May 30, 2018; Liverpool, NS: As part its strategy to encourage more residents to become active, the Region of Queens Municipality’s Recreation and Healthy Communities Department will be offering a Cycling Weekend on June 16th and 17th, 2018.

Offered in partnership with the Ecology Action Centre, this one-day workshop will teach participants how to lead the “Making Tracks” program or simply improve your cycling knowledge, skills and confidence. Specific topics include safety, technical skills, preparedness, equipment maintenance, rules-of the road and community route planning. The workshop will be held at the Region of Queens Municipality’s Administration Office at 249 White Point Road, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 16, 2018, and there is a $10.00 fee for the workshop. Pre-registration is required by calling the Recreation and Healthy Communities Department by June 13, 2018. This workshop is for ages 13 and up. The Making Tracks helps children and youth develop active transportation skill competency, confidence and safety, encouraging them to choose active transportation as a means to travel within their communities. Using an educational leader training model, Making Tracks enlists the help of adults and youth in teaching children and youth safety skills in walking, cycling, in-line skating, scootering and skateboarding.

Day two of the weekend will feature a basic bicycle care and maintenance skills course, which will be taught as a hands-on workshop to get participants’ bikes ready to ride this summer. Adults and older youth (13 +) are welcome; topics covered include flat tire repairs, chain care and repair, break and gear adjustments, cleaning and maintenance, and more. This workshop will also be held at the Region of Queens Municipality’s Administration Office at 249 White Point Road, from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon on Sunday, June 17, 2018. Cost is $5.00. To preregister, contact the Recreation and Healthy Communities Department at 902-354-5741 by June 13, 2018.

For more information on these and other activities of the Recreation and Healthy Communities Department, call (902)-354-5741.

May 28, 2018; Liverpool, NS: National Health and Fitness Day is being celebrated on June 2, 2018 in communities across Canada, with a variety of activities planned to encourage people to be active. Senator Nancy Greene Raine (retired), Canada’s Female Athlete of the 20th Century, Olympic gold and silver medalist, and one the best known names in Canadian skiing, will be taking part in National Health and Fitness Day events in the Region of Queens Municipality to mark the occasion. Greene Raine will join Region of Queens Municipality’s Mayor David Dagley for a Community Family Walk at Pine Grove Park in Milton at 4 p.m. She will also make an appearance at the Mersey Skatepark during the “Skateboarding Fundamentals” session at approximately 3 p.m., and will take part in the 3:15 p.m. Public Skate at Queens Place Emera Centre.

“We’re pleased that Nancy Greene Raine is able to take part in several of our National Health and Fitness Day activities in Queens County and embrace our local hospitality. This a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to Queens to meet a Canadian skiing legend, a two time Olympic medal winner and an inspirational athlete who is a role model to many for leading a healthy active lifestyle,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.

The Community Family Walk begins at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 2, 2018, at Pine Grove Park, 44 Hwy.8, Milton, NS. Greene Raine and Dagley will lead the walk through the trail system at Pine Grove. The walk is approximately 2 kilometers on groomed trail surfaces, amidst stands of century old white pine trees, with plantings of azaleas, magnolias, and rhododendrons in various stages of blooming. The public are encouraged to attend and enjoy a walk with Greene Raine, a Canadian skiing icon. The Community Family Walk is a rain or shine event; participants should dress for the weather. Earlier in the day, she will be making an appearance at the Mersey Skatepark for a “Skateboarding Fundamentals” workshop at approximately 3 p.m. The Mersey Skatepark is located at 72 Queens Place Drive, Liverpool, NS. Greene Raine is also planning to take part in a Public Skate at Queens Place Emera Centre, 50 Queens Place Drive, Liverpool, NS, beginning at 3:15 p.m.

In her role as a Senator for British Columbia, Greene Raine was and continues to be an active promoter of National Health and Fitness Day since the National Health and Fitness Day Act, Bill S-211, became law in December 2014. Greene Raine is known throughout Canada and around the world for her successful nine year ski racing career, during which she won three U.S. Championship titles and nine Canadian titles; a silver medal in the slalom and a gold in the giant slalom at the 1968 Olympics in Grenoble, France; and a total of 13 World Cup victories in a two year period, the most by any Canadian and still one of the top overall averages today. She retired from ski racing at age 24, but has remained active and involved in the sport over the years, developing Whistler, BC and Sun Peaks near Kamloops, BC as skiing destinations, as well as coaching, advising and serving on committees that promote and support amateur skiing. Greene Raine was a member of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s “Task Force for Sport for Canadians” in 1968, and was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 2009 , retiring on May 11, 2018, is an Officer of the Order of Canada, her name was added to Canada’s Walk of Fame in 1999, is a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, and along with Catriona Le May Doan, Rick Hanson, Steve Nash and Wayne Gretzky, lit the Olympic cauldron at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

May 8, 2018; Liverpool, NS:   Littering is a concern in communities across Nova Scotia; the Council of Region of Queens Municipality has taken steps to support those who conduct roadside clean ups to reduce roadside litter.  A motion to approve the Solid Waste Community Litter Collection Program was passed at the May 8, 2018 Regular Council meeting.  The Solid Waste Community Litter Collection Program supports community groups that clean a portion of highway in their community, with a grant of $100 per kilometre, along with the required safety supplies, gloves, and garbage bags.  

“Litter is a concern in every corner of Queens, and there are a number of community organizations that conduct litter clean ups in their areas as a community pride initiative; they have a desire to keep Queens clean and beautiful, and Council appreciates and values those efforts,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “Some groups have registered their clean up area with Adopt A Highway, and commit to twice annual litter clean ups.  Other groups are not affiliated with an organized litter removal program, and do clean ups as needed.  Their work to pick up litter makes an impact, and is an example to others.”

An ad hoc litter abatement committee made up of Community members, a few Region of Queens staff, and some Council members, has been working on projects that educate residents about litter and the need to reduce, reuse and recycle.  The ad hoc litter abatement committee brought forward the idea of establishing a program where community organizations could apply to clean up an area, and receive a financial support in return.  The budget implications of the Solid Waste Community Litter Collection Program are $3,000 for the grants, and an additional $2,500 budgeted to cover the gloves, bags and safety supplies.  

Incorporated non-profit community organizations or groups within Queens are eligible to apply once per fiscal year for funding, and must supply proof of approval from Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for their litters clean up.  Funds are available on a first come, first served basis, at a rate of $100per kilometre, including both sides of the road, to a maximum of $300 per year.  Program guidelines and an application form are available by contacting Scott LeBlanc, Solid Waste Management Clerk at 902-354-3455, and they will also be posted on the Region of Queens website (http://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/works/overview ) by May 11, 2018.

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