May 8, 2018; Liverpool, NS:  Volunteers are the backbone of any community, offering wide variety essential and recreational programs.  At the May 8, 2018 Region of Queens Municipality’s Regular Council meeting, Council approved a total of $10,000 to six recreational organizations through the Facility Development Assistance Program.

 
“From roofs to floors, new construction to repairs and renovations, the funding awarded today will help these organizations to offer their programs and services more efficiently, in locations all over Queens.  Council is pleased to support these organizations, and we look forward to seeing the groups continue their great work in our communities,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.

The Facility Development Assistance Program offers assistance to community groups in making renovations, construction, or acquisition of facilities for public recreational purposes.  Community groups are required to provide half of the project funding through their own fundraising efforts or though in-kind contributions, and may request up to half of the project budget through a Facility Development Assistance Grant.  One Major category grant is given each year, in the amount of $5,000, to a project with a minimum budget of $10,000.  This year, the Milton Canoe and Camera Club received that funding for their project at their new location; the project involves site work, foundation repair, construction of a storage building with an accessible washroom, new docks, and relocation of their existing boathouse.  The project is estimated to cost a total of $135,906.

Five Regular Category grants were awarded, totaling $5,000.  Queens County Fair Association received $1,250 for their $4,045 project which involves installation of lighting for the playground on the Fairgrounds, exterior plugs to allow for additional programming at the facility, and replacement of stall floors in the horse barn to prevent injury to the animals.  North Brookfield Community Hall will be able to complete a partial roof replacement and exterior painting with the $1,100 they were awarded towards their $3,407 project which will prevent interior damage due to leakage.  Queens County Soccer Association is relocating their summer program to the soccer field on Waterloo Street, Liverpool, and was awarded $950 to purchase and place a storage shed at that location.  Their project has a $3,005 budget.  Queens Archers Association submitted a budget of $2,735.23 to replace the floor in their club house, and received $900 toward that project.  The west side of Hollow Log Rifle & Pistol Association will be resurfaced with vinyl siding as a result of the approval of $800 in support of the organization’s $2,530 project budget.

Facility Development Assistance Grants accept applications each spring, with a deadline in mid-April each year. The guidelines and application forms can be found online at: http://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/recreation/grants-services/grants/facility-development-assistance-program

May 8, 2018; Liverpool, NS:  Privateer Park and Centennial Park, located on Liverpool, Nova Scotia’s  waterfront are soon to have two significant additions that reflect the areas’ history.  At the May 8, 2018 Regular Council meeting of the Region of Queens Municipality, Council approved a motion to authorize the Terrence “Tiger” Warrington support committee to place its commemorative statue in Privateer Park, Liverpool, NS in June 2018,  and also approved a motion to authorize Royal Canadian Legion Mersey Branch #38 to seek out an appropriate field gun for placement in Centennial Park in 2019.

“Queens County has a varied and diverse history, and passionate volunteers with a desire to celebrate the history of the community and our residents.  Council is pleased to approve a prominent location to showcase the statue of Tiger Warrington, a beloved local boxer who reached international fame as a result of his skill,” said David Dagley, mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “We are also happy to allocate a spot in Centennial Park, across the street from the Royal Canadian Legion Mersey Branch #38, for placement of a field gun.  Our veterans have served our country, and placement of a field gun will help the public and veterans to remember the sacrifices that were made in pursuit of the freedoms we now enjoy.”

There are limited financial implications resulting from consenting to locations for the statue and field gun; each will require a concrete pad, costing approximately $3,000 each.  The Terrence “Tiger” Warrington support committee intends to reimburse the Region of Queens Municipality for the costs, while there is no funding dedicated to the base for the field gun in the current fiscal budget.  It will be budgeted in the 2019/2020 budget.

On behalf of Region of Queens Municipality’s Council and staff, it is with a heavy heart that I extend our profound sympathy to the family, friends and the community of Port Medway in light of the tragic boating accident that occurred on Saturday, May 5, 2018. 

Our deepest sympathy to all. 

David Dagley, Mayor

Region of Queens Municipality

Region of Queens Municipality is now seeking expressions of interest from interested residents to serve on three committees that support programs, facilities and services within Queens County. Deadline for applications is Friday, June 1, 2018.

Queens Place Emera Centre Board of Directors (7 positions)
Board of Directors provides leadership, governance, oversight and policy directions related to the use, promotion, and operations of Queens Place Emera Centre. Board is expected to meet monthly for 2-3 hours.

Heritage Advisory Committee (2 positions)
Heritage Advisory Committee provides leadership in preserving and protecting heritage within Queens County, administers Heritage Bylaw and makes recommendations to Council on property designations and other special initiatives. Term is one year. Committee usually meets quarterly or as required.

Western Regional Housing Authority (1 position)
One of two Queens County representatives is required for a three-year term to sit on this committee to review tenant issues such as approval of applicants for social housing, tenant transfers, renewal or non-renewal of leases, and responding to complaints or inquiries from tenants. Committee usually meets bi-monthly.

Please submit a letter of interest expressing your desire to sit on any of these committees outlining your skills and experience that would contribute to the success of these committees and their work to:

Nominations Committee
Region of Queens Municipality
P.O. 1264, 249 White Point Road
Liverpool, NS    B0T 1K0
E-mail: info@regionofqueens.com

LEAF AND YARD WASTE PICK-UP

April 30 to May 4, 2018 and

May 7 to May 11, 2018

This year’s LEAF AND YARD WASTE roadside pick-up will be held during the weeks of April 30 to May 4, 2018 and May 7 to May 11, 2018 on your regular collection day.

The materials acceptable for pick-up shall include leaves, grass trimmings, and yard waste placed in clear or orange plastic bags. (No plastics, cigarette packages, cups, etc.)   Branches and limbs will be accepted if individual branches do not exceed 7 cm. (2.5 inches) in diameter.  These should be tied in bundles no longer than 1.2 m. (4 feet) and 20 m. (8 inches) in diameter.

Scott LeBlanc

Solid Waste Management

902-354-3455

 At the April 24, 2018 Regular Council meeting of the Region of Queens Municipality, approval was given for the 2018/2019 Operating, Water Utility and Capital Budgets. 

Click here to read  Mayor Dagley’s budget speech, and click the links below to see the planned investments approved to take effect in the Region of Queens this year.

Infrastructure Investments

Investment Readiness

Community Development Investments

Investments in Community Engagement

Investments in Our Local Economy

Investments in Council and Staff

Following Region of Queens Municipality’s public budget deliberation sessions on March 27, 2018 and April 10, 2018, the following draft documents have been released.  The 2018/2019 Operating, Capital and Water Utility budgets will come to the April 24, 2018 Regular Council meeting of the Region of Queens Municipal Council for approval.  The Council meeting begins at 9 a.m. in Council Chamber at the Region of Queens Administration Offices, 249 White Point Rd., Liverpool, NS;  all are welcome to attend.  

Draft Budget Documents:

  Draft 2020 Vision “Strategic Priorities for Growth by Investing in Our Community and People”

 Budget Review Power Point, April 10, 2018

 Draft 2018/2019 Operating and Water Utility Budget, April 11, 2018 9:30 a.m.

 5 Year Capital Investment Plan, 2018 – 2023

March 27, 2018; Liverpool, NS: In a unanimous vote, Council of Region of Queens Municipality approved a motion to give notice to South Shore Regional Enterprise Network (REN) of its intention to withdraw from the South Shore REN effective March 31, 2019. Region of Queens Municipality, along with five municipal units in Lunenburg County and three municipal units in Shelburne County, entered into a Regional Enterprise Intermunicipal Agreement on August 20, 2014.

The REN was, a proposed model developed resulting from a recommendation of the One Nova Scotia Report, cost shared at a 50% Level by the Province of Nova Scotia with a goal to strengthen regional economic development objectives, following the dissolution in 2014 of Regional Development Agencies and similar entities, which had a similar objective as the REN model. Following two and a half years of involvement, there have been limited achievements.

Upon consultation with all the municipal partners in the South Shore REN Intermunicipal agreement, there are some who would like to withdraw from the REN to explore other opportunities for economic development partnerships. The Intermunicipal Agreement outlines that those interested in withdrawing from the agreement must give 12 months notice, or, as an option, the agreement may be dissolved by the unanimous agreement of all nine municipalities. A number of other municipalities are expected to vote to withdraw from the South Shore REN this week. Discussions with interested parties and Region of Queens Municipality will be pursued regarding a more suitable economic development model, which will further economic development investments in the future.

Without unanimous approval to dissolve the South Shore REN, the financial obligation for Region of Queens Municipality would be its portion of the REN agreement through to fiscal year end 2019, the sum of $31,193. In the event that all municipalities agree to dissolve the REN, it would take place immediately, and the balance of funds remaining after obligations are paid, ie; staff severances, lease costs, and other South Shore REN expenses outstanding, would be returned to each municipality. The amount is unknown at this time.

March 27, 2018; Liverpool, NS: Over 1,100 homes and businesses in Liverpool and Brooklyn were without running water on Monday, March 26, 2018, due to a mechanical issue at the Region of Queens Municipality’s water treatment facility in Liverpool. An unexpected break in a pipe at the water treatment facility flooded the pumps that convey the treated water to users. The mechanical issue caused a shutdown of the facility, turning off the water for all customers on the municipal water system.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while our staff worked diligently to make the required repairs as quickly as possible, ensuring that the provision of water was restored as soon as possible,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “While a breakage in a pipe and plant shutdown is not something we can predict, staff were prepared, and were able to restore water within 7 hours. We are grateful to have skilled staff who can manage urgent situations quickly and professionally.”

The pipe failure that occurred on site at the Municipal water treatment facility was in a location that was challenging to isolate. The break was repaired, pumps assessed from flooding damage, the plant brought back online pumps started, and water sent for treatment at approximately 3:30 p.m., with most users in Liverpool and Brooklyn having water in their taps within an hour of the system starting up.

As of the morning of March 27, water clarity had returned to most customers, following the Region of Queens flushing through the night to improve water clarity.

There is a Tax Sale scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers of the Region of Queens Municipality at 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, NS on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 10:00 AM.  Please click herefor further datails.