Special Purpose Flagpole: February is African Heritage Month

In observance of African Heritage month, Region of Queens Municipality is flying the Pan African Flag on the Special Purpose Flagpole at Town Hall Arts & Cultural Centre, 219 Main St., Liverpool, beginning February 3.

With 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities dating back over 200 years, African Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the culture, legacy, achievements, and contributions of people of African descent – past and present. It is a moment to recognize the strength of African Nova Scotians’ shared legacy and the brilliance that continues to inspire future generations.

Learn more on the website for Nova Scotia’s Office of African Nova Scotia Affairs: https://ansa.novascotia.ca/african-heritage-month

Notice of First Reading: Bylaw #26 – Respecting Private Road Maintenance Charges

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Region of Queens Municipality intends to consider the following proposed Bylaw at its regular meeting of Council to be held on January 28, 2025 at the Council Chambers, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, NS at 6:00 pm:

BYLAW # 26 – RESPECTING PRIVATE ROAD MAINTENANCE CHARGES

A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected or obtained at the Region Office on 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, Nova Scotia, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The proposed Bylaw 26 is also available online: https://www.regionofqueens.com/~documents/route%3A/download/3848/

Progress Updates on New Location for the Library

Renovations to convert a currently vacant space into a dynamic location for the library have begun at the Liverpool Business Development Centre on Harley Umphrey Drive, Liverpool. We will be posting updates every so often as work progresses. The work is aiming to be complete by the end of December, 2024 and the library opening in the new location early in the New Year, by mid-late January.

February 7, 2025: With the opening of the library getting ever closer, there are a few more photos to share. Opening details will be posted on the South Shore Public Libraries website or Facebook page once all is in place for them to open in the newly renovated space. We will share the details that they provide here on the website as well as on Region of Queens Municipality’s Facebook page, to help spread the word.

This morning, the library sign was put in place near the entrance.

This shelf contains some of the many books on hold for library users. Until the library opens, those who have received an email from SamePage that there is a hold ready for you to pick up at the Thomas H. Raddall Library. Pick-up times at the new location at 54 Harley Umphrey drive are on Friday, Feb. 7 from 10am – 4pm, Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10am – 4 pm, or Sunday, Feb. 9 from 12 noon – 3pm.

This service is for picking up items on reserve only, there is no browsing at this time. Once you are at the library, proceed to the checkout desk and ask for your hold. Bring your returns to the book drop or keep them until the library reopens.

January 21, 2025: The renovations and set up of the library are nearing completion, and it is exciting that it will soon be open. Pending internet connection and approval of occupancy permits, the library is expected to be open by the end of January. Please check back for more updates, or refer to the South Shore Public Libraries website or Facebook page, as they will be providing information on the opening date as well.

For comfort and ease of use, there are adjustable height computer stations.

If you enjoy library programs, you will be using these spaces often – this is a view of double programming rooms.

Acoustic tiles make a fun and useful design feature as well as reducing noise … play a game of chess!

This is a privacy pod – a space that can be used when library users need a quiet place for an online meeting, or perhaps a job interview or online appointment, or anything else that requires a bit of privacy.

The small meeting room is ideal for small groups to have a meeting or for a few people to collaborate.

There’s comfy chairs for reading located near the stack, and you can see the children’s space located in the background. There’s another opportunity to make needed acoustic tile a fun and useful design element with a game of tic tac toe!

Not only is the children’s programming area bright, colourful and cozy, it also has a cheery wall mural!

The program room for cooking and messy programs has been complete. It is a large bright area with lots of natural light.

A new emergency exit has been made.

January 6, 2025: Progress continues as the items from the former location of the library are moved into their new location, and new furnishings arrive and are place. This week, some final items are being worked on, including ductwork for the HVAC system, sprinklers, electricity to front desk, hanging wall sconces and exit lights, plumbing hook-ups, and cuts through exterior concrete walls for the new fire exit, book return and stove vent.

The kids area is being set up, and will be receiving more fun items!

Modular walls have been delivered and are being installed this week.

The folding wall that divides the program areas is installed on a new beam to carry its weight of over 2,000 pounds.

Who doesn’t love a comfy chair to curl up and read, or to chat with friends? The green and blue lounge chairs in the photo will be located to walls when the taller ‘lounge circle’ chairs arrive.

Stacking program chairs have arrived (and if you look carefully, you will see some new art work and other work/task chairs in background).

December 17, 2024: Today is the beginning of Moving Week!  Furnishings and books have been moved into the newly renovated library space.  Shelving the books will begin soon.

December 13, 2024: Work is advancing well, and soon books and other items will begin moving into the new location. Renovations are well underway, and the space is looking “move in ready”.

The existing door is being replaced by a wider, power operated door.

The new folding acoustic wall hangs from a new beam and will divide the two large program rooms. 

A new large fridge, stove and range hood have arrived in the new ‘messy & cooking’  program room.

The main area has received all new LED ceiling lights, has been cleared and carpet cleaned, READY TO RECEIVE all the shelving and boxes of books next week!


December 4, 2024: Work is progressing, and spaces are much more defined with some walls in. Kitchen Cabinetry arrived and is installed in the ‘messy program’ space (for Slime Time and Bread Club!). A bank of powder rooms are being completed  including a children’s and a universal washroom.

Some furniture has arrived such as these comfy chairs!

The internal entry vestibule has been created with a window for visibility to and from the main space.

Doors have been hung – some with fire-rated glass, some with user indicators. Fire safe glass has been installed and privacy film in some cases. 

The door to the washrooms is now in place, beyond which is a bank of several washrooms.

Commercial grade, non-slip flooring has been laid in the washrooms, storage, entry and messy/cooking program room. Also shown are new outlets.

Cabinetry has been assembled and is being installed in the programming spaces.

October 18, 2024: The walls are going up! This includes existing walls to the roof for a full fire break between occupancies. Electricals are being wired & plumbing fixtures are being plumbed. The modular walls and privacy booth have been ordered.  Art work is being being developed with local artists.


October 10, 2024: Click here for a pdf of the blueprint of the layout for the renovated space.

October 3, 2024: The exterior of the building got a good scrubbing and a ramped sidewalk with tactile indicators at a drop off zone. The new, wider power-operated entry door has been ordered and a canopy has been engineered. Accessible parking spaces will be allocated in the parking lot, near the library entrance.

The new washroom and storage area has had new plumbing and dividing walls installed. There will be 5 individual powder rooms, one with a child’s toilet, plus a large Universal Washroom.


Change in Leadership: Region of Queens Municipal Council Hires Interim CAO

January 20, 2025; Liverpool, NS: Region of Queens Municipality’s Council has hired Dan McDougall as its Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective January 20, 2025. 

“Dan is a very accomplished executive manager with a proven track record supporting municipalities. Council felt that it was very important to install an interim CAO who comes with a wealth of experience as a CAO, a strong reputation in the local government sector, and who does not want the permanent job, assuring that they can objectively support the organization through a robust recruitment process to identify the best candidate for the role,” said Scott Christian, Mayor of Region of Queens Municipality.

McDougall’s previous work experience has a strong focus on effective Municipal administration. He was CAO of the Municipality of Chester, CAO of the Municipality of Colchester County, and was Interim CAO for Region of Queens Municipality in 2023. He also has extensive background in Provincial government administration, including positions such as Chief Executive Officer of Housing Nova Scotia, and Deputy Minister of the Department of Municipal Affairs.

McDougall will remain in the position until a permanent CAO is hired, allowing Acting CAO Pam Lovelace to resume her duties as Municipal Clerk.  In mid-December, 2024, Council ended their contract with the CAO Cody Joudry, and appointed Lovelace as temporarily Acting CAO until an interim CAO could be hired. 

“Council is excited to have Dan join the team and help us through this transition,” said Mayor Christian.  “I also want to thank Pam Lovelace for her incredible work in the role as our Acting CAO over the past month. She performed the duties of the CAO admirably during a difficult month for our organization and community. Dan and Pam will be a dynamic team, working closely together moving forward.”  

Region of Queens Council Unanimously Ratifies IBEW Local 1928 Collective Agreement

Thursday, January 16, 2025: Liverpool, NS – After many months of negotiation, earlier today the Council of the Region of Queens Municipality unanimously ratified the 2024-2027 Collective Agreement with IBEW Local 1928. This Council decision follows the ratification by union members on January 14, 2025.

The new 3-year agreement between IBEW Local 1928 and the Region of Queens provides wages at or above market standards and demonstrates respect for the value and work undertaken by these employees.

The details of the agreement renewed from April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2027, include:

  • 2024 – minimum of $4.00 wage increases for all IBEW Local 1928 positions, including temporary workers;
  • 2025 – 2.5% wage increase in year 2;
  • 2026 – 2.5% wage increase in year 3.

Temporary employees will be recruited back to work in the coming weeks as soon as the municipality is in a position to initiate capital works projects. 

As the labour disruption in the Region of Queens comes to a close, Mayor Scott Christian expressed gratitude to all staff – union, non-union and management – for their commitment to serving the people of the Region of Queens Municipality:

“More than the end of something, this morning feels to me like a beginning, it feels like the start of an era where we begin to take strides toward a future in which the Region can be an employer of choice, a future in which the region is responsive to, and aligned with, the broader community that we serve.”

A Back-to-Work transition plan is in development to implement scheduling, create a safe and welcoming workplace, and ensure retroactive payment for the first year of the contract is implemented. 

Public Notice: Winter Hours of Operation at Region of Queens Solid Waste Management Facility

Friday, January 10, 2025: Effective Saturday, January, 11, 2025, the Region of Queens Municipality’s Solid Waste Management Facility will shift to Winter hours, and be closed on Saturdays until Spring.

Hours of operation on weekdays will remain the same, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. In the Spring, Saturday hours (8 a.m. until 2 p.m.) will resume.

Notice of Lockout, Region of Queens Municipality

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.

Region of Queens Municipality CAO Update

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.

Region of Queens Municipality Hires New Municipal Clerk

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.

I am pleased that Region of Queens Municipality has hired Pam, who is a high calibre candidate and has a broad range of skills to offer.  We are excited for her to begin and join our team,” said Cody Joudry, Chief Administrative Officer. 

Region of Queens Municipality’s Council Selects Deputy Mayor

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.