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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 Maurice Rees. He 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.
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 |
| Kitchen Korner | Poems & Photos | Obituaries |
| Front Page Briefs |
plus notes from many communities and organizations such as:
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
November 2021
Rees' Pieces - November 2021
November 2021 - Welcome back, recognizing businesses
Times might be changing. During the past year there has not been much opportunity for businesses to celebrate and to congratulate one another while we were embroiled in some sort of CoVid-19 shutdown. Last week the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce was able to hold its Small Business Week festivities to congratulate a number of local businesses.
Having had to cancel events in 2020 the pent up demand to gather meet and celebrate was most evident in last week’s ceremony. Business executives are getting used to wearing masks at such events. Eight local businesses were recognized for success in a variety of categories. (Photos & citations about the businesses are included elsewhere in this issue).
What? When? Cost?
By Maurice Rees
An action item, introduced by Paul Smith at Colchester’s committee meeting on October 14 launched what could be the most indepth, contentious and lengthy issue council has had to deal with in decades.
The action item requested direction from Council on its intentions for the long-term planning and provision of municipal office space.
(Unfortunately, the answers / assumptions to the headline can only be found at the end of the story).
At its strategic priority session held in mid-September 2021, Council discussed the future of the Municipal Building. At the time there was some debate over how a process may be initiated that would evaluate the existing building, assess current and future operational / space needs, examine options and decide on an approach to move forward.
During discussion on October 14th, it became evident the municipal building matter will be a lengthy process. Whether or not council renovates and updates the Georgian style building; chooses to demolish and erect a new building; decides to build a new building at a different site, and repurpose the existing structure will be a lengthy process.
In 2010, the architectural firm Harvey & MacKenzie
Architects were engaged to do a functional analysis, draft design and
costing assessment which led to consideration of three options:
1. Option "A" assumes NS Justice would continue to occupy its 8817
sq. ft. which is approximately one-third of the
available building floor space. A redesign of remaining space would result
in a net gain of 264 sq. ft. which could support existing municipal
functions. The cost of renovations would be $3.0 million (2010 dollars).
2. Option "B" assumes NS Justice would relocate to another facility leaving the entire building for municipal operations (28,200 sq. ft.). This would provide sufficient room for staff growth over the next 20 – 25 years and carry a cost of not less than $3.82 million (2010 dollars).
3. Option "C" involves the construction of a new building which was estimated to be between $5.7 to $7.1 million (2010 dollars @ $200 to $250/ sq. ft.). The cost does not account for land purchases, demolition or sale of the Municipal Building or site servicing.
In a draft report prepared by staff, it was
recommended Option "B" be further explored and
developed. This was in part due to the fact the Municipal Building is
designated both a
municipal and provincial heritage property and holds significant
architectural, cultural, and
heritage value which ought to be preserved. An excerpt from Canada’s
Historic Places reveals
"Colchester County Courthouse
is valued for its grand Georgian Revival architecture, a style
commonly used for public buildings at the turn of the century, but
unique in the Truro region. It is also valued as one of the final few
buildings designed by James Charles Dumaresq (1840-1906) of Halifax and
Saint John who died only three years after its completion. Dumaresq was a
prominent and prolific architect who successfully merged in his designs
new building materials and techniques with the predominant
architectural fashions of the day. Other examples in Truro
of his public architecture have not survived."
For several years, senior staff have been in discussions with NS Justice regarding their plans for future use of space in the Municipal Building. The Department has recently committed to shared space arrangements with the Municipality on the second floor. Rob Simonds, CAO reported to council on October 14th, Department of Justice has just signed a 7 year lease with renewal option for an additional 7 years.
The building is in immediate need of repairs, which must be undertaken as soon as possible. The roof is leaking; windows need replacing, and some pieces of exterior mortar often fall to the ground. Council stated things causing safety concerned must be corrected and recognized roof repairs and window replacement are part of ongoing maintenance, even though they are expensive.
There are also several maintenance initiatives,
namely to the building exterior that could be
undertaken immediately. Window, door and roof replacement as well as masonry
restoration
require urgent attention and will assist in achieving better energy
efficiency, addressing safety
and improving building comfort. Staff believe there is
sufficient funds in the capital reserve to undertake this work as soon as
possible
Public Works applied for and received a $100,000
grant from the federal government to help
fund accessible washrooms in the building. The grant carries no conditions (ie.
no matching
contributions) other than a commitment to complete the project within 2
years.
There was lively discussion following Smith’s presentation on the Action Item. Councillor Parker: No value in keeping this building for long term. New Building would capture a lot of listed advantages. Security will become a much larger issue. Money better spent on determining what a new building would cost. I feel the current building, even though it is a nice and historic one, it has to go.
Councillor Cooper asked "Have we ever checked to see what this building would be worth?".
Mayor Blair countered saying I disagree with previous speakers. This is a heritage building. We need to proceed with Options 1, 2 & 3. Roof, windows, washrooms, masonary droppings need immediate attention. Can be done to be energy efficient. This is history and a central location. She put for a Motion as recommended by staff which was seconded by Councilor Benoit which stated: "That Council Committee recommend Council approve undertaking an updated functional Study and feasibility analysis for the Municipal Building and a detailed design process for accessible washrooms and elevator, as well as procurement process for window/ door replacement, and masonry restoration, which shall be funded through the Municipal Building Capital Reserve; and, That a space programming process for a new Municipal Building also be explored." Motion DEFEATED. (Councillors Boutilier, Sandeson, Cooper, Johnson, Patton, and Parker opposed)
A new motion moved by Councillor Parker and seconded by Councillor Patton stated: "That Council Committee recommend Council approve undertaking a space programming process for a new Municipal Building." Carried unanimously.
To answer the opening questions: What? When? Cost?, some informal discussions were held with various members of the Colchester team. What – will take a fair amount of time to determine whether to stay in the current building, find a way to expand, etc. When – It has been 11 years since the 2010 report. It will probably take at least another 7 to decide and 10 before completion, perhaps even longer stretching into the 15-20 year range. Cost – that is anyone’s guess. With a 2010 report suggesting as much as $7.1-Million for a new structure, the way CoVid-19 has affected construction costs and a shortage of materials and tradespeople it is conceivable a totally new structure could cost in the range of $15-20-Million.
BL Fulmore Auto Enterprises - It was a panel van similar to this which Burchell drove to deliver groceries from his father’s store at the age of 12. Since restored by his son, this panel has attended many car shows in the Maritimes.
(Lawrence R. Nicoll Photo)
Former councillor, Bill Masters passes
By Maurice Rees
Bill Masters, former veteran Colchester Councillor for District 2, passed away at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre on October 19th after a short illness. Master was a councillor for over 20 years and did not reoffer in the 2020 municipal election.
Masters was very active in his community and also served on Colchester council as deputy mayor for eight of the 20 years he served District 2 residents as a member of municipal council. He was co-owner and General Manager of Nova Enterprises and retired in 2011. Bill served for many years on the Freightliner Dealer Council.
Arrangements were entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Because of his prominence in many aspects of Colchester, we have included his full obituary, which provides highlights of his life as chosen by his immediate family. The entire obituary published on October 21, 2021 follows:
William Gordon "Bill" Masters – 74, Old Barns, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday morning, October 19, 2021, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Kentville, he was a son of Myrtle (Davidson) Comeau, Kentville, and the late Gordon Marsters.
Bill was a loving husband and father, however, as everyone knew, his grandchildren came first and foremost, and he was their biggest supporter! Bill was a member of Old Barns United Church and in earlier years was a leader for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Clifton 4-H woodworking project.
He was co-owner and General Manager of Nova Enterprises and retired in 2011. Bill served for many years on the Freightliner Dealer Council.
Community minded, he was a very active member of County Council, was County Councilor (District 2) for 20 years and also served as Deputy Mayor of Colchester County for eight years. He served on many committees over these 20 years. He was instrumental in the creation and planning of Cobequid Trail and the Fundy Discovery Site. He was an avid supporter of the RECC and was active on the steering committee in its early development and planning stages.
In his spare time, he enjoyed being a member of Mountain Golf and Country Club and Truro Curling Club, coaching hockey and baseball, and acting as treasurer for Brookfield Minor Hockey where he also coached his own boys.
Along with his mother, Myrtle (Donald) Comeau, Centreville, Bill is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Debbie (Dickie); sons, Scott (Teri-Lynn) Masters, Murray Siding; Steven Masters, Old Barns; Brian (Angela) Masters, East Mountain; grandchildren, Taylor Masters, Holly Masters, Riley Masters, Annika Masters, Linden Masters, Parker Masters; sisters, Carol-Ann Hass, Brampton, Ontario; Sharon Marsters, Kingston, Nova Scotia; brothers, Ricky (Eleanor) Marsters, Onslow Mountain; Paul Marsters, Brantford, Ontario; Phillip (Audrey) Marsters, Kentville; Kenny Marsters, Glenwood, Nova Scotia; sister-in-law, Roberta Marsters, Canning, Nova Scotia. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Gayle (Ricky) Randle, Truro; Carlene Dickie (Dave Stephens), Halifax; brothers-in-law, John Dickie (Darlene Bates), Onslow; George (Susan) Dickie, Old Barns; many nieces and nephews. Along with his father, he was predeceased by his brother, Gary Marsters; parents-in-law, Carl and Vera (Ferguson) Dickie.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Bill’s family will receive friends from 3:30-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., Monday, October 25, 2021. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Old Barns United Church, 2603 Highway 236, Old Barns, Reverend Phillip Kennedy officiating. (Please note that proof of double vaccination and photo identification will be requested prior to entry to the funeral home for visitation and at the church for the funeral service, and masks must be worn at all times; thank you for your co-operation and understanding.) Interment in Old Barns Cemetery. Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in Bill’s memory to the Fundy Discovery Site Playground Project, c/o Municipality of Colchester are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Bill’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Please note that Bill's surname "Masters" is correct as published, as is the surname "Marsters" for other members of his family. Thank you.
Chantelle's Cystic Fibrosis Pumpkin Blast- was held on Oct. 23rd and 24th at Blake's Pumpkin Jungle in Masstown. Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy live music, face painting, wagon rides, pie eating contest, pumpkins fired out of canons and so much more! The event was organized by Mark and Kelly Lindsay, whose daughter Chantelle passed away February, 2020 after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis. All funds raised will go to Chantelle's Legacy Fund, to support other people fighting the fight! (Linda Harrington Photo)
Live for Local Rally launched
By Maurice Rees
The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce used Small Business Week to launch "Live for Local Rally" to help promote purchases from local businesses. Studies have shown for every dollar spent at a local, independently owned business, close to 70% is returned to the local economy by way of payroll, commercial taxes, sponsorships, donations to local charities, etc. Every dollar spent at a national chain in the local area, about 45% is returned to the local economy.
The CoVid-19 pandemic has hurt local businesses, because with closures and restrictions on movements in public more people have turned to "on-line" shopping, primarily from businesses far outside the local shopping area. When local residents do their shopping at stores and businesses outside the Truro/Colchester region, or online based outside of this region, none of that money is returned to the local economy.
The chamber launched the "Live for Local Rally" at the Chamber’s Small Business Week fall celebration at the RECC on Monday, October 18 when Kilted Chef Alain Bosse treated 150 attending members to a variety of sample cuisine created by purchasing the ingredients which were purchased locally. At the event local musician, Jackie Putman provided music; several volunteer CEC students acted as preparers and servers. Two $500 bursaries were awarded to students to further their culinary education. A $300 gift basket was won by Taylor Albert.
To promote local businesses "The Live for Local Rally" is a contest aimed at promoting shopping local. All shoppers at local businesses are eligible to enter. Upload a receipt from any business in Colchester County you receive one entry for over $15,000 in prizes. If you upload a receipt from one of the chambers "Participating Businesses" you will automatically receive two entries.
To enter: take a photo or scan your receipt from any business in Colchester County; go to website: trurocolchesterchamber/live-for-local-rally; upload picture or scan of your receipt. Some businesses may choose to have you do an activity/challenge to earn an entry.
Check out the Chamber’s Facebook page "Live for Local Rally" for more chances to win.
As a backgrounder, the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce started the "Live Local" campaign in 2012. It was spearheaded by a committee focused on bringing together members of the chamber, along with several stakeholders in the community to encourage people to spend their money at businesses located in the Truro/Colchester region, rather than having that money leave the community. The Chamber continues this mission today.
Various studies and surveys have shown that many in the local area are choosing to spend their money in outside communities or online, which means nothing is returned to the local economy. Even a small shift in shopping habits would mean more money in the local economy, more jobs and businesses would be better equipped to support local charities, sports teams, events, etc.
In an effort to slow down or perhaps curtail "online" shopping from national and international businesses outside the province or local area, the "
Live for Local Rally" was revamped for 2021 as the province eases CoVid-19 restrictions, but is worried "online" shopping fad will continue. The initiative is called the "10% Challenge".If the 375,000 households in Nova Scotia shifted 10% of their existing purchases from non-local businesses to Local Independents (locally owned and independent businesses), it would result in the creation of new jobs and millions of dollars of new economic activity in Nova Scotia, all without raising taxes or spending a dime more than we planned.
The elegance of the 10 per cent shift is that it doesn’t ask people to expand their budgets and spend more. It asks people to be more conscious about where they spend what they’ve already budgeted for.
Front Page Briefs- November 2021
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The Live for Local Rally is a contest aimed at promoting shopping local. Upload a receipt from any business in Colchester County to earn an entry for our amazing prize giveaways. If you upload a receipt from one of our "Participating Businesses" you will receive two entries. Keep an eye out on our social media and our website for other fun and creative ways to enter to win! Colchester Council Committee is recommending to Council that the proposal for Fire Dispatch Services be awarded to Valley Communications Incorporated for a total proposal price of $407,678.58, excluding HST." Craig Burgess, Recreation Manager, advised Colchester
Council that similar to last year, there Council Committee is recommending to Council the following land acknowledgement statement for opening all Council, Council Committee and Presentation meetings be approved: In peace and friendship, and in the spirit of truth and reconciliation, I would like to begin by acknowledging that the Municipality of Colchester is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. Moved by Councillor Johnson and seconded by Gregory. Carried Unanimously. ______________________________________________________________________ Colchester County staff have been requested to begin drafting a Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality and Town of Stewiacke for the Stewiacke Library, subject to further review by Council. ______________________________________________________________________ |
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