Region of Queens Municipality

  • Flags at Half Mast: National Day of Mourning

    April 28 is National Day of Mourning in Canada, and is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy.  In observance of this day, flags will fly today at half mast on the Administration Building and at Queens Place Emera Centre.

    Flag policy half mast days of mourning2

  • Special Purpose Flag Pole: National Volunteer Week is April 24 – 30, 2022

    April 24-30, 2022 is National Volunteer Week in Canada, a time to celebrate the volunteers who make our communities stronger. The theme this year is “Volunteering Is Empathy In Action: Volunteers Bring Heart To Canada’s Communities”, a reminder of the compassion volunteers show for fellow residents through their volunteer efforts.

    Region of Queens Municipality will fly the Volunteer flag through to May 5, 2022 on the Special Purpose Flag Pole, which is located at Town hall Arts & Cultural Centre, 219 Main St., Liverpool.

    Volunteers can be empathetic, but volunteering can also help us develop empathy – building 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

    #EmpathyInAction

    Special Purpose Pole FB

  • Notice: Parking Lot Maintenance at Pine Grove Park, Milton

    Public swim cancellation

    April 20, 2022: Please note that the parking lot at Pine Grove Park in Milton will be closed this morning for approximately 2 hours while the parking lot undergoes regular maintenance/grading of the lot. This is expected to continue until about 10:30 a.m.

    During the parking lot closure, Pine Grove Park may be accessed on foot using the Anniversary Trail, which branches off the Trestle Trail near the Trestle Bridge in Liverpool.

    We apologize for any inconvenience caused while this necessary work takes place.

  • Flags at Half mast – April 18 & 19, 2022

    April 18, 2022: 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 on these dates two years ago.

    Flag policy half mast days of mourning

     

  • Western Regional Housing Authority – Request for Applications

    Western Regional Housing Authority 2022 EOI 01

    Request for Applications – Western Regional Housing Authority
    (2 Queens County Members)

    Region of Queens Municipality is seeking expressions of interest from community members who might be interested in serving our community on the Western Regional Housing Authority Board of Directors.

    Representatives provide oversight of applications for affordable housing in Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing properties, as well as suggesting rental subsidies for low-income families in need. The apartment buildings are in Caledonia, Milton and Liverpool. The Queens County Committee usually meets 5-6 times a year and appointments are for a 3-year term.

    Please submit a letter stating your interest in one of these two positions outlining your skills and background that would make you a great candidate for this role to the undersigned. Deadline for letters of interest is May 2, 2022.

    Chris McNeill
    Chief Administrative Officer
    cmcneill@regionofqueens.com

  • Public Notice: Water Disruption, Central Blvd., Liverpool

    April 11, 2022, 9:00 a.m.:  Municipal staff are working to repair a water main break on Central Blvd.  in Liverpool.  The repair is expected to take most of the day today.  Residents in the area near Central Ave. may experience discoloured or a loss of water;  if this occurs, run the cold water tap to clear the discolouration. 

    We thank you for your patience as staff work to resolve the issue.

    water main break

  • Spring Clean-up

    This year’s SPRING CLEAN-UP COLLECTION will be held during the weeks of April 18 to April 22, 2022 and April 25 to April 29, 2022 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

     

  • UPDATED — New! Municipal Services/Bylaw Brochure Series

    Brochure series

    May 25, 2022: We are pleased to advise that two additional brochures have been added to the brochure series … Milestone Recognition and Supports for Non Profit Organizations.  They can be downloaded from our website, or pick up a copy at the Municipal Administration Building.

    April 8, 2022: As part of Council’s ongoing efforts to provide the public with information about Municipal services, programs and bylaws, a brochure series is being developed featuring topics that are frequently requested by our residents. We are happy to launch the first three in the series …  Dog Bylaw, Civic Numbering, and Adaptable Housing. They can be downloaded on our website, or pick up a copy at the Municipal Administration Building.

    The topics covered in these and future brochure will have a long shelf life, and it is hoped will be a handy reference.

  • Storm Closure: Administration Building

    Due to deteriorating weather conditions, and for the safety of staff and residents accessing our services, please note that our Administration Building located at 249 White Point Road, Liverpool will close today (February 25, 2022) at 1:00 p.m.

    Public swim cancellation9

  • Notice of Public Hearings for Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw

    Edited to Add — Click here to watch the video recording of the Public Hearing pertaining to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw, held using Zoom, on March 23, 2022. (added March 24, 2022)

    February 24, 2022: The Public is advised that Council of Region of Queens Municipality will be holding Hearings on Council’s intention to adopt a revised Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw.  Hearings have been scheduled for:

    • Tuesday March 22, 2022 at 1:00 pm, in the auditorium of the Liverpool Fire Hall, located at 520 Main Street in Liverpool.  This will be an in-person hearing.
    • Wednesday March 23, 2022 at 6:30 pm.  This will be a virtual hearing held via Zoom. Pre-registration for the virtual public hearing will be required and can be done so by contacting the Planning and Development Department at 902-354-3455 or mgmacleod@regionofqueens.com.

    Any interested persons who wish to speak on this matter are invited to attend and make their opinions known to Council.  Written submissions will be presented at the Hearing, and must be delivered to the Municipal Office at least two (2) days prior to the time of the Hearing.

    Copies of the proposed planning documents and associated maps are available on the project website – queensplan.com and on the Municipality’s website regionofqueens.com . Copies of the documents are also available for viewing at the Office of the Planning and Development Department and at the South Shore Regional Library in Liverpool.  Paper copies of the documents may be requested; however, there will be a fee of $25.00 for preparation of these copies.

    Council meetings Public Hearings27

  • 2022 – 2023 Budget Meeting

    Council has started to plan the budget for the 2022 – 2023 fiscal year. The second meeting for Council to discuss the upcoming budget of Region of Queens Municipality will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 1 p.m. in Council Chamber at the Administration Building, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, NS, and is open to the public, with current COVID-19 protocols in place, including masking and physical distancing. This meeting will be recorded and the video/audio posted on the Municipal website and social media pages the following day.

    Council meetings Public Hearings28

    posted: March 1, 2022

     

    We are beginning to plan the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

    The first meeting for Council to discuss the 2022 – 2023 Budget of Region of Queens Municipality is open to the public, and is a great opportunity to learn about the budget process, as well as to learn about priorities and community investments for the upcoming year.

    Due to COVID-19 restrictions, COVID-19 protocols will be in place, including masking, physical distancing, proof of vaccination, and government issued ID.

    1st budget meeting 2022

    Posted: February 17, 2022

     

  • Hillsview Acres Home for Special Care COVID-19 Update

    HILLSVIEW ACRES HOME FOR SPECIAL CARE

    COVID -19 Update

    Effective Date: July 6, 2022

    Key Changes to the Long Term Care COVID-19 Directive

    • Proof of vaccination no longer required for visitors to enter Hillsview Acres; all others are still required to show proof of vaccination.
    • No limit to the number of visitors per resident at one time. Hillsview Acres must consider the number of visitors and the accommodation space available for the visit when determining the number of visitors permitted per visit.
    • Visitors, essential visitors, volunteers, specialized workers, and staff will now self-screen when entering the facility (i.e., passive screening). A designated screener (i.e., active screening) and documentation is no longer required upon entry.
    • Hillsview Acres asks visitors to continue to call 902-685-2966 extension 221 to pre-schedule their visit.
    • Upon arrival, we ask visitors to ring the doorbell and wait to be greeted by staff.
    • Please self-screen using the COVID-19 screening tool posted outside the Hillsview Acres main entrance.

    Self Screening (no documentation required)

    All Nova Scotians should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Common symptoms include one or more of the following:

    Ø  Cough (new or worsening/exacerbation of chronic cough)

    Ø  Fever (chills, sweats)

    Ø  Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

    Ø  Loss or change in sense of smell or taste

    Ø  Sore throat

    Ø  Runny nose/nasal congestion/excessive sneezing

    Ø  Headache

    Ø  Extreme fatigue/tiredness

    Ø  Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting

    If you have COVID-19 symptoms, testing is recommended for:

    Ø  People at higher risk of severe disease

    Ø  People who live and work in higher-risk group living settings (such as long-term care homes, shelters, group homes, correctional facilities)

    Ø  Frontline health care workers

    Testing is available for all symptomatic Nova Scotians. If you are experiencing symptoms, complete the online self-assessment or call 811 to book an appointment for a PCR test or rapid test pick-up, based on eligibility.

    If you don’t have symptoms, testing is not needed.

    • Visitors may remove their mask only when in a private area (for example, the specific personal area of the visited resident, but no un-masked contact occurs with any of the resident’s roommates or staff), or when outside the facility. This mask removal option by visitors does not apply when the facility is in outbreak (suspect or confirmed).
    • Staff may remove their mask when in designated staff break areas if physically distanced or when outside the facility. However, if physical distancing in staff break areas is not possible, masks are required.
    • Asymptomatic admissions from community are no longer required to isolate. Upon admission, the resident will be screened for symptoms and may complete voluntary COVID-19 PCR testing.
    • Active Surveillance documentation is no longer required to be completed nor any completed copies of it retained by Hillsview Acres.

    Testing Guidance

    • Discontinuation of asymptomatic workplace screening program.
    • Symptomatic staff members will be allowed to return to work once a PCR test collected at least 48 hours following the onset of symptoms is found to be negative and they meet the other return to work criteria.
    • Asymptomatic, boostered staff with positive household contacts will not have to stay home from work following last known contact but will follow work isolation and testing protocols per OHSW guidance.

    Guidance for COVID-19 Case Management and Outbreak Control in LTCFs

     

    • Vaccination status no longer a factor determining isolation and testing requirements for residents.
    • Staff and resident cases will still be reported via the Reporting COVID-19 Long Term Care, Residential Care Facilities and Home Care Agencies funded by Seniors & Long Term Care online webform, but reporting of visitor and specialized worker cases no longer required. OHSW will follow up on staff cases, and Public Health will become involved when resident cases occur (i.e., an outbreak has been declared).
    • Resident contact management no longer requires asymptomatic contact testing and isolation unless otherwise indicated by a medical officer of health (MOH). Staff contact management will continue to be guided by OHSW.
    • In limited circumstances, a MOH could direct further post-exposure management to occur.
    • Residents who have recovered from PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection in the last 90 days and are asymptomatic have no restrictions on their movement within or outside the facility.
    • Daily Staff Line List document no longer required to be completed or retained by Hillsview Acres.
    • Outbreaks can potentially be declared over in 10 days after the last linked exposure rather than 20 days.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Who can enter LTCFs without proof of vaccination?

    Visitors and DCGs are permitted to enter LTCFs in Nova Scotia regardless of their vaccination status, if they pass COVID-19 self-screening/passive screening.

    Staff/employees, essential visitors, specialized workers, and volunteers are still required to have documented proof of COVID-19 vaccination to work in LTCFs in Nova Scotia.

    What will happen if another COVID-19 wave occurs?

    A variety of factors are weighed when considering any changes to COVID-19 response measures. These include epidemiology, evolving science, immunization rates in the province and LTCF residents, and feasibility and sustainability of measures. Amendments to the LTC sector’s guiding documents are based on the advice of Public Health, IPAC, and/or OHSW and any potential guidance changes would be assessed at that time.

    How often do facilities test residents?

    Residents will only be required to be tested if symptomatic, unless otherwise guided by Public Health.

     

    Can I remove my mask at the nursing station, in the med room, or in other areas when I am not near a resident?

    Staff are required to wear well-fitting medical masks at all times in the LTCF, except when physically distanced in designated staff break areas or when outside the facility.

    Are we still expected to do active screening of residents?

    Yes, active screening of residents for symptoms of COVID-19 is expected at least once daily and documented in usual clinical notes.

    Are Infection Prevention and Control and Occupational Health Safety Wellness still available for consultation and support?

    Yes, there have been no changes in the support provided by these two teams. They can be contacted as outlined in the Guidance for COVID-19 Case Management and Outbreak Control in LTCFs.

    What support will be provided by Public Health?

    Public Health will be primarily focusing its support in LTCFs to resident cases/contacts and outbreak management. They can be contacted as outlined in the Guidance for COVID-19 Case Management and Outbreak Control in LTCFs.

    Can asymptomatic staff who are NOT boostered, return to work if they have a positive household member?

    Asymptomatic staff who are NOT boostered will still be required to be excluded from the workplace for 72 hours if they have a positive household member. However, they will still have access to Lucira testing to expedite return to work if they are scheduled for a shift within 24 hours of work exclusion.

  • Region of Queens Municipality

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