Town of Stewiacke
Newsletter
March 2017
Important information for residents
LOW INCOME TAX
EXEMPTION
POSSIBLE FREE HOME ENERGY HOUSING REPAIRS
ASSESSMENT AND UPGRADES
FUNDING AVAILABLE
As in the past years, the Town of Stewiacke will once again be offering a property tax exemption. If you qualified for
the exemption last year, you will be sent
an application form automatically. These
will be in the mail by April 1st. If you do
not receive an application form please
contact the Office at 902-639-2231.
The Home-Warming Program offers a nocharge energy assessment and free home
upgrades such as draft-proofing and insulation to income-qualified homeowners.
Clean Foundation and Efficiency Nova
Scotia are working together to offer these
upgrades, with funding from Nova Scotia
Power and the Province of Nova Scotia.
For more information visit
www.homewarming.ca or call 1-877-4342136
Family Income Less than 18,000 .00
exemption amount $250.00
Income means a person’s total income
from all sources for the calendar year preceding the fiscal year in the Town, excluding any allowances paid pursuant to
the War Veterans Allowance, the Child
Tax Benefit of the GST Rebate. It includes all income of all other members in
the same family, except those attending
high school on a fulltime basis, residing
in the same household.
The deadline for this year’s exemption to
be filed with the Town Office is May
12th, 2017.
For income verification purposes, please
bring a copy of your completed 2016 Income Tax Return as well as your Notice
of Assessment from Revenue Canada.
ADDRESS INFORMATION
There has been several items returned to
the Office with the incomplete mailing
address. Town Staff need to have your
P.O. Box number along with your civic
address on all information. If your information is incomplete please contact us to
advise of the change. We can also make
changes on the Property Valuation Site if
your address was wrong on your January
2017 Property Assessment Notice.
Through funding received from the Federal and Provincial governments, the Department of Community Services Housing Services has financial funding to assist low-income homeowners to complete
emergency repairs to their homes. Unfortunately, most homeowners, are not
aware these programs exist.
Often this funding allows homeowners to
complete repairs that otherwise they
could not afford and also to remain in
their homes longer. These programs also
increase economic activity through the
COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE
employment of tradespeople, purchase of
MEETINGS
materials locally, pride of home ownership and aesthetically enhanced commuA complete list of meetings can be viewed
nities.
on our website at www.stewiacke.net.
For more information, please contact
Meetings are held in the Council Chambers
your local Department of Community
in the Town Hall and are open to the pubServices - Housing Services at 902-893lic.
5999 or toll free at 1-866-525-5454.
STREET LIGHTS
Street lights which are out or not working
properly can be reported to Nova Scotia
Power at 1-800-428-6230 or on their website. You can also let the Town Office
know of any issues.
WEBSITE
The Town’s website is a great way to
check things out such as events that are
occurring, bylaws and policies and Council
information to name a few. The site is very
user friendly with updates occurring regularly. Take a look! Feedback is always
welcome! www.stewiacke.net
Reminder: There is a monthly luncheon at
the St Andrews United Church the last Friday of each month. 11:30am - 1:00pm.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 13th—17th March Break
March 23rd—Water Bills Distributed
March 25th - Stewiacke Showcase Singers & Songwriters Circle
March 31st - Church Luncheon
April 1st—April’s Fools Day
April 8th—Easter Egg Hunt
April 8th - Stewiacke Play/PreSchool
Breakfast
April 15th - Crib at the Legion
April 22nd - Dinner Theatre
April 28th - Church Luncheon
April 30th - Interim Tax Bills Distributed
May 6th - 13th Compost Giveaway
May 13th - Household Hazardous Waste
Event
May 19th - Spring Clean Up
May 27th—Free Shred Event 9:00AM12:00PM
ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Wendy Robinson
[email protected]
902-805-9393
Councillor Roseanne Chapman
[email protected]
902-639-9009
Councillor Mary Commo
[email protected]
902-805-9104
Deputy Mayor Susan Creelman
[email protected]
902-639-9363
Councillor Rebecca Rogers-Laing
[email protected]
Councillor Chad Ramsey
[email protected]
Councillor Russell Stoddart
[email protected]
902-639-1500
TAX BILLING POLICY
Interim Tax Billing
 Interim Tax Billing’s shall be prepared, and
based upon one-half (1/2) of the current
year’s assessment as provided by the Assessment Department.
 The Interim Tax Billing will be calculated
based upon the preceding year’s tax rate.
 The Interim Tax Bill shall include one-half
(1/2) of the Fire Protection Rate.
 The Interim Tax Bill shall not include the
Four Stream Curbside Collection fee. This
fee shall be charged, in its entirety, on the
final billing.
 The Interim Tax Billing shall be prepared
for distribution by April 30th each year.
Final Tax Billing
 Council will endeavor to determine tax rates
by March 31st of each year. Final tax bills
shall be prepared and ready for distribution
on August 31st each year.
Interest Charges
 All interest to be charged shall be per annum, calculated monthly, at a rate previously determined by Council.
 Any taxes paid by the appropriate due date
shall not accrue interest.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Administration
902-639-2231
Parks & Recreation 902-639-2111
After Hours
Emergency
902-897-7823
Water Treatment
Plant
902-639-2899
Public Works
Administration
902-639-2125
Library
902-639-2481
Stewiacke Fire
Department
902-639-2301
RCMP
902-639-2366
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OUTSTANDING TAXES
The Town of Stewiacke encourages anyone
who has outstanding taxes, to please contact
Charlotte to set up a suitable payment schedule. Interest accrues at 18% per annum, therefore it is important to keep your taxes up to
date. Interim Tax Bills are being prepared and
will be ready for distribution on April 30th
with the due date being May 30th.
If you receive your invoice in the mail, but
your mortgage company pays your taxes
please advise Dalas.
WATER & WASTE WATER
BILLING
Bills will be distributed on March 23rd and
will be due on April 22nd. Please contact
the Town office if you would like to make
payment arrangements to suit your needs.
Reminder: If 2 billings ar e in ar r ear s,
water service will be discontinued without
further notice. Before service is restored,
all arrears and a $50.00 reconnection
charge must be paid. Interest on overdue
amounts is calculated at 1.5% per month or
part thereof (18% per annum).
If a payment plan is not followed through
there will be an automatic disconnection
without notice.
It is a courtesy to have a disconnect notice
delivered to your home prior to the disconnection date. If the office does not receive
any correspondence we will be disconnecting your water services the following
Monday after the due date.
Payments can be made online, telephone
banking, in person, by mail or by dropping
payment off after hours in the drop off slot
located outside the building.
DOG CONTROL
Dog owners allowing their dogs to run at
large are in violation of the Dog By-Law of
the Town of Stewiacke. It is the owner’s
responsibility to ensure that the only time
the dog is off their property is when it is
under continuous effective human restraint
and control. When using Town Trails and
Sidewalks, dogs must be on a leash at all
times held by a person able to control the
dog.
Dog tags are available at the Town Office.
Your responsibility as a dog owner is to
pick up after your dog---
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) states “Property shall be put for tax sale if
taxes which includes sewer are in arrears for the preceding three fiscal years”.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
SPRING CLEAN-UP MAY 19TH, 2017
COMPOST GIVEAWAY
Items are to be placed within 10 feet of the road by 7:00am on the Monday of
your collection week. Please note: Clean-up items should only be placed at the
curb the weekend before your specified special collection week.
The 2017 edition of the Compost Giveaway
will take place May 6th to 13th, 2017 at 188
Mingo Road in Kemptown. This entitles each
household to 3 bags or 100 kilograms of free
compost. Bags will be provided but please
bring your own shovel, gloves and appropriate
footwear. Hours of operation are Monday
through Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm and Saturdays 8:30am to 11:30am. While supplies last!
Each household, including apartment buildings of three units or less, are eligible
for Spring and Fall Clean Up collection. The maximum weight of individual items
cannot exceed 50lbs or one cubic meter in size, with the exception of furniture
and appliances. Please remember, the maximum amount to be set out should not
exceed 650lbs (picture the amount that can fit into the back of a half tonne
truck). Any bagged garbage must be placed in clear bags for collection.
WHAT'S IN
WHAT’S OUT
Boxsprings & mattresses
Appliances (maximum one of each
type)
Broken glass (safely packaged)
Furniture
Hot water tanks
Lawn furniture
Toys (bikes)
Max. weight of individual items is
50lbs.
Carpet 3ft. lengths
Bagged loose material (CLEAR BAGS
ONLY)
Material in Solid Coloured or Blue Bags
Automotive parts/batteries
Wood (Pallets/Lumber/Branches)
Hazardous, explosive or toxic waste
Commercial or business waste
Leaf and yard waste
Liquid wastes
Renovations or construction debris of
large volumes
Tires
Propane tanks
Loose Materials
Electronics - TV's, Computers, Printers,
Stereos, VCR's, DVD Players, etc.
FREE SHRED EVENT
 Open to residents & small
businesses in Colchester,
Truro and Stewiacke.
 10 file boxes or 5 large
bags of paper per person or
business.
 No plastic sleeves or binders
Protect your identity and the environment at
a secure onsite community Shred Day on
May 27th at the Stewiacke Fire Hall.
9:00am—12:00pm
MOBILE HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENT
There will be a Mobile Household Hazardous Waste Event taking place on Saturday May 13th, 2017 from 9:00am to 1:00pm. This will take place in the Industrial Building on the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Grounds.
ACCEPTABLE
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Household Cleaners
Pool Chemicals
Herbicides/Pesticides
Gasoline, Waste Oil, Antifreeze
Propane Tanks
Household & Car Batteries
Paints, Stains & Aerosols
Acids & Bases
Explosives
Radioactive Materials
Pathological Waste
PCB's
Waste from Industrial, Institutional or
Commercial Sources
Waste from outside Colchester County
If you have an issue with your Garbage
Collection please do not hesitate to con- Reminder: If your collection day
tact Dalas at the Town Office (902) 639- falls on a Holiday then date will be
2231 or by email: [email protected] that Saturday.
she will be glad to assist you.
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ILLEGAL DUMPING
Please report illegal dump sites by phoning 902
-895-4777
NEVER MISS ANOTHER
COLLECTION DAY OR CLEAN
UP WEEK!
We now have a new online customized calendar and reminder service. A collection schedule unique to your home address can be printed, synced with your own electronic calendar,
or you can receive weekly reminders by phone,
email or Twitter. Check out the Town’s website for more information!
Community information
COLCHESTER EAST HANTS
PUBLIC
LIBRARY - STEWIACKE
BRANCH
Regular programming for 2017.
Book Buddies runs every second Saturday from
1:30pm - 2:30pm. A wonderful program for young readers and teens where teen volunteers are paired with elementary aged readers for literacy games and reading
time.
LEGO at the Library runs every second Saturday from
2:30pm - 3:00pm. If you are 5 years of age or older come
on in and enjoy some of our Lego challenges.
Picture Book Junction (PBJ)
Songs, stories and crafts ,Thursday mornings, 10:30am11:30am for 3-5 year olds.
Book Babies
Felt boards, stories, songs, and playtime for ages 0-2 and a
caregiver Friday mornings, 10:30am-11:30am.
Crafty Crew
Every 2nd Tuesday at 6:30pm. ( Adult Crafters Only)
March 14th will be Game day at the library. There will be
board games and playdough available for friends and
families to enjoy.
On Friday March 17th we are having Robot Day at
1:30pm. Come and build a working robot. Please preregister.
ROYAL CANADIAN
LEGION
Dances are held the 2nd and 4th SatAnnual All You can Eat Pancake
urday monthly.
Breakfast…. Apr il 8th 8:00am Crib - March 18th, April 15th 1:00pm
11:00am Stewiacke Legion $8.00 per
For more information call 639-9979
person, Children 5 and under eat
free.
The Willow Bend Seniors Club
 Weekly card parties every TuesThe Play/Pre-School is selling tickets
day at 10:00am. All are welcome.
on a Gift Card Basket Tickets are
 Monthly Suppers
$1.00 each which will be dr awn the
 Picnic in July
day of the Breakfast. Tickets are
 Bus trips
available at the Town Office during
the week.
For more information contact Ralph
639-2693 OR Betty 639-1518
Open House Registration
STEWIACKE & DISTRICT
VOLUNTEER FIRE
DEPARTMENT
From STEWIACKE we are proud to
say we have our new light rescue
truck replacing our ageing truck . As
warm weather approaches so does
grass fire season . Please take care
and follow the Department of natural
resources
guide
lines
https://
novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/
wildfire/burnsafe/. You are required
to obtain a permit within town limits
which can be picked up at the town
office.
On Tuesday March 21st at 6:30pm we will be hosting a
talk by Jim Sharpe, a member of Atlantic Master Gardeners Association. The topics will be "Starting your gar- Civic Numbers: Remember having
den early" and "Growing your own transplants".
a civic number posted at the end of
your driveway makes it easier for
April 1st at 2:00pm
The Stewiacke Library book club will be discussing The emergency vehicles to find you. For a
Last Painting of Sara DE Vos by Dominic Smith. New fee of $30.00 you will get a post and
sign installed. Or if you would just
participants always welcome.
like a sign is $25.00.
April 13th 10:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm, 6:00pm8:00pm Hop into the library for some Easter fun! We'll Thank you to all who supported our
Chase the Ace adventure with the
have crafts, games and prizes!
Royal Canadian Legion. We are in the
May 2nd at 6:30pm
process of purchasing 5 new air packs
Interested in saving seeds from your garden for next year? with the proceeds.
We will be hosting Jim Sharpe, Master Gardener, who
will review the ways and means to collect, clean and save Brent Murdock
garden seeds.
Fire Chief
Newcomers are always welcome to all of the library's
programs. For more information please call 902-6392481 or visit our website www.lovemylibrary.ca
4
STEWIACKE PLAY/PRESCHOOL
902-897-8646
Children are welcome to attend with
parents. May 9th, 6:30pm—7:30pm
$10.00
Registration fee will reserve your
child's space for September 2017.
PlaySchool children must be 3 by
December 31st, 2017
PreSchool Children must be 4 by
December 31st, 2017
DID YOU KNOW ????
THERE IS A FOOD BANK WHICH COVERS THE TOWN
OF STEWIACKE, THE VILLAGES OF SHUBENACADIE
AND MILFORD AND THEIR SURROUNDING AREAS ---SHUMILACKE FOOD BANK SOCIETY
(Shu from Shubie, Mil from Milford and Acke from Stewiacke)
We are located at 5 Mill Village Road (Court house building) in the
centre of Shubenacadie, open on Friday afternoons from 1:00p.m.
– 3:30 p.m., clients can come once a month for a three to four day
supply of food to help get through the month. Phone 902-7581701.
Shumilacke is a member of the Feed Nova Scotia programs. The
entire program is run by volunteers. We have 36 volunteers at present working every month to keep our door open.
THE STEWIACKE CULTURE SHOWCASE
After launching with our first event the Showcase has seen a rise in
numbers and interest. December saw us come together as Theresa Rae
took the lead and hosted a wonderful Magical Neighborly Christmas
at the Stewiacke United Church. January saw Natasha Head host poet
Chad Norman and writer Anna Nibby-Woods for an intimate evening
of words at The Stewiacke Baptist Church.
We came together in February to beat the winter blues with a Johnny
Cash tribute inspired by Stewiacke’s own Jim Elliott who toured with
Johnny and his band. Jeff Gray & Natasha Head were the event leads
and saw performers including Jocelynn Parlee, Phil Miles & Mark
MacDonald from Nowhere Road, Lauren Head, Theresa Rae, Shannon Rafuse and Nicole Marie. The Showcase saw the Stewiacke Baptist Church fill quickly for the event, and has to extend a huge thank
you to Pastor Joseph and Nicole along with their church family for the
amazing venue and support of the event…including the skills of their
soundman, Josh Jobin. The night was captured on video and in photos by Adam Hayden. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to visit us
on Facebook as we continue to share so many of the special moments
that were captured that evening.
2016 was a busy year - we served 666 families which were comprised of 2,264 people. Just think of that number for a moment 2,264 people needed help feeding themselves.
We are now looking forward and planning for March with Theresa
th
Last Christmas 79 Christmas dinner boxes were given out – this is Rae bringing us a Singers & Songwriters circle on the 25 . Once
again, we’ll be hosted by The Stewiacke Baptist Church and hope
breakfast, the turkey dinner and treats for the day.
you’ll make it out to join us.
We have a kids Winter Coat Program. Coats are size 4 to 14 – all
donated.
Stewiacke…thank you so much for your support. Foodland, Tim HorWe have a school bag program – last year we filled 39 back-packs tons, KimNat Print, and all our friends and family, without you, these
for kids to start school. Also have school supplies available events could not come to pass. We look forward to an exciting and
throughout the year. All donated.
creative future for the showcase, and encourage you to get involved.
Join us on Facebook and please feel free to share your ideas and your
We have a small library for children and adults – all donated.
work with us.
The families we serve are seniors, single person families, single
Spring is in the air!
parent families, two parent families and multi-generational families.
Most family units are either in the working poor category or disa- Organizers of the Stewiacke Culture Showcase
bled category.
Over half of our clients do not utilize the food bank every month.
Most visit six or less times per year.
We have had wonderful support from Stewiacke Foodland, the
Baptist and United Churches and your Seniors Club and your library.
2017 is expected to be a more demanding year on our resources,
thus this little note to all the residents of Stewiacke. Over 40% of
our clients are in the B0N 2J0 postal code area. We wanted to
make you aware of our food bank and the areas we cover – WE
NEED YOUR SUPPORT.
Anyone can help - individuals, groups, clubs, businesses. Non
perishable food stuffs – if you buy it for your kitchen we need it. If
you are not a shopper we also need good old fashioned cash.
If you have questions call Shulmilacke Food Bank 902-758-0701
and leave a message – will get back to you asap.
Regards
Faye Curry
Coordinator Shumilacke Food Bank Society
5
CROSSWALKS
The presence of a crosswalk isn’t enough to ensure a pedestrian’s
safety on the road. Many choose to jaywalk and avoid using designated crosswalks, while others use the crosswalk incorrectly or fail
to comply by the provided traffic signals. That’s why it’s not just
important for there to be a crosswalk in place, but that the pedestrians using it are mindful of crosswalk safety precautions.
Tips for a pedestrian:
 Although a crosswalk exists at every intersection, whether
marked or not, it is still your responsibility to make sure all vehicles have yielded before stepping into the crosswalk and crossing
the roadway
 Whenever approaching a crosswalk you should remove your earphones, turn off your music, and stop texting or talking on the
phone. Be attentive when crossing. Distractions can lead to accidents
 Make your intention to cross the road known by: extending your
arm, illuminating an overhead light, or extending and waving a
crosswalk flag
 Make eye contact with the driver. Never assume a driver sees
you.
business
BUSINESS & TOURISM
COMMITTEE REPORT
In January the B&T Committee went through a strategic
planning session. We started off by reviewing what we as a
Committee have been a part of or supported over the past
year along with some interesting statistics for our Town.
We would like to share some of this:
 Building permits for the Town in 2016 exceeded
$2,000,000. 00 WOW!
 The Visitor Information Center greeted over 9,600 people
from late June to mid October. This is an increase over
2015. We created a brochure highlighting attractions and
activities to do in the area. We also created a slide show
highlighting local scenery and attractions that played on a
continuous loop on a digital frame. Thanks to Anna Nibby-Woods for her work on these efforts.
 We had a booth promoting Stewiacke and some local
business at the Saltscapes Expo. Thanks to Mary Commo
for leading the charge on this project.
 We created a radio advertising project highlighting the
Town and 5 local businesses that ran all summer on the
radio station 96.5. Heather Hamilton donated her time
writing scripts for the commercials.
 We saw the creation of the Stewiacke Cultural Showcase,
lead by the dynamic duo of Jeff Gray and Jim McMorran.
 Mastodon Weekly Sumer Market was a big hit.
 Eight new businesses started in 2016 – including – Suds
up Pup, Kasey’s Barbershop, Stewiacke Laundromat,
Magic Brew Studio, Clean Heroes, Coldstream Clear,
Bluenose Mercantile and the relocation to a permanent
residence for Roseland Technologies.
 Stewiacke is one of the local communities featured on
CBC Radio Information Morning Community Contact
and thank you to Anna Nibby Woods for being our
“Contact”.
It is a pleasure to Chair this Committee and work on these
projects. The atmosphere is electric! I want to thank all the
members – Jim McMorran, Jeff Gray, Don Hay, Darren
Schriver, Brian Harrison, Marla Taylor, Chad Ramsey,
Mary Commo, Natasha Head and Anna Nibby-Woods. This
photo of the B&T Committee is missing Anna Nibby
Woods and Jeff Gray.
Susan Creelman, Deputy Mayor, Chair of B&T Committee.
6
BYLAW & POLICY COMMITTEE
The Bylaw & Policy Committee consists of Councillors RogersLaing and Stoddart, CAO Sheldon Dorey and the undersigned as
Chair. We plan to meet monthly on the first Monday at 6:30pm at
Council Chambers.
Our first task was to review and amend the Dog Bylaw which
passed its final reading at Council February 23rd. Many thanks to
the residents who attended and provided their input. I would also
like to mention the extra efforts by Audrey Armsworthy, Dog
Catcher and Cathy Smith-Horsman.
Comments, suggestions, questions and attendance at meetings are
welcome. I can be reached by email at [email protected] or
home phone 902 639 9363.
A WORD FROM COUNCILLOR COMMO
Spring is coming; I know it is although it doesn't seem possible this
morning with that March wind whipping around the corner!
Towards the end of April, a cleanup is being organized for the area
around Exit 11, Dennis Park and Squabble Green. I will be looking
for volunteers to assist in the project, so will keep you posted with
an exact date and time. It all depends on the weather.
Currently working with Deputy Mayor Creelman on this year's Saltscapes Expo which is April 21st to 23rd at Exhibition Park in Halifax. We had a ton of exposure from our booth last year and feel it
is a good opportunity to attract more people to town.
Happy Easter everyone and may the Easter Bunny bring you lots of
goodies!
Please feel free to contact me at any time at
[email protected] or 902-805-9104
recreation
RECREATION CORNER
Fun Fact: Exer cising outside in the winter months has
many perks, besides burning more calories, it can make you
happier! Cold-weather exercise has the ability to boost one’s
mood, thanks to the lack of humidity and the stimulating aspect of the chill. As the body works harder to stay warm, the
amount of endorphins produced also increases, leaving you
with a stronger sense of happiness and lightness following a
workout in the cold.
The Town of Stewiacke has several outdoor activities you can
take advantage of. The Ice Surface in Dennis Park offers skating and hockey for users, the 2 trails offer snowshoeing and
hiking and the snow offers sledding! Recreation is a wonderful pastime and our community knows it. We have several
different programs throughout the year such as Senior Fitness,
Cadets, Karate, Yoga, Adult Badminton, Pickle Ball, Zumba,
Maggie’s Place Playgroup and After School Programs to keep
everyone engaged!
We will be having our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday,
April 8th at 10:00am in Dennis Park. You can pick up your
tickets for the Easter Egg Hunt at the Town Office following
March break up to April 7th.
Curious what the Recreation Department has been up to this
past winter? Well, there has been a playground committee
formed, and they have been working closely with a contractor
to design a new and improved playground in Dennis Park!
We are hoping this will bring new structures and introduce
new play elements to the visitors and citizens of Stewiacke!
Keep an eye out, we will be looking for community participation on Volunteer days, and looking for natural materials, or
any other services that can be offered/donated to us!
Spring and summer will be here before we know it. With
warmer weather comes longer days and more outdoor activities! The Town of Stewiacke will be doing registered day
camps again for this summer. If you are looking to apply to
be a leader for the day camps, please keep your eye out for
the job positing, coming in April. The day camp schedule will
also be coming out late April, early May! We don’t want anyone to miss out on the great summer fun recreation has to offer!!!
If you have any questions on any program feel free to call
Erin Dorn 902-639-2111 or check out the town’s website
www.stewiacke.net.
7
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR
OWN SCREEN TIME:
BE MINDFUL
If you can break the habit of mindlessly checking your phone
whenever you have a few minutes, you will start to notice when
and where you fall into these traps. Noticing your bad habits is
the first step towards changing them.
RECORD SCREEN TIME VS. ACTIVE TIME.
Take some time to observe how much time you and your family
spend watching screens versus being active. This will give you a
good baseline for how best and where to make positive changes.
HAVE SCREEN-FREE ZONES.
I never sleep with my phone beside my bed and I never have it at
the family dinner table with my little kids. If you make a concerted effort to “protect” certain areas and activities from screens,
you’ll be less likely to default to always being on your device.
You may go through withdrawal at first, but this is a sign that you
need to make this change.
BE A ROLE MODEL.
Limit your recreational screen-use to no more than 2 hours per
day. Let your kids see you sticking to these guidelines. By modelling more responsible screen use for your children, you’ll likely
pick-up some better habits for yourself along the way.
DO IT STANDING UP.
ParticipACTION wants to help you sit less and move more. If
you must check your phone or email, consider standing, doing
lunges or roaming around your desk while you do it, and walk
around during TV commercials.
MAKE IT HARD.
Take the TV out of your bedroom. Leave your phone at home
when you go for a walk. Keep the phone charger off your bedside
table.
AVOID USING SCREEN-TIME AS A REWARD OR PUNISHMENT.
We need to re-evaluate the norm and over-presence of screens in
our lives. Rather than promising screen-time for a job well done,
or restricting screen-time for misbehavior, why not reward your
kids with a fun activity that requires movement, like taking them
to the park or organizing a pick-up soccer game? For more ideas,
check out our 150 Play List. Making this change will help increase the value of being active and decrease the value placed on
screens.
GO COLD TURKEY.
Try going “screen free” for an afternoon, a day, or a week-long
vacation.
SEWER BACKUP
In the layman’s world, the insurance coverage purchased is referred to “Sewer Backup”
coverage, and in most of the day to day communication an insurance buyer has with
their insurance broker, the term “sewer backup” remains the common terminology. It’s a
bit misleading; because we are talking water backup, not just sewage backup.
Homeowners Insurance Policies specifically EXCLUDE any damage done by the backup of water and any other debris from your drains. In other words, if the water and other debris is “out there” in your drains heading to your disposal field or the municipal
drainage system, it’s supposed to ‘stay out there’ and not return to your home. When it
does, you have quite a mess on your hand!!
The coverage is an “add on” to a Homeowners Insurance Policy. Sometimes it can be fairly inexpensive and sometimes it can be
fairly costly to add the coverage. You can save a bit of money by buying the coverage with a fairly low dollar limit. Some insurance companies offer the coverage without a dollar limit at all; but most also offer you the ability to reduce your sewer backup
premium by having a maximum dollar limit placed on the coverage, like $5,000 or $10,000. This can help you reduce your premium. If you aren't sure if you have this “add on” please discuss your coverage with your broker. Sewer Backup coverage is not
FLOOD coverage.
Flood means waves, tides, tidal waves, tsunamis or the r ising or , the br eaking out of the over flow of any body of salt water ,
whether natural or man-made.
Overland Water means water that accumulates upon or submer ges land which is usually dr y r esulting fr om: 1. The unusual and rapid accumulation or run off of surface waters from any source, including torrential rainfall. 2. The rising or, breaking
out or the overflow of any body of fresh water.
Sewer backup means the sudden and accidental backing up or escape of water or sewage within your dwelling or detached
private structures through a: sewer on your premises, septic system on your premises, or sump pump located within your dwelling
or detached private structures.
What causes Sewer backup in basements?
Weather Events: Lar ge amounts of pr ecipitation, sudden r ain stor ms, and
even a fast winter thaw can bring more water into the sewer than it can handle,
causing it to back up into your home.
A Clog: Sewer lines can become clogged just like your dr ains, and when they
do, the sewage needs to go somewhere, and it’s usually into your home.
Tree Roots: Tr ee r oots can gr ow into your sewer pipes and cause holes and
blockages. They can also wrap around your sewer line and crush the pipes.
Broken Sewer Lines or aging infrastructure: It’s common for older homes to experience collapsed sewer lines. Over time, older cast iron and clay pipes will
break down, creating sewer backup issues.
Sump Pump Malfunction: Excessive water in a shor t per iod of time can
cause it to stop working correctly. Poor maintenance could also cause your sump
pump to malfunction.
Prevention of Basement Flooding and Backup:
Having a backwater valve can be the difference between having a basement filled with sewage water and a dry basement. It’s a
simple device that can be installed in your basement to prevent water from entering (or backing up) into your basement when water levels in the sewer are higher than normal.
Backwater valves have an internal flap that allows water to flow from your home to the sewer. However, if water flow changes
direction and starts to come into your home, the flap will raise and block water from coming into your basement.
Backwater Valve Installation
If you plan to install a backwater valve or other sewer backup prevention device, you may require a permit. Make sure to have it installed by a licensed plumber.
How Much Does A Backwater Valve Cost?
The cost of backwater valve installation depends on your home. Installing the device in a new
home will cost up to $250.00. However, the cost to retrofit a backwater valve could easily cost a
$1000.00 or more. Considering the costs involved, installing a backwater valve is a worthwhile
investment, especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. With back water valves, septic system, sump pumps, a lot of
companies are now offering discounts on the Sewer Back Up, water coverage for these things…
8
DEAR FRIENDS,
I am so excited to say that plans are underway for a huge change to the playground in Dennis Park. We hired a consultant and have designed a hybrid playground that has some traditional elements, such as climbing structures and swing sets, but will also have many natural features that allow for
more creative play. The centre piece will be a partial replica of our very own Katie Belle that will encourage children to imagine themselves on an
exciting high seas adventure while they climb up rigging and ladders or take a turn at the ship’s helm. We will be looking for donations of time,
skills, natural items and even cash in the near future to help make this a reality. If you are interested in contributing in any way, please contact Erin at
the Town Office at (902) 639-2111. Fundraisers will also happen sometime soon, such as the sale of frozen rhubarb and rhubarb/strawberry pies
during the Ravenous For Rhubarb Festival in June. Stay tuned!
Budget talks are continuing and we will likely be able to pass a final version by May. With a couple of new council members we are taking time to
review the Town’s current and future financial situation to ensure everyone has a clear picture of where we are and where we need and want to be.
We will use provincially designed financial modeling that will show where we are in terms of current and forecasted debt loads. Just to put things in
perspective, the Town of Stewiacke was assessed at $49,116,923.00 in 2006 (Uniform Assessment Value) and in 2016 we grew to $80,719,617.00
This is a 70.39% increase that sees our municipality with the 7th highest increase across the province. Five of the first six municipalities are rural and
the other is the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
As when we first began discussing the possibility of a new civic building several years ago, it looks like we can afford a new library/administration
building, according to Provincial financial modeling. We anticipate an increase in the commercial tax income of at least $34,000.00/year through
Bell Canada’s data storage centre that should begin construction this fall. Council fully understands that no one wants their taxes to increase and do
want their streets paved, both of which can be accomplished even if we choose to go ahead with the new building. We will certainly let the public
know what the final decision is and as always everyone is welcome to come to Council meetings to hear the discussions.
I recently attended a workshop for municipal leaders that discussed policies for municipal officials’ expenses. Michael Pickup, the Auditor General
of Nova Scotia, spoke about best practices for spending the public’s money. He also showed us his reporting method so the public can see where and
by whom money was being spent in his own office. He offered this as an example of what he considers to be appropriate for municipalities. The
consensus at the end of the workshop was that the province should create legislation so every municipality will have their own version of a standard
policy on what can be legitimately expensed and how that information should be made available to the public. I am pleased to say that our related
policy, which has been in effect for many years, states that no alcohol can be expensed. PERIOD. We also do not reimburse for spouse expenses.
Our expense reports are available to anyone who wishes to review them by asking our CAO. Reporting on line will be discussed at a future Bylaw
and Policy meeting and then at Council. As with many events I attend on behalf of the Town, I came away feeling good about our policies as we are
often ahead of the curve or at least right on track.
Some may remember the slide show that was presented last summer by Anne and Jim Edgson, from BC, who shared pictures of Stewiacke from the
winter of 1941. Anne’s father was stationed in Stewiacke for a short time during that winter and he took pictures of his new bride around the town.
Anne and Jim recreated as many of the photos as possible when they visited in August of 2016. From the new photos, Jim put together a new
slideshow that compares the two times. You can find it on Stewiacke.net or we can have a copy made for you by checking at the Town Office. If
you think Riverside Avenue is in bad shape, just look at the roads in 1941!
I also want to address the metaphorical “elephant in the room” that is the court case many people in Stewiacke were involved in regarding the October 15, 2016 election. First of all, I believe in democracy and feel that citizens should stand up for what they feel is right. I am, however, relieved that
the Judge has decided to uphold the October election results. Judge Wood concluded that although there were those who broke the letter of the law
by voting for others without taking proper steps, it was done with no ill intent. As a result, Judge Wood ruled that the seven votes in question would
be removed from the count, and as the difference in voting results was greater than seven, the final results would stand. He felt that the votes were
cast as instructed and therefore the results would have been the same had the voters made it to the polling station themselves. If anyone would like to
read Judge Wood’s full decision, it is available through the Town Office.
This case has cost the Town of Stewiacke in excess of$10,000.00 in legal fees and countless hours of the administration staff’s time as two election
officials were named in the suit, as described by the Municipal Governance Act. The rest of the Respondents were not covered by the Town’s solicitor and thus were responsible for their own legal fees. Again, I feel very strongly that anyone has the right to challenge things they do not feel are
right. If an issue can’t withstand being challenged it probably wasn’t a strong issue to begin with, so I encourage great discussions and contrary opinions at the Council table and from the public. We have all learned from this case and will look at the election process for future elections.
I trust we can all move on from here and turn our energies to making Stewiacke an even better place to visit, work and/or live. We
have so many positive activities going on and we need to keep the momentum going. Please think of skills you may have to offer
for the playground as I hope it becomes a real community project that we can all be proud of as we work together to make it happen.
Dig out your work gloves, and I’ll see you soon!
Wendy Robinson
Mayor
9
Snow Clearing
With snow piling up wherever snow can be piled, the town has
struggled with private plowers and homeowners pushing snow
into the roads or sidewalks. Plowing snow from a driveway
across the road into the opposite side can be dangerous because
extra piles of snow on the snowbanks, especially when hardened, get in the way of plow trucks’ wings. When a plow
truck’s wing hits extra snow on the side of a road, the impact
can throw the truck into the other lane if you have an oncoming
car that could be a very serious situation.
 Shovelling snow onto the street creates more work for
snow plows, slowing down the clearing process.
 A snow plow pushes snow to the right road-edge of the
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street and cannot carry snow away. Unfortunately, this
means that sometimes snow may be pushed back onto your
driveway or sidewalk, even if you have already shoveled it.
If this happens to you, please shovel the snow onto your
lawn to keep the streets and sidewalk clean and safe for
your neighbours and other drivers.
If you have a fire hydrant in front of your home, please
clear the snow around it for easy emergency access.
Be a good neighbour: Give your neighbours a hand shoveling snow, especially if they are seniors or have limited mobility.
Keep curb free from debris and bins: Remove any decorations, garbage, recycling and organic bins off roadways
where snow plowing may take place. Check the collection
schedule for notices about delayed collection.
Help keep catch basins free of debris, especially during
melting conditions.
Blocked catch basins may result in excess buildup of water
along the road area. This could become dangerous if it
freezes and may also result in flooding of nearby properties.
The Municipal Parking ban indicates: No person shall park or
have standing any attended or unattended vehicle on any way or
highway right-of-way which may interfere with snow removal
or the normal movement of traffic. Any vehicle parked, disabled, or abandoned on any public way that interferes with or
hinders the removal of snow or sanding may be removed and
stored, at the owner's expense, at the order of the Town of
Stewiacke without notice to the owner beginning December
15th and ending April 15th between the hours of 9:00pm and
7:00am. The Town of Stewiacke will in no way be responsible
for any damage or
loss to a vehicle
stored in compliance with this Section.
COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM
The idea of Communities in Bloom has been suggested at our
Business & Tourism Committee. The idea is also supported by
Council. There are many benefits and they include:
Increase civic pride and mobilizes community involvement by
having members from different committees in the group such
as council member, scout leader, church leader, associations,
schools etc. who would work together to promote positive
changes and growth with projects such as fixing up parks and
green spaces.
Environmental stewardship thru enhancement of green spaces,
i.e. gazebo in park, responsible use of water and promoting air
quality thru trees plantation as well as litter control.
Economic benefits thru property values, increased traffic of
visitor to area to walk the trails, use picnic parks, gazebo etc.
Marketing benefits through signage, Communities in Bloom
publishing articles sponsored by Tourism Industry of Nova
Scotia.
If you are interested in being a part of such an effort please let
me know. We have a couple of residents interested and would
love to see the idea “Bloom”.
I can be reached via email at [email protected] or
home phone 902-639-9363.
Susan Creelman
Deputy Mayor and Chair Business & Tourism Committee
FREE FOR ALL BALL IS BACK!!!
Returning to the Stewiacke ball field this
spring! The mixed age, Co-Ed slo-pitch had
its debut season last year with unbelievable
results! We had over 60 kids on the field
over our first season! Thanks to our amazing sponsors & the Town of Stewiacke's
support in our first year we will be back for
another year of fun on the fields!
Many people have a hard time committing to a full time team
during the summer months so Free For All Ball solves that
problem by keeping an open field to all kids, all summer! ALL
FOR FREE!!!
Drop in & play when you can without letting a team down
when you can't make it! We do have plans to form 3-4 teams
this year & offer one game day per week on top of our usual 2
regular weekly sessions. Teams will be formed with extra players to keep the commitment level down while offering actual
teams playing games! We also hope to add separate sessions
for teens this year, with enough interest!
So let's go kids! Put down the tablets & iPhones, grab a ball
glove & come experience the fun!! For more information
please email:
[email protected]
10
ALL FOR ONE! FREE FOR ALL!!!