August 8, 2017; Liverpool, NS:  The Region of Queens Council is looking to the future and making plans for down the road by setting up funding reserves and a long range plan to improve road conditions in the Municipality.  At the August 8^th Regular Council meeting, approval was given to sign the standard, recurring 3 year agreement to be eligible to “apply at a future date” for Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) approval to cost-share on surface upgrades.  Staff will include a list of possible improvement needs to be included in the future capital plan, along with a funding suggestion to be considered at 2017/18 budget discussions.

The suggested solution would be to begin building a reserve as early as the 2018/19 budget, which would then be used in the recapitalization of Local Roads under the Municipal Service Exchange.   The second item included a motion to authorize the Mayor and Chief Administrative Office (CAO) to sign the three year cost sharing agreement for paving subdivision roads; this is a document that is renewed every three years, and enables future consideration of joint paving projects with the Province.

The motion gives staff the flexibility to investigate the various funding solutions.  At an estimated $250,000 per kilometer, and nearly 47 km of roads identified as being in need of resurfacing, there are over $11 million in infrastructure costs currently not funded.  There is an annual financial cap on the Province of Nova Scotia’s cost sharing program, which currently funds up to 50% of project costs.  Establishing a reserve to fund the municipal portion of the resurfacing of the identified roads will help to systematically, over a long period of time, enable roads to be resurfaced that would not otherwise be resurfaced.  Some of the roads identified in the 46.84 km of roads require more immediate assistance, and will been attended to first.  Roads eligible for paving under the Municipal Service Exchange agreement are those constructed prior to April 1995.  Currently, fees paid by municipalities for operational maintenance (ie; winter operations, drainage, ditch maintenance, and pot hole repairs) do not cover resurfacing, and  are adjusted annually by the consumer Price Index for Canada, with the rate for 2015/2016 being $5,064 per kilometer; the 2017/2018 Region of Queens budget allocated $244,613 to pay the Province for these services. 

August 2, 2017; Liverpool, NS:  The mood was celebratory at Queens Place Emera Centre today as the Liverpool Championship Host Society announced they will host the World Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool, NS from February 17 – 24, 2019.

“The Liverpool Championship Host Society  has done a great job in securing this event, which will  bring 140 of the world’s top young curlers, their coaches, families and fans to Queens County in February, 2019,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.   Queens County has a reputation of hosting great events, having strong volunteer support, and bringing the crowds in support of all events, whether it is sport, cultural, or entertainment. We are excited to welcome the world to Liverpool, Queens County, Nova Scotia in February, 2019.”

President of the Liverpool Championship Host Society, Greg Thorbourne, announced that the Society had been successful in their bid to host the World Junior Curling Championships, and reflected on the previous success that the community had experienced in hosting the 2014 Canadian Junior Curling Championships. During the event announcement, the Honorable Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, advised of Provincial support for the week long world championships, contributing $100,000.  Region of Queens Municipality’s Mayor David Dagley confirmed that Council’s July 25, 2017, pre-budget approval of $50,000 in the 2018/2019 was in support of the World Junior Curling Championships. Shirley Osborne spoke on behalf of Curling Canada, advising that the 2019 Championships will be the 10 year anniversary of the event being held in Canada, which was in Vancouver in 2009.  Also attending the event were representatives from the Nova Scotia Curling Association, Liverpool Curling Club, Member of Parliament Bernadette Jordan’s Office, members of the Region of Queens Council, Events Nova Scotia and Communities Culture and Heritage.

The arena at Queens Place Emera Centre will be transformed to contain five sheets of curling ice, and will be the venue for the weeklong event. At least 10 countries will compete in Liverpool at this event with world class curlers aged 21 and under, with 10 men’s and 10 women’s teams.  The top six countries in each gender from the 2018 World Juniors in Aberdeen, Scotland will compete in the 2019 Worlds; three more countries in each gender will qualify out of the 2019 World Junior-B Curling Championships, and Canada’s entries will be decided at the 2019 New Holland Canadian Junior Championships.

July 25, 2017; Liverpool, NS:  Queens County has been approved to host a major event, and the Region of Queens Council is showing its support through pre-budget approval of $50,000 in the 2018/2019 budget.   A funding request was made to the Region of Queens Municipality by a local nonprofit organization that has been successful in its effort to host the event. 

“Although we are not at liberty to release any details about the event at this time, Council is confident that this event will be met with great enthusiasm by the public,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens.

An announcement regarding this event is scheduled at noon, Wednesday August 2^nd, 2017 at Queens Place Emera Centre, Liverpool, NS.

July 13, 2017; Liverpool, NS:   In just 14 months, more than 5,700 people from across Canada and the United States of America have taken a virtual journey in Liverpool, NS with a view to retiring in the area.  Liverpool resident Peter Ripple launched the website retiretoliverpool.com in April 2016 to promote Liverpool and area as an ideal choice for to those considering retirement options.

“Mr. Ripple shows a great deal of community pride in hosting and managing the Retire to Liverpool website,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.  “To have a citizen spreading the word about the benefits of residing in Queens County, supports the work that Council is doing to grow the population and economy.  We have taken some steps to work with Mr. Ripple in promoting his website, which has many links back to the Region of Queens website.” The Region of Queens Municipality ran a targeted Facebook ad in Ontario in June, directing people to retiretoLiverpool.com, which showed an increase to the website traffic, as well as additional traffic on the Region of Queens Facebook page.  A highway sign has also been placed near the 103, by exit 19 on Queens Crossing land with the Retire to Liverpool web address.

Ripple receives enquiries about the area through the website, and reports that at least six families have moved to the area as a result of the information in the Retire to Liverpool website.    Ripple set up and maintains the site with his own funds, and does not generate revenue from the website.

“I think it is in all of our interests to promote Queens County as a destination for people to live, regardless of their ages,” said Ripple.  “I would encourage you to use the site as a means of promoting Liverpool/Queens as a great place to live.”

Inspired to take action by the results of the 2011 census data that showed Queens County’s population was in decline and aging, and the loss of some longstanding businesses in the community, Ripple features aspects of Queens County that are desirable to those who are at the age to consider their retirement options.  RetiretoLiverpool.com features information about what’s available in Liverpool, with sections on health and wellness; recreational opportunities; services and area businesses; housing and cost of living; arts, culture and entertainment; and the temperate climate.  Those browsing the website will see many pictures of the amenities, natural beauty and abundant arts, culture and recreational opportunities available to residents. 

To view the following properties for tax sale on August 29, 2017 please click on the tax sale link below.

Tax Sale

July 1, 2017; Liverpool, NS: Even the weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of skateboard and biking enthusiasts as the Region of Queens Municipality  and the Queens County Skatepark Association officially opened the Mersey Skatepark in Liverpool, NS. Interested youth and adults gathered with their skateboards, bikes, and scooters to see the opening of the Mersey Skatepark under overcast skies, and a heavy mist.

The Mersey Skatepark has been generating excitement on social media and in the skateboarding community as the current top skatepark in the province, and perhaps even in eastern Canada, as a result of an innovative  design, and features. The skatepark has a large triple bowl, a streetscape, and a flow area, with a small bowl. Since construction was completed, it has been a popular spot, with skateboarders, scooter users, bikers, and rollerbladers of all ages and capabilities.

A skatepark has been a dream of youth in Queens County for over a decade; the formation of the Queens County Skatepark Association in 2012 was the beginning of making the dream a reality. With a vision the “It’s Time for a Skatepark in Queens!”, QCSA approached the Region of Queens Municiplaity for support. The donation of land and $200,000 cash got the wheels moving on the project. Community support through fundraising was huge, with QCSA receiving $330,000 through fundraising and donations.

The Mersey Skatepark is located at 72 Queens Place Drive, Liverpool, NS, adjacent to Queens Place Emera Centre, a Municipally operated multi purpose recreational facility. Also located on the property is a newly built BMX Pump Track, basketball nets, an outdoor walking trail, and a sledding hill. There are year round recreational opportunities for all ages in this multi use complex.

There will be a Speical meeting of Region of Queens Council held on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 immediately following the Committee of the Whole in the Region’s Council Chambers, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool.  The purpose of the meeting is to deal with the rezoning of Municipal Lands on Barss Street.  An agenda will be posted on this website.

June 13, 2017;  Liverpool, NS:  The Region of Queens Municipality and Hines Proguide Limited (the owner of the Rossignol Cultural Centre) have agreed to a one year extension of the lease for the Thomas H. Raddall Library. The Terms of the lease remain the same as the 2012 lease, with the lease outlining a cost of $10.88 per square foot for the 4750 square foot facility.
“Extending the lease gives Council the time and space needed to deliberate long term options for library services” Said Mayor David Dagley “In today’s times, libraries have evolved and provide an immensely valuable community space for educational, cultural, social, economic, and recreational opportunities and interactions.  It is important that the Region look at what we need for space, and to ensure that space meets the long term needs of our community.  We will take some time reviewing our options, while maintaining communication with the current landlord.”

The Thomas Raddall Library is located at 145 Old Bridge St., Liverpool, NS, and is open Sundays from noon – 4 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 13, 2017; Liverpool, NS:   Following a successful pilot year, the Council of the Region of Queens Municipality approved a one-year lease renewal  with Queens Association for Supported Living (QASL) for shared space at the Liverpool Visitor Information Centre (VIC) with the passing of a motion at the June 13th Regular Council meeting.  QASL will continue to operate the Penny Lane Express Shop at the VIC, as well as their staff and clients assisting in the provision of information to visitors.

“The partnership between the Municipality and QASL has been beneficial in many ways,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.  “The partnership promotes diversity and inclusion, and while we maintain our traditional staffing levels at the Liverpool VIC, clients of Penny Lane Enterprises gain valuable work experience providing assistance in the delivery of information to visitors.  We are pleased that during the shoulder season when the building would traditionally close, not only will the Penny Lane shop be open, but the VIC materials will be present, allowing information to be available to visitors year round.”

QASL is made up of a team of employees and volunteers who work with individuals with disabilities in Queens County to make a difference in their lives; Penny Lane Enterprises is an adult training centre coordinated by QASL.  Offering program options and work opportunities to individuals with diverse abilities, clients of Penny Lane Enterprises receive life and job skills training, and work in the community.  The partnership with the Region of Queens Municipality provides clients of Penny Lane Enterprises with work place skills and experience, and the public learn more about social enterprise, in a diverse, inclusive community.  The Municipality will continue to staff the VIC with a full time manager and two staff, as has been done in the past, from June through October, and QASL will operate a gift shop, and assist with providing VIC services.

The terms of the lease include QASL operating the facility as a shop on a year round basis, with visitor information available all year.  The Municipality will provide the maintenance, utilities and grounds keeping of the property, as well as a wage subsidy to support the hiring of one part time client position for QASL in recognition of their work at the VIC.  QASL will maintain a year round shop and visitor services presence during the months that the VIC has traditionally been closed (from mid October up to and including May), 4% of products sales will be payable to the Municipality, and the clients and staff of Penny Lane Enterprises will work to plan and implement some community events at the VIC in cooperation with Municipal staff.

“QASL believes in inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities in Queens County.  We are proud of our partnership with the Region and the work we do at the VIC in providing our clients diverse training and employment in the retail and tourism sector.  We will continue to be a strong advocate for an increased understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities as we move forward. ” said Treena Dexter – QASL Executive Director.

The Liverpool VIC is located on the Liverpool waterfront, at 23 Henry Hensey Drive, and is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 pm, May 29 – October 6, and Monday through Friday, 10 am – 4 pm for the balance of the year.

June 13, 2017; Liverpool, NS:  The services volunteers and community organizations provide is invaluable, and because of their commitment and dedication, the Region of Queens Municipality has a bounty of opportunities, events and programs for residents and visitors to access.  As a result of Council approving funding in the amount of $11,800 for 15 community groups and one athlete attending a National Championship, residents of Queens will have improved and enhanced recreational programs and much needed improvements to community recreation facilities.

“We are fortunate in Queens to have strong volunteer groups, who work hard for the betterment for the whole community, providing programs and services that in many cases would not be possible without their efforts.  Providing grants to non profit organizations for large scale capital projects to improve and maintain their facilities, and grants to help with the start up new programs, events or program helps volunteers focus on the important work they do,” said David Dagley, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.

Each year, Council approves Facility Development Grants totaling up to $10,000 to assist community organizations in repairs and renovations to their recreational facilities.  Policy allows one Major category grant to be given annually in the amount of $5,000 for projects totaling $10,000 or more, and several grants to be awarded in the Regular category may be funded up to $1,500 each.  The Milton Community Association received the Major Category grant to help drill a new well.   Grants in the Regular Category of the Facility Development Grant were awarded to the Greenfield Recreation Association ($1,500), Westfield Community Centre ($1,150), North Brookfield Community Hall ($800), West Queens Coastal Community Association ($550), Pleasant River Community Hall Society ($400), Liverpool Baseball Club ($250), Hunts Point and District #3 Athletic Association ($200), and Mersey Point Community Association ($150) to support a variety of capital improvements to their facilities.

The Region of Queens’ Department of Recreation and Healthy Communities administer several grant programs with ongoing intake throughout the year to assist with program development, tournament and special event hosting, volunteer training and travel by local athletes or teams to compete in Provincial or higher level championships.  Funding was awarded to the Milton Dambusters Swim Team to obtain equipment for their fast growing team.  Ron Williams was awarded a Sport Travel Assistance Grant to assist him with travel costs as he represents the province on Team Nova Scotia at the National Darts Championships in Saint John, NB.  The Queens Memorial Car Show received a Tournament/Special Events Assistance grant to assist in the provision of the event on August 26, in Privateer Park, Liverpool.  Plant to Plate Community Garden will host a Food Fair/Harvest Festival on September 9 as a result of the funding received through a Community Recreation Assistance program grant.  The pickleball program, which was introduced in West Queens by the RQM Department of Recreation & Healthy Communities as a winter pilot program, has grown substantially in just a few months, and with the assistance provided by the grant, the West Queens Recreation Association will purchase their own pickleball sets to continue the program on their own.  Families wishing to try sailing will have an opportunity to learn through a Community Recreation Assistance Program grant submitted by the Queens Recreational Boating Association.  “Get Out on the Water” will be held on July 8, and is a free program that includes boat rides, knot tying, food, drink, music and water safety instruction.

“The diversity of the programs, events and services provided in Queens is quite remarkable,” said Dagley.  “We are pleased to be able to support groups in Queens who give so tirelessly to provide opportunities to others.”