Region of Queens Municipality

  • Region of Queens Municipality receives the Mel Hebb Hourglass Community Action Award

    On May 29, 2023, Region of Queens Municipality was presented with the Mel Hebb Hourglass Community Action Award at an awards ceremony in Halifax to mark the start of National AccessAbility Week.

    Pictured are Region of Queens Municipality’s Mayor Darlene Norman (centre) with the Municipality’s Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator, Elise Johnston, receiving the award from Taylah Carvery (left), Mel Hebb’s granddaughter. Photo Credit: Government of Nova Scotia

    The Award recognizes the work of the Municipality in improving access and disability inclusion in our communities. Region of Queens Municipality is a leader in accessibility and inclusion, thanks in part to the formation and subsequent actions of the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) and Diversity and Inclusion Action Team (DIAT), both of which are committees of council, along with Council’s decision to create full time staff positions to facilitate and implement the work of the committees, and actions taken to ensure Municipal facilities and operations are accessible. Their combined work has led to many improvements to municipally owned facilities, and many community organizations have received support and funding for projects and programs to improve and increase accessibility and inclusion.

    The Mel Hebb Hourglass Awards are named in honour of a man who had polio at age 9 and was disabled because of the illness. Through determination and advocacy, he pushed for more accessibility in Nova Scotia, completed university, had a 37-year career in management, a successful marriage and family life, and a lifetime of activism for the disabled people. The Community Action Award recognizes communities and municipalities dedicated to increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities in their area. This includes recreation opportunities, inclusive education, and employment opportunities or other initiatives that lead to full participation for persons with disabilities.

    Region of Queens Municipality Honoured with Mel Hebb Hourglass Community Action Award

  • Region of Queens Municipality Impacted by Province of Nova Scotia’s Cybersecurity Breach

    June 15, 2023: On May 29 and 30, 2023, a cybersecurity breach impacted data files in the MOVEIt file transfer system used by the government of Nova Scotia and other organizations to transfer large files. Region of Queens Municipality has been identified as one of the organizations with files impacted. Approximately 17,500 municipal tax account files and water utility files were impacted by the breach.

    Region of Queens Municipality has been working with the province of Nova Scotia, and have reviewed and examined the files. The data involved in the breach were tax account information and those on the municipal water utility system, including account numbers, names, addresses, payment amounts, and account balance. No personal, sensitive information, or financial information was saved in the files, and therefore not exposed in the breach. Duplication of names make it challenging to get exact number of people, businesses and organizations impacted.

    The public is urged to be aware of scammers who may use information such as this to their advantage. Region of Queens Municipality does not call property owners or water utility customers requesting payment information for accounts. Accounts may be paid by credit card by calling 902-354-3453, or online https://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/finance/bill-payment-options or in person at the Administration Building, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool. Residents are urged to watch their financial transactions and notify their bank if anything is unexpected.

    Although phone numbers were not included in Region of Queens files, people are reminded not to share personal information on the phone, such as financial information, social insurance numbers, birth dates, etc.

    If the provincial government notifies you about your information being impacted in the breach, they will not ask for your health card, social insurance number, banking information, other personal information, or money. Sometimes there are phishing or scam attempts that try to use a privacy breach to steal additional information. Be safe and don’t give anyone your personal information if asked.

    As more information is available, check the website the province has set up: https://novascotia.ca/privacy-breach/ .

  • Updates from Region of Queens Municipality’s Emergency Management Organization (EMO)

    June 13, 2023:  The Province has lifted the province wide burn ban.  Please follow the guidance on the Burn Safe website, which is updated daily at 2 p.m.: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/

    Remember, there is no burning between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on ANY DAY , regardless of the burning restrictions.
    *********************************
    June 6, 2023:     The Special Weather Statement is no longer in effect.  Please note that the province wide ban on outdoor fires and fireworks remains in effect.

    *********************
    June 1, 2023:      Region of Queens Municipality’s Emergency Management Organization (EMO) has offered Shelburne County EMO assistance, and is working with them preparing for their future needs resulting from the devasting wildfires.

    If you know evacuees from Shelburne County, please check in with them to ensure they have registered with the Red Cross.  Registering helps EMO to know that the resident is no longer in the evacuated area, and registers them for the provincial funding of $500 per household required to evacuate because of the recent fires.  Only one person in their household needs to register. As soon as their address is verified, funds will be disbursed via e-transfer.  Call 1-800-863-6582 to register, or online at: https://register.redcross.ca/en/registration/nova-scotia-wildfires-2023/

  • Public Notice: Community Well Reopens

    May 31, 2023; Liverpool, NS: Following an extended closure, Cowie Well in Liverpool, NS has reopened for public use. The well has received approval from Nova Scotia Department of Environment (NSE) to reopen, following a series of tests showing that the water meets the criteria required by the Nova Scotia Water and Wastewater Facilities and Public Drinking Water Supplies Regulations. Cowie Well has been closed since April 3, 2023 after weekly sampling tested positive for total coliforms. The well remained closed while staff undertook technical assessment and subsequent system upgrades.

    As part of the 2023/2024 operating budget, Council approved upgrades to Cowie Well to ensure its confident operation. Upgrades included a new filtration system, UV disinfection system, dehumidification system, sampling port, plumbing lines, and sterilization and sealing of the process area.

    Upon completion of the enhancements, multiple water samples were analyzed for microbiology and chemical composition at an accredited laboratory. Testing results were submitted to NSE for approval and approval was granted to reopen on May 31, 2023.

  • Property Tax Bills

    The Region of Queens Municipality 2023/2024 property tax bills were initially issued on May 12, 2023.  Due to a potential mailing error beyond our control, some bills may have been lost in transit.  In an effort to ensure all bills are received by property owners, some invoices have been re-issued.  

    Thank you,

    Region of Queens Municipality Property Tax Department

  • Public Shower Facilities for Queens County Residents Experiencing Dry Wells, Homelessness, or Housing Related Issues

    May 18, 2023: Queens Place Emera Centre will be opening a public shower facility for residents of Queens County experiencing homelessness, housing related issues or dry wells. Queens Place Emera Centre is located at 50 Queens Place Dr., Liverpool, NS.

    Start Date: Friday, May 19, 2023
    End Date: To be determined
    Note: There may be times due to facility events and activities where the service is not available. Advance notice will be provided in these instances.

    Showers will be available:
    Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    Please bring your own towel and toiletries.

    Timeslots: 20 minute increments for family units of 1-2 persons.
                      Family units of 3+ persons have one 30 minute timeslot.

    Residents can reserve timeslots by phoning the Customer Service Desk at 902-354-4422 during open hours of operation. Reserving a time in advance is not required, but is strongly encouraged to ensure the shower facilities are available upon arrival.

    Upon arrival, check in at the Customer Service Desk and sign out the dressing room key.

  • Media Release: Affordable Housing Development in Queens County Receives Municipal Support

    May 17, 2023, Liverpool, NS: Affordable housing is needed in Queens County, and the volunteers of Queens Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Ltd. (QNCH) are working to fill that need, with generous support from Region of Queens Municipality’s Council. Funding in the amount of $203,200 was approved in the Region of Queens Municipality’s 2023-2024 operating budget for QNCH to complete predevelopment work for 26 affordable housing units to be constructed in Liverpool.

    The Municipal funding will help to cover work such as project management fees, architectural drawings, engineering fees (civil, structural, electrical, & mechanical), landscape architect, and class b costing, as well as initial site clearing, road access excavation and test pits on the site of what is anticipated to be a development that will be around $6 million.

    “Council is pleased to support this much needed affordable housing project, and greatly appreciate the hard work and passion the members of Queens Neighbourhood Cooperative Housing Ltd. have for this project. As Queens County’s population grows, there is an increasing need in all areas of Queens for all types of housing. The vision of Queens Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Ltd. to proceed with a project of this magnitude is commendable! Region of Queens Municipality is happy to provide funds and land to help move this important build forward,” said Mayor Darlene Norman.

    In November, 2022, Council approved the sale of 4 adjoining lots bounded by Lawrence St., Trestle Trail, Amherst St., and the Queens St. extension to QNCH for $1.00. In the months since the approval of the land sale, Board members of QNCH have met with Housing Nova Scotia, CMHC, the Community Housing Transformation Centre and other agencies, and have applied for provincial and federal grants, as well as funding from non-governmental organizations.

    “The non-profit housing co-operative was a spin-off of Queens Care Society, an advocacy group for seniors”, says Patti Pike, President of Queens Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Ltd. “We have a focus on seniors but recognize that people of all ages are finding it challenging to find quality homes. This affordable, energy efficient and barrier-free build will provide intergenerational and inclusive spaces for Queens County residents.”

    “Without the significant support and confidence of Mayor Norman, Council and administration of the Region, we wouldn’t be in a position to begin a build. Our MLA and the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs have been there as well since the beginning. With our dedicated consultants from Inclusive Homes Consulting, and the dedicated volunteers on the Board and committees, we are confident that we can provide affordable housing for people in Queens County,” said Pike.

    QNHC Board with Mayor Norman and Inclusive Homes Consulting

    Pictured accepting the cheque from Mayor Norman are Queens Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Ltd. (QNCH) board members and representatives of Inclusive Home Consulting. 

    Left to right: Susan MacLeod (QNCH), Randi Dickie (QNCH), Eric Goulden (QNCH), Lorna MacPherson (QNCH), Henri Frielink (QNCH), Janice Wentzell (QNCH), Patti Pike (President of QNCH), Mayor Darlene Norman, and from Inclusive Home Consulting, Earl Mielke and Michael Blair.

  • Region of Queens Tipping Fee Schedule 2023-2024

    Click the link to see the current Tipping Fee Schedule as a readable pdf (or refer to the chart below):  Region of Queens Tipping Fee Schedule – 2023/2024

    1. Queens Residential fees noted as “no charge” shall be on the basis of four (4) visits in any one month with delivery in a non-commercial vehicle (and/or trailer) of less than one tonne capacity and delivered directly from each resident’s household.
    2. Any loads that contain a partial content of a higher fee material will be charged at the higher fee for the entire load.
    3. Sorted Construction & Demolition Material fees will apply to separately delivered lumber, wood products, asphalt, or gypsum board.
    4. Compostable Organic Material fees will vary monthly as experienced by Queens direct cost of processing and trucking.

    Effective: April 1, 2023

    Tipping Fee Schedule 2023

  • Flags at Mast: April 18 & April 19

    Flags at the Region of Queens Municipality’s Administration Building and Queens Place Emera Centre will be flown at half mast on April 18 and April 19 to honour and remember the lives of the 22 people and an unborn child who were killed in the mass shooting in Nova Scotia on these dates in 2020.

    Please pause for a moment at 12 noon on April 18 & April 19 to reflect on the events that took place three years ago, remember those who lost their lives, and honour the survivors.

    The province of Nova Scotia has issued a media release: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20230414003

  • Flag on Special Purpose Flagpole: April 16 – 22, 2023 is National Volunteer Week

    National Volunteer Week is April 16 – 22, 2023! It’s a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 24 million volunteers, especially the local volunteers who make our communities stronger. The theme this year is “Volunteering Weaves Us Together”, a reminder of the time, talent and energy volunteers share to strengthen the fabric of our community.

     Volunteering helps us find friendship, develop trust, and gain belonging. We become more deeply connected to our community and create a sense of unity, which builds on our capacity to work collectively and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive society. Canadians have dedicated approximately 5 billion hours to volunteer activities! That’s something worth celebrating! How has volunteering impacted your life? Share your stories!

     Learn more: https://volunteer.ca/nvw

     #VolunteerWeek #VolunteersMakeADifference #WeLoveVolunteers

  • Spring Clean-up

    This year’s Spring Clean-up Collection will be held during the weeks of April 17 to April 21, 2023 and April 24 to April 28, 2023 on your regular collection day.

    Generally, items acceptable for pick-up are over-sized items and items not regularly collected on your regular collection day.  These items shall not exceed 150 lbs. in weight or 6 feet in length.  Items that will NOT be collected are Leaf and Yard Waste, Household Hazardous Waste, Building Demolition Waste, Tires, Propane Tanks and Electronics (Computers and TVs, etc.).

    It is essential that your regular household garbage (black bags), blue bags, cardboard and compost be kept separate from the spring clean-up items.

    Scott LeBlanc, Solid Waste Clerk

    902-354-3455

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