January 24, 2017; Liverpool, NS: The Council of the Region of Queens Municipality voted in support of several motions that invest in tourism, recreational opportunities, arts and culture, and support a vibrant community. A new tenant for the Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre, development of innovative new technology for the Liverpool Visitor Information Centre, funding for a sporting event and support to bring an international event to the community, were all approved at their Regular Council Meeting on January 24, 2017.

“The motions approved today in Council are the culmination of several months of work by Council, staff and the proponents, and are reflective of our Council’s strategic priorities focusing on attracting and growing our population, and growing our economy,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.

A motion was approved to enter into a three year lease with Julie Babin, and her business The Welcome Matte Frame Shop, as a tenant of the facility. The lease provides Babin with space in the Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre in exchange for her coordinating with artists and the public to provide art shows, workshops and being a welcoming presence in the Cultural Centre.

“Julie brought forward an unsolicited proposal outlining her solution to fill a gap in service at the Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre. Council is pleased with how the proposal fits our vision of a vibrant, active Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre, which serves as a cultural hub in our downtown area,” said Dagley. “We look forward to seeing even more activity in the building, to have her on site to assist artists with their shows, and to greet and welcome locals and visitors to the Cultural Centre as well as to the community.”

The lease outlines an agreement with Babin to have exclusive use of the workshop room, as well as shared use office space and shared use storage space. There are no additional budget expenditures being made by the Region of Queens Municipality, and the sales and commission splitting in the lease agreement will provide a small revenue stream. The Astor Theatre and the Sipuke’l Gallery are also tenants of the Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre.

“The Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre is such a fantastic facility that appeared to be underutilized. I thought I would submit a proposal, and if it was accepted, it would be a great way to contribute to the community while promoting arts and culture in a gorgeous setting. I am very excited to work with the arts community to help this facility reach its full potential,” Babin said.

Innovative new technology from local entrepreneur and recently retired professor of computer science, Rex Woollard, will be embraced by the Region of Queens as a tool to aid those visiting the area in learning about the best Queens County has to offer. Woollard is developing software for an interactive, self-serve visitor information program that will be developed into a touch screen visitor centre kiosk. The prototype will be tailor made for Queens County and located at the Liverpool Visitor Information Centre upon completion.

“We are pleased that Mr. Woollard will introduce his leading edge technology here in Queens and that it is the model that he will be able to replicate this technology for other communities across Nova Scotia,” said Dagley. “It is an exciting project and Mr. Woollard will be breaking new ground in enhancing visitor experiences.”

“Queens has much to offer local residents and visitors from around the world – its cultural richness, its deeply rooted history, its spectacular shoreline, its expansive lakes and rivers, and its diverse entertainment outlets. Queens faces the challenge of promotion. The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) has been a great promotional resource for years, but it is not staffed as an information centre throughout the year,” said Woollard. The kiosk he is developing will be available year round, even when visitor centre staff is not available. He developed similar computer solutions for the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology and Algonquin College, both based in Ottawa, and is eager to apply these skills to celebrate the unique charms of Queens. In the future, the VIC kiosk could be replicated at a very low cost at other important locations in the community.

Council also made decisions that will assist community organizations to make Queens County an active, engaged community pertaining to recreation and entertainment. Council requested that staff prepare a report on the possible direction to be followed after the presentation by the Queens Community Aquatic Society, which summarized the Aquatics survey conducted in the fall of 2016.

As well, Council approved a grant in the amount of $500.00 for the Liverpool Curling Club to host the Under 15 Juvenile Curling Championship from Feb. 10 – 12, 2017. The Championships will bring 29 teams of youth, their coaches, and families from across the province for the three day tournament.

In keeping with drawing visitors to the area, Council also approved support for the Kings Orange Rangers to develop an International Re-enactment Event on August 10, 11, and 12, 2018 in Liverpool, NS. In addition to their own members, the Kings Orange Rangers plan to have representatives from many groups throughout Nova Scotia and North America, which may include the 84th Regiment of Foot (Windsor, NS), 3rd New Jersey Volunteers (Shelburne, NS), Royal American Fencibles (Yarmouth, NS), 2nd Delanceys (Saint John, NB), and a number of American member groups affiliated under the Brigade of the American Revolution. As Council has provided support in principle, the next steps for the Kings Orange Rangers will be to develop a project committee, clarify roles and responsibilities, recruit volunteers, source additional funding and develop the preliminary event schedule.

“Today’s Council meeting saw the approval of several initiatives which will result in increasing the capacity of our community to offer residents and visitors a quality experience while having a positive impact on our local economy. Lively activities encourage people to relocate or visit an area for quality of life, business and recreational opportunities, also supporting a positive lifestyle for current and future residents,” said Dagley.

January 13, 2017; Liverpool, NS: Be prepared to be swept up in the excitement of the 2017 Maritime Broomball Championships which will take place at Queens Place Emera Centre, Liverpool, NS from April 28th through 30th. The three-day tournament will include teams from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island competing for the title of Maritime Champions.

“We look forward to hosting the Maritime Broomball Championship, and extend a warm welcome to the athletes and fans. Queens Place Emera Centre has a reputation for hosting fast paced, exciting sporting events, and Council is pleased that the 2017 Maritime Broomball Championships is coming here,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.

“We are proud to announce that Liverpool, N.S. will be host to the 2017 Maritime Broomball Championships “ says Matthew Wainman, President of the Maritime Broomball Association. “This tournament will showcase the best teams and players in the Maritime Provinces in Men’s, Mixed and Women’s divisions and is expected to have participation from 15 or more teams representing Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Queens Place Emera Centre was host to the NS Provincial Championships in 2013. The MBA is pleased to be returning in 2017, as we know the region will do a stellar job in hosting and organizing this tournament.”

Broomball is a sport that is growing in popularity across the world and in 2010 was featured as a demonstration sport in the Winter Olympics.

Those interested in playing, coaching, refereeing, volunteering or wanting more information about this tournament are asked to contact the Maritime Broomball Association at maritimebroomball@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/maritimebroomball.

2016 was an exciting year in tourism in Nova Scotia; the Region of Queens Municipality and the South Shore were popular spots for visitors from outside the province, with nearly 50% of all visitors coming to the South Shore! Check out the 2016 Tourism Review produced by Tourism Nova Scotia for information about what the visitors are doing while here and some interesting facts and figures about trends that are seen in tourism in Nova Scotia. There are quite a few shots that feature Queens, and the information is significant to consider as we position ourselves going into 2017.

** Please note: A winter storm is forecast to take place overnight on February 15, 2017.  In the event that this storm results in the Muncipal Administration Office having a delayed opening, the Tax Sale will be held at 1 p.m. **

To view the following properties for tax sale on February 16, 2017 please click here.

The Region of Queens Municipality is pleased to offer a Christmas Tree Pick-up service to the residents of the Region of Queens Municipality.

Christmas Tree pick-up shall occur ON YOUR REGULAR COLLECTION DAY during the weeks of:

January 9 to January 13, 2017

January 16 to January 20, 2017

Please ensure that all decorations, tinsel, stands, and plastic Christmas Tree bags have been removed before placing them at roadside for pick-up.

If preferred, residents may dispose of their Christmas Trees by taking them directly to the Region’s Leaf and Yard Waste Site located in Western Head.

Scott LeBlanc
Solid Waste Management
Phone: 902-354-3455

Have you ever dreamed having a seasonal tourism business? An opportunity to run a seasonal lighthouse tourism attraction is being offered in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Fort Point Lighthouse, the Province’s third oldest lighthouse, is again providing the opportunity for a third party to both run the attraction and provide signature tourism experiences for visitors. A request for proposals (RFP) has been put out by the Region of Queens Municipality, advising of the opportunity for individuals, businesses and non profit organizations to submit a proposal to operate the facility.

This popular scenic spot amidst Liverpool’s Colonial residences continues to draw lighthouse aficionados who love that the lighthouse provides the opportunity to actually go inside, hear about the history of the lighthouse and the area, climb the tour and toot the hand-cranked fog horn.

It is an opportunity for good ideas to come to life with limited risk to the successful organization. 2016 was the pilot season for having a third party operate the facility, which was formerly operated as a museum and gift shop by the Region of Queens. This past season, Lane’s Privateer Inn was the successful applicant and they created the Lane’s at the Lighthouse experience, together with the popular Lighthouse Picnics at Fort Point Lighthouse Park. This venture garnered national attention from tourism bloggers and media.

The Region of Queens has now opened up the opportunity to secure a three-year agreement to operate the facility, while still providing some of the essential supports to ease the burden of running the building. An RFP package can be obtained by clicking here or in person at the Economic Development Department, Region of Queens Administration building, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool.

Proposals will be accepted until Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Local Time, with the contract commencing in the Spring of 2017.

SOLID WASTE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

DATE                                         LANDFILL                    COLLECTION
Monday, December 26, 2016      Landfill Closed             Collection Occurs
Tuesday, December 27, 2016     Landfill Open               Collection Occurs
Monday, January 2, 2017           Landfill Closed             Collection Occurs
Tuesday, January 3, 2017          Landfill Open               Collection Occurs

Scott LeBlanc
Solid Waste Management
Phone: 902-354-3455

December 13, 2016; Liverpool, NS: The Region of Queens Municipality’s skilled workforce maintains many areas that are important to the lives of Queens County residents and visitors. The operations and services provided by the Region of Queens are diverse, and includes staff working in the administration office, Engineering and Public Works, parks and playgrounds, Queens Place Emera Centre, the Municipal landfill and Recycling Facility, as well as Hillsview Acres. Milestone achievements of staff were recognized with Years of Service Awards at the December 13 Region of Queens Council meeting.

“Council is proud to recognize these milestones celebrating the working careers of staff. Those receiving awards today have shown their commitment to public service and excellence,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “We are privileged to have municipal employees who remain dedicated to their work, while making it their career. All staff are much appreciated and respected by Council and the residents of the Region.”

Sixteen employees were recognized for five, 10, 15, and 20 years of service; those employees represent 200 years of cumulative employment. Staff reaching five years of employment includes Penney Benedict, Nicole Fancy, Jo-Anne Lenethen, and Roslyn Rowter. Ten year milestones were reached by Dana Henley, Donald White, Colin Hartlen, David Benedict, and Chris Wamboldt. Those with 15 years of employment are Wendy Connors and Valerie Rhyno. Additionally, Bradley Rowter, Kevin Weagle, Terri Munroe, Jamie Belong, and Gerry Matthews were recognized for 20 years of service.

Service Awards are presented each year by Council to staff who reach 5 year milestones.

 Click here for the December 6th Queens Place Emera Centre Advisory Committee Agenda.

The Region of Queens Municipality is now accepting applications from Community Organizations for grants for the 2016/2017 fiscal year.

To qualify, organizations must be Queens County based, must submit a financial statement for the previous year and a budget for the upcoming year. New organizations must submit a budget only.

For details and applications please click here.

November 14, 2016: Residents on the Region of Queens Municipal Water Utility may notice discoloured water as staff continue to work to repair a leak on the system that occurred over the weekend. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.

November 8, 2016; Liverpool, NS: The Liverpool Fire Fighters Association recently approached the Region of Queens Municipality for help in finding a large area to conduct practices and controlled burning with their volunteer fire fighters. Formerly, the LFFA conducted their practices in the gravel lot on Henry Hensey Drive, at the rear of the Liverpool Fire Department building.

“Our staff will work with the Liverpool Fire Fighters Association to find an appropriate area in which their volunteer fire fighters can practice the essential skills needed to keep our community safe,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “The Fire Department identified that a number of their activities, such as controlled outdoor burning, would be more appropriate outside of the business district, which is near residential areas. We were happy that Chief Steven Parnell approached us to help the organization locate a larger area in which to practice.”

There are a number of municipally owned properties near Liverpool that could be considered. Before an area is selected, a report prepared by Region of Queens staff co-operatively with Chief Parnell, will be submitted to Council for approval.

“As a volunteer fire department, we need a lot of training time to keep skills current. We would like to access a large secluded area, where we can conduct the training without worrying about smoke or noise carrying to neighboring homes,” said Steven Parnell, Fire Chief of the Liverpool Fire Fighters Association. “In working with the Region of Queens, we are hoping to find a spot large enough to not only carry out the training for the Liverpool Fire Department, but also to be able to offer mutual aid training to include the other five fire departments and the first responders that serve Queens. Training space located close to homes is an issue for fire departments, and a large remote space would be beneficial to many volunteer firefighters throughout Queens, and allow us to continue to be good neighbors.”

The Liverpool Fire Fighters Association is a volunteer organization that conducts ongoing skills training and practice in the areas of fire suppression, first responder activities, and safety. There are 43 volunteers in the Liverpool Fire Fighters Association, and approximately 20 in the Liverpool Junior Fire Fighters Association. The Liverpool Fire Fighters Association services a large geographical area, providing service to communities in South Queens (including Liverpool, Milton, Brooklyn, Beach meadows, Eagle Head, East Berlin, West Berlin, Mersey Point, Western Head, Moose Harbour and others), West Queens (including White Point, Hunts Point, Summerville, Port Mouton, Port Joli, Port L’Hebert, and others), and provides mutual aid to communities throughout Queens County.