Rural Atlantic Canadian Development Thread

[kirjtc2]

Replaces 1891 structure: Dalhousie sees new jail plans
a1
By BILL CLARKE


(Campbellton Tribune)

Construction of a new correctional facility on miller Road on the eastern end of town will begin here this fall.

On Monday, the Minister of Public safety, John Foran, and Donald Arseneault, Minister of Post-secondary education, Training and Labour, were at Dalhousie Town Hall to announce the project and reveal the architect’s conceptions of the building.

The new jail will house up to 50 inmates in five 10-cell units. The facility will be part of the province’s Green Buildings Program and will be registered with the Canada Green Building Council. It will use stateof- the-art materials, but also some that is harvested locally.

Foran said that the present dalhousie jail is the oldest in the province, having been built in 1891. It is half the size it should be for its capacity. Overcrowding adds to inmate stress and creates problems with safety and hardships for the staff.

The new facility will have about 40 correctional staff and other classifications and casuals, so there may be up to 65 jobs created. this will mean solid, stable employment.

Arseneault said that the work will be done in three stages. Site preparation will begin in September. Work on foundations and erection of steel will start in october and the remainder of construction will start in february, 2010, and continue through the winter.

“Today, I’m the happiest mayor in restigouche County and probably in the Province of new Brunswick,” said Dalhousie mayor Clem tremblay.

He said that he was going to see that there is a backhoe on the site prepared to dig a hole large enough to bury “the shovel”. this is a reference to a ceremonial shovel that was used for sod turning ceremonies in years past for a new jail, a shipping shed and a government office building, none of which materialized.

Foran said that town council had been very supportive and that Arseneault had been continually advocating for this project.

Besides the cells, the new jail will include areas for admitting and discharge, medical services, program rooms, secure visitation, food services and facilities for adminstration and staff.

[MonctonRad]

Shediac to get $1.7M development
Published Friday May 15th, 2009
Times & Transcript Staff

Sobeys will be the first tenant in a new $1.7-million development being built in Shediac by Fredericton-based Plazacorp Retail Properties Ltd.

The development was announced this week by Plazacorp, but the two tenants in the building were not named.

However, Shediac town manager Gerard Belliveau says town council has been discussing the Sobeys project in recent weeks and said the news was made official.

The 80,000-square-foot development on the corner of Main Street and Corwall Point Road just off Highway 11 is under construction now and will open by the end of the year. In addition to Sobeys, it will feature one other tenant.

Plazacorp president Michael Zakuda wouldn't talk about tenants in the building yesterday, saying only that it's a "major retail development" and that residents would be pleased.

Belliveau said yesterday that "rumours" are running rampant through town about who the second tenant in the building would be, but he wouldn't speculate, only saying that news should come out in the next few weeks.

Belliveau says he is happy to see the development coming to town, and notes that Shediac is becoming a retail hub in the area stretching from Richibucto to Port Elgin.

He also says that increased business dollars moving into the town allows it to continue to let residents enjoy a healthy tax base.

Plazacorp is the owner of shopping malls and strip plazas throughout eastern Canada.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=248256&sc=152

Federal government announces funding for small craft harbours

The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Federal economic stimulus money will help local workers and businesses through new funding for work in small craft harbours throughout Nova Scotia, including several projects in Cape Breton, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced over the weekend.

“Our government recognizes the importance of Nova Scotia’s commercial fishery and has made a significant investment in small craft harbours through Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said Nova Scotia MP Peter MacKay. “By investing in small craft harbours our government is creating local jobs right away and ensuring that those who rely on the fishery can rely on improved harbour facilities.”

The Small Craft Harbours Program, worth $200 million over two years, includes money to accelerate harbour repair and maintenance, as well as undertake dredging projects. The new funding is in addition to about $80 million already budgeted for this year.

In Nova Scotia, $40.2 million is being provided at core commercial fishing harbours over the next two years. This is in addition to $7.9 million in regular program funding this year in the province.

In Cape Breton, major harbour development currently underway will be accelerated this year at Margaree Harbour. Planning for future major projects will take place at Cheticamp, Louisbourg, Murphy’s Pond and Neils Harbour.
Wharf repairs and improvements are planned for Mabou, Neils Harbour and Port Morien.

Dredging work is scheduled for Dingwall, Pleasant Bay, Little River Harbour and Port Morien.

Breakwater construction and repairs will take place at Bay St. Lawrence, Ingonish Ferry, Margaree and Pleasant Bay.

The construction and repair of launching ramps will be undertaken at Battery Point, Bay St. Lawrence, Big Bras d’Or and Margaree.

As well, electrical service improvements will be carried out at Cheticamp and Bay St. Lawrence.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=249343&sc=152

Company selected to build new yacht club and workshop

The Cape Breton Post

PORT HAWKESBURY — A local company has been selected to build a new yacht club on the Port Hawkesbury waterfront.

Dundee Restorations of Port Hawkesbury will begin the immediate construction of a new one-and-a-half storey marina and a workshop building.

Strait Area Waterfront Society spokesperson Susan Grant said the company will be responsible for carpentry and electrical work on the two units, with the final price of the project still under negotiation.

Grant could not estimate exactly how long the project will take to be completed.

“The main marina building is going to be used as a base for the Strait of Canso Yacht Club and it’s also going to be for visitors to the marina,” said Grant.

An original yacht club and shed, described as being in bad shape, had been torn down earlier this year to make room for the new buildings.

“We thought of renovating the main marina building, but it just wasn’t feasible,” said Grant. A temporary location will be used renovations.

A new gas tank and pumps, along dock electrical upgrades are also included in the project.

[Dmajackson]

Province has big plans in store for Cape Split
Proposal would protect delicate site, develop hiking trails
By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE Staff Reporter
Tue. May 19 - 5:45 AM


The Natural Resources Department wants to hear from the public about its proposal to develop hiking trails at Cape Split on the Minas Basin.





It’s known as much for its rugged coastal setting and spectacular vistas as its laid-back, undeveloped allure.

But Cape Split, one of Nova Scotia’s most popular hiking spots, is on the dawn of a new era.

The province recently released a draft management plan for the geographic landmark near Scots Bay, Kings County, which aims to guide the rugged area through the next 20 years.

A provincial park reserve, Cape Split is a 427.5-hectare site overlooking the Bay of Fundy that’s been popular for decades with locals, day trip hikers, Acadia University students and others. In 1976, Parks Canada identified Cape Split as a natural area of Canadian significance.

The trouble was, the area included much private property and there was no real blueprint in place to protect the semi-maintained hiking trail and its surroundings. That changed when the province started to acquire parcels of land. In 2002, the government bought 280 hectares for $5 million.

Now, in conjunction with its proposed management scheme (available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr), the province’s Natural Resources Department is seeking public input about the proposal. Open houses are set for May 28 at the Scots Bay Community Hall and June 4 at Acadia in Wolfville.

Both open houses are to run from 4 to 8 p.m. Written comments may be left with provincial staff at each event.

According to the draft plan, Cape Split Provincial Park Reserve "contains a range of exceptional park values that are based on the property’s location as a rugged peninsula in the midst of the Minas Basin." Multiple trails are on the drawing board.

"The presence of several rare or threatened plant species, old forest, prehistoric sites, rare and semi-precious minerals and outstanding opportunities for nature-based outdoor recreation, education and tourism" add to the site’s quality as a first-class hinterland haunt, the plan says.

Cape Split is also known for its cliffs and windy, meadow-like field overlooking the water at the end of a long hiking trail. On a clear day, its curved, jutting-out peninsular formation is easily recognizable from the air.

The government’s concept includes a formal entrance to the reserve, bathrooms and other amenities. It is to be implemented in two phases.

"The focus of the development is to provide a coastal day-use hiking trail with facilities and services for the proposed 20-kilometre system of interconnecting trails," a release Friday said. Parking and trail-head access, orientation and interpretive information, and "a limited number of strategically-placed toilets" are to be provided.

Designated viewing areas within the trail system will be situated at prime locations.

Ecological protection of the reserve’s natural history is key, the plan says. All-terrain vehicles are to be banned from Cape Split, except those used for emergencies or park management purposes.

"The use of motorized vehicles is not consistent with (provincial legislation) or park management objectives," the plan says, "especially the emphasis on protection and non-motorized travel."

Also, disabled people who use wheelchairs or motorized scooters will be out of luck.

"Due to the rugged and sometimes steep terrain, it will not be possible to meet standards necessary to accommodate mobility-challenged visitors."

Park planners, mindful of the appeal of an undeveloped nugget of nature, don’t intend to turn Cape Split into anything close to Disneyland North. Tourists attracted to the region would be great, but a balance must be struck carefully.

"In keeping with the emphasis placed on protecting natural values, limited facilities and services will be provided," it says.

( mlightstone@herald.ca)

[Dmajackson]

Canso strait project moves step forward

By BILL POWER Business Reporter
Thu. May 28 - 4:46 AM

Melford International Terminal Inc. is acquiring a big tract of Crown land valued at more than $5 million for its planned container terminal on the Strait of Canso.

"This includes land for the rail corridor and for the first phase of the logistics park," Richie Mann, vice-president of marketing, said Wednesday.

"These elements are required for the project to move forward."

Mr. Mann said the value of the Crown land is an estimate that could change before the deal closes.

He said the purchase of about 177 hectares of Crown land by Melford means preliminary work on the first phase of the logistics park could potentially begin this year if economic conditions allow.

The proposed $300-million project has environmental clearance.

"This latest step finalizes a transaction that was negotiated about two years ago," Mr. Mann said of the land deal, which received government approval May 6.

Melford agreed to pay a fair market price for the land based on an independent appraisal conducted in 2007 when negotiations began.

Mr. Mann said some waterfront property for the terminal is coming through a separate deal with Municipality of the District of Guysborough. He said a final value on that transaction has not yet been determined.

He said Melford will begin setting more definite timelines for construction as the economy improves.

"We want the economic recovery to be in full swing."

The container terminal was originally to begin operating by 2011.

Melford has estimated construction will create more than 300 jobs.

The developer has promoted the proposed terminal as the closest North American deepwater mainland port to Europe, Asia and the Indian subcontinent, via the Suez Canal.

CEO Robert Stevens has said global financial crisis only adds to the attractiveness of the project, which will have the capacity to handle about 1.5 million shipping containers by 2015.

Mr. Stevens said the terminal will offer its clients reduced costs, greater efficiencies, enhanced security and environmental improvements.

( bpower@herald.ca)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=252181&sc=145

Association meeting will plan next steps in biosphere campaign

CHRIS SHANNON
The Cape Breton Post

BOULARDERIE — The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association will try to figure out later this week why its application to make the lake a watershed, under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, failed to receive the endorsement of two municipalities.

The association’s annual general meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Whycocomagh Education Centre. It will host a panel discussion on the merits of a United Nations Biosphere Reserve and ask the question — A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for the Bras d’Or and its watershed: Should we bother?

CBC Radio host Steve Sutherland will moderate the discussion.

Jim Foulds, a retired Cape Breton University biologist who is a member of the biosphere reserve association’s board of directors, said it had been hoped to have one of the four panel slots occupied by an opponent of the biosphere reserve designation.

However, he said the Mining Association of Nova Scotia and the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency both turned down invitations to take part in the panel discussion.

“Let’s talk about it,” said Foulds, from his Boularderie home Sunday, speaking about trying to encourage those groups to join the debate.

“Tell us what your concerns are. We’ll try to answer them. We don’t have anything to hide. If it’s true a biosphere reserve inhibits economic development, then we wouldn’t be behind it either. But one of the main functions of a biosphere reserve is to stimulate economic development.”

The other key factors in having the lake designated a biosphere reserve is the capacity building for research, monitoring and education, as well as conservation, he added.

Both Richmond and Inverness counties declined the option to endorse the UNESCO application citing concerns with the size of the area involved and possible effects on local industry. Shortly after Richmond County’s decision in April, the association withdrew its application.

Richmond warden John Boudreau said last month that the region’s economy is still heavily dependent on the resource sector and he believes there is a potential for mineral development or oil and gas exploration in the county.

“Biosphere status confers no regulatory power or development restrictions.
Rather, it encourages positive steps to emphasize and enhance the special human and environmental qualities of our unique lakeside community,” Foulds said.

For the application to be valid, it required the signatures of the provincial ministers of natural resources and environment and labour because those departments have jurisdiction over the lands involved, as they are already provincially protected areas.

But those signatures were contingent upon having all four municipalities bordering the Bras d’Or Lake onboard with the proposal.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Victoria County and all the First Nations band councils bordering the lake had already agreed with the concept of a biosphere reserve.

Instead, the association will now spend the next six months working to get more information to residents of the region about what a biosphere reserve would mean.

Foulds said it will mean working with local community organizations and listening and addressing the concerns of municipal politicians and industry officials leery of this proposal.

“We’ve got a good chunk of time now to do that because the next cycle is 2010, and if we had our document all signed off by the province by the end of this year that would be plenty of time (to meet the UNESCO deadline),” he said.

There are more than 500 biosphere reserves in the world — 15 located in Canada, with one of those in southwestern Nova Scotia.

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=254464&sc=145

Richmond waiting for courthouse assessment

NANCY KING
The Cape Breton Post

ARICHAT — The warden of Richmond County is hopeful that this week he may learn the results of a recent assessment of the Arichat courthouse carried out by the province.

A private consultant was hired by the Department of Justice to carry out the assessment and to determine the scope of work that it requires if it is to be retained as a courthouse.

“We know that they have seen some improvements, in fact, the folks that were down from the Justice Department said they noticed significant improvements that we had made to the building that they weren’t aware of,” Warden John Boudreau said. “The final assessment is not in yet and once that’s in we’ll be able to see what we have to do to move it forward.”

While the province hasn’t committed to carrying out the necessary work, Boudreau has said the municipality believes that it ultimately will. He’s said the county won’t accept being the only one in the province without a courthouse.

In January, council sent a letter to Justice Minister Cecil Clarke opposing the decision to move provincial court sittings from the Arichat courthouse to the Port Hawkesbury Justice Centre after February.

The reason the municipality has been given for the discontinuing of services is that the judge no longer wants to travel to Arichat due to the condition of the courthouse.

The county has countered that the building may need work but the province must step forward and commit to carrying it out, in part because of its unique cultural composition. In provincial elections, Richmond County currently has special status due to its large Acadian community, so that it may have the opportunity to elect an Acadian member. It is also home to Chapel Island First Nation.

They have also argued that rural areas are losing too many services to regional centres and too much is being demanded of people living on smaller incomes, expecting them to travel.

The heritage building, which is more than 150 years old, is owned by the municipality, which also leases space to the Registry of Deeds and Development Isle Madame. It had been condemned by the fire marshal before the County of Richmond reached a cost-sharing agreement with the Department of Justice in 1999, and it underwent extensive renovations.

[ErickMontreal]

Federal/provincial governments make investment in Port of Belledune (09/06/05)

NB 809

June 5, 2009

BELLEDUNE (CNB) - A partnership between the provincial and federal governments will see the Port of Belledune expanded and improved. Premier Shawn Graham; Minister responsible for the Northern New Brunswick Infrastructure Initiative Roland Haché; Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; and Miramichi MP Tilly O'Neill-Gordon announced today that the governments will contribute almost $47 million toward the project.

"Our investment in the Port of Belledune's expansion project will not only put people to work, but it symbolizes the beginning of the transformation of northern New Brunswick's economy," said Graham. "This investment will better position the deep-sea port to provide shippers with easy access to global markets, and allow New Brunswick to continue moving forward on the road to self-sufficiency."

Funding will support terminal improvements, modifications and expansion upgrades, which will enhance the port's operating and competitive capabilities. The total estimated eligible costs for the project are $61.2 million. The Government of Canada will contribute up to a maximum of $26.4 million, with a contribution of $20.4 million from the Province of New Brunswick's Northern New Brunswick Infrastructure Initiative.

"Stimulating our economy and keeping people working during these tough economic times is a top priority for our government," said Ashfield. "Thanks to the strong relationship between our two governments, we can work together to support projects such as the Port of Belledune, which will help ensure its long-term competitiveness and further stimulate the province's economy."

The $4-billion federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The fund invests in provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this year's and next year's construction seasons. More projects under the fund will be announced soon.

Federal financial support for these infrastructure improvements is conditional on meeting all applicable eligibility and approval requirements under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, and on the Port of Belledune raising its share of the funding for the project.

Canada and New Brunswick are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered to municipalities in New Brunswick quickly and efficiently.

The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund complements existing and long-term federal infrastructure funding by focusing on short-term objectives for economic stimulus. To further this goal of rapid economic stimulus, the fund will focus on construction-readiness as important project selection criterion. The full $4 billion will be distributed in fiscal years 2009-10 and 2010-11. Projects will focus largely on the rehabilitation of existing assets such as water, wastewater, public transit, highways, roads, culture, parks, and trails.

More information on infrastructure funding and Canada's Economic Action Plan may be found online.

09/06/05

MEDIA CONTACTS: Bruce Macfarlane, corporate secretary, Regional Development Corporation, 506-444-4606; Chris Day, press secretary, Office of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister, 613-991-0700; Infrastructure Canada, 613-948-1148.

09/06/05

[benvui]

A quick update on the Shediac developments, the site of the new Sobeys is cleared and they are currently working on hooking up the drainage for the parking lot to the municipal storm drains. They have also begun clearing the site of the new jail.
I'll try and get some pictures to post soon

[Dmajackson]

Appledome construction set to go

By GORDON DELANEY Valley Bureau
Mon. Jun 22 - 4:46 AM
Construction of a new multi-million dollar sports and community complex in Berwick is about to begin.

The tender for the first phase of the project has been awarded to Roscoe Construction of Cambridge Station, Kings County.

The Berwick and District Community Association has accepted the company’s $11.4-million bid to build the Kings Mutual Century Centre.

Also known locally as the Apple Dome, phase 1 of the building will include construction of a modern, energy-efficient 800-seat arena to replace the 50-year-old Berwick Arena.

The first phase of building will also include a 200-metre walking track, a 5,000 square-foot community multi-purpose room and a new home for the Berwick and District Lions Club.

"This is an important day and one we have been waiting for a long time," George Moody, chairman of the Kings Mutual Century Centre committee, said about the tender being awarded.

"With site preparation almost completed, the building construction is set to begin very soon," he said in a news release.

Phase 1 is the largest of the four phases of the building, located on Veterans Drive, across from the Berwick and District School. The total cost of the building is estimated at about $17 million when completed.

Volunteers have been working for eight years to raise the money for the project, which was initially planned to be a $2-million rink replacement.

Other facilities now being considered for the project include a swimming pool, a curling rink and a library.

Mr. Moody, a former Tory MLA and cabinet minister, said the other phases are still being negotiated with community groups and have yet to be confirmed.

Construction of phase 1 is expected to begin this month and be completed by September 2010.

Kings Mutual Insurance Company has donated $1 million to the project, while the federal and provincial governments each committed $4 million. The town of Berwick and Kings County have contributed close to $1 million combined.

Mr. Moody said in a recent interview that the project has taken almost 10 years because the group wanted to raise the money before construction began, leaving it debt-free.

( gdelaney@herald.ca)

[Smevo]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=260636&sc=149

Nova Scotia Community College instructors Dan MacDonald and Carmen MacDonald, Rankin principal Brendan Dugas and Murdell MacNeil and Tracey Dares of the Student Advisory Council stand on the grounds of what will be the site for the Iona Sports and Recreation Community Outdoor Venue. Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

Second phase of new outdoor recreation complex in Iona nears completion


JULIE COLLINS
The Cape Breton Post

IONA — Phase two of the Iona Sports and Recreation Community Outdoor Venue next to Rankin School of the Narrows is expected to be complete by early summer.

The goal of the three-phase project is to develop a facility for both the school and community that will provide a chance for a better, healthier lifestyle.

The project began last year with the expansion of the soccer field to a regulation-sized field.

Phase two involves completing the field, along with the addition of a baseball diamond and the creation of a community walking track around the perimeter of their field.

“The Nova Scotia Community College is playing a huge role in the project,” said Tracey Dares, a member of Rankin School Advisory Council. “The project is unique right down to the signage which will be in Gaelic, English and Mi’kmaq.”

In May, a service-learning partnership with Nova Scotia Community College was developed to provide a worksite for students training in heavy equipment operation. This partnership not only serves as a form of experiential education, but also allows for student engagement in a project that addresses the needs of a unique rural community while highlighting their commitment to community service.

Plans on the development of phase three, which is in the very early stages, includes an outdoor rink, a youth and senior’s green activity area, nature walking trail and a wind-driven lighting system for the entire venue. The green area will allow people who don’t have space at home to plant a small garden. On the educational side, kids will be able to learn about plants and how they grow.

Dares, who has five children ranging in age from five months to eight years, said it is encouraging to see how strong the support is for the project.

“The community is completely in favour of having this happen. Right down to the meals that women in the community provided for the workers, many who were putting in 12 and 16 hours a day to complete phase one by the time school started in September,” she said. “This is going to be an incredible facility for our community. Right from the get-go, there was a huge amount of support from all concerned. The in-kind donations from the community and business support for phase one alone amounted to close to $100,000.”

She added that having the walking track is a major attraction for many people, when you consider the dangers of walking along narrow, rural roads with no sidewalks.

There were also donations made by local groups and committees, as well as the Buy-A-Brick fundraising campaign within the local community.

The first two phases also received provincial funding, including Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection, along with municipal funding from Victoria County.

[C_Boy]

Funding announced for Fundy Park
June 24, 2009 - 11:00 am
By: Cathy LeBreton - News 91.9 Staff


ALMA, NB -The federal government is making a 12.2-million dollar investment in Fundy National Park.

Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore says the money will strengthen infrastructure, ensuring the preservation of this heritage and improving access to the park.

Nearly 9-Million dollars will be used to improve a 4.1 kilometer span of highway 114 west of Chignecto South, $2.9 million is earmarked to replace the Bennett Lake dam and $500,000 will be used to repair various bridges and culverts.

Improvements to the dam and culverts will ensure passage for fish throughout the park, helping protecting their habitats.

Moore says the funding will not only benefit the park, but will help the local economy by creating jobs and boosting tourism.

[MonctonRad]

From "the Sleuth":

There's a plot of land in the village of Petitcodiac right at NB Highway 1 exit 233 and across the road from the Irving gas station and convenience store that has recently been cleared and is starting to see significant work. What's up? Sleuth has nothing confirmed but the rumour all over the village where it is hard to keep anything secret is that the Super Variety currently in the downtown and housing the agency NB Liquor outlet is building new digs. The rumour also has it that it will include a gas station and a Tim Horton's outlet along with its other current offerings. It will be quite a change, particularly if the Tim's part of the rumour is true. Currently, citizens and travellers have to, depending on their direction of travel, wait until they reach either Sussex or Salisbury to obtain a cuppa Canada's favourite java.

[Smevo]

June 25, 2009
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=263858&sc=152

Museum finds new home in Port Hastings

The Cape Breton Post

PORT HASTINGS —A museum here has found a new home.

Operated by the Port Hastings Historical Society, the museum will open its doors for the summer season Monday in the building which formerly housed The Candy Shop in Port Hastings.

The building was purchased by the province after the former operation went into receivership and was subsequently turned over to the society with a five-year lease.

Dernie Gillis, past president of the society, said the organization has worked for many years to find a new home as the current building was old and beyond repair. Gillis added that the work of Inverness MLA and former Premier Rodney MacDonald was crucial.

A focal point of the museum in the new location will be a display of a selection of model ships from noted builder Mark Boudreau.

He has been commissioned to produce model ships by collectors around the world, many of which have a local connection. The models on display in Port Hastings will complement the Canso Causeway display which has been a staple at the museum for more than 25 years.

The Strait region’s industrial development from the past 50 years will be on display as well as selected antiques, musical instruments and the recreation of a kitchen and living room setting from circa 1950.

The museum building will also welcome quilters from the area who will display and sell their handcrafted work.

The society is welcoming a new manager, April Sampson, who has studied history at St. F.X. University and has enjoyed a career in journalism.

Sampson, summer students Megan McNamara and Emma Timmons will be supported by volunteers as they welcome the public seven days a week to the new museum off the Port Hastings rotary.

[MonctonRad]

Bouctouche gets $10M for civic centre
Published Wednesday July 15th, 2009

Federal, provincial governments commit funding for new multi-purpose facility
By Jesse Robichaud
Times & Transcript Staff

BOUCTOUCHE - The next chapter of this small coastal town's story of swift transformation begins today when the provincial and federal governments pledge $10 million to help build a new civic centre here.


The Times & Transcript has learned that the new centre will house a 1,000-seat arena and other amenities such as an indoor walking track and a multi-purpose community space for youth and seniors.

Although the entire development will fit under one roof, the sky appears to be the limit as a new town hall and a new library could also be central to the project, according to preliminary plans.

The hub of community services is slated to be built on a property donated by the Irving Family at the corner of Evangeline and Bellevue streets.

The prized location, which is situated only minutes away from two schools and two senior care homes, will offer a view that will overlook the town and the Bouctouche River to the south, east, and west.

The federal Conservatives and provincial Liberals are dipping into economic stimulus money that was set aside in their most recent budgets as a weapon to counter the current economic slowdown.

It is not yet known how much money will contributed to the project by the Town of Bouctouche.

But a public meeting to discuss the project will be announced today as Premier Shawn Graham, federal Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thompson, and Mayor Aldéo Saulnier reveal the project at its future site at the corner of Evangeline and Bellevue Streets at 3:30 p.m.

The debate and discussions that are expected occur regarding the details of the project can begin in earnest tomorrow when a model of the proposed project will be unveiled at the announcement.

Three years ago, Saulnier appointed a committee to study the idea of a new rink to replace the current 40-year-old structure.

Former Court of Queen's Bench Justice Guy A. Richard was a member of the committee, which held several public meetings to better understand the requirements of a changing town with outdated infrastructure.

"People are anxious and, in general, I think the population supports the council in Bouctouche. We will know more after the announcement," said Richard.

As the process developed, he said the committee visited four municipalities in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia where the local arena had been combined with several other core services and facilities.

"We asked them all sorts of questions as to how we should proceed to realize this kind of project, and suddenly the economy fell off, and the stimulus money was announced," said Richard.

"So we said if there is stimulus money, we are going to take a chance and ask for help, and that's what we did."

Richard said the new facility presents the next logical step in the town's transformation by providing services that are tailored to its current requirements and composition.

Richard said those needs have changed quite significantly over the past 40 years.

"The arena is worn out, there is no room to sit and, in the project we are contemplating, there would be 1,000 seats, so it quite different," he said.

"The arena ... was built 40 years ago to meet the needs of that era, and the needs today are different, as is the case everywhere in New Brunswick."

Although it may have been difficult to imagine an arena under the same roof as a town hall and library four decades ago, Richard said the concept is a natural fit.

"They are unifying elements," said Richard.

"It is absolutely natural, and we have the nicest property in Bouctouche."

Richard said a new and larger library would allow the town to qualify for more funding, and he said the new offices would provide a more suitable work environment for the administrators of what has become a thriving small town.

He said the town will be able to take advantage of shared management costs by bringing the services under one roof.

Although Richard said the proposed project would help overhaul the town's aging infrastructure, he said the town's residents will decide the ultimate shape it will take.

"I am sure there will be some modifications from here until the realization of the project because we are not doing it for ourselves," he said. "We are doing it for the population and the advancement of the town."

Major investments and the establishment of Le Pays de la Sagouine, Irving Eco-Centre, parks and gardens, and other commercial and industrial projects have revamped the face of a community who work both locally and in Moncton.

Richard said the twinning of Highway 11 will add to the region's development, and he said there is plenty to look forward to in this part of Kent County.

"It is a community that is developing itself and that works to improve itself."

[Dmajackson]

From the Burnside News;

Stewiacke – Larry Gibson, owner of the Floors Plus stores and president of Perry Lake Developments, is concerned he may not be able to get his latest project off the ground. Gibson was hoping to get construction started on the new Stewiacke Business Park this summer, but delays in getting the needed approvals from the province and the town have put that schedule in jeopardy. Although the approvals are now in hand, Gibson says work on water, sewer and roads has to be completed before the end of September because the clay soil of the area will become too wet to work in after that. Such a tight timeline may be impossible to meet. If it is, that means waiting until next summer before he can try again.

[Dmajackson]

Roundabout cure for Windsor’s congestion

By GLEN PARKER
Mon. Aug 10 - 4:46 AM

WINDSOR — Windsor is dealing with some growing pains.

The twinning of Highway 101 has brought retail and residential growth to this Annapolis Valley town, resulting in some new traffic bottlenecks.

To deal with one of them, the Transportation Department has issued a tender call for a roundabout at Morison Drive that Hants West MLA Chuck Porter calls a critical piece of infrastructure that will support development on Wentworth Road.

"In my conversations with highway engineers and local municipal officials, the roundabout was preferred and needed because of the closely spaced intersections," the Progressive Conservative MLA said in a news release.

"As well, the construction of the roundabout also means future twinning of Highway 101 with an additional structure or overpass can take place without the roundabout being impacted."

The tender for this project closes Aug. 20, with work, including paving, slated for completion by late fall.

"It’s going to be located just below OK Tire on Morison Drive and it will be very similar to the existing roundabout in Avonport," Windsor Mayor Paul Beazley said Sunday.

Research and planning for a solution to growing traffic flow problems along Wentworth Road started three years ago. The area includes the Morison Drive intersection, service and retail outlets, and the Highway 101 on- and off-ramps at Exit 5A.

"We had to come up with something," Mr. Beazley said.

"Getting onto Wentworth Road from the Highway 101 off-ramp now is pretty tricky. The engineers got together and said this was the best way to solve the traffic problem."

An access road will be constructed and will be used to reach the Petro-Canada, A&W and Subway locations along Wentworth Road. New sidewalks will also be constructed.

"Once the new roundabout is in place, it’ll be less stressful than what it is now," the mayor said. "I think it’ll work out well."

( gparker@herald.ca )

[Dmajackson]

Environmentally friendly business park nearly ready

ON THE MOVE
Tue. Aug 11 - 4:46 AM
THE DESIGN WORK FOR A NEW environmentally friendly business park near Chester is nearing completion. Located on a 320-hectare site that includes a solid waste landfill property, the Kaizer Meadow Environmental Management Centre will include an eco park for green business, a training and research centre for environmental innovation, and a leading edge waste management facility. The waste management facility on the site was the first of its kind to introduce a comprehensive waste water treatment system that results in zero discharge of waste into waterways. It is also home to Canada’s first GPS–operated landfill compactor that optimizes compaction rates, thereby reducing the facility’s waste footprint. In a release, park management says the eco park is close to signing its first tenant.

[Smevo]

I think the photo is the current building and not the new one, but I'm not positive.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=282626&sc=149

The replacement for the Alderwood Rest Home in Baddeck is expected to be ready for occupancy by the spring of 2010. Laura Jean Grant - Cape Breton Post

Construction of new Alderwood seniors home on schedule

BY JULIE COLLINS
The Cape Breton Post

BADDECK — Construction of the replacement for the Alderwood Rest Home in Baddeck is on budget and on schedule.

“The last of our tenders are out,” said Alderwood administrator Arlene Morrison. “We have upwards of 60 to 80 tradespeople working on site. The project is providing stable employment for tradespeople from across the island.”

The new nursing home facility, which is situated on Shore Road (just past the Silver Dart Lodge), has a striking view of Baddeck harbour.

One of the next items on the list as staff prepares for the change, is development of a move management plan.

“We want to ensure in moving the residents that it is done safety, timely and with the least amount of disruption,” she said. “Staff is also participating in ongoing training in the Eden philosophy. We'll not only have a warm environment with small, home-like areas, but staff trained in this new method of caring for those in long-term care; it isn’t just a new building, it’s a whole new way of doing things.”

The foundations of the Eden philosophy is based on the belief that loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for most of the suffering experienced in today’s long-term care settings. Through the implementation of the principals of Eden, Alderwood is working to create a vibrant living and working environment for the residents and caregivers and provide a homey environment where people can continue to live and learn.

The Eden method concentrates on de-institutionalizing the culture and environment of today’s nursing homes and other long-term care institutions.

“Even though there is so much involved in preparing, it is also very exciting that the move is only months away.”

The new Alderwood Rest Home, which will be one storey covering approximately 65,000 square feet, is about triple the size of the present rest home. The new facility will have more common space, more private rooms and improved recreational facilities.

Alderwood Rest Home opened in 1971. It has 70 beds and approximately 120 staff. A building assessment was conducted in 2002 to determine the life cycle of the present building and at that time it was recommended the building be replaced.

As part of the province’s continuing care strategy, the Inverary Manor in Inverness is also being replaced, Port Hawkesbury received 10 additional beds and the Northside Community Guest Home in North Sydney is building an expansion for 39 new beds.