Alzheim-
ers/Dementia Canada.
If you are not familiar with the Golf 4 Charity
event, the two golfers and their supporters (I'm
looking at you too, Grace), collect pledges to golf
100 holes in one day. Additional money is raised
through an online auction. Total funds raised are
divvied up between select charities and present-
ed after the event.
This year, as it may be the last, Robert and Tony
wanted to share some special thanks and stories.
First, they have tremendous gratitude towards
all of their supporters, including the Chester Golf
Club. Your donations, big or small, are very much
appreciated.
A special thanks to Vivian Rafuse (GN), Troy
Nauss (Black & MacDonald), Edward Rafuse for
inspiring the "In Memory" boards (inset), Mike
Fowler (South Shore Concrete), Mike Lunn (South
Shore Sand and Gravel), and the management at
South Shore Ready Mix - Kent Nickerson and Dan
Steele and thanks to Lloyd Bonang.
A notable thanks to Kate Callaghan, a student
who works the mobile snack cart for the
Chester Golf Club. She donated her
tip money at the time, which was
$20. By the 96th hole, she had
gotten another $30 and found
Robert and Tony to pass it
over. They refused, saying she
needed it for university, but
Kate insisted. Shout out to her
dad, who always told her not
to forget to mention the silent
'g' when giving their family name.
Thanks!
After all was said and done, four cheques for
$4,000 were handed over to this year's charities,
leaving $1,502 (to be exact). This money was pre-
sented to Emmalee Harvey as a surprise dona-
tion during a charity tournament at Island Green
to raise money for Parkinsons. Both Robert and
Tony, along with Gary Russell and Ken Webb, en-
tered the tournament.
There is one special thanks, however, that Rob-
ert and Tony neglected to mention, and that is
thanks to themselves! We want to recognize you
two for your kindness, generosity, and outright
selflessness. You put your ideas and
best intentions into action, and you
deserve a wholehearted thank
you! Your donations represent
more than just money. The
work you did to see the end
result was and is inspiring to
the rest of us. The organiza-
tions that receive your dona-
tions are lucky to have you. Real
people (and animals) will benefit
because of you. You inspire good-
will and hope. So, thank you Robert
and Tony. And, thank you to all who helped
them achieve their goal. We would also like to
send a shout out to the other half of the "Original
Four": Joe Green and Gary Russell, who played a
large role in starting it all!