The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My Public Portal About2023-09_MunicipalInsight (2)-compressedAerial view of Chester Wastewater Treatment Plant municipal insightmunicipal insight “ “Keeping you informed about September/October 2023Keeping you informed about September/October 2023 your municipal government” your municipal government” In March this year, the Municipality learned that its application to the Green: Environmen- tal Quality stream of the Investing in Canada Infra- structure Program (ICIP) was successful. The re- sulting grant is in support of the Village of Chester Wastewater System Renewal and Expansion Proj- ect and consists of two components: upgrades and expansion to the collection system, and up- grades and expansion to the treatment system. As of September, the detailed design work has been completed for both components, and a request for tender proposals will be issued shortly for con- struction that will take place over several years. Approximately 15% of properties in the Munici- pality of Chester are currently connected to our six wastewater collection and treatment systems. Those systems face several challenges such as ag- ing infrastructure, limited capacity, increasing de- mand for service, changing federal and provincial regulatory requirements, and climate vulnerabili- ties including risk of flooding and extreme weath- er events. Recognizing these risks, the Municipality con- tracted and worked with the engineering firm EXP to complete a comprehensive Wastewater Service Study (2022), which was funded in part by a $130,358 provincial grant. The Study assessed our six wastewater systems in terms of capacity, condition, and risk; existing and future service de- mand; and options for sustainable service expan- sion, among other things. Risk assessment was of critical importance to the Study’s outcomes, par- ticularly the impacts of climate change on service continuity and reliability. The Village of Chester wastewater system is the largest of our six systems and faces the greatest service demand, and the size of the ICIP grant WASTEWATER UPGRADES Chester wastewater system receives grant awarded for the re- newal and expan- sion project reflects the critical environ- mental and service impact the system provides. Other projects completed to date as part of a five-year wastewa- ter infrastructure plan include design studies for the Ot- ter Point and Ches- ter Basin systems, funded in part with another provincial grant. The $8,340,000 total project cost for the Village of Chester Wastewater System Renewal and Ex- pansion Project is shared between the Govern- ment of Canada ($3,336,000), the Province of Nova Scotia ($2,780,000), and the Municipality of Chester ($2,224,000) through the ICIP capital project grant. This project will result in a waste- water collection and treatment system that is a scalable and environmentally sustainable services for decades to come. Specific project components include: • upgrades to existing lift stations at 10 Mal- lard Lane and 3947 North Street; • renewal of the lift station and forcemain at 264 Pig Loop Road; • upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant; • construction of a new lift station and force- main west and north of Stanford Lake; and • construction of gravity collection system on the west and north side of Stanford Lake. These upgrades will be designed and built to ac- commodate approximately 500 new service con- nections identified as potential future develop- ment, to reduce the impact of climate impacts on service continuity, and to exceed new Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) National Performance Standards and Effluent Dis- charge Objectives that will be in effect by 2030. The project also aligns with Council’s 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework, notably: "Support environmental conservation & protection initia- tives and efforts to tackle the impact of climate change" and "Develop and implement evidence- based plans for future infrastructure and service needs, along with related funding models, to ac- commodate sustainable growth and levels of ser- vice." In the Municipality of the District of Chester this fall... The major flash flooding event in July caused tremendous damage. Aside from infrastruc- ture, the personal loss to some families was (and very much still is) very painful. Recovery is ongo- ing for many. TRAIL CLOSURE UPDATES Sections of trail still unsafe for users; closure still in effect Municipal instrastructure-wise, the Municipal- ity of Chester sustained heavy damage on many sections of trail, and milder damage to sidewalks, municipal roads, and several pieces of wastewa- ter treatment equipment and property. With unstable ground, visible and not-so-visible washouts, the Munici- pality must keep large sections of its trail sys- tems closed until they are repaired. Trail resurfacing has begun in Martins River and is progressing east- ward. The majority of the reconstruction to date has been focused be- tween Goat Lake, north past Castle Rock, and south again to East River. Here, the scoured-out trail has been refilled, two bridges have been re- instated (permanent and temporary), and new, larger culverts have been installed. Users are asked to continue to respect trail clo- sures as dangerous conditions remain, and as heavy equipment and crews are on site making re- pairs. Closed sections are marked and barricaded, as seen in the photo to the bottom left. The Aspotogan Trail section from Hubbards to East River has reopened. However, the Chester Connection Trail from East River to Martins Point remains closed while repairs are underway, includ- ing Castle Rock. The section from Duncan Road (East Chester) to Smith Road (Chester) is open as is the section from Boehner Road to Martins River. Find more information in next Explore Life. Con- tact Recreation & Parks at recreation@chester.ca or 902-275-3490 for questions. Our Business Spotlight... It's so good to see you again! Tis the season... Recent Fox Point Chester Playhouse Are you prepared for business taking off! hosts successful event hurricane season? Details on Pg 3. in new-old digs (Pg. 4). Let's find out on Pg. 5. COUNCIL & GOVERNANCEMessage from the Warden It's been an interesting past few months. I started out last edition by thanking fire services for their efforts in fighting forest fires. Since then, we have been overwhelmed by rain and flooding, as I'm sure you are all aware. It has caused significant damage to both personal property as well as municipal and provincial infrastructure. We are all doing our best to get back to normal, but it takes time. Thanks for your patience and thanks to all those out there making repairs and assisting your friends and neighbours. We have held several public engagement sessions about the Village Plan Review over the last couple of months. They have been well-attended, and we have heard from many people. I can assure 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 you that Council has not made a decision at this point and will not without a full understanding of all the issues we have heard from you. On a positive note, the Chester Playhouse is back in business. I was unable to attend the Re-opening Celebration but understand that it was a great success. Thanks to all who made this day possible as it is very important to our community. We have a wonderful group of communities in our Municipality, and it is thanks to all of you. Keep up the good work. We are all in this together! Take care and sincerely, Holiday Information: The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on Saturday, September 30. In lieu, Municipal Offices will close on Monday, October 2. Kaizer Meadow will remain open both days and waste collection will not be interrupted. Municipal Offices will close on Monday, October 9 to observe Thanksgiving. Kaizer Meadow will re- main open. Waste collection will not be affected. In observance of Remembrance Day on Satur- day, November 11, Kaizer Meadow will be closed. Waste collection will not be interrupted. Municipal Offices will close on Monday, November 13 in lieu. Gold River Bridge: The geotechnical investiga- tion will be completed, followed by final de- sign and tender for construction completed over the winter. Right To Know Week: The Municipality will ob- serve International Right To Know Week from Sep- tember 25 to October 1, raising awareness about people's right to access government information. Did you know that municipal records are available to the public with only a few exceptions? We can- not share personal information or contract nego- tiations among the few topics excluded. We even have a Routine Access Policy where commonly re- quested documents must be made public without request. Non-routine records are available through request on our website at https://chester.ca/gov- ernment/records, calling our Records Manager at 902-275-4108, or by emailing foipop@chester.ca. Hydrogeological Service Study: The Municipal- ity was awarded a provincial grant to complete a hydrogeological service study in the Middle River area. In September, three test wells will determine the potential groundwater yield and quality for the area. Test results will enable recommendations and cost estimates for future water infrastructure projects. Committees of Council vacancies: The Municipal- ity is looking for community representation on sev- eral Committees of Council. This is an opportunity to help steer decision-making in some areas of op- erations and policy. A small stipend ($60 per meet- ing) and mileage are paid monthly to participants. Most of the time, we are looking for residents of specific districts (check back page for district desc- criptions) to ensure full representation from across the Municipality. Currently, we have vacant seats in the following committees: • Chester Municipal Planning Advisory Com- mittee: two vacancies for a two-year term, representing Districts 2 and 5. • Chester Village Planning Advisory Commit- tee: one vacancy for a two-year term, repre- senting District 3. • Heritage Advisory Committee: three vacan- cies for a one-year term, representing Dis- tricts 1 through 7. • Landfill Citizens Monitoring Committee: one vacancy for a two-year term, representing majority of District 7. • Recreation & Parks Committee: - two vacan- cies for a three-year term, representing Dis- tricts 1 and 4. Contact pmyra@chester.ca or 902-275-4109 for details or to submit your application. IN BRIEF... ACCESSIBILITY AND YOU Work continues on accessibility standards for Nova Scotia You may recall hearing about the Municipal- ity of Chester's (MOC) partnership with the other four municipal units in Lunenburg County to form a regional accessibility committee in answer to legislation introduced by the provincial govern- ment (Accessibility Act). Led by Ellen Johnson, our Regional Accessibility Coordinator, this Committee is working to identify barriers within the County that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing municipal facilities and services as well as within the broader com- munity. Thanks to this work, every municipal unit in Lunenburg County has adopted the Regional Accessibility Plan and all are currently developing individual Action Plans. The overall Accessibility Plan and the individual action plans describe actions needed in these key areas of municipal government: 1. Goods and services - municipal services and delivery, programs, events, procurement, in- ternal policies, emergency management. 2. Information and communications - delivery of communications, public meetings, adver- tising and marketing, wayfinding. 3. Transportation - sidewalks, benches, light- ing, snow removal, parking, transit. 4. Employment - job opportunities, hiring, flex- ibility, workplace culture, representation. 5. Built Environment - buildings, public spaces, washrooms, temporary disruptions (special events, evacuations, etc.), emergencies, sidewalk closure. To view the Accessibility Plan for Lunenburg County or learn more about the Regional Com- mittee, visit https://www.AccessibleLunenburg- County.ca/. The Regional Accessibility Plan is guiding MOC as we work on our own individual action plan, which is almost ready for Council's review. There is also one other important piece that will impact our action plan. As part of the Accessibility Act, the Government of Nova Scotia has committed to developing stan- dards so that access is consistent across the Prov- ince. These standards will be incorporated into existing regulations (like the Building Code) or be presented as standards. As these standards and regulations are developed, they will impact mu- nicipal action plans. The first proposed standard that the Province introduced is the Built Environment Accessibility Standard, which is now out for public review. To read the Standard or to provide your feedback, please visit https://accessibility-engagement.ca/ built-environment-public-review. You can submit feedback until October 30, 2023. This standard regulates human-made spaces, including the "inside and outside of buildings as well as outdoor spaces such as trails, parks, and beaches." These regulations will be implemented through the Building Code as well as through the Standard itself. For more information on our municipal and regional plans, please email the Regional Acces- sibility Coordinator, Ellen Johnson at ejohnson@ chester.ca. For information on the provincial regu- lations around accessibility, visit the Government of Nova Scotia's website at https://novascotia.ca/ accessibility/. 3 SERVICE DOG RIGHTS What are regulations surrounding service dogs in public spaces? People who work with a guide dog or certified service dog have the right to enter spaces open to the public and access services and accom- modations in Nova Scotia. That includes stores, restaurants, hotels, taxis, and any other place that the public is allowed to enter. These rights are protected under the law and the Nova Scotia Hu- man Rights Act. Guide Dogs and Certified Service Dogs are very well trained and meet a high stan- dard of behavior. People may work with a guide dog or service dog for many reasons. A guide dog can enable a person who is blind or partially sighted to inde- pendently move around their community. A ser- vice dog may be trained to support their handler in many ways depending on the person’s needs. For example, a service dog might provide sup- port during a seizure or remind about medication. Whatever the specific situation, a person with a service dog has that dog with them for a reason. It is never appropriate to ask a person why they have a service dog. Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, and Therapy or Emotional Support Dogs Guide Dogs: People who are blind or partially sighted and have a guide dog have their rights BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Twenty-three-year-old Jaime Landry has just celebrated the fourth birthday of her brain- child, Black Harbour Distillers (BHD) – located along the 329 in Hubbards. To celebrate this an- niversary, along with the construction of her new production facility, our Economic Development Officer (EDO) sat down with Jaime to gain some insight into BHD's past, present, and future. Q: How did Black Harbour Distillers be- gin for you? A: BHD started as a school project while I was in my first year at Dalhousie University. In class, we had to develop a business plan. The inspiration for BHD came from a humanitarian trip I went on the year before where we worked in the sugar cane field for the morning, then went to the distillery right after. I fell in love with the manufacturing side of things. When I came home, I did a bunch of research which supported the eventual business plan development. Q: What do you like about doing business in Hubbards? A: When I was young, I used to spend my sum- mers in the area and just loved the community. It has always been a goal to spend as much time here as possible. Through the development of the business plan and inspiration I got from the hu- manitarian trip, I wanted to be somewhere that had the close community feel and stories behind each bottle. I wanted to have a place where com- munity felt like they could gather, and I thought the perfect spot would be Hubbards. The people really make it fun. Q: What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs? Especially young female entrepreneurs in a male- dominated industry? A: Pivoting and being flexible has made a huge impact in growing Black Harbour. My biggest [piece of]advice for anybody wanting to start a business is just go for it. Even if you make mis- takes – and you will – you learn from them along the way. Another piece of advice would be open to new opportunities and ensure they match your goals. Keep focusing on what you want and have a business plan you believe in and are passionate about. Q: I note you have alcohol and ice cream- why that combination? A: The main goal was to have something on site that allowed families to feel welcome. When they come in, it gives the kids the opportunity to enjoy something for them, too. We’ve also partnered with the Savary Plate to have food available for folks as well. I was hesitant to partner, but work- ing with Alisha and her team from the Savary Plate to create the Savary Pit has been really great. Q: You recently attended an entrepre- neurial conference in Vancouver. How did that come about? A: I’m involved with Entrepreneurs’ Organiza- tion and attended their One Canada event. The conference was on entrepreneurial spirit, includ- ing the soul, body, and mind of the entrepreneur. I love attending conferences like that as I feel like it allows me to grow as an entrepreneur and take my learnings back to the community. Q: What has gone on this summer? A: Every Saturday seemed to be an event here with our live music – that's been really popular. Our new product launch with the booze bags re- ally took off, which was very exciting! The booze bags sold out very quickly, so we worked hard to keep up with that demand as well as expand the available flavours. So far, we have blueberry lem- onade, peach punch, and Hubbards sunset (like an orange pineapple). We're building our new pro- duction facility which is where we’ll be producing everything. The new production facility will allow us to expand our product line as well. We’re not currently in liquor stores as we can’t keep up with demand. So, the hope is to produce more and be able to expand availability. I’d like to start shipping to get Black Harbour as far as I can! Storage is es- sential for that. To see the list of products available for purchase from BHD, please visit their website at https:// bhdistillers.ca/, follow them on Instagram (@ blackharbourdistillers) and Facebook (Black Har- bour Distillers Inc.). Or, better yet, swing by and see BHD for yourself at 419 Highwy 329, Fox Point. BLACK HARBOUR DISTILLERS 419 Highway 329 Fox Point NS www.bhdistillers.ca protected by the Nova Scotia Blind Person’s Rights Act (https://www.nslegislature.ca/sites/default/ files/legc/statutes/blind%20persons'%20rights. pdf ) and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. Guide dogs are highly trained and are allowed to accompany their handler anywhere that the pub- lic is allowed to go. Service Dogs: A person with a disability who has a service dog has their rights protected by the Nova Scotia Service Dog Act (https://novascotia. ca/just/regulations/regs/sdservicedogs.htm) and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. Like guide dogs, service dogs may accompany their handlers anywhere the public has access. Service dogs in Nova Scotia are highly trained, registered with the provincial government, and have an identification card. Denying access to a person and their guide dog or certified service dog is against the law. When a person enters a business or organiza- tion with a guide dog or service dog, staff can look for the noticeable harness and U-shaped handle a guide dog wears or a vest worn by a service dog as a clue that the dog is not a typical pet. A vest, however, is not always proof that a dog is a certi- fied service dog. It is best practice not to ask for proof that a dog is a guide dog or certified service dog. However, if the dog is behaving in an unsafe or disruptive way, it is permitted for the business or organization to ask to see the team’s identifica- tion or to ask the person and their dog to leave. Therapy Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs: Therapy and Emotional Support dogs provide im- portant support to their owners and are some- times recommended by health professionals. Un- like guide dogs and certified service dogs, these dogs do not have training requirements, meaning there is no minimum standard for training and be- haviour. Therapy and Emotional Support dogs do not have the same protections under Nova Sco- tia law and businesses are not required to allow a person with a Therapy or Emotional Support ani- mal access to their space. It is up to the individual business whether they will allow access. Guide dogs and service dogs can be vital to a person’s ability to carry out their day-to-day ac- tivities in our community. It is important that we understand and respect the rights of the people and dogs and the responsibilities of businesses and organizations to allow access to their spaces. Finally, did you know that it is illegal to pretend that a pet is a service dog? Under the Nova Sco- tia Service Dog Act, you can report someone for this offense. For more information about Service dogs, please visit Province of Nova Scotia's web- site at https://novascotia.ca/servicedogs. Jaime Landry, owner and operator of Black Harbour Distillers (photo courtesy of BHD) 4 CHESTER PLAYHOUSE OPENS A real-life story of resilience, perserverance, and triumph! Congratulations to the Chester Playhouse on a successful grand re-opening! Please read on for an update from the Playhouse on their new facility. *************************************After almost three years, the Chester Play- house has re-opened its doors to the public! The Playhouse closed in 2020, capitalizing on the COVID-19 closure to complete a year-long restoration project. On June 11, 2021, just weeks away from re-opening, a fire struck the Playhouse, causing extensive damage. Eighteen fire depart- ments from across the province came together and extinguished the fire, however, the Playhouse was lost and required an extensive rebuild. Undeterred, the Chester Playhouse team con- tinued to bring live performance to the commu- nity, launching the "Playhouse Without Walls" program. Partnering with local community ven- ues, they presented concerts, plays, comedians, movies, and more. The Playhouse will forever be grateful for the incredible support received from the Chester community and surrounding areas, as well as the patrons who supported this journey. Finally, on August 26th, with a sold-out Wel- come Home concert, and a free concert for the community on August 27th, the doors opened to a brand new, rebuilt Chester Playhouse. Guests had the opportunity to tour the Playhouse show- casing several improvements and features in- stalled to help make the theatre-going experience world-class. These new features include a top-rate film pro- jection and sound system set to deliver an excep- tional audience experience. The Playhouse is fully equipped for live streaming and hybrid presenta- tions - a new standard for performance venues. A mechanical lighting grid makes technical work safer and easier than in the past. A variable acous- tic system, designed to adapt the acoustics of the space to suit the performance, will ensure an ex- ceptional audience experience. Improving accessibility for patrons and artists was high on the list when the rebuild began. The main entry, lower and upper lobby, and theatre are now fully accessible and serviced by an acces- sible washroom. The stage is also accessible with a lift, and the backstage area includes an acces- sible washroom/change room. The Playhouse is also equipped with a BlueTooth Hearing Loop sys- tem for use by the hearing impaired. Improvements to the air circulation, heating, and cooling will make it a more comfortable space for audience members all year round. New com- fortable seating has been installed, and adjust- ments to the seating plan have preserved the in- Tuesday, Sept. 12 Picnic in the Park Dark & Stormy at Lordly Park, 5-7pm. Raindate Sept. 13 then Sept. 14. Friday, Sept. 15 Unsettling our Settler Ways Looking at the Waters of Mahone Bay from a Mi'Kmaw Point of View is presented by Chester Art Centre, 7:30pm. Dance Crossover Band will play New Ross Legion, 8:30pm. Friday, Sept. 22 Chester Playhouse presents... James Mullinger, 10 years in Canada. Chester Playhouse, 7:30pm. Info/tickets: www.chesterplayhouse.ca or 902-275-3933. Dance Danny Banfield will play New Ross Legion, 8:30pm. Friday, Sept. 29 Dance 3AM will play New Ross Legion, 8:30pm. Saturday, Sept 30 Lasagna Supper Take-out or eat in, New Ross Legion, 4-6pm. Pre-order by 6pm Sept. 27 at 902-275-8585. Chester Playhouse presents... Sean McCann Sings the Great Big Songbook, Chester Playhouse, 7:30pm. Info/tickets: www.chesterplayhouse.ca or 902-275-3933. Sunday, Oct. 1 11th Annual Cut N Run A 5K walk/run and 10K run starting at Chester Area Middle School, 9am. Register at Recreation & Parks, 902-275-3490. Saturday, Oct. 7 Dance Hog the Covers will play at District #1 Community Centre, 9pm-1am. Door opens and Happy Hour, 8:30pm. Monday, Oct. 9 Thanksgiving Dinner Forties Community Centre, 11:30am- 1:30pm and 2:30-4:30pm. Call 902-689- 2000 or email fortiescc@gmail.com. Friday, Oct. 13 Happy Birthday St. Luke's Church is the 27th Annual Dinner Theatre presented by the Hubbards Heritage Society at the Shore Club. Doors open 6pm, show and dinner at 7pm. Sunday, Oct. 22 Oktoberfest Supper Forties Community Centre, 4-6pm. Call 902- 689-2000 or email fortiescc@gmail.com Mondays *Coffee & Breakfast Hubbards Area Lions Club. TOPS meeting New Ross Legion, 5:45-7:00pm. Auction 45s Western Shore Legion starting Sept. 12. Call 902-627-2570 for more information. Wednesdays Auction 45s Little Red School, 7:30pm. Thursdays Bingo Hubbards Area Lions Club, 7:00pm. Mini- bingo starts at 6:30pm. Bingo New Ross Legion, 7-10pm. Fridays Chester Farmers' & Artisans Market Old Train Station, 9:00am-12:30pm. Every Friday until October 6. Visit www.facebook. com/ChesterFarmersandArtisanMarket or www.chesterfarmersmarket.wordpress.com or email chesterseasidemarket@gmail.com. Friday Night Live New Ross Legion, 8:30pm. Saturdays Hubbards Farmers' Market Hubbards Barn & Community Park, 8am- 12pm. Every Saturday until October 28. Visit www.hubbardsbarn.org or www.facebook. com/HubbardsBarn. COMMUNITY INTEREST timate nature of the venue. All technical theatre lighting is LED, and the insulation qualities of the rebuilt structure will add to energy efficiency. Most importantly, the building satisfies the Na- tional Building Code requirements for fire safety, protecting the building from external fire events and protecting adjacent neighbours from a fire event at the Playhouse. This project, including the original restoration and the ensuing rebuild, was supported by the Government of Canada, Province of Nova Scotia, and Municipality of the District of Chester, as well as generous donors from across the community. Tickets for the Playhouse’s Welcome Home Sea- son are now on sale. Offering a lineup of music, theatre, comedy, speakers, movies, and more, the Playhouse team are excited to welcome you to this beautiful new space. For info and tickets visit, www.chesterplay- house.ca or call the box office at 902-275-3933. Old Man Leudecke performs in front of a packed house at the Chester Playhouse's Welcome Home concert on August 26. - photo credit: Valerie Leduc EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITY: Community Use Supervisor The Municipality of Chester is looking to fill the part-time position of Community Use Supervisor for three of our community schools: Chester Area Middle School, Chester District School, and New Ross Consolidated School. The Community Use Supervisor will open and close during community use, greet and check-in the public, communicate with users, ensure necessary equipment is available, and other related duties. Call 902-275-3554, email employment@chester.ca, or visit https://chester.ca/employment for a full job description. 5 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTKNOW THE RISKS:HURRICANES Prepare for potential hazards by having a plan in place to deal with anticipated impacts to you, your family, pets or property during a severe weather event, such as a hurricane. You may need to remain in your home for at least 72 hours (three days) without needing to leave for supplies (sheltering in place). With many hazards that could occur, often power is also out. Hurricane Season Hurricane season officially runs from June through November when the waters of the Atlan- tic Ocean are warm enough to produce a tropi- cal cyclone, a category of weather systems that includes tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Environment Canada's Canadian Hurricane Centre has up-to-date information on storms occurring in your area by following watch- es and warnings from weather.gc.ca or through local media. Before a Hurricane Hurricanes can often be predicted one or two days in advance of their landfall. The key to hur- ricane protection is preparation. By taking precau- tions before, during, and after a hurricane, lives can be saved, and property damage averted. It is important to listen to the latest warnings and advisories on radio, television, or websites. The Canadian Hurricane Centre will issue and up- date these when necessary. If a hurricane is forecast, secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose. Flying ob- jects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture can injure people and damage property. Secure all gates, doors, and windows. Move lawn furniture, tents, trash cans, hanging plants or anything that can be picked up by wind. Trim dead branches and cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house during a storm. Park your vehicles in a garage or away from trees. Bring watercraft out of the water and up to high ground. Move campers and trailers to a garage or storage facility, away from trees or to high ground and secure. Keep pets indoors. Stock up on water, ready-to-eat food, and heat- ing fuel, as well as battery-powered or wind-up flashlights and radios - with extra batteries. For a complete list of emergency supplies, refer to the list below or visit https://www.lunenburgremo. ca/preparedness.html. Travel may be difficult after the storm and stores and businesses may not be open immediately. Ensure your vehicle gas tanks are full in case you need to leave the area. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your supplies – you risk long line- ups and supply shortages. If you live on the coast or in a low-lying area near the coast, be prepared to move inland and to higher ground if instructed by local officials. The high winds can create large waves which may be- come storm surges when they reach the shore. If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so. Take your emergency kit with you. Depending on the strength of the storm, the predicted path of the hurricane, and your prox- imity to coastal areas, you may need to evacuate before the storm's arrival or once it has passed. Consider trees that may come in contact with your home or power lines. To determine the trees that are your responsibility, please visit https:// www.nspower.ca/customer-service/treetrimming or contact Nova Scotia Power (contact list below) During a Hurricane Never go out in a boat during a storm. If you are on the water and you see bad weather approach- ing, head for shore immediately. Do not go down to the water to watch the storm. Most people who are killed during hurricanes are caught in large waves, storm surges, or flood waters. If the eye of the hurricane passes over, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from two or three minutes to half an hour. Stay in a safe place. Make emergency repairs only and remember that once the eye has passed over, the winds will return from the opposite direction with possibly even greater force. Listen for reports from authorities on your portable radio. Look for local updates on CKBW, at www.ches- ter.ca or ChesterMunicipality on Facebook, or at www.LunenburgREMO.ca, which is our Regional Emergency Management Organization for Lunen- burg County. Hurricane Facts • A hurricane is a tropical storm whose winds revolve around a centre of low pressure. • The centre is called the eye. In the eye of a hurricane, there is a calm area of blue sky. • Around the eye, there are very strong winds (minimum speed of 120 kilometres per hour) accompanied by torrential rains. • Hurricanes cause more widespread damage than tornadoes because they are bigger – some are as large as 1,000 kilometres across. • One of the most destructive effects of a hur- ricane is the storm surge, often causing seri- ous flooding. SUPPLIES LIST In anticipation of an emergency, have enough supplies to stay in your home for a minimum of three days. In the winter, access to a secondary heat source may be necessary as well. ◻ 6L of water per person (2L per day) ◻ Food that won't spoil and a manual can opener ◻ First aid supplies ◻ Enough medications, such as for an allergy or a prescription ◻ List of your prescription medications with prescription number and purpose along with your pharmacy information ◻ Pet care ◻ Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight ◻ Wind-up or battery-powered radio ◻ Batteries ◻ Money ◻ Contact phone numbers for friends/family In the event of an evacuation, you may want to consider taking: ◻ Important documents, such as your drivers licence, insurance papers, health card, birth certificate, etc. ◻ Car keys and house keys YOUR STAY-IN-PLACE CHECKLIST Before the storm, did you ◻ Get enough fuel (propane for a BBQ or stove, gasoline for a generator or car, etc.)? ◻ Secure any loose items outside, like patio furniture or toys (trampolines especially)? ◻ Fill the bathtub with water? ◻ Charge all of your battery-operated devices? ◻ Check on your neighbour? Maybe you can make a plan together. COMFORT CENTRES & RELIEF Comfort centres may open to support local resi- dents. These centres provide a place to get warm, recharge devices, check on each other, and share information. Comfort Centres operate voluntarily and services offered may vary. Check with your Councillor (contact info on back page), our web- site and social media channels, or the radio to see if the Comfort Centre in your area is open. Are you a "critical customer?" Nova Scotia Power offers a Critical Customer Communication pro- gram for customers whose health depends on electricity, such as those requiring oxygen ma- chines or dialysis. Register with NSP to be added to their communication list. You, especially, need to prepare ahead of a potential power outage. Ensure you have sufficient medical supplies, extra batteries and an alternate power source. IMPORTANT CONTACTS Police/Fire/Ambulance ......................911 Non-emergency health advice .............811 Provincial road concerns ......................511 or ..............................................1-844-696-7737 (report a washout or obstruction) Non-emergency support ......................211 NS Power Outage Line ..........1-877-428-6004 (downed line, outage, trees on line) NS Power tree trimming .......1-800-428-6230 Sewer concerns after hours ..1-888-664-6998 (report a back-up or pump station issue) RCMP (non-emergency) .......902-275-3583 INFORMATION SOURCES • Check www.chester.ca for local updates. • www.weatheroffice.gc.ca • ChesterMunicipality on Facebook • CKBW (98.1) or HANK FM (100.7) • Your Councillor (contact information on the back of the newsletter). If a state of local emergency is declared and evacuation is necessary, someone will come to your door. They will be identifiable. PROPERTY SERVICES 6 NEW PROGRAM FOR HOMEOWNERS Improve home's energy efficiency with Clean Energy Financing Homeowners in the Municipality of Ches- ter who want to improve their home’s energy efficiency and reduce their power bills can now apply to the Municipality’s new Clean Energy Financing (CEF) program. Upgrades eligible for financing could in- clude installing heat pumps, improving your home’s insulation, and much more. Clean Energy Financing might be right for you if: • You own a detached, semi-detached, or row house (multi-unit buildings are not eligible for the program). • You are worried about the cost of heat- ing your home. • You are not sure which energy up- grades might be right for you. • You would prefer to finance any up- grades you make. • You need help applying for rebates. Through CEF, you can finance up to $40,000 in home energy upgrades. The financing term is 10 years, but there’s no penalty for paying off the financing early, and the program makes sure you get access to all the rebates you are eligible for. To learn more about the program and apply online, visit cleanenergyfinancing.ca/chester or call 1-844-727-7818. Fall Explore Life In your mailbox Tuesday, September 12 PROPERTY SERVICES 7 Recyclable paper is like bare feet. Clean plastic is like a dog park. The two don't mix. (hint: put your clean paper in a separate recycling bag) Waste Collection Waste Collection starts at 7:00 a.m.starts at 7:00 a.m. Summer 2023 saw the release and presenta- tion of the first draft of the revised Village of Chester Secondary Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. This release was accompanied by a series of four public meetings held in the Village. Each session included a presentation overview of the new documents, followed by questions and comments from attendees. The turnout for these sessions was great, with 135 attendees across the four sessions. Staff collected comments and feedback from the sessions, via email, phone calls and in person meetings with members of the community who had questions or concerns about the draft docu- ments. Comments and feedback are now being reviewed and grouped into categories in prepara- tion for discussions with Council on what changes to the draft documents are desired. Staff are aiming to bring a “What we heard” re- port to Council in the fall. This report will contain an Since our last report, we received these online inquiries. Sewer Treatment Plant noise: We received a complaint about loud noises coming from the treatment plant in Chester. We were experiencing issues with our equipment, but it has since been repaired. We appreciate you reaching out! For after- hours concerns about any of our treatment plants, please call 1-888-664-6998. Illegal parking: We were notified that commercial vehicles were illegally parked in one of our municipal parks. We monitored the area and let the drivers know that they were not permitted to park in that area. Dogs not on leash: A trail user was concerned over the multple unleashed dogs on the trail. We agree that dogs should be leashed and have put up signs as a reminder. Unfortunately, some users disregard this etiquette. Not all people are comfortable with dogs and get nervous when approached, especially children. It can also create an unpredictable situation when two dogs meet. This is a great opportunity to remind dog owners to leash their dog while walking on a public, multi-use trail for their safety and the safety of others. Requests: We received some other online requests that are more routine, including • green cart replacement/repair x 22 • request for proclamation • report of trail maintenance required x 1 • request for policy information x 2 • tax information x 1 • questions about zoning • Building Code inquiries x 1 Sometimes we receive requests that belong to other organizations so we do not have authority to REGISTER A COMPLIMENT OR COMPLAINT BY: Calling 902-275-3554. Leaving your name is optional. Emailing the Clerk at pmyra@chester.ca Filling in our online form on our website at www. chester.ca/uhoh Coming to see us at 151 King Street in Chester. BOSSBOSS oror BUSTBUST act. We generally recommend reaching out to those organizations. We had these requests: • Road repair x 4 (NS Dept of Public Works OR private road owners) • Request for crosswalk (NS Dept of Public Works) • Cutting trees on Crown Land x 2 (NS Dept of Natural Resources & Renewables) Keep an eye out for these signs in your neighbourhood. They are available from the Recreation Of- fice and your local Councillor. Please drop in or call ahead to reserve yours! overview of the engagement and present options for Council to make changes to the drafts based on the feedback and comments received. Follow- ing these discussions and decisions with Council, staff will prepare a Final Draft of the documents which can be formally considered by Council for adoption. Depending on the number and impact of the changes to the draft documents, the Final Draft is expected in late Fall 2023. For more information on the Village Plan Re- view, please visit the project website at: https:// www.voicesandchoices.ca/villagereview VILLAGE PLAN REVIEW UPDATE GIVE ME A BREAK... ON TAXES! Do you qualify for an exemption or reduction on property taxes? The Municipality will soon set the income level and exemption amount required to determine 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 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 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 dwelling 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 2022 Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada. Please contact the Municipal Office at 902-275- 3554 in late September or early October. Deadline is March 29, 2024 to apply. Provincial Seniors Property Tax Rebate This program is administered by Service Nova Sco- tia and designed to help eligible seniors remain in their homes by providing them with an annual re- bate 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 29, 2023. You must meet the following conditions to qualify under this program: • 2022/23 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 2023). For more information or to see if you qualify, please call 1-800-277-9914. 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: We deactivated our Twitter account at the end of July due to low engagement and viewer restrictions. Please follow on our other social media platforms. 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 chestermunicipality 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! Municipal subscriptions: Sign up for the latest municipal news about Regulatory Changes (by- law and policy including Planning), Waste Collection, Council Agendas, and more at chester.ca. 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) Mondays CLOSED (every Monday) Tuesdays 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (every Tuesday) Wednesdays 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (every Wednesday) Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (every Thursday) and 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Sept. 21 & 28) Fridays CLOSED (Sept. 1, 8, 15) 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Sept. 22 & 29) Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Sept. 2 & 9) 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Sept. 16, 23 & 30) Sundays CLOSED (every Sunday) 1-902-273-2098 • Call 30 minutes before each shift • appointment required • wear a mask This fall, Our Health Centre is offering a five thousand dollar award to a student entering their second year of studies in a medical, nurse practitioner, or nursing program at a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution. The award will be funded and administered by the OHC Foundation. Like so many health institutions, OHC is tying to assist in the recruitment of medical staff. For this award, preference will be given to students who have a strong connection to the area. “This award helps us to establish a relationship with students from the South Shore,” says Jeff Somerville, Vice Chair of the OHC Foundation Board. “We have a better opportunity to recruit people who know this area. We are hoping to build lasting relationships with students who are familiar with and feel a bond to our communities already." The award will be given in honour of Dr. Joy Calkin, whose vision it was to build a community health centre in Chester. “She started the whole process of thinking about what we could do,” says Lorraine Burch, former Executive Director of OHC. “She was a really intelligent, compassionate person, a quiet, driving force. She knew the health system intimately and knew how much it was needed.” OHC’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of every person served. This award is a testament to Joy Calkin’s commitment to that. The application form for the award will be on the OHC website on September 1st. Go to ourhealthcentre.ca. Check out our other amazing programs and servic- es at www.ourhealthcentre.ca or drop in and pick up our monthly newsletter, The BUZZ. We are located at 3769 Highway #3, Chester. OHC STUDENT AWARD 2nd-year students eligible