Region of Queens Municipality

  • Notice: Water Disruption, Main Street, Liverpool

    Monday, June 1st, 2026:  Municipal contractors will be conducting repairs to the water distribution system, as a result of their construction works, which will impact customers on Main Street between Wentworth Street and School Street, and potentially the surrounding area.

    Every effort will be made to minimize water service disruption to water utility customers during the necessary repair.  An update will be provided at approximately 3:00 pm on Monday June 1, 2026.

  • Special Purpose Flagpole: Access Awareness Week

    May 31 – June 6, 2026 is Access Awareness Week in Nova Scotia. Region of Queens Municipality is flying the Nova Scotia Accessibility Awareness Flag on the Special Purpose flagpole at Astor Theatre Arts & Cultural Centre, 219 Main St. Liverpool, NS to mark Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia.

    Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to champion Access Awareness Week as an extension of Rick Hansen’s 1987 Man in Motion World Tour, with a purpose to change the narrative for persons with disabilities by raising awareness and taking action on disability issues.

    Access Awareness Week gives Nova Scotians a chance to learn about the work of disability advocates and leaders across the province, while better understanding the barriers that still exist for persons with disabilities.

    Find events, videos, and resources online at: https://nsleo.com/access-awareness-week-nova-scotia/

  • UPDATE – PUBLIC NOTICE: BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR COWIE WELL ENDED

    (Issued at 4:40 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026)

    Following the completion of water sample testing at Cowie Well in Liverpool, Nova Scotia Public Health has advised today that Region of Queens Municipality may end the boil advisory, effective immediately, that has been in effect for water drawn from Cowie Well over the past week.

    Samples taken from the site continue to indicate that there is no contamination of water drawn from Cowie Well, and that the water may therefore be safely consumed without first boiling.

    Region of Queens Municipality wishes to thank our residents who rely on Cowie Well for their patience and understanding, and for following the boil water advisory that was issued as Nova Scotia Public Health proceeded with its investigation of a suspected case of E.coli in the area.

    As a reminder, you can track Region of Queens’ regularly weekly testing of water at Cowie Well on our website at https://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/works/water-utility/.

    UPDATE – PUBLIC NOTICE: COWIE WELL — Issued on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 1:40 p.m.

    In consultation with Nova Scotia Public Health, Cowie Well, located at 733 Main St., Liverpool, has reopened under a boil water advisory. 

    Prior to using water from Cowie Well, water must be boiled for at least one minute after it reaches a rolling boil before using the water for any purpose that may result in consumption, such as drinking, preparing infant formulas, preparing juices and ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, or dental hygiene, etc.

    The boil water advisory for water taken from Cowie Well shall remain in effect until further notice.

    Signage has been posted at the well to advise users of the boil water advisory.

    Nova Scotia Public Health is continuing its investigation into the source of a suspected case of E. coli in the area. The Region of Queens Municipality continues to assist in that effort. The investigation may take several days to complete.

    PLEASE NOTE – Cowie Well is not part of the Region of Queens Water Utility, and Water Utility customers are NOT affected by the boil water advisory.  The boil water advisory only applies to water collected from Cowie Well.

    Additional public updates will be provided as they become available.

    Issued on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 8:40 a.m.

    During the evening of Thursday, May 21, 2026, Region of Queens Municipality was contacted by Nova Scotia Public Health advising that they were investigating a suspected case of E. coli. in the area.

    In the process of carrying out its investigation, the affected individual reported to Nova Scotia Public Health that they had recently accessed water from Cowie Well (located at 733 main St., Liverpool).

    Nova Scotia Health and Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change posted signage at the Cowie Well to advise users and, after receiving notification, municipal staff turned off public water service access at Cowie Well. Water access at Cowie Well will remain closed until further notice.

    Region of Queens Municipality is supporting Nova Scotia Public Health in its investigation.

    ABOUT COWIE WELL
    The public water source at Cowie Well is a filtered and UV disinfected water source.

    Water at the well is tested weekly for contaminants, including E. coli. The most recent testing conducted at the well on Tuesday, May 19, returned showing no signs of contamination.

    Results from weekly water testing at Cowie Well are fully available to the public on the Region’s website at https://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/works/water-utility/.

    With the investigation continuing and based on information available at this time, the Region of Queens advises the public that out of an abundance of caution water taken from Cowie Well should be boiled for at least one minute then allowed to cool before consuming.

    We will continue to share additional information with the public as it becomes available from Nova Scotia Public Health. If you have questions, you can contact the Region of Queens at 902-354-7170.

    ________________________________________________________________

    PUBLIC NOTICE
    Originally issued on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10:14 p.m.; updated at 11:09 p.m.

    Please be advised that Cowie Well is closed to public use until further notice.

    Out of an abundance of caution, we are also advising at this time that water retrieved from the well on Wednesday, May 20, or Thursday, May 21, not be consumed.

    A further update will be provided on Friday as soon as additional information becomes available.

  • Notice: Construction Work – Detours and Traffic Control

    Work to upgrade the lift station located near the Liverpool bridge, has started on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The work is focused on the one-way section of Henry Hensey Drive (the entrance to the parking lot from the bridge). Entry and exit on Henry Hensey Drive is still available, and there is signage and traffic control in place. Construction is expected to continue through to the week of June 1 – 5, 2026.

    Motorists can expect that there may be brief delays during periods of construction. For further updates on this project (and other projects underway), please refer to the Projects page on the Region of Queens’ website: https://www.regionofqueens.com/master-directory/region-of-queens-infrastructure-projects-map/

  • Public Engagement has begun for the Region of Queens Land Use Planning Update

    May 28, 2026; Liverpool, NS: On May 28, the Region of Queens launched the first round of public engagement for the Land Use Planning Update Project. This project will review the Municipality’s current Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) documents and make updates based on technical expertise and community input. Since the documents were adopted in 2022, the municipality has experienced an increase in population and development. This project is an exciting opportunity to assess what has been working well and where there is room for improvement.

    The Municipality will work closely with residents, businesses, and stakeholders throughout the process to ensure that the updated planning documents reflect the needs and values of the community. Over the next seven months, there will be several opportunities to participate in the planning process and share your input, including: 

    • Initial Engagement Phase, launching May 28, 2026: This phase includes opportunities for community members to participate both in-person and online. Engagement activities will focus on understanding current challenges, opportunities, and aspirations for the future of the Region of Queens. The information gathered during this phase will be summarized and used to inform the development of the draft planning documents and policy directions.
    • Draft Plan Engagement, Fall 2026: This will be an opportunity for community members to review the draft planning documents and provide comments on what they like, dislike, and think is missing. Feedback from this round will be integrated into the planning documents as appropriate.

    Public engagement opportunities available during the first phase of the project include:

    Online Engagement Activities

    • An online mapping activity, as well as a “Community Questions” activity will be available starting on May 28th, and a public survey will launch on June 9th.

    Online Launch Meeting

    • The online project launch meeting is on Zoom on Tuesday, June 9th from 6:30 to 7:30pm. The meeting will include a short presentation about the project and planning more generally, and there will be a Q&A at the end to answer resident questions. To register, please click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BvDbyyKySrW3O5__wtI5rA

    In-person Community Workshops

    • The project team will be hosting a series of in-person workshops across the municipality. These workshops will include a short presentation to introduce the project and provide an introduction to planning more generally, following by topic specific discussions tailored to the unique communities. For more information about the community workshops and to find the event happening closest to you, please visit https://speakupland.ca/queens-plan.

  • Volunteer Opportunity – Community Monitoring Committee

    We are seeking volunteers to join the Queens Solid Waste Management Facility Community Monitoring Committee. This committee plays an important role in connecting the community with facility operations by:

    • Bringing forward community questions, concerns, and feedback
    • Reviewing environmental monitoring and annual operations reports
    • Providing input on facility operations, programs, and future planning
    • Discussing waste trends, education efforts, and potential impacts

    This is a great opportunity to stay informed, contribute to environmental stewardship, and help shape how the facility operates within the community. No technical background required, just an interest in your community and the environment.

    Interested? Contact Public Works at (902) 354-7170 to learn more or apply.

  • Notice of Intent to Consider Second Reading

    BYLAW NO. 27 – PRIVATE ROAD MAINTENANCE FEES

    Council of Region of Queens Municipality will consider second reading of Bylaw No. 27 – Private Road Maintenance Fees, at the Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chamber, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, NS.

    OBJECT OF THE BYLAW:  Bylaw No. 27 establishes the framework under which lot owners’ associations and small community applicants may apply to have private road maintenance and improvement charges levied and collected by the Municipality on their behalf.

    A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected at the Municipal Administration Building, located at 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, NS, during the regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on the Municipal website at www.regionofqueens.com.

    Dated: May 27, 2026

    Angela Green, Municipal Clerk

    Staff Report and Draft Bylaw

  • Open for the Season: Spraypad at Etli Militam’k Universally Designed Playground

    The sun is out and the fun is ready to begin! Starting today, the Etli Militam’k Universally Designed Spraypad is open for the season! It’s a great way to cool down and have fun! The spraypad and the playground are designed for all ages and abilities to play and enjoy time outdoors!

    The spraypad is located at 20 Old Cobb Barn Road, on the grounds of Queens Place Emera Centre .

    (please note: the blue spray cannon is currently out of order and will be back in service as soon as possible).

  • UPDATE: Wildfire In community of East Port L’Hebert, Queens County

    Issued on May 21, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. 

    The Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has advised this morning that the wildfire in East Port L’Hebert is under control.   

    Although the fire is now classified as “under control”, that does not mean that the fire has been extinguished. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and fire fighters will continue to work to put the fire out today. 

    Thank you to the hard-working fire crew from DNR, Nova Scotia’s four 802 fixed-wing air tankers and bird dog (helicopter) doing water drops, volunteer fire departments from Queens, Shelburne, and Lunenburg Counties, RCMP, EHS, and DEM members who responded to yesterday’s call in the extreme heat.   

    Thank you for keeping the community safe! 

    __________________________________________________________________________

    Issued on May 20, 2026, at 4:56 p.m.

    Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, with support from several Queens County fire departments, are on the scene of a wildfire in the community of East Port L’Herbert.

    Residents are asked to stay out of the area to allow fire fighters to do their work.  If there is a change in the situation, we will post an update.

  • 2026-2027 Tax Bills Are on the Way 

     The 2026-2027 Operating Budget was approved by Council on April 28, 2026, setting the tax rate for the year and marking the fifth year in a row there is no increase to the base tax rate. With budget approved and the tax rate set, residents can expect to receive their tax bills shortly. 
     
    WHEN WILL MY BILL ARRIVE? 
    Tax bills have been printed, and international and US bills were sent by mail on Friday, May 8, 2026.  This week, tax bills will be mailed to Queens County property owners in the local area and all across Canada. Property owners who have signed up for e-billing will have access to their tax bill in their email now.  

    Region of Queens issues approximately 15,000 tax invoices to all property owners once a year. Unlike many municipalities in Nova Scotia, Region of Queens tax rates include services such as street lighting, garbage collection, and paving. 

    WHEN ARE MY TAXES DUE? 
    Tax bills are dated June 1, 2026, and payments received prior to July 1, 2026, will have no interest charges applied.  

    WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?  
    There are several ways to pay your Region of Queens Municipality invoice: 

    • With cash, debit or cheque in person at the Municipal Administration Building, located at 249 White Point Road, Liverpool 
    • By mailing a cheque to:  Region of Queens Municipality, PO Box 1264, Liverpool, NS  B0T 1K0 
    • At most banks in Canada 
    • International Wire/Direct Deposit 

    HOW ARE MY TAXES CALCULATED? 

    Property taxes in the Region of Queens are calculated by applying the applicable tax rate to every $100 in assessed property value.  For example, if your residential property is assessed at $200,000, and your tax rate in District 1 – 12 is $1.07 per $100 assessed value, the total tax due is $2,140.  If your residential property is in tax District 13, the rate is $1.915, so a property valued at $200,000 would have a tax bill of $3,830. Some tax districts have area rates, and some have hydrant rates that are dependent on how close they are to fire hydrants.  

    The assessed value of a property is determined by an independent organization, the Property Valuation Services Corporation, a company that performs the valuation services for all properties in Nova Scotia. HST is not applicable on property taxes. 

    IS THERE ANY SUPPORT FOR LOW-INCOME TAX PAYERS? 

    An exemption amount of no more than $550.00 from taxation on a residential property tax bill was approved by Council for the taxation year April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Requests for the 2026/2027 fiscal year must be received prior to February 28, 2027. Submission for a tax exemption must be accompanied by a copy of the applicants’ Income Tax Notice of Assessment for 2025.  For details, go to the website https://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/finance/property-taxes/ or call us at 902-354-3453. 
     

    WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR MY TAX BILLS HASN’T ARRIVED? 

    For property owners who live in Canada, if you have not received your Region of Queens Municipal tax bill by the end of May, please call Region of Queens Municipality’s Administration Office at 902-354-3453.

  • UPDATE: Water Service has been Restored on College Street and Barss Street, Liverpool

    As of 4;30 p.m., water service has been restored on College Street and Barss Street in Liverpool. Lines have been flushed and if customers experience discoloured water, please let let the cold water tap run for 5-10 minutes until the water runs clear.
    __________________________________________________

    Notice: Upcoming Water Main Work – Traffic Disruption and Water Discolouration

    On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, residents in the area surrounding College Street and Barss Street, Liverpool may notice temporary water discoloration due to planned water main work. Residents of College Street and two properties on Barss Street will have no water service starting at 8:30 a.m. Work is anticipated to be completed by 5 pm today.

    Running taps for 5–10 minutes after work is complete should resolve any discoloration. If discolouration persists, please contact Public Works at (902) 354-7170. Updates will be provided on the RQM website as more information becomes available.

    Detours remain in place. There is pedestrian access and access to residences on College Street (local access). Please note that the intersection of Barss St. and College Street is under construction, and there is no access to Barss Street from College Street.

    _______________________________

    May 11, 2026: Starting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, detours and traffic control will be in place for planned water main replacement and extension on a section of College Street in Liverpool.  The project will begin on May 12 with mobilization of equipment and site preparations and will continue May 13.  Detour signage will be in place to reroute motorists around the work area which includes traffic control. College Street from Waterloo Street to Pleasant Avenue will be closed during the work, and a portion of Barss Street where it intersects College Street will also be closed on May 12 & 13.

    Due to the work on the water system, water utility customers around College and Barss Streets will experience temporary discolouration of water on May 13.  Residents of College Street and two properties on Barss Street will have no water service starting at 8:30 a.m. Work is anticipated to be completed by 5 pm. Once the work has been completed, customers should run their cold water tap for 5 – 10 minutes until the water runs clear. 

    After the work on May 13 is finished, only the section of College Street from Barrs Street to Pleasant Ave. will remain closed, with detour signs as needed. 

    Please note, pedestrian access and vehicular access for residents of the area will continue during the work, except for no vehicular access on the one-way section of College Street located between Barrs Street and Pleasant Ave. 

    A graphic of the detailed traffic control plan for May 12 & 13  is available by clicking here. 

    Ongoing updates will be posted as work advances.  Please refer to the website for updates www.queens.ca or Region of Queens’ page on Facebook.

  • Notice: Applications Currently Being Accepted for the Solid Waste Community Litter Collection Program

    Region of Queens Municipality’s Solid Waste Community Litter Collection Program is now open and accepting applications from Queens County-based registered nonprofit organizations.

    The program was established in 2018 and provides funding to groups that complete litter clean-up for a portion of highway in their community. Approved groups will receive $125 per kilometre (both sides of the highway) for one clean-up per year for a maximum of 5 kilometres in a location authorized by Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR).

    Each year since the program was established, Council has approved funding in the Municipality’s budgets to support this initiative. Region of Queens will collect and dispose of the collected waste from approved clean ups.

    Interested in cleaning up an area but not applying for funding?

    • Residents or community members who would like to clean up litter on a volunteer basis can still participate. Individuals or groups may apply to the Municipality to receive free litter collection bags. These bags can be placed at the roadside after the clean-up and will be picked up with regular garbage collection, allowing the collected litter to be disposed of at no cost.

    Please go to our website to learn more about the program, and to download the guidelines and application form, and contact information should you have questions about the program (click here).

    Funds are available on a first come first served basis, until the funding is gone. 

    Permits are available on the Adopt-A-Highway website https://www.nsadoptahighway.ca/register-today/

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