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The Shoreline Journal is a monthly community newspaper based in Bass River, Nova Scotia, and serving the Fundy Shore/Glooscap Trail from Truro to Parrsboro. See submission deadlines...
Established in 1994, the paper was originally published as the West Colchester Free Press by Ken Kennedy Publications, and later renamed to The Shoreline Journal. In January 2008 The Journal changed hands and is now under the management of the husband and wife team of Maurice & Dorothy Rees. They initiated a redesign of the paper, with the addition of several colour pages in each issue. Each monthly issue concentrates on the many community events which involve residents of all ages, from the elderly to the very young, and those young at heart. A primary focus is those activities which involve students, whether it be school or 4-H club activities.
Maurice has extensive experience in the community newspaper & advertising field, and has been running several businesses in Maitland for the past few years. Dorothy is a lady of many interests who added new features to the Journal; and since November 2008 has operated her own business, Dorothy’s T-shirt Factory, later renamed to “tshirtsrus.ca”. The energetic couple have a busy schedule as they are also sales agents for Nelson Monuments and also travel frequently to annual Nova Scotian festivals selling t-shirts.
On-line issues: This Month Issue Archives - April 2009 to last month
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Features
The Shoreline Journal understands that rural communities want to know about news and events in their communities, so that's our focus, the things that directly affect our subscribers, sponsors and customers. Watch for regular items:
Rees' Pieces (Publishers) Letters to the Editor Community Calendar
Heritage Notes Sports Events Classified Ads
Senior Affairs Nature Notes Credit Union News
MLA Activity Report Community Centres Fire Brigade
Favourite Pet Photo Parish News 4-H Clubs
Dorothy's Kitchen Korner Poems & Photos Obituaries
plus notes from many communities and organizations such:
Bass River, CCJS Student Council, Chiganois, Debert Elementary, Debert Legion, Great Village, Londonderry Council, MacCarell Villa, Masstown, Onslow Belmont, skating clubs & other groups
The Shoreline Journal
October 2016 Issue follows:
View this new watercolour during Joy Laking’s 28th annual Open house Oct 15-16 and 22-23. More photos and full story on Page 3. (Submitted)
Rees's Pieces
October 2016 - What will November 8th bring?
Will it be Hilary or Donald? If its Donald, Nova Scotia’s declining population problems could be partially solved, if our friends south of the border follow through with anything proportional to the expressions of interest shown in Cape Breton last winter. Should all or part of that become reality, it could be an opportunity for Colchester to try to persuade some of them to stop and have a look here.
In broader terms, such activity in USA could bode well for our tourism sector as more and more Americans could be looking for a friendly space to run and hide. If any of that happens let’s hope they come here not just as occasional visitors, or part-time residents, but jump in with both feet and relocate some of their business interests here.
Odours from AIS Problematic
By Maurice Rees
At its committee meeting on September 15th new items added to the agenda included: Colchester Food Bank, Signage, Heavy truck traffic on Plains Road and odours from AIS in Debert. The subject of signage, added to the agenda by Mayor Bob Taylor involved significant discussion and is covered in another story elsewhere in this issue.
With regard to the Food Bank, it was noted that over the summer, contributions were low and the shelves were practically bare, but the major problem is the Colchester Food Bank has to find a new home within a year. Earlier in the winter, representatives from the food bank, appeared before council to explain their move from Lorne Street to downtown, and that the long term objective would be to construct a new facility.
With notice from their landlord, the current location will not be usable after next year, because the site is to be redeveloped.
Councillor MacInnes added Plains Road heavy traffic to the agenda because of ongoing complaints about truckers using a back road instead of Highway 104 and using the Plains Road exit. Under previous discussion a letter was sent in May to NSTIR, but no response has been received. There is concerns in several areas, safety through the village is one, but also that the trucks are too heavy for the existing roadway and will soon destroy the newly repaved sections of the roadway.
MacInnes said in his discussions, TIR does not believe there is flagrant violation of truckers misusing the highway system. He added all they have to do is do a traffic study to see how often it happens. It is anticipated the matter will be added to the agenda for the next scheduled meeting between council representatives and NSTIR.
Councillor MacInnes acting on complaints from Debert area residents added Odours from Atlantic Industrial Services to the agenda. Residents have complained they frequently are afflicted with strong unbearable odour from the AIS aeration ponds. It’s not confined to the immediate area around the facility. Even residents on Crowe’s Mills Road and Belmont have called him saying there are times, when they can not even enjoy a BBQ on their back deck. When it happens they have to go inside and close all the windows and doors.
In his research on the matter, MacInnes said he has been informed the aeration equipment is old and outdated, and needs replacement at a cost probably in excess of $1-Millon. He added, AIS serves a very important function in dealing with hazardous fluids, and we need more industry, but residents should not be negatively affected.
Apparently, Nova Scotia Department of Environment
are unable to take any action, because AIS has a permit to operate the
aeration ponds and that permit does not expire until at least
2020.
Council approved to invite AIS to make a presentation to council as soon as
possible.
On matter of the upcoming October 15th municipal election it was noted that most councillors had been returned to council by acclamation. See municipal election story elsewhere in this issue.
Kyle Hill-McMillan fills his water bottle from the new filling station at Chiganois Elementary. The counter shows that over 600 water bottles have been filled since the start of the year. A $2750 grant from DuPont Pioneer Full Belly! Full Mind! Program was used to purchase the filling station. (Harrington Photo)
Most Signage Illegal
By Maurice Rees
Thousands of highway signs throughout Municipality of Colchester are illegal and in violation of a by-law, which has been on the books since adoption in June 2002. If you or your business has erected a highway sign throughout Colchester you probably are in violation of the county’s Land Use By-Law.
All signs are illegal if the sign owner does not own the land on which the sign is located. The matter was revealed at the September 15th committee meeting of Municipality of Colchester council following a complaint to the by-law enforcement officer and municipal officials about a sign in North River.
The matter was brought forward by Mayor Bob Taylor, who was not sitting in the chair as the committee meeting was being chaired by Deputy Mayor, Bill Masters. Mayor Taylor asked for "signage" be added to the agenda after it was brought to his attention an unidentified sign in North River was the basis of a complaint. He asked for council’s consent to direct by-law enforcement to delay action on signs until council had the opportunity to review and possibly change the bylaw.
However county solicitor, Dennis James, interjected to say it would be illegal to direct staff to ignore an existing bylaw.
The existing Signage bylaw section 8.3 under the heading: Signs Prohibited in all Zones – All other provisions of this By-law notwithstanding, the following signs shall not be erected or used in any zone: 8.3.7: signs not related to any business or use located on the lot or premises.
Translated into general terms, the by-law is specific if a sign is to be erected it must be done on property owned by the business / business owner. Even if the business owner has permission from the landowner the sign is still illegal. For example, a restaurant or motel owner is not permitted to erect a sign advising the business is located further along the highway.
The regulations regarding signage are contained in the Central Colchester Land Use By-law 2002. It adopted by council of the Municipality of the County of Colchester after it was approved on June 20, 2002 by the Minister of Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations. The by-law heading notes text amendments were made on July 15, 2002.
The by-law in its entirety can be found on www.colchester.ca under By-Laws under the heading: Central Colchester Land Use By-law - Chapter 40 on Page 30 Section 8.3.
After considerable discussion on how to handle the matter council committee, upon the advice of solicitor James, agreed to send the matter to the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) under the direction of Tom Taggart, chair, who has served for 8 years as councillor for District 10. Under its consideration PAC will rely upon staff and legal input to come back to council with revisions to the signage by-law.
From the feelings expressed around council, even though you are technically in violation of the by-law don’t expect by-law officials to come knocking on your door. In the spirit of the law, all complaints about signs must be dealt with in the normal course of enforcement, but council is not intent upon making a rush to remove signs. The spirit of council is to study the matter and come forward with appropriate solutions, yet still act appropriately in by-law enforcement.
Library re-opens September 29th
By Maurice Rees
The Colchester East Hants Public Library will re-open its doors in its new $-Multi-Million facility on Thursday, September 29th. Library patrons have been without the services of the library for the summer months, permitting staff to pack up all the books from the previous location and then prepare for re-establishing all the books and documents in the former Normal College and the new addition.
About six weeks month ago, the old building was demolished and work crews are busy building the new Truro Downtown Civic Square in front of the Normal College. The civic square will incorporate approximately 20 benches. Sponsorship of the benches is being offered at a cost of $1,500 each. Constructed from solid cast aluminum, sponsorship includes installation, a customized plaque, and maintenance for 10 years.
The new library facility is approximately 36,000 sq feet, with the previous building covering 16,289 sq feet. The Truro branch has increased in size from 9.000 to 19,000 sq ft. Additional areas in the new building are occupied with the offices for regional library staff, plus the Town of Truro has several rooms in the basement, which are available for rent to groups. Staff room, storage and mechanical rooms are also located in the basement.
The new facility and remodeling of the Normal College, owned by the Town of Truro have been constructed with a total cost approximately $7.7-Million with the Library foundation raising approximately $930,000 of its $1-Million pledge. The County of Colchester made a significant contribution to the project, but capped it’s investment at approximately $1.2-Million and also capped its share of ongoing operating costs.
It’s been a long summer for staff to pack up, then unpack approximately 54,000 books, periodicals, DVD’s and refreshed collections. The new library is laid out with a great variety of seating in many of the areas and a number of specialized labs on the first and second floor.
As part of the design, the original back exterior wall of the normal college has been maintained, so that the original windows have been retained. The windows with their famous brickwork arches are prominently visible when the public walks from the new addition back into the former college. On both the first and second floors, two windows were removed so that walk-through arch ways offered entrance to the new addition.
As part of the layout of the facility many rooms have been sponsored by prominent individuals and companies. A new Malcolm & Charlotte MacQuarrie will feature 3-D printers, of which at the time of a pre-opening tour conducted by Janet Pelley in mid-September two are on-site and a larger third expected to arrive and be installed by September 29th.
Other sponsored rooms include the J Harris Reading room for all ages, which also includes kitchen, refrigerator and cooking area, which will be used for cooking and nutrition courses. Reading rooms have been established with the sponsorship from Burchell MacDougall and Ina M. Patterson. A John & Ann Garley Media Lab has been developed as well as the Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Colchester providing a program room for children.
Sponsorship has yet to be found for a Teen room; Historical Collection area; and two large spaces with lots of seating for adults. The adjoining areas are referred to as the Fireside Lounge and Community Lounge.
Page One Briefs - October 2016
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The 2016 Reverse Trade Show, "Building Opportunities – in
public sector purchasing" will be held on November 8th
at the World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax. The 2016
Reverse trade show links business with the provincial tendering
process. Those registering to attend the November 8th
event will benefit from engaging with public sector buyers;
exchange information and ideas, plus explore procurement
opportunities for your business. Pre-registration is required.
If interested an exploratory email can be sent to:
supdev@novascotia.ca
or contact: Beth Hartling- Project Coordinator – Outreach
and Education, Nova Scotia Procurement; Tel: 902-424-7658, Fax:
902-424-0780;
beth.hartling@novascotia.ca Challenges in Western Canada continues to provide problems for Empire Co. (Sobeys) as it announced Q1 profit has fallen from year ago. It earned $65.4-million in its latest quarter compared with $108.8-million a year ago. Its stores in Western Canada continue to struggle.If you haven’t already experienced it traffic is reduced to one lane on three roads in Colchester County during paving and other road improvements. The roads are: West North River Road, from Onslow Road for 5.3 kilometres to Truro Road; Onslow Mountain Road, from West North River Road for five kilometres and Trunk 2, from Pleasant View Drive west for one kilometer. Work takes place from sunrise to sunset and is scheduled for completion on Oct. 31. Meanwhile in Bible Hill work will continue on Pictou Road until Monday, Oct. 31 which will periodically be restricted to one lane. Residents with an Acadian background will be pleased to learn government strategist, Mark Bannerman will be the new executive director of Acadian Affairs. Mr. Bannerman joins Acadian Affairs from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development where he spent many years working with the Acadian and francophone community. Most recently he served as executive lead for Strategic Initiatives. He started the new position on September 19th. RCMP Colchester detachment are investigating vandalism at the Great Village Ball field on the evening of Thursday, September 22nd or early morning Friday, September 23rd. Signage was torn down, and they raced around the ball field creating large ruts in the outfield. Moulds of the ruts have been taken and RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact them as soon as possible. Chase the Ace has resumed at the Debert Legion. The pot is just starting to build. Support the legion’s contribution to the community by attending on Saturday afternoon. Bobby Pash president of the Debert Legion is in hospital awaiting surgery for a quadruple by-pass. As of press time, he had not undergone the procedure. Three half hour episodes of Lumberjacks filmed at the 2016 Nova Scotia Pro Lumberjack Championship held in Truro in June will air the first 3 weeks of October on TSN. The airing times for each TSN channel in the Atlantic Time Zone are: Mon, TSN 5, 1:30pm; Tues, TSN 3, 1:30pm; Weds, TSN 4, 12:30pm; Thurs, TSN 5, 1:00pm and Sat, TSN 1, 12:30pm. The competition was enjoyed by some 400 spectators as well as the 30 competitors who put on an amazing show for the crowd. There has been endless positive feedback from attendees making this a successful first year for the competition and a good base to build upon for 2017. This season of Lumberjacks begins next week, and airs on those days at those times for the next several months. Episode 2, 3 & 4 are the Truro competition and will air the first 3 weeks of October. Episode 2 airs October 2-8; Episode 3 airs October 9-15 and Episode 4 airs October 16-22. Brojects: In The House Season 2, a television series produced by Brojects NS Limited, (located in Great Village) has been approved for a funding commitment of $68,463 based on eligible Nova Scotia expenditure of $232,078. The funding was announced on September 20th by Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) through the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund. |
Read the Journal on-line!
The entire issue is available on line in pdf format - browse through the paper page by page, read as little or as much as you like. Click for Issue Archives...
| September 2016 (October coming soon) | |
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NEW PAPER! THE SOUTH CUMBERLAND NEWS! September issue... |
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| Issue | Deadline | Published |
| March 2016 | February 23 | March 2 |
| April 2016 | March 22 | March 30 |
| May 2016 | April 19 | April 27 |
| June 2016 | May 24 | June 1 |
| July 2016 | June 21 | June 29 |
| August 2016 | July 19 | July 27 |
| September 2016 | August 23 | August 31 |
| October 2016 | September 20 | September 28 |
| November 2016 | October 25 | November 2 |
| December 2016 | November 22 | November 30 |
| January 2017 | December 12 | December 20 |
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