January 9, 2025, Liverpool, NS: On December 20, 2024, the Region of Queens Municipality (“RQM”) filed a notice of intended lockout action against IBEW, Local 1928, following the union’s Notice to Strike on December 20, 2024. On December 23, 2024, Cynthia Yazbek, Senior Executive Director, Labour Services Branch, acknowledged receipt of RQM’s notice on behalf of the Honourable Nolan Young at 8:30 a.m.
At 7:30 a.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025, RQM became aware of IBEW Local 1928 strike action when union members set up picket lines at or near municipal buildings. In response to strike action, RQM gave notice to members of IBEW, Local 1928, that the lockout is effective immediately today, Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.
What is Lockout?
At Lockout all pay to striking workers and access to workspaces for striking employees ceases immediately. IBEW, Local 1928 confirmed that it will reimburse RQM for employer and employee benefit premiums and therefore benefits will continue for striking employees without interruption.
Will garbage collection and other services continue?
Yes. All municipal services will continue as normal operations. The Solid Waste Facility, garbage collection, utility and tax bill payment, snow plowing, and every other municipal service will continue.
What should I do if the entrance to RQM’s buildings/properties is blocked by picketers?
Members of the public should not be stopped from entering municipal buildings. However, if residents are stopped by people on the picket line, please notify RQM immediately by calling Municipal Administration at 902-354-3453.
The municipality will continue to serve the public and all municipal operations will continue.
December 16, 2024: Following a closed session meeting held on Monday, December 16, 2024, Council of the Region of Queens Municipality announced the termination of Mr. Cody Joudry’s employment contract as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Council has appointed Pam Lovelace to the position of Acting Chief Administrative Officer until such time that an Interim CAO is appointed.
Ms. Lovelace will continue to serve as the municipal clerk to support Council as they undertake the hiring process for a permanent CAO. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position with more than 20 years experience in the public sector.
Council of the Region of Queens Municipality is confident that Ms. Lovelace is the right person to guide the municipality during this transition period.
Mayor and Council is committed to supporting the growth of the Region and wishes Mr. Joudry well in his future endeavours.
December 2, 2024; Liverpool, NS: Following a thorough and diligent search, Region of Queens Municipality has hired a new Municipal Clerk. Pam Lovelace, a former Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), will begin her new role in the coming days.
Originally from Kentville, Kings County, NS, Lovelace has a keen interest in advancing rural Nova Scotia. She is an accomplished public servant with more than 10 years of experience in municipal government. Lovelace is a former Legislative Support Clerk in HRM’s Clerks Office, past Communications and Project Manager for the Municipality of East Hants, and board member of Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (2020-2023). She currently is an instructor of Local Government at Dalhousie University.
“I am honoured to join the incredible team at Region of Queens Municipality and continue working in municipal government in rural Nova Scotia,” said Lovelace. “I’m looking forward to working with senior staff, Council and committees to provide governance guidance and procedural guidance.”
The position of Municipal Clerk is essential to the operations of Council and committees. It is the Responsible Officer for Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) requests and principal researcher and facilitator in the development of policies, bylaws, and formal procedures. Lovelace will be the custodian of all municipal records.
November 26, 2024: The first official act of the newly elected Council of Region of Queens Municipality is traditionally to elect a Deputy Mayor from among its members. At the first Regular Council meeting of the 8th Council of Region of Queens Municipality, held on November 12, 2024, Councillor Maddie Charlton was nominated as Deputy Mayor and was elected to the position by acclimation.
The Deputy Mayor performs all duties of the Mayor when the Mayor is unable to do so. The term of office for Deputy Mayor is two years, and Councillor Charlton will serve as Deputy Mayor from November 12, 2024 until the first council meeting in November 2026.
Deputy Mayor Charlton is currently serving her second term on Council and is looking forward to continuing to work to create positive change in Queens.
November 22, 2024: Throughout Region of Queens Municipality’s Water Utility distribution system there are “flusher locations”. These are hydrants that release some water. They are essential to maintain water quality throughout the system. The Municipality has reduced flushing rates from 40 to under 5 gallons per minute to conserve water while ensuring safe potable water distribution.
November 1, 2024: Construction has started at Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool for the new outdoor pool. A new pedestrian path will be created but until then, the current one is closed to allow for the construction to take place. Access to the facility is available from all current entrances/exits, excluding the path from Highway #3 to the back entrance to Queens Place Emera Centre’s Lobby. Pedestrian access to the facility is available by using the sidewalk across from the facility along Queens Place Drive, to access the front or side entrances, or to continue to Mersey Skatepark and Etli Milita’mk Universally Designed Playground.
We apologize for the inconvenience (and hope you will enjoy the pool! ).
*** FINAL UPDATE: December 4, 2024:Public Notice: Water Conservation Directive LIFTED in Liverpool and Brooklyn
December 4, 2024: The Voluntary Water Conservation Directive has been lifted as of Wednesday, December 4, 2024, for Region of Queens Municipality’s Water Utility Customers. Region of Queens Water Utility provides water to homes and businesses in Liverpool and Brooklyn.
Recent rainfall has restored the Town Lake to a level above the conservation threshold. Though the Town Lake is not at full capacity, there is sufficient water to enable the Voluntary Conservation measures to be removed.
Municipal staff will continue to monitor the water levels at the Town Lake and if the situation changes, the Water Utility will promptly notify residents through radio ads on CKBW, QCCR and County 100.7 FM, posts on the Municipal website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media pages (Facebook and Twitter).
Region of Queens Municipality thanks residents for their cooperation in using water resources in a responsible manner.
*** UPDATE: Nov. 27, 2024:
Continued Voluntary Conservation Measures for Water Utility Customers in Liverpool and Brooklyn
November 27, 2024: Despite recent rainfall, there has not been enough to remove the voluntary water conservation measure in place for water utility customers in Liverpool and parts of Brooklyn. Water levels at the Town Lake Reservoir are uncharacteristically low, and water conservation measures are in place because of much lower than usual precipitation. This has caused the reservoir levels to drop over time. Without sufficient rainfall to replenish the reservoir, conservation measures from customers of the utility are critical to preserving the water available for use. Region of Queens Municipality thanks all the customers who have conserved their water. Please continue your conservation efforts. Current Water Levels and Conservation Need At full capacity, the Town Lake Reservoir has a maximum depth of nine feet above the water intake pipe. At present, the water level is at six feet. If levels reach five feet, it triggers the Warning Level, where reduced water pressure could impact the entire system. While the system is operating at lower pressure, it remains functional. How You Can Help Residents can make a significant impact by adopting these conservation measures: • Flush toilets only when necessary. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water. • Shorten the length and frequency of baths and showers. • Reduce laundry loads and dishwashers – wash a full load. • Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face. • Report leaks immediately to the Municipality at 902-354-7170. Stay Informed Updates are provided every Wednesday afternoon on Region of Queens Municipality’s website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media pages, with more frequent updates if necessary.
Continued Voluntary Conservation Measures for Water Utility Customers in Liverpool and Brooklyn
November 22, 2024: The Region of Queens Municipality is asking Water Utility customers in Liverpool and Brooklyn to increase water conservation efforts, aiming to reduce usage by 50%. These measures are critical to preserving the water levels in the Town Lake Reservoir, which services Liverpool and parts of Brooklyn, Queens County.
“The efforts of residents and businesses to cut back on their water usage over the past few weeks is greatly appreciated, and we understand that it is very challenging to decrease your water usage by half. But the reality is that there just has not been enough rain to restore the levels to where we want to see them at the reservoir,” said Mayor Scott Christian. We are not currently at a level that requires mandatory conservation measures and if we all do our part it will help to ease the strain on the water supply until we get some badly needed rain.”
Current Water Levels and Conservation Need : At full capacity, the Town Lake Reservoir has a maximum depth of nine feet above the water intake pipe. Currently, the water level stands at six feet. If levels reach five feet, it triggers the Warning Level, where reduced water pressure could impact the entire system. While the system is operating at lower pressure, it remains functional.
Hydrant Flushing and Water Quality: Some residents have raised concerns about hydrant flushing. These “flusher locations” are essential to maintain water quality throughout the system. The Municipality has reduced flushing rates from 40 to under 5 gallons per minute to conserve water while ensuring safe potable water distribution.
How You Can Help: Residents can make a significant impact by adopting these conservation measures:
Shorten the length and frequency of baths and showers.
Flush toilets only when necessary.
Reduce laundry loads—wash only when visibly soiled or odorous.
Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
Report leaks immediately to the Municipality at 902-354-7170.
Stay Informed : Updates are provided every Wednesday afternoon on Region of Queens Municipality’s website (www.regionofqueens.com) and social media pages, with more frequent updates if necessary.
Region of Queens Water Utility Customers Asked to Significantly Decrease Water Usage
November 20, 2024: To conserve the decreasing amount of water in the Town Lake Reservoir,water utility users in Liverpool and Brooklyn are asked to decrease their water usage by half. There has not been a significant amount of rain since conservation measures were introduced on November 1, 2024, and there is little rain in the upcoming forecast.
It is essential that the public take steps to conserve water and limit their use of water by 50% to conserve the water resource. Water levels continue to drop in the Town Lake Reservoir which supplies water to Liverpool and parts of Brooklyn. Please do your part to help conserve the water supply.
Impactful steps that you can take to conserve water:
Reduce frequency and duration of baths and showers
Only flush toilets when necessary
Reduce the number of times of week that you do laundry – wash clothes and bedding if visibly soiled or have an odour
Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
Report suspected leaks to the Municipality (phone: 902-354-7170)
The next scheduled update will be in the afternoon of Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Updates will be posted on www.regionofqueens.com and on Region of Queens’ Facebook and Twitter pages.
UPDATE: November 13, 2024 Residents and Businesses Urged to Increase Water Conservation Efforts
Water levels continue to drop in the Town Lake Reservoir which supplies water to Liverpool and parts of Brooklyn. It is essential that the public take steps to conserve water, and to limit their use of water to conserve the resource. Should water levels continue to drop, mandatory water conservation measures will be required. Please do your part to help conserve the water supply.
While the conservation efforts are appreciated by Region of Queens Municipality, to prevent mandatory water conservation measures from being applied, significant rainfall and a marked decline in use of the water supply by users are needed. When a mandatory order is in effect, violators will have their service suspended (disconnection) and a monetary charge applied to their account for a reconnection in accordance with the Utility’s Schedule of Rules and Regulations.
There has been insignificant rainfall during the two weeks since voluntary water conservation measures were announced by Region of Queens Municipality on November 1. Environment Canada recorded 4.1 millimetres of precipitation at their Western Head station last week, whereas amounts of at least 50 millimetres per week are required to sustain the lake level at the current rate of use.
The next scheduled update will be in the afternoon of Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Updates will be posted on www.regionofqueens.com and on Region of Queens’ Facebook and Twitter pages.
Here are a few easy ways to conserve water:
Reduce the frequency of flushing toilets
Eliminate washing cars and watering lawns/gardens
Report suspected leaks to the Municipality (phone: 902-354-7170)
Take shorter showers and turn off taps when not in use while showering or brushing teeth
Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
Fix any leaks or dripping faucets
UPDATE: November 6, 2024:
Public Notice: Water Conservation Measures to Continue for Region of Queens Municipal Water Users
November 6, 2024: The public is being asked to continue water conservation measures that were announced on November 1 for Liverpool and Brooklyn due to low water levels in the Town Lake Reservoir.Although there has been some rain in the days since conservation measures began, it was not a significant amount and has not improved the situation.
The efforts of users to conserve water are appreciated by Region of Queens Municipality, and the Municipal asks to continue to be aware of the amount of water they are using and take steps to limit and reduce their usage to conserve the potable water supply.
The next scheduled update will be in the afternoon of Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Updates will be posted on www.regionofqueens.com and on Region of Queens’ Facebook and Twitter pages.
Here are a few easy ways to conserve water:
Limit lawn and garden watering
Fix any leaks or dripping faucets
Take shorter showers and turn off taps when not in use
Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
November 1, 2024: Region of Queens Municipal water users (Liverpool and Brooklyn) are asked to take steps to conserve water beginning now. Water levels in the Town Lake Reservoir have been decreasing due to lack of rain and there is limited rain in the forecast. The water is safe to use, but users must begin conservation measures now to lower consumption until more rainfall is received. The Municipality recognizes that sometimes requests to conserve water can unintentionally lead to increased usage, and request that people actively be aware of the amount of water they are using and do their best to limit use.
The next scheduled update will be in the afternoon of Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
Here are a few easy ways to conserve water immediately:
Limit lawn and garden watering
Fix any leaks or dripping faucets
Take shorter showers and turn off taps when not in use
Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
The cooperation of Region of Queens Water Utility customers to do their part to conserve water is appreciated.
October 28, 2024: Earlier today, Monday, October 28, equipment was mobilized on site at Queens Place Emera Centre, at the exterior of the Facility near the Fitness Centre in preparation for work to begin on Tuesday, October 29. A segment of exterior wall sheathing that has shifted will be removed. The work area has been fenced. Facility users are advised that during the work, there will be noise while the concrete is being cut and removed.
Thursday, October 17, 2024: Effective today, the speed limit for the lower portion of Main Street Liverpool, from the intersection of School Street and Main Street to the conclusion of Main Street at Fort Point Lighthouse, has been reduced to 40 kilometres an hour. Previously, the speed limit for the street was 50 kilometres per hour. In June 2024, Region of Queens Municipality hired a consultant to complete a Speed Study Assessment of Main Street, Liverpool between School Street and Riverside Drive. The study found that the 85th percentile speed in that area was 42 kilometres per hour, and therefore, the recommendation of the report was to lower the speed limit to 40 kilometres per hour. After receiving the recommendations of the report, the Region of Queens Traffic Authority made a request for the speed limit to be lowered to the Provincial Traffic Authority as per the Motor Vehicle Act. Approval was received on October 15, 2024, and signage is being posted on the area of Main Street that has been impacted. The public are advised to obey the new speed limit which is now posted in this section of Main Street.
The Municipal Election will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Electors may vote between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the locations listed below on ordinary polling day if casting a paper ballot, or vote electronically by telephone or online during the same hours.
Advance polls for paper ballots to be cast will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, and Tuesday, October 15, 2024, between the hours of 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m. Any elector who expects to be unable to vote on ordinary polling day may vote at the Advance poll. Proxy votes are not accepted at the Advance poll. Electronic advance polling by telephone or online will be available from 12:00 noon on Saturday October 12, 2024, until 5:00 pm on Friday October 18, 2024 inclusive.
Descriptions of the polling districts and divisions are available at the Municipal office and may be inspected during regular office hours. A more detailed breakdown of voting locations and boundaries will be sent to each household in Queens in the Election Newsletter. Information may also be obtained by calling (902) 646-1033 or by contacting me by email at ikent@regionofqueens.com.
Dated at Liverpool, Nova Scotia, this 12th day of September, 2024.
September 10, 2024; Liverpool, NS: At the conclusion of the September 10, 2024 Regular Council meeting, in a 5 to 2 vote, Region of Queens Municipality’s Council approved awarding the construction contact to Axios Construction for the new South Queens Outdoor Pool. Council also approved increasing the $7.2 million budget to $8.08 million, reflective of quotes received. The project is funded by a generous $3 million donation from an anonymous donor, a significant $2.2 million grant from the Province, and the balance of $2.88 million funded by Region of Queens Municipality.
The South Queens Outdoor Pool will be located on the grounds of Queens Place Emera Centre, and will be a 6-lane, 25 metre heated pool, with an accessible beach entry, change rooms and washrooms, and bleachers to accommodate spectator seating. The heated outdoor pool will enable the pool to be open to the public for an extended season.
“Council is pleased to see the outdoor pool project move forward to the construction phase of the project, and wish to thank the anonymous donor and also Minister Masland for her advocacy on the provincial level to secure the provincial funding. This pool will allowing youth to learn to swim and enhance water safety, as well as to host swim meets and other events, and will be a community gathering space,” said Darlene Norman, Mayor of Region of Queens Municipality.
In 2020, Council began looking at options to replace Milton Centennial Pool, which had exceeded its expected lifespan by more than two decades. In July 2023, Milton Centennial Pool was closed for the season due to substantial damage resulting from flooding and remained closed in 2024 as structural damage was discovered.
August 21, 2024: The site of a residential fire at 89 Main Street, Liverpool earlier this summer will be cleaned up, beginning on Monday, August 26, 2024. Region of Queens Municipality issued a request for proposals for site cleanup and asbestos removal, and the company Asbestos Abatement Limited has been contracted to do the work. Site cleanup is expected to be completed within a week, with the asbestos containing material fully removed from the site within a few days.
The cleanup will include the removal of the asbestos containing materials and the other debris present on the property, as well as removal of the building foundation. The material containing asbestos on the property has been identified as the siding material, which is classified as a non-friable material, meaning that it is not easily reduced to dust by hand pressure, and is a low-risk material. To keep dust generation to a minimum, water will be misted on to the debris.
