February 12, 2019; Liverpool, NS:  The effect that volunteers have in a community is far reaching, impacting many areas of community life, much like how ripples spread outward when a stone is thrown into a body of water. Two volunteers were selected to be Volunteers of the Year by Region of Queens Council at the February 12, 2019 Council meeting.  Lauren Amirault and Raya Stewart, both of Liverpool, NS, were drawn from a pool of 16 nominations recognizing the hard work and dedication of 17 individuals nominated over the past year through the Ripple Effect Volunteer Initiative; one of the nominations received was for a couple who does much of their volunteer work together.

“The Ripple Effect Volunteer initiative program is in place to allow community members to recognize and show their appreciation for the volunteers who have made an impact in their lives.  Volunteers in Queens County do much to enhance our community, providing needed services, recreational opportunities, social connections and more,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.  “We are pleased that Raya and Lauren will be honoured for their volunteer work and represent Region of Queens Volunteers at the Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony on April 1, 2019.”

The Ripple Effect Volunteer Initiative is a program launched in the fall of 2015 to showcase the efforts of volunteers in Queens County. Nominations may be submitted throughout the year by members of the community; the nominees biographies and photographs are posted on the Region of Queens website, Facebook and Twitter pages, enabling the community to learn about the volunteer work of their friends and neighbors. 

From those nominees, Council chooses two Volunteers of the Year for the Region of Queens who will receive an award at the Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony held the week prior to Volunteer Week in April.  The Province of Nova Scotia’s Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony honours approximately 70 volunteers from across Nova Scotia each year for their commitment and dedication to community life.  The Provincial Volunteer Award is a once in a lifetime award.  The ceremony is being held on April 1, 2019, in Halifax. National Volunteer Week takes places April 7 – 13, 2019.

From February 2018 through to January 31, 2019, 16 nominations were received for the Ripple Effect, representing 17 individuals.  Those nominated were Lauren Amirault of Liverpool, Katharina Cochrane of Liverpool, Larry Cochrane of Liverpool, Alex Doggett of Hunts Point, Debra Hansen of Hunts Point, Karleigh Huskins of Brooklyn, Faye Levy of Brooklyn, Dan MacLaren of Brooklyn, Barbara Ross of Liverpool, Bob Sanford of Liverpool, Raya Stewart of Liverpool, Chuck Taylor and Deborah Sponagle-Taylor of Liverpool, Lorraine ‘Cookie’ Trainor of Liverpool, Kathy Veinot of East Port Medway, Cathy Williams of Port Mouton, and Colleen Wolfe of Liverpool. 

“Each of the volunteers who were nominated play very important roles in our community, and all of their contributions are valued.  It is challenging to select just two as Volunteers of the Year; how can anyone determine the value of one act of volunteerism over another?  In the interest of being fair, we draw two names randomly,” said Dagley.  “We are very fortunate in Queens to have many dedicated volunteers – the nominees this year are a great example of the passionate, energetic and skilled volunteers in Queens, however we know there are even more who deserve recognition. Residents are encouraged to thank those who make Queens a great place to live – make a Ripple Effect nomination!”

Photos and biographies of Ripple Effect nominees, along with a downloadable nomination form are posted on the Region of Queens Municipality’s website http://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/recreation/volunteering/overview .  Due to the high volume of nominations received on or near the deadline for nominations, nominations for the 2019 award are being added online as biographical information is finalized. 

February 12, 2019; Liverpool, NS: An application for a development agreement to erect a cellular telecommunications tower in Liverpool, NS has been declined by Region of Queens Municipality’s Council. The proposed location for the tower was on privately owned property located near the end of Meadow Pond Lane in Liverpool, which is zoned R6 -Mixed Use Coastal Residential. A telecommunications tower does not fall under the list of permitted uses in the R6 zone, however, Council has provisions in the Region’s Municipal Planning Strategy to consider approvals of such uses by way of a development agreement.

The applicant, Eastlink, held a public meeting on November 21, 2018 to provide information to the publicregarding the plans for the tower. Region of Queens Municipality held a public hearing on January 22, 2019 to provide opportunity for the public to make oral or written presentations respecting the proposed development. A number of local residents and property owners spoke at the hearing, stating concerns of potential health impacts to residents in the proximity, decreased property values, and future plans for multi-unit residential development. Several written submissions were also received prior to the hearing, and provided to Council for their consideration.

“Council carefully deliberated the advantages and disadvantages of approving the development agreement to allow the telecommunications tower to be erected. In the end, Council determined that while telecommunications towers are necessary to provide our residents, businesses and visitors to Queens with reliable communications, the proposed site wasn’t an appropriate location for the tower. Approval was not given to the applicant,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.

The Region of Queens Municipality is soliciting proposals for Janitorial Services.  Sealed Request for Proposals plainly marked on the envelope “Request for Proposals JS02-2019 – Janitorial Services”, will be received by the undersigned until 2:00 pm, Atlantic Standard Time, Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

The Request for Proposals documents may be seen here, or obtained from the Administration Building at the Finance Counter, 249 White Point Rd., Liverpool, NS, free of charge.  Documents will also be available via fax or email by sending your contact information to Kaylee Oickle via email at koickle@regionofqueens.com or by phone at (902) 354-3453.

Proposals shall be completed in accordance with the RFP document.  The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals or to accept any proposal that may be considered in the best interest of the Region of Queens Municipality.

Further inquiries may be addressed to Shelley Connolly, Deputy Clerk via email sconnolly@regionofqueens.com .

Please take notice that pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, certain lands situate in the Region of Queens Municipality and described in general terms here are now liable to be sold at Public Auction in the Council Chambers of the Region of Queens Municipality at 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, NS on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 10:00 AM to recover outstanding taxes, sewer and unsightly charges plus interest as well as expenses of, and incidental to, the sale unless the same are paid in full on or before the said date and time of sale.  Click here to see the tax sale advertisement, including the properties to be sold.

January 22, 2019; Liverpool, NS: Queens Daycare Association will become the owners of the building that they have called “home” since they began operations in 1984. At the January 22, 2019 Region of Queens Municipality’s Council meeting, Council approved a purchase and sale agreement with Queens Daycare Association, selling the non profit organization the former Mount Pleasant School building and properties for $1.00.

“Queens Daycare provides a valued service to families in Queens County, and Council is happy to be able to provide them with the facility and 3 acre lot for the nominal fee. Their proposal to purchase the facility indicated that the building and grounds meet their needs, and will allow for them to expand and grow their programs, should they choose to do so,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “We wish them much success as they take ownership of the property.”

The 57 year old former school was declared surplus by Region of Queens Municipality in September 2017, and the tenants were advised to find alternate arrangements by the end of June, 2019; Municipal staff initiated a request for proposals (RFP) in October 2018, seeking offers to purchase the property. The proposal submitted by Queens Daycare Association was accepted at the November 27, 2019 Council meeting, and Council approved entering into a purchase and Sale agreement with the Association for a sale price of $1.00. A public hearing respecting the proposed sale, as required by the Municipal Government Act, was held on January 8, 2019, with no objections presented from the public. The closing date for the sale of the property will be or before July 2, 2019.

“The purchase of the building enables us to continue to provide licensed childcare to families in Queens County. That is why we, as a volunteer board, have accepted this additional financial responsibility. We do this for the families, the children and as our commitment to our community,” said Donna Dexter, Board Chair of Queens Daycare Association.

January 8, 2019;  Liverpool, NS:  Region of Queens Municipal Council is applying for federal and provincial government funding support to remove sewage from two outfalls into Liverpool Bay;  at the January 8, 2019 Council meeting, Council voted in favour of submitting a funding application under the Green Environment Quality Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.  The proposed project has an estimated cost of $4,493,530.00+ HST, and involves the area of Waterloo Street below the intersection of Waterloo and School Street, as well as William Street, Bartling Avenue, and James Street. 

“Region of Queens Municipality has been involved for several years in remediating historic sewage outfalls.  Work on the lower end of Waterloo Street, Bartling Avenue, William Street, and James Street is a significant project, which would benefit greatly from the support of this funding,” said David Dagley, Mayor of Region of Queens Municipality.

The project, if approved, is expected to take place over a three year period.  Maximum funding available is up to 40% federal contribution and up to 33.3% from the province.  The balance would be funded by the Region of Queens Municipality.  Decisions regarding whether the application is approved are not expected until spring 2019.

December 14 2018; Liverpool, NS:  On the heels of a successful inaugural event in 2018, the organizers of the  Canadian National Axe Throwing Championships announced the 2019 Championships will return to Centennial Park, Liverpool, Nova Scotia. North Nova Lumberjacks Society are making preparations for the Canadian National Axe Throwing Championships to be held on August 24 and 25, 2019 on the picturesque Liverpool waterfront.  

“We are a small nonprofit group trying to make a positive difference in the communities we host our events in while drawing attention to our sport.  The support we’ve received from Region of Queens Municipality and the south shore is like nothing we’ve seen since our inception in 2016. We are grateful for that support and are looking forward to hosting the most prestigious and highest level axe throwing competition in the country,” said Ryan McIntyre, Vice President and Founder of the North Nova Lumberjacks Society.

The 2019 Canadian National Axe Throwing Championships are anticipated to draw top ranked double bitted axe throwing competitors from across the country, as well as from Europe, along with a large fan and spectator base to watch the competitions.  The 2018 event featured 54 competitors, including 15 international throwers.  Four countries were represented, including Canada, Ireland, Germany, and Sweden in the Men’s, Women’s, and Junior Divisions.  Over 1,000 spectators were in attendance at Centennial Park, Liverpool for the Championships. 2018 Canadian National Axe Throwing Championship winners in the Women’s Division were Anki Hedberg of Sweden with gold, Tess Billings of New Brunswick won silver, and the bronze went to Suzy Atwood of Barrington, NS.  The top positions in the Men’s Division were Udo Hofmann, of Germany in the gold medal position, silver ranking went to world champion Daniel Hedberg of Sweden, and Pierre Kaminski of Germany took the bronze.

 “We are proud to once again welcome competitors from across Canada, and around the world to Queens County.  The 2018 Canadian National Axe Throwing Championships was a well-attended, and much talked about event, and the 2019 Championships will build on that success,” said David Dagley, Mayor of Region of Queens Municipality.  “Region of Queens Municipality is happy to be a sponsor of the 2019 Canadian National Axe Throwing Championships.  This event is a good fit for Queens, with our rich forestry history and reputation for hosting unique, world class events and competitions.”

In addition to the 2018 Canadian National Axe Throwing Championships, North Nova Lumberjacks Society has successfully hosted Nova Scotia Lumberjack Championships in 2016, 2017 and 2018, which were nationally televised. Promoting the sport of Lumberjack skills and its athletes, hosting elite level competitions, promoting the community, and contributing to the local economy through attracting spectators and competitors are the values of North Nova Lumberjack Society.  Further information about the Canadian National Axe Throwing Championships, as well as sponsorship opportunities are available online: www.novalumberjacks.com. 

December 11, 2018; Liverpool, NS:  Improved internet service will soon be a reality at Queens Place Emera Centre, Liverpool, NS.  A motion was approved at the December 11, 2018 Region of Queens Municipality’s Council meeting to proceed with upgrades to the internet service at Queens Place Emera Centre, as outlined in a proposal received from Bell Aliant, in the amount of $65,670.77 plus HST.  The cost of these upgrades will be funded through existing budgets and reserves for Queens Place Emera Centre, specifically the Fundraising account and Equipment Reserve account.  

“Provision of reliable, high speed internet is an essential part of doing business. Many organizations who host events at Queens Place Emera Centre require a strong, reliable signal throughout the facility,” said David Dagley, Region of Queens Municipality’s Mayor.  “We are pleased that upgrades will be in place prior to the 2019 World Junior Curling Championship, which takes place in February, 2019, and for future events to be held at Queens Place Emera Centre.”

Over the seven years that Queens Place Emera Centre has been in operation, solutions have been sought to improve internet service throughout the facility, with limited success.  Two proposals were received to provide reliable internet in the facility; Eastlink and Bell Aliant each submitted detailed proposals and pricing to improve wireless internet service.  Bell Aliant had the lowest price, providing 22 access points throughout the building, security appliances and professional service engagements. 

Queens Place Emera Centre is a municipally operated multipurpose recreation and cultural facility located at 50 Queens Place Dr., Liverpool, NS.  The facility opened in December 2011, and is a well known concert venue and host of major ice sport championship events.

December 4, 2018; Liverpool, NS: On Friday, April 12, 2019, one of Canada’s best known country music stars will be performing in Liverpool, NS. Chart topping Brett Kissel will ignite the crowds at Queens Place Emera Centre, Liverpool, Nova Scotia. It’s a show that country music fans will not want to miss; Brett Kissel will be joined by show opener Jason Price and his band, and local talent, Autumn Rae Carver.

“Fans from across the province will have a treat in coming to this concert, showcasing multiple Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA) winner Brett Kissel,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality . “Queens Place Emera Centre has been described as one of the best entertainment venues outside Metro; to have Brett Kissel play here builds on a stellar reputation.”

Kissel began his musical career at the young age of 12 with the release of his first album, and in the years since, has performed with such country music icons as Garth Brooks and Charley Pride. With an armful of awards too plentiful to list, Alberta born Kissel is a fan favorite across Canada, and has broken into the US markets, winning the 2017 International Artist of the Year Award at the Worldwide Radio Summit in Hollywood, California. Known for chart-topping gold and platinum hits such as “We Were that Song”, “Guitars and Gasoline”, and “3-2-1”, Kissel is a near constant on the Canadian County music charts. Last year, Kissel completed the most comprehensive Canadian tour of all time, performing 120+ dates, hitting every single province and territory.

Opening for Kissel on April 12, 2018 is Lawrencetown, NS singer/songwriter, Jason Price, known across Nova Scotia for blending the honest tones of classic country with the flavour of current country, recorded his debut CD ‘Grit, Guts and Country Pride’ in Nashville, Tennessee. His second album is expected to be released in early 2019.

Special guest Autumn Rae Carver of Middlefield, NS is a local favorite having won Shore Idol at the South Shore Exhibition, performing with Terry Clarke, and more recently in June 2018, took the stage at Queens Place Emera Centre with the Washboard Union and Jason Benoit.

The concert is an all ages event, and alcohol will be served. Tickets are $62.50 plus tax and fee, and are available starting December 4, 2018 at 12:35 p.m. in person at Queens Place Emera Centre [contact: 902-354-4422] or through Ticketpro at www.ticketpro.ca or by calling 1-888-311-9090.