Oct. 6, 2016; Liverpool, NS: “We Need to Hear from YOU!” says the Queens Community Aquatic Society (QCAS) and the Region of Queens Municipality. Public input is needed from residents of Queens County to accurately gauge the community’s interest in and level of support for building a year round, indoor pool. Residents are being encouraged to complete a questionnaire to voice their opinion use of a community swimming pool.

“Keeping active improves health. There are many ways in which people can be active. One setting in which different forms of activity can occur is a swimming pool,” said Dr. Celeste Johnston, President of the QCAS. The QCAS’ mission is to bring an aquatic facility to Queens that will benefit all ages and abilities at minimal cost so as not to be a tax burden.

In considering the possibility of a swimming pool for Queens County, the Region of Queens Municipality and the QCAS have worked with Dr. Patrick McGrath, VP Research, Innovation and Knowledge Translation of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Dr. McGrath developed a questionnaire to determine how the population is active and how important they think a pool would be, and his research lab at Dalhousie University will analyze the results. To date, over 1,000 people have responded to the online survey. The more people who take the survey, the more the results will reflect the opinion of the people of Queens.

“Community input on this important decision is essential. Whether residents want a pool or don’t want a pool, we need to hear from them. The survey will help in deciding if there is community support to maintain a swimming pool, and if so, what components the community wants in their pool,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “This is an important decision, and one that requires engagement from residents to determine the need and potential use.”

The QCAS is a non profit organization formed in 2015 by residents with a vision and commitment to bringing a pool to Queens, which was in the original Queens Place Emera Centre design. The QCAS’s Board of directors consists of Dr. Celeste Johnston, President; Deborah Spartinelli, Vice President; Susan Higgins, Secretary; Bill Smyth, Treasurer; Dee Kozlowski, Fundraising Chair; Ian Clark; Dr. Al Doucet; Dave Oickle; Kevin Page; Bill Raine; and Kristopher Snarby. The Council of the Region of Queens Municipality and QCAS has had ongoing meetings to discuss the possibilities. The volunteers of QCAS are planning for a structure that will not burden taxpayers, as QCAS are planning to fundraise to cover the cost of construction of the facility, as well as an endowment fund to support pool operations for an extended period of time.

Please let your opinion be known. Residents can respond to the questionnaire online by going to the Region of Queens Home Page http://www.regionofqueens.com or https://survey.nshealth.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=8l2L8555

Paper copies of the questionnaire are available at the Region of Queens Municipality’s Administration Offices at 249 White Point Road, Liverpool, NS, or from QCAS members Celeste Johnston or Susan Higgins, or by contacting any member of the QCAS Board.

Liverpool lost an outstanding citizen this week with the death of Dr. Bill Murphy. He was as a native son. His father, Charlie Murphy, had been Mayor of Liverpool. Bill started his career as a dentist here in 1964. He and a group of businessmen started Mersey Seafoods which has remained a major employer to this day. He told me once he’d had many opportunities to sell the business and its licenses, but he kept it largely on account of the employees.

He made his mark on the east coast fishery through his service of several international boards and had achieved an international reputation for his wisdom and insightfulness.

His philanthropy during the last twenty years has been huge. Both he and his wife, Janet, shunned the publicity that comes with such generosity. They did great work through the J & W Murphy Foundation. The six J & W Murphy Scholarships, each worth $40,000, are vied for by students each year.

He and Janet made a very big donation to the Queens General Hospital rebuild. It was his commitment to this that enabled me to get government approval for the project and to find other funding sources. The new medical wing is named in their honour. There are many other institutions, organizations and buildings in Queens and elsewhere in Nova Scotia that have benefited from Bill and Janet’s largesse.

On behalf of the Region of Queens, I would like to thank the Murphys for their many contributions to Queens and to offer his children, Karen and Lisa and their families our sympathy and condolences on their loss.

Christopher Clarke, Mayor
Region of Queens Municipality

September 28, 2016; Liverpool, NS: Those looking for the newest and more innovative gear, materials and supplies for home renovations, fishing, hunting and outdoor adventures will see it all under one roof, a first for the South Shore. The South Shore Home, Sport and Travel Expo will be held at Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool, NS from April 28 – 30, 2017.

“Ever since Queens Place was built, the community has expressed an interest in having trade shows there, and Council is pleased that Darwin Event Group has entered into a contract to have the South Shore’s first Home Sport and Travel expo here,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “The desire to have a consumer trade show came up again at the Queens Place public meetings held this winter. Hats off to our leadership team at Queens Place Emera Centre, Steve Burns and Roslyn Rowter, for their hard work in securing the contact for the South Shore Home, Sport & Travel Expo. ”

The South Shore Home, Sport & Travel Expo is expected to be an annual event, showcasing the home, sport and travel industry experts and offerings from the best in each sector, conveniently located all under one roof. The Home show component will bring remodelers, contractors, designers and landscapers together; outdoor sport fishing and hunting enthusiasts will see the latest in gear, ATV’s, watercraft and more; and outdoor adventure seekers will be enthralled with the latest tours, expeditions and more along with gear and apparel for campers, runners, cyclists and additional hobbies and interests.

“We are very excited to announce this new show taking place in Liverpool. Queens Place Emera Centre is a new state-of-the-art facility that is the hub of recreational, social and cultural activity throughout the South Shore. I’m confident that Queens Place can draw event attendance from the entire southern half of Nova Scotia,” said Matthew Schurman, President of the Darwin Event Group. “We’ve been organizing trade shows for a long time. The economic impact of this new event to the local area is significant. We create a unique marketplace of businesses looking to sell products or services and attract thousands of visitors looking to buy. The economic impact spreads further to the local economy with the money spent on organizing and advertising this event as well as the dollars going into the local hotels and restaurants. This is a win-win for everybody.”

Built in 2011, Queens Place Emera Centre is a municipally operated community recreation facility. It is a popular venue that has hosted local, provincial, national and international sporting events; concerts by such well known performers as the Beach Boys, Blue Rodeo, Charlie Pride and Travis Tritt; and home of the annual Hank Snow Tribute. Queens Place Emera Centre is located at 50 Queens Place Drive, Liverpool, NS.

Sept. 12, 2016; Liverpool, NS: The hockey season officially gets underway at Queens Place Emera Centre Saturday evening, September 17th featuring two local teams, the O’Regan’s Subaru Western Hurricanes Major Bantam hockey team and the Liverpool Privateers Junior B Hockey Club. The Liverpool Privateer game will have special significance as the organization joins with the Region of Queens Municipality in honoring and celebrating the efforts of the community’s volunteer firefighters by hosting a Firefighter Appreciation Night.

“The efforts of our volunteer fire fighters and Dept. of Natural Resources fire crews are valued every day, but this summer’s fires in North Queens was a testament to their strong dedication, care and commitment to keeping our community safe,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “There were so many involved in fighting the wildfires, and many of the volunteer fire fighters did not return to their regular job for more than two weeks, spending much time away from their own homes, devoted to keeping our community safe. For this, and for their year round efforts, the community is grateful. We hope to see many turn out for the Firefighter Appreciation Night at Queens Place Emera Centre, to show their support of the contribution that our residents make to our community.”

Among the activities planned to highlight the firefighters are the ceremonial puck drop at 7:30 p.m. with several Fire Chiefs and Firefighters, and during the second intermission, selected volunteer Firefighters will play Shoot for Jimbo’s Cash. During the game, fans will also have a chance to support Queens Mutual Aid with ‘Pass the Boot’; all contributions will be welcomed.

“The Liverpool Privateers have been welcomed wholeheartedly into the community, and are pleased to be back in Liverpool at Queens Place Emera Centre for our third season,” said Jim Bottomley, Team Owner. “To be able to recognize the contributions of the firefighters and help to support them is very important to our team. We are happy to be part of this event, and hope to see many of our fans turn out to show their support.”

Fans of hockey will be excited to know that Sept. 17 features two games of great hockey action, with the Major Bantam O’Regan’s Western Hurricanes taking the ice for their first home game of the season at 5 p.m., playing the ACCEL Hawks. The Liverpool Privateers will face off against rival Glace Bay Miners at 7:30 p.m. for the Firefighters Appreciation Night following the Hurricanes game.

Admission for the O’Reagan’s Western Hurricanes game is $5, with those under 14 admitted free, and for the Liverpool Privateers game, admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students. Queens Place Emera Centre is located at 50 Queens Place Drive, Liverpool, NS.

August 1, 2016; Liverpool, NS: Spending time at the popular and beautiful Carter’s Beach will soon be improved under a new agreement between the Province and the Region of Queens Municipality. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) will widen the final 40 metres of the Carter’s Beach Road to allow vehicles to pass safely, under a cost shared agreement with the Region of Queens. Widening the road will lead to the elimination of the no parking signs at the end of the road closest to the beach, and will enable parking on both sides of the road near the end of the roadway, providing space for emergency and other vehicle to pass.

“Word has spread about the beauty of Carter’s Beach and what a great spot it is. Traffic to the beach has increased greatly, exceeding the limits of the small parking lot,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “We are pleased to have been part of finding a temporary solution to some of the parking issues.”

The narrow roadway and lack of parking at the very popular beach has been an ongoing concern, and one that the Region of Queens has stepped forward to help put a solution into place. The widening of the roadway is expected to cost approximately $15,000, with the Region of Queens Municipality providing up to $7,500 of this total.

A working group made up of representation from the Region of Queens Municipality, including Mayor Clarke, Deputy Mayor Darlene Norman and CAO Richard MacLellan, along with representatives of the Provincial departments of Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal, Natural Resources, and Environment, and citizen representation by resident Robert Ross and Brian Fisher has been in place and meeting regularly since October, 2015.

“We are working on the opportunities and challenges of continuing public access to this popular beach, and striking a balance between conservation of this special area and enjoyment of what many consider to be the one of the best beaches in Nova Scotia,” said Clarke. “Widening the road to allow parking on both sides close to the beach is a positive development from the collaboration between the province, the Region and citizens.”

There are ongoing discussions to make the dunes, the estuary and other sensitive features of the beach a Nature Reserve. The Region of Queens Municipality, citizens and representatives from provincial departments will continue to meet to ensure that local access to the beach continues, while preserving the special attributes of Carter’s Beach to ensure it there for years to come.

Saturday nights will continue to be Hockey Night in Liverpool for fans of the Liverpool Privateers Junior B Hockey Club. Team owner Jim Bottomley and the Region of Queens Municipality have entered into a two year Facility Rental Agreement extending the current agreement through to end of season 2018. The Liverpool Privateers will continue to call Queens Place Emera Centre home and hope to build on the successes of the past two seasons. 

“We have tremendous fan support at Queens Place Emera Centre, and our team has been treated first class by the staff,” said Jim Bottomley, owner of the Liverpool Privateers Junior B Hockey Club, and Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee. “We are pleased to be able to call Queens Place home, and to play in what is one of, if not the best, facilities in the league. We are glad to be returning for two more years, and hopefully longer.”

Since Bottomley relocated the team to Liverpool in September 2014, the Liverpool Privateers has developed a huge following in Queens County, with fan support at the their regular season home games exceeding 400 spectators, and growing to more than 600 enthusiastic fans during playoff season. The team has a strong and loyal fan base from Queens County.

“Council is as thrilled as the fans to have the Liverpool Privateers at Queens Place Emera Centre,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “Not only does the team provide an exciting, entertaining sport experience that brings teams and spectators from across the province to our community, but having a team of community minded athletes offering elite hockey in our area is significant for the youth of our community. These young men are positive role models who interact with their fans young and old, and show the value of working hard and training. Saturday evenings at Queens Place has become ‘the place to be’ during hockey season.”

With an average of 17 regular season home games each year, and having made their way to the playoff rounds of the Nova Scotia Junior Hockey League each of the two years they have called Queens Place Emera Centre home, the Liverpool Privateers players and management have felt welcomed from the start. There is a loyal contingent of volunteers who turn out each week, a large number of season ticket holders, many enthusiastic fans, and significant local business sponsorship of the team.

“Right from the start, the boys have felt welcomed and supported by the community. They love playing here, and have been made to feel at home. The players give back to the community as well, getting involved in local fundraisers, parades and more,” said Bottomley. “This year, we would love to bring a Nova Scotia Junior B Championship here, and bring the win home to Liverpool and Queens Place.”

Queens Place Emera Centre opened in December 2011, and is known for its quality ice, and successful special events, as well as being home ice for recreational, competitive and elite hockey teams, including the Liverpool Privateers. Fans can enjoy the fast paced game in the climate controlled arena, or the community room bar, which has sound piped in, ensuring that they don’t miss a minute of the on-ice action.

The Liverpool Privateers will be holding tryouts in late August to early September, and will play their first home game of the season September 17, 2016.

Liverpool, NS, June 10, 2016: In less than a year since opening its doors, the North Queens Business Centre and Innovation Hub has gained national recognition as an innovator in working to improve Canada’s online world. On June 9, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), announced grants totalling $1 million, with the North Queens Business Hub’s North Queens TVWS (Television White Space) Project selected as one of 24 chosen from across the country. It is the only application approved for funding in the Maritimes from 500 applications submitted nationally.

“This is great news, both for the North Queens Hub and rural internet users throughout North Queens. Having access to reliable internet in rural communities in Queens has been a challenge which has been looked at by many over the years,” said Christophe Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “The North Queens Hub will be testing an innovative solution to a very real problem that affects many internet users here in Queens, as well as elsewhere in Canada. We are both happy and proud to have played a supporting role in achieving this CIRA funding, and look forward to supporting their efforts in researching technical solutions to the issue of rural internet. This could be a game changer for our community, providing reliable internet for rural users, and allowing rural businesses to compete on a global playing field.”

The North Queens TVWS (Television White Space) Project will be based out of the North Queens Business Hub in Caledonia. The funding will purchase hardware to trial the use of innovative TVWS wireless technology as a solution to distributing high speed internet service to communities in wooded and hilly areas. Tests will be carried out in several locations during the remainder of 2016, and the results will be presented to CIRA in December 2016. The TVWS Project stresses that it is a research project. Although it is not a permanent solution to the problems of rural internet, it is an important step along the way.

Founded in 2014, CIRA’s Community Investment Program’s mission is to fund innovative technology projects from the non-profit and research communities, contributing to building a better online Canada. Now in its third funding cycle, over $3 million has been distributed to 78 projects from coast, to coast, to coast.

A fresh perspective and an innovative approach is about to change the way Fort Point Lighthouse Gift Shop and the Liverpool Visitor Information Centre operate. Motions to establish leases for the two Municipal properties were approved on Tuesday, May 10 at the Region of Queens Municipality’s Council meeting. Municipal staff was directed to develop a property lease agreement with Lane’s Privateer Inn to operate Fort Point Lighthouse Museum & Gift Shop, and to develop a lease with Queens Association for Supported Living – Penny Lane Enterprises to operate in a shared use capacity in the Liverpool Visitor Information Centre (VIC).

“Council was excited to see the plans that Lane’s Privateer Inn and Penny Lane Enterprises have for these properties,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “Both the VIC and Fort Point Lighthouse Gift Shop have historically had brief open seasons. Through the forward thinking vision of these two organizations, both will have extended seasons, draw more residents and locals, and engage them in exciting new ways.”

On April 13, 2016, Region of Queens issued a request for expressions of interest for several vacant municipal properties, and accepted proposals until the closing date of April 25, 2016. The proposal that Lane’s Privateer Inn made regarding Fort Point Lighthouse Gift Shop includes maintaining a gift shop located on the first floor, with a focus on Nova Scotia products made with quality and relevance to the visitors to the Lighthouse. Lane’s will use first floor for both retail and interpretive displays, with a focus primarily on Fort Point, and lighthouse history. There are also plans to offer a unique culinary experience with Lighthouse Lunches provided by Lane’s. This has been offered at a few lighthouses in Newfoundland but not in Nova Scotia.

“The Lighthouse at Fort Point is a project near and dear to our hearts as our Dad, Ron Lane, was instrumental in opening the lighthouse to the public. When it was announced that the RQM would not be operating the museum this year, we felt a moral obligation to continue Ron’s legacy and keep the lighthouse open to the public,” said Susan Lane, Manager of Lane’s Privateer Inn. “It is with great pleasure that we announce that Lane’s Privateer Inn will be partnering with the Region of Queens to operate the Lighthouse at Fort Point for the summer season of 2016. The lighthouse will be open 6 days per week during the peak summer season and weekends during the shoulder season. Lane’s at the Lighthouse will continue the mandate of the RQM as we will operate the lighthouse as an historic interpretive centre in keeping with the established tradition.”

Queens Association for Supported Living – Penny Lane Enterprises is proposing the shared use of the VIC as a retail space to sell products made at Penny Lane Enterprises, as well as other social enterprises around the province and other locally made products. There is also potential for Penny Lane Enterprises to host special events at the VIC either independently or in conjunction with other community partners. It is proposed that the staff and clients of Penny Lane would operate the retail shop as well as assist Region staff in the operation of the tourist information aspect allowing both the Region and QASL to build capacity within the community.

“Penny Lane Enterprises is thrilled to be partnering with the Region of Queens for the shared use of this great facility. Community inclusion for people of all abilities is the main focus of our organization, so to be in the centre of Liverpool’s downtown core, showcasing our products and services is a wonderful opportunity for us,” said Treena Dexter, Executive Director of Queens Association for Supported Living. “We look forward to working with Region staff as our community continues to embrace diversity well into the future.”

Municipal staff will develop a lease agreement for each organization with a one year term, with a mutual option for a one year renewal. These partnerships will allow access to valued community amenities at a lower cost to the taxpayer, through a savings of approximately $25,000 in staffing costs at Fort Point Lighthouse Gift Shop, and a percentage of the revenue generated at the VIC. It is expected that both sites will be open to visitors later in the evenings than in previous years, and Penny Lane Enterprises is planning be open weekdays in the “off season”, from October to April, making the VIC a year round operation.

“There are many benefits in the partnerships we have now formed with Penny Lane Enterprises and Lane’s Privateer Inn,” said Clarke. “We look forward to seeing the vision of Lane’s and the Queens Association for Supported Living come to life, and the positive ways it impact residents and visitors, as well as adding to the products and services offered in Liverpool .”

Below is a media release issued by RJ MacIsaac Construction Ltd. regarding the arrival time of the ExProtecteur at Port Mersey Commercial Park. It is a very exciting time for our community, and it will be really great to see this business starting up! 

NEWS RELEASE

Antigonish’s R.J. MacIsaac to begin disposal of former navy ship

Thursday, April 21, 2016

For Immediate Release

Brooklyn, N.S. – HMCS Protecteur is about to complete her final voyage – a 7,600 nautical mile journey that saw the former Royal Canadian Navy supply ship towed from Esquimalt, B.C., through the Panama Canal, and finally to the Port Mersey Commercial Park near Liverpool, N.S.

The Protecteur, towed by tugboat, is scheduled dockside by noon on Friday, April 22, marking the end of a journey that began on February 24th.

Once the ship is tied up, the team of R.J. MacIsaac Construction Ltd. will begin the disposal and dismantling process, a project that should take about two years and employ about 50 full-time workers on-site. The work will be done at the Port Mersey Commercial Park, site of the former Bowater Mersey plant.

“This is a tremendous project: challenging, important, and exciting for all of us,” says Boyd MacIsaac, President of R.J. MacIsaac. “Now that the Protecteur is almost here, we look forward to getting at it, hiring more local candidates to join our team and show Nova Scotia skills and ingenuity in action.”

R.J. MacIsaac won the $39-million disposal contract from the Government of Canada on November 27, 2015, following a competitive bidding process with several other Canadian companies. With the Protecteur docked, the work begins to remediate the ship, decommission its military equipment, and dismantle all remaining material.

The $39-million contract also includes the remediation and disposal of another former navy vessel, HMCS Algonquin, a destroyer. The Algonquin will leave Esquimalt in May, towed by tugboat and following the same route to Port Mersey Commercial Park.

R.J. MacIsaac has successfully completed a number of high-profile, diverse marine-based projects recently. Last fall, the MacIsaac team dismantled the MV Miner shipwreck on Scaterie Island, Cape Breton. In the fall of 2014, they were a key player in the successful installation of four sub-sea tidal power cables in the Bay of Fundy near Parrsboro, N.S.

The Protecteur, in service since 1969, was badly damaged by an engine room fire in February 2014.

About the company: Based in Antigonish, N.S., R.J. MacIsaac Ltd. (RJMI) is an innovative contracting company specializing in marine construction projects for more than 40 years. RJMI does everything from dredging to breakwaters, excavation to demolition. It is also an expert in sub-sea pipelines and cables, underwater drilling and blasting.

For more: http://www.rjmacisaac.ca/

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Community organizations play an important role in Queens County, providing programs, services and recreational opportunities to residents and visitors alike. The Region of Queens Municipal Council voted to approve funding for 16 groups through the Grants to Organizations program in the amount of $46,500 at the April 12 Council meeting.

“Council recognizes that the work that is done by the voluntary sector and also by volunteer groups is essential in our County, and they are well deserving of our support. Through the Grants to Organizations, we are able to offer some financial support to help them do their work,” said Mayor Christopher Clarke. “The Grants to Organizations program has been in place at the Region of Queens for the past 20 years, since the Town of Liverpool and the Municipality of Queens amalgamated. Prior to that, each of the units offered similar grant programs for a number of years.”

Among those who were successful in their applications under the Grants to Organizations funding are the Greenfield Recreation Association, Hank Snow Country Music Centre, Liverpool International Theatre Festival, Mersey Band Society, Milton Community Association, Milton Heritage Association, North Queens Board of Trade for their Canada Day and the Farmers’ Market Committees, North Queens Heritage Society, Privateer Days Commission, Privateer Farmers’ Market, Queens County Fair Association, Queens County Crime Prevention Association Senior Safety Program, Queens County Music Festival, South Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas on the Mersey committee, The West House Society Rossignol Cultural Centre.

More than $130,000 in requests were received; some were referred to the Recreation Department’s funding programs, others did not meet grant criteria. Council approved an increase in the funding level for the Grants to Organizations program this year, bringing it back to $46,500, after several years of reductions.

The Grants to Organizations program accepts applications in January, with a deadline of the first Friday in February each year. The program’s purpose is to enable community groups to broaden the scope of their programs, in an effort to help build capacity for growth and sustainability of community groups.