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.

From parks to parking, from water pipes to workouts, from waste management to water treatment, and from special care to capital infrastructure, the Region of Queens Municipality’s skilled workforce maintains many areas important to the lives of Queens County residents and visitors. Milestone achievements were recognized with Years of Service Awards at the December 15, 2015 Region of Queens Council meeting.

“The skills, commitment and high level of customer service offered by all of the Region of Queens employees is something that Council is proud to make note of,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “The Region of Queens Municipality has a dedicated workforce, who takes great pride in what they do. A consistent thing I have heard about the staff, regardless of where they work, is that there is a high level of pride evident in their work. Whether it is preparing budgets, caring for the residents of Hillsview Acres, working on the water and sewer lines, or connecting with residents and visitors to the area, Region employees give a high standard of service to the community.”

Twenty one employees were recognized for five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service; those employees represent 225 years of employment cumulatively. Staff reaching five years of employment includes Jacqueline Hanley-Godfrey, Rachel Joudrey, James Rhyno, Larry Whynot, Eugene Wamboldt, Phillip Whynot, and Kaylee Oickle. Ten year milestones were reached by Tracy Baker, Jeff Cunningham, Steven Parnell, Melvin Carver, Fred Murphy, Randy Rapp, and Delores Dagley. Those with 15 years of employment are Scott LeBlanc, Paulette Smith, David Henderson, Douglas Bowers, and David Fox. Dale Waterman was recognized for 20 years of work, and with a career of 25 years so far, Jane Lawson, was given her award. Years of Service Awards are presented in December of each year by Council to staff reaching 5 year milestones.

Nel mondo dei casinò online, pochi giochi hanno catturato l’immaginazione dei giocatori come Crazy Time. Questo straordinario gioco dal vivo ha rivoluzionato il settore del gioco d’azzardo online, offrendo un’esperienza unica, emozionante e ricca di opportunità. Ma cosa rende Crazy Time così speciale? Esploriamo insieme le sue caratteristiche e scopriamo perché è diventato un fenomeno globale.

L’Innovazione di Crazy Time

Crazy Time è un gioco dal vivo che combina intrattenimento ad alta tensione con la possibilità di vincere somme considerevoli. Basato su una ruota della fortuna, il gioco introduce elementi interattivi e bonus che lo rendono unico nel suo genere.

• Ruota della Fortuna: Al centro del gioco c’è una grande ruota colorata, divisa in segmenti che rappresentano diversi premi e bonus. Il presentatore fa girare la ruota ad ogni round, creando un’atmosfera elettrizzante.
• Round Bonus: Crazy Time include quattro diversi round bonus – Pachinko, Cash Hunt, Coin Flip e Crazy Time – ognuno dei quali offre ai giocatori la possibilità di moltiplicare le loro vincite in modo significativo.
• Interattività: A differenza di altri giochi da casinò, Crazy Time permette ai giocatori di partecipare attivamente, scegliendo ad esempio dove mirare in Cash Hunt o selezionando un riquadro in Crazy Time.

Perché Giocare a Crazy Time?

Giocare a Crazy Time significa immergersi in un’esperienza di gioco senza pari. Ecco alcuni motivi per cui vale la pena provare questo gioco:

• Innovazione e Divertimento: Crazy Time offre un mix unico di intrattenimento e possibilità di vincita, rendendolo irresistibile per i giocatori alla ricerca di qualcosa di nuovo e avvincente.
• Potenziali Vincite Elevate: Con i suoi round bonus e moltiplicatori, Crazy Time offre la possibilità di vincite significative, attirando sia giocatori occasionali che esperti.
• Qualità e Sicurezza: Essendo un prodotto dei migliori sviluppatori di giochi da casinò, Crazy Time garantisce un’esperienza di gioco sicura e di alta qualità.

Siti Crazy Time: Dove Giocare

Per vivere l’emozione di Crazy Time, è fondamentale scegliere il sito giusto. Ci sono molteplici piattaforme online che offrono Siti Crazy Time, ma è essenziale selezionare quelle affidabili e sicure. Cerca casinò online con licenze valide, buone recensioni e un’ottima assistenza clienti. Inoltre, controlla i bonus di benvenuto e le promozioni per ottenere il massimo dal tuo gioco.

Conclusione

Crazy Time è più di un semplice gioco da casinò; è un’avventura emozionante che unisce fortuna, strategia e puro divertimento. Se sei alla ricerca di un’esperienza di gioco coinvolgente e potenzialmente redditizia, Crazy Time è la scelta perfetta. Provalo oggi stesso nei migliori casinò online e lasciati trasportare in un mondo di emozioni e vincite.

Without the commitment of residents who populate the more than 200 volunteer organizations in Queens County, life in this community would be drastically different than it is today. The Region of Queens Municipality has developed a program to recognize and celebrate these contributions through “The Ripple Effect” volunteer recognition initiative.

According to Mayor Christopher Clarke, this sense of altruism and the commitment of volunteers in Queens is well-known, and “The Ripple Effect” will help to further this. “Most of us cannot remember a time when the citizens of Queens did not step up and help on a voluntary basis for projects large and small,” said Clarke. “It is Council’s intention to be more inclusive and proactive in recognizing them with “The Ripple Effect” being our vehicle to do so.”

Inspired by Liverpool resident Nykola Killam, the program will encourage people to give back to their community and, like Ms. Killam, set in motion a ripple effect that will have a positive effect in Queens. “Nykola wanted to teach kids to swim who may not otherwise have that opportunity,” said Norm Amirault, Director of Recreation and Community Facilities, “She was inspired by her late cousin Kirk MacLeod, who swam 10 miles across the Northumberland Strait to raise money for a camp for sick kids. We were touched and proud of Nykola’s efforts, which encouraged Council and staff to do more to recognize and celebrate the integral role our volunteers play in our community.”

It is also an expansion on the existing yearly Representative Volunteer selection process which, according to Clarke, was not generating the interest it once did. “For whatever reason there was a diminishing number of nominees for this honour. “The Ripple Effect” will open this process up so anyone in Queens can nominate a volunteer for recognition, and to be able to do so on a year-round basis,” said Clarke.

“The success of the initiative will be predicated on the number of nominees,” said Councillor Brian Fralic, Chair of the Recreation and Community Facilities Committee. “Our Council has a sincere desire to recognize and celebrate our Volunteers and hope residents will nominate someone. No contribution is too large or small.”

“The Ripple Effect” is being launched this week and information on the nomination process can be found on the Region of Queens website at www.regionofqueens.com, on the Region of Queens Facebook page, or by contacting the Recreation and Community Facilities Department at (902) 354-5741.

July 28, 2015 Liverpool, NS: Working together on an innovative approach, the culmination of four years of co-operative effort between the six fire departments in Queens County and the Region of Queens Municipality was presented to Council today. Recognizing the vital role our volunteer Fire Departments play in providing essential protection services for the safety and security of our communities, a ground-breaking collaborative spirit has resulted in a policy to provide a framework for financial assistance for the purchase of essential vehicles and with ongoing operational costs over years to come.

“The days of fire departments being able to sustain themselves with their own fundraising efforts alone are long gone. It would take an inordinate amount of community suppers and bottle drives to replace a fire truck”, commented Mayor Christopher Clarke. “We were very impressed with the way the fire departments came forward with a constructive and well-considered solution to their issues, and the commitment and enthusiasm they have shown throughout this process”.

These issues were presented to Council back in January 2011 where the fire departments described what they felt were impediments to the maintenance of current fire protection levels.

Following this, $67,000 was approved in the 2011/12 budget to increase fire protection funding, followed by a three-year initiative to conduct external reviews on the financial operations of all six fire departments, which resulted in the two main considerations which form the backbone of the new policy: that the fire departments could not sustain the purchase of vehicles with the existing resources and that any recommended solution had to be financially viable for the Region of Queens.

Port Medway Fire Chief, Kendall Farmer said, “I am very appreciative of the time and effort put into this by the staff and Council of the Region of Queens, as well as the collaboration from the six Fire Chiefs to bring it all to fruition. This much needed funding means adequate fire equipment can be provided to the fire departments, which in turn leads to the protection of the residents of Queens County”. After many months of working together, the resulting policy contains a process which all the fire departments agree relieves some of the financial uncertainties and provides motivation for the volunteers to continue in their courageous work.

June 23, 2015, Liverpool, NS: With a unanimous vote by the Council of the Region of Queens Municipality’s Council, the Region selected a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Richard MacLellan will start work in mid-July, bringing with him 15 years of management experience in both the government and commercial energy/marine sectors. His career has spanned nine years at the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), most recently as Manager, Energy and Environment. He will begin work at the Region of Queens Municipality in mid-July.

“We are very fortunate to be welcoming Richard MacLellan to the team,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “He has a great reputation as a strong leader of staff, and is an innovative thinker.”

MacLellan has been employed by Halifax Regional Municipality since 2006, and has been Manager of Energy and Environment since 2011. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Sustainable Communities award in February 2015, and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM)Climate Leaders award in November 2013. While working with the HRM, much of his focus was on policy and strategy development, project budgets, and staff management.

MacLellan will be the 3rd CAO of the Region of Queens Municipality since its formation following amalgamation in 1996. David Clattenburg was the first CAO, and retired in 2011. From 2011 until the present, Kathleen Rafuse has been CAO, and will retire this summer. “We have been fortunate over the past 19 years to have had such strong CAOs in David Clattenburg and Kathleen Rafuse. I have had the great luck to work with both of them,” said Clarke. “Their knowledge, sound financial planning, strategic thinking and commitment to the community has placed Queens on sound financial footing, and elevated us to a well respected position provincially.”

There will be a short period of overlap as MacLellan familiarizes himself with the community and the position, and Rafuse finalizes the projects in which she has been involved.

“The Region of Queens Municipality has a great reputation across the province; there is business incubation throughout the county, and lots happening there. I was keen to apply for this position because of the strong economic and cultural possibilities in Queens that Council, staff, and community has worked hard to cultivate,” said MacLellan. “It was clear during the recruitment process that my values and interests closely align with those of the Municipality. I am pleased to have this opportunity, and am excited to begin work.”

June 15, 2015 Liverpool, NS: It is a community celebration, the start of something new, and it is all starting as the Summer Solstice begins! On June 21, at 1:39 p.m., a transformation will occur. As the Summer Solstice marks the beginning of summer, the grand opening ceremony of the Liverpool Town Hall and Astor Theatre marks the beginning of a new community centre for arts, culture and creativity in Liverpool. It also marks the opening of the Sipuke’l Gallery. The Gallery features First Nation artists’ work, and a permanent rotating display of artifacts from the Mersey River dating back over 4,000 years. June 21 is also the kickoff for the “21 Days of Summer”, a three week period of music, art, entertainment and more taking place all over Queens County. It encompasses more than 50 musical performances, and many entertainment options. The grand opening ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. on June 21.

“To see this historic building reinvented as an innovative centre supporting arts, history and culture is a very positive development for Liverpool’s cultural and creative communities, the business district and the public,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “The Liverpool Town Hall is a focal point in Liverpool and for Queens County, and now it will be open year round for community use and enjoyment. As well, the “21 Days of Summer” roster of events and entertainment is an exciting three weeks to be part of. Our volunteers deserve credit for making an exciting start to summer.”

As the opening day also coincides with National Aboriginal Day, there are celebrations of the First Nation culture as part of the opening event, including a smudging ceremony, the Mi’kmaq Honour Song, drumming, and hoop and jingle dancers.
“In Queens, we’re known to take celebrations seriously,” said Norm Amirault, Director of Recreation and Community Facilities for the Region of Queens Municipality. “The re-opening of the Town Hall is the start of a full week of events to mark the occasion. There are live musical performances, including a 40 year retrospective of musicals performed by the Winds of Change Dramatic Society, as well as children’s events, a historical photography show and author readings. And that’s just the start! The community has a jam packed schedule of events for the “21 Days of Summer”. Privateer Days festival, drag racing, and over 50 live musical performances are all part of the fun. This 21 day celebration features concerts by Rawlins Cross and Blue Rodeo. Liverpool and communities in Queens County are an awesome place to be this summer, and it all starts on the Summer Solstice.”

Gavin Raddall, Summer Ambassador for the Region of Queens Municipality will be live tweeting updates about these events at @regionofqueens. Details about the opening week activities can be found on the “Liverpool Town Hall and Astor Theatre” Facebook page. Events during the “21 Days of Summer” are listed at www.queens.ca.

The Liverpool Town Hall is located at 219 Main Street, Liverpool, and with the grand opening slated to start at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2015. The event is open to the public and is free of charge.

April 1, 2015, Liverpool, NS: One of Canada’s best known musical groups is coming to Liverpool, NS this summer. An evening with legendary Canadian rockers, Blue Rodeo will take place on Friday, July 10, 2015 at Queens Place Emera Centre, Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Showtime is 9:00 p.m.

“We are excited that Blue Rodeo will be performing at Queens Place Emera Centre, and hope to see fans from across the province enjoying the music that has made them international recording stars,” said Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality. “Queens Place Emera Centre has been described as one of the best entertainment venues outside Metro and we look forward to having Blue Rodeo appear on our stage.”

The list of hits over the decades has been long. Songs such as “Try”, “Lost Together”, “Rose Coloured Glasses” and “Til I am Myself Again” have influenced and touched Canadians over the years. The July 10th concert is Blue Rodeo’s only Nova Scotia stop on their Atlantic Canadian swing.

“We always love coming to Nova Scotia. Lots of friends and wonderful musical audiences,” said Jim Cuddy, Blue Rodeo’s lead vocalist. “This will be our first time in Liverpool, and we are excited to come and play. And hopefully the snow will be gone by then!”

Blue Rodeo has been one of Canada’s most successful bands, and is known for creating one of the most unique and influencing sounds in Canadian music. Since their first live gig 30 years ago and 13 studio albums later, this iconic band led by original members Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor and Bazil Donovan, has sold more than 4 million records. Blue Rodeo has won 11 Juno Awards – five of which were for Best Band, played world tours, been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, boasts a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor have received the Order of Canada. In May, 2014, the band accepted a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, Canada’s highest honour in performing arts.

“Blue Rodeo music has been the soundtrack to many Canadian’s lives over the years,” said Steve Burns, General Manager of Queens Place Emera Centre. “Having them take centre stage at Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool will be a dream come true for many fans around the province.”

Pre-sale tickets will be available starting April 1st at 1 p.m. until April 4th, 2015. Sale to the general public opens on Sunday April 5th, at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at Queens Place Emera Centre in person [contact: 902-354-4422] or through Ticketpro by contacting www.ticketpro.ca or calling 1-888-311-9090.

The Council of the Region of Queens Municipality, along with Management and Staff of Queens Place Emera Centre, invite you to attend a special press conference to announce a concert coming to the facility this summer.

What: An exciting announcement about a summer entertainment event at Queens Place Emera Centre

Where: Queens Place Emera Centre, 50 Queens Place Drive, Liverpool, NS

When: Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 at 12:15 pm

Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served. This event is open to the public, and all are welcomed to join us. We sincerely hope you are able to attend!