January 23, 2018; Liverpool, NS:    Whether it’s snow or ice storms in the winter, flooding, hurricanes, forest fires, drought or other situations, it is wise to be prepared.  Region of Queens Emergency Management Office (EMO) Coordinator, Brian Hatt urges residents to have a plan and an emergency kit on hand.

“An emergency kit is especially important to have in place as we enter the winter storm season, and there should be one in place year round.  EMO recommends that when residents learn of approaching storm systems, they prepare to shelter in their location for up to 72 hours.  This means that in advance of a storm system, they should have enough food, water, and a heat source to ensure that they can stay where they are for up to 72 hours, or until it is safe to relocate,” said Hatt. 

A basic emergency kit should be portable, in the event that it is not safe to remain at home, and should contain a three day supply of non-perishable food and water for all residents of the home (2lts. water per person per day); first aid kit; whistle; local maps; sanitation items (towelettes, toilet paper, etc.); change of clothing for everyone; pet food; emergency documents (passport, birth certificates, deeds, insurance); medical supplies; emergency lighting such as flashlights with spare batteries, matches/lighter; blankets and warm clothing; and a battery-powered radio with spare batteries.  Consider having a version of an emergency kit in the family car in the event you are involved in an emergency on the highway. Residents considering the purchase and usage of an outside portable generator should consult with a qualified electrician, to verify its proper usage and service ability during a power outage, prior to making a purchase.

Prior to and during the recent storm on Boxing Day, which was followed days later by another storm, there were questions from the public regarding when comfort stations would open and the locations of them.  Hatt advised that the Region of Queens Municipality’s EMO has several comfort stations in various locations throughout Queens with signed agreements in place that will be opened as required.  These premises will open when the Region of Queens Municipality and EMO determine it is required.  Not all comfort stations will open; one or more may open as the situation warrants.  The opening and location of the comfort center will be determined by the type and location of the emergency.

“Comfort stations are not always open during storms,” said Hatt.  “If there is a winter storm or other emergency at any time of the year, plan to be self sufficient for 72 hours, and listen to the radio to hear if the conditions or situation has warranted the opening and location of a comfort center.  If the home is safe, that is the best place to be.  We do not want residents travelling in conditions that are unsafe, to comfort stations that have not yet been opened and are therefore unmanned.  We have a number of means of advising the public when a comfort station opens, and will use those means at the appropriate times.  Of course, if a resident has an emergency, or feels they are in a situation that is unsafe, they should call 911.” Residents of Queens may also contact Brian Hatt at 902-350-1413 if they require further information regarding the comfort centers, but their initial call should be to 911 if there is an emergency situation at their location.

Hatt noted that reporting situational changes will help determine the need to open a comfort center in a community, and that during the Boxing Day storm, there were no reports received from residents.  He added that comfort centers are intended to be a short term solution while residents figure out a solution for their situation, such as relocating to a friend or family member’s home that may have heat or may still have power.  During a winter storm, strong winds, heavy rainfall or flooding situation, motorists are advised to stay off the roads.  In the event of essential travel, motorists are urged to use caution and stay safe. 

Residents will be updated as a potential emergency situation develops, and advised of situational status.  Among the methods utilized  to communicate with the public regarding the status of a winter storm, or other situations at other times of year, are messages and updates to local media, including the local radio stations (CKBW – 94.5 FM, Hank FM – 100.7, and QCCR – 99.3 FM); posts on the Region of Queens Municipality’s website (http://www.regionofqueens.com); the Region of Queens Municipality Facebook page (htpp://www.facebook.com/RegionofQueens); and the Region of Queens Twitter page (https://www.twitter.com/RegionofQueens ). During severe emergencies, door to door notification may also be utilized.

For information on being prepared for emergencies, as well as information on current and developing situations in Queens County, please check the Region of Queens Municipality’s website under the Emergency Measures tab: http://www.regionofqueens.com/emergency-measures/overview .

January 23, 2018; Liverpool, NS: Nonprofit organizations in the Region of Queens Municipality have another means of communicating their organizations’ objectives and milestones with the public. The Region of Queens’ Council approved a motion at their January 23, 2018 Regular Council meeting to amend Policy 8 – Proclamations. The Policy states that “It shall be the policy of the Region of Queens Municipality not to endorse any proclamations.” The amendment will see proclamations submitted from local nonprofit community organizations or affiliations included in agenda packages for information purposes, allowing the public to make their own decision as to whether they support a cause.

“We have heard about how other municipalities handle proclamation requests, and there is a diversity of ways that the requests are handled from municipality to municipality. We wanted to be fair, and to ensure that the public was aware of the organizations, their causes, and activities,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “Council will continue to make no motions or actions on proclamations, but will now ensure that the public is aware of those requests that are submitted. It is important to have groups receive exposure for their organization.”

The amended Policy 8 – Proclamations will be posted on the Region of Queens website. Any Queens County based nonprofit organizations, or affiliations, may submit proclamation requests to the Corporate Services Department at the Region of Queens Municipality by mail, in person (P. O. Box 1264, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0) or by email info@regionofqueens.com to be included in an upcoming agenda package.

January 9, 2018; Liverpool, NS : The Region of Queens Municipality has hired Chris McNeill as its new Chief Administrative Officer. Council approved Mr. McNeill’s appointment at its regular Council meeting today (January 9, 2018).

“Council is very pleased that Chris, who is a resident of Queens, has agreed to return to employment at the Region of Queens after being away for nearly six years. With his 25 years of municipal and provincial government experience, he has the skills and abilities that Council requires to lead us into our next stages of renewal and development” advises Mayor David Dagley.

Mr. McNeill is currently CAO for the Municipality of the District of Shelburne, and prior to that worked for more than four years as a Municipal Advisor with the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs providing leadership and advice to more than two thirds of Nova Scotia’s municipalities in areas of governance, finance, and administration. During that time, he successfully facilitated the dissolution of the Town of Springhill and Town of Parrsboro on behalf of the province.

Mr. McNeill holds an undergraduate degree from Acadia University, a Master of Public Administration degree from Dalhousie University, and is expected to begin work in Queens in March.

The Council of the Region of Queens Municipality also acknowledges the significant contribution of Jennifer Keating-Hubley as Interim CAO during the CAO job posting and transition period.

January 9, 2018; Liverpool, NS: The Council of the Region of Queens Municipality will be entering two purchase and sale agreements for surplus land in Liverpool. At the January 9, 2018 Regular Council meeting, Council approved entering a purchase and sale agreement for five adjacent parcels of land, known locally as the former Gorham School properties, and also approved entering a purchase and sale agreement for three adjacent lots located off Bristol Avenue, Liverpool, NS, near the Mersey River.

“The two sales comprise land that the Municipality had acquired a number of years ago, on separate occasions, and had declared surplus to Municipal use,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “The possible development and revenue generated from the sale of these properties, and future taxation helps to provide for Municipal services throughout the Region of Queens.”

The former Gorham School properties consist of two parcels zoned R-1 (Residential) and three zoned I-1 (Institutional), being sold to Gregory Thomas for $81,000 plus HST. The closing date of the purchase and sale agreement is February 8, 2018. The three lots of land near Bristol Avenue are zoned C-2 (Highway Commercial), and are being sold to 3303407 Nova Scotia Limited for the price of $30,000 plus HST with a closing date on or before March 31, 2018. The powers of a Municipality regarding property, including purchase and sale of Municipal properties, are governed under the Municipal Government Act, sections 50 and 51.

There will be a Special meeting of the Region of Queens Council held on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Region’s Council Chambers, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool.  The purpose of this meeting is to deal with the Rezoning – Nickerson Pond Road.  Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The agenda can be found on our website.

The Region of Queens Municipality is now accepting applications from Community Organizations for grants for the 2018/2019 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.

Details and applications for funding are available by clicking here.

Application deadline is Friday, February 2, 2018

December 18, 2017; Liverpool, NS: Approximately two acres of land located adjacent to Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool, NS has been sold to the Canadian development company, Plaza Retail REIT. The purchase and sale agreement between our two organizations has closed successfully, with the terms of the agreement being met; the due diligence period concluded and payment for the 84,100 square foot parcel of land located at Queens Crossing has been received.

Region of Queens Municipality’s Council approved a motion on May 9, 2017 to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with Plaza Retail REIT for the lands, for unnamed retail development. It is expected that Plaza Retail REIT will make an announcement in the coming months regarding the business(es) that will locate on the lands.

The Queens Crossing development area is highly visible from highway 103, and has been marketed with a long term vision of new commercial development being established in the area, which would contribute to the economic prosperity of the Region of Queens Municipality.

December 12, 2017; Liverpool, NS: For three days in January, hundreds of skaters from across Atlantic Canada will take to the ice at Queens Place Emera Centre, and compete to advance to a national level competition. It was announced in November that the Queens County Blades Skating Club was successful in their bid to host the 2018 Atlantic Synchronized Skating Championships at Queens Place Emera Centre on January 26, 27 and 28, 2018. At the Region of Queens December 12, 2018 Regular Council meeting, Council approved a grant of $6,000 to support the event, citing it as an important economic driver, with an expected economic impact of $450,000 in and around Liverpool, NS, in January 2018.

“Council is very happy to support this event, which will bring over 500 participants, including skaters and coaches, from all four Atlantic Provinces, to Liverpool this January. This economic boost to the community, will occur in what is traditionally a slower time of year for hotels, dining establishments and retail shops,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “The selection was based on past successful events hosted by the Queens County Blades Skating Club, as well as the reputation that Queens has developed as a successful and welcoming host community for large scale, top calibre events. A great deal of work goes into making a bid, and Council appreciates the effort by the Queens County Blades Skating Club, and their upcoming volunteer efforts in the weeks leading to the 2018 Atlantic Synchronized Skating Championships.”

The 2018 Atlantic Synchronized Skating Championships will feature teams of synchronized skaters who will compete to represent Atlantic Canada at the Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships being held from February 25 – 28, 2018 in Oshawa, Ontario. Teams will consist of youth and adult skaters, competing to qualify in Novice, Intermediate, Open, Junior, and Senior categories. According to the Skate Canada website, “synchronized skating, or “synchro”, is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers. The objective is for the team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to the music, while demonstrating quality edges, power and flow.” This is the first time the Atlantic Synchronized Skating Championship has been held at Queens Place Emera Centre.

December 12, 2017; Liverpool, NS: South Shore Flying Club (SSF Club) and the Region of Queens Municipality have entered into two new lease agreements that will allow the programs and activities of the SSF Club to take off. At the December 12, 2017 Regular Council meeting, Council approved entering into a 13 year lease with the Club for the terminal building at the airport, and also a 13 year lease for the 40,800 square feet of land located at 80 Airport Drive, Greenfield with the intent that it be used by the SSF Club to build hangars.

“Following a period of growth and development over the past year and a half since they began the lease for the South Shore Regional Airport, the South Shore Flying Club determined some additional needs that would increase the capacity of the group,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “Council has been happy to see the Flying Club moving forward, actively promoting the airport, and growing its membership as well as increasing and improving on the infrastructure at the airport.”

The 13 year leases will come into effect on January 1, 2018 and continue through to May 31, 2031, which is also the renewal date for the current airport lease that the SSF Club has with the Region of Queens Municipality.

“We signed the Management lease to operate the South Shore Regional Airport in June 2016. It is our hope that we can grow the facility to attract new pilots, and existing pilots from other areas, and around the South Shore. Also to attract new businesses to the area; knowing they would have a viable airport within the South Shore to help grow their business. Obviously this could be a vital link to getting their products or clients in and out of the area quickly and efficiently,” said Peter Gow, Vice President of the South Shore Flying Club. “The area would also benefit from having this airport in place, in case of fire (as happened 2 years ago) to get fire fighting aircraft in to the fire area quickly, or in case of natural disaster, to be able to move people in and out effectively. Air ambulance services would also be able to use the airport. A long term goal would be to offer fuel for aircraft which we do not have now. This is a very expensive endeavour; so we want to start small and get established before we look into that possibility.”

During the first 18 months of operating the airport, the SSF Club has made steady progress, with members painting the runway markings and taxiway lines to give pilots better visibility both on the tarmac and from the air coming in to land, and also installed new flags and a new windsock, which had its location moved from the north to the south side of the runway to give a better reading of winds. Two members spent about 50 hours redesigning and painting a compass rose which is used to adjust aircraft on board compasses. The SSF Club held a fundraiser in March of 2016 for their annual insurance premiums, and noted that they were well supported by the community in donations of items for silent auction, as well as in their bids.

The South Shore Regional Airport is located at 80 Airport Drive, Greenfield, Queens County, Nova Scotia, and is airport code CYAU. Featuring a 75 foot wide by 3,933 foot long paved unlit runway, with no fuel on site, the South Shore Regional Airport is operated by the South Shore Flying Club, and is also home to the Greenfield Dragway, operated by the Nova Scotia Drag Racers Association.