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MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
AGENDA
Thursday, November 30, 2023
This meeting is not able to be Livestreamed via YouTube due to
the location at Forest Heights Community School,
Chester Grant, NS
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
3. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
4.1 Council – November 16, 2023.
5. PROCLAMATIONS
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
6.1 Nominating Committee – November 16, 2023 – Councillor Veinotte.
7. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
7.1 9:30 a.m. Grace Brittain and Charlie McInnes – Safe Grad 2024 Donation Request.
8. BY-LAWS AND POLICIES
9. MATTERS ARISING
9.1 Quarterly Update – Infrastructure & Operations Department.
10. CORRESPONDENCE
10.1 Correspondence dated November 9, 2023 from Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
regarding the 2023/24 REMO Budget Variance Update.
10.2 Email from John MacDonald regarding continued concerns about Bayswater Beach and
requesting Council to write a letter to the province requesting a moratorium on restocking
of the Saddle Island site in Bayswater.
Page 2 of 2 (Agenda Pages)
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.1 District 3 Council Grant – Chester Merchants.
11.2 Discussion - Stop signs on private roads – Deputy Warden Shatford.
11.3 Request for Decision prepared November 23, 2023 – Community Development &
Recreation – Capital Grants Review.
11.4 Request for Decision prepared November 24, 2023 – Infrastructure & Operations -
Municipal Capital Growth Program Grant (Wastewater Strategy).
11.5 Request for Decision prepared November 22, 2023 – Community Development &
Recreation and Finance – Private Street Maintenance Petition – Lakewood Drive
Community Road Association.
11.6 Southwest Nova Scotia Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating.
12. IN CAMERA
12.1 In Camera as per Section 22(2)(a) of the Municipal Government Act – acquisition, sale,
lease, and security of municipal property.
13. ADJOURNMENT
APPOINTMENTS
9:30 a.m. Grace Brittain and Charlie McInnes – Safe Grad 2024 Donation Request.
428
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
Minutes of
COUNCIL MEETING
Livestreamed via YouTube www.youtube.com/modcvideo
from 151 King Street, Chester, Nova Scotia
On Thursday, November 16, 2023
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:47 a.m.
Present: District 1 – Councillor Andre Veinotte District 2 – Deputy Warden Floyd Shatford
District 3 – Councillor Derek Wells District 4 – Warden Allen Webber
District 5 – Councillor Abdella Assaff District 6 – Councillor Tina Connors
District 7 - Councillor Sharon Church
Staff: Tara Maguire, CAO
Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk
Emily Lennox, Executive Secretary
Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure & Operations
Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development and Recreation
Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner
Jonathan Meakin, Manager, Sustainability and Asset Management
Fred Whynot, Director of Public Works
Sylvia Dixon, Development and Planning Technician
Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor
Public: There were 4 members of the public in the gallery.
Regrets: Erin Lowe, Deputy CAO
Jennifer Webber, Communications Coordinator & Outreach Coordinator
Warden Webber noted that the meeting is not able to be livestreamed today.
Council (continued) November 16, 2023 429
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
Addition/Change:
Councillor Church – Church Memorial Park Update.
2023-479 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the agenda
and order of business for the November 16, 2023, Council meeting be approved
as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC INPUT
There was no public input.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
4.1 Council – October 26, 2023.
2023-480 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the
minutes of the October 26, 2023, Council Meeting be approved as circulated. ALL IN
FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
4.2 Special Council – November 2, 2023.
2023-481 MOVED by Councillor Assaff SECONDED by Councillor Church that the minutes of
the November 2, 2023, Special Council Meeting be approved as circulated. ALL IN
FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
PROCLAMATIONS
5.1 Letter and Proclamation for consideration from Nature Canada regarding “Restoring and
Protecting 30% of our Ocean by 2030.”
Members of Council agreed with the concept, however, felt they did not have enough
information regarding the percentages noted and would prefer to make a general statement
rather than quote percentages.
2023-482 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the
proclamation request from Nature Canada regarding “Restoring and Protecting 30%
Council (continued) November 16, 2023 430
of our Ocean by 2030” be proclaimed with the percentages statement removed in
the proclamation to be signed by the Warden. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
6.1 Recreation & Parks – October 16, 2023 – Councillor Church.
Councillor Church reviewed the recommendations and Councillor Veinotte noted he was glad to
see typical recreation grants as well as arts and culture grants.
2023-483 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the
recommendations from the October 16, 2023 meeting of the Recreation & Parks
Committee be approved as follows:
Aspotogan Arts and Crafts $500
Aspotogan Recreation Association $2,000
Charing Cross Garden Club $500
Chester Curling Club $2,200
Chester Duplicate Bridge Club $500
Chester Garden Club $500
Chester Minor Basketball $2,400
Chester Minor Hockey $2,800
Chester Tennis Club $500
Forties Garden Club $500
Friends of Chester Competitive Dancers $1,500
Heritage Handwork Group $500
New Ross Women’s Tug of War Team $1,500
Shoreham Village Senior Citizens $1,500
South Shore Pipes and Drum Association $1,000
South Shore Schooners $2,800
South Shore Work Activity Program $1,000
St. Stephen’s Parish (Musical Friends) $2,800
$25,000
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
Council (continued) November 16, 2023 431
6.2 Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety Program – Monthly Report – October 2023 – Councillor
Connors.
Councillor Connors commented that it was business as usual and that the staff are preparing for
Christmas.
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
7.1 9:00 a.m. George Buranyi – Save Our Old Forests Lunenburg County.
Present was George Buranyi of Save Our Old Forests Lunenburg County who indicated that the
group seeks to engage local communities in protecting old forests and calls on the provincial
government to pause all harvesting and roadbuilding activities in forests over 80 years old on
Crown Land. They are requesting Council to support those goals and forward a letter to the
province. He reviewed the statistics provided in the presentation material.
2023-484 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church that Council
support the Save Our Old Forests (SOOF) group and write the provincial government
(Premier, NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, and the Department
of Environment and Climate Change) requesting the government to pause all
harvesting and roadbuilding activities in forests over 80 years old on Crown Land.
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
7.2 9:20 a.m. Lynda Flinn – Rezoning of PID 60094497 (Old Trunk 3/Target Hill Road).
Present was Lynda Flinn who outlined to Council that they wish to grow own greens for their
businesses and have found a system to grow them year round hydroponically. They have family
land on the Commons Road that is currently zoned rural, and the property has always been used
as a residential storage facility for their personal items. They would like to place the container
(purposely built) to contain a hydroponically system on that property. It is currently zoned as
rural; however, it will be zoned as residential or medium residential in the new Village Plan which
would exclude this.
Present was Garth Sturtevant, Senior Planner, who noted that the proposed R4 Zone in that area
would not allow this use as it is commercial. He noted that he suggested Ms. Flinn come to
Council because Council has already seen the draft of the Plan Review.
Council (continued) November 16, 2023 432
Concern was noted that when the area undergoes a transformation in the next ten to twenty
years, the character of the area will change and the need for housing is great. The point is that
in 10-15 years that particular structure may look very strange and be of a different character
than what will be there.
Ms. Flinn noted that it does not have to look like a shipping container – it can look like a
building with landscaping and could fit very well in a residential area.
The Senior Planner noted that if this was proposed on the site of the Kiwi Café as an accessory
use, we would approve it. That is why it is tricky. On the other lot it would be commercial. The
units are used in urban environments and would comply with those regulations.
It was agreed to have the Senior Planner prepare some information for Council’s consideration
and provide some options for the request.
The question was also asked if it would be allowed at this time as the property is zoned as rural.
This can be provided with the information from staff.
Future use was discussed, and it was noted that it could be a business on its own in the future
selling hydroponic foods they currently source from elsewhere – that would allow them to sell to
the community here.
The Senior Planner was directed to prepare a report for consideration.
BY-LAWS AND POLICIES
There were no by-laws or policies for review.
MATTERS ARISING
9.1 Quarterly Update – Community Development & Recreation.
Present was Chad Haughn to review the Quarterly Update of the Community Development and
Recreation Department commenting on the following:
Planning Matters - Village Plan Review, Subdivision, Development Permits, and Building.
Animal Control.
Fire Inspections.
By-Law Enforcement/Solid Waste Inspections.
Council (continued) November 16, 2023 433
Recreation and Parks Services.
Community School Visits.
PRO Kids.
Community Sign Program.
Community Playboxes.
Summer Trail Crew.
July 21, 2023 Flood – Trail Destruction and Trail Repairs.
A break was held from 10:05 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
CORRESPONDENCE
10.1 Email dated October 24, 2023 sent on behalf of Bear Lake Wind Farm regarding
Notification of Environmental Assessment Registration.
No action is required – this was for information only.
10.2 Correspondence dated October 11, 2023 to the NS Federation of Municipalities from the
Municipalities of Shelburne and Barrington and the Towns of Clark’s Harbour, Lockeport,
and Shelburne regarding an urgent need for advocacy to improve rural cell phone
coverage for emergency preparedness.
Councillor Wells commented that this is not just for emergency services, but for everyday use as
well.
The CAO noted that on October 26 the Province announced they would be working with Build
NS – similar to what they did for broadband service – and would be expanding cellular service
($47.3 million) with the Cellular for NS Program.
NEW BUSINESS
11.1 Request for Decision prepared November 7, 2023 – Community Development and
Recreation - New Road Names – Parker Ridge Drive and Layton Lane.
Present was Sylvia Dixon, Development & Planning Technician to review the Request for
Decision prepared November 7, 2023 regarding two new road names – Parker Ridge Drive and
Layton Lane. There have been no objections to the names.
Council (continued) November 16, 2023 434
2023-485 MOVED by Councillor Veinotte, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council
approve the road names Parker Ridge Drive and Layton Lane accessed off of Goat
Lake Road (East Chester) and staff be directed to notify the appropriate
departments, organizations, and residents. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
11.2 Request for Decision prepared November 7, 2023 – Infrastructure & Operations – NS
Community Solar Program: Environmental Stewardship and Economic Development.
Present was Jonathan Meakin, Manager, Sustainability and Asset Management to review the
Request for Decision prepared November 7, 2023 regarding the NS Community Solar Program:
Environmental Stewardship and Economic Development. The request is to authorize a study to
investigate sites for a solar project at Kaizer Meadow through the NS Community Solar Program.
2023-486 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Wells that Council authorize
a preliminary study by SolarBank and TriMac Engineering to investigate potential
sites at Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park for the development of a possible project
under the Nova Scotia Community Solar Program.
DISCUSSION:
Councillor Veinotte asked about the megawatt availability, and it was noted that they
believe there is enough space to generate a 10 mw project. NS Power is allowing a
total of 100 mw of power to be generated across the province through solar panels.
Councillor Veinotte would like it to be reviewed to ensure the business case is there.
Councillor Assaff noted that he has heard that people have found it difficult to sell back
generated power to NS Power.
Councillor Veinotte is not interested in wasting money on projects that don’t pay or
need to receive subsidies to work.
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
11.3 Request for Decision prepared October 31, 2023 – Community Development & Recreation
– Private Street Maintenance Petition – Sherwood Forest Owners Association.
Sylvia Dixon, Development and Planning Technician, reviewed the request of the Sherwood
Forest Lot Owners Association, outlining that the association has selected a per lot method for
the fee calculation and that the four properties owned by Gilbert Falkenham & Sons Ltd. be
excluded. Staff is satisfied that requirements have been met.
Council (continued) November 16, 2023 435
2023-487 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council accept
the Sherwood Forest Lot Owners Association petition package for private street
improvement and maintenance and direct finance staff to implement a special tax
for the affected accounts to take effect in the upcoming fiscal year. ALL IN FAVOUR.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.4 Request for Decision – Infrastructure & Operations - Otter Point Wastewater Treatment
Plant (WWTP) Upgrade.
Fred Whynot, Director of Public Works, was present to review the Request for Decision
regarding the Otter Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades.
The lowest of the two bids received came in at just under $2.5 million, which is well over the
budgeted amount of $1,057,500. The recommendation is for Council to reject the bids received
for the Otter Point WWTP Upgrade and approve the project management with in-house
resources – staff can do it in-house to determine design tweaks and direct purchase the system.
The Municipality also has contractors on contract who can help us on site and other things can
be done by using our procurement process.
2023-488 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Wells that Council:
(a) Reject the bids received for the Otter Point Wastewater Treatment Plant
Upgrade; and
(b) Approve the project management of the Otter Point Wastewater Treatment
Plant Upgrade with in-house resources.
SIX IN FAVOUR. COUNCILLOR VEINOTTE ABSTAINED. MOTION CARRIED.
Councillor Veinotte declared a Conflict of Interest and abstained from voting on the motion.
11.4 Church Memorial Park Update – Councillor Church.
Councillor Church provided an update, noting that former CAO, Dan McDougall, has agreed to
be the Treasurer for the Board and once they get the information from the auditors, they will
have an AGM. They need the financial year end statements as of April 2023. Belliveau Veinotte
has the statements and are hoping to complete the review soon. They are facing staffing
shortages.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the feasibility study has gone out and deadline is December
1, 2023 and they are hoping to award it in the new year. She will forward Councillors a copy of
the RFP. They have also hired a new senior refrigerator and plant manager who will be starting
Council (continued) November 16, 2023 436
in January. There was a problem with the clock in the ice rink and they were able to purchase a
used one for $3,000, well below the price of $25,000 for a new one. It was also noted that they
plan to form a Capital Campaign Committee.
11.5 Paving in Western Shore – NS Public Works and Bell – Councillor Assaff.
Councillor Assaff noted that when he was at the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
(NSFM) Conference he spoke with a representative from NS Power about the paving that has
not been completed in Western Shore. In short, both NS Power and NS Department of Public
Works are saying that the other is responsible for the lack of proceeding with the work being
done. He also spoke with the MLA.
IN CAMERA
There were no items for In Camera discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
2023-489 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the meeting
adjourn. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. (10:40 a.m.)
_________________________ _________________________
Allen Webber Pamela Myra
Warden Municipal Clerk
NOTE:
The minutes are a record of decisions made at meetings. For more details on discussions,
a recording of the minutes can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/modcvideo. However,
this meeting was not able to be streamed or recorded.
MOTIONS FROM NOVEMBER 16, 2023 NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETING
FOR APPROVAL OF COUNCIL
2023-490 APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
2023-491 APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 25, 2023 MINUTES
2023-492 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES/BOARDS
MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that Council reappoint
members of Council to the Committees/Boards as provided on November 16, 2023 with one
change to appoint Councillor Veinotte to the Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee in
Councillor Assaff’s resignation from the Committee.
COMMITTEE/ORGANIZATION PUBLIC
TERM
MEMBER
Audit Committee 2 Years for
Public
Appointments
All members of Council
Sandra Dumaresq
Heather McLeod
Building Code & Unsightly
Premises Committee
N/A Councillor Connors
Deputy Warden Shatford
Chester Municipal Planning
Advisory Committee
2 Years for
Public
Appointments
District 1 – Leslie Taylor
District 2 – VACANT
District 3 – Hugh Harper
District 4 – Lee Harnish
District 5 – Nicholas Buckle
District 6 – Margeson Reeves
District 7 – Hassen Hammond
Chair of Chester Village Planning
Advisory Committee
Councillor Church
Councillor Assaff
Chester Village Planning Advisory
Committee
2 Years for
Public
Appointments
Carol Nauss
Sara Filbee
Sydney Dumaresq
COMMITTEE/ORGANIZATION PUBLIC
TERM
MEMBER
VACANT
Chair of Chester Municipal Planning
Advisory Committee
Village Commission – Nancy Hatch
Councillor Wells
Chester Volunteer Fire Service
Committee
Two 3-Year
Terms and One
2-Year Term
Kirk Collicutt (3 Years)
Norman Countway (3 Years)
James Robert (2 Years)
Committee of the Whole N/A All members of Council
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Advisory Committee
2-Year and
3-Year Terms
Lorraine Burch – 3 Year Term
David Broome – 3 Year Term
Joud Alouch – 2 Year Term
Robert Young – 3 Year Term
Charlie McInnes - 3 Year Term
Carol Millett – 3 Year Term
Councillor Assaff
Councillor Veinotte
Council Connors
Heritage Advisory Committee 1 Year Carol Nauss
Tim Harris
Barry Redmond
Bunch Fraser
Brenda Mulrooney
Chester Municipal Heritage Society -
Vacant
Chester Municipal Heritage Society –
Vacant
Deputy Warden Shatford
Councillor Assaff
Landfill Citizens Monitoring
Committee
2 Years for
Public
Appointments
Brad Armstrong
Herbert Fraser
VACANT
COMMITTEE/ORGANIZATION PUBLIC
TERM
MEMBER
Robert Mitchell
Councillor Church
Councillor Veinotte
Landfill Consultation Committee N/A Warden Webber
RCMP Advisory Board
2 Years for
Public
Appointments
Arthur Vardjas
Terri DeMont
Beverly Armstrong
Warden Webber
Councillor Connors
Deputy Warden Shatford
Provincial Appointment
Recreation & Parks Committee 3 Years for
Public
Appointments
(No more
than 2
consecutive
terms)
District 1 – VACANT
District 2 – Suzanne Brown
2nd Term
District 3 – Brad Armstrong
2nd Term
District 4 - VACANT
District 5 – Ross Shatford
1st Term
District 6 – Patricia Bates
1st Term
District 7 – Kevin Marczak
1st Term
Councillor Church
Alternate – Councillor Wells
Sherbrooke Lake Park Advisory
Committee (2017-529/540)
3 Years for
Public
Appointments
Hugh Harper
Heather Dyment
Councillor Connors
Water Quality Monitoring
Committee
2 Years Aspotogan Heritage Trust – Kathy
Gamache
COMMITTEE/ORGANIZATION PUBLIC
TERM
MEMBER
Municipal PAC Appointment – Ross
Shatford
Fox Point Lake Owners Association –
John McNeil
Aspotogan Developments – Ged
Stonehouse
Technical Consultant – Amina
Stoddard
Deputy Warden Shatford
Church Memorial Park Trustees 1 Year Councillor Church
Community Use of Schools – ACES 1 Year Councillor Connors
Warden Webber
Deputy Warden Shatford
Community Use of Schools – FHCS 1 Year Councillor Connors
Warden Webber
Councillor Assaff
Fences and Arbitration Committee
1 Year By-Law Enforcement Officer
Deputy CAO
Alternate: CAO
Lunenburg County Accessibility
Advisory Committee
1 Year Councillor Assaff
Alternate: Councillor Wells
Lunenburg County Seniors’ Safety
Program
1 Year Councillor Connors
Region 6 Solid Waste Management
Committee
1 Year Councillor Veinotte
Regional Emergency Measures
(REMO)
1 Year Warden
Deputy Warden
COMMITTEE/ORGANIZATION PUBLIC
TERM
MEMBER
CAO/Deputy CAO
Alternate: Councillor Wells
South Shore Housing Action
Coalition
1 Year Councillor Assaff
South Shore Regional Library
Board
1 Year Councillor Connors
South West Regional Community
Advisory Board (formerly Flight
Engineering)
1 Year Councillor Wells
Western Regional Crown Land
Stakeholder Interaction Committee
1 Year Councillor Veinotte
Zoe Valle Library Municipal
Trustee
1 Year Councillor Wells
ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
2023-493 ADJOURNMENT
SafeGrad Donation: $600
Grace Brittain & Charlie McInnes
What is SafeGrad?
An event that takes place directly following the grade 12 graduation
ceremony. Forest Heights students will go on a school bus to HB Studios in
Bridgewater. Here, they will enjoy food and many community building
activities all night. There will be a zero tolerance policy to any illegal
substances, making it a safe and inclusive environment for all participating.
The next morning, students will take the bus back to Forest Heights where
teachers will serve them breakfast and connect with students before they
embark on their next chapter.
Environmental Club
Receiving funds for a school bus impacts our
environment, student wellness and community:
a)Environmental impact: less
emissions going into the atmosphere
by car pooling
b)Student Wellness: students won’t
have to spend money to be part of
the activity
c)Equitable: fair opportunity for all
students regardless of social
standing to celebrate together
Community Wellness
a)Inclusivity: in a time where many LGBTQ+ community members
feel excluded and unsafe, this celebration is a place of utmost
respect and safety; zero discrimination policy is enforced by
teachers & the student body
b)Safety: student’s would be able to have safe ride home rather
than driving sleep deprived; zero tolerance for any illegal
substances on the bus or at the event
c)Social Unity: by providing group travel to a community event, this
provides a chance for us students to spend time together before
we embark on our individual adult lives
Receiving funds for a school
bus impacts our community
as the SafeGrad event will be
inclusive, safe and foster
social unity.
SafeGrad Donation: $600
Grace Brittain & Charlie McInnes
2023-11-21
1
Infrastructure & Operations
Quarter 1 Report
2023/24
Solid Waste
1
2
2023-11-21
2
Landfill Collection Update
NOVA SCOTIA’S TREASURE
RUNNING TOTALTONNAGE Q4TONNAGE Q3TONNAGE Q2TONNAGE Q1MATERIAL
30,773.820015,089.0115,684.81RESIDUAL WASTE (A)
5,569.09002,917.042,652.05SEPTIC WASTE (B)
665.4100350.4315.01WOOD (C)
693.6800404.38289.93ASPHALT (D)
984.9600531.33453.66ORGANICS (E)
430.7200230.47200.25RECYCLABLES,
CARDBOARD & PAPER (F)
2,101.77001,097.891,003.88MIXED C&D WASTE (G)
Solid Waste – Stats
Solid Waste – Stats
Volume in Cells (MT)YEAR
47,0622016/17
47,2362017/18
51,2792018/19
52,1822019/20
53,9442020/21
64,7482021/22
65,0892022/23
TBC2023/24
381,540TOTAL
54,506AVERAGE 0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23
Annual Total Volume in Cells (MT)
3
4
2023-11-21
3
Solid Waste – Stats
2022-232021-222020-212019-202018-19
84,67278,38269,84466,07867,023Weigh In
(Scale House)
65,08964,74853,94452,18251,279In Landfill
(Cell)
19,58313,63415,90013,89615,744
Diverted
Waste (From
Cell)
23.13%17.39%22.77%21.03%23.49%% Diverted
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Diverted Waste
Weigh In (Scale House)In Landfill (Cell)
Diverted Waste (From Cell)% Diverted
Solid Waste – Buildings & Structures
Cell 3B -
Now fully operational.
5
6
2023-11-21
4
Solid Waste – Administration
•Draft Operations & Maintenance Manual for 2023/24 is complete
and under review.
•Draft Landfill Strategy has commenced.
Asset Management &
Sustainability
7
8
2023-11-21
5
AM & S – Programs
Water Supply Lending As of November 2023, 26 loans have
Program been issued since 2018/19.
Clean Energy Financing As of November 2023, 3 active files
Program for residential dwelling energy
retrofits.
Community Solar Program Viability of Kaizer Meadows as site
for solar garden.
AM & S – Grants
•Sustainable Communities Challenge Grant
o In progress
•Municipal Capital Growth Program
o In progress
•Disaster Mitigation & Adaptation Fund
o Awaiting decision
•Community Climate Capacity Program
o In progress
•Housing Accelerator Fund
o Awaiting decision
9
10
2023-11-21
6
AM & S – Asset Management
•Defines the role of asset management in achieving strategic priorities and municipal core
service delivery through sustainable capital, business, and operations & maintenance planning.
•Provides clear, consistent, and current communication to all stakeholders regarding our AM
practices.
•Identifies and implements objectives to advance AM practices, plans, and continuous
improvement processes.
•Describes key roles and responsibilities, processes, tools, and resources in implementing AM
practices throughout the Municipality.
AM & S – Sustainability
•Guides decisions and actions that support the social, economic and environmental needs of the
Municipality’s residents, businesses, and organizations without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their needs.
•Identifies options for systemic long-term environmental resiliency and sustainability in respect
to climate, built environment, waste, water, and natural areas.
•Defines sustainable service delivery as a means to deliver services for communities, economies,
and the environment through infrastructure that emphasizes continuity, adaptability, and
opportunity.
11
12
2023-11-21
7
Public Works
cs for Public Works
November 21, 2023 NOVA SCOTIA’S TREASURE
Running TotalQ4Q3Q2Q1 Activity
30021 Sewer Permits Issued
109005851Sewer Callouts (S. Business)
10001EDU Increase
80071Utility Locates
00000Berthage Permits Issued
3070022384Compost Carts Delivered
20020Dead Marine Life Collected
130076Events Requiring Public Sort Station
10010Public Sorting Station Abuse
Incidents
2210015863Maintenance Work Orders
80035Road Name Signs Installed
20002Streetlight Requests
00000Sidewalk Snow Removal Events
00000Mobile Radar Unit Deployments
40022Compliments
Public Works – Stats
13
14
2023-11-21
8
Public Works – Village of Chester
PERSON HOURSMONTHQUARTER
0January
4 0February
0March
0April
1 0May
0June
15July
2 23.5August
3September
0October
3 0November
0December
41.5Total
Public Works – Roads
Active Transportation - Construction underway on Hwy 3
(Sidewalks) Chester; Hubbards (complete);
Chester Basin in 2024/25.
Still awaiting NS Power to relocate
power poles.
15
16
2023-11-21
9
Public Works – Roads
Rapid Rectangular - Awaiting written NSDPW confirmation
Flashing Beacons
Speed Radar Signs - 4 signs approved by NSDPW
New Ross, Hubbards, Chester,
Chester Basin.
J-Class Roads - List submitted in October
Public Works – Wastewater
Lift Stations & - Tender awarded. Break ground in
Forcemains December.
Chester Wastewater - Design of new plant underway.
Treatment Plant Anticipated construction 2024/26.
17
18
2023-11-21
10
Public Works – Wastewater
Otter Point Wastewater - RFP rejected.
Treatment Plant
Project being brought ‘in-house’.
Public Works – Wastewater
Mill Cove Fire - Consultant reworking prices to
Protection decommission system; pending council
approval.
Wastewater Study - Workshop undertaken in October.
Awaiting funding for Chester Basin WWTP
relocation – spring/summer 2024.
19
20
2023-11-21
11
Public Works – Buildings & Structures
Wild Rose - Work continues.
Accessible Anticipated opening to public in spring 2024.
Washrooms
Harbour View - RFD in Q4 regarding disposal options.
Lane
Public Works – Buildings & Structures
Building Security - Security specialist conducted walk-through.
Options being discussed with staff.
21
22
2023-11-21
12
Public Works – Administration
Staff - Infrastructure Systems Manager -
Larry Hood
2x field staff hired.
1x vacancy currently posted.
Two staff attended ACWWA wastewater
conference in PEI.
Public Works – Administration
Staff - Asset Management & Sustainability
Manager
Jonathan Meakin
23
24
RECEIVED
NOV 15 2023
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
10 Allee Champlain Drive Cookville Nova Scotia Canada B4V 9E4
Administration
Phone: 902.543.8181 Fax: 902.543.7123 Web Site: www.modl.ca
November 9, 2023
Warden Allen Webber & Council
Municipality of the District of Chester
151 King St PO Box 369
Chester NS BOJ 1JO
Dear Warden Webber:
RE: REMO 2023/24 Budget Variance Update
At the October 31, 2023, Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) Advisory
Committee meeting, the Committee passed the following motion:
that the Regional Emergency Management Advisory Committee approve an additional
20,200 for the 2023/24 budget and recommend approval to the partner municipal units
in accordance with Section 20 of the Inter -Municipal Agreement."
Please find attached the breakdown of costs per individual unit based on uniform assessment.
Please forward this budget variance update to your Council for consideration and approval. Once
approved, please forward a copy of Council's motion approving the motion to Angela Henhoeffer,
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (angela.henhoeffer@modl.ca) for insertion on a future
REMO agenda.
Sincerely,
Tom MacEwan
Chief Administrative Officer
Jgp
Attach.
cc: Angela Henhoeffer, REMC
Background on REMO Budget
REMO has for several years returned small operating surpluses to the partner units. Early
evaluation of the current year's operating forecast suggests that this will not be the case for the
2023/24 budget year.
There are a few factors combining to result in extra expenditures. First, the need for REMO
responses, including the major flash flooding event in July have depleted the REMO contingency
account. Second, to improve REMO's response capabilities, training for a large number of
municipal staff is planned for this fiscal year, which will be provided in house to keep costs
lower and to ensure the content is tailored to Lunenburg REMO, but this approach will still
incur costs.
Finally, we are anticipating changes to personnel costs according to MODL's salary
administration and personnel policies. The estimated differences are summarized in the table
below:
Item Estimated Addition
REMO Contingency 4,000
Municipal Staff Training 8,000
Personnel Costs 8,200
Proposed 2023/24 REMO Budget Variance
The total approved budget for REMO in 2023/24 is set at $171,800. The additional
anticipated cost for these three items comes to $20,200 or 12% of the total budget. The
breakdown of costs per individual unit based on uniform assessment is provided below:
Unit Percentage Amount
Bridgewater 12% 2,505
Mahone Bay 3% 505
Chester 30% 61080
MODL 50% 10,080
Lunenburg 5% 1,030
Total 1 $ 20,200
1
Pam Myra (she/her)
From:John MacDonald
Sent:November 16, 2023 11:07 AM
To:Pam Myra (she/her)
Cc:Andre Veinotte
Subject:Re: Bayswater Beach
Attachments:PEZ Diagram 6.gif; 0_IMG_2722.jpg; IMG_2742.jpg; IMG_2782.jpg; IMG_2781.jpg
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Good morning Pam & Andre,
I am following up your May 17 email below and wondering if you have received a response from DNR?
As an update on the situation on Bayswater Beach, we did meet with our MLA on the beach this past summer. She
agreed that the black smelly material on the beach was most likely coming from the Saddle Island site but it was her
understanding that the province was planning to restock the site anyway. Apparently they are planning to use their
2021 report that said (without evidence) that the black material on the beach was likely coming from the lake behind
the beach as justification for this irresponsible plan.
The Director of the Nova Scotia Life Guard Service has also raised this pollution issue with DNR, telling me this summer
that the situation was "abnormal and unique to Bayswater Beach". See attached photos taken recently showing the
abnormal conditions persisting on the beach.
As you may be aware, there have been studies done including two funded by Chester Council that found no issues with
the lake and no connection between the lake and the black material on the beach.
Furthermore, a 2022 study by DFO found that the Exposure Zone around ONP Aquaculture sites can be as much as four
kilometers, and Bayswater Beach is located approximately one Kilometer down current from the Saddle Island site.
Please see the attached satellite photo showing the potential exposure zone at Bayswater Beach using data from the
2022 DFO study. This has been verified as valid by a retired DFO Sedimentologist who is considered a expert in this field.
He has been to Bayswater multiple times and is convinced that the beach is being impacted.
With multiple studies now refuting the NSDFA findings, the province still appears willing to use what now looks like
internal disinformation to justify the continued pollution of a Provincial Beach Park in the Municipality of the District of
Chester, and this is unacceptable!
With the science-based evidence mounting, there can now be little doubt that Bayswater Beach is being impacted. This
impact is having a negative impact on our community and this very busy and important Beach Park in the Chester
Municipality.
Therefore, I am asking Chester Council to write a letter to the Province requesting a moratorium on any further
restocking of he Saddle Island site#1006 in Bayswater.
Thank You,
John MacDonald
On Wed, May 17, 2023, 11:26 AM Pam Myra (she/her), <pmyra@chester.ca> wrote:
Good morning, Mr. MacDonald.
This is a follow-up regarding the Bayswater Beach issue.
I had some difficulty getting information on exactly who should get the videos.
The motion of Council and videos were sent to aquaculture, protected areas, and the MLA. I also
spoke with Environment and finally DNR (who also have the videos).
I was advised by DNR that they would follow up.
I have no updates at this time but will send them along once I receive anything.
Pam
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Pam Myra (she/her)
Municipal Clerk/Director of Human Resources
Corporate & Strategic Management
151 King Street, Chester, NS, B0J 1J0
Office: 902-275-4109
General Inquiries:902-275-3554
Cell: 902-277-1872
Web: www.chester.ca
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Consider the environment. Do you really need to print this email?
District Grants 2023-2024
Updated November 23, 2023
Requested Approved Date Approved
District 1 Community Centre: Parking Lot Repairs 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ July 13, 2023
FHCS Prom Committee 300.00$ 300.00$ April 27, 2023
Parish of Blandford: Community Garden Box & Soil 200.00$ 200.00$ September 14, 2023
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 3,500.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 6,500.00$
FHCS Prom Committee 300.00$ 300.00$ April 27, 2023
Hubbards & Area Business Association: Community Garden 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 8, 2023
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 1,300.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 8,700.00$
Chester Merchants Association: Chester Village Christmas Festival 500.00$
Chester Playhouse Society: Reopening Celebrations 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 8, 2023
Chester Seaside Artisans & Farmers Market: Tents & Tables 2,000.00$ 500.00$ September 14, 2023
Church Memorial Park: Beer Garden 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ August 3, 2023
FHCS Prom Committee 300.00$ 300.00$ April 27, 2023
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 2,800.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 7,200.00$
FHCS Prom Committee 300.00$ 300.00$ April 27, 2023
Gray Grant Society: Forestry Management 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ September 28, 2023
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 88, Chester Basin: Operating Costs due to flood 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ September 14, 2023
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 5,300.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 4,700.00$
FHCS Prom Committee 300.00$ 300.00$ April 27, 2023
Royal Canadian Legion, Western Shore: 4 special events 2,500.00$ 1,850.00$ May 18, 2023
Royal Canadian Legion, Western Shore: Flower Pots at Wild Rose Park 660.00$ 660.00$ June 29, 2023
Together We Can Community Society: Flower Pots & Wreaths at Wild Rose Park 660.00$ 660.00$ June 29, 2023
Together We Can Community Society:Halloween, Xmas, Wreaths 1,800.00$ 1,690.00$ October 26, 2023
Western Shore & Area Improvement Association: Flower Pots at WRP 2,420.00$ 2,420.00$ June 29, 2023
Western Shore & District Fire Dept.: Flower Pots, Wreaths & Garden Party 2,420.00$ 2,420.00$ June 29, 2023
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 10,000.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING -$
Charing Cross Garden Club: 70th Anniversary &Flower Show 500.00$ 500.00$ June 29, 2023
Forties Community Centre: Oktoberfest 500.00$ 500.00$ Apirl 13, 2023
FHCS Prom Committee 300.00$ 300.00$ April 27, 2023
New Ross Community Care Centre: Community Engaagement Initiatives 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ June 29, 2023
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 79, New Ross: Canada Day & Remembranc Day 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 29, 2023
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 79, New Ross: Roof Project 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ September 14, 2023
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 6,300.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 3,700.00$
Bonny Lea Farm: 50th Anniversary BBQ at PIP 500.00 500.00 August 3, 2023
Chester Seaside Artisans & Farmers Market: Tents & Tables 2,000.00$ 500.00$ September 14, 2023
Chester Playhouse Society: Reopening Celebrations 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ June 8, 2023
FHCS Prom Committee 300.00$ 300.00$ April 27, 2023
District 7
TOTAL FUNDS APPROVED 2,300.00$
TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING 7,700.00$
Total Funds Approved 31,500.00$
District Grant Budget 2023-2024 70,000.00$
Remaining Funds 38,500.00$
District 6
District 1
District 2
District 4
District 5
District 3
Es
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
DISTRICT GRANT APPLICATION ^'
Deadline to Apply: No deadline
Name of Organization
Chester Merchant Association
Contact Person
Jill Mattinson
Position with Organization
Treasurer
Organization Mailing Address
P O Box 951 Chester NS BOJ 1J0
Phone:
Cell:
Email: Slipcoversetcbyjill@gmail.com
Date: Nov 22 2023
Signature of Signing Officer and position with Organization:
Name: Jill Mattinson
Position: Treasurer
Endorsement (check box) I declare I am a member of the organization and have authority to submit this application.
Note: Feel free to attach additional supporting documents if the space provided is not sufficient.
AMOUNT REQUESTED: $ 500.00
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT # 3
1) Please provide a brief description of your project or event.
The annual Chester Village Christmas festival is facilitated by The Chester Merchants
Association. This year we are very fortunate to have Lorraine Burch, former Director of
the OHC, on board to coordinate the activities and the many volunteers. The Festival
included activities such as the Gingerbread Contest with a Folk Art theme, the Fun Run
through the Village, the Family Fun Fair at the Art Centre and the Celebration of Trees
held at the Captains House. The festival is held over 3 day from November 24-26.
Page 1 of 2
2) How do you plan on spending your District grant funds?
Events are sponsored individually by various business but advertising and decorating of
the venues and streets is from our account.
The District Grant of $500 will cover the cost of advertising on Cove FM radio I.e. 30
seconds spots during the lead up to the festival and during the weekend. Our total
budget of $6,500 is met by donations and grants to support the activities.
3) Please describe the positive effects your project will have on the community and how it
supports the Municipal Strategic Priorities Framework (to view the Priorities document click
the attached link or copy and paste it in your browser.)
https://portal.laserfiche.ca/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=1236847&repo=r-0O01f4a08362 or
Google `Municipality of Chester Strategic Priorities'.
The festival brings the community together through volunteering at the various events
and participating in the festivities. The Strategic Priorities are met by benefiting the
residents of the Municipality and the local merchants by bringing addition customer
traffic to the Village.
4) If you have previously received any grants from the Municipality, have you submitted the Final Report?
Yes ✓ No If No, please submit your Final Report as soon as possible.
5) Who should the cheque be made payable to and what address should we send it to if different
from Page 1?
Please email a pdf version of your application to: recreation@chester.ca
OR mail a hard copy to:
Recreation & Parks Services
Municipality of the District of Chester
186 Central Street, PO Box 369
Chester NS BOJ 1J0
If you have any questions, please call us at 902-275-3490.
Page 2 of 2
REQUEST FOR DECISION
REPORT TO: Municipal Council
MEETING DATE: November 30, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Recreation
SUBJECT: Capital Grants Program Review
ORIGIN: Council Direction
Date: November 23, 2023 Prepared by: Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation
Date: Authorized by: Tara Maguire, CAO
RECOMMENDED MOTION
It is recommended that Council review the capital grants guidelines and provide direction for changes.
CURRENT SITUATION
During the Spring review of grants, Council expressed interest in reviewing the small capital grant. It was
identified that there are community groups that have capital projects that do not fit within either of the current
Major Capital or Small Capital grant options and therefore perhaps changes should be made to the guidelines.
DISCUSSION
The previous consensus of Council is that no changes be made to the existing Major Capital Grant. As a
reminder, the Major Capital Grant covers up to a maximum of 70% of a large capital project budget and the
funding amount can be between $10,000 and $100,000. The project must either be related to a new facility or
expand the capacity of an existing facility, but building maintenance and repair are not eligible.
The current Small Capital Grant has a maximum funding amount of $10,000. The purpose is to support groups
that have minor capital equipment needs. The preference is for the group to have other sources of funds as part
of their project budget; however, Council could fund up to 100% of a project.
The identified gap is community organizations that have projects that do not fit either of the current capital
grants. For example, groups needing to conduct major repairs to their facility such as a roof replacement.
Funding for the Small and Major capital grants comes from Wind Reserve: 1/3 Community Development. In the
2023-24 budget, the Major Capital budget was $250,000 and the Small Capital budget was $25,000 for a total of
$275,000.
OPTIONS
1. Increase the maximum amount of funding under the Small Capital Grant. The increase in funding would
provide additional funding for projects that have larger budgets but that do not fit the criteria for Major
Capital grant. The new amount is up to Council but could be in the range of $20,000 - $30,000 or
another amount agreed upon by Council.
Note – if the amount of eligible funding is increased for the Small Capital Grant, Council should also
consider changes to the total budget.
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2
2. Although Council indicated that the preference is for no changes to the Major Capital Grant, another
option for consideration is to expand the project eligibility criteria for the Major Capital Grant.
3. Make no changes to the capital grant programs.
IMPLICATIONS
By-Law/Policy
Council is able to provide grants to groups as outlined in the Municipal Government Act. Further to this, the
MOC Small Capital and Major Capital Grant Guidelines are used to determine eligible groups, projects and
funding details.
Financial/budgetary
Any changes to the amount of eligible funding in the capital grant program would be made during 2024-25
budget deliberations.
Environmental
NA
Strategic Priorities
Providing capital grants to community groups will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority
Outcomes of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework:
Priority Outcomes: Healthy & Vibrant Communities
1. Ensure residents have access to facilities, natural assets, programs, and services that enrich a quality of
life and provide safe communities for residents and visitors alike.
Work Program Implications
There will be no significant impact on work program, any changes made now to the grant program will be
implemented for the upcoming fiscal year.
Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _ _ No _X_ N/A
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
The current deadline for capital grants is January 31st so any changes to the guidelines will need to made
immediately so that those changes can be communicated to community groups. Changes to the grants program
would be advertised and notice sent directly to local community groups.
ATTACHMENTS
Copies of the current Small Capital and Major Capital Grant Guidelines.
Page 1 of 2
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
~ SMALL CAPITAL GRANT ~
GUIDELINES
The purpose of the Small Capital Grant is to provide financial assistance to community organizations to
enhance their ability to operate a quality community facility or to better serve members of the public.
This funding opportunity is intended to support minor capital projects, such as, improvements to facilities
or purchase of equipment that will expand the capacity of the organization.
Eligible Applicants
▪ You must be a non-profit organization, or otherwise comply with the requirements of the
Municipal Government Act for eligibility for a grant or contribution by a Municipality (Section
65(AU).
▪ Your primary purpose must be to operate, sponsor or encourage programs, activities, or facilities
within the Municipality of the District of Chester.
▪ Council may make eligibility exceptions on occasion when deemed appropriate.
Ineligible Applicants
▪ Churches / faith-based organizations.
▪ Private member-based organizations, whose primary focus is to serve its members.
Eligible Projects
▪ Projects must be capital in nature.
▪ Regular operating costs, maintenance costs or general repair work is not eligible.
▪ Only expenses incurred after an application is submitted are eligible to be included in the project.
▪ It is always advisable to consult with the Recreation & Parks Services prior to submitting an
application to ensure your project is eligible for this particular grant.
Funding
▪ The maximum funding request is $10,000 per application.
▪ Council looks favorably at applications that include funding from other sources (i.e. grants from
other levels of government, in-kind contributions and fundraising efforts).
▪ Council will review all applications and determine the funding level for each project.
Page 2 of 2
Application Procedure
▪ Applications must be submitted by January 31st.
▪ Organizations must complete the Small Capital Grant Application form.
▪ You may attach a separate document if there is insufficient space on the form for your response
to each question.
▪ The application form must be completed in full and have appropriate signatures.
▪ If organizations have questions about the application form or would like to receive assistance to
complete the form, please contact Recreation & Parks Services at 902-275-3490 or by email at
recreation@chester.ca.
▪ After a project is complete, organizations are required to complete and submit a Final Report
Form to indicate how the funds were spent.
Evaluation
Applicants will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following:
▪ Grant criteria have been met.
▪ Demonstrated positive community impact.
▪ The organization has shown a financial need for grant funding.
▪ Alignment with the Municipality’s strategic priorities.
Grant Recognition
The Municipality of Chester encourages appropriate recognition as a funding partner of approved
projects.
Note: The amount of grant funding available is limited. Council reserves the right to approve funding
amounts lower than requested. Council also reserves the right to reject any grant application,
regardless of whether the criteria have been met.
Page 1 of 2
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
~ MAJOR CAPITAL GRANT ~
GUIDELINES
The purpose of the Major Capital Grant is to provide financial assistance to community organizations that
are undertaking a major community capital project. These projects may include the construction of a new
facility, expansion of an existing facility or purchase of large capital items.
Eligible Applicants
▪ You must be a non-profit organization, or otherwise comply with the requirements of the
Municipal Government Act for eligibility for a grant or contribution by a Municipality (Section
65(AU).
▪ Your primary purpose must be to operate, sponsor or encourage programs, activities, or facilities
within the Municipality of the District of Chester.
▪ Community Trail Groups are eligible for funding providing they own the land or have an easement
or license for the land where the trail is located.
▪ Council may make eligibility exceptions on occasion when deemed appropriate.
Ineligible Applicants
▪ Churches / faith-based organizations.
▪ Private member-based organizations, whose primary focus is to serve its members.
Eligible Projects
▪ Projects must be capital in nature such as new building construction, expansion of existing
buildings or renovations.
▪ Facility renovations or upgrades must enhance your service.
▪ Regular operating costs, maintenance costs or general repair work is not eligible.
▪ Only expenses incurred after an application is submitted are eligible to be included in the project.
▪ It is always advisable to consult with the Recreation & Parks Services prior to submitting an
application to ensure your project is eligible for this particular grant.
Funding
▪ The minimum funding request is $10,000.
▪ The maximum funding request is $100,000 per application.
▪ Council will fund up to a maximum of 70% of the total project budget. Groups must secure the
remaining 30% from other sources, a minimum of 10% must be cash.
▪ Organizations are only eligible to receive one major capital grant every two years (24 months).
▪ Council will consider multi-year funding requests. No additional funds will be allocated to multi-
year requests, the maximum funding of $100,000 applies. Once a total grant amount is approved,
funding can be dispersed over multiple years to meet the unique financial needs of a project. For
example, an approved multi-year grant for $50,000 could be paid out with $25,000 in year 1 and
$25,000 in year 2.
Page 2 of 2
▪ If your organization has received multi-year funding, you are only eligible to reapply after two
years from the time the last payment is issued.
▪ Council will review all applications and determine the funding level for each project.
Application Procedure
▪ Applications must be submitted by January 31st.
▪ Organizations must complete the Major Capital Grant Application form.
▪ You may attach a separate document if there is insufficient space on the form for your response
to each question.
▪ Proposed work must comply with all applicable Municipal, Provincial and Federal regulations and
you must own or have a long-term lease with the facility.
▪ The application form must be completed in full and have appropriate signatures.
▪ If organizations have questions about the application form or would like to receive assistance to
complete the form, please contact Recreation & Parks Services at 902-275-3490 or by email at
recreation@chester.ca.
▪ After a project is complete, organizations are required to complete and submit a Final Report
Form to indicate how the funds were spent.
Payment Schedule
▪ 75% of the total approved grant will be distributed at the beginning of the project. The remaining
25% will be distributed at the end of the project, once the Final Report has been submitted.
Evaluation
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following:
▪ Grant criteria have been met.
▪ Demonstrated positive community impact.
▪ The organization has shown a financial need for grant funding.
▪ Alignment with the Municipality’s strategic priorities.
Grant Recognition
The Municipality of Chester encourages appropriate recognition as a funding partner of approved
projects.
Note: The amount of grant funding available is limited. Council reserves the right to approve funding
amounts lower than requested. Council also reserves the right to reject any grant application, regardless
of whether the criteria have been met.
REQUEST FOR DECISION
REPORT TO: Council
MEETING DATE: November 30, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Infrastructure & Operations
SUBJECT: Municipal Capital Growth Program Grant
ORIGIN: Strategic Priorities (Wastewater Strategy)
Council Motions 2022-548 & 2022-549
Date: November 24, 2023 Prepared by: Jonathan Meakin, Manager, Sustainability & Asset Management
Fred Whynot, Director of Public Works
Date: November 24, 2023 Reviewed by: Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure and Operations
Date: November 24, 2023 Authorized by: Tara Maguire, CAO
RECOMMENDED MOTION
That Council approve the following Resolution in support of the Municipality’s application to the 2023-
24 Municipal Capital Growth Program (MCGP):
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Municipality of the District of Chester submit the project titled
Chester Basin Wastewater System Expansion and Climate Change Adaptation Project for
funding to the 2023-24 Municipal Capital Growth Program (MCGP); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council supports the project and commits to provide its share
of at least 50% or $2,228,470 (net HST) of the estimated $4,456,940 (net HST) total eligible
project cost.
CURRENT SITUATION
On November 1, 2023, the provincial government announced a new grant program, the Municipal
Capital Growth Program (MCGP), which is designed to “provide investments for capital municipal
infrastructure to service Nova Scotia’s growing population while supporting provincial priority areas”.
Staff discussed possible projects for submission to MCGP with Council during a workshop on November
23, 2023. Following that discussion, staff now seek Council’s Resolution supporting the project and
estimated costs as part of a complete MCGP application due on December 13, 2023.
BACKGROUND
Municipal Capital Growth Program (MCGP)
The MCGP supports capital infrastructure projects that contribute to municipal growth and long-term
sustainability. This new grant program was announced on November 1 and the Department of
Municipal Affairs and Housing held an online information session on November 14. The MCGP has a
total program budget of $32M for submissions from all municipalities and may fund up to 50% of
eligible costs for a successful application.
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2
Applications must be for a new project, or a phase of a project not yet started, in one of the following
project categories:
water and wastewater systems (construction, expansion, or renewal)
accessibility (capital projects, including sidewalks and active transportation)
brownfield redevelopment (including remediation & extension of services to such sites)
climate change adaptation (capital projects from climate risk assessments; coastal and inland
flooding adaptations; emergency preparation, such as generators, water storage)
The scope and outcomes of an eligible MCGP project must include completed construction of
infrastructure or acquisition of eligible equipment. The project must be completed by March 31, 2026.
Status of Chester Basin Wastewater System
The Chester Basin Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is currently at capacity, uses chlorine for
disinfection (with no de-chlorination), and treats wastewater from eight (8) equivalent dwelling units
(EDUs). In addition, the increased frequency and intensity of storm events, storm surges, and coastal
flooding causes tidal inundation in the chlorination chamber, which results in improperly treated
effluent. As an asset at the end of its useful life and located at a site vulnerable to the impacts of
climate change, the Chester Basin WWTP faces heightened risk of failure and service disruption.
The renewal and rehabilitation of the Chester Basin wastewater system is informed by several critical
actions:
Council discussed a number of recommendations from the Wastewater Service Study (2022)
during its December 22, 2022 meeting. Two Motions resulted from that discussion: Motion
2022-549 approved a series of next steps for each wastewater system, and Motion 2022-548
prioritized action for critical upgrades to the Chester Basin wastewater system.
In April 2023, staff issued an RFP Chester Basin WWTP: Site Selection, Technology, and Probable
Costs. This resulted in two reports: a conceptual design report for a new Chester Basin system,
and a flood risk analysis report of the existing system. These reports informed the
Municipality’s submission to the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund grant
program and will also provide information for the MCGP submission.
DISCUSSION
During the November 23, 2023 workshop, discussion resulted in the selecting the Chester Basin
Wastewater System Expansion and Climate Change Adaptation Project for submission to the MCGP.
Details of this project include:
An overall objective of increased flood resilience of critical wastewater infrastructure in Chester
Basin, while providing an improved and expandable treatment facility.
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 3
Relocation and construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) above the coastal
flood risk zone to protect the facility from sea level rise and storm surge, which will reduce the
risk of infrastructure damage and service disruption.
Upgrades and floodproofing to the existing lift station to protect the asset from flooding, as
well as construction of a new forcemain from the rehabilitated lift station to the new location
of the WWTP since the plant will be located at a higher elevation and require pumping of the
influent to reach the required plant hydraulic grade line.
The design of the new WWTP will have an increased capacity to allow for more service
connections in the short- and long-term. A larger and expandable WWTP will accommodate
new development opportunities in the area and provide service options to existing properties
currently serviced by septic systems that are ageing and/or situated within the coastal flood
zone.
The Chester Basin Wastewater System Expansion and Climate Change Adaptation Project will meet
several MCGP outcome indicators, notably:
Projects identified in climate hazard/risk assessment (Y/N)
Increased # of properties with access to municipal wastewater system
Increased capacity to collect and/or treat wastewater (m3 per year)
In July 2023, staff submitted an application to the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund
(DMAF) grant program. DMAF invests in public infrastructure to mitigate the potential economic,
environmental, and social impacts of climate change, and to strengthen community resilience to
disasters triggered by natural hazards and extreme weather events. DMAF grant application results are
anticipated late spring/early summer 2024.
The estimated project costs submitted to DMAF amount to:
$7,122,670 (design, construction, materials, contingency)
$8,191,071 (HST included)
$7,428,232 (net HST) – eligible costs total
The Municipality’s eligible project costs submission to the MCGP is the 60% formula share of the DMAF
eligible costs total = $4,456,940 (net HST).
A successful MCGP grant could result in up to 50% of those costs = $2,228,470 (net HST).
OPTIONS
Option 1 – Approve and adopt the Resolution as drafted to complete the Municipality’s
application to the 2023-24 Municipal Capital Growth Program for the Chester Basin
Wastewater System Expansion and Climate Change Adaptation Project.
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 4
Option 2 – Do not approve and adopt the Resolution, and direct staff to either develop a
different Municipal Capital Growth Program project application for the December 13, 2023
deadline or decline to submit an application.
IMPLICATIONS
By-Law/Policy
N/A
Financial/budgetary
Any proposed Chester Basin Wastewater System capital projects are currently unbudgeted items. Council will
need to consider budget options for such projects for the 2024-25 Capital Budget pending the results of both the
MCGP and DMAF grant submissions.
Environmental
The Chester Basin Wastewater System Expansion and Climate Change Adaptation Project will be an important
step addressing climate resilience and sustainable service delivery.
Strategic Priorities
The MCGP grant submission in support of the Chester Basin Wastewater System Expansion and Climate Change
Adaptation Project will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority Outcomes of the 2021-24
Strategic Priorities Framework:
Priority Outcomes: Environmental Stewardship
3. Support environmental conservation & protection initiatives and efforts to tackle the impact of climate
change.
Priority Outcomes: Healthy & Vibrant Communities
1. Ensure residents have access to facilities, natural assets, programs, and services that enrich a quality of life
and provide safe communities for residents and visitors alike.
Priority Outcomes: Infrastructure & Service Delivery
1. Develop and implement evidence-based plans for future infrastructure and service needs, along with related
funding models, to accommodate sustainable growth and levels of service.
Work Program Implications
The MCGP project grant will inform a number of priority work programs for staff in the Department of Infrastructure &
Operations.
Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _ _ No _X_ N/A
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
N/A
REQUEST FOR DECISION
REPORT TO: Municipal Council
MEETING DATE: November 30, 2023
DEPARTMENT: CD&R/Finance
SUBJECT: Private Street Maintenance Petition
ORIGIN: Lakewood Drive Community Road Association
Date: November 22, 2023 Prepared by: Sylvia Dixon, Development & Planning Technician
Date: November 22, 2023 Reviewed by: Tim Topping, Director of Finance
Date: Authorized by: Tara Maguire, Chief Administrative Officer
RECOMMENDED MOTION
It is recommended that the Municipal Council accept the Lakewood Drive Community Road Association petition
package for private street improvement and direct finance staff to implement a special tax for the affected
accounts to take effect in the upcoming fiscal year.
CURRENT SITUATION
The Lakewood Drive Community Road Association requests that the Municipality collect street maintenance and
improvement fees on behalf of their association. The Lakewood Drive Community Road Association is registered
with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies under the Societies Act (Registry ID 4478926). The
association has submitted supporting documentation found in the attachment of this report.
BACKGROUND
The Lakewood Drive Community Road Association has requested that the Municipality collect street
maintenance and improvement fees on behalf of their association. These fees will be used for year-round
maintenance for the improved access for the property owners. The Lakewood Drive Community Road
Association has submitted a maintenance and improvement budget for 2024/25 of $22,000 to be calculated by
the “Per Lot” method as described in the Private Street Improvement & Maintenance By-Law.
A petition has been circulated to determine if support exists to implement this fee, collected by the Municipality
of the District of Chester as a special tax, to cover the private street maintenance and improvement. Based on
the signed and returned petitions, sufficient support has been received to proceed. As per the Private Street
Improvement & Maintenance By-law, 67% of property owners, who also represent 67% of the land in the
affected area (see attached map) must provide positive responses to the petition. There are ninety-five (95)
properties within the affected area along the Lakewood Drive, Maple Point Crescent, and Short Road. Sixty-six
(66) properties have had positive responses, which represents 69.5% of the total affected properties. These
properties represent 94.5% of the affected area.
Staff are satisfied that the required support has been proven by the signed petitions, found in the attachment of
this report, and that these owners represent the required percentage of land within the affected area. A
summary spreadsheet of the affected properties can be found below.
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2
Owner(s) PID AAN Signed Petition
3338947 Nova Scotia Limited 60101961 08154481 No
4407678 Nova Scotia Limited 60101896 04464869 No
4407678 Nova Scotia Limited 60101904 01617761 No
4407678 Nova Scotia Limited 60101912 01608509 No
4407678 Nova Scotia Limited 60478203 09478485 No
Alain Sylvio Gravel & Christine Patricia May Gravel 60101995 02311054 Yes
Allison Flemming & Derek Martin 60102134 09179526 Yes
Allison Flemming & Derek Martin 60478559 04169425 Yes
Amanda V Landry & Peter H Sellhorn 60101920 04432428 No
Anthony Blom 60101615 08176345 Yes
Anthony Blom 60101623 08176353 Yes
Cameron J Senger & Michele D Senger 60478161 09478450 Yes
Cheryl Louise Cleary 60478104 06117856 Yes
Cheryl Lynne Selig 60101946 00632821 Yes
Christopher H Whynacht & Tanya R Whynacht 60101706 00111554 Yes
Christopher M Hayes & Shawna M Penny 60102126 05049814 Yes
Christopher M Hayes & Shawna M Penny 60478237 09478515 Yes
Darren Adams 60101656 08153892 Yes
David Coldham & Lorraine Coldham 60101789 00471496 Yes
David Coldham & Lorraine Coldham 60101797 00471518 Yes
David J Hart & Daniele L Hart 60478112 09478388 No
David Morse 60478567 08153884 Yes
David P Cawthra & Kelly R Cawthra 60101649 08170606 Yes
David T Hillier & Debra W Hillier 60602232 04220862 Yes
Deborah J Whitzman & Martin P Whitzman 60102050 01936824 Yes
Deborah L Crummey & Frederick R Crummey 60101771 03910385 Yes
D E. Radford, Gregory J. Radford, Terence V. Gallagher, Mary S. Radford 60101532 08220255 Yes
Elizabeth Marie Hughes 60101938 03222748 Yes
Emily L Bartlett & James L Francis 60102142 05717558 Yes
Erin P Haysom & Matthew W Haysom 60102092 04681401 No
Glenda L Long & Kristopher Philip J Long 60101821 05049334 Yes
Gregory R & Julian J Little 60101698 02373785 Yes
James W Hart 60470358 08160880 No
Jane Wright & Norman Greenberg (new property owner of this PID) 60655123 10077761 Yes
Jane Wright & Norman Greenberg 60478088 09186506 Yes
Janet Lester & Wendell Lester 60101862 05272777 Yes
Jason Bentley Nickel 60101631 08182442 Yes
Jennifer Greenwood & Austen Robert Hughes 60101987 01552171 Yes
Jennifer Greenwood & Austen Robert Hughes 60655149 10077788 Yes
Jennifer Greenwood & Austen Robert Hughes 60655156 10077796 Yes
Jennifer M Breakspear & Jeffrey G Crummey 60102019 02835029 Yes
Jessica Vandorpe & Dawson Wambolt 60655131 10077771 No
Joan E Kelly 60101888 08180199 No
John L Hughes & Joanne V Hughes 60101672 08177619 Yes
Jonathan D Waye & Stephanie M Waye 60102001 00172057 No
Josh Adam Riley 60655115 10077753 Yes
Karen A Kerr & Rodney R Kerr 60101979 03898121 Yes
Kathleen Naylor & Jody Conrad 60478138 08233772 Yes
Kevin F Carter & Leanne J Carter 60101714 01493299 Yes
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 3
Laura M Harker-Paul & Colin W Paul 60102068 03244407 Yes
Lee-Ann Brown-Laverie & Glen Jesso 60101870 02326248 Yes
Luella F Hiltz 60102159 06215173 No
Mardo Construction Ltd 60418290 03021998 Yes
Mardo Construction Ltd 60645470 09874399 Yes
Mardo Construction Ltd 60645488 09874402 Yes
Mardo Construction Ltd 60645496 09874410 Yes
Mardo Construction Ltd 60645504 09874429 Yes
Mardo Construction Ltd 60645512 09874437 Yes
Mardo Construction Ltd 60655164 10077801 Yes
Melissa Marion Ann Macinnis 60684339 10424666 Yes
Michael & W Melissa Hernon 60101755 01997831 No
Michael Gillan Limited 60101847 03340635 No
Michael Gillan Limited 60101854 01309919 No
Michael John Hugh Gillan 60101722 02373807 No
Michael John Hugh Gillan 60470374 09478523 No
Michael John Hugh Gillan 60470416 09478566 No
Michael John Hugh Gillan 60470424 09478574 No
Michael John Hugh Gillan 60470432 09478582 No
Michael Scott Burke 60101763 04323521 Yes
Patricia A Boutilier, Wade S Boutilier, Shane D Boutilier, Sheldon B Boutilier 60101607 06269931 Yes
Paul A Clarke & Jaime V Wombolt 60101748 00570036 No
Randy E & Valarie D Birch 60478245 08219664 Yes
Randy E. Birch & Valerie D. Birch (new property owner of this PID) 60102084 03340627 Yes
Randy E. Birch & Valerie D. Birch (new property owner of this PID) 60478252 09478426 Yes
Robert Andrew Armstrong 60478260 08219451 Yes
Robert Andrew Armstrong 60505245 04588215 Yes
Robyn E Albers & Jonathan D Fulton 60101953 02340275 Yes
Robyn E Albers & Jonathan D Fulton 60478526 02340275 Yes
Roy Strickland 60101599 08174180 Yes
Shawn F Rafuse & Ayreen L Trinidad 60613270 09478302 No
Sheldon T Harper & Wesley S Harper 60101813 00463329 Yes
Stephanie J Beaton & Laura K Whitehouse 60101839 05050073 Yes
Stephanie J Beaton & Laura K Whitehouse (new property owner of this PID) 60101680 05049342 Yes
Stephen Douglas Hume 60101730 01581708 No
Stephen Douglas Hume 60470382 09478531 No
Stephen Douglas Hume 60470390 08239487 No
Stephen Douglas Hume 60470408 09478558 No
Terence Vincent Gallagher 60101664 08176698 Yes
Terrence E Ferguson 60102076 08222088 Yes
Terrence E Ferguson 60478542 04813197 Yes
Victor John Anderson 60102027 06091482 No
Wendell H Lester & Elizabeth K Schmidt 60102100 04824326 Yes
Wendell H Lester & Elizabeth K Schmidt 60102118 04824334 Yes
Wendell Harry Lester 60470366 08193614 Yes
William Elder Webber 60101565 08148112 No
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 4
DISCUSSION
The criteria required within the Private Street Improvement & Maintenance By-law #72 submitted by the
Lakewood Drive Community Road Association can be found in the attachments for review and consideration by
Council. At this time, staff recommend that Council accept the signed petitions and direct Finance Staff to
implement the street maintenance fee requested by the Lakewood Drive Community Road Association.
OPTIONS
1. Municipal Council can approve the request and accept the petition package for private street
maintenance and direct finance staff to implement a special tax for the affected accounts.
2. Municipal Council can decide not to approve the request. Collection of fees to maintain the private
street will remain solely with the private landowners.
3. Municipal Council can defer making a decision and require additional criteria or information.
IMPLICATIONS
By-Law/Policy
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law No. 72.
Financial/budgetary
As noted in the section 4 of the Private Street Improvement & Maintenance By-law #72, the total amount of the
special tax levied by the Municipality under this By-Law shall not exceed the cost of the street improvements
and/or maintenance plus interest and an administration charge of five percent (5%). The Association has
submitted a maintenance budget for 2024/25 of $22,000 to be calculated by the “Per Lot” method as described
in the Private Street Improvement & Maintenance By-Law. A copy of the budget can be found below.
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 5
Environmental
N/A
Strategic Priorities
The private road maintenance area rate fees will assist the Municipality in advancing the following Priority
Outcomes of the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities Framework:
Priority Outcomes: Infrastructure & Service Delivery
1. Develop and implement evidence-based plans for future infrastructure and service needs, along with related
funding models, to accommodate sustainable growth and levels of service.
2. Create efficiencies through innovative service delivery, and proactive maintenance and operations of existing
infrastructure.
Work Program Implications
N/A
Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes _ x_ No __N/A
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 6
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location map
2. Lakewood Drive Community Road Association Certificate of Incorporation with Registry of Joint Stock
Companies
3. Lakewood Drive Community Road Association annual general meeting minutes
4. Form A and petitions signed by property owners
5. Private Street Improvement & Maintenance By-law #72
Electronically signed by:
Office of the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies
Date: 05 January 2023 08:41 AST
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Contact: rjscpa novascotia.ca
Certificate of Incorporation
Societies Act
Registry ID Name of Society
4478926 LAKEWOOD DRIVE COMMUNITY ROAD
ASSOCIATION
hereby certify that LAKEWOOD DRIVE COMMUNITY ROAD ASSOCIATION was
incorporated under the Societies Act and that the liability of the members is limited.
9
Registrar of Joint Stock Companies
December 22, 2022
Date of Incorporation
NOVA SC
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NAMES AND SIGNATURES OF PROPERTY OWNERS:
NAME Pin CIVIC ADDRESS SIGNATURE
3338947 Nova Scotia limited 60101961 Lakewood Or,
Chester Grant
4407678 Nova Scotia Umited 6010191! Lakewood or,
Chester Grant
4407678 Nova Scotia limited 60101904 12 Short Ad, tChesterGtant
4407678 Nova Smut lUniled 6047/203 Lakewood Or, _ - -- - - --- --
Chester Grant
I
4407678 Nova Scotia Lonlied 60101896 Lakewood Or,
Chester Grant
Alain Sylvio Gravel& Christine 60101995 233 Lakewood Or,
Patricia May Gravel Chester Grant
Allison Flemming i 0erek r W478SS9 2S Maple Point
Mart n Cres, Chester
Grant
Allison Flemming i Derek 160102134 Maple Point Cres,
Martin Chester Grant
Amanda V Landry R Peter H 60101920 156 Lakewood0r,
i Sellhorn Chester Grant
DO you agree!
Yes/No
Please Circle)
Yes
I Yes
Yes
Yes l
Yes
Page 2 of 10
oldha
uldham &Lorraine
coldharrs
60101797 1051 - ake-- --- woodDr, Chester
Grant Yrs y No t /
David
1 Hart & Oaniele L Han 60479112 Maple Point Cres, Chester
Grant Yes David
1 Mossman & Marie S 60478252 Lakewood Dr, Mossman
Chester Grant Lakewood
Dr, Yes
David
1 Mossman $Marie 5 60107084 Mossman
60478567
Chester
Grant 17
Maple Point Yes
David
Moro Cres,
Chester Yes 1 No Grant./
David
P Cam bra & Kelly R Cawthra
60101649
537 Lakewood Or, Chester
Grant f) r1 / Yes / No ly
l David
7 Hillier & Debra W Hillier
60602232
129 Lakewood Dr, Chester
Grant No Deborah!
Whitzman & 60102050 249 Lakewood D , Debbie Digila y algn y e e Martin
P Whitzman Chester Grant Whitzman Yes
WhitzmanDate:2023.06.17 08:
51 A6-03'00' Deborah
L Crummey & 60101771 99 Lakewood Or, Frederick
R Crummey Chester Grant 9 — — Yes I No Deirdre
E Radford, Gregory 1 60101532 553 Lakewood Dr, Radford,
TerenceV. Chester Grant Yes / No Gallagher,
Mary Susan Radford
Elizabeth
Marie Hughes 60101938 149 Lakewood Dr, Chester
Grant j Les)
No 7w
Page
4 of 10
c
F '
at 00 1
C= 1
k
J
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CV
1
1
L
Emily L Bartlett & lames L 60102142 11 Maple Point
rrancis Cres, Chester 1 Yes / No
Grant
Erin P Haysom & Mall hew W 60102092 329 Lakewood Or,
Haysom Chester Grant Yes
Glenda L long & Kristopher 60101821 33 Lakewood Dr,', I
Philip J long ChesterGrant Yes / No
Gregory R & Julian J Little 60101698 43 Lakewood Or,
I
DW&r.0-dbyC-W mo1
ChesterGrant
M. a r" lam uY oenb
j {m Yes
James W Hart 60470358 LakewoadOr,
FenDate: 2M.06.1N 16'0629-03W
iChesterGrantYesi
Jane Wright, Norman
Greenberg G;Z/ No
60478088 S41 Lakewood Or,
ChesterGrant
Janet Lester & Wendell Lester 60101862 64lakewood Or,
ChesterGrant K Yes / No
4; 1
Jason Bentley Nickel S33 Lakewood Or, 60101611
Chester Grant Yes
Jennifer Greenwood & Austen 6065S149 Lakewood Dr,
Robert Hughes Chester Grant C_T__.. 1 r No
t
Jennifer Greenwood & Austen
Robert Hughes
606SS1s6 Lakewood Or, / )
ChesterGrant /L / /psi / No
Jennifer Greenwood & Austen
Robert Hughes
60101987 229lakewood Or,
Chester Grant
i (fir / No
Page 5 of 10
y Olom —I
60101621 515lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant
yolomE GO101G15 511 lokewood
Yes
Or,
Chester Grant
on 1 Senger &Michele 604781G10Senger 419lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant
Cheryl Louise Cie`— — 6047R104 479 Lakewood Or,
M1
es
Chester Grant
Cheryl Lynne Selig 60101946 151 Lakewood Or,
@s
Chester Grant L Q L p
i' YA / No
Christopher H Whynacht & 60101706 49 Lakewood Or,
r
Tanya R Whynacht
Chester Grant
Yes / No
Christopher H Whynacht &
Tanya R Whynacht
60101680 Lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant Yes / No
Christopher M Hayes & 60478237 355 Lakewood Dr,
Shawna M Penny Chester Grant Yes
Christopher M Hayes &
Shawna M Penny
60102226 Lakewood Or,
Chester Grant Yes ND
Darren Adams 60101656 Lakewood Or,
ChesterChester Grantd-4
No
David Coldham & lorralne 60101789 Lakewood Or,^
Qny
Ye' / No
Coldham
Chester Grant
Page 3 of 10
1
Michael Gillan Limited 60101854 Lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant Yes
Michael Gillan Limited O1014141 Lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant Yes
Michael John Hugh Gillan 60470432 Lakewood Or,
Chester Grant Yes
Michael John Hugh Gillan 60470424 Lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant
Lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant
Yes
Yes
Michael John Hugh Gillan 60470416
Michael John Hugh Gillan 60101722 57 Lakewood Or,
Chester Grant Yes
Michael John Hugh Gtllan 60470374 Lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant Yes
Michael Scott Burke 60101763 95 Lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant Yes
Patricia A Boutilier & Wade S
Boutilier, Shane David
60101607 483 Lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant Yes
Boutilier, Sheldon Blair
Boutilier
Paul A Parke & Jaime V 60101748 85 Lakewood Dr,
Wombolt Chester Grant Yes
Randy E & Valarie D Birch 60478141 317 Lakewood Dr,
Chester Grant Ves No
Page 8 of 10
MaplePoint Cres
Short Rd
428
6
553
229
533
335
87
129
80
156
12
33560
355
23
233
483
295
105
81
151
15
247
547
441
419
567
26
263
515
559
10
18
21
85
479
620
48
43
51
64
5
9
243
551
28
29
292
149
40
552
245
329
35
90
114
28
317
541
9
48
95
40
6
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9
99
513
92
41
60
17
239
147 155
219
249
57
8
481
537
49
301
25520
80
302
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Rev.:Date:Description:
0 Location Map
MUNICIPALITY OF THEDISTRICT OF CHESTER
HalifaxRegionalMunicipality
Municipalityof the Districtof Chester
Municipalityof the D istrictof East HantsMunicipalityof the Countyof Kings
Municipality ofthe Districtof Lunenburg
Municipality ofthe Districtof West Hants
Legend
Lakewood Dr, Maple
Affected Area
23/10/03
Representation of Chester Municipality within Nova ScotiaScale: 1:2,000,000
Sources:Digital Base Map Data from Service Nova Scotia andMunicipal Relations
Prepared by the Municipality of the District of Chester
Coordinate System/Datum: UTM NAD83 CSRSZONE 20N
Map Disclaimer:Information shown on these drawings is compiled fromnumerous sources and may not be complete oraccurate. The Municipality of the District of Chester isnot responsible for any errors, omissions or deficienciesin these drawings.
Actual Map Size: w 11" x h 8.5"
Lakewood Dr, Maple Point Cres, & Short RdChester Grant
Civic Addresses
Roads
Property Boundaries
Waterbody
Ê
Digital Folders Entry ID:957795
Date Printed: 23/10/03
Point Cres, and Short Rd
¯Scale: 1:11,000
150 0 15075
Metres
The Municipality of Chester
Office ofthe Municipal Clerk
151 King St, PO Box 369
Chester, NS BO) 1Jo
Phone: (902) 275-3554
Fax:(902)275-4771
www.chester.ca
O JChesterMunicipality
@chestermun
A
THE MUNICIPALITY OF
CHESTER
I, Pamela M. Myra, Municipal Clerk of the Municipality
of the District of Chester do hereby certify that the
following is a true copy of the Private Street
Improvement and Maintenance By -Law No. 72
amended effective September 14, 2022.
Given under the hand and seal of the Municipality of
the District of Chester this 271h day of October, 2022.
Pamela . My
Municipal Clerk
NOVA SCOTIA'S TREASURE
Municipality of the District of Chester
Private Street
Improvement and
Maintenance By -Law
By -Law No. 72
Effective Date: September 14, 2022
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 2 of 12
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
PRIVATE STREET IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE BY-LAW
BY-LAW # 72
This By -Law shall be known as the "PRIVATE STREET IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE BY-LAW"
In this By -Law, unless the context otherwise indicates:
2.1. "Cost" means the amount of money paid or payable in respect of the street "improvement
and/or maintenance."
2.2. "Improvement" means laying out, opening, constructing, upgrading, and improving.
2.3. "Maintenance" means repairing and maintaining.
2.4. "Municipality" means the Municipality of the District of Chester.
2.5. "Owner" includes part owner, joint owner, tenant -in -common orjoint tenant of the whole
or part of any real property fronting on a street or situate within an affected area and also
includes any trustee, executor guardian, agent or other person having the care or control of
such real property in the case of absence or disability of the person having the title thereto
provided that for the purpose of calculating the percentage of owners in Section 3(1) real
property with more than one owner shall be counted as having one owner. An Owner is
entitled to one vote for each individual property parcel they own within the Defined Area.
In the case where an individual property has more than one Owner, all Owners must agree
on the single response. If all Owners are not in agreement, it will be deemed that the
Owner's response is negative.
2.6. "Special Tax" means a tax in respect of the street improvement and/or maintenance based
on a per lot basis, a frontage basis, per owner or an area rate based on $100.00 of
assessment, as requested in the petition.
2.7. "Street" means any private street, roadway, highway or travelled way, or portion thereof,
situate in the Municipality but does not include any unopened or undeveloped street unless
specifically included in the Plan attached to Form "A" of the Petition of the owners.
2.8. "Association" means a body corporate incorporated under the Societies Act which
represents the owners within the affected area.
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading— Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 3 of 12
3.
2.9. "Affected Area" means that area within which the owner shall be liable for the special tax
levied pursuant to this By -Law, and which is shown on the Plan attached to Form "A" of the
Petition of the owners and shall include any subdivision shown therein.
2.10. "Interest" means that rate of interest charged to the Municipality from time to time on the
money borrowed for the improvements which the Municipality shall be entitled to recover
from the owners as part of the special tax.
2.11. "Approved purpose" means those purposes for which a Municipality is authorized to
expend money pursuant to the Municipal Government Act.
2.12. "Applicant" means the Association referenced in section 2.8 and which has the right itself,
or on behalf of the Owners, to maintain the Street.
2.13. "Dwelling" means a residential unit as identified by the Property Valuation Services
Corporation filed roll.
3.1 Where sixty-seven (67%) of the owners of real property owning at least sixty-seven (67 %)
of the real property within an affected area petition in person or by agent the Municipality
for an improvement and/or maintenance of a street, for an approved purpose which may
be within or outside the affected area or both, the Municipality may make such
improvements, and/or provide for such maintenance if it determines that such
improvement and/or maintenance carries out an approved purpose and if so shall be
entitled to recover all of the cost of such improvements or maintenance by levying a special
tax upon the owners of real property within the affected area as provided by in this bylaw
and such tax shall be recoverable from each owner by the Municipality by a per foot of lot
frontage basis, or by a per lot basis or by a per owner basis or by an area rate of so much
per $100.00 of assessed value of real property within the affected area as requested in the
petition which is generally to be in the form as shown on Form "A" attached. The owner of
a lot which fronts on more than one street within the affected area, shall pay based on only
one (1) boundary of their property, that being the longest boundary that fronts on a street
and only this boundary will be considered when calculating the total frontage within the
affected area and in calculating the percentage of frontage that the owner owns.
a) In the case of recovery of the cost of the street improvement by area rate,
based on so much per $100.00 of assessed value of the real property, in the
affected area as shown in the petition in Form "A", such area rate shall be
struck by Municipal Council from year to year for a period not to exceed ten
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading— Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 4 of 12
10) years and shall cover all the projected costs including interest, to the
Municipality for that year for such street improvement.
b) In the case of recovery of the cost of the street maintenance by area rate,
based on so much per $100.00 of assessed value of the real property, in the
affected area as shown in the petition in Form "A", such area rate shall be
struck by Municipal Council from year to year for the year for which
maintenance is sought as provided for herein.
3.2 In the case of recovery of the cost of the street improvement and/or maintenance on a per
lot basis and unless otherwise proved defined in this By-law, lot shall mean each individual
developed lot, approved building lot or lot capable of being approved in its existing
condition for development purposes and any land not capable of being developed, shall not
be considered a lot for the purpose of this By -Law until such time as it is.
3.3 In the case of recovery of the cost of street improvement and/or maintenance on a per
owner basis, multiple owners of the same real property shall be considered as one owner.
For this paragraph, an owner of real property shall be defined as an owner of an area of
land that forms one contiguous parcel of land upon which no more than one dwelling unit is
constructed and contains at least one lot as defined in paragraph 3(2). If an owner has
more than one parcel of land within the affected area separated by intervening property
owners, then that owner shall be assessed individually for each separate parcel of land
provided that each parcel has at least one lot as defined in paragraph 3(2). Further, if any
parcel of land has more than one dwelling unit constructed upon it, then that owner shall
be assessed individually for each dwelling unit.
3.4 Every petition for a street improvement and/or maintenance shall be in Form "A" of this By -
Law, or similar thereto, and shall clearly state the locality in which the improvement and/or
maintenance is requested, the approved purpose for which the maintenance and/or
improvement requested and together with the following information shall be presented for
approval to the Council of the Municipality.
a) A Plan showing the streets outlined in red, which the Petitioners are desirous of
having improved and or maintained and within the affected area, the names of the
owners, length and width of the roadways and the frontage of each owner if the
method of levying this special tax is on a frontage basis.
b) In the case of a street improvement an estimate of the cost of the desired
improvement along with the names of the persons or Association who shall be
responsible for having the improvement carried out.
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading — Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 5 of 12
c) In the case of a street maintenance an estimated yearly maintenance budget along
with the name of the Association which shall be responsible on a yearly basis for
preparing and submitting for approval to the Municipality, a budget for that year's
street maintenance. The budget as submitted shall be verified by the Executive of
the Association as having been passed by a majority of the members of the
Association in attendance at a duly called meeting for that purpose at which a
quorum was present.
3.5 In the event of a dispute between an owner and the Municipality as to any measurements
or area of real property referred to in this By -Law, the owner shall be responsible to retain
at their expense a surveyor in good standing of the Association of Nova Scotia Land
Surveyors who shall certify as to the measurements or area or real property to the Council
for the Municipality of the District of Chester.
3.6 That notice of the petition for street improvement and/or maintenance shall be sent by
registered mail to each owner within the affected area who has not signed the petition
including the owner of the street, if known, at the address shown on the assessment rolls
and proof of the sending of this notice shall accompany every petition presented to the
Municipality but it shall not be necessary to prove actual receipt of notice.
4 The total amount of the special tax levied by the Municipality under this By -Law shall not exceed
the cost of the street improvements and/or maintenance to the Municipality plus interest and an
administration charge of five percent (5%).
5.1 The special tax levied under this By -Law is a lien on the whole of the property of each
owner for that owner's share of the capital improvement and/or maintenance with the
same effect as rates and taxes under the Assessment Act and each owner shall be liable for
a portion of the total cost of the street improvement and/or maintenance and an
administration charge equal to:
a) In the case of property fronting on a street the ratio that the lot frontage of each
owner bears to the total frontage in the affected area.
b) Within the affected area equal to the ratio that each lot bears to the total number of
such properties situate in the affected area or
c) An area rate of so much per $100.00 of assessed value of the property within the
affected area as shown in the petition on Form "A",
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading — Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 6 of 12
5.3
7.
d) In the case of a per owner basis, an equal amount assessed to each owner of a parcel
of land as defined in paragraph 3.3 within the affected area as requested in the
petition.
5.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of this By -Law, the Municipality may, upon request, exempt
from assessment any owners within an affected area whose property abuts and has access
to a public highway or do not use or have access to the street upon which improvements
and/or maintenance are being sought but subject to the provision that the Municipality
may later assess those exempted owners if it appears to it that they are then using the
improved streets.
a) In the case of a street improvement, the special tax levied pursuant to this By -Law,
shall cover a period not exceeding ten (10) years and should cover all projected costs
including interest to the Municipality for each year for such street improvement.
b) In the case of street maintenance, special tax levied pursuant to this By -Law shall
cover the amount approved by the Municipality pursuant to the budget submitted to
the Municipality including all costs together with interest to the Municipality for that
year for the street maintenance.
5.4 Notwithstanding paragraph 5.3 an owner subject to this special tax levied with respect to a
street improvement, may elect to pay their share of the capital cost in a lump sum as
calculated pursuant to this By -Law, and upon payment thereof that property shall bear no
further responsibility for the balance of the cost of the street improvement.
The special tax levied under this By -Law is collectible in the same manner as rates and taxes under
the Assessment Act and by the same proceedings as are rates and taxes under the Assessment
Act.
7.1 Regarding a street improvement, the lien provided for in this By -Law shall become effective
on the date on which the Clerk of the Municipality signs and files at the Municipal Office, a
Certificate stating the total costs of the street improvement and the amount of the special
tax to be levied on each owner.
7.2 With regard to street maintenance, the lien provided for in this By -Law shall become
effective on the date on which the Clerk of the Municipality signs and files with the
Municipality a Certificate with a statement that the affected area is subject to an annual
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading — Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 7 of 12
10.
special tax for street maintenance in an amount set annually by Municipal Council as
provided for in this By -Law and shall remain effective from year to year until terminated
pursuant to this By -Law.
The Clerk of the Municipality shall keep a separate record of all monies due for the improvement
and/or maintenance of streets, which records shall contain:
8.1 The names of the owner of a property liable for the special tax and the name of the
improvement and/or maintenance with respect to which the taxes arose.
8.2 The amount of frontage each owner or the number of properties as the case may require.
8.3 The amount of the special tax levied on each owner with particulars of the amounts due or
owing.
The Clerk of the Municipality shall notify the owner of each property within the affected area
upon the filing of the Certificate referred to in Section 7. Attached to such notice shall be a copy
of the Certificate.
10.1 The amount payable in respect to the special tax for street improvement by each owner of
real property within an affected area may be paid in equal annual instalments together with
interest over a period not exceeding ten (10) years.
10.2 Each instalment and each succeeding instalment in respect of the tax imposed by this By -
Law shall be due on the same date as the Municipality, by resolution, requires a payment of
rates and taxes and in the event of default of payment of any instalment the whole balance
with interest becomes due and payable.
10.3 The tax imposed by this By -Law shall bear interest at the rate imposed by Municipal Council
by resolution for overdue taxes as an additional charge for non-payment of rates and taxes.
10.4 The amount payable in respect of the tax by each owner of real property within the
affected area, may at the option of that owner be paid in one lump sum on or before the
31st day in the fiscal year in which the cost has been incurred or at any other time over the
ten (10) year period.
11. The special tax imposed pursuant to this By -Law for a street improvement and/or maintenance
may be terminated at any time by the Association filing with the Municipality a certified copy of a
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading — Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 8 of 12
Special Resolution of the Association passed at a duly constituted meeting at which a quorum was
present called for that purpose requesting the Municipality to do so or by the Municipality at its
own discretion, if there has been non-compliance by the Association with the provisions of this
By -Law. In either case, upon the Clerk filing a Certificate with the Municipality that all monies
payable pursuant to this special tax have been collected, then this By -Law shall thenceforth have
no further force or effect within the affected area.
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading — Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 9 of 12
APPENDIX "A"
FORM "A"
PETITION FOR STREET IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE
To the Municipal Council of the Municipality of the District of Chester:
The undersigned are sixty-seven percent of the owners at in the
Municipality.
1) Owning sixty-seven percent of the real property fronting on the street or portion of the street the
Municipality of the District of Chester, as hereinafter described
2) Owning sixty-seven percent of the real property which includes more than fifty percent of the real
property fronting on a street situate in the subdivision in the Municipality of the District of
Chester hereinafter described:
i. as the street(s) or portion thereof known as
ii. in the area situated at as shown on the attached plan.
Each of the owners, whose signature appears below, respectively propose that the Municipal Council
accept this as a petition in compliance with section 3 of the Private Street Improvement and
Maintenance By -Law.
The improvements and/or maintenance is required for the following approved purpose:
The nature of the improvement required is:
The nature of the maintenance required is:
Each of the owners, whose signature appears below, pray that they be levied for a portion of the tax in
respect of the street improvement and/or maintenance or both as indicated above on:
i. a per foot of frontage basis
ii. a per lot basis
iii. a per owner basis
iv. an area rate based on assessment.
The name of the responsible person or association representing the owners is:
Name and Contact Information
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading — Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 10 of 12
NAMES AND SIGNATURES OF PROPERTY OWNERS:
NAME SIGNATURE
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading — Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 11 of 12
Annotation for Official By -Law Book
May 19, 2022 - Committee of the Whole
Notice of Intention to Amend
2022-218)
Date of First Reading May 26, 2022 - Council
2022-227)
Date of advertisement of Notice of Intent to August 24, 2022
Consider LighthouseNOW Progress Bulletin
September 8, 2022 — Council
Date of Second Reading
2022-352)
September 14, 2022
Date of advertisement of passage of By -Law
LighthouseNOW Progress Bulletin
Date of mailing to Minister a certified copy of By-
Law
October 27, 2022
Effective Date September 14, 2022
1 certify that the Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 was amended by
Council and published as indicated above
October 27, 2022
Pamela M. Myra, unicipal Clerk Date
Notice of Intention to Amend — Committee of the Whole — May 19, 2022 (2022-218)
First Reading— Council — May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading — Council — September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date — September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
Private Street Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72 (continued) Page 12 of 12
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
4..-,.. NOTICE
CHESTEI2
BY-LAW AMENDMENT
PRIVATE STREET IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE BY-LAW NO. 72
Take Notice that Chester Municipal Council conducted Second/Final Reading for
consideration of an amendment the following By -Law on September 8, 2022, as
follows:
By -Law Amendment to By -Law
Private Street The amendment will reduce the administration fee from 10%
Improvement & to 5%, clarify the definitions of "owner" and "applicant" to
Maintenance improve clarity and reduce ambiguity, update references to
By -Law No. 72 the Municipal Government Act, update wording to be gender
neutral, add a definition for "dwelling", and correct grammar
and punctuation.
I, Pamela M. Myra, Municipal Clerk of the Municipality
of the District of Chester do hereby certify that the
above is a true copy of an advertisement duly
advertised in the Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin
edition on September 14, 2022.
Given under the hand of the Municipal Clerk and under
the corporate seal of the said Municipality this 27th day
of October, 2022.
Pamela M. Myra
Municipal Clerk
Notice of Intention to Amend —Committee of the WholetN[ay.19',*2022 (2022-218)
First Reading —Council —May 26, 2022 (2022-227)
Second Reading —Council —September 8, 2022 (2022-352)
Effective Date —September 14, 2022 (Date of publication in Lighthouse NOW Progress Bulletin)
LAKEWOOD DRIVE COMMUNITY ROAD ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
J U N E 25 2023
Minutes
1. 19 member households present, which meets quorum per LDCRA bylaws. Welcome by
Working Group member Kathleen Naylor. Land acknowledgement. Thank you to
volunteers and residents for their interest. Reminder: formation of Association and
development of petition to municipality are separate but related initiatives.
2. Opening Remarks by Meeting Chair, Norman Greenberg.
3. Request to the meeting for a Recording of Minutes Secretary. Kathleen Naylor
volunteered.
4. Minutes of the previous general meeting.
Note: No previous general meeting.
5. Consideration of the Annual Report of the Directors.
Note: No previous Annual Report.
6. Consideration of the Annual Financial Report of the Society. Jane Wright, volunteer
road fee tracker, was available for questions re. funds collected/disbursed in past year.
No questions. Approve March 31 Financial Statement. Move: Terry Gallagher, Second
Deborah Hillier, approved unanimously.
7. Appointment of the "voluntary auditors" for the 2023 budget year. Randy Birch and
Steph Beaton volunteered. Jane Wright moved to approve them as volunteers, Joanne
Hughes second, unanimously approved.
8. Motion #1, Terry Gallagher gave overview. Initially, working group thought wording
might need to align with definition of lot owner in municipal bylaw 72 re. petition;
however for business of road association, this definition makes sense. There were no
questions. Motion to approve: Monique Ferguson, second Kevin Carter, unanimously
approved.
To approve the Lakewood Drive Community Road Association By-laws, dated
June 25,2023 including revision to Section 11 as follows:
1 I .nMECEN Q
a a-oe- 20
11. Every Member shall have one vote unless
a) If one person owns multiple lots, they get one vote at association
meetings, and
b)If one lot is owned by multiple owners, those co -owners share one vote at
association meetings".
9. Call for election of Directors from the floor. Minimum 6, Maximum 9. Seven members
who have been working group members are offering: Kathleen Naylor, Norman
Greenberg, Terry Gallagher, Randy Birch, Steph Beaton, Scott Burke, Joanne Hughes.
Two members offered from the floor: Kevin Carter, Cheryl Cleary. Motion to accept
Slate of Directors: moved by Tanya Whynacht, second Jane Wright, unanimously
approved.
10. Motion #2, Terry Gallagher gave overview. Note that error in agenda —we are not in fact
asking to approve the forecast, we are asking to approve only the 2023 budget. Motion
to approve by Steph Beaton, second Alain Gravel, unanimously approved.
To approve the Annual 2023 Budget and the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Forecast".
Note: See attached.
11. Motion #3, Kathleen Naylor gave overview. No questions. Motion: Tanya Whynacht,
second Monique Ferguson, unanimously approved.
To proceed to Petition the Members of the Lakewood Drive Road Association, in
accordance with the Municipality of the District of Chester, Private Street
Improvement and Maintenance By -Law #72, to enact a Special Tax on a per lot
basis for the funding of the maintenance of roads within the Affected Area,
namely Lakewood Drive, Maple Point Crescent and Short Road"
Note: See attached.
12. Motion #4, Terry Gallagher gave overview. Motion: Elizabeth Schmidt, second Joanne
Hughes, unanimously approved.
To proceed with engineering and repairs to the ditch and culverts at 156
Lakewood Drive and under Short Road to a maximum of $7,500 funding from
surplus funds held by the Lakewood Drive Community Road Association."
Pa
13. "Town Hall" discussion.
Norman Greenberg: Recent conversation about disaster plan/fire emergency
planning, in light of recent serious wildfires in NS. A good idea to explore this
situation.
Wendell Lester: Question re. rec lots. Clarified that rec lots and road are still
owned by Doug Zinck/Mardo Construction, so current approval of any requests
to make changes to rec lots lies with him.
Jane Wright: would like to know if trails adjacent to road are on public or private
property. What is the 'setback' from the road?
Steph Beaton: would like to ensure that if association pursues purchase of land,
it includes buffer behind lots.
Wendell Lester: can we explore Hog Lot Road for access for fire emergency?
Association will be proceeding with exploration of emergency plans and consult
with fire department.
Deborah Hillier: concern re. ATV use and speed on road. Would signage be
possible?
Tanya Whynacht: invitation to all for Canada Day concert/BBQ at 49 Lakewood.
25 person or $50/household.
14. Motion #4
To adjourn the first Lakewood Drive Community Road Association Meeting"
Motion by Monique Ferguson, second Terry Gallagher, approved unanimously.
3
Board Meeting:
Initial Board Meeting followed briefly.
Elected board members:
Kathleen Naylor
Norman Greenberg
Terry Gallagher
Randy Birch
Joanne Hughes
Scott Burke
Steph Beaton
Kevin Carter
Cheryl Cleary
Voted on executive:
President: Kathleen Naylor
Vice -President: Norman Greenberg
Secretary/Treasurer: Terry Gallagher
Motion to approve executive roles: Steph Beaton, Second: Joanne Hughes
Brief discussion of research done on Directors' and Officers' Insurance. Norman will share
quotes with board for decision.
Board meetings will be 4 times per year. First official board meeting scheduled for September
7th, 7:00 pm.
Motion to adjourn: Kevin Carter, Second: Steph Beaton
21
UI
I
im.
vo
INFORMATION REPORT
REPORT TO: COW
MEETING DATE: November 30, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Corporate & Strategic Management
SUBJECT: BDO Zone Rating
ORIGIN: Motion #2022-466
Date: November 23, 2023 Prepared by: Erin Lowe, Deputy CAO
Date: Reviewed by: Tara Maguire, CAO
Date: November 27, 2023 Authorized by: Tara Maguire, CAO
CURRENT SITUATION
The Nova Scotia Innovation Hub (NSIH) with support from the Municipality of Chester, Town of Bridgewater,
Municipality of the District of Lunenberg, and Region of Queens Municipality are participating in the
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Initiative (www.bdozone.org) – a certification and regional
risk rating program that accelerates biobased project development in communities. BDO Zone ratings do this by
carrying out credible, technical evaluations on feedstock and infrastructure risk, and then enabling communities
to effectively and easily signal and promote key feedstock and infrastructure “success” characteristics to
biobased developers and investors around the world.
NSIH is looking to leverage Southwest Nova Scotia’s access to woody biomass (i.e., low quality wood fibre and
sawmill residuals) and other infrastructure-related supply chain advantages to help attract biobased “deal-flow”
and support new biobased economic development. The goal is to provide a market for mill and woodlot owners
for this product by attracting investment from bio-based developers to our region. Markets for low-quality wood
fibre and sawmill residuals have been negatively impacted by the closures of Bowater and Northern Pulp.
The feedstock study and infrastructure risk portion of this initiative is now complete. The Southwest Nova
Scotia BDO Zone is rated ‘A’, reflecting ‘high quality’ feedstock supply chains and robust infrastructure.
BACKGROUND
In November 2022, Council passed the following motion to support the establishment of a new Bioeconomy
Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone in Southwest Nova Scotia.
2022-466 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that Council approve the
maximum investment of $10,000 with the participation of another rural municipal unit for the Bioeconomy
Development Opportunity Zone (BDO Zone) Initiative (Investment Attraction). ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION
CARRIED.
DISCUSSION/UPDATES
The BDO Zone initiative would be considered a ‘multiplier’ for our efforts focusing on attracting investment from
the bioeconomy. The bioeconomy falls in what we define as Green Industry and if successful, supports our
forestry sector by providing a market for low-quality wood fibre.
The BDO Zone initiative has two components:
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 2
1. The rating process uses internationally recognized risk metrics to credibly quantify, and signal key
biomass feedstock and infrastructure “success” characteristics valued by biobased developers and
investors around the world.
2. Promotion of the SW NS BDO Zone for 12 months on bdozone.org, in a press release to over 50 bio-
based organizations and sector publications worldwide, on webinars featuring our zone via BDO
ZoneCONNECT, and private, hosted discussion groups with prequalified bio-project developers,
investors and strategic partner companies actively looking to build new bio-based plants in BDO Zones.
Benefits in participating:
Investment readiness: BDO Zones undergo rigorous and extensive due diligence using a standardized
framework of over 100 transparent and validated risk indicators. This includes gathering data on the amount of
feedstock available to support a bio-based development project, determining the commitment of suppliers, and
analyzing the infrastructure in the region to support investment such as host sites, transportation, logistics, etc.
Having an A or AA rating through this initiative signals to investors that our region and associated host sites have
been prequalified for some of the attributes that those investing in the industry care about.
Alignment: one of the objectives in our investment attraction plan is to ensure we are aligning our efforts with
our municipal neighbours, provincial attraction goals and federal attraction goals where possible.
Promotion of the Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park: this initiative also identifies and promotes potential host sites
for biobased manufacturing plants, the Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park has been identified as one of these host
sites. This project is complimentary to our other investment attraction efforts for the park including:
Receiving Atlantic Canada Site Certification for the Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park. The Atlantic Canada
Certified Site Designation certifies sites across Atlantic Canada as development ready, creating a roster
of quality properties for investors. The goal is to provide investors with immediate access to data and
other property information to bring attention and focus to development-ready, high-quality sites across
Atlantic Canada that are primed for investment opportunities. This is Atlantic Canada’s only site
certification and network of pre-qualified, development-ready sites.
Selection of the Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park as a priority site for the Industrial Bioeconomy Assets of
Nova Scotia Project – an initiative of the NSIH in affiliation with Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI). This
project showcases the features and value of the site as a high-potential bioeconomy host site.
Next Steps:
Now that the rating process is complete, the promotion phase will begin. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Promotion activities will include:
Promotion of the SW NS BDO Zone for 12 months on bdozone.org.
A press release to over 50 bio-based organizations and sector publications worldwide.
Webinars featuring our zone via BDO ZoneCONNECT.
Private, hosted discussion groups with prequalified bio-project developers, investors and strategic
partner companies actively looking to build new bio-based plants in BDO Zones.
InvestNS collaboration
R e q u e s t f o r D e c i s i o n P a g e | 3
Local promotion activities to include:
Promotion in municipal newsletter
Social media promotion
Promotion on investchester.ca
Direct mail and/or presentation to woodlot owners at association events
Data will be used with any related investment inquiry
ATTACHMENTS
Rating report
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
1 | P a g e
BDO Zone Assets
• 550,000 GMT/yr of woody
biomass potentially available
for new project(s)
• A large sawmill that has
recently expanded woodland
and milling operations
• A mechanized contractor base
with experience producing the
rated quantity of roundwood
• Ecological forestry regulations
ensure sustainable wood
supply from public lands
• Four sites suitable for bio-
project development are
located within 150 km of the
Port of Halifax
BDO Zone Liabilities
• Significant trucking capacity
shortages
• Road weight restrictions and
diesel prices negatively affect
transportation costs
• Increased partial harvesting
and protected area coverage
increase wood supply costs
BDO Zone Risk Rating
The Southwest Nova Scotia,
Bioeconomy Development
Opportunity Zone is rated ‘A,’ or
‘high quality.’
Risk Rating Grades are defined as
follows: AAA (extremely low), AA
(very low), A (low), and BBB (low-
moderate), BB (moderate), B
(moderate-high), C (high).
Southwest Nova Scotia BDO Zone
Scoring & Rating Methodology
In assessing the biomass supply
chain risk for the Bioeconomy
Development Opportunity (BDO)
Zone, 48 Risk Indicators from the
Canadian Standards for Biomass
Supply Chain Risk (BSCR) were
applied. These BDO Zone Risk
Indicators are the subset of BSCR
Risk Indicators applicable to
evaluating feedstock risk within a
BDO Zone.
Feedstock quantities are expressed
in green metric tonnes per year
(GMT/yr). Feedstock costs are
expressed in Canadian dollars
(CAD). Maximum transport
distance is based on a 150-km
maximum driving distance from
the center point (Caledonia, NS).
Next, each Risk Indicator is
discounted, or “notched,” based
on the degree to which the
uncertainty drivers are deemed
addressable and whether there are
reasonable expectations that
mitigation measures could be put
into place within the price
parameters for this rating.
The Notched Salience score
corresponds to the likelihood of
each Risk Indicator’s described risk
materializing given the
implementation of economically
reasonable mitigation measures.
To arrive at the Notched Salience
score, Raw RI scores are reduced
based on the effectiveness of the
likely mitigation measures. If
applicable, notching occurs at one
of 3 levels: 25%, 50%, or 75%.
Rating Parameters:
Category Rated Quantity Delivered Cost BDO Zone Size
Pulpwood 400,000 GMT/yr $55-$70 (GMT) 150-km maximum
road distance from
Caledonia, NS
Sawmill Residuals 150,000 GMT/yr $25-$60 (GMT)
Forest Residues N/A N/A
Bioeconomy Development
Opportunity Zone Risk Rating
‘A’
Rating Parameters:
Category Rated Quantity Delivered Cost BDO Zone Size
type ##,### type/yr $#-$# (type) ##-mi drive distance
from Town, State type ##,### type/yr $#-$# (type)
type ##,### type/yr $#-$# (type)
‘Choose an item.’
The Southwest Nova Scotia Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone is
rated ‘A.’ A substantial quantity of biomass remains available at low risk under
the province’s new ecological forestry regulations.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
2 | P a g e
Finally, the potential impact of
each Risk Indicator on the supply
chain is assessed and scored on an
Impact Level scale as either low
(3.33), moderate (6.66), or high
(9.99). Impact level scores are
based on assumptions that key
measures were implemented to
mitigate uncertainty drivers in the
BDO Zone but failed to do so.
The Loaded RI score for each Risk
Indicator is calculated as the
product of Notched Salience and
Impact Level scores. For example, if
the Risk Indicator ‘Competitor
Price and Price Sensitivity’ is scored
at a Raw Score of 4, a Notched
Salience of 2, and the Impact Level
is high (i.e., 9.99). The final Loaded
RI score for this risk indicator is 2 ×
9.99 = 19.98 (out of 100).
Loaded RI scores of 33.33 or less
are deemed low risk; scores
greater than 33.33 and less than
66.66 are deemed moderate risk;
and those that score 66.66 to 100
are deemed high risk.
The total risk rating for the BDO
Zone is the average of all Loaded RI
scores. The BDO Zone score for
Southwest Nova Scotia is 18.66 out
of 100, resulting in an 'A'
designation.
All scoring and rationale for each
Risk Indicator are provided in
Appendix A.
Analyst Notes
The Southwest Nova Scotia (SW
NS) BDO Zone centers in the town
of Caledonia, NS. The supply basin
for the analysis (max. 150-km road
distance from Caledonia)
encompasses a ~21,000 square
kilometer area that includes the
seven counties comprising
Western Nova Scotia as well as
portions of Hants and Halifax
counties. The competition basin
encompasses a ~36,000 square
kilometer area that extends
beyond Sheet Harbour, New
Glasgow, and into Cumberland
County.
Most of the land base within the
supply basin is part of the Western
ecoregion. The ecoregion is
characterized by a relatively mild
climate, extensive rivers, lakes, and
wetlands, and a mixed terrain of
exposed bedrock, glacial hills
(drumlins), and river valleys. Major
commercial tree species utilized for
lumber and solid wood product
manufacturing include red spruce,
white pine, and hemlock. There are
currently no markets for low-grade
softwood roundwood. Regional
hardwood markets are restricted
to two wood processing facilities
and a number of small-scale
firewood producers.
The total area of working forest in
SW NS (approx. 1,000,000 ha) is
comprised of smaller privately
owned woodlots averaging 100 ha
(50-60% of total working forest
area) and larger tracts of private
lands and public (“Crown”) lands
over which forestry planning and
management activities occur at
scale (40-50% of total working
forest area). Wood supply in the
region is disproportionately
sourced from private lands;
between 2013 and 2020,
harvesting on private working
forest accounted for ~75% of total
wood supply (Appendix B). The
majority of Crown lands in the
region are under the management
of WestFor Management Inc.
(300,000 – 390,000 ha of working
forest). First Nations- and
community-owned lands amount
to less than 5% of the publicly
owned land base (~35,000 ha).
Approximately 225,000 ha of
forested land in SW NS is protected
within Wilderness Areas, National
Parks, Provincial Parks, and Nature
Reserves.
One of the largest sawmills in the
province is located within the
supply basin. Freeman Lumber has
an annual lumber production
capacity of 110 million board feet
(MMBF) and specializes in
softwood lumber production. The
mill procures >80% of the annual
wood supply in Western NS. The
eight other sawmills located within
the supply basin have lumber
production capacities <3.5
MMBF/yr and consume less than
50,000 GMT/yr. Total annual
production of sawmill residuals
(chips, sawdust, shavings, and
bark) is estimated to be approx.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
3 | P a g e
230,000 GMT/yr. Two medium
capacity sawmills – one premium
grade lumber (30 MMBF/yr) and
the other specialized in processing
smaller diameter roundwood (70
MMBF/yr) – are located just
outside the supply basin.
In 2020, roundwood production in
SW NS reached a 15-year low
(833,000 m3, or 750,000 GMT).
Current growth-to-removal ratios
likely exceed 1.2 for most
commercial tree species. Demand
for low-quality roundwood has
been significantly reduced in SW
NS since the closure of the Bowater
Mersey paper mill in 2012.
Demand for wood fiber produced
in SW NS further declined in 2020
following the closure of the
Northern Pulp kraft paper mill in
Pictou County. A single paper mill
remains in operation in Nova Scotia
but is located >250 km away from
the eastern edge of the supply
basin and 400 km away from the
center point at Caledonia. Potential
suppliers of low-grade roundwood
(pulpwood) and residuals in SW NS
generally cannot sell at profit to the
mill owing to excessive
transportation costs.
Competitors for lower quality
wood fiber in the supply basin (not
including firewood) include a 28
MW biomass-based power plant, a
wood siding manufacturing facility,
and at least one small-scale heating
facility. Within the wider
competition zone (300 km
maximum road distance from
Caledonia), competitors include a 1
MW cogeneration facility, two
pellet mills, a wood chip export
terminal, and at least two small-
scale heating facilities.
Competitors are generally
restricted in their demands to
sawmill residuals. Since 2020, most
wood chips, sawdust, and bark
produced within the region have
been purchased by the 28 MW
biopower plant to meet the
province’s renewable energy
targets. Current prices for wood
chips average $35/GMT FOB and
prices for bark and sawdust range
from $15-20/GMT FOB. In
comparison, prices for wood chips
produced within the more eastern
areas of the supply basin averaged
$50/GMT up until the closure of
Northern Pulp in 2020. For areas
further west, comparable prices
were common in the early 2000s
up until the closure of the Bowater
Mersey paper mill in 2012.
Consistent demand for low-grade
roundwood produced within the
supply basin is restricted to the
wood siding manufacturing facility,
which intakes approx. 100,000
GMT/yr of hardwood pulpwood.
The 28 MW biopower plant
infrequently purchases smaller
quantities of roundwood (~20,000
GMT); the most recent purchase of
this kind was made in 2017/18.
Excluding hardwoods suitable for
use as firewood, total demand for
low-grade roundwood in the
supply basin likely does not exceed
125,000 GMT/yr. The lack of
demand for low-grade roundwood
has led to the retention of
diameter classes and species that
would normally be recovered
under ideal market conditions.
Current prices for low-grade
roundwood range from $40/GMT
to $65/GMT delivered.
Given current demand from the
region’s sawmills, we estimate that
at least 200,000 GMT/yr of low-
grade roundwood (~60% softwood,
40% hardwood) is left unutilized
during conventional forest
operations within the supply basin
(Appendix B). This quantity is
available for new projects without
any increase in annual harvested
area. A further 200,000 GMT/yr
could be made available with
increases in annual harvesting
activity. Procuring this quantity of
low-grade roundwood would
require additional workers and
equipment, and would
consequently increase the annual
production of sawlogs. Sawmill
capacity in the supply basin is
sufficient to process this increased
supply of sawlogs, resulting in an
increase in sawmill residuals
production if demand for lumber is
sufficient.
Forest residue (e.g., tops and
branches of trees not recovered
during conventional logging
operations) was not considered in
the analysis. Although there is
some residue recovery experience
in Nova Scotia, it is unlikely to
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
4 | P a g e
succeed for operational and
regulatory reasons. At least
550,000 GMT/yr of low grade
roundwood and sawmill residuals
are available for new projects at
low risk, without the need for
forest residue recovery.
Key Risk Indicators
The SW NS BDO Zone has
significant economic and
institutional strengths of relevance
to the development of new bio-
projects. The forest industry in the
region is well developed, with
established milling and logging
infrastructure, an experienced
workforce, and public support for,
and tolerance of, forestry and
trucking operations. Over a dozen
governmental and non-profit
organizations are actively
collaborating with industry to
develop the forest sector.
Workforce recruitment and
training programs are also in an
advanced stage of development
compared to other regions in North
America. Prospective investors in
new biomass-based projects are
further advantaged by the current
lack of competition for wood fibre.
The most significant risks to
biomass supply for new projects in
the BDO Zone relate to the
transportation phase of the supply
chain. The current logging truck
capacity in the region, which totals
approximately 60 trucks and an
equivalent number of drivers, is
inadequate for the existing
roundwood demand of ~800,000
GMT/yr. Regional chip truck
capacity is also inadequate for the
current sawmill residuals market in
SW NS.
Timely and reliable delivery of the
rated quantities of roundwood and
residuals to a new project would
likely require approx. thirty
additional logging trucks, ten
additional chip trucks, and an
equivalent number of new drivers.
Although financing for additional
trucks is likely to be available,
recruitment of new drivers and
owner-operators will be
challenging owing to difficulties
insuring inexperienced Class 1
drivers and competing with
alternative regions and industries
for workers. Measures that might
lead to successful recruitment of
new drivers include reliable
benefits packages offered by
existing multi-truck companies
(e.g., logging contractors and
sawmills) and government or third-
party training programs and
incentives (Table F-1, Appendix F).
The risks associated with labour
and equipment availability in the
transportation phase are
compounded by diesel price
volatility, road infrastructure, and
regulations. Roundwood
transportation costs in Nova Scotia
increased by 50% between 2017
and 2023 owing largely to elevated
diesel prices. While continued
volatility is inevitable and common
to all regions of North America, the
relatively low total annual demand
for diesel in SW NS renders the
region more susceptible to price
volatility (although provincial
regulations are designed to
counteract this effect). The federal
carbon tax and recently
implemented Clean Fuel
Regulations also add uncertainty
regarding whether the rated
quantities can be made available at
the rated price ranges.
Concerning road infrastructure and
regulations, transportation in the
region can face limitations due to
the density, condition, and weight
designation of secondary and
tertiary roads. In SW NS, there is a
notable concentration of land
designated as "remote-access" by
the Nova Scotia Department of
Natural Resources and Renewables
(NS DNRR), signifying areas with
low populations and very few roads
or trails. Approximately 40% of
roads in the supply basin have a
maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) designation of 41.5 tonnes,
significantly limiting the quantity of
wood fibre that can be
transported. This designation is
attributed to inadequate road
width, the presence of small
bridges, and other factors that
affect B-train and chip truck access.
Special permits for additional
weight allowances can be
requested but many forestry
professionals contacted by
Ecostrat noted that permit
requests are rarely granted.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
5 | P a g e
Road infrastructure and
regulations relevant to the forest
industry in Nova Scotia continue to
improve. The Government of Nova
Scotia plans to spend over $1
billion on road and bridge
infrastructure improvements over
the next seven years. A major
highway connecting the railway
and port infrastructure of the
Halifax region with SW NS
(Highway 103) is in the process of
being divided (expected project
completion in 2028). A number of
organizations continue to work
towards increasing allowable
weight limits, including the
provincial government, the
Forestry Economic Task Force, the
Forest Nova Scotia Transportation
Committee, and a forestry sector
transition team. In 2019, the
maximum allowable weight limits
of a number of roads in SW NS
were increased.
The distribution of forest resources
available for new projects in SW NS
imposes additional constraints on
the transportation phase of the
supply chain. The available low-
grade roundwood supply for new
bio-projects is widely dispersed
across both private and public
forests in SW NS (Map F-1,
Appendix F). Accessing over 70% of
the available roundwood may
require procurement from
distances greater than 120 km
from Caledonia, NS.
Land ownership structures and
provincial regulations relevant to
biomass supply constitute another
elevated risk. Roundwood sourced
from smaller private woodlots
could comprise as much as 60% of
total wood fibre supply for a new
project. Many forestry
professionals contacted by
Ecostrat expressed concern over
changes in the willingness of small
private landowners to harvest.
Others were more optimistic about
potential wood supply from
smaller woodlots. The situation is
mitigated to some extent by the
presence of private and non-profit
organizations that connect and
mediate with private landowners,
including the Western Woodlot
Services Coop (WWSC), Freeman
Lumber, and at least one large
broker.
In the longer term (e.g., >5 years),
an expected increase in partial
harvesting and protected area
prevalence in SW NS adds further
uncertainty to wood supply from
public lands. Resulting reductions
in wood supply are accounted for
by the third-party report that was
used to estimate low-grade
roundwood availability in the
supply basin (see Section 3.5 and
Appendix B).
Conversely, wood supply from
private lands over the long-term
may be adversely affected by
forest harvest practices on some
sites. Many areas of SW NS have
shallow, acidic soils that are
vulnerable to repeated biomass
removal. Although partial
harvesting on private lands has
increased since the 1980s, over
50% of all harvesting on private
lands in SW NS still involves
clearcutting. The rated quantity of
roundwood (400,000 GMT/yr) is
expected to account for potential
nutrient budget deficiencies, as it
constitutes 75% of the total
sustainable annual wood supply
(Appendix B). This issue was
assessed as a low-to-moderate risk
to the rated quantity of biomass,
but sustainability concerns and
associated public opinion are
noteworthy.
Finally, labour and equipment
availability issues were also
identified for the harvesting phase
of the supply chain. To recover the
full rated quantity of low-grade
roundwood, harvesting activity
would have to increase by 60-80%
compared to harvesting activity
over the 2016 to 2020 period. A
scale-up in operations of this
magnitude would require approx.
twenty new crews and harvest
equipment sets (1 x harvester, 1 x
forwarder) (Appendix B). Achieving
the required workforce increase is
likely over a 5-10 year period but
will be challenging to achieve in
less than five years. Forestry
workforce size in NS has been
declining significantly since the
1990s (Figure F-4, Appendix F).
Although the decline has begun to
stabilize over the past few years –
in part due to the growth of
Freeman Lumber and its associated
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
6 | P a g e
contractor base – worker
recruitment remains a problem.
Measures that are currently being
pursued in the province to improve
recruitment and equipment
purchasing include the continued
development of formal
training/apprenticeship programs
for equipment operators (e.g., the
High Performance Logging
initiative; Table F-1, Appendix F)
and expanded coordination among
sawmills, logging contractors,
landowners, and intermediary
governmental and non-profit
organizations. There is already
considerable experience and
organizational capacity relevant to
these measures. If the capacity and
frequency of equipment operator
training programs continue to
grow, we expect that the required
logging capacity will be in place
within less than five years of
project initiation.
Infrastructure Profile
The four BDO Zone project
development sites are clustered
within Queens and Lunenberg
counties (Appendix G). A major
highway links the sites to the
Halifax Regional Municipality
(HRM) and its seaport, rail, and
logistical infrastructure. Secondary
and tertiary roads connect the
working forest land base to wood
processing facilities and major
highways. The four sites have full
access to essential utilities,
including reliable electrical and
water infrastructure, waste
management systems, and modern
telecommunications. A major
hydroelectricity transmission
project is expected to increase
renewable electricity supply in the
province to 40% by 2030.
Dependable emergency services
and efficient public works further
contribute to a favorable business
environment. Each of the four
potential sites possesses unique
attributes expected to contribute
to the successful construction and
operation of new value-added
biomass-based manufacturing
facilities.
Project Director
D. Peter Wolf
Ecostrat Inc.
peter@ecostrat.com
Infrastructure Analyst
Travis Taylor
Ecostrat Inc.
travis@ecostrat.com
Technical Contact
Marcin Lewandowski
Senior Director, Operations & Risk
Ecostrat Inc.
marcin@ecostrat.com
Business Contact
Jordan R. Solomon
President & CEO
Ecostrat Inc.
jordan.solomon@ecostrat.com
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
7 | P a g e
Figure 1: Risk Indicators (Sorted by Risk Level)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Supplier as a Competitor
Feedstock Production Priority
Temporary Market-Driven Markets
Year-to-Year Variation in Feedstock Availability
History of Production/Feedstock is a Secondary Crop or a By-product
Harvesting & Collection Equipment
Temporary Externality-Driven Markets for Feedstock
Variation in Densification Methods Among Different Suppliers
Government Subsidies for Feedstock Production or Utilization
Geographic Location Influence on Feedstock Variability
Supplier as an Aggregator or Broker
Low Historical Demand for Feedstock in the BDO Zone
Delivery Routes through Local Communities
Longevity & History of Supplier Performance
Ownership of Equipment
Historical Fluctuation of Quantity Used
Seasonal Feedstock Supply Variation
Supplier’s Dependence on, or Preference for, Competing Markets
Fundamental Feedstock Production Experience
Competitor Pricing & Price Sensitivity
Supply Influence of Competitor
Seasonal Weather Impacts on Feedstock Supply
Number, Size, Mix, & Locations of Suppliers
GHG Emissions from Production, Harvest & Transport
Competitor Locations & Geographical Influence on the Market
Demand for Competitors’ Products
Impact of Increased Utilization of Feedstock
Local, Provincial, & National Laws, Regulations, & Permitting About Biomass
Backlash Against Biomass Development, Procurement, or Usage in the Region
Feedstock Sustainability, Including Risks to Soil Quality, & Surface &…
Transportation of Feedstock Requires Specialized Equipment
Ownership of Land/Means of Production
Harvest & Collection Practices & Schedules
Biomass Availability Multiple (BAM)
Front-End Validation of Data Used in Feedstock Availability Models
Long-Term Weather & Climate Trends
Production Scale Experience
Suppliers Subject to Same External Risk Factors (Non-Weather & Equipment…
Distance from Proponent
Diesel Prices
Transportation Distances
Transportation Regulations & Local Weight Limits
Road Infrastructure
Production Capacity
Ownership of Transportation/Logistics
Availability of Labor for Feedstock Production
Feedstock Transportation Costs
The Capacity of Supply Chain Components & Equipment to Scale
AAA AA A BBB BB B C
Loaded Risk Factor _______________________________________
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
8 | P a g e
Table 1: Risk Indicators and Associated Scores
Feedstock Supply Chain Risk Indicators Raw RI
Score
Notched
Salience
Impact
Level
Loaded RI
Score
Category 1.0: Supplier Risk
1.1 Longevity & History of Supplier Performance 3 3.0 3.33 9.99
1.2 Production Capacity 6 6.0 6.66 39.96
1.3 Supplier’s Dependence on, or Preference for, Competing Markets 2 2.0 6.66 13.32
1.4 Supplier as a Competitor 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
1.5 Ownership of Land/Means of Production 5 3.8 6.66 24.98
1.6 Ownership of Equipment 3 3.0 3.33 9.99
1.7 Ownership of Transportation/Logistics 6 6.0 6.66 39.96
1.8 Supplier as an Aggregator or Broker 2 2.0 3.33 6.66
1.9 Distance from Proponent 5 5.0 6.66 33.30
1.10 Fundamental Feedstock Production Experience 4 4.0 3.33 13.32
1.11 Production Scale Experience 6 4.5 6.66 29.97
1.12 Feedstock Production Priority 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
Category 2.0: Competitor Risk
2.1 Competitor Locations & Geographical Influence on the Market 3 3.0 6.66 19.98
2.2 Historical Fluctuation of Quantity Used 3 3.0 3.33 9.99
2.3 Competitor Pricing & Price Sensitivity 2 2.0 6.66 13.32
2.4 Supply Influence of Competitor 2 2.0 6.66 13.32
2.5 Temporary Market-Driven Markets 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
2.6 Demand for Competitors’ Products 3 3.0 6.66 19.98
Category 3.0: Supply Chain Risk
3.1 Biomass Availability Multiple (BAM) 4 4.0 6.66 26.64
3.2 Impact of Increased Utilization of Feedstock 3 3.0 6.66 19.98
3.3 Seasonal Feedstock Supply Variation 3 3.0 3.33 9.99
3.4 Year-to-Year Variation in Feedstock Availability 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
3.5 Front-End Validation of Data Used in Feedstock Availability Models 4 4.0 6.66 26.64
3.6 Low Historical Demand for Feedstock in the BDO Zone 2 2.0 3.33 6.66
3.7 History of Production/Feedstock is a Secondary Crop or a By-product 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
3.8 Diesel Prices 5 5.0 6.66 33.30
3.9 Harvest & Collection Practices & Schedules 5 3.8 6.66 24.98
3.10 Harvesting & Collection Equipment 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
3.11 Temporary Externality-Driven Markets for Feedstock 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
3.12 Variation in Densification Methods Among Different Suppliers 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
3.13 Availability of Labour for Feedstock Production 8 4.0 9.99 39.96
3.14 Feedstock Transportation Costs 6 6.0 6.66 39.96
3.15 Transportation Distances 5 5.0 6.66 33.30
3.16 Transportation of Feedstock Requires Specialized Equipment 7 7.0 3.33 23.31
3.17 Delivery Routes through Local Communities 2 2.0 3.33 6.66
3.18 Transportation Regulations & Local Weight Limits 7 5.3 6.66 34.97
3.19 Road Infrastructure 7 5.3 6.66 34.97
3.20 Number, Size, Mix, & Locations of Suppliers 5 5.0 3.33 16.65
3.21 Suppliers Subject to Same External Risk Factors (Non-Weather & Equipment Based) 3 3.0 9.99 29.97
3.22 Seasonal Weather Impacts on Feedstock Supply 2 2.0 6.66 13.32
3.23 Long-Term Weather & Climate Trends 4 4.0 6.66 26.64
3.24 Government Subsidies for Feedstock Production or Utilization 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
3.25 Local, Provincial, & National Laws, Regulations, & Permitting About Biomass 3 3.0 6.66 19.98
3.26 Backlash Against Biomass Development, Procurement, or Usage in the Region 3 3.0 6.66 19.98
3.27 Feedstock Sustainability, Including Risks to Soil Quality, & Surface & Groundwaters 3 3.0 6.66 19.98
3.28 GHG Emissions from Production, Harvest & Transport 5 2.5 6.66 16.65
3.29 Geographic Location Influence on Feedstock Variability 1 1.0 3.33 3.33
3.30 The Capacity of Supply Chain Components & Equipment to Scale 8 6.0 6.66 39.96
Average 18.66
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
9 | P a g e
Southwest Nova Scotia BDO Zone Independent Review Committee (IRC)
Rod Badcock – Executive Director, Nova Scotia Innovation Hub
Greg Brown – Economic Development Officer, Town of Bridgewater
Erin Lowe – Economic Development Officer, Municipality of the District of Chester
Dave Waters – Director of Economic Development, Municipality of the District of Lunenberg
Richard Lane – Director of Economic Development, Region of Queens Municipality
Suzanne Fraser – Investment Attraction Executive, Invest Nova Scotia
Chris Bailey – Director of Forestry, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
Georg Ernst – Business Development Manager, Harry Freeman & Son Limited
Elizabeth Jessome – Mi'kmaw Forestry Initiative Lead, Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn
Breck Stuart – General Manager, WestFor Management Inc.
Harvey Gray – Executive Director, Forestry Economic Task Force
Patricia Amero – General Manager, Western Woodlot Services Cooperative Ltd.
Matt Miller – General Manager, Medway Community Forest Cooperative
Dennis Bedford – Owner, Novon Forestry
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
10 | P a g e
APPENDIX A: RISK INDICATOR SCORING METRICS
CATEGORY 1.0: SUPPLIER RISK
1.1 Longevity & History of Supplier Performance
Rationale: Number of years in business is a positfve indicator of future solvency. Historical performance is
an indicator of future performance.
Raw RI Score: The number of logging and trucking contractors operatfng in the supply basin decreased by
>50% over the period 2001 to 2012 in response to declines in pulp and paper and lumber productfon.1 In
2012, the closure of the only paper mill in SW NS (Bowater Mersey, Brooklyn, NS) significantly reduced
demand for pulpwood in the region. A gradual downturn in lumber productfon and the closure of a paper
mill located in Central Nova Scotfa in 2020 (Northern Pulp, Abercrombie, NS) have led to further reductfons
in roundwood demand, workforce size, and cash flows. Trucking capacity has been most affected, in part
due to the inability to shorthaul and backhaul as the number of buyers and sellers declines. Despite
capacity declines, most logging contractors that remain involved in the SW NS forest industry have been
in business for over twenty years. Sawmill business experience and performance also remains strong. A
large family-owned sawmill (Harry Freeman and Son, hereafter Freeman Lumber) with a lumber
productfon capacity of 135 million board feet (MMBF) is located within the supply basin and has been in
business since 1832. The seven other sawmills in the supply basin were established before the 1990s.
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Score
3
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 9.99 out of 100. Score
9.99
1.2 Production Capacity
Rationale: Supplier productfon capacity can be a strong indicator of long-term credit worthiness and
future solvency. Higher productfon capacitfes denote strength of operatfonal elements, including cash
flows, which are important to future solvency.
Raw RI Score: Regional harvestfng levels have been declining since the mid-2000s in response to market
downturns and paper mill closures. Between 2000 and 2013, annual roundwood productfon in SW NS was
halved. Since 2013, productfon has stabilized between ~750,000 GMT/yr and 1,000,000 GMT/yr (Figure B-
1, Appendix B). During this more recent period, the productfon capacitfes of many suppliers have
increased. The Freeman Lumber sawmill doubled its lumber productfon from ~50 MMBF to 110 MMBF
between 2013 and 2023 and is planning for additfonal capacity upgrades.
Forest operatfons are fully mechanized, utflizing modern equipment required for cut-to-length harvestfng
(i.e., single-grip harvesters and forwarders). The pulpwood productfon capacity of a single logging crew (1-
2 x harvesters, 1 x forwarder) is approximately 10-12 truckloads per week, or 12,000 – 15,000 GMT/yr.2
Score
6
1 Province of Nova Scotia. (March 2020). State of the Forest 2018. Department of Lands and Forestry. (p.11)
2 Assuming that 30% of recovered roundwood is pulpwood, a 50-week work year, 30 GMT per truckload, and double shifted logging crews.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
11 | P a g e
There are approx. 60 single-crew contractors that operate in the region and at least a dozen logging
contractors present in the supply basin that employ 2-3 logging crews. An increase in partfal harvestfng
over the past decade has had some impacts on productfvity but this has been mitfgated through operator
experience, training, and aggregatfon/coordinatfon functfons provided by larger organizatfons, including a
large Crown land management organizatfon (WestFor), the largest sawmill in the region (Freeman
Lumber), and a non-profit organizatfon (Western Woodlot Services Cooperatfve, WWSC).
Regional trucking capacity contfnues to decline and represents a significant productfon capacity risk. Only
about half of all logging contractors own logging trucks. There is therefore a dependence on independent
trucking companies, all of which are single-driver, single-truck businesses. Companies that own multfple
trucks are restricted to a few sawmills and some of the larger logging contractors. Trucking capacity in the
region is inadequate for current harvestfng actfvity, resultfng in occasional roundwood delivery delays and
the need to contract trucking services to companies in Central NS. Regional chip truck capacity is also
limited. Risk is moderated to some extent by the fact that driver recruitment and truck purchasing will
gradually increase if a new bio-project is built in the region. Overall, productfon capacity risk is deemed to
be moderate-to-high owing to the current low productfon capacity of the region’s trucking fleet.
Raw RI Score is 6 out of 10.
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
6.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 39.96 out of 100. Score
39.96
1.3. Suppliers’ Dependence on, or Preference for, Competing Markets
Rationale: Suppliers may have a vested interest in or preference for supplying specific competftors for
biomass feedstock. Preferences may be due to historical, long-term, or personal relatfonships, less
stringent feedstock quality requirements, more flexible operatfng hours by competfng markets, or
suppliers’ dependences on competfng markets to accept or purchase other products/by-products.
Consequently, during periods of feedstock shortage, such suppliers may be more likely to allocate the
scarce supply to a competftor, resultfng in supply disruptfons for the Proponent.
Raw RI Score: Current demand and pricing for low-grade roundwood and sawmill residuals produced
within the supply basin are significantly reduced relatfve to earlier periods. Markets for low-grade
roundwood have been especially affected. Since the closure of the Bowater Mersey paper mill in 2012,
approx. 200,000 – 300,000 GMT/yr of low-grade roundwood produced during conventfonal forest
operatfons in the western portfons of the supply basin has been left standing or felled and left on-site due
to lack of proximal markets. In central and eastern areas of the supply basin, consistent demand for low-
grade roundwood remained in place untfl 2020 when the Northern Pulp paper mill in Pictou County was
closed. Current consumers of low-grade roundwood produced within the supply basin are restricted to
Maibec CanExel (which consumes hardwood pulpwood only) and firewood buyers. Purchases of
roundwood by a 28 MW biomass power plant (Brooklyn Power) have been infrequent and have not
exceeded 20,000 GMT/yr in any given year since operatfons commenced in 2013. Average annual low-
grade roundwood consumptfon by the facility between 2013 and 2023 is estfmated to be <4,000 GMT/yr.
Score
2
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
12 | P a g e
Over 85% of sawmill residuals produced within the supply basin are currently sold to the 28 MW biomass
power plant at prices <$35/GMT FOB for wood chips and <$20/GMT FOB for sawdust, shavings, and bark.
All sawmill owner-operators contacted by Ecostrat, including Freeman Lumber, have expressed interest in
supplying sawmill residuals to a new project for a modest premium. Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) is
currently the most significant consumer of residuals in the province but is located >350 km away from the
supply basin. Due to the excessive transportatfon distance and cost, opportunitfes to sell to PHP are largely
restricted to product exchanges (e.g., transfers of sawmill residuals or pulpwood in exchange for sawlogs).
Raw RI Score is 2 out of 10.
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
2.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. Since there is established local demand for pulpwood
and sawmill residuals, there is uncertainty as to whether existfng competftors will be willing to increase
prices if a new project becomes operatfonal.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 13.32 out of 100. Score
13.32
1.4. Supplier as a Competitor
Rationale: The risks of feedstock costs going up and availability going down increase if a supplier is also a
competftor to the Proponent. In tfmes of feedstock shortage, the risk that supply commitments will not
be met increases.
Raw RI Score: Many logging contractors in SW NS retain a proportfon of annual hardwood roundwood
productfon for sale on the firewood market. The annual quantfty sold on the firewood market is negligible
compared to that sold on the sawlog market and it is unlikely that firewood demand will increase
significantly. Sawmills in the region typically use some proportfon of residuals (partfcularly shavings, and
to a lesser extent bark) for internal energy needs (e.g., kiln drying, space heatfng). It is unlikely that
sawmills will significantly increase their use of residuals for these purposes and therefore there is high
confidence in the availability of the rated quantfty of sawmill residuals and low risk of competftfon with
suppliers.
Raw RI Score is 1 out of 10.
Score
1
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
1.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100. Score
3.33
1.5. Ownership of Land/Means of Production
Rationale: Suppliers that own land where feedstock is produced, or a productfon facility, tend to have
better control of supply chains and present lower degrees of supply risk.
Raw RI Score: Over the past five years, the majority (~75%) of wood supply in the supply basin has been
procured from the ~650,000 hectares of privately-owned working forests through stumpage payments.
Private working forest is distributed among approx. 5,000 smaller woodlot owners (average woodlot size
of ~100 ha), brokers and larger woodlot owners that own or manage ~1,000 – 5,000 ha, and at least three
Score
5
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
13 | P a g e
entftfes that own large tracts of forested land (>10,000 ha and up to 50,000 ha in size).3 There is moderate
risk associated with procuring low-grade roundwood from new harvestfng actfvity on smaller private
woodlots. Many informants expressed concern over changes in the willingness of small private landowners
to harvest. Others were more optfmistfc about potentfal wood supply from smaller woodlots. The situatfon
is mitfgated to some extent by the presence of private and non-profit organizatfons that connect and
mediate with private landowners, including the Western Woodlot Services Coop (WWSC), Freeman
Lumber, and at least one large broker. Wood supply from larger tracts of private working forest is
associated with low risk.
The remaining portfon of SW NS wood supply over the past five years (28%) has been procured from
publicly owned (“Crown”) land. Most of the wood supply from Crown land (>95%) comes from the 300,000
– 390,000 ha of working forest under the management of WestFor Management Inc. Since its
establishment in 2016, WestFor has allocated sustainable wood supply to the region’s mills on the basis
of one-year wood supply agreements with the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR).4
There are plans to increase the length of wood supply agreements between WestFor and the DNRR.5 The
remainder is sourced from approx. 35,000 ha of public land that is licensed to the Medway Community
Forest Cooperatfve (MCFC) and the Mi’kmaw Forestry Initfatfve (MFI). With teams of foresters, planners,
and other professionals, WestFor, MCFC, and MFI have a capacity to plan for and manage sustainable wood
supply. The contfnued implementatfon of ecological forestry may also encourage private woodlot owners
to harvest. The current license agreement between WestFor and DNRR remains annual and there is
uncertainty as to whether provincial plans to increase the proportfon of land area under protected status
(i.e., off-limits to tfmber productfon) will reduce wood supply from Crown lands in SW NS. Therefore, risk
associated with public ownership of land is assessed as moderate.
Raw RI Score is 5 out 10.
Notched Salience: Initfal delays in securing long-term pulpwood supply from private or public lands can
be mitfgated by focusing procurement efforts on sawmill residuals. Raw RI score is notched down 25%.
Notched salience is 3.75.
Score
3.75
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. There is a moderate level of uncertainty regarding
wood supply from smaller woodlots and publicly owned forests, partfcularly for the 200,000 GMT/yr
expected to come from new harvestfng actfvity. For private woodlots, detailed landowner surveys would
be required to reduce uncertainty. For public lands under the management of WestFor, uncertainty
remains regarding long-term licensing agreements and the impact of protected area expansion on wood
supply.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 24.98 out of 100. Score
24.98
1.6. Ownership of Equipment
Rationale: In most cases, suppliers that own or lease equipment for harvest, collectfon, and processing
feedstock are lower risk than those who do not. For example, third-party harvestfng equipment may not
3 Freeman Lumber, Minas Basin Pulp and Power, and Wagner Forest Management
4 Referred to as Timber License Agreements (TLAs).
5 There are on-going discussions around replacing WestFor’s annual TLA with long-term Forest Utilization License Agreements (FULAs), which include
100-year planning horizons, 25-year tactical plans, and 5-year operating plans.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
14 | P a g e
be available when required. Short harvest windows may be missed if a farmer and contractor cannot
schedule harvest tfmes that are convenient and quantfty shortages can result.
Raw RI Score: Supply chain equipment critfcal for procurement of roundwood tends to be owned by
logging contractors. A typical equipment profile for a logging operatfon in SW NS includes a single -grip
harvester felling and processing trees into logs and a forwarder extractfng logs to roadside. Logging trucks
– which are either owned by the contractor or a third party – are then loaded and the roundwood is
delivered to destfnatfon. Depending on age and conditfon, a single harvester or forwarder can cost as
much as $500,000. As a result, business debt can often approach $1 million. The presence of larger entftfes
willing to provide downpayment assistance mitfgates risk to some extent (e.g., WestFor, Freeman Lumber).
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Score
3
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 6.66 out of 100. Score
9.99
1.7. Ownership of Transportation/Logistics
Rationale: In most cases, suppliers that own or lease equipment necessary to transport biomass from
forest or field are lower risk than those who do not. However, in some circumstances, reliance on third
partfes to transport biomass is a common practfce and does not contribute to risk.
Raw RI Score: There are significant trucking capacity problems in SW NS, with long wait tfmes and a need
to contract to trucking companies located outside of the region (i.e., in Central NS). Fewer than four
businesses in the region own more than four logging trucks (i.e., larger sawmills and logging contractors).
Approximately half of the logging contractors in the region own a single truck. The lack of available trucks
is largely explained by the lack of available third-party trucking companies in SW NS. As markets have
declined, and opportunitfes for shorthauling and backhauling have disappeared, independent truckers
have left the business. Recruitment of new drivers is challenging owing in part to difficultfes insuring
younger drivers. Chip truck capacity is also inadequate: SW NS operatfons must often enlist chip trucks
from Sheet Harbour and Cape Breton. To ensure the rated quantftfes are delivered on tfme at a reliable
cost, purchases of new trucks and recruitment of new drivers will be required.
Raw RI Score is 6 out 10.
Score
6
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
6.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. The availability of trucking capacity is limited in the
region and will negatfvely impact the delivery of woody biomass to a new commercial biomass project.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 39.96 out of 100. Score
39.96
1.8. Supplier as an Aggregator
Rationale: Aggregators may effectfvely provide supply chain redundancy, eliminatfng the risk and
complexity of dealing with multfple sources of supply by combining supplies into a single master contact.
Aggregators can add much needed stability in BDO Zones by increasing offtake stability for both suppliers
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
15 | P a g e
and markets. An aggregator can be a more reliable long-term offtake for suppliers by virtue of having
multfple markets and can be a more reliable long-term supplier for markets by having access to multfple
suppliers. Further, when a single supplier breaches, the aggregator can source from another.
Raw RI Score: Freeman Lumber is a significant regional aggregator of roundwood and residuals. Both
sawlogs and lower-quality roundwood are frequently stockpiled at its 150,000 GMT-capacity log yard in
Greenfield, NS. Capacity utflizatfon at the log yard is below 50% and storage capacity could be doubled if
required. The sawmill has experience utflizing its large storage capacity for purposes of long-distance
exchanges of roundwood; pulpwood is occasionally delivered to Port Hawkesbury Paper over 400 km away
in exchange for sawlogs. The Western Woodlot Services Cooperatfve (WWSC) is another organizatfon
which plays an important aggregatfon role in the supply chain, connectfng private landowners with logging
contractors and mills. A large wood brokerage based out of Maine (HC Haynes Ltd.)) also functfons as an
important roundwood aggregator in the region.
Raw RI Score is 2 out of 10.
Score
2
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
2.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 6.66 out of 100. Score
6.66
1.9. Distance from Proponent
Rationale: The greater the distance from a supplier to a plant, the more exposure to weather and fuel cost
risks, and the greater the competftfve pressure (to breach) that a closer competftor can exert.
Raw RI Score: The available roundwood supply is widely distributed across private and public forests in
SW NS.6 Almost half (48%) of all low-grade roundwood available in the supply basin is within an 80 km
road distance from Caledonia (the center point of the analysis), in the countfes Queens, Lunenburg, and
Annapolis (Figure F-1, Appendix F). All potentfal bio-project development sites also happen to be located
within Lunenberg and Queens countfes. Accessing >70% of the available roundwood supply requires
procurement from distances greater than 120 km from Caledonia, including from Digby County, the county
with the third largest roundwood supply potentfal in SW NS. Considering diesel price volatflity (see 3.8),
feedstock transportatfon costs (see 3.14), road infrastructure issues (see 3.19), and road regulatfons issues
(see 3.18), the relatfvely even distributfon of low-grade roundwood across the supply basin constftutes a
moderate risk. Distance-related risks associated with sawmill residuals are insignificant: Freeman Lumber
produces >95% of all sawmill residuals in the supply basin and is located 27 km from Caledo nia and is
within 40 km of three of the four potentfal development sites (the exceptfon is Kaizer Meadow Industrial
Park, located 90 km from Freeman Lumber).
Raw RI Score is 5 out of 10.
Score
5
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
5.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
6 Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
16 | P a g e
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 33.30 out of 100. Score
33.30
1.10. Fundamental Feedstock Production Experience
Rationale: Risk is higher when a supplier has limited experience with harvestfng/processing and/or
collectfng biomass. Where experience is lacking, the Proponent should show that steps have been taken
to ensure proper training, knowledge disseminatfon, and monitoring.
Raw RI Score: In general, feedstock productfon experience in SW NS is substantfal, as cut-to-length
harvestfng has been common in Nova Scotfa since the 1980s. However, the prevalence of partfal harvestfng
in SW NS has sharply increased over the past fifteen years owing to changes in government regulatfons
and private woodlot owner preferences. In 2010, over 90% of harvestfng in the region involved clearcutting
or overstory removal. As of 2022, partfal harvestfng was responsible for nearly 60% of harvestfng actfvity
in the region. In virtually all forest operatfons on Crown land in the past few years, no more than 50% of
canopy cover or basal area has been removed. Although most equipment operators are now trained and
experienced in partfal cutting, there are marginal economic disadvantages compared to clearcutting. Fixed
costs inevitably increase as greater areas of land must be harvested to procure a given quantfty (e.g.,
additfonal road building costs, machine movement costs). The productfon of sawlogs can also be reduced,
as partfal harvestfng prescriptfons often aim for removal of lower quality trees.7 Long-term economic
advantages of partfal cutting, including maximizatfon of sawlog productfon and growth and yield of shade
tolerant and shade intermediate species (e.g., sugar maple, red spruce, white pine), are uncertain due to
potentfal for natural disturbance over the long term. Forestry organizatfons in the region – including the
Mi’kmaw Forestry Initfatfve (MFI) and WestFor – are working towards developing partfal harvest
prescriptfons that balance economic and environmental objectfves.
Raw RI Score is 4 out of 10.
Score
4
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
4.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 13.32 out of 100. Score
13.32
1.11 Production Scale Experience
Rationale: Number of years in business is a positfve indicator of future solvency. Historical performance is
an indicator of future performance.
Raw RI Score: Risk associated with productfon scale experience relevant to the rated quantfty of
roundwood is assessed as moderate-to -high. Approximately 200,000 GMT/yr of low-grade roundwood can
be recovered during conventfonal forest operatfons in the supply basin without scale-up; recovery will
only require that equipment operators increase processed volumes per harvested area. However,
procuring the additfonal 200,000 GMT/yr of low-grade roundwood will require an increase in harvestfng
Score
6
7 Nova Scotia Innovation Hub-FPInnovations [NSIH-FPI]. August 2021. Feedstock Availability and Cost in Nova Scotia: By County and Specific Locations.
Written by Kevin Blackburn, FPInnovations. 72 pp. (p.8); Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply
Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
17 | P a g e
actfvity by as much as 40%.8 Recovering the total rated quantfty would return regional roundwood
productfon levels (including sawlogs, pulpwood, and low-grade roundwood) to levels sustained when the
Bowater Mersey paper mill was operatfonal in the early 2010s (~1.2 million GMT/yr).
Experience relevant to this quantfty of productfon is available, as many of the logging contractors and
sawmill operators in the region were working during this period. However, contractors may not have
experience with the geographic scale of operatfons that is required to procure the rated quantftfes. Under
ecological forestry regulatfons and increasing demands for partfal cutting by private woodlot owners, as
much as 60% of the rated roundwood supply could come from partfal harvestfng operatfons. Since partfal
harvestfng yields lower roundwood quantftfes per hectare, an annual operatfng area comparable to that
required for the rated quantfty has likely not been experienced since the early 2000s, when roundwood
productfon levels (largely from clearcut operatfons) were ~1.8 million GMT/yr. There is no risk associated
with sawmill residuals productfon capacity experience.
Raw RI Score is 6 out of 10.
Notched Salience: Milling and logging contractor capacity has been growing in recent years owing in part
to actfve contractor recruitment and equipment financing by larger sawmills in the region. Contfnued
efforts to increase recruitment, retentfon, and new equipment uptake are expected to reduce the risks
associated with logging capacity. The High-Performance Logging (HPL) initfatfve of the Canadian
Woodlands Forum, BioApplied, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), and Forest Liaison has been
in development since 2011. The objectfve of the initfatfve is to increase recruitment and retentfon of a
skilled equipment operator workforce in the Maritfmes by working closely with both skilled candidates
and logging contractors interested in hiring and retaining entry-level machine operators. The NSCC and
the Nova Scotfa Apprentfceship Agency have also expressed interest in this model of workforce
development. With regards to equipment uptake, contfnued willingness of Freeman Lumber and other
organizatfons to offer favourable financing arrangements for logging contractors requiring new equipment
would mitfgate risks of productfon scale experience. No mitfgatfon measures could be identffied to
mitfgate trucking capacity risks. Raw RI Score is notched down 25%. Notched Salience is 4.5.
Score
4.5
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 29.97 out of 100. Score
29.97
1.12. Feedstock Production Priority
Rationale: When biomass feedstock is a secondary or non-core line of business, or when it is a by-product
or a residual from a more valuable primary product, then suppliers may not put in sufficient effort for
consistent productfon. Risk of breach increases when productfon and/or delivery of feedstock
compromises a supplier’s ability to make a primary product.
Raw RI Score: The productfon of low-grade roundwood is complementary to the productfon of high-quality
roundwood (e.g., sawlogs). Recovering low-grade roundwood during conventfonal forest operatfons does
not significantly reduce operatfonal productfvity and profit of logging contractors. There is therefore no
Score
1
8 Current sawlog production in SW NS totals ~700,000 GMT/yr and procuring the additional 200,000 GMT/yr of low-grade roundwood from new
harvesting activity would yield approx. 300,000 GMT/yr of additional sawlog production (assuming a 60/40 sawlog/pulpwood recovery). Assuming
that sawlog production is proportional to harvested area, the increase in sawlog production from 700,000 GMT/yr to 1,000,000 GMT/yr (700,000
GMT/yr + the additional 300,000 GMT/yr) represents a 43% increase in annual sawlog production and annual harvesting activity.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
18 | P a g e
risk that the rated quantfty of pulpwood will become compromised due to a reduced ability to produce
higher value sawlogs. There is also no feedstock productfon priority risk associated with sawmill residuals.
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
1.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100. Score
3.33
CATEGORY 2.0: COMPETITOR RISK
2.1. Competitor Locations and Geographical Influence on the Market
Rationale: Competftors’ locatfons relatfve to a Proponent plant can affect the viability of procuring
feedstock and its cost. Accurate and detailed competftor mapping provides an understanding of the
geographical influence a competftor may have, including competftfve advantages such as short hauling.
Raw RI Score: Seven competftors for wood fiber were identffied within the competftfon basin. Three
competftors are located within 150 km of the center point (Map E -1, Appendix E). The most significant
competftor is a 28 MW biomass power plant (Brooklyn Power Corp.), which is located within ~50 km of
the center point. The facility has been purchasing the majority of the sawmill residuals (mainly bark)
produced by SW NS sawmills and has an estfmated annual biomass demand of ~300,000 GMT/yr. Other
competftors located within the supply basin include an engineered wood product manufacturer (Maibec
CanExel) with a demand of ~100,000 GMT/yr of pulp-quality hardwood (95 km from center point) and a
small biomass-based heatfng facility with demand <3,500 GMT/yr (120 km from center point). The two
pellet mills in the province (located 185 km and 215 km from Caledonia) rarely pay enough to justffy
delivering residuals from SW NS sawmills. Competftors located >150 km from Caledonia generally do not
procure wood fibre from Western NS.9
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Score
3
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. The extent to which Brooklyn Power will be incented
to combust biomass under future RE regulatfons is uncertain, but negatfve public opinion of large-scale
bioenergy in the province, procurement history, and the eventual need for facility refurbishment indicate
that incentfves for biopower in the province could be limited in the long term.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 19.98 out of 100.
Score
19.98
2.2. Historical Fluctuation of Quantity Used
Rationale: Clear understanding of key competftors’ consumptfon of each type of feedstock utflized by the
Proponent is essentfal to quantffying the risks associated with each competftor. Understanding historical
trends of feedstock utflizatfon can provide valuable informatfon about feedstock price elastfcity during
shortages and insights into events impactfng future supply conditfons. It can also enable more accurate
9 Pulpwood/sawlog swaps between Freeman Lumber and Port Hawkesbury Paper occur infrequently
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
19 | P a g e
estfmates of the sensitfvity of feedstock availability to potentfal future consumptfon levels or to the impact
of external events (e.g., weather events, structural economic changes, seasonality, or policy change).
Raw RI Score: Brooklyn Power Corp. operates a 28 MW biomass power plant in Brooklyn, NS that is owned
by Emera. The company sells the electricity it generates from the combustfon of sawmill residuals to Nova
Scotfa Power (NSP), a subsidiary of Emera.10 There have been instances when low-grade roundwood was
procured by the facility (e.g., in 2016/2017 and 2018/2019), but supplies are kept in inventory and
represent a small fractfon of annual wood fibre consumptfon (likely <4,000 GMT/yr of roundwood).
The most recent agreement between Nova Scotfa Power and the Government of Nova Scotfa guarantees
payments for electricity up to 2027/28. The agreement was made following delays and operatfonal
problems with a hydroelectric generatfng statfon in Labrador (Muskrat Falls), which is connected to Nova
Scotfa by an undersea transmission line (Maritfme Link). The Brooklyn Power facility was built in 1995 and
will require significant investments in refurbishment. It is unlikely that renewable energy policies in the
province will incent refurbishment or constructfon of a new biomass power plant given the expectatfons
for the Maritfme Link – Muskrat Falls project.
Other larger competftors in the region do not have a history of large wood fibre demand, including the
finished wood product facility with a demand of ~100,000 GMT/yr of pulp-quality hardwood (Maibec
CanExel) and two pellet plants with demands of ~200,000 GMT/yr (Great Northern Timber and Shaw
Resources). Generally, risks related to historical fluctuatfons in biomass demand in the region are assessed
as low.
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Score
3
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 9.99 out of 100.
Score
9.99
2.3. Competitor Pricing and Price Sensitivity
Rationale: Understanding how much competftors pay for different feedstock types is an essentfal step in
determining competftfveness of Proponent. Historical prices paid by competftors provide insight into their
procurement behaviors and ability/willingness to pay premiums for feedstock and exert pressure on
Proponent’s suppliers during tfmes of feedstock shortage. Competftors who are able to offer higher prices
for feedstock during feedstock shortages can pose significant risks to Proponent.
Raw RI Score: Market prices for pulpwood and sawmill residuals in SW NS declined significantly following
the closure of the Bowater Mersey paper mill in 2012 and have not recovered. The only current buyer of
pulpwood in the region is Maibec CanExel which purchases ~100,000 GMT/yr of pulp-quality hardwood
at a price of ~$65/GMT delivered. Brooklyn Power paid approximately $27/GMT for low-grade
roundwood in 2018/2019 but has not purchased additfonal roundwood since this tfme. In comparison,
delivered pulp-quality roundwood prices before 2012 typically exceeded $45/GMT and involved much
larger quantftfes (>350,000 GMT/yr).
Score
2
10 Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. (June 30, 2022). 2022 10-Year System Outlook. Nova Scotia Power. 60 pp. (p.17)
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
20 | P a g e
The two pellet mills in the province only buy roundwood in exceptfonal circumstances (e.g., when low -
grade roundwood is available in surplus because of quotas at other mills or natural disturbances).
Quantftfes accepted and prices paid are highly variable. Quotas on the quantfty of biomass that buyers
are willing to accept are common for biomass heatfng facilitfes, pellet mills, and other bioenergy facilitfes.
Competftors in the region prefer lower cost sawmill residuals. Current prices for bark, sawdust, and
shavings in the region range from approx. $5-$20/GMT FOB mill whereas wood chip prices range from
$10-$35/GMT. Before the closure of Bowater Mersey in 2012, prices for wood chips in SW NS were as
high as $60/GMT FOB. Due to the depressed pricing in the region and the lack of demand for lower-quality
roundwood, risk is considered low.
Raw RI Score is 2 out of 10.
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
2.0
Impact Level: There is a moderate degree of uncertainty related to our understanding of competftors’
price sensitfvity. RI Impact level is deemed moderate.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 13.32 out of 100.
Score
13.32
2.4. Supply Influence of Competitor
Rationale: In some cases, competftors may be able to exert high degrees of pressure on local suppliers,
effectfvely enabling them to control feedstock, especially during shortages. This control can derive from
long previous relatfonships between suppliers and competftors, from verbal or “understood” agreements,
or from a competftor being able to assist suppliers in tfmes of surplus by maintaining large inventories
that enable suppliers to contfnue supplying when other markets impose quotas. Understanding and
planning around such soft risk factors is important. If such relatfonships exist in the Proponent’s
procurement area, they may indicate an increased risk of feedstock shortage or pricing changes.
Raw RI Score: Demand for sawmill residuals by Brooklyn Power Corp. has been inconsistent and prices
offered have been significantly lower than prices paid for sawmill residuals and roundwood before the
closure of Bowater Mersey in 2012 and Northern Pulp in 2020. All potentfal suppliers contacted by
Ecostrat indicated that they are willing to sell to a new entrant for a modest premium.
Raw RI Score is 2 out of 10.
Score
2
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
2.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. The Government of Nova Scotfa could increase
requirements for biomass electricity generatfon if the Maritfme Link – Muskrat Falls project is not
successful, thereby increasing annual biomass demand at the Brooklyn Power facility.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 13.32 out of 100. Score
13.32
2.5. Temporary Market-Driven Markets
Rationale: Alternatfve, non-traditfonal, market-driven competftors for feedstock can increase feedstock
demand in unusual circumstances.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
21 | P a g e
Raw RI Score: Freeman Lumber produces over 200,000 GMT/yr of sawmill residuals. Of this, it sends about
13,000 GMT/yr of sawdust and 6,000 GMT/yr of bagged shavings to non-traditfonal markets, mainly for
animal bedding in Annapolis County. None of the local experts contacted were aware of increasing
markets for animal bedding in the region. No other possible risks associated with temporary markets were
identffied.
Raw RI Score is 1 out of 10.
Score
1
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
1.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100. Score
3.33
2.6. Demand for Competitors’ Products
Rationale: Increased demand for competftors’ products can cause greater demand for feedstock by the
competftor. For example, greater demand for biofuels due to a clean fuels policy can cause increased
biofuel productfon by the competftor, thereby increasing demand for feedstock.
Raw RI Score: There is moderate risk that the Brooklyn Power facility will increase its annual demand for
sawmill residuals and roundwood as a result of policy changes. The Government of Nova Scotfa has set a
goal of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. The government has also recently fined Nova Scotfa Power for
failing to meet its target of 40% renewable electricity by 2020, indicatfng that there is currently significant
politfcal will to achieve objectfves.11 A major hydroelectric project in Labrador that is linked to Nova Scotfa
through an undersea transmission line is critfcal to achieving the renewable electricity target (40% by
2030), but has encountered technical setbacks since its initfal constructfon in 2021. There are other factors
that reduce incentfves for expansion of biomass power productfon in the province, including on-going
concerns over the sustainability of using wood for purposes of electricity generatfon and the requirement
to refurbish the combustfon unit (est. 1995). No other major risks associated with increasing demand for
products produced by competftors in the region could be identffied (e.g., pellets).
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Score
3
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate due to uncertainty regarding future renewable power
generatfon from woody biomass in the province.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 19.98 out of 100. Score
19.98
CATEGORY 3.0: SUPPLY CHAIN RISK
3.1. Biomass Availability Multiple (BAM)
Rationale: Biomass Availability Multfple (BAM) indicates the degree of redundancy in a Proponent’s
supply chain. BAM is the ratfo of biomass feedstock available to a project, at costs, tfming, and in quality
11 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/power-electricity-renewable-energy-tory-rushton-1.6809515
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
22 | P a g e
feasible for the Proponent, divided by the project’s feedstock requirement. BAM is a strong indicator of
supply chain resilience when stressed by supply shortage and/or supplier breach.
Raw RI Score: Of the total 400,000 GMT/yr of roundwood available for a new bio-project, approximately
200,000 GMT/yr could be recovered from existfng logging actfvity in the supply basin (Appendix B).
Additfonal harvestfng actfvity would be required to procure the remaining 200,000 GMT/yr of the rated
quantfty. Using estfmates of sustainable wood supply under ecological forestry produced by a third party
in 2022, we estfmate that a total of ~530,000 GMT/yr of low-grade roundwood is sustainably available for
new projects in the supply basin.12 For the rated quantfty of 400,000 GMT/yr, the BAM for pulpwood is
1.33.
Methods used to estfmate annual residuals productfon from sawmills in the supply basin were deliberately
conservatfve to ensure that final estfmates were below what is likely in reality (Appendix C). Combined
with sawmill owner-operators’ stated willingness to sell, the sawmill residual BAM of 1.55 provides
assurance to new project developers that the rated quantfty of 150,000 GMT/yr will be available at low
risk. Previous BDO Zone studies have had higher BAM values for pulpwood (e.g., >1.5). Therefore, overall
risk is assessed as moderate.
Raw RI Score is 4 out of 10.
Score
4
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
4.0
Impact Level: Feedstock redundancy, or BAM, is an important variable when assessing feedstock supply
feasibility, and its level can impact the biomass supply security for a commercial biomass project
significantly. RI Impact level is deemed high.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 26.64 out of 100. Score
26.64
3.2. Impact of Increased Utilization of Feedstock
Rationale: Feedstock utflizatfon can change over tfme owing to expansion of existfng facilitfes and
constructfon of new facilitfes. Increased utflizatfon can lead to higher prices, feedstock disruptfons,
shortages, or supplier breach.
Raw RI Score: As the major consumer of woody biomass in the supply basin, capacity expansions at the
Brooklyn Power Corp. biomass power facility are unlikely to occur (see 2.6). There are also no indicatfons
that the two pellet mills present in Central NS will increase capacity and increase prices sufficient to
procure residuals and roundwood from SW NS.
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Score
3
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
3
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
12 Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp. *The third-party
report was produced for the Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF) by the consulting group AFRY. The report estimated sustainably available
roundwood supply for new projects in NS using NS DNRR production forecast data, assumptions related to volume reductions like ly under ecological
forestry, product recovery assumptions, and modeling of current demand for roundwood.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
23 | P a g e
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 19.98 out of 100. Score
19.98
3.3 Seasonal Feedstock Supply Variation
Rationale: Biomass supply can present significant seasonal supply variatfons; combined with limitatfons
associated with longer-distance transportatfon and storage, can lead to regional biomass supply
imbalances and manifest in shortages and higher costs for Proponents.
Raw RI Score: The Nova Scotfa Forest industry operates year-round with few seasonal interruptfons.
Delays in roundwood deliveries can occur during the spring when tertfary roads are off limits to loggers
without special permitting. Winters in Nova Scotfa tend to be mild and do not slow forest operatfons.
Road maintenance is required more often in the winter months but this is not expected to impede the
ability of a new project to procure the rated quantftfes of biomass at the rated prices. Sawmills often carry
higher inventories over the winter months to mitfgate a slowing of supply through the spring.
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Score
3
Notched Salience: No adjustment Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 9.99 out of 100. Score
9.99
3.4 Year-to-Year Variation in Feedstock Availability
Rationale: Biomass can have significant fluctuatfons in year-to-year supply due to variability in yield from
biomass harvestfng operatfons.
Raw RI Score: Year-to-year variatfon in roundwood yield is not expected to be significant in the study
region. As in other regions of North America, there has been a long-term decline in roundwood yield per
unit area harvested but this has stabilized under modern forestry practfces.
Raw RI Score is 1 out of 10.
Score
1
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
1.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100. Score
3.33
3.5. Front-End Validation of Data Used in Feedstock Availability Models
Rationale: Feedstock supply models can be complex. Lack of clarity about model assumptfons and baseline
data can result in confusion on the part of the capital markets and drive financing costs for biomass
projects. The adequacy and credibility of assumptfons and baseline data is paramount to credible model
outputs.
Raw RI Score: Biomass availability estfmates were developed using a mix of extrapolatfons from published
sources, conversion factors, third-party availability estfmates, and a spreadsheet model (Appendix B). To
Score
4
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Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
24 | P a g e
estfmate the quantfty of low-grade roundwood available for new projects in the region, data presented
in a recent wood supply study commissioned by the Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF) was used. The
county-level data consists of pulpwood availability estfmates by species for the unused portfon of the
sustainably available roundwood supply, as estfmated in the NS DNRR’s Sustainable Forest Analysis
(SFA)/Provincial Timber Objectfve (PTO). The estfmates were developed using the NS DNRR’s forest
inventory and therefore represent a reliable means of estfmatfng availability.
To arrive at estfmates of wood supply for new projects in the region, the total annual wood demand in
SW NS (as estfmated using the DNRR’s Registry of Buyers of Primary Forest Products series) was subtracted
from the total annual sustainably available wood supply (as estfmated using NS DNRR modeling).
Assumptfons regarding the ratfo of sawlogs-to-pulpwood were then introduced. This ratfo can range from
80/20 to 40/60 in SW NS, depending on species compositfon and stand history. Most forestry
professionals contacted by Ecostrat believed that a defensible sawlog/pulpwood ratfo assumptfon was
70/30 or 60/40. Further details are provided in Appendix B.
The spreadsheet model used to estfmate sawmill residuals productfon is simplified, involving the use of
generic arithmetfc factors that convert milled quantftfes of sawlogs to wood chips, sawdust, shavings, and
bark. The model outputs were calibrated using an approach that is expected to result in underestfmates
of residuals availability (Appendix C). Therefore, there is low risk associated with sawmill residuals
estfmatfon. Overall, risk is assessed as low-to-moderate.
Raw RI Score is 4 out of 10.
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
4.0
Impact Level: Because most of our conclusions in this assessment are based on biomass availability
modelling, model errors can significantly impact supply chain risk. RI Impact level is deemed high.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 26.64 out of 100. Score
26.64
3.6 Low Historical Demand for Feedstock in the BDO Zone
Rationale: If the Proponent does not have a history of developing large-scale feedstock procurement,
suppliers may not have sufficient expertfse in feedstock productfon to ensure reliable supply, especially
early on.
Raw RI Score: Wood processing facilitfes (e.g., sawmills, paper mills) and supportfng pulpwood and
residual supply chains have been operatfng in the SW NS region for over 100 years. Larger sawmills in the
supply and competftfon basins have been steadily increasing capacity over the past decade. Contractors
are experienced and can recover low-grade roundwood using conventfonal cut-to-length methods and
equipment. Risk is assessed as low.
Raw RI Score is 2 out of 10.
Score
2
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
2.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 6.66 out of 100. Score
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
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25 | P a g e
6.66
3.7 History of Production/Feedstock is a Secondary Crop or a Byproduct
Rationale: If the feedstock is a new/secondary crop or a by-product, suppliers may either lack sufficient
experience to mitfgate risk or be unable to react to such risk, and producers may be less likely to prioritfze
productfon. If the feedstock is a secondary crop, then productfon can be subject to variables beyond
suppliers’ control.
Raw RI Score: We do not antfcipate any risks related to this risk indicator, as explained in 1.12.
Raw RI Score is 1 out of 10.
Score
1
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
1.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed low.
Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100. Score
3.33
3.8 Diesel Prices
Rationale: Diesel, oil, and PPI can impact feedstock cost of harvest and collectfon over tfme. Sensitfvitfes
to worst case scenarios should be run.
Raw RI Score: Roundwood transportatfon costs in Nova Scotfa as reported by H.C. Haynes, Inc. increased
by 51% between 2017 and 2023 as a result increasing diesel price.13 After reaching a seven-year low in
May 2020, diesel prices more than doubled in real terms between May, 2020 and Dec., 2022, increasing
from $0.79/L to $2.20/L (2022 CAD). By May 2023, retail diesel prices returned to early 2013 levels (Figure
F-3, Appendix F). Inherent diesel price volatflity reduces confidence in a stable or downward trend over
the long-term, partfcularly under climate policies like the federal carbon tax. The risk that diesel prices
will push actual delivered roundwood and residuals prices in the BDO Zone beyond the upper limits of the
rated price ranges is deemed moderate.
Raw RI Score is 5 out of 10.
Score
5
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
5.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate due to the uncertainty in the future price of fossil fuels
under provincial, regional, and natfonal climate policies.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 33.30 out of 100. Score
33.30
3.9 Harvest & Collection Practices & Schedules
Rationale: Differences in harvest tfming and practfces can create risks for both the quantfty and quality of
the feedstock. For example, feedstock harvested by different suppliers in different windows can undergo
varying levels of exposure to sun, wind, and moisture, leading to variatfons in delivered feedstock quality.
13 In 2017, the H.C. Haynes logging truck costing formula was: # of km * 0.07 + 7 ($17.5/GMT @ 150km). In 2023, the formula was: # of km * 0.11 +
10 ($26.5/GMT @ 150km).
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BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Raw RI Score: There is a moderate risk that the contfnued shift from clearcutting to partfal harvestfng
could affect the quantfty and quality of roundwood supplied to market. Partfal harvestfng reduces
roundwood productfon per hectare, increasing variable costs and requiring a larger annual operatfng area
and increases in associated road building, machine transport, and other overhead costs. Partfal harvestfng
is also expected to reduce the quality of roundwood supplied to market, increasing the recovery of low-
grade roundwood while decreasing the recovery of higher quality roundwood (e.g., sawlogs).14 While this
could be advantageous for a new bio-project, it also presents risks: reduced sawlog recovery could affect
the profitability of logging operatfons and sawmills.
There are no other risks associated with harvestfng practfces and schedules. Roundwood and residuals
supply chains operate contfnuously throughout the year with few weather-related interruptfons. Road
access limitatfons that occur in some areas during the spring are compensated for by scheduling spring
harvestfng in areas without road access limitatfons. With regards to feedstock quality, regional soft
standards of log handling and storage ensure that variatfon in delivered feedstock quality and moisture
content is within a range acceptable to buyers.
Raw RI Score is 5 out of 10.
Score
5
Notched Salience: The contfnued development of the High Performance Logging (HPL) initfatfve will
mitfgate risks associated with increased partfal harvestfng in the region. The machine operators program
offered by New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) and an in-field operator training consultancy
(Forest Liaison) under HPL provide training specific to partfal harvestfng systems. A number of other
organizatfons in the province have expressed interest in developing similar programs or supportfng the
contfnued development of HPL, including the Nova Scotfa Apprentfceship Agency and the Nova Scotfa
Community College (NSCC) – Lunenberg Campus. Together with traditfonal on-the-job training provided
by logging contractors and equipment suppliers, such programs promise to increase equipment operator
productfvity in partfal harvestfng systems. Raw RI Score is notched down by 25%. Notched salience is 3.75.
Score
3.75
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 24.98 out of 100.
Score
24.98
3.10 Harvesting & Collection Equipment
Rationale: Different types of harvestfng and collectfon equipment suppliers use can significantly impact
the quality and availability of feedstock. The use of different types and combinatfons of harvestfng,
collectfon, and processing equipment can lead to non-homogeneous feedstock. In additfon, equipment
not designed specifically for biomass cultfvatfon, harvestfng, and collectfon can increase feedstock quality
risks.
Raw RI Score: None of the equipment used in the regional forestry supply chain constftutes a risk to wood
fibre quality and availability. Trees are felled, delimbed, and sectfoned into logs with harvesters. Logs are
extracted to roadside with forwarders. Logs and residuals are delivered to destfnatfons using conventfonal
trucks. None of this equipment poses a feedstock quality or availability risk when managed and operated
properly.
Score
1
14 Nova Scotia Innovation Hub-FPInnovations [NSIH-FPI]. August 2021. Feedstock Availability and Cost in Nova Scotia: By County and Specific
Locations. Written by Kevin Blackburn, FPInnovations. 72 pp.; Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre
Supply Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp.
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BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Raw RI Score is 1 out of 10.
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
1.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100.
Score
3.33
3.11. Temporary Externality-Driven Markets for Feedstock
Rationale: Alternatfve, non-traditfonal, externality-driven competftors for feedstock can drive feedstock
demand (and cost) in unusual circumstances.
Raw RI Score: Neither roundwood nor sawmill residuals are at risk of supply disruptfons or sharp price
increases resultfng from shifts in alternatfve, non-traditfonal markets. Risk is assessed as low.
Raw RI Score is 1 out of 10.
Score
1
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
1.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100. Score
3.33
3.12 Variation in Densification Methods Among Different Suppliers
Rationale: The shape and density of the unit in which feedstock is supplied can impact feedstock cost and
quality.
Raw RI Score: Pulpwood and residuals are not densified for transportatfon and the existfng suppliers are
using similar logistfcs equipment and practfces. Risk is low.
Raw RI Score is 1 out of 10.
Score
1
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
1.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100. Score
3.33
3.13 Availability of Labour for Feedstock Production
Rationale: Skilled labour shortages can be difficult to remedy in the short term. Availability of suitable
labour in an area can impact the ability to procure sufficient feedstock quantftfes on schedule. Labour
risks are higher for facilitfes where supply chains are not yet actfve; or for Proponent’s for whom large
feedstock requirements, or development of new (or expanded) supply chains, demand significant
additfons to the local labour force.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Raw RI Score: Approximately 80 logging crews currently operate in the SW NS region. We expect that half
of the rated quantfty of low-grade roundwood (200,000 GMT/yr) can be procured by the existfng
workforce during conventfonal operatfons, without the need for additfonal harvestfng actfvity or
equipment operators. In the past five years, this quantfty of low-grade roundwood has been left behind
during conventfonal operatfons due to lack of markets and therefore can be easily recovered by the
existfng contractor base.
We expect that the remaining half of the rated quantfty of roundwood (200,000 GMT/yr) will be procured
from new harvestfng actfvity that would not otherwise occur under existfng markets. Current logging
capacity is likely insufficient for this portfon of the rated quantfty. We estfmate that an additfonal 20
logging crews (and an equivalent number of additfonal harvesters and forwarders) will be required to
ensure the total rated quantfty is recovered annually (Appendix B). Over a period of five years, logging
capacity scale-up is likely to be successful with contfnued development of training programs, sawmill-
contractor relatfons, co-financing arrangements, and stable demand for low-grade roundwood.
Labour availability risk is partfcularly high for the transportatfon phase of the supply chain. The number of
truckers operatfng in SW NS has been declining rapidly in recent years, and most drivers are over the age
of 40. Long wait tfmes are common and there is often a need to contract trucking companies located in
Central NS due to lack of available capacity in SW NS. The contfnued decline of the forestry workforce in
the region over the past three years can be largely attributed to the exit of truckers.15 Risk of labour
availability is assessed as high.
Raw RI Score is 8 out of 10.
Score
8
Notched Salience: The contfnued development of the High Performance Logging (HPL) initfatfve will
mitfgate risks associated with increased partfal harvestfng in the region. The machine operators program
offered by New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) and an in-field operator training consultancy
(Forest Liaison) under HPL provide training specific to partfal harvestfng systems. A number of other
organizatfons in the province have expressed interest in developing similar programs or supportfng the
contfnued development of HPL, including the Nova Scotfa Apprentfceship Agency and the Nova Scotfa
Community College (NSCC) – Lunenberg Campus. In recent years, the Canadian Woodlands Forum (CWF)
has also demonstrated a proof-of-concept forestry truck operator program in collaboratfon with Class 1
licensing in Nova Scotfa. Together with traditfonal on-the-job training provided by logging contractors and
some equipment suppliers, programs of this kind promise to increase workforce productfvity,
recruitment, and retentfon when adequately resourced. Raw RI Score is notched down by 50%. Notched
salience is 4.0.
Score
4.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed high. The success of worker recruitment programs remains highly
uncertain, partfcularly for the truck operator workforce.
Score
9.99
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 39.96 out of 100. Score
39.96
15 FETF-AFRY estimate that 20-30% of current workers will leave the forest industry over the next five years; Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-
AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp. (p.78)
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
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29 | P a g e
3.14 Feedstock Transportation Costs
Rationale: Transportatfon can be one of the most significant cost components of biomass supply chains.
The average transportatfon cost and percentage of total feedstock cost attributable to transportatfon
should be known.
Raw RI Score: Transportatfon costs in the supply basin are approximately $0.18/GMT/loaded km, which
works out to $26.50/GMT for the maximum transport distance of 150 km.16 Although transportatfon costs
have increased considerably in recent years, the contributfon of transport costs to final delivered costs is
less than 50% for the rated pulpwood price ranges for distances up to 150 km. Risk is assessed as
moderate-to-high owing to diesel price volatflity and contfnued logging truck and chip truck capacity
shortages in the region.
Raw RI Score is 6 out of 10.
Score
6
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
6.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 39.96 out of 100. Score
39.96
3.15 Transportation Distances
Rationale: Transport distances of 50-100 km for biomass feedstocks are typical but larger distances can
be common. When the average transport distance from suppliers to the Proponent is high, the supply
chain is subject to greater sensitfvitfes to risks, such as increases in diesel cost, weather impacts,
mechanical breakdown, and the demand for feedstock from competftors closer to the source.
Raw RI Score: The available low-grade roundwood supply for new bio-projects is widely dispersed across
both private and public forests in SW NS.17 Nearly half (48%) of the available pulpwood supply is situated
within an 80 km road distance from Caledonia, which serves as the center point of the analysis. These
reserves are primarily concentrated in Queens and Lunenburg countfes (where all potentfal project sites
are located), and Annapolis County (as illustrated in Figure F-1, Appendix F). Accessing over 70% of the
available roundwood necessitates procurement from distances exceeding 120 km from Caledonia,
including areas with large supply potentfal like Digby County. Risks associated with diesel price increases,
feedstock transportatfon costs, road infrastructure, and road regulatfons contribute to the moderate risk
associated with transportatfon distance. No transportatfon distance risk is associated with sawmill
residuals because of the close proximity between Freeman Lumber and the four potentfal bio -project
development sites.
Raw RI Score is 5 out of 10.
Score
5
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
5.0
Impact Level: RI Impact level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 33.30 out of 100. Score
16 H.C. Haynes Ltd. (2023). Nova Scotia Wood Prices, July 16, 2023. Available at http://hchaynesnovascotiaprices.blogspot.com/
17 Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
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33.30
3.16 Transportation of Feedstock Requires Specialized Equipment
Rationale: Requirements for specialized transport equipment can increase supply chain risk. Where there
is low availability in required transportatfon equipment, equipment owners have increased leverage over
transportatfon prices and supply chain resiliency can be lower.
Raw RI Score: Increasing annual pulpwood productfon in the region by 400,000 GMT/yr will require the
purchase of additfonal trucks. Assuming 30 GMT per truckload, ~13,000 additfonal two-way pulpwood
trips will be required annually. Assuming two trips per day and a 50-week work year, approximately 25
additfonal trucks would need to be added to the transport fleet in the supply basin to deliver the rated
quantftfes of biomass. This represents a ~35% increase in current logging truck capacity (60-70 logging
trucks). Transportatfon equipment risk is therefore assessed as moderate-to-high. Chip truck capacity
scale-up will also be required to improve scheduling and wait tfmes, but not to the same extent as for
logging trucks.
Raw RI Score is 7 out of 10.
Score
7
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
7.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate.
Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 23.31 out of 100. Score
23.31
3.17 Delivery Routes through Local Communities
Rationale: Biomass transportatfon can become a nuisance to local communitfes, especially if large
numbers of trucks pass through residentfal and school areas. Local communitfes often have the power to
force regulatfons regarding truck transport, impeding a Proponent’s ability to transport feedstock. This
risk is greater in greenfield projects than operatfonal ones.
Raw RI Score: The four potentfal bio-project development sites are located in proximity to actfvely
managed forests and wood processing facilitfes, including four sawmills and the Brooklyn Power Corp. 28
MW biopower facility. No risk from local communitfes is foreseen.
Raw RI Score is 2 out of 10.
Score
2
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
2.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed low.
Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 6.66 out of 100. Score
6.66
3.18. Transportation Regulations & Local Weight Limits
Rationale: In many regions, transportatfon is regulated based on seasonal road conditfons. These
regulatfons (e.g., “frost laws”) often take the form of weight restrictfons or limits on the number of trucks
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
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31 | P a g e
allowed on roads. Such regulatfons can impede the Project’s ability to source sufficient feedstock or
increase the cost of doing so at certain tfmes of the year.
Raw RI Score: Road weight limits are a constraint to the efficiency of wood fibre transportatfon in SW
NS.18 Road classificatfons of relevance to forest supply chains in Nova Scotfa differentfate between
maximum weight roads (62.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)), intermediate weight roads (49.5
tonnes GVW), and low weight roads (41.5 tonnes GVW). Lower weight roads reduce payloads from 25-33
GMT/truck to 18 GMT/truck. Special permits to increase GVW are available from the Department of
Service Nova Scotfa but local forestry professionals contacted by Ecostrat indicated that permit
applicatfons are seldom granted. As a result, logging trucks must often be routed around low weight roads,
increasing transportatfon distance and cost. The Government of Nova Scotfa contfnues to work towards
increasing allowable weight limits wherever possible. In 2019, the maximum allowable weight limits of a
number of roads in SW NS were increased. The current share of low weight roads in the SW NS road
network remains significant at approx. 40%. Risk associated with transportatfon regulatfons and weight
limits is assessed as moderate-to-high.
Raw RI Score is 7 out of 10.
Score
7
Notched Salience: Improving road infrastructure and weight limits is a stated objectfve of public and
private forest sector interests in the province that is actfvely being addressed. The Government of Nova
Scotfa plans to spend over $1 billion on road and bridge projects between 2023 and 2030. Organizatfons
such as the Nova Scotfa Department of Public Works, the Forest Nova Scotfa Transportatfon Committee,
the Forestry Economic Task Force, the Nova Scotfa Innovatfon Hub, and a forestry sector transitfon team
funded by the Government of Nova Scotfa are working to contfnue increasing the coverage of maximum
and intermediate weight roads in SW NS. Raw RI Score is notched down by 25%. Notched Salience is 5.25.
Score
5.25
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate due to the uncertainty associated with the
transportatfon regulatfons and weight limits in the short and mid-term.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 34.97 out of 100. Score
34.97
3.19. Road Infrastructure
Rationale: Feedstock cost and availability can be a functfon of the accessibility of road infrastructure.
Problems with road networks will translate directly to risks to feedstock supply.
Raw RI Score: Primary highways in SW NS track the coastline and are undivided. A major infrastructure
project involving the twinning of the major highway connectfng Halifax County with Lunenberg, Queens,
Shelburne, and Yarmouth countfes along the southwest coast (Highway 103) is underway and expected
to be completed by 2028. Secondary and tertfary roads in the region can impose constraints on efficient
transportatfon owing to their NW-SE orientatfon (e.g., Highways 8, 10, and 12), conditfon, and weight
designatfon. SW NS has one of the greatest concentratfons of land classified as “remote-access” by the NS
DNRR, which indicates areas with low populatfons and very few roads or trails.19 Approximately 40% of
these roads have a low weight designatfon (41.5 tonnes GVW maximum) due to inadequate width, the
presence of small bridges, and other factors. Risk associated with road infrastructure is assessed as
moderate-to-high.
Score
7
18 Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp.
19 Province of Nova Scotia. (2017). State of the Forest 2016. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Renewable Resources Branch. 90
pp. (p.68)
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Raw RI Score is 7 out of 10.
Notched Salience: Improving road infrastructure and weight limits is a stated objectfve of public and
private forest sector interests in the province that is actfvely being addressed. The Government of Nova
Scotfa plans to spend over $1 billion on road and bridge projects between 2023 and 2030. Organizatfons
such as the Nova Scotfa Department of Public Works, the Forest Nova Scotfa Transportatfon Committee,
the Forestry Economic Task Force, the Forestry Sector Council, and a forestry sector transitfon team
funded by the Government of Nova Scotfa are working to contfnue increasing the coverage of maximum
and intermediate weight roads in SW NS. Raw RI Score is notched down by 25%. Notched Salience is 5.25.
Score
5.25
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 34.97 out of 100. Score
34.97
3.20. Number, Size, Mix, & Locations of Suppliers
Rationale: In general, a portiolio of multfple suppliers of various sizes is important for ensuring steady and
uninterrupted feedstock supply with minimal price fluctuatfons. If a small number of large suppliers
provide a high proportfon of total feedstock, a disruptfon or supplier breach will have a greater impact on
the supply chain. In such cases, the risk of disruptfon is lower, but the impact of those disruptfons is higher.
Conversely, a large number of small suppliers is less likely to have the capacity to withstand internal
disruptfons and may be more likely to breach. Here, the risk of disruptfon is higher, but the likely impact
is lower. The number of suppliers and the ratfo of small to large suppliers should be optfmized. There is
no pre-determined number or optfmal ratfo of suppliers—either too many or too few can pose higher
degrees of risk.
Raw RI Score: There is a significant disparity in the range of sawmilling capacitfes in the region. The
Freeman Lumber sawmill (110 MMBF) produces over 85% of the sawmill residuals in SW NS. The next
largest sawmill has a capacity of only 3.5 MMBF. There is therefore so me risk associated with the size of
suppliers in the BDO Zone, as any productfon decreases that result from operatfonal slowdown or
shutdown by Freeman Lumber cannot be compensated for by other suppliers.
The logging contractor populatfon in the area is estfmated at approximately 80 crews, or 160 to 240
operators. There are at least twelve larger contractors that have multfple crews and equipment
complements available and therefore no significant risk associated with logging contractor size is
foreseen. There is however some risk that roundwood supplies located in the countfes of Shelburne and
Yarmouth will be difficult to access, as most equipment operators in the region reside in areas that are
greater than one hour drive distance from these areas. Some of the forestry professionals contacted by
Ecostrat emphasized that one of the keys to worker retentfon in the region is to reduce work site travel
tfmes.
Raw RI Score is 5 out of 10.
Score
5
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
5.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 16.65 out of 100. Score
16.65
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
33 | P a g e
3.21. Suppliers Subject to Same External Risk Factors (Non-Weather & Equipment Based)
Rationale: When a single risk event can impact the feedstock productfon ability of all (or most) suppliers,
then feedstock risk is higher and supply chain resiliency is lower. Resilience is maximized when biomass
supply chains exhibit diversity in their locatfons, productfon practfces, and other elements of supply chain
structure such that the impact of single, high-risk events have varying impacts on suppliers.
Raw RI Score: Suppliers operatfng in the SW NS BDO Zone are exposed to various common external risks
relatfng to inputs (e.g., energy) and outputs (e.g., final product markets). These risks are common to all
areas of North America and are considered low-to-moderate.
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Score
3
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Factor is deemed high. Although unlikely, major economic shifts can have
significant impact on the entfre forest products industry in the BDO Zone.
Score
9.99
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 29.97 out of 100. Score
29.97
3.22. Seasonal Weather Impacts on Feedstock Supply
Rationale: Seasonal weather impacts are defined as deriving from natural weather variatfons (e.g., spring
thaws, rainy seasons, or dry seasons) as opposed to singular weather events (like fires, droughts, or
hurricanes). Seasonal weather changes can be a significant risk factor affectfng feedstock availability,
quality, and price.
Raw RI Score: Secondary and tertfary roads are typically closed to logging truck traffic for six weeks during
the spring period (early-March to mid-April). This is compensated for by concentratfng harvestfng in areas
with roads that are not affected by spring weather conditfons and, in areas with roads that are affected,
by ensuring a sufficient number of logging trucks are scheduled to transport harvested quantftfes before
late-February/early-March. Wood supply risks from spring load restrictfons are also mitfgated by
maintaining log yard inventories and transportfng partfal loads. Risk is assessed as low.
Raw RI Score is 2 out of 10.
Score
2
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
2.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 19.98 out of 100. Score
13.32
3.23. Long-Term Weather and Climate Trends
Rationale: In certain regions, climate trends and significant potentfal changes to future weather patterns
can create feedstock risk.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
34 | P a g e
Raw RI Score: Forest fires are a common occurrence in SW NS. The large tracts of poorly stocked
woodlands in SW NS are partly attributed to repeated fires.20 However, total area burned has been
declining since the 1920s, with significant interannual variatfon.21 Hurricanes are also common on a
decadal tfme scale and can have a significant impact on tfmber stocks on sites with shallow soils.
Anthropogenic climate change may exacerbate forest fire and hurricane actfvity. Risk is deemed moderate
owing to the greater vulnerability of SW NS to potentfal increases in forest fires and hurricane actfvity
relatfve to other regions in North America.
Raw RI Score is 4 out of 10.
Score
4
Notched Salience: No adjustment. Score
4.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate due to the uncertainty in the impact of climate change
on the frequency of forest fires, hurricanes, and other natural disturbances.
Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 26.64 out of 100. Score
26.64
3.24. Government Subsidies for Feedstock Production or Utilization
Rationale: Feedstock that is directly subsidized through government programs can pose greater long-term
risk than feedstock that is not. Subsidies may be subject to amendment or repeal, sometfmes with minimal
notfce. This risk indicator refers to direct feedstock subsides only; it does not apply to government
subsidies that pertain indirectly to the operatfons of the Proponent, such as Loan Guarantees, or to the
markets for products produced by the Proponent.
Raw RI Score: No direct subsidies for feedstock productfon/utflizatfon were identffied.
Raw RI Score is 1 out of 10.
Score
1
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
1.0
Impact Level: Raw RI Impact level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100. Score
3.33
3.25. Local, Provincial, & National Laws, Regulations, & Permitting Pertaining to Biomass
Rationale: Feedstock productfon directly dependent on local, provincial, or natfonal laws or government
regulatfons can pose greater long-term risk than feedstock that is not, since laws and regulatfons may be
subject to amendment or repeal. If utflizatfon of biomass requires specific permits (e.g., percentage
removal of Forest Residues or corn stover, allowable cut limits, air emission, storage permits, rights-of-
way, overweight permits for trucks, cross-border permitting for shipment of biomass, chain of custody, or
certfficatfon of sustainability), the likelihood of obtaining such permits and/or complying with permitting
requirements should be examined.
20 Neily et al. (2017). Ecological Land Classification for Nova Scotia. Prepared by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Report FOR 2017-
13. (p.181)
21 Taylor et al. (2020). A review of natural disturbances to inform implementation of ecological forestry in Nova Scotia, Canada . Environmental
Reviews. 18 August 2020. https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2020-0015
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
35 | P a g e
Raw RI Score: The maximum sustainable annual supply of roundwood as determined by the province’s
allowable cut limits (the Provincial Timber Objectfve) under ecological forestry regulatfons was used to
inform selectfon of the rated quantfty of roundwood.22 There is low-to-moderate risk that allowable cut
limits on Crown land will be reduced as a result of the planned increase in protected area coverage from
14% to 20% by 2030. The expected reductfon in allowable cut levels on Crown land could have a moderate
impact on the ability of a new project to procure the rated quantfty of low-grade roundwood. No
regulatfons relevant to biomass procurement from privately owned working forests were identffied.
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Score
3
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 19.98 out of 100. Score
19.98
3.26. Backlash Against Biomass Development, Procurement or Usage in the Region
Rationale: Public backlash against biomass development in the Proponent region can directly impact
Proponent’s ability to procure, transport, trans-load, store, or utflize feedstock by affectfng local policies,
regulatfons, and Proponent’s ability to obtain necessary permitting.
Raw RI Score: Public oppositfon to the conduct of forestry operatfons on public lands is not considered a
significant risk owing to the province’s new ecological forestry regulatfons. However, on private lands,
regulatfons that provide sustainability assurances are restricted to the Wildlife Habitat and Watercourse
Protectfon (WHWP) Regulatfons, which require buffer zones around watercourses and wetlands and
minimum tree and coarse woody debris retentfon levels. Partfal harvestfng and the associated retentfon
of up to 75% of standing trees is not a requirement on private lands. Although partfal harvestfng has
increased on private lands since the 1980s (partfcularly smaller woodlots), over half of forest operatfons
on private lands stfll involve clearcutting (subject to the WHWP Regulatfons). Clearcutting is regarded by
many stakeholders to represent a potentfal long-term risk to soil productfvity and ecological integrity in
certain areas of SW NS.
The risk of public oppositfon is also dependent on how recovered biomass is utflized and whether the
Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotfa are consulted regarding bio-projects that could impact rights or traditfonal use.
Plans to use wood as a fuel in the province’s fleet of coal power plants and in dedicated biopower facilitfes
(notably the 28 MW Brooklyn Power unit in SW NS and the 60 MW Point Tupper unit in Cape Breton) have
been met with some degree of negatfve public attentfon. There is therefore some risk that any future
projects involving the conversion of logs into electricity will face negatfve public attentfon due to low
energy conversion efficiencies and uncertain net carbon benefits. Projects that involve value-added
products (e.g., liquid biofuels, engineered wood products, biochar) or high-efficiency energy conversion
technologies (e.g., cogeneratfon, heatfng) are not a significant risk of negatfve public opinion in Nova
Scotfa. With regards to First Natfons consultatfon, proponents of any new bio-project are advised to
contact the Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotfatfon Office (KMKNO) to ensure that project scope and
operatfons are acceptable.
Score
3
22 Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
36 | P a g e
Raw RI Score is 3 out of 10.
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 19.98 out of 100. Score
19.98
3.27. Feedstock Sustainability, Including Risks to Soil Quality, & Surface & Groundwaters
Rationale: Public concerns about the sustainability of feedstock productfon can jeopardize biomass
feedstock operatfons. Sustainability certfficatfon schemes should be utflized where applicable to ensure
that feedstock comes from sustainable sources.
Soil sustainability can be defined as the management of soil in a way that does not exert any negatfve or
irreparable effects on the soil or any other systems. There is a diversity of approaches to soil sustainability
in jurisdictfonal guidelines for biomass harvestfng and productfon. Different feedstock types have unique
thresholds at which feedstock removal causes significant negatfve consequences on the soil.
Excessive nutrient runoff from biomass feedstock productfon can accumulate in surface waters and result
in algal blooms and hypoxia, which can lead to habitat loss for aquatfc species higher up the food chain
and alter aquatfc ecosystem food webs. Damage to aquatfc ecosystems can cause a social and regulatory
backlash. Water intake issues can also increase risk.
Raw RI Score: In Nova Scotfa, there are public concerns around the environmental sustainability of
forestry, partfcularly with regards to clearcutting and commercial use of wood for bioenergy applicatfons.
For public lands, these concerns have been addressed by the NS DNRR through the banning of full-tree
harvestfng (2013), development of ecological forestry practfces that decrease clearcutting (2018), a
commitment to increasing protected area coverage from 14% to 20% by 2030 (2021), and on-going
development of long-term license agreements and planning horizons on Crown land. The province has
also transferred control of a portfon of Crown lands to organizatfons that aim to advance the concept of
ecological forestry through smaller-scale approaches to productfon and marketfng. Since 2015, approx.
35,000 ha of Crown land in SW NS has been transferred to the Mi’kmaw Forestry Initfatfve (MFI) of the
Assembly of Mi’kmaw Chiefs (20,000 ha) and the Medway Community Forest Cooperatfve (15,000 ha).
Feedstock sustainability risk is heightened on private lands, where ecological forestry regulatfons do not
apply. Although there has been a gradual shift towards partfal harvestfng on private lands since the 1980s,
clearcutting remains common on private woodlots in SW NS. There have also been a few instances of full-
tree harvestfng in recent years. Some areas of SW NS may be sensitfve to nutrient depletfon resultfng from
repeated clearcutting, partfcularly lands south of Kejimkujik Natfonal Park, within and adjacent to the
Tobeatfc Wilderness Area. Full-tree harvestfng would exacerbate nutrient depletfon risk if it becomes
more common. Due to the disproportfonate contributfon of private working forests to total wood supply
and uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of clearcutting, risk of feedstock sustainability is assessed
as moderate.
Raw RI Score is 4 out of 10.
Score
4
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
37 | P a g e
Notched Salience: The concept of ecological forestry and its relevance to balancing objectfves at a
landscape-scale is being actfvely artfculated by many stakeholders at provincial and regional levels,
including the DNRR, the Mi’kmaw Forestry Initfatfve (MFI), WestFor, and the Medway Community Forest
Cooperatfve (MCFC), among others. A guiding principle of the Western Woodlot Services Cooperatfve
(WWSC) – which provides advisory services to small private woodlot owners in SW NS – is that of
sustainable forest management (including partfal harvestfng). Given recent trends in regulatfon and
discourse around ecological forestry in the province, and given the number of organizatfons actfvely
artfculatfng and implementfng the concept, we expect that an increasing proportfon of private woodlot
owners will adopt ecological forestry practfces over tfme. Risk is notched down by 25%. Notched Salience
is 3.0.
Score
3.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 19.98 out of 100. Score
19.98
3.28. GHG Emissions from Production, Harvest, & Transport
Rationale: Understanding a project’s overall emissions and the carbon intensity throughout the feedstock
supply chain is essentfal to reducing risks related to carbon pricing mechanisms and related regulatfons.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from productfon, harvest, and transportatfon can be a significant
challenge to Proponent claims of carbon neutrality for biomass projects. Carbon emissions from harvested
soils, as well as emissions from harvestfng machinery or delivery trucks, can make it difficult to achieve
net-zero GHG emissions. If a Proponent’s financial model relies on carbon neutrality/GHG regulatory
pricing frameworks, it is essentfal to investfgate the feedstock’s carbon emission status.
Raw RI Score: The GHG impacts of biomass-based projects depend largely on the type of product being
produced. For bioenergy projects, the use of stemwood is generally understood to result in long carbon
payback tfme horizons such that life cycle GHG emissions relatfve to fossil energy projects may increase
(up to 100 years). In contrast, it typically takes less than 20 years for systems fueled with logging residues
or sawmill residues to become carbon neutral/negatfve because waste products do not require
accountfng for re-growth of the trees from which they are procured. Due to the dependence of the SW
NS BDO Zone ratfng on stemwood, there is a risk that a new bio-project (partfcularly a project convertfng
biomass to electricity only) will be unable to classify as carbon neutral. However, a large proportfon of low
grade roundwood available from conventfonal forest operatfons is produced from trees with sawable
sectfons. In these cases, roundwood could be treated the same as logging residues and sawmill residuals
under GHG accountfng protocols. Further, there is evidence that net GHG emissions from pulpwood
recovered during existfng operatfons could be reduced considerably relatfve to business-as-usual.23
Raw RI score is 5 out of 10.
Score
5
Notched Salience: Overall, there is significant uncertainty associated with carbon accountfng and pricing
frameworks globally. Renewable content mandates, clean fuel policies, and sustainable forest
management schemes can support bio-projects that result in significant GHG emissions reductfons
compared to fossil fuels. Raw RI is notched down by 50%. Notched Salience is 2.5.
Score
2.5
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate. Score
23 Steenberg et al. (2023). Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Forest Bioenergy Production at Combined Heat and Power Projects in Nova
Scotia, Canada. Forest Science 69(3): 286-298
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
38 | P a g e
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 16.65 out of 100. Score
16.65
3.29. Geographic Location Influence on Feedstock Variability
Rationale: Feedstock from different regions may differ in quality due to variatfons in soil quality,
topography, harvest practfces, weather, fertflizer applied, etc.
Raw RI Score: There is no significant risk associated with feedstock quality variability resultfng from
geographic factors.
Raw RI Score is 1 out of 10.
Score
1
Notched Salience: No adjustment.
Score
1.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed low. Score
3.33
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 3.33 out of 100. Score
3.33
3.30. Capacity of Supply Chain Components & Equipment to Scale
Rationale: Scale-up risk increases if supply chain components or underlying feedstock infrastructure
necessary for these components cannot scale to handle Proponent feedstock requirements and
throughput capacity. Capacity to scale should be demonstrated.
Raw RI Score: Half of the total rated quantfty of low-grade roundwood is expected to be sourced from
existfng operatfons in the supply basin, as driven by lumber markets (Appendix B). The remaining half
consists of standing low-grade roundwood that can only be procured by increasing harvestfng actfvity.
Recovering this additfonal 200,000 GMT/yr of low-grade roundwood would constftute a 60% to 80%
increase in annual roundwood productfon in SW NS given harvestfng levels over the 2016 to 2020 period
(Appendix B). Approximately twenty additfonal logging crews, each consistfng of two to three equipment
operators and at least one single-grip harvester and one forwarder, will be required. Approximately thirty
additfonal logging trucks and ten chip trucks will also be required to ensure the reliable and tfmely supply
of wood fibre for a new project.24
There is a risk that logging and trucking capacity will be unable to scale-up to this extent owing to labour
shortages, equipment shortages, and profit uncertainty associated with accessing marginal or distant
stands. In the longer term (e.g., >5 years), an expected increase in partfal harvestfng and protected area
prevalence in SW NS adds further uncertainty, as this will reduce productfon per hectare and will likely
increase harvestfng costs (which could impact available quantftfes). Although increased partfal harvestfng
is accounted for in the third-party report that was used to select the rated quantfty of low-grade
roundwood, the data and assumptfons underlying the model remain uncertain (see 3.5) and therefore
risk is assessed as moderate-to-high.
Raw RI Score is 8 out of 10.
Score
8
24 Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp. (p.14-15)
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
39 | P a g e
Notched Salience: As identffied by the Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF), scale-up risks could be
mitfgated if current sawmill-contractor support measures, road infrastructure and regulatfon
improvement initfatfves, and provincial workforce policies and programs are strengthened.25 Freeman
Lumber has incrementally built its contractor base over the past five years in part through downpayment
assistance and supply chain management. Contfnuing to improve relatfons between the mill and
contractors will serve to reduce the debt burden of equipment ownership and improve operatfonal
efficiencies. Contfnued road infrastructure improvements and weight limit increases will have important
long-term consequences for wood supply reliability and cost. Contfnued development of formal training
programs (e.g., High Performance Logging) available for equipment operators and worker recruitment
and retentfon programs would further mitfgate risks of scale-up. Raw RI Score is notched down by 25%.
Notched Salience is 6.0.
Score
6.0
Impact Level: RI Impact Level is deemed moderate. Score
6.66
Loaded RI Score: Loaded RI Score (Notched Salience Impact Level) is 39.96 out of 100. Score
39.96
25 Forestry Economic Task Force (FETF)-AFRY. (November 2022). Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply Analysis (Final Report). 105 pp. (p.14-15) (p.79)
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
40 | P a g e
APPENDIX B: HARVESTING ACTIVITY AND AVAILABILITY OF ROUNDWOOD
PULPWOOD AVAILABILITY FOR NEW PROJECTS IN SW NS
A recently published wood supply report for the province of Nova Scotia is used to inform the estimation of low-grade
roundwood availability for a new project in SW NS.26 The report, entitled ‘Nova Scotia Forest Fibre Supply Analysis’ (FETF-
AFRY, 2022), estimated the total availability of roundwood using the province’s estimation of sustainably available wood
supply (the NS DNRR Provincial Timber Objective), which adjusts wood supply estimates on the basis of nutrient budget
modeling, site access and operability, and other factors. This estimate was further adjusted by FETF-AFRY (2022) to
account for the impact following the implementation of ecological forestry as recommended in the “Lahey Report”, and
given the current demand for roundwood. The rated quantity of roundwood (400,000 GMT/yr) is expected to account for
potential nutrient budget deficiencies, as it constitutes 75% of the total sustainable annual wood supply. The province
expects to provide an update to its sustainable supply calculations some time in late 2023 / 2024.
Sustainable wood supply estimates are provided at the county level and have been adjusted in Table B-1 to calculate the
available volume within the supply basin – only partial volumes are included from Hants and Halifax counties, as only part
of the supply basin falls within those areas. On that basis, we estimate that there is a surplus of 526,899 GMT/yr of low-
grade roundwood (“pulpwood”) available for new projects within the supply basin (Table B-1). With input from local
forestry professionals, the final rated quantity of 400,000 GMT/yr, or approximately 75% of the modeled availability, was
selected to provide a conservative estimate of available roundwood volume to new projects. Using the ratios of modeled
availability by species type (Table B-1), it is assumed that 60% of this total (240,000 GMT/yr) is comprised of softwood
pulpwood and that 40% of this total (160,000 GMT/yr) is comprised of hardwood pulpwood.
Table B-1: Low-grade roundwood (pulpwood) available from private and
Crown lands within supply basin by county
County Softwood
pulpwood (GMT/yr)
Hardwood pulpwood
(GMT/yr)
Percentage overlap
of county with supply
basin
Total
pulpwood (GMT/yr)
Yarmouth 25,219 18,444 100% 43,663
Shelburne 37,183 22,916 100% 60,099
Digby 47,250 30,252 100% 77,502
Queens 34,783 35,995 100% 70,778
Annapolis 49,490 35,923 100% 85,413
Lunenburg 61,169 35,389 100% 96,558
Kings 24,293 37,725 100% 62,018
Hants 65,838 6,271 33% 23,796
Halifax 30,694 23,709 13% 7,072
TOTAL 345,225 222,915 - 526,899
26 Low-grade roundwood available to a new project is defined as roundwood sectioned from tree stems and branches that either (1) can not be
utilized in the production of solid wood products (i.e., that cannot be utilized by a sawmill), (2) could be utilized for pulp and paper production but is
not due to lack of markets, and (3) cannot be utilized in the production of pulp and paper products.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
41 | P a g e
Map B-1. Annual pulpwood availability in the supply basin by county
PULPWOOD PRODUCTION FROM EXISTING HARVESTING ACTIVITY
The Nova Scotia Registry of Buyers of Primary Forest Products tracks annual roundwood flows in the province for buyers
that purchase >5,000 m3/yr. In the past three years, the total amount of roundwood purchased by buyers located in
Western NS has averaged approx. 800,000 GMT/yr (75% private, 25% public) (Figure B-1). We estimate that 700,000
GMT/yr of this total consists of high quality roundwood (merchantable sawlogs) purchased by sawmills. Purchases of low-
grade roundwood are restricted to a wood-based siding product manufacturer (Maibec CanExel), which has an annual
consumption of ~100,000 GMT/yr. Other low-grade roundwood that could be brought to market during conventional
forest operations is left in-woods following processing or left standing. To estimate low-grade roundwood that could be
made available for new projects without additional harvesting, we assume that sawlog/pulpwood production ratios in the
existing operations in SW NS average 70/30. For a 700,000 GMT/yr sawlog productio n, the total amount of pulpwood
produced as a by-product of conventional forest operations is estimated at 300,000 GMT/yr. On the basis of this
information, the availability of pulpwood from existing harvesting activity in the supply basin was set as 200,0000 GMT/yr.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
42 | P a g e
Figure B-1: Roundwood supply from Crown and private lands in the supply basin, 2000 -2020 (Nova Scotia
Registry of Buyers of Primary Forest Products)
PULPWOOD PRODUCTION FROM NEW HARVESTING ACTIVITY
The remaining 200,000 GMT/yr of the rated quantity is expected to come from additional harvesting activity. Assuming
that additional harvesting activity will involve more marginal stands, a sawlog/pulpwood ratio of 60/40 was selected for
new harvesting activity. Using this assumption, procuring the additional 200,000 GMT/yr of low-grade roundwood would
require an annual roundwood production increase of 500,000 GMT/yr (300,000 GMT/yr sawlogs, 200,000 GMT/yr
pulpwood). This would represent a 60% to 80% increase in annual roundwood production in SW NS relative to average
harvest levels between 2016 and 2020 but would remain below levels sustained over the 2000 -2008 period. Accessing
this material would require harvesting on an additional 3,000 ha/yr to 5,000 ha/yr of working forest (assuming roundwood
production levels of 100 GMT/ha to 150 GMT/ha).
LOGGING AND TRUCKING CAPACITY SCALE-UP REQUIREMENTS
We estimate that an additional 10 to 20 logging crews and an equivalent number of additional harvesters and forwarders
would be required to secure the 200,000 GMT/yr of low-grade roundwood from new harvesting activity. This estimate
assumes a logging crew productivity of 10-12 truckloads (25-30 GMT) of low-grade pulpwood per week and a 48-week
work year. This would represent a 12.5% to 20% increase in logging capacity (current logging capacity in the supply basin
is approx. 80 crews).
Given the current shortage of trucking capacity in SW NS, we estimate that trucking capacity would need to be increased
by up to 25 logging trucks. This assumes an average payload of 30 GMT, two trips per day, 5 working days per week, and
a 50-week work year. This would represent a ~35% increase in trucking capacity given current levels (60-70 logging trucks
operate annually in the supply basin). Additional chip trucks will also likely be required to ensure timely delivery of sawmill
residuals.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
43 | P a g e
APPENDIX C: SAWMILL RESIDUAL ESTIMATION
Sawmill residuals production in the supply basin was estimated through outreach to sawmills and local experts and using
the Ecostrat sawmill residual model. Through outreach, we were able to obtain direct estimates of the annual production
of wood chips, sawdust, shavings, and bark from Freeman Lumber. We were also able to obtain estimates of residuals
production from three other sawmills from a forestry professional with experience working with these mills.
The sawmill residual model was used to produce estimates of wood chip, sawdust, shavings, and bark production as a
function of lumber production (MMBF/year) for the remaining four sawmills. The model uses generic conversion factors
for sawmills. The final residuals estimates must be adjusted using local data because of regional differences in log sizes
and dimensions and sawmill product output and efficiency. The adjustment factors calculated for the four sawmills ranged
from 0.30 to 0.57. A final adjustment factor of 0.4 was selected on the basis of that calculated for Freeman Lumber.
A final residuals availability estimate of 233,643 GMT/yr was calculated using this procedure (Table C-1). The final rated
quantity of 150,000 GMT/yr effectively assumes a capture rate of ~65% for a new biomass-based project in the BDO Zone
for the rated price of $25-$60/GMT. This assumption is supported by feedback received from sawmill owner-operators
and by the extra milling capacity of Freeman Lumber, which is expected to increase annual availability of sawlogs by up to
300,000 GMT/yr as a result of increased harvesting activity for the rated quantity.
Table C-1: Sawmill residuals quantity and price estimates
Estimated total quantity (GMT/yr)
*after applying 0.4 adjustment factor Rated quantity (GMT/yr) Rated price range ($/GMT
FOB)
Wood chips 153,958 100,000 $40-$60
Bark 19,876 15,000 $25-$35
Sawdust 32,701 20,000 $25-$35
Shavings 27,108 15,000 $25-$35
Total 233,643 150,000 $25-$60
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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APPENDIX D: SAWMILLS
Map D-1. Sawmills within and adjacent to supply basin
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
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BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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APPENDIX E: CURRENT COMPETITION
Map E-1. Current competitors for feedstock within 150-km drive distance from Caledonia, NS
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
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BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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APPENDIX F: OTHER CHARTS AND FIGURES
Figure F-1: Biomass supply curve: potential availability as a function of distance from Caledonia, NS
Figure F-2: Nominal diesel prices in Halifax, Nova Scotia, 2013–2023
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
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BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Figure F-3: Real diesel prices in Halifax, Nova Scotia, 2013–2023 (2023 CAD)
Figure F-4: The size of the forestry and logging workforce in Nova Scotia, 1997 -202127
27 Source: Statistics Canada. Table 36-10-0489-01 (formerly CANSIM 383-0031): Labour statistics consistent with the System of National Accounts
(SNA), by job category and industry. (accessed May 20, 2022).
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Table F-1: Forestry and logging workforce initiatives and programs available to Nova Scotians
Program / Initiative Associated Organizations Objective
Forest Machine Operator
Program (High Performance
Logging)
Canadian Woodlands Forum,
BioApplied, Forest Liaison
Forest operations workforce development
Mechanized Forest Equipment
Operator program
New Brunswick Community
College (NBCC), High Performance
Logging
Forest operations workforce development
Forestry Operator Training Forest Liaison Forest operations workforce development
Class 1 Driver – Tractor Trailer Maritime Environmental Training
Institute (METI)
Transportation workforce development
*Unnamed program currently
in development
Nova Scotia Community College
(NSCC), High Performance Logging
Forest operations workforce development
*Unnamed program currently
in development
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship
Agency, Canadian Woodlands
Forum
Forest operations workforce development
*Unnamed program currently
in development
Canadian Woodlands Forum Transportation workforce development
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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APPENDIX G: INFRASTRUCTURE
INFRASTRUCTURE OVERVIEW: SW NOVA SCOTIA
Evaluated Sites
• Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park, District of Chester, Lunenberg County
• Bridgewater Business Park, Bridgewater, Lunenberg County
• Freeman Lumber, Greenfield, Queens County
• Port Mersey Commercial Park, Brooklyn, Queens County
Executive Summary
The four SW NS BDO Zone project development sites are located within Lunenberg and Queens counties. Each site has
unique attributes that are expected to contribute to the successful construction and operation of new biomass-based
facilities. consultation with the Mi’kmaq of NS is recommended for any projects that could impact rights or traditional use.
A simple statement to that effect would be a respectful signal and something that the Municipalities involved, as well as
potential proponents, should consider whether it’s legally required or not. Details are provided below (“Site Overviews”).
All sites have access to the same core regional infrastructure and service, and share many site -level commonalities,
including industrial zoning and on-site office, manufacturing, and warehouse space. The regional road network includes a
primary highway (#103) that links SW NS to the seaport, rail, and logistical infrastructure of Halifax Regional Municipality
(HRM). Secondary and tertiary roads connecting the working forest land base to forest processing facilities and major
highways are frequently trafficked by the regional forest industry. The nearest intermodal railway and seaway access
points are located in Halifax, 100 to 150 km from the evaluated sites.
Regional electricity generation and transmission capacity is owned and operated largely by Emera and its subsidiary Nova
Scotia Power (NSP). Access to renewable energy is expected to continue expanding as the 824 MW Muskrat Falls
hydroelectric generating station in Labrador comes online. The station is connected to Nova Scotia’s transmission
infrastructure via a major undersea transmission line (Maritime Link). The region and the four sites are well serviced by
other essential utilities, including water, waste management systems, and modern telecommunications. The federal and
provincial governments have been actively extending fibre optic coverage in the region in collaboration with Bell Canada.
Dependable emergency services and efficient public works contribute to a positive business environment. Affordable living
options, a moderate climate, an appealing coastal landscape, and a Maritime culture have resulted in net immigration,
ensuring good workforce attraction.
Site Locations & Regional Access
The four potential biomass-based project development sites are located in Lunenberg and Queens counties, in close
proximity to primary and secondary highways relevant to the efficient transportation of primary forest resources (e.g.,
roundwood and sawmill residuals) and finished products (Map G-1). Primary and secondary roads are classed as maximum
weight, permitting gross vehicle weights of up to 62.5 tonnes. Road infrastructure continues to improve as a result of
federal and provincial infrastructure investment programs (see “Regional Infrastructure Investment”). The four sites are
strategically located near highway #103, which connects the region to the rail and port infrastructure of HRM and is in the
process of being upgraded. Given the lack of direct railway services in the region, new bio-projects will require intermodal
containerized transport (drayage) of finished products in order to access the Canadian National Railway and Via Rail trunk
lines located in HRM and which service Canadian and U.S. markets. Transloading logistics and infrastructure capacity in
HRM is adequate for purposes of drayage. Reliable access to seaborne and air cargo transport is also made possible by
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
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BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Highway #103. All sites are within 100-150 km of the Port of Halifax, a major international port that handles over 19 million
tonnes of cargo annually. Halifax Stanfield International Airport is located 100-200 km from the evaluated sites and has
an annual cargo capacity of over 41,000 tonnes.
Map G-1. Locations of the four evaluated infrastructure sites in relation to major roadways and railways
Regional Infrastructure Investment
Major investments in road and municipal infrastructure are made annually by the Government of Canada and the
Government of Nova Scotia. The 2014 Economic Action Plan of Canada introduced the New Building Canada Fund,
dedicating $426 million in capital funding to Nova Scotia from 2014 to 2023. Significant emphasis has been given to
highway development, with top investments including the Sackville-Bedford-Burnside Connector ($86 million), Highway
103 twinning ($66 million), and Highway 101 twinning ($34 million). The Highway 103 project is of direct relevance to new
bio-projects in the SW NS BDO Zone, as the highway is the principal arterial road connecting SW NS to HRM. Continued
improvements are being made to Hwy 103 under provincial funding. Projects include replacement of the current Highway
102/103 interchange structure, the continued twinning of Hwy 103 in Lunenberg County, as well as general enhancements
to existing road layouts (Map G-2). Infrastructure improvement projects are also offered for secondary and tertiary roads;
Nova Scotia’s Capital Plan 2023-24 indicates a total investment of approximately $100 million for secondary highways and
gravel roads. Between 2023 and 2030, the Government of Nova Scotia expects to spend more than $1 billion on road and
bridge infrastructure improvements. These investments are of direct benefit to the wood procurement and final product
sales of biomass-based projects located in SW Nova Scotia.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
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BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Map G-2. Highway 103 Interchange Planning
SW Nova Scotia will also benefit from continued federal and private sector investments in general infrastructure
improvements. A federal investment of $58 million in 2023/24 will be directed towards critical areas such as
environmental sustainability, public transit networks, and water and sewage systems. The Michelin manufacturing facility
in Bridgewater, which is the single largest employer in the region, will benefit from approx. $150 million in public-private
sector funding for an infrastructure expansion project aimed at enhancing the company's facilities and bolstering the
production of electric vehicle tires in Nova Scotia. By leveraging these targeted investments, SW Nova Scotia can further
enhance local infrastructure and provide better commercial access for prospective businesses in the region.
Healthcare
The healthcare system in SW Nova Scotia employs an integrated approach, combining primary to tertiary services and
harnessing advanced technology like Electronic Health Records and telemedicine for streamlined operations and
predictive care. Community engagement and inclusivity form a core pillar of this model, as evidenced by the numerous
community health centers and comprehensive mental health programs, which have contributed to a significant 20%
improvement in mental health outcomes over the past five years. Alongside a 12% increase in skilled healthcare
professionals over the last decade, attributable to a targeted workforce development strategy, the system emphasizes
environmental sustainability, leading to a 30% reduction in carbon emissions through energy-efficient facilities. This
dedication to continuous growth and improvement is further exemplified by Bridgewater's announcement of a $25 million
expansion to its general hospital, underscoring Southern Nova Scotia's ongoing commitment to investing in its healthcare
infrastructure.
Education & Technical Training
Nova Scotia benefits significantly from globally recognized universities, colleges, and technical institutes. These
institutions, including Acadia University, Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University, Nova Scotia Community College,
and several local technical colleges, provide the region with a steady stream of highly skilled professionals. Located in
Wolfville, Acadia University is known for its Business, Computer Science, and Engineering programs, while Saint Mary's
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
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BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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University in Halifax offers strong programs in Commerce, Engineering, and Arts. The Nova Scotia Community College
(NSCC), provides vocational training to more than 20,000 students each year. The NSCC campuses in Lunenburg and
Shelburne contribute to the technical skill base of the region, producing a workforce ready to meet the demands of various
industries.
Forestry workforce development institutions in the Canadian maritime region are advanced relative to other areas of
North America. The High Performance Logging (HPL) initiative of the Canadian Woodlands Forum (CWF), BioApplied, New
Brunswick Community College (NBCC), and Forest Liaison has been in development since 2011. The objective of the
initiative is to increase recruitment and retention of a skilled equipment operator workforce in the Maritimes by working
closely with skilled candidates and logging contractors interested in hiring and retaining entry-level machine operators.
The model has been proven through successful program deliveries in 2016 and 2022. The NSCC and the Nova Scotia
Apprenticeship Agency have also expressed interest in this model of workforce development. Large forest companies in
the region – notably Freeman Lumber – also actively work to develop the contractor base through recruitment and
training. In recent years, the CWF has also demonstrated a proof-of-concept forestry truck operator program in
collaboration with Class 1 licensing in Nova Scotia. With government and industry support, logging and trucking workforce
development programs of this kind could significantly increase supply chain capacity within the BDO Zone. These
organizations and initiatives are supported at the provincial level by the Nova Scotia Forestry Sector Council, which works
to build the forestry workforce in collaboration with the aforementioned training institutions.
Public Safety & Emergency Services
All four sites are subject to environmental risks such as hurricanes, floods, or other severe weather conditions.
Additionally, their proximity to populated areas presents potential risks to the local community in the event of accidents
or malfunctions. Public safety infrastructure in SW Nova Scotia includes several emergency services, including the North
Queens Fire Association in Caledonia and the Chester Volunteer Fire Department in Chester County. The Royal Canadian
Mounted Police (RCMP) provide general policing and emergency response services.
Telecommunications
All sites have access to high-speed internet. The telecommunications network in SW Nova Scotia is provided mainly by
Bell Canada and Eastlink. The provision of speeds up to 1 Gbps in the region allows for fast and secure data transmission,
benefiting various business operations like cloud-based storage and application usage, video conferencing, and real-time
data analysis. In close collaboration with the provincial government’s Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative, fibre optic and
other high-speed internet services continue to expand in SW NS.
Utilities
Electricity transmission and distribution is managed by Emera’s Nova Scotia Power (NSP), annually generating, and
transmitting over 10,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity to roughly 520,000 residential, commercial, and industrial
customers across the province. Average electricity prices for large-power customers (>5,000 kW) in Nova Scotia over the
period 2018 to 2022 are below the national average ($0.11/kWh compared to $0.12/kWh).28 The province’s coal
generating fleet is being phased out by 2030 and is expected to be replaced largely by renewable electricity capacity. The
current share of renewable electricity in the province’s generation portfolio is ~25% and consists of wind (~20%),
hydroelectricity (~12%), and biomass (~3%). The share of renewable electricity is expected to reach 40% by 2030. By this
time, most renewable electricity consumed in the province is expected to be sourced from the 824 MW Muskrat Falls
hydroelectric facility in Labrador, which has experienced technical problems since its completion in 2021. Construction of
28 Statistics Canada. Table 18-10-0204-01 Electric power selling price index, monthly. https://doi.org/10.25318/1810020401-eng
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
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an undersea high voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission line connecting Nova Scotia to the facility was completed in
2017. Natural gas distribution infrastructure is not available in SW NS. Other utilities, including water and sewerage, are
well-maintained and modernized. Water supply infrastructure in Southern Nova Scotia is efficient and managed by various
municipal water services, ensuring a consistent and dependable water supply. Several water treatment facilities that
uphold strict water quality standards are present in the region, making the water suitable for domestic, commercial, and
industrial usage.
Regional Income and Employment
The average unemployment rate in SW Nova Scotia stands at 10%. The median after-tax income for households in SW
Nova Scotia is $53,129 per annum, with 40.2% of the population below $69,999.29 The individual workforce consists of
approximately 65% of full-time workers earning below $60,000 per annum. The average living wage in SW Nova Scotia is
$22.55/hour. The largest industries by employment in SW Nova Scotia are forestry, agriculture, fishing, retail trade,
healthcare, educational services, and public administration. A breakdown of employment status reveals that 81% of the
workforce are employed individuals with a fixed working space, while 12.1% had no fixed working address in the region.
SITE OVERVIEWS
1. Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park (Municipality of the District of Chester, NS)
• Flexible Zoning regulations
• Established bioeconomy manufacturing capacity
• Surplus landfill outputs locally
Physical Infrastructure
Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park is owned by the Municipality of the District of Chester, with several 150-acre lots available
for industrial development at $20,000 per acre. The site is strategically located, providing convenient one hour access to
the Port of Halifax, Halifax City Centre, and Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The park is zoned for heavy industrial
use, including waste-to-energy (landfill gas/biomass) and forestry processing. The availability of three-phase power at land
parcels adjacent to the main road makes this site an excellent location for heavy-duty industrial operations. Other on-site
energy infrastructure includes propane-based heating equipment and a wind turbine. The site includes a graded, gravel
road capable of accommodating industrial transport vehicles as well as weigh scales. Water supply infrastructure includes
an onsite well and septic system, an essential infrastructure feature for biomass-based manufacturing facilities.
29 Ibid.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Map G-3. Kaizer Meadow Park Overview
Logistics
The location of the industrial park offers excellent access to the workforce, intermodal transportation infrastructure, and
commercial markets of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). The site is conveniently located on a public right-of-way,
providing easy access to the nearby provincial series highway, enabling efficient transportation and logistics. Average
travel time to HRM during high-traffic periods is less than 1.5 hours. The site’s proximity to both HRM and the working
forests of Lunenberg, Queens, Annapolis, and Kings counties advantages enterprises involved in value-added biomass-
based manufacturing and marketing.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Map G-4. Kaizer Meadow Local Roads and Highways
Social Infrastructure and Workforce
Kaizer Meadow Industrial Park is located within a one-hour drive distance of HRM and Annapolis Valley, enabling access
to a large potential workforce with technical and business development capabilities. The area is also home to a skillset
aligned with industrial operations, supported by nearby biotechnology companies. Several organizations involved in the
environmental and biomass-based sectors have already established operations within the park, including Sustane
Technologies, Full Circle Environmental Solutions, and the Municipality of Chester’s solid waste facility and environmental
management centre. Property values in the region are approx. $389,000, below the provincial median. Median income is
approximately $54,000.
2. Bridgewater Business Park (Bridgewater, NS)
• SW Nova Scotia’s largest industrial park
• Cleantech development initiatives
• Proven investment attraction leadership
Physical Infrastructure
Bridgewater Business Park, located in Lunenburg County, is SW Nova Scotia's largest industrial park with over 50
businesses and a workforce exceeding 1,500 individuals. A number of industrial-scale manufacturers are located within
the park, the largest of which is a Michelin North America Inc. facility (est. early 1970s) with over 1,200 employees. The
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
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BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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park is also home to several wholesale businesses, government agency offices, and a diverse mix of small and medium-
sized enterprises. The park has abundant undeveloped land available with clear municipal support for future expansion
for both large and small projects. The park is currently expanding north of Highway 103, with new interchange and
connector roads under construction, expected to open for new development by 2025. On-site infrastructure compatible
with industrial manufacturing is well-developed within the park, owing largely to the development of the Michelin plant
over the last 50 years. The Bridgewater Wastewater Treatment Plant, serving Bridgewater Industrial Park, has a treatment
capacity of 5,682 cubic meters per day, ensuring a steady supply of clean water for operational needs. Leveraging the
industrial and economic capacity of the park, the Town of Bridgewater has pursued an aggressive renewable energy
development strategy (“Energize Bridgewater”). The industrial park’s coastal geography provides an ideal environment
for wind energy generation. Several wind energy investments are planned for the area, including the 50 MW Nova Wind
Energy project. These pending investments, coupled with the town's sustainability drive, make Bridgewater Industrial Park
a prime location for businesses looking to tap into the larger renewable energy sector.
Map G-5. Bridgewater Historical Land Expansions
Logistics
Regional road infrastructure is also conducive to economic development and biomass-based manufacturing facilities.
Highway 103 facilitates a <1.5-hour drive to and from Halifax, thereby facilitating inter-city commercial movement and
residential transport/commutes. Easy access to the broader SW NS region is made possible by proximity to Highways 8,
10, and 12. Route 325 and Route 331 further extend the road connectivity, linking the town to the Freeman Lumber
sawmill and providing multiple routes for transportation of goods and services. A new interchange is also in development,
linking the park to over 120 acres of additional development space.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Map G-6. Bridgewater Local Roads and Highways
Social Infrastructure and Workforce
The industrial park has a diverse and skilled labour market, influenced by continued business creation and capacity
expansions. The total population within a 30-minute travel time exceeds 60,000 residents, providing businesses with
access to a significant workforce and local customer base. Bridgewater's property market is compatible with a range of
preferences and income levels, enhancing the appeal for potential workers with an average house price of $397,500
(2022). The median income for full-time employed individuals in the Town of Bridgewater is approximately $53,000.
3. Freeman Lumber (Greenfield, NS)
• Significant biomass procurement advantages
• Surplus adjacent land parcels available
• Flexible heavy industrial zoning
Physical Infrastructure
Freeman Lumber is a fully optimized lumber manufacturing facility located in Greenfield, Queens County, with a capacity
of 135 million board feet (MMBF) per year and a recent production level of ~110 MMBF per year. The site has significant
wood fibre procurement advantages due to its large annual throughput of sawlogs (~500,000 GMT/yr), generating over
85% of the sawmill residuals produced within the BDO Zone annually (~250,000 GMT/yr). The mill is located in proximity
to the private and public working forests of the region. The site features newly cleared lands specifically zoned for heavy
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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industrial development and construction. Site infrastructure includes three-phase power, an on-site well and septic
system, and a siltation system that can accommodate additional capacity. Biomass handling and receiving infrastructure,
including loaders and weigh scales, are also available. The facility uses a fraction of its annual residuals production for
internal process heat requirements.
Map G-7. Freeman Lumber Facility (Greenfield)
Map G-8. Freeman Lumber Local Roads and Highways
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Logistics
Freeman Lumber is located in close proximity to actively managed private and public forests, including larger tracts
managed by WestFor and private companies. All primary and secondary roads in proximity to the site have maximum
weight designations and are frequently trafficked by B-train configurations for roundwood and residuals shipping and
receiving. An additional secondary road is being constructed to provide easier entry to the newly cleared section of the
site. This improves the site's overall accessibility and further facilitates the efficient transportation of goods and materials
flowing from the prospective site.
Social Infrastructure and Workforce
Freeman Lumber is the largest employer in Queen’s County and has a proven track record for hiring, procurement, and
logistics. The sawmill has well-established relationships with its workforce of over 180 journeymen, contractors, and
business development specialists and with the region’s forest processing facilities and broader logging contractor base.
The mill also has an established project management network, including for project construction, operations, and logistics
that prospective bio-projects can draw upon.
4. Port Mersey Commercial Park (Brooklyn, NS)
• Major land parcels for development
• Marine access (60m wharf)
• Access to local cogeneration (excess steam, natural gas, diesel and electric)
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Physical Infrastructure
Port Mersey Commercial Park is a 60-acre site in Queens County. The site was formerly occupied by the Bowater Mersey
Paper Company Limited, which procured approx. 350,000 GMT/yr of low grade roundwood for purposes of pulp
production up until its closure in 2012. The site retains features that were necessary for the success of the former
manufacturing facility, including a 550-foot active wharf, a robust local power grid with capacity for interconnection with
an adjacent biomass-based power producer (Brooklyn Power), and significant industrial water supply. The park is owned
by the Province of Nova Scotia and is zoned for medium-sized industrial activities. The site also benefits from adjacent
provincially-owned land that is eligible for industrial development. The space offers flexible options for a variety of
development plans, accommodating both large and small-scale biomass-based projects. The location has already
undergone Phase 1 and 2 environmental site assessments. The existing manufacturing and processing facilities onsite have
the potential to contribute surplus inputs (i.e., forestry and animal feed byproducts), enabling synergistic business
relations and efficiencies. Three-phase power, high-pressure steam, and diesel and natural gas fueling receivers are all
available on site. The site also includes a 190-meter-long wharf that can accommodate smaller commercial vessels no
longer than 20 meters in length. An offsite treatment facility is available to handle waste and byproducts, which provides
lower operational expenses for prospective businesses to the site.
Logistics
The park provides direct access to Highway No.3 and has a park-owned highway that connects to the nearby 100 Series
highway. Port Mersey's proximity to key transport routes is pivotal for the industrial area's success. Paved public access
roads accommodate industrial transport vehicles. The site's flat and predominantly paved topology simplifies construction
and transportation processes for developers.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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Map G-9. Port Mersey Local Roads and Highways
Social Infrastructure and Workforce
The industrial hub of Port Mersey has an established technical workforce and is within a 35 -minute drive of the Town of
Bridgewater. The Brooklyn Power facility and a couple biotechnology companies have contributed to the development of
a local workforce familiar with bioproduct marketing and biomass supply chain management. Housing trends in the region
are reflective of wider Nova Scotia trends, with the 2023 data indicating a steady increase in property values. The average
price of a house in Queens County is about CAD $290,900 providing affordable housing options for the region, and
relocation incentives for workforce settlement. The region has a median household income of $71,500.
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Rating | BDO Zone Designation: Southwest Nova Scotia
Date of Issue: September 20, 2023
BDO Zone Rating: ‘A’
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APPENDIX H: LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This BDO Zone Rating (the “Rating”) is prepared for, and provided to, Nova Scotia Innovation Hub, and is intended to be
read and used in its entirety and not in parts. Separation or alteration of any section or page from the main body of this
Rating is expressly forbidden. In preparing this Rating, Ecostrat has used information obtained from third pa rties or
otherwise publicly available. All such information has not been independently validated, verified, or confirmed by Ecostrat
(except where otherwise specifically indicated) and Ecostrat makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or
completeness of any information provided by third parties or otherwise publicly available.
Neither Ecostrat nor the members of the BDO Zone Advisory Committee make any representation or warranty as to the
accuracy or completeness of the information and content in this Rating and shall have and accept no liability for any
statements, opinions, information or matters (expressed or implied) arising out of, contained in or derived from this Rating
or any omissions from this Rating, or any other written or oral communication transmitted or made available to any other
party in relation to the subject matter of this Rating. Any use which a third party makes of this Rating, or any reliance on
or decisions to be made based on it, are the responsibility of such third parties. Decisions made, or actions taken based
on or resulting from Ecostrat’s work product shall be the responsibility of the parties directly involved in those decisions
or actions. There are no third-party beneficiaries with respect to this Rating, and Ecostrat expressly disclaims any liability
whatsoever (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) to any third party. Ecostrat makes no representation or warranty
(express or implied) to any third party in relation to this Rating. A decision by any entity to disclose this Rating to the public
or privately to a limited number of potential institutional accredited investors or other qualified investors shall not
constitute any permission, waiver, or consent from Ecostrat for any third party to rely on this Rating except for
informational purposes, and as such, is provided on such basis. Access to this Rating and its use by any third party implies
acceptance by the third party of the terms and conditions contained in this section and other parts of this Rating.
All information included is based on information available on the date hereof and neither Ecostrat nor the members of
the BDO Zone Advisory Committee are under any obligation to update the information herein. No investor, security holder,
or other person should rely on the content of this report in any way in connection with the purchase or sale of any security.