3july2008: Privateer Days almost upon us.... traditionally one of the South Shore's most satisfying summer events, the Annual Privateers Days gets underway this weekend in Liverpool. Featuring music (Matt Minglewood!), games, a parade and historic encampment with the King's Orange Rangers and others, the event is a family crowd-pleaser.  >>> see web here

2july2008: Lobster fishers to meet with Keddy... Lobster fishermen are being urged to attend a meeting Thursday afternoon in Barrington Passage, according to reports on CJLS Radio
     The report says South Shore M-P Gerald Keddy has agreed to meet with fishermen who are protesting against the presence of scallop draggers on their lobster grounds. They say the draggers are ruining the fishery. They say this is a particularly sensitive time as lobsters are molting. 
     Protest spokesperson Heather Stewart told CJLS that it is important for all lobster fishermen to show up tomorrow to show unity. Thursday's meeting with Gerald Keddy takes place at 2pm on the Barrington side of the Cape Sable Island Causeway. (Tim Horton's parking lot.)

30june2008: Lockeport daycare says web report about violations makes things look worse... About 50 daycares around Nova Scotia have been cited for violations of the Day Care Act and violations are listed on a new provincial website.
     As of June 25, the Fox and the Hare in Lockeport had the highest number of violations with 16 and has until July 31 to correct them. Little People's Place in Shelburne and Huggy Bears in Barrington are listed with no violations... >>> more 

29june2008: Shelburne redcoats and longboat featured in another film... the redcoats and civilians of the the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers reenactment group, plus the coxswain and crew of Shelburne's star longboat were featured in yet another film project over the weekend.
     3RB Productions and producer Steve Mckinnon from New Brunswick were in town to shoot scenes for "Spirit Cove", a two-hour, made for TV feature film about the Acadian expulsion. Members of the 3rd New Jersey portrayed British and French soldiers and fleeing Acadian civilians.
     Local filmmaker Rick Davis was also on the set shooting specialty footage. Davis, a longtime veteran in the field,  has recently started Fireworx Media a film, video and web-specialty firm.
     Filming will continue in Caraquet and Miramachi.

29june2008:  Visitors to the Hank Snow Museum find out just how big a star we really was... museum featured in Toronto Star... >>> more

29june2008:  Vampire film to be shot in Shelburne...  Halifax film maker Paul Kimball plans to bring his cast and crew to Shelburne in August to shoot portions of Eternal Kiss, written and directed by Kimball and produced by his Halifax-based Red Star Films. The feature film stars Halifax talents Christina Cuffari, Vanessa Furlong, Amy Kerr, and Elizabeth Langstrom.
     The plot, according to Kimball, involves an evil female vampire who owns a sound stage in a small, rural town. "The Sea Coast Studios sound stage and Shelburne are a perfect fit," Kimball told SCT. The film is budgeted at $500,000 to $750,000.
     Kimball's previous projects include Synchronicity (Bravo - 2008) and Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Sightings (Space, TVNZ - 2007). He produced the 1996 New Frontiers Symposium:Extraterrestrial Life, Space Exploration, & The Future and was a featured speaker at UFO Retro 3 in Yucca Valley, California.  He is a regular columnist in Alien Worlds Magazine. UFO interview with Kimball HERE. See sample of Best Evidence HERE  See another sample of Kimball's work HERE . See Kimball's Red Star website HERE.
    "Anne MacKenzie of Film Nova Scotia suggested Shelburne over coffee one day," adds Kimball. "I called the new owners that day and here we are." The regional development authority and CEO Frank Anderson have been very helpful, says Kimball. 
    Kimball has a distribution deal in place for Kiss and also plans to film his next project here, for which he has full financing in hand from an American firm. Plans are also underway to adapt Kimball's play Doing Time, to the screen, starring Cuffari, who will appear in a Boulder (Colorado) International Fringe Festival production of the piece in August.

29june2008: More good news for Shelburne County... in less than a months time, an up-start media venture has been launched in the area, purporting to counter the prevalence of "lousy-news" media. Called "Nova Scotia South Shore Good Times: Enjoying Life from Yarmouth to Mahone Bay", the eight-page newsprint tab was direct-delivered into mailboxes Friday.
    The give-away shows no indication of publisher or printer, as is the norm, but a front-page message from "Jimmy Kendrick's messy desk", a lovelorn advice column from "Mary & Jimmy" and a full-page ad for their new meat market, would seem to peg it from SeaCoast Entertainments,  new owners of the former base and sound stage in Sandy Point.
     Less than a month ago, a Shelburne County News blog erupted claiming also to be an antidote to the prevalence of negativism hereabouts. The blog alternates from kudos to local pols to slamming local activists, but is a welcome addition to the local news-o-sphere. Jump in boys and girls, the media waters run deep.

7june2008: OUCH!... MacDonald slams minister in ATV debacle... Premier Rodney MacDonald is back-peddling faster than a Cirque du Soleil star to distance himself from the $260k ATVs-for-Tots program announced recently by Barry Barnet... >>> more

27june2008: No Power to the people for 13 years... "This is not in the middle of nowhere," says Shelburne Muni CAO Kirk Cox, as he  questions provincial government decision to charge homeowners in Upper Ohio more than $11,000 for an power line easement in order for the long-overdue installation pf electrical power... >>> more

27june2008  Two blazes still rampaging in Shelburne County... Water tankers from Quebec and New Brunswick are aiding local fire crews in battling fires in Jordan Falls and Upper Clyde...  >>>more

27june2008: Shelburne cadet places 4th in national competition... Warrant Officer Arthur Melanson of 738 Kingsmill Squadron, Shelburne, recently travelled to Quebec City, where he was a national finalist in the Effective Speaking Competition. 
     Young Melanson placed 4th and broke two records for the local squadron, being the first local cadet to win regional and provincial titles. Melanson received a beautiful engraved watch for his 4th place finish.  He will be attending Memorial University this fall, enrolled in the engineering program. 

27june2008: Lobster fisherman "trapped" with $9,000 fine... A Shelburne County lobster fisherman caught cheating just three days into last fall’s lobster season was fined $9,000 for loading nine untagged lobster traps onto his boat at a wharf in Woods Harbour. >>> more 

27june2008: DFO "on a roll" in fisheries enforcement... From fines in the tens of thousands of dollars, to an historic sized bust of undersized lobsters, DFO enforcement officials in southwestern Nova Scotia have, in the words of one of their own, been on a roll. >>> more

26june2008: MD dearth aiding out-migration... PEI docs says lack of physicians in rural Atlantic Canada is encouraging young families to leave small towns... >>> more 

26june2008: Ferry key to business sustainability... The end of June signals the deadline for a federal announcement on a plan to keep the link between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick across the Bay of Fundy  >>>more

26june2008: Pound sand - and lobsters - say scallop draggers...  Poaching removes a far greater number of lobsters from the sea than incidental catches by scallop draggers, a scallop industry representative said Wednesday.
     "They caught one lobster poacher with 5,300 (illegal) lobsters and that’s just the tip of the iceberg," Dick Stewart said, referring to the arrest last month in Yarmouth County of a suspected lobster poacher. >>> more

24june2008: Catastrophic outcome forecast by some in fisheries from rising fuel costs...  representatives from southwestern Nova Scotia have approached the provincial government about a study on the impact of rising fuel costs on the fishing industry  >>> more

24june2008: Medical small equipment loan service ends in Lockeport...With the retirement this month of long-time volunteer June Williams, the Canadian Red Cross has closed a small health equipment loan depot it had operated in space provided by the Home Hardware store in Lockeport.
     "For the past 11 years, June Williams voluntarily coordinated our Health
Equipment Loan Program in Lockeport," said Amy Crane of the Canadian Red
Cross regional service centre in Yarmouth. "Having a small HELP depot in
their community was a definite convenience for Lockeport residents, and
we extend a heartfelt thanks to June for having provided this valuable
service."

24june2008: Yarmouth Development Corp pushes for waterfront site for arts centre... It's beginning to look like the debate about the location of a new arts centre is going to go the way of a death scene in a melodramatic play — long and painful.  >>> more

24june2008: Good news for Digby ferry... An announcement about the Digby-Saint John ferry is coming within weeks, says an Economic Development Department spokesman.
    At a news conference Monday Digby MLA and liberal tourism critic Harold “Junior” Theriault said, "Losing this vital piece of infrastructure would seal the economic fate of Digby and surrounding communities...   >>> more

23june2008:  Broadband coming to Shelco...High-speed Internet is just up the road for all Shelburne County residents…. >>> more

23june2008: No to draggers... A small group of lobster fishermen gathered beside the Barrington causeway Friday to protest the scallop draggers they feel are damaging lobsters. >>> more

19june2008: South Shore, Southwest are stressed out... Job worries, fuel prices, fishery woes add to misery factor, health survey finds
     One of the most beautiful parts of the province also has more than its share of folks who are just plain stressed out... >>> more

18june2008: NBC Today Show has successful TV shoot in Shelburne...  NBC correspondent Bob Dotson and film crew and producer were in Shelburne this past weekend to shoot a segment for his popular American Story with Bob Dotson, seen regularly on the NBC Today Show.
     5.6 million viewers are expected to see the show when it airs on July 4. The shoot featured local reenactors and the newly-commissioned longboat built for use in the Loyalist Landing 2008 celebrations. The segment will feature in part the Nova Scotia connections of Benedict Arnold, including and interview with his great, great, great grandson, who was in Shelburne for the shooting.
      In addition to featuring more than 20 Loyalist characters (portrayed by Kings Orange Rangers, 3rd New Jersey Volunteers, Prince of Wales Historic Dancers and others in authentic) period dress, the segment will portray the reenactors in camp life, marching, parading and firing muskets. 
     The longboat was featured in a small recreation of the Loyalist Landing, the 225th anniversary of which will be feted during the Great Reenactment Weekend, July 17-20 in Shelburne.  Photos of the TV shoot can be seen here.      
     Recently a CTV TV crew was in Shelburne to film the longboats and later in June, both the longboat and reenactors are to be filmed for a feature film by a production company in New Brunswick.
     The NBC team used the waterfront, Ross Thomson House, Regimental Orderly Room, Sea Dog Saloon and Jane Mason's property for the segments.  Direct economic spinoffs also stem from productions like the NBC shoot. The company paid for 12 room nights at local B&Bs and motels, as well as for  more than 35 meals, including cast and crew. "The total benefit to Shelburne, including the massive exposure we could get to 5 million US viewers, is tremendous," says outgoing Chamber of Commerce president Sam Stewart.
     Both Bob Dotson and NBC producer Amanda Marshall said that, in addition to the town being an "outright gem", the level of cooperation and generosity in Shelburne were extraordinary.   Photos of the TV shoot can be seen here. 

18june2008:  Nova Scotia Power has a new president at the helm... Rob Bennett, who most recently was executive vice-president of revenue and sustainability, was appointed the new head of NSP effective immediately, replacing Ralph Tedesco, the company announced Wednesday morning.... >>> more

18june2008: Yarmouth in "good position" for master port plan, says official... >>> more

18june2008:  Fuel relief could mean more teachers for Tri-County Schools... Superintendent Phil Landry said in Friday that if the province came up with some funds to cover fuel costs, some of the recent classroom teacher cuts could be rescinded...  

Forty two paddlers make Tent Dwellers Festival experience of their own >>> more

18june2008: Green team at Barrington High cleans up... The West Branch of the Barrington River is benefiting from visits by the Barrington Municipal High School Green Team. >>> more

18june2008:... Goofy Golf, drive-in movies, Sea Song Inn open at former base... In stories and ads in the Coast Guard this week, Sea Coast Entertainment announced the opening of the Goofy Golf  mini-putt course and the long-awaited drive-in movie theatre at the former Shelburne Film Studio. 
     A candle factory is due to open next week, with a recording studio and the Sea Song Inn ready to open. Twenty local people are now on staff, according to owner Jim Kendrick. Several acts which in the past would have played at other local venues will be appearing soon at the Sea Song Inn, including the Hupman Brothers, RazzaMaTazz, Troy McGillivray and South Shore Idol. 

12june2008: Gas flows again from Wilsons... prices set to rise to highest ever... Wilson's Fuels is again delivering to rural stations, after refusing fuel earlier in the week, claiming they would suffer a $100,000 loss.
    Local Esso owner John Dexter told CBC Radio Tuesday that Wilson's should "suck it up" and bear part of the costs of the growing fuel crisis... >>> more

12june2008: Grim forecast for Roseway ER... Roseway Hospital execs say public to be shocked number of closures in store during summer... >>> more

12june2008: High costs driving South Shore fishermen to crime... .  >>> more 

10june2008: Welshtown firm wins big brush bid... a $180,000 provincial tender for brush cutting in Hants and Halifax counties was awarded recently to Welshtown Forestry Ltd, owned and operated by Wayne Harris. The only other bid was $79,000 submitted by Black Rock Construction. The local forestry firm has generated $780,000 in winning tenders for brush cutting since 2005. 

9june08: Geocache event may be biggest ever in Maritimes... in a surprise to even the local organizers, the McNutts Island Geocache event on Saturday generated almost 70 participants, making ti the largest event of its kind in Nova Scotia or the Maritimes. 
    The event was planned and sponsored by "The Fearsome 4-Some", using the hobby names of Zipalong, Foggy Hoofer, OhioRider and JoliWanderer. Participants immediately logged onto the Geocaching.com web site to commend the group, with comments such as, " Wow what a great job that was put into this event.", "Just don't think we could say enough about it.", "wonderful to meet so many people", etc.
     Cachers were ferried to the island by Captain Crowell and sons and were hosted in part there by innkeeper (Boulder Cove Cottages) Patsy Van Buskirk. It is estimated that the event generated more than a dozen room nights at local accommodations, in addition to the usual gas, food, and sundries shopping.  see photos to right

4june2008: Province funds Sea Coast Studios purchase for $475,000... Records on file show that the province of Nova Scotia holds a $475,000 mortgage on the former Shelburne Film Studios property in Sandy Point. 
    When the property was sold recently for $2.75 million, it was announced that the previous owner, South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA), was carrying a balance of $1.75 million for two years. SWSDA CEO Frank Anderson told SCT Thursday that the $475,000 was part of the $1.75 million. The local Community Business Development Corporation also had a $50,000 loan against the property. CBDC executive was not available for comment.

4june2008: Lyme disease comes to Gunning Cove... Blacklegged ticks collected from the Gunning Cove area, near Shelburne, have been tested and found to be infected with the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease.
     The ticks were found as part of a provincial surveillance program by the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, and the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory... >>> read news release  >>>see web

4june2008: Giant Loyalist yard sale and auction... as one of the premier events sponsored by the Loyalist Landing Society, Shelburne will be the home for a town-wide yard sale on Saturday, from 8:00am to 2:00pm. 
     As part of the fund-raising for the year-long celebrations, the Society's 500 members have donated many treasures, collectibles and interesting items for the Loyalist auction at 2:00pm by B&W Auctions at Cox's Warehouse. >>>see more here

4june2008:  Major geo-caching event slated for McNutts... a small coterie of avid geochachers (see Wikipedia) under the rubric "Fearsome Foursome" are staging one of the largest and most inventive geocach events ever in the Maritimes.
    More than 60 "Cachers" will boat to McNutts on Saturday to locate the dozens of special chaches hidden throughout the historic and storied island. Geocaching is one of the fasted growing hobbies in North America and is becoming a popular tourism draw for some regions.

4june2008: Food flights and fancies in Shelburne County... the ability for residents and visitors to get a good, hot meal in Shelburne County is changing beneath our feet, with closings and openings east to west.
     The assets of the now-defunct Old Schoolhouse Restaurant in Barrington are up for sale, with tender offers being accepted through ads in the papers and the closing of the Loyalist Inn and Shelburne Cafe have left a definite gap on Water Street in Shelburne.
    On a positive note, the former Grub & Grog in Sable River is about to re-open as the Chef's Table, featuring a mostly Italian-continental menu and Gary and June O'Connor, new owners of the Loyalist Inn have great plans there for the hotel and restaurant and pub, with plans to open in the fall.
     The brightest light on the Cuisine scene is the recent opening of Lothar's, in the former Nellie Bly's (Claudia's Diner) on Water Street. The place is bright, modern and elegant, featuring dark wood furniture and beautiful, locally-crafted stained glass and wrought iron fixtures.
     Lothar Mayer's menu is definitely European, with what looks to be an Austrian flavour. The reports from readers have been nothing short of unanimous with praise and this writer recently had what may have been the best breakfast (brunch, really) ever outside my mum's kitchen and the service is uniformly excellent. 
     In a small town whose most well-known restaurant - Charlotte Lane - is a bona fide tourism attraction, and whose last up-scale venture disappeared two years ago, the addition of Lothar's can only serve to increase the impulse by visitors to come into town for a meal. Lothar's is open Thursday through Monday. 

4june2008: Forest fight in Clyde River... lawsuits have been filed in Supreme Court which might force the dissolution of Sutherland Forestry Resources, Ltd, the decades-old forestry company started by R Glen Sutherland and now controlled by a majority of his children.
     S Wayne Sutherland, who says in an affidavit that he has been trying for years to effect a buy-out, is asking the court to allow the sale of his shares, to disclose the financial records for the operation or to liquidate the company and distribute assets.

4june2008: Billy Peterson, ill in Alberta, coming home... the former owner of Lockeport Golden Smokehouses is coming back to Nova Scotia after suffering partial paralysis from the effects of brain tumors and a rare lymphoma, according to reports in The Herald.
     "I just want to come home to see my kids," Peterson told his sister Linda, from a hospital bed in Red Deer, where he moved two years ago after losing his business and marriage here. 

2june2008: $7 million payday for Pubnico wind partners.... Charles Demond, Alistar and Bradford D'Entremont and Jeorg Losse have agreed to a buy-out of their shares in Pubnico Point, the first major wind development in Nova Scotia.
     Demond and company president Losse, through Atlantic Wind Power Corp,  are pursuing other wind projects in the region, including the Nuttby Mountain project which musical diva Anne Murray has said would spoil her view and that of others in scenic cottage country near Truro. 

31may2008:  More legal woes for RDA in Sea Coast Film Studios deal... Claussen Walters Realty has sued the South West Shore Development Authority in Supreme Court in Bridgewater for $275,000, claiming that SWSDA reneged on a written offer to pay a finders fee for the recent sale of the former Canadian Forces station at Sandy Point to U.S.-based magazine publisher Jim Kendrick.
     The suit alleges that a Claussen Walters agent showed the property to a  Kendrick associate and that the agreement (for 10% of the sales price, which was $2.75 million) is in writing. SWSDA's defence says that no such deal exists and that the real estate firm did not show the property. Local broker Al Keith apparently showed the property and received the 10% offer letter.
     Australian film producer Steve Gilmour, who claims to have been ousted from the deal by Kendrick and SWSDA, told SCT that SWSDA chief Frank Anderson told him early on their negotiations for the property that he (Anderson) could not sell it to another party because SWSDA would have to pay a $300,000 fee. 
     SWSDA, Anderson and the property have recently been in the news surrounding questions and court actions regarding funds from the sale of the former Boy's School in Shelburne, the refusal of Anderson to disclose his travel and entertainment expenses and the apparent conflict of interest of SWSDA executive Paulette Scott, who quit as Shelburne Municipal Warden after taking a job as chief financial officer at Sea Coast.  >>> more

2june2008:  Huzzah!! Hoodwinked a natural sellout... Shelburne's Basement Theatre saw packed houses at The Osprey over the weekend for this year's fare, Hoodwinked. The sometimes corny and sometimes riotously funny farce send-up of Robin Hood, et al, by Margaret Carpenter was a treat.
        There were several acting and singing stand-outs, but Luke MacIntosh as the nasty Sheriff of Nottingham was campily evil and clumsy Terry Bower was a pure and absolute hoot. The costumes were quite good and the sets were terrific. Hats - and feathers - off to all!!

2June2008: Loyalist reenactment volunteer meeting... anyone wanting to help out with some vital tasks for the July 17-20 Loyalist Landing reenactment is invited to a brief meeting on Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00pm at Sobeys Community Room on King Street.
     The projects needing support include Friday night's ship skirmish and burning, the Landing recreation on Saturday and some fence building. 

31may2008: Conflict suit dropped against SouthWest Nova tourism exec....  a law suit filed recently against Destination Southwest Nova Scotia Tourism Assoc chief Madonna Spinazola charging conflict of interest has been dropped by a disgruntled landowner in Kentville.
     The suit claimed Spinazola's tourism job was in conflict with a land zoning matter she voted on as a municipal councilor.  In her formal defence, Spinazola denied any conflict or wrongdoing... >>> more 

31may2008: Chris D'Entremont's quest to save health care... an expert's opinion that "Nova Scotia is a leader in its willingness to review broad areas of its health care system," and the health minister's desire to last out one more year... >>> more

31may2008: Gathering storms of war on Georges Bank?...  Energy minister Richard Hurlburt tossed the first salvo some weeks ago when he bellowed that it's high time to lift the Georges Bank oil exploration moratorium and now fishermen in SouthWest Nova are telling fisheries minister Ron Chisholm that they'll fight any lifting. Meanwhile Port of Yarmouth is gearing up for offshore Georges Bank business and the feds are lying low to avoid being in the middle of what may be a "perfect storm" of a battle of wills... >>> more

may2008:  Keddy set for cabinet post?...  the halls of Ottawa are awash with chatter and speculation that South Shore MP Gerald Keddy may soon be pegged for a cabinet post in the impending shuffle in the wake of the Maxime Bernier firing and the Italy-Afghanistan gaffe.
     If the report by CTV TV is correct, it could spell good news for Keddy and eastern Tories, who have not been on the ins with the Harper government. >>> more

30may2008: More fallout from school funding cuts... Board blindsided by education dept...  Shelburne MLA Sterling Belliveau is up in arms about what he calls "clear neglect for school boards," and insists that the government has "really proven to be out of touch.”
     “A huge problem is the skyrocketing cost of heating oil for the schools and diesel for the buses,” says Belliveau. “The money’s just not there. The Conservative government overlooks these spending costs. They know schools boards had to spend more on these items last year and in the coming year, yet they simply wipe their hands clean. Schools boards have really been left out in the cold.”
     The Department of Education has to sit down with the Board and work with them to find a solution, adds Belliveau. School board officials Phil Landry and Bill Curry were unavailable for comment Thursday afternoon, as they were in Halifax meeting with department officials, according to staffers.
    Education professor MaryAnne Harkins told CBC Radio Thursday that Landry was one of the best superintendents in the province and that, if they were wise, the elected Board would follow his every lead in dealing with the crisis. >>> see Herald Story

30may3008: Province-wide schools crisis looming... >>> see Herald

29may2008: Shake up at Shelburne Yacht Club...   In a move which may not put an end to recent sturm and drang at the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club, the executive announced to members today that, after they had consulted with an attorney, manager Sue Renaud has been relieved of her duties, effective immediately.
     No reason for the dismissal was announced, but there has been open friction at the Club recently regarding staffing, accountability and other matters. The memo to members also stated that food service would also be discontinued. Neither commodore Kenny Taylor nor attorney Donald Harding would comment on record.
     Renaud has arguably been one of the most tireless workers in town, since she became manager at the club soon after it opened several years ago. She has supervised day-to-day operations of the club, Shelburne Marina, bar, food service and other aspects of the busy enterprise.
     Yacht Club members contacted by SCT have suggested that Renaud has hired an attorney to represent her in the conflict with the Club.

29may2008: Tri-County to consider closing schools?...  In a Halifax Herald story Thursday, Tri-County School Board chief Phil Landry announced that a study will begin soon which will assess the needs of the board, in light of declining enrolment expected to continue over five years or more.
      "We have to look at what is best educationally for the students," Landry told The Herald and he admitted that the study could recommend closure of some of the 30 schools in Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne Counties. 
     Results of the study being conducted by Jim Gunn are expected to be announced in early 2010.

 28may2008:   Endangered cusk could threaten lobster fishery in Southwest Nova....  If the designation of the cusk groundfish ever changes from threatened to endangered, many hundreds of lobster-fishing jobs in this end of the province may also be endangered, says one lobster harvester...  >>> more

28may08:   $3.3 million cuts to Tri-County schools budget "devastating"...  24 teaching positions and 18 other positions cut, including psychologists, math and literacy mentors, library services. The cuts included axing the job of Joe Hazelton, communications specialist, and three other non-union workers at the board office.
     Tri-County School Board Superintendent Phil Landry said that, “The province has failed in its duty to invest in the future by providing sufficient funding for education.  The loss of these positions will have a devastating impact on our classrooms.”  >>> Herald Story   >>> Vanguard story

28may08: Loyalist longboats featured on Live at 5... the CTV show aired a segment May 28 about the building of two authentic 18th century longboats on Shelburne's waterfront. The first longboat was launched on May 4 and both boats will take part in the Waterfront Weekend and Grand Loyalist Landing Reenactment in July, as well as an NBC TV film shoot in Shelburne in June. The building of the boats by the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society can be seen here.

28may08:  NS Power wants large rate hike after announcing $57 million quarterly profit... MacDonald says "no gouging allowed!"... Ralph Tedesco of Nova Scotia Power avoided the hard questions of Halifax reporters yesterday when he went to Cape Breton to announce rates hikes that would push residential power bills up 20%, when combined with the recent Tory decision to quash energy tax rebates... >>> Herald story  NSPI promises "No power rate hikes in 2008"   Power play puts parties on defensive

28may08: Banner year for history in Shelburne... the Loyalist Landing celebrations planned for Shelburne in 2008 are being advertised throughout the town with a series of banners depicting 18th century characters and the "King's colours".
     The banners are idea for the banners is patterned after the smaller, but successful, banner program seen in 2007 for the Tall Ships and Whirligig Festivals. The characters on the banners are members of the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers and King's Orange Rangers reenactment regiments and the Historic Shelburne Tall Ships Society. The banners were commissioned by the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society.

28may08:  5,000 + illegal lobsters seized in raid on poachers in Yarmouth... >>> more

28may08:  Region of Queens wins Destination Southwest Nova Scotia partnerships award...   >>> more

28may08:  $3.3 million reduction in property price at Sandy Point... in a new web blog, Ocean Products International announced a $1.7 million pricetag for the property adjacent to the recently purchased SeaCoast Film Studios land at the tip of Sandy Point. The former sea parsley plant has been largely inactive during a legal dispute which is in its seventh year. The property was previously for sale for $5 million...  >>> more

28may08: Register.com set to expand in Yarmouth and Halifax with $6 million incentive from province... one of the region's most stable employers is expanding its current 300-person workforce in Yarmouth by 50% and adding a new Halifax-based division expected to employ 150.
     New York-based Register.com manages more than 2.5 million internet domain names and provides 24/7 support services through call centres like the one in Yarmouth. The Halifax operation at the Maritime Centre will serve a new web design and marketing division.
     $4.9 million from Nova Scotia Business Inc is for rebates based on employment targets and $1 million from the Department of Economic Development is for recruitment and training. >>> more

21may08: SeaCoast Studios moving along at a brisk pace... building lots, recording studio, retail, golf, drive-in and hotel... first film production slated for September... in a recent electronic interview, SeaCoast Entertainment Arts (S.E.A.) exexecutive Jim Kendrick told SCT that much activity is taking place at the former military installation in Sandy Point. 
     Kendrick says that 14 people are now working at SeaCoast Studios, including eight full-time and three part-time staff, plus owners/managers Kendrick and partner Mary Barstow, working as unpaid directors. Three full-time and two part-time employees work for the "Sea Store" group and several local staff are "on-call".           
     Former warden Paulette Scott is now chief financial officer and administrative supervisor. Scott vacated her warden's chair due to conflicts of interest which arose between the SeaCoast position and her role with the council and as an executive with the regional development authority, from whom the property was purchased.
     The previously-reported May 1 movie deal turned out to be a UK-based hoax, the origins of which are being investigated, says Kendrick. Final contracts and scheduling are being set for a film to begin shooting in September. The pool renovations are on slow-down mode for the time being.      
     Nineteen lots have been surveyed and perc tested and are being prepared for subdivision approval by the Municipality. The hotel on site is being renovated and, as soon as it is licensed, will be available for invited guests, film crews, recording studio clients and event participants, according to Kendrick.
     The drive-in movie theatre and mini-golf facilities are due to open in two weeks.

21may08: Mow power to them!...   Thanks to a bevy of volunteers, the rock-strewn former high school site has been turned over the winter to a luscious green in preparation for the Loyalist Landing Grand Reenactment Weekend in July. The original estimated cost of $22,000 was reduced to a $2,500 cash outlay. The volunteer mowing by the reenactment committee will take place weekly, saving an estimated additional $1,000.
     Volunteers from the Loyalist Landing Society, the Reenactment Committee, the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers, Prince of Wales Dancers and others have done what some early naysayers said was "impossible." After the summer fuss is over, we'll have a great, green park in the middle of town. click HERE for photo  click HERE for reenactment weekend info

21may08: Natural resources meetings slated for South Shore... a series of meetings to get public input into the blueprint being developed by Voluntary Planning for the province regarding natural resources – biodiversity, forests, minerals and parks - are taking place throughout Nova Scotia. The South Shore meetings include: Monday, May 26 - Shelburne, Shelburne Fire Hall and Community Centre, 63 King Street; Wednesday, June 4 - Yarmouth, Royal Canadian Legion, 75 Parade Street; Wednesday, June 11 - Liverpool, Royal Canadian Legion, 43 Henry Hensey Drive.
     The committee hosting the meetings includes Sandy Point resident Ken Pierce.  A "conversation starter" for citizens can be found online HERE. Citizens can also place comments online HERE  Read Herald editorial HERE

21may08: Yarmouth port seeks public port input... the Port of Yarmouth is hosting a public meeting June 9 at the Rodd Grand at 7:00pm to get input regarding the future of port and the waterfront. The MacDonnell Group (Digby Wharf, Shelburne Boy's School, Windsor Hockey Centre) has been hired to prepare a business plan which could be used to secure funding for any development.
    Port manager Dave Whiting told Nova Scotia Business Journal that large cruise ships had been ruled out, but that possibilities associated with the offshore gas industry are prospects. >>> more 

21may08: Maple Grove student wins silver in national science fair... Maxwell Grimshaw Poole of Maple Grove Education Centre near Yarmouth: Silver medal in physical and mathematical sciences for "Does The Angle Of Your Ankle Affect The Propulsion of Your Flutter Kick?"
     Nova Scotia 's budding scientists came away with two gold, five silver and nine bronze medals from the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Medals, awards and scholarships were handed out on May 16 in Ottawa. Forty Nova Scotia students joined about 450 of their peers from across the county for the nine-day competition.

14may08:  Belliveau calls for cash for Nova Scotia boatbuilders... In March the government announced an investment of $34 million from the National Community Development Trust to support communities facing economic hardship and Shelburne MLA Sterling Belliveau inquired in the Assembly Wednesday if any of the cash will go to the embattled boat building industry.
     “Will the Minister of Economic Development include the boat building sector when it finally comes out with a plan for this program?,” asked Belliveau. The Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association has written a letter to the premier requesting a commitment from the fund.
       The industry has been a significant contributor to the province’s economy, employing about 1,200 people full-time, year round in mostly coastal communities. Builders have had to adjust to drastic market changes and are facing a double whammy as a result of the faltering U.S. economy and uncertain domestic fishery.
      Economic development minister Angus MacIsaac responded by telling MLA Belliveau that he agreed that the boatbuilders were an important part of the economy, but that fishermen were too and the NDP was about to vote against a budget affording fishermen loans to buy licenses which might add to the demand for more boats.
        Local boat builder Stephen Goreham attended the Toronto Boat Show in January and sees great potential for the industry to re-tool fishing boat production for the pleasure market. Goreham's firm is marketing a 50-foot "Woods Harbour LongLiner" to the Ontario market, based on the company's very popular lobster boat hull . "We're not asking for a handout," says Goreham, "we're just looking for some short-term assistance to get us through tough times."
      "This industry is just too important to be left to wither," adds Goreham, "and we are looking for access to just a small portion of the Community Development fund."

14may08: Embattled fibreglass firm sees $13 million annual sales and up to 23 new jobs for the area in emergency signage contract... fibreglass manufacturer and bathtub maker Terry Hawkins told the Coast Guard recently that his eponomous Terry Hawkins Industries (THI) has a chance to rebound from near-extinction with a provincial government order for fibreglass signage panels.
    The panels, according to Hawkins, are being coveted by Canadian sign manufacturers and, after an emergency installation by the province, "everybody wants the product." None of the Nova Scotia sign manufacturers contacted by SCT had heard of the materials or THI and the department of transportation was unable to confirm an order for the panels..
     Hawkins has previously told local media that he would bring 30-90 jobs to the area making small houses, bathtubs and saw handles, but ran into serious financial difficulties when the firm lost those contracts and he was unable to make payroll on several occasions. Some employees remain unpaid.
     In 2006 and 2007, THI was the recipient of provincial and federal government loans and grants totaling more than $360,000 and is thought to have raised private investment capital approaching $500,000 from local business people and family during the past three years.  
     The web site for the firm has been inactive for several months, as has the factory in Sandy Point. >>> read more

14may08:  Two years-plus for bayside opening... Health minister Chris D'Entremont announced recently that the 50-bed expansion of Barrington's Bayside Home will begin within the 45 days, but could take up to 30 months to complete. The commitment to the beds was made during the 2006 provincial election and is part of the 826 beds throughout the province promised by 2010.

14may08: No public input for muni budget sessions, or,  some people never learn... despite clear evidence from last year's well-attended budget sessions, the Municipality of  Shelburne will not be allowing public comments during the current budget sessions (May 14 & 21).
     When told that staff had advised SCT that no public comment would be allowed at the meetings, warden Sherm Embree said that the issue had not been raised among council. Both councilor John Roscoe and deputy warden Pat Nickerson said that the public should be allowed and invited to address council about budget issues.
     Several months ago, staff presented a proposed rules change for council which would have afforded a public comment period for every council meeting, as is the case in Queens, Barrington and other municipalities. The proposal was defeated six to one, with Pat Nickerson the only affirmative vote.

14may08: Marblehead visitors and film studio investors feted at the Yacht Club.... Three prosperous-looking gents enjoyed the famous hospitality of the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club at the weekly "toonie-Tuesday" celebration last night.
     The Massachussets trio, who are reported to be the majority investors in Sea Coast Film Productions Studios and are also enjoying the local hospitality of the Cooper's Inn, chatted with the commodore and watched as young Liza Haegart wowed the assembled crowd with songs and music as a fund-raiser for a school trip to Quebec City.

14may08: Pizza and a movie...Sandy Point convenience store opens... after spending $2.75 million to buy the former Shelburne Film Studios (now Sea Coast Film Production studios), Americans Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow announced Tuesday that they have opened a convenience store at the site, which would be followed by mini-golf and a drive-in movie.
     The duo also told the Coast Guard that plans were underway to repair the swimming pool. Kendrick told SCT weeks ago that the pool repair was "days away" from being finished and has previously assured European film producers that the pool was already refurbished and operational. 
     The new committee raising funds for a public pool informed Municipal council that they would be meeting with Kendrick soon about possible use of the pool at Sea Coast. >>> read more

8may08: Shelburne a "Banana Republic" according to new film studio owners... in a May 5 news release, Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow touted the fact that Americans were finally taking over the "crown jewel" of Nova Scotia film studios, located in what they described as "Canada's Banana Republic"  (the disambiguative phrase is described by wikipedia as "a pejorative term for a country with a kleptocratic government, often with a primitive economy and sometimes a puppet state of a major power".)
     Some local citizens are none too pleased with the demeaning description, and one ventured to say that the implications for the mayor and warden overseeing kleptocracies are not good either. "It's great when folks from away come in and insult us all right off," groused one businessman. 
      When interviewed about whether he saw any relevance in calling Shelburne a Banana Republic, inferring a puppet state, Shelburne mayor P.G. Comeau told SCT, "They were obviously referring to the Municipality of Shelburne."
     The news release also described a hotel on the site, which the facility's promotional video says has 60 rooms. The property has not previously been licensed as a hotel and the Province of Nova Scotia has no record of an application being made to operate a hotel or food service at the former military base. One local tourism operator chafed at the addition of 60 unlicensed rooms to the struggling tourism picture. "We're all hurting already, now this."
     Mary Barstow described the long-dormant property as "alive and thriving" and portrayed Shelburne as an "historic village". At a recent presentation to Municipal Council, Barstow and Kendrick made no mention of the film studio, but told council that a mini-golf and drive-in theatre would be built there, as would a candle factory. The $15 million film scheduled to begin shooting May 1 has yet to materialize. sct 

8may08: Embree takes over as Shelburne warden in fractious council meeting punctuated by outbursts, epithets and crying jags... reports from the most recent Shelburne Municipal Council meeting describe the session as "wild and crazy", among other things. 
     Former warden Paulette Scott quit her honorific post citing the appearance of conflict with her new job as executive assistant to Mary Barstow, one of the new owners of Seacoast Studios, located at the former military facility at Sandy Point. 
     Upon Sherm Embree's election as warden, councilman Raymond Davis apparently launched into a series of interruptions and tirades against Embree, finally storming out of the room saying "kiss my #@s!" Former warden Pat Nickerson broke down weeping and the meeting was adjourned temporarily. Nickerson told SCT previously that Davis had driven her to day-long bouts of crying with vicious personal attacks against her and her family.
     When SCT called Davis for comments, we were told that he was "away for  awhile" and is not expected to return soon. sct

25apr08:  Warden tells Herald "no conflict"... says that "nasty" people have wrong idea.  Paulette Scott denied any conflict of interest in her position as warden and employee at SeaCoast Entertainment in a Herald story on Friday's front page business section. Councilor Terry McIntyre is quoted as being shocked and several of her councilors have urged her to resign.
     Scott has been heard privately to be blaming the entire problem surrounding the conflict issue on SCT, telling some that "most people don't care about the issue."

23APR08:  Shelburne Warden to resign over conflict of interest issues... "right thing to do"... in an unannounced closed-door session on Tuesday evening, Municipality of Shelburne warden Paulette Scott informed her council that on Monday, she would announce the end of her tenure as warden of the municipality.
     Recently, Scott was at the centre of a controversy regarding her being hired for an executive position by Seacoast Entertainments, the firm which has recently purchased the former Sandy Point Canadian forces site. Scott is also vice-chair of the regional development authority, which owned the property.
     Just days ago, Scott told SCT that there was "absolutely no conflict" in taking the job and no matter what pressure was put upon her, she was "...taking the job and staying on as warden." Tuesday she apparently told her council colleagues that she was stepping down because it was "the right thing to do."
     Deputy warden Pat Nickerson is likely to serve as warden until the October elections, but councilor Raymond Davis opposes such a move, saying he has three votes for his plan. "I would like to see Paulette stay on as warden," Davis added, "and give up her post on SWSDA." Davis has been the SWSDA alternate for several years and, according to him, he is "fully up to speed on all of the issues" before the body.
     Davis opined that Scott was the only viable warden on council and iterate a variety of professional and personal issues which would make him and other councilors inappropriate candidates for the position.  

23apr08: Seacoast property sale and mortgage finalized for former Canadian Forces site... two-years of no payments part of the deal...  The South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA) has taken a first mortgage for $1.75 million on the recent $2.75 million sale of the former Canadian Forces Station (the base) at Sandy Point, according to documents filed with the registrars office in Shelburne.
     The mortgage is payment and interest-free until May 1, 2010, after which an interest rate of five per cent per annum for eight years and has payments of $22,000 per month attached to it. Seacoast Entertainment Arts, owned by American investors Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow, is the mortgagee on the property. 
     Seacoast recently received more than 200 applications for employment at "Sea City" and Seacoast Film Production Studios, after announcing plans to solicit producers for filming at the site and to create a business "incubator" there, housing a variety of businesses, including candle making, fish hatching, food services, tourism accommodations and a variety of retail operations.
     Of the the $1 million cash received by SWSDA in the deal, there is a court order to hold aside $520,000, there is a $400,000 plus mortgage from the province and there has also been much discussion in the community of a 10% broker's fee promised for the sale.  

24apr08: Seacoast principals to appear before Muni Council... Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow have been requested by Shelburne Municipal Council to make a presentation at Monday's council meeting in chambers. The American pair were the successful bidders for the Shelburne sound stage at Sandy Point, which they have renamed Seacoast Film Production Studios.
     They have recently announced the hiring of municipal warden Paulette Scott as executive assistant to Ms. Barstow

14may08: Pizza and a movie...Sandy Point convenience store opens... after spending $2.75 million to buy the former Shelburne Film Studios (now Sea Coast Film Production studios), Americans Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow announced Tuesday that they have opened a convenience store at the site  >>> Nova News Now.

8may08: Shelburne a "Banana Republic" according to new film studio owners... in a May 5 news release, Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow touted the fact that Americans were finally taking over the "crown jewel" of Nova Scotia film studios, located in what they described as "Canada's Banana Republic"  (the disambiguative phrase is described by wikipedia as "a pejorative term for a country with a kleptocratic government, often with a primitive economy and sometimes a puppet state of a major power".)
     Some local citizens are none too pleased with the demeaning description, and one ventured to say that the implications for the mayor and warden overseeing kleptocracies are not good either. "It's great when folks from away come in and insult us all right off," groused one businessman. 
      When interviewed about whether he saw any relevance in calling Shelburne a Banana Republic, inferring a puppet state, Shelburne mayor P.G. Comeau told SCT, "They were obviously referring to the Municipality of Shelburne."
     The news release also described a hotel on the site, which the facility's promotional video says has 60 rooms. The property has not previously been licensed as a hotel and the Province of Nova Scotia has no record of an application being made to operate a hotel or food service at the former military base. One local tourism operator chafed at the addition of 60 unlicensed rooms to the struggling tourism picture. "We're all hurting already, now this."
     Mary Barstow described the long-dormant property as "alive and thriving" and portrayed Shelburne as an "historic village". At a recent presentation to Municipal Council, Barstow and Kendrick made no mention of the film studio, but told council that a mini-golf and drive-in theatre would be built there, as would a candle factory. The $15 million film scheduled to begin shooting May 1 has yet to materialize. sct 

Banana notes... 
-     One reader suggests that SeaCoast meant to say "Banana Belt"
-     A concerned taxpayer writes to say that, since former warden Paulette Scott is now the marketing & sales person for the outfit, she might have written the release, based on her experience as warden.

8may08: Embree takes over as Shelburne warden in fractious council meeting punctuated by outbursts, epithets and crying jags... reports from the most recent Shelburne Municipal Council meeting describe the session as "wild and crazy", among other things. 
     Former warden Paulette Scott quit her honorific post citing the appearance of conflict with her new job as executive assistant to Mary Barstow, one of the new owners of Seacoast Studios, located at the former military facility at Sandy Point. 
     Upon Sherm Embree's election as warden, councilman Raymond Davis apparently launched into a series of interruptions and tirades against Embree, finally storming out of the room saying "kiss my #@s!" Former warden Pat Nickerson broke down weeping and the meeting was adjourned temporarily. Nickerson told SCT previously that Davis had driven her to day-long bouts of crying with vicious personal attacks against her and her family.
     When SCT called Davis for comments, we were told that he was "away for  awhile" and is not expected to return soon. sct

8may08: Shelburne's auction season begins Saturday on the waterfront... B&W Auctions has announced the first auction of the season at the Cox Warehouse on Dock Street this coming Saturday. Viewing is at 9:00 am with bidding slated for 10:00am.
     29 box lots and 300 items are expected, including furniture, folk art, bed sets, oil lamps, prints, etc. Visit B&W web here sct

25apr08:  Warden tells Herald "no conflict"... says that "nasty" people have wrong idea.  Paulette Scott denied any conflict of interest in her position as warden and employee at SeaCoast Entertainment in a Herald story on Friday's front page business section. Councilor Terry McIntyre is quoted as being shocked and several of her councilors have urged her to resign.
     Scott has been heard privately to be blaming the entire problem surrounding the conflict issue on SCT, telling some that "most people don't care about the issue."

25apr08: Etube, brute... Sea City concert venue and hotel debuts with You Tube videos... Shelburne's newest concert venue, Sea City, launched a series of promotional videos on the internet channel You Tube this past week. Using still photos and hand-held video, the new owners of the former Canadian Forces Station have produced short promo videos for the concert venue, film studios, conference centre and hotel. As a nice touch, Sea Coast Studios American owners put a red maple leaf on the entry sign. See the videos here.

24apr08:  No to warden's job, says Nickerson... Shelburne deputy warden Pat Nickerson told SCT today that she will not consider taking over as warden when Paulette Scott vacates the position on Monday, due to concerns by council and ratepayers that Scott is in conflict of interest vis-a-vis a new position.
    Saying she has been the target of a campaign of "vicious and untrue personal and professional attacks" by another councilor, Nickerson said that she was not one to "back away from civic responsibility", but that she was not inclined to suffer the personal pain of the unwarranted attacks. Councilman Raymond Davis has been waging a behind-the-scenes campaign to have Scott remain as warden, saying others were not fit for the position.
     As of 5pm Thursday, Scott had not resigned, but if she officially tenders her resignation to the clerk prior to Monday's meeting, there could be a vote for warden at that time. If not, the council would have to wait until a future meeting to elect a warden. Scott has said publicly that she is quitting as warden "because it is the right thing", but privately she is blaming the local media for the conflict of interest situation.

24apr08:  Power play... Brooklyn, South Shore Power sold... AbitibiBowater announced April 22 the purchase of Brooklyn Power Corporation and South Shore Power Services Incorporated by Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited. >>> more

23APR08:  Shelburne Warden to resign over conflict of interest issues... "right thing to do"... in an unannounced closed-door session on Tuesday evening, Municipality of Shelburne warden Paulette Scott informed her council that on Monday, she would announce the end of her tenure as warden of the municipality.
     Recently, Scott was at the centre of a controversy regarding her being hired for an executive position by Seacoast Entertainments, the firm which has recently purchased the former Sandy Point Canadian forces site. Scott is also vice-chair of the regional development authority, which owned the property.
     Just days ago, Scott told SCT that there was "absolutely no conflict" in taking the job and no matter what pressure was put upon her, she was "...taking the job and staying on as warden." Tuesday she apparently told her council colleagues that she was stepping down because it was "the right thing to do."
     Deputy warden Pat Nickerson is likely to serve as warden until the October elections, but councilor Raymond Davis opposes such a move, saying he has three votes for his plan. "I would like to see Paulette stay on as warden," Davis added, "and give up her post on SWSDA." Davis has been the SWSDA alternate for several years and, according to him, he is "fully up to speed on all of the issues" before the body.
     Davis opined that Scott was the only viable warden on council and iterate a variety of professional and personal issues which would make him and other councilors inappropriate candidates for the position.  

23apr08: Seacoast property sale and mortgage finalized for former Canadian Forces site... two-years of no payments part of the deal...  The South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA) has taken a first mortgage for $1.75 million on the recent $2.75 million sale of the former Canadian Forces Station (the base) at Sandy Point, according to documents filed with the registrars office in Shelburne.
     The mortgage is payment and interest-free until May 1, 2010, after which an interest rate of five per cent per annum for eight years and has payments of $22,000 per month attached to it. Seacoast Entertainment Arts, owned by American investors Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow, is the mortgagee on the property. 
     Seacoast recently received more than 200 applications for employment at "Sea City" and Seacoast Film Production Studios, after announcing plans to solicit producers for filming at the site and to create a business "incubator" there, housing a variety of businesses, including candle making, fish hatching, food services, tourism accommodations and a variety of retail operations.
     Of the the $1 million cash received by SWSDA in the deal, there is a court order to hold aside $520,000, there is a $400,000 plus mortgage from the province and there has also been much discussion in the community of a 10% broker's fee promised for the sale.  

24apr08: Seacoast principals to appear before Muni Council... Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow have been requested by Shelburne Municipal Council to make a presentation at Monday's council meeting in chambers. The American pair were the successful bidders for the Shelburne sound stage at Sandy Point, which they have renamed Seacoast Film Production Studios.
     They have recently announced the hiring of municipal warden Paulette Scott as executive assistant to Ms. Barstow

22apr08: Sandy Point Lighthouse gets funding...  South Shore MP Gerald Keddy, SWSDA CEO Frank Anderson and others announced Tuesday a successful funding application for funding to ACOA (Keddy is also parliamentary secretary to the ACOA minister) and others for support to repair the ailing Sandy Point Lighthouse near Shelburne.
     ACOA is investing $ 38,274, Nova Scotia Economic Development is contributing $20,000, the Municipality of the District of Shelburne is contributing $10,000, and the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society is contributing
$6,600 toward the upgrades and improvements.
     Substantial work has been done over the winter on the concrete base for the maritime icon and the project will also include new railing and interpretive panels. Joan Bower of the South West Shore Development Authority was instrumental in a two-year campaign to raise funds for the project.

22apr08: Film producer Gilmour decamps to Ontario...  Saying that the lack of representation of Nova Scotia at the recent locations expo in California was the "last straw", Australian film producer Steve Gilmour told SCT he was moving to Ontario to try to get his film shot there.
     "No wonder Nova Scotia is down in productions currently if we leave our hands up in the air in surrender saying the competition is too much and too big, so we won't even try."
     Gilmour's production of Moon Harvest was originally to have been shot at the sound stage at Sandy Point, but that changed with the collapse of an arrangement with Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow, who subsequently bought the property.

22apr08: Earth day big deal for Barrington schools... the 38th annual celebration of Earth Day will get lots of attention Tuesday among the students and staff of the Barrington area "family of schools", as Barrington High School, Forest Ridge Academy, Cape Sable Island Elementary and Evelyn Richardson Memorial Elementary School (ERMES) head out into the hills and dales in search of ways to celebrate "mother earth."
    The day of beach sweeps, trail clean-ups and other pro-environment activity allows students to focus on the need to regard the natural world as valuable. At ERMES in Shag Harbour, staff and students will be visiting the western branch of the Barrington River for trash sweeps, geocaching and water and vegetation assessments.
    Tests for water salinity will allow students to monitor the possible effects of road salt on the environment and vegetation assessments will afford the students a benchmark for further monitoring at a later date.

22apr08: Budget talks begin for Shelburne municipality... the yearly budget sessions for councilors at the Municipality of Shelburne begin Tuesday night (6:00pm at muni council chambers), with additional sessions slated for April 30 and May 14 and 21.
     The great furor stirred by last year's sessions is not expected, as the draft budget appears not to contain any items which would drastically raise tax rates. 
    Some of the items slated for discussion include additional recreation staff, cost-sharing for tourism and economic development staff, fire protection funding, office repairs, economic development financing and election costs. One controversial item is certain to be the return of increased salaries for warden and council. 

22apr08: Digby ferry crisis looming for SouWest Nova Scotia... ‘no-speak’ rhetoric from government officials to blame for funding logjam, says Digby Courier... >>> more  No "no from MacKay on help from feds >>> more  $44 million building boom not accessible with ferry gone... >>> more  No time to waste >>> editorial

22apr08: "New world vibe" central to new Nova Scotia tourism brand... seaside trails and cottage licensing go by the wayside... "Old world charm. New world vibe. Shaped by the Sea. The spirit of our people."  These are the four attributes of Nova Scotia’s new " brand"...  >>> more

22apr08: Shrinking slate for Shelburne Mayor's race.... local businessman and former Chamber of Commerce head Ed Cayer has informed SCT that, despite suggestions that he may enter the fray, he will definitely not be a candidate in the October election for mayor of Shelburne, "or any other elected office".
     Citing the need for fresh, young ideas and people, his attention needed on the on-going litigation with SWSDA and his desire to ask questions of the candidates, Cayer also cited several private initiatives he has underway which will garner his attention.
     Mayor Comeau has committed to re-offer and other possible candidates include town councilors Al Delaney and Tony Mahaney and former port manager Donnie Acker.  
     Common wisdom in the 2004 election said that Comeau was re-elected in part due to the fact that there were several candidates splitting the votes.

22apr08: Shelburne County support sought for new Yarmouth arts centre... the backers of the new arts centre planned for Yarmouth have sent out news releases seeking public input and support from Shelburne and Yarmouth counties and the Clare area at the May 5 public sessions in Yarmouth... >>> more

22apr08: Major entertainment complex for Bowood unveiled... the Bowood project developed by Ralston Macdonnell has unveiled a sweeping plan to create an multi-faceted entertainment complex at the former Boy's School in Shelburne. The plan, according to the facility's web site and a recent presentation by project director Stephen Antle, is to house events, live shows, corporate business meetings, seminars, workshops, promotional events, fundraisers and recreational activities at the Sandy Point location. 
     Named Bowood's Eventex, the entertainment company is overseen by Antle, former producer of the very successful Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso and promises to specialize in live entertainment, exhibition and cultural productions. The complex houses several performance venues with a combined capacity over 1,000 and will be the home soon for shows by Bruce Guthro, Charlie Acourt and the Hupman Brothers (May 26), Dwight D'Eon (May 10) and comic Jimmy Flynn (June 7)
     Antle recently told a Chamber of Commerce gathering that, rather than compete with the Osprey Arts Centre, Bowood/Eventex would concentrate on shows that were not offered at or not suitable for the arts centre.  

It's true... it's true... this job's for you... Shelburne warden goes to work for new base owner... stepping into yet another firestorm of conflict-of-interest allegations, Municipality of Shelburne warden Paulette Scott has accepted a job as executive assistant to the chief operating officer of Seacoast Entertainment Arts, Inc., the company which recently purchased the former Canadian Forces Station at Sandy Point (the base).
     Scott is also vice-chair on the executive of South West Shore Development Authority, (SWSDA) who sold the base to Seacoast, which is helmed by the American team of Mary Barstow and Jim Kendrick. Scott told SCT that, although she did not have a title yet, she would be overseeing all "economic development" at the facility.
     With now-departed CAO Reg Ridgely, Scott was intimately involved for months in the recent machinations to sell the property. Scott says her involvement did not include any negotiations with Kendrick and partner Mary Barstow, but Australian film producer Steve Gilmour says that is simply not the case.  
     "She met with Jim, Mary, me and my partner Clare (Bourke-Jones) at least twice," says Gilmour, who exited the deal prior to closing. Gilmour says that he was told by Ridgely that there were several other meetings at Municipal offices with the pair. Scott and Ridgely were reported at the time to have suggested that Kendrick and Barstow encamp in offices supplied by the municipality, but current CAO Kirk Cox nixed the idea. 
     Scott told SCT that she sees "no conflict whatsoever" in taking a position at a firm which just bought property from an organization on which she sits as an executive as part of a deal that she helped orchestrate. "Think about it," says a local expert in economic development and government process, "she helps negotiate a deal for a couple of American investors, then votes to sell the property at a bargain-basement price, then votes to have her agency carry 60% of the selling price. It's a no-brainer"  
     Scott told her councilors at a closed-door council meeting this past week, which she described as a "personnel" discussion, which, according to provincial law, are designed to discuss issues surrounding employees, not government officials. Some on her council are disturbed at what they consider improper, if not unethical, behaviour, and some, like councilor Raymond Davis, see "nothing wrong whatsoever". Councilor Terry McIntyre says he definitely does not approve of the move.
    According to Kendrick, the purchase and sale agreement with SWSDA had always committed SWSDA to ensuring $1.75 million of the purchase price. "Paulette never told us that when she reported to council," adds McIntyre. "I was very surprised to hear about it."  SWSDA treasurer and Lockeport mayor Darian Huskilson says he was also not informed of the $1.75 million guarantee and thinks the SWSDA board should have been informed. 
     The minutes of the SWSDA meeting cinching the $1.75 million agreement read "It was moved... and seconded... to accept the terms to facilitate the sale of the Shelburne Base as negotiated."  
     Scott says that on April 28, she will reveal to the public all of the details of her employment. "I realize that some on my council do not approve," says Scott. "and that I may take a pounding from the public for it, but I am keeping this job." Note:  Shelburne Municipal Council recently opposed a recommendation that conflict-of-interest legislation for municipal bodies be amended to allow challenges by citizens without going to Supreme Court.
     Scott was at the centre of another conflict of interest outcry when she went to work as a public relations worker for the proposed controversial El Paso natural gas project. There have been several out front and back-channel attempts by the Municipality to get Scott a hefty increase in her warden's pay and to find her a job. According to informed sources, former CAO Reg Ridgely spent considerable effort both trying to find her a job and badgering council members to increase her pay. Note: Councilor Raymond Davis informed SCT that he was the one behind the move to increase Scott's income and brought such a motion to council, where it was defeated.
     Several months ago, Scott put her name forward as an employee of SWSDA, where she also sits as vice chair. The plan was apparently scotched when calls of concern were made to SWSDA officials. More recently, the warden paraded in downtown Shelburne wearing a sandwich board trumpeting the base sale and appeared on the front page of the Coast Guard with Kendrick and Barstow.    sct 19apr08

Base fix-ups and developments underway... in an exclusive interview with SCT, Jim Kendrick described the flurry of activity his Seacoast Entertainment firm has been engaged in since taking over the sound stage property in Sandy Point. COO Mary Barstow's Victorian candle factory is packed and ready to ship, as is Barstow's "logo ware" firm. The radio station idea is on hold, says CEO Kendrick, but a sound recording studio is underway, as is a video recording and distribution operation
     "The $15 million film coming May 1 is on track," says Kendrick and the pool needed for water scenes is being retrofitted at present. High speed satellite internet is operating throughout the facility and accommodations are being upgraded for use by film companies and tourists.
     The recent job fair netted 200-plus resume's, from which 3 people have been hired, including municipal warden Paulette Scott. "We are very impressed with the talent pool here," added Kendrick. There are two 'co-ventures" underway, one of which involves the renovation and rehab of the large kitchen there.
     The facility, according to Kendrick could become a local "enterprise incubation centre". Kendrick's US-based Seacoast Entertainment Arts operation will be moved to Shelburne, he says. The firm has a website which promises services such as websites, magazines, newspapers, TV production & distribution, music production/recording/distribution, artist management, concert promotion, digital video/editing, advertising/marketing, commercials/jingles and screenwriting. http://www.seacoastentertainmentarts.com/  sct18apr08

Butt out of base business, or, pound sand about where the money comes from... the matter of where the funding is coming from to finance the $2.75 million purchase of the former CFS Shelburne and sound stage is still a murky mystery, despite this reporter's efforts to get some clarity.
     According to new owner Jim Kendrick, the purchase a sale agreement for the sound stage at Sandy Point included a provision that required owner SWSDA to finance $1.75 million of the purchase. There have been reports that SWSDA has been "shopping" a grant or loan to Kendrick and Barstow out of an economic development fund which houses millions of dollars in "forgiveable" loans. 
     Mary Barstow told SCT that both partners were very "financially stable". When asked why they would then get a government loan or grant or mortgage, she said that was what rich people did, they got mortgages. Barstow refused to divulge whether the $1.7 million from the government would be a mortgage, grant or loan. 
     Kendrick said that the deed is scheduled to be registered today. This reporter quipped that "sounds like they found the money", at which point Kendrick launched into a tirade saying that his was a "real deal", not some "f*&%king fantasy world...", and, he added, that if the reporter "played loose and fast" with him, he would "fix you, you motherf*#@ker."  
     When asked whether the $1.7 million will be a loan or grant or mortgage, and what agency or department was funding the deal, Barstow refused to answer, saying if we wanted to know, "call the government." sct18apr08

Things get ugly in Shellywood??... Australian film producer Steve Gilmour and screenwriter/producer Clare Bourke-Jones are stunned by revelations that former business associates Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow may be trying to torpedo a film project which has been years in the making.
     "We couldn't be more shocked at what we are reading and hearing," says Gilmour, who publicly congratulated the American pair in their successful bid for the base and sound stage property at Sandy Point. "It is simply outrageous what they are doing, and we have instructed our lawyers to take appropriate action regarding this obvious slander," says the outraged Aussie.
     Gilmour and Bourke-Jones received a copy of an email purportedly sent on April 16 to a literary and film agency in Toronto which was signed by James Kendrick of SEA Seacoast Entertainment Arts and using the email address of Kendrick. The email is disparaging of Gilmour and claims he is being hunted by the RCMP.
     Another Sheburne-based business person says that Kendrick made the same assertion to her personally some weeks ago. In a meeting earlier in the month, Kendrick and Mary Barstow reportedly made similar assertions to two other local business people.  
     "I've put my heart and soul into this project," says Bourke-Jones of her Moon Harvest film, "and to have people we once trusted try to scuttle it in such an ugly and venal way is heartbreaking."  The Toronto agency, according to Bourke-Jones, represents several key players in Moon Harvest.
     When contacted about the emails, Kendrick said that he did not recall sending an email to a business in Toronto, but was "so upset at one point about lies being reported about me, I may have sent something like that." Kendrick then named a litany of alleged bad debts by Gilmour, but when pressed further, he said he had no personal knowledge about the debts or the assertions about the RCMP. 
     Kendrick added that Barstow's blackberry device which housed some of his emails was apparently missing or stolen two weeks ago. He says also that his email log doesn't show such an email and the email could be a fake.      
     Gilmour's attorney says the RCMP has assured him there is no file open on Gilmour.  Canadian slander law differs from the American version in that, once a claim of slander is made, it is presumed to be true. sct18apr08

 Govt Land grab continues in NS, including Queens and Yarmouth... The provincial government will buy land worth about $4.5 million in Queens, Annapolis, Digby and Yarmouth counties as part of the forestry transition program announced in October. >>> more 

Muni council hears good news about surplus, SWSDA, industrial commission and base deal, gets "swan song" pitch for new digs and more legal wrangling at Sandy Point ... in his last presentation to Shelburne Municipal Council, former acting CAO Reg Ridgely gave council a show-and-tell about various scenarios for dealing with the reputed shortcomings of the municipal building.  >>> more

Keddy gets trade ministers post...South Shore MP Gerald Keddy was rewarded by Prime Minister Stephen Harper with a new post as parliamentary secretary to Trade Minister David Emerson. Mr. Keddy will also continue to serve as parliamentary secretary for ACOA minister Peter MacKay. >>> more

Thibault vulnerable in federal election?...  New poll shows close race, with Tories wining the support of 36 per cent of voters, the Liberals with 35 per cent and the NDP with 23 per cent. The West Nova seat of liberal Robert Thibault was named as a possible win for Tory Greg Kerr, who lost in a close race last election.  >>> more

Trout Point Lodge best listed again... National Geographic Traveler magazine has selected Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia for "The Stay List: 150 hotels you will love," which appears in the April, 2008 issue.
     The list celebrates 150 hotels in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region that are among the best at blending location-inspired architecture, ambiance and amenities, eco-stewardship and an ethic of giving back to the community.  >>> more

Governor General's Award for Mars... internationally regarded Canadian performance artist and part-time Shelburne area resident Tanya Mars, was named one of eight winners of the 9th annual Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts. 
     Governor General Michaëlle Jean praised the winners for "inspiring an ever increasing number of young people of all ages.". Mars, who has performed and presented workshops at The Osprey,  kicked off her career in 1974 while wearing a piece of art called Codpieces: Phallic Paraphernalia. 
     Mars has been described as one of Canada's most acclaimed and important performance artists and told the Toronto Star on Tuesday, "I never thought in a million years the award would go to a performance artist."  >>> Toronto Star  

Thick skin needed for women in politics, says warden... persuading council to have an organizational review one of "best things we did" says Paulette Scott.

Lights out for Earth Hour on Saturday...  Cities and towns throughout the world will be a lot darker on Saturday night when more than 150 municipalities in Canada participate in Earth Hour, a global initiative created by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) to show support for action on climate change. >>> more

SWSDA gets $10,000 for immigration website... The South West Shore Development Authority was one of ten organizations singled out for grants to spruce up immigration-related web services in the province.
    SWSDA's Immigration Information Navigator Website project involves the creation of a website dedicated to informing immigrants of the settlement services available in south west region. Highlighted would be the Navigator position itself, the already created resource directory/welcome kit, links to pertinent partner sites, newsletters, along with press releases and other media coverage, and upcoming events, programs, classes and information sessions. The site will be in both French and English.

Come fly away... 6th Annual Birding & Nature Festival in Shelco... Cape Sable Island is the setting for an amazing act of nature. This untouched part of paradise comes to life with thousands of Brant Geese from February through April every year.  >>> more

Charges expected soon in Karissa murder... The police in the Nova Scotia town of Bridgewater say they’re awaiting DNA evidence as they continue to investigate the death of 12-year-old Karissa Boudreau >>> more

Climate change report spells myriad dangers for Nova Scotia and South Shore... a little-noticed federal climate change study paints a foreboding picture of the future for this part of the world as the climate change chicken comes home to roost in Nova Scotia. 
     "From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007" from Natural Resources Canada spells out problems with coastal erosion, tourism, the fisheries, roads and agriculture, among other areas, and suggests that the capacity to adapt to the inevitable changes is especially problematic in rural areas.
    Local political and civic leaders would do well to read the chapter on the specific issues facing Atlantic Canada.  sct19mar08 

Pointless AbitibiBowater merger?...Brooklyn plant expected to remain open. >>> more 

Funding partnerships for Shelburne Film Studios well ahead of projections...  Jim Kendrick, who with partner Mary Barstow is slated to be the new owner of the Shelburne Film Studios, told SCT Thursday that he and his project partners will produce far more than they have promised in the development of the former military base and that funding levels are well in excess of original projections.
     "Business plans evolve, we are in our fourth iteration now and people will see that this facility (Shelburne Film Studios) will boast a very fine film production facility and all necessary support services," Kendrick explained from  his offices located at the Sandy Point site. "The tremendous support from all quarters has been very encouraging," he added. "We expect this development to be good for all of the financial partners, for Shelburne and for Nova Scotia." 
     In the past, Kendrick said, the operators of the studio had mistakenly depended upon film making a a sole source of income. His company, Seacoast Entertainments, will be looking at other sources of income.
     "The deal," says Kendrick, "just gets better every day."  sct14mar08

Not easy for real estate firm going green... A local real estate company known for its high-end waterfront properties is sponsoring a talk next week on protecting the environment... >>> The Herald

Kelly Cove applies for McNutt's Island salmon farm expansion... Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd (Cooke Aquaculture) has applied to the federal government for an expansion of its Shelburne Harbour salmon operation, according to records from the March 7 application.
     In a recent Liverpool Advance story Kelly Cove manager Jeff Nickerson said he expects "10 new, high-paying with benefits" jobs to result from the expansion. Currently, the company farms three sites over 11 hectares in the harbour, with 14 employees harvesting about 750,000 fish. 
     A Cookes public relation staffer told The Advance that the expansion would allow for rotation of fish and the creation of “integrated multi-trophic” farms,  where mussels and seaweed might also be grown on a salmon site. sct14mar08

Coast Guard parent announces $4.9 million loss from Halifax Daily News shutdown... in the management analysis of its first quarter 2008 statements, Transcontinental Media reported a projected loss of the shutdown of its first daily news operation, which was shuttered in February 11. 
     Part of the loss was attributed to severance for 92 employees, which averaged $15,000. Transcontinental, which also reported increased dividends, operates several Nova Scotia weeklies, including the Coast Guard, Liverpool Advance and Yarmouth Vanguard.  sct14mar08  

Folk Fiesta in Lunenburg... March 29, Pearl Theatre; featuring Catahoula Brown, Grass Mountain Hobos, Fiddles & Feet, Kev Corbett, Grassmarket  >>> more

High oil prices to slow tourism, says regional and national tourism leaders...  Destination Southwest Nova Scotia executive Madonna Spinazola says soaring fuel costs are going to have a negative impact on tourism in the region... >>> The Herald  Canadian Tourism Assoc head says gas hikes will "be a drag"  >>> National Post "The impact is obviously negative," Randy Williams told CBC, "because it costs tourist operators more and discourages consumers from taking trips". >>> CBC

Howard Hyde’s family and the provincial Liberals call for public inquiry... Mr. Hyde, who was psychotic and suffered from schizophrenia, died Nov. 22 after struggling with jail guards and collapsing at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth.
     Now, Howard Hyde’s family and the provincial Liberals are calling for a full public in­quiry into his death last fall, about 30 hours after Halifax Regional Police Tasered him.  >>> The Herald
     Taser use in NS rising rapidly... >>> National Post

Violent sex offender freed to Yarmouth... A violent man who authorities say is likely to commit another violent crime is headed to Yarmouth, not  Cape Sable Island, as reported by the Provincial RCMP. 
     Burnley Lawrence Nickerson, 69, who has a long history of sexual assaults against women, will be released Wednesday after completing his full two-year sentence for assault, use of force, breach of recognizance, uttering threats and mischief.  >>> more  

DND says wind projects near Baccaro need approval... Barrington Municipality says that Correspondence has been received from Major J. D. Tromp of the Department of National Defence advising that each wind turbine project proposal within 60 kms of the Baccaro Radar Station must be reviewed on a case by case basis in order to determine any potential impact on National Defence radar infrastructure. sct12mar08

Free global warming lecture in Shelburne... Sea Education Association President John Bullard presents “Global Warming: What’s Going On Here? What Do I do About It?” at The Osprey on Monday, March 17. The talk is adapted from Al Gore’s presentation, “An Inconvenient Truth”. In 2006, Bullard spent three days with Mr. Gore in Nashville for intensive training on the issue of climate change. Audience comments and questions will be welcomed.  >>> more

Fishermen being branded as criminals, crooks and bad people?...  WTO debate about UI "subsidy" raising hackles of Cape Island fishers... >>> more

Ticking clock on Digby ferry...  A new ferry for the Digby-Saint John service doesn’t appear to be in the cards, but the ‘Princess of Acadia’ may soon be retired... >>> more 

Boat builder's YouTube video catching on... Woods Harbour pleasure boat builder Goreham's Marine is being featured on the YouTube web site with their "Built in Nova Scotia" promo video and the mini-movie viewership has increased by 650% in less than two days. Goreham's was the only Nova Scotia boat builder at the recent Toronto Boat Show. "This video was a great hit at the show, and now folks are watching it world-wide" says owner Stephen Goreham.
     Goreham's has made their mark on the South Shore with their extremely popular 50-foot lobster boat hulls and have included the durability and stability in their line of five pleasure yachts.   >>> view video

Base purchase on schedule... the proposed purchase of the former naval base at Sandy Point is moving at an accelerated pace, according to buyer Jim Kendrick. "We've been working on this idea for a long time," says Kendrick, "and now so many people have come to us saying 'how can we help?'"
    All of the requirements of the purchase agreement have been met and financing is in place for a March 31 closing, says Kendrick. He and partner Mary Barstow have put an offer in on a home in Shelburne and plan to spend much of the month of March in the area getting ready to take possession of the property.
     The recent reports in the Herald and elsewhere that he would not be using the sound stage are false, Kendrick says. "We've met with Ann Mackenzie and Film Nova Scotia have been very cooperative." MacKenzie told SCT that, when the sale is complete and Kendrick and his Seacoast Entertainment / Arts want to start attracting tenants for the sound stage, "We at Film Nova Scotia will take an active role in marketing the venue."
     Kendrick and Barstow were formerly allied with Australian film producer Steve Gilmour on the project, but that partnership ran aground and Kendrick says he has "no idea what has become of Gilmour." The Aussie has told SCT that he and his Atlantic Film Studios are continuing a Nova Scotia production of the feature film Moon Harvest, written by his partner, Clare Bourke-Jones and Gilmour was featured in a front page op-ed piece about the film industry in the March issue of Nova Scotia Business Journal.

MUNI FILES... A brief report on Shelburne Municipal Council meeting of March 26, 2007:

Muni council hears good news about surplus, SWSDA, industrial commission and base deal, gets "swan song" pitch for new digs... in his last presentation to Shelburne Municipal Council, former acting CAO Reg Ridgely gave council a lengthy show-and-tell about various scenarios for dealing with the reputed shortcomings of the municipal building and repairs, renovations or replacement.
     Ridgely, who confessed to being the prime architect of the proposed move to take over the Boy's School and Sandy Point military base and later to move to Bowood, spelled out six scenarios for dealing with a perceived problem with municipal office space. 
     He highlighted the option to renovate the existing building, attached a $3.5 million cash flow figure and projected a "net present value" need for $1.8 million prior to proceeding. Other scenarios carried price tags of more than $4 million. Despite telling council that this was "the best option" and the "one with the least risk", Ridgely later told council that he "wasn't trying to push you [them] in any specific direction."
     One scenario included leasing space at Bowood, but owner Ralston MacDonnell had not yet submitted figures. Previous estimates showed lease rates of $120,000 per year, which would amount to $12 per square foot per year for the 10,000 square feet needed. When questioned by Pat Nickerson about purchasing there, Ridgely said that the "lease" scenario was really "lease with option to buy".
     Ridgely requested some guidance from council to staff for which scenarios were worth pursuing, but the council made no decision other than to recommend that staff "continue working it."

    Other business at the meeting included:

• report that the municipality's surplus of $150,000 might be "clawed back" by a new provincial accounting system
• report that the joint services operation was projecting a surprising deficit of $60,000
• report from Terry McIntyre that the Shelburne County Industrial Commission (formerly Shelburne Industrial Commission) was doing well
• report that Port Authority was concerned it had not been invited by Chamber of Commerce to Atlantic Gateway meeting and that the Authority was concerned with the Chamber's "paralell movement" vis-a-vis port development
• discussion of a Shelburne Harbour Assessment... Note: Ralston MacDonnell (Bowood, Digby Wharf, etc) has reportedly offered the Chamber of Commerce to secure 100% of funding for such a study. 
• report that Port Authority was pursuing small cruise ship business and that Eimskip was returning to Port of Shelburne
• report from warden Scott that SWSDA board governance and oversight had improved and new reporting mechanisms were in place
• report that SWSDA will be asking for a grant to increase its line of credit
• report that base sale is near completion, that municipality lawyers had received letter from Ed Cayer about right-of-way issues at base and that new owners were being "steadily bothered" by Cayer about buying his property there
• discussion about disposition of $2.75 million from base sale, with no clarity among councilors about whether municipality would see any funds at all.
• Appreciation gift to Reg Ridgely for his service. Ridgely said his two years in Shelburne "have been nothing but positive" and he hoped he had touched the council's lives "in a positive way." sct26mar08

Speak up... our readers write...  Nickerson way off-base on SWSDA money? 15mar08

Unfortunately Deputy Warden Pat Nickerson's (see Speak Up column here) private and personal thoughts on the issue of SWSDA and its activities and operations now and in the past appear to have been reflected in her present and past municipal capacities as Warden and Deputy Warden of the Municipality of the District of Shelburne. She also seems to have forgotten the obligations she assumed when elected and sworn in as an official of our Municipal Government. I believe the oath she took makes it clear that her first obligation is to the municipality and its residents and taxpayers.

Clearly the Deputy Warden is better at English literature than she is at bookkeeping. Otherwise, how could she persist in arguing that "... the money is not....mis-used..." I think Frank Anderson's affidavits submitted for the court hearings in Yarmouth in November and December are clear So are the statements at court by Mr. Anderson's lawyer at the November hearing... The money is gone. 

If one reads Mr. Anderson's affidavit it becomes abundantly clear that a considerable part of the original $600,000 provided by the Province, solely for the maintenance of the school property, was actually spent on activities other than maintenance. In fact, not only the original $600,000 is no longer there. The $550,000 from the sale of the school is gone too, Based on Mr. Anderson's affidavit's exhibits. Further, I believe that these monies as well as the $200,000 in guarantees provided by the municipalities of Shelburne County is gone too.

Deputy Warden Nickerson says that all Team Shelburne needs to do is put forward projects for SWSDA to finance. She claims that SWSDA could then use "... those funds plus use them for leverage with other levels of government." Unfortunately, we know from Mr. Anderson's affidavit that the money is gone and as he and his lawyer have said very clearly,, the monies are only a book entry. As I see it, the only way for SWSDA to finance projects put forward by the municipalities would be to "borrow" money from other projects, core funding, the bank or some other source...possibly with additional guarantees from the municipalities. 

Seems to me that the municipalities of Shelburne County have already put their money where their mouth is (to borrow Deputy Warden Nickerson's phrase) and that money is also gone, according to Frank Anderson. What part of that doesn't Deputy Warden Nickerson (speaking on her own behalf) yet understand? 
Ed Cayer
Shelburne

Team Shelburne should stop wasting time and put their money where their mouth is... This nonsense about missing funds from the sale of the Youth Centre has got to stop. SWSDA (South West Shore Development Authority) is operating as the provincial body that it is, according to all RDAs. The money is not stolen, not mis-used, not in the hands of the CEO. It is there where it should be, ear-marked for projects in Shelburne County. 
     Team Shelburne, when they come up with a project for the county will be able to access those funds, plus use them for leverage with other levels of Government. An RDA cannot put funds "In trust" or divide up the proceeds of the sale. It is project funded and very much a creature of the Provincial Government. 
     "Team Shelburne" was set up by the Province in 2003 when the closure of the Youth Centre was announced. The four Ministers came to the Municipality and explained how Team Shelburne would operate - it is an advisory body only and under the auspices of the Dept.of Economic Development. 
     Minister MacIsaac has explained to Team Shelburne that the money is available for Economic Development PROJECTS in Shelburne County. What part of that don't they understand? Instead of wasting time and money, Team Shelburne should be working on a project for the County -- such as a Tourism officer. 
     Yarmouth County have always put their money where their mouth is and have at least two tourism officers -- and how the money flows in. 
Pat Nickerson  10mar08
Ms. Nickerson is not writing as member of Shelburne Municipal Council, but as former Warden, first Co-Chair of Team Shelburne and former vice-chair of SWSDA. 

Editors Note: On February 21, 2008, based on a motion by Warden Paulette Scott, Team Shelburne voted unanimously to defer the request from Discover Shelburne County Tourism Assoc. for funding for a tourism coordinator to individual councils. 

EDITORIAL... It is no secret that SCT has been among many vocal critics of the role that SWSDA and CEO Frank Anderson have played in economic development in this region, but let's give credit where credit is due.
     Anderson and company are often excoriated by local officials in private and public for doing little, if anything, to bolster projects in and around Shelburne and SWSDA's role in the controversial sale of the former Boy's School and the status of the $700,000-plus from the sale remain a topic of concern for many.
    One would think then, that the announcement of SWSDA's role in the largest single grant to a Shelburne-based heritage event in recent memory would generate enthusiasm among locals pols, but not so.
     The announcement at Shelburne Town Council recently of a SWSDA-negotiated $50,000 grant from the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development for the Loyalist Landing 2008 Celebrations resulted in not one word of comment or congratulations from the mayor or Council.
     Shelburne Councilor Al Delaney, chair of the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society and prime mover behind the grant explained to Council that it was only through the hard work and concentrated effort of Anderson and SWSDA that the crucial monies came to be,  but not a peep from Council ensued.
     Delaney has explained recently in other venues that he believes that this Loyalist grant success may be a perfect example of SWSDA's "bring us workable projects and we'll find the funding" mantra oft repeated over the last few years.
     Whatever the true genesis of the grant success, and whatever misgivings we have about economic development strategies in the region, we need to give credit where credit is due. Congratulations to SWSDA, Frank Anderson, Economic Development, Councilor Delaney and the Loyalist Landing Society for a job well done! 22feb08 Timothy Gillespie

Tourism dept sees top-down changes... executive director Lloyd Banfield has left to pursue "a new opportunity" and marketing guy John Somers is now acting ED. Bob Book, former development director is now with Tourism Atlantic and Darlene MacDonald is currently acting director of product development and planning. Lisa MacIsaac, former tourism development officer, has assumed Darlene's former duties. Doug Matthews has taken on new responsibilities within the tourism marketing section. Doug is currently in an acting role as a marketing events coordinator on a pilot basis  11MAR09

Shelburne aquaculture programme tanked... saying that there is no real need for a physical location for an aquaculture program, Nova Scotia Community College has terminated the aquaculture studies programme at the Shelburne campus, and auctioned the equipment as surplus and is converting the former hatchery space to workshops for the "rotational trades", such as plumbing, electrical and refrigeration.
      "We are moving to a different educational mode," said NSCC academic chair Kevin Henderson. "The blended learning system will combine online studies with face-to-face classes. We really don't need physical space for the program." Enrolment in the program has dwindled, according to Henderson, and the changes were requested by the industry due to shifts in the employment needs over recent years. 
     Toby Balch, development manager for the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture says that, during the peak industry growth in the 1990's, many thought staffing needs would continue to grow. The fluctuation of salmon prices, the consolidation of ownership and other factors, he added,  create peaks and valleys of employment needs. 
     "The industry is poised to grow again," says Balch. "We have 350 aquaculture licenses in the province, with 12 active salmon and trout farms and new applications waiting approval."  Cooke Aquaculture, who describe themselves as the largest integrated salmon farming company in North America, is reported to be considering a substantial increase to their operation in Shelburne Harbour. sct5mar08

Bowood mortgage increases to $836,000... according to documents recently filed with the Nova Scotia registrar of deeds, CVN Holdings has increased its mortgage on the former Shelburne Youth Centre property by more than $200,000 and extended the interest-only payment schedule until the end of 2008.
     CVN, which is controlled by Halifax financier Besim Halef, financed the $550,000 purchase of the property in 2007 by Ralston MacDonnell. MacDonnell, his wife Charlene MacDonnell and Bowood Corporation are listed as mortgagees on the loan.
     The security training centre, seniors day care and conference centre planned for the site site have yet to materialize and the condominium units recently put on the market for sale are now being advertised as rentals.
     A concert of the very popular Simon and Garfunkle review played at the new performance space there last week to a small group of paid audience and local officials, who were guests of the promoter, hired by Bowood to produce entertainment shows there. Steve Antle has ambitious plans for the site, including shows in the 150-seat theatre, 800 seat former gym and 5,000-person outdoor square off Commission Street.
     Bruce Guthro, Lennie Gallant, Jill Barber have been named as possible acts and tentative plans are underway to have a Francophone/Acadian-flavoured event, featuring big-name regional performers..  
     According to the registrar filings, the $8,158 monthly payments cover the 12% interest only and the full amount of $836,000 is due and payable on November 1, 2008. sct5mar08

Davis urges action on Acker field... Municipal Councilor Raymond Davis is upset at the recent decision by his council to absent themselves from any responsibility for Albert Acker Memorial Field.     
   The field was created through student labour and donations almost 40 years ago as a memorial to high school basketball star Albert Acker, who was killed in a car wreck enroute to a game. It has been jointly owned by the Municipality and Town for 38 years.
     In an interview with SCT, Davis decried the decision to turn over 52% of the ownership of the field to the Town of Shelburne. "I feel strongly about this," Davis said. "A memorial field is something that is to be maintained as such forever, like the cenotaph."
     The Town has yet to be informed of the Municipal decision and Davis is urging local residents who share his concerns to call and write to councilors to voice their concerns. sct5mar08

Big plans for former navy base... The saga continues surrounding Shelburne’s former base with a new set of buyers recently signing an agreement to purchase the site. 
     According to Jim Kendrick, he and his business partner Mary Barstow from Vermont, have been researching the site for three years since the first time he stumbled across the site while searching for a vacation property. >>> more

US Counsel General visits Yarmouth council, mayor, SWSDA... officials recognize the importance of having a good flow of traffic across the Canada-U.S. border but they acknowledge too the reality of new travel regulations, American Consul General Harold Foster said during a visit to Yarmouth last week.
    Referring to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, he said the hope is that the implementation of the land and sea passport rule...  >>> more 

Digby new home for US-based cruise ship?... The 100-metre liner is being built for Pearl Seas Cruises of Connecticut, which describes the new vessel as the “optimum ship, small enough to sail to intriguing places unavailable to most of the larger vessels while also providing a smooth, comfortable ride in deep-water cruising.”   >>> more

Mackay not impressed after Digby wharf tour... Peter MacKay drove all morning Sunday from Pictou County so he could walk once again on the Digby wharf and what the federal cabinet minister saw once he got there didn’t impress him much.
     "I was here about a year ago and it’s deteriorated further," he said after viewing the dilapidated structure. Mr. MacKay said it was tragic and inexcusable that money designated for wharf repair and upkeep was never used for those purposes. "We know where the money wasn’t spent," he said. "I’d like to know where it was spent."
     In 2001, it was reported by CBC that more than $2 million of federal monies were directed to a firm controlled by Ralston MacDonnell, owner of Bowood (Shelburne Boy's School). At the time, CBC reported MacDonnell as says he was not required to "... account for what it spends to anyone." "What we spent.... was out affair."   >>> more

Film deal "hijacked", says Gilmour in Shelburne County Coast Guard... in a front-page story Tuesday about the new players at the Shelburne Film Studios, film producer Steve Gilmour accuses the new investor group of "hijacking" his proposal to SWSDA.
     Reg Ridgley, out-going CAO for Shelburne Municipality, is quoted as saying the lastest developments in the Film Studio saga are 'encouraging."     
     Vermont-based James Kendrick and Pennsylvania-based Mary Barstow say they have all of the financing in place to meet the February 29 and March 31 deadlines imposed by the current purchase-and-sale agreement. sct26feb08

Movie moves & movers... follow-up story by Chronicle Herald on new Shelburne Film Studio buyers... op-ed in Nova Scotia Business Journal Buzz by Steve Gilmour on the state of film industry in Nova Scotia... 

Highest week, day, month in SCT readership... this week's readership of  South Shore and Shelburne County TODAY surpasses all previous weeks and Tuesday's readership passes the previous daily mark by 40%, according to web site stats.  Friday's readership was the second highest since SCT was launched 14 months ago.
     "The level of local interest in our kind of news has truly surprised me," says editor and publisher Timothy Gillespie. "Our readership this month will be more than 200% that of last year at this time." Unique visitors for the year ending February 29 will approach 40,000, the highest visitor volume of any website in the region by far, according to Gillespie.
     At 20,000 visitors a year, Gillespie's regional tourism website, ShelburneNovaScotia.com, generates more visits and direct room night bookings than all of the other similar webs in the area combined.
     He has also designed most of the high-traffic web sites for the region, including:

• HistoricShelburne.com (for the Shelburne Historical Society)
• DiscoverShelburneCounty.com (for the local tourism association)
• ShelburneChamber.com (for the Chamber of Commerce)
• LoyalistLanding2008.org (for the Grand Reenactment Weekend)
• and many other local webs. sct22feb08

Pushed and pulled at Sandy Point... new U.S. buyers for soundstage property... in one of Shelburne's most long-lasting business melodramas, Australian film maker Steve Gilmour says he and his Atlantic Films Studios have been "pushed out" of the deal he spent five months crafting to purchase the Shelburne Film Studios at the former navel base at sandy Point near Shelburne from the South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA).
    The new buyers, according to Gilmour and Shelburne Municipal warden Paulette Scott, are Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow of Vermont. 
     "I am sickened by this trickery," Gilmour told SCT, " and, besides the loss of five months time, we've lost over $100,000 trying to put this together."  Gilmour told the The Herald Thursday that former partners Kendrick and Barstow were to have transferred funds to his account to cover a deposit check, but failed to do so. 
     SWSDA board members were told Wednesday that Gilmour's check had bounced and that he had sent a letter to SWSDA's attorneys removing himself from the deal. "Absolutely not," says Gilmour. "Our intention was to sever our ties with Kendrick and Barstow, but stay in control of the offer and sale agreement which we worked months to create." Gilmour told The Herald that he had the money to complete the deal.
  The SWSDA board voted to continue the deal with Kendrick at least until February 29, when he is required to prove that he has the resources to complete the deal. The Board also voted that, should Kendrick not meet the deadline, CEO Frank Anderson could proceed with another offer in the wings, reportedly from a U.S.-based film company. 
     Fergus Ford, who was the attorney representing the recent "mystery buyer" of the former Boys School (now Bowood, owned by Ralston MacDonnell), apparently has a client interested in the project and SCT has been told that MacDonnell himself may be forming an investment group interested in the base and studio. 
     "We have all of our financing in place and, as far as we are concerned,  this deal is going to happen," Kendrick told SCT. "Frank Anderson, the SWSDA board and Shelburne Municipality have all been extremely welcoming and gracious to us." The U.S.-based pair are currently in Shelburne for meetings about the project and to secure office space and staffing. The municipality has allowed them use of the Council chambers for some meetings.
     Kendrick and Barstow toured the property three years ago and were apparently told by Frank Anderson that the selling price was $11 million. The former publisher, who owns an entertainment firm and construction company, among others, was introduced to the property by a local real estate broker, who also let them know recently that there might be a place for him in Gilmour's deal. The current price on the property is $2.75 million.
     The Herald  reported that a radio station and candle factory were planned for the site and Kendrick says he has plans for many uses at the property. Mary Barstow has a custom candle manufacturing form which will relocate to the site. "Of course," says the self-described entrepreneur, "film production will be top on the list. We are meeting with Anne MacKenzie of Film Nova Scotia on Tuesday to discuss that."
    Kendrick described a current "three-pronged plan", which also includes the creation of "Shelburne Enterprise Park", which he hopes will attract partnerships with local and other firms to build additional business enterprises in the area. "If this sort of thing was easy, everybody would be doing it," Kendrick added. "We want to work with others in creating the next 'right' thing for the area." 
     Kendrick's Seacoast Entertainment firm specializes in multi-media, including web design and music production and distribution. Citing a strong interest in the educational community, he has been is discussions with Nova Scotia Community College about utilizing the aquaculture facilities which are included in the base purchase. 
     Steve Gilmour plans to continue producing films in Nova Scotia - including the Clare Bourke Jones-penned Moon Harvest slated for a start March 1 - but says he has grave concerns that "the only working film studio in Nova Scotia will be plowed under."  sct22feb08  

Catch of the day... fisherman grounded for 10 years... The captain of a groundfish vessel who pitched a childish fit while federal fisheries officers were overseeing the unloading and seizure of his catch last fall has been forbidden to set foot on the deck of any groundfish boat for 10 years.
     Gary Lee Nickerson, 36, of South Side, Cape Sable Island, must also pay several big fines and is on probation for the next year. >>> more

SWSDA makes pitch for Shelburne County tourism role... at a meeting Thursday convened by the Discover Shelburne County Tourism Association, local political leaders heard a lengthy presentation about the recent successes of the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Destination by manager Larry Peach.
    South West Shore Development Authority CEO Frank Anderson told the assembled group that SWSDA would be able and willing to use its expertise gained in developing the Yarmouth destination group to oversee the administrative functions of a tourism plan in Shelburne County.
    The meeting ended without any commitments to a future plan by local politicians. sct22feb08  

Yarmouth Council surprised by possible tourism events pullout by development corp... The Town of Yarmouth will ask the Yarmouth Development Corporation (YDC) to hold off on their plans to stop running area festivals and events. >>> more

Sharks doing it on Georges bank?... Marine scientists in Halifax believe they may have found a new breeding ground for sharks off the coast of Nova Scotia, but they have run into trouble trying to retrieve all the data they need to verify their suspicion that porbeagle sharks are mating around Georges Bank. >>> more

Rural Mailboxes to be abandoned??... 73,000 mailboxes in Nova Scotia are under review in "safety" assessment   >>> more

Shelburne's favourite "songbirds" coming to Osprey for Women's Week show... Merrie Howe, Pat deMolitor, Lisa Buchanan, Kathleen Glauser and ShellyMacIntosh slated for Buchanan-produced show March 1. >>>see poster here   >>> Osprey we here 

Bridgewater man appeals ruling after beating by Mountie.. A Mahone Bay man who suffered a "severe beating" from a Mountie is appealing his conviction for assaulting the officer, calling the ruling unreasonable.. >>>more

Province sued by broadband firm... the now-defunct tech firm which built then abandoned the broadband service for Caledonia in Queens County is suing the province for using their "exclusive property" in designing the model fort he recent province-wide broadband initiative. >>> more

Hospital bracing for loss of another doctor... Roseway Hospital and many of her patients will be struggling after physician Ruby Lewis closes her practice and moves to Ontario at the end of April.  >>> more

Bridgewater angry at police in teen murder case... Frustration and anger has gripped this South Shore Nova Scotia town as residents look for answers in the killing of 12-year-old Karissa Boudreau >>> more

Barrington funeral on Tuesday for Karissa Boudreau... Funeral arrangements have now been made for 12-year-old Karissa Boudreau, the little girl who was found murdered in Bridgewater last weekend. >>>more

Mom and dad questioned in Bridgewater teen murder?... The tragic killing of Karissa Boudreau remains unsolved, at least for the time being.
     Police arrested two people Thursday in the death of the 12-year-old Bridgewater girl but released them Friday without laying any charges. By law, an arrested person can’t be held for more than 24 hours unless charges are laid.  >>> The Herald 
Grandparents say they know who was arrested, but were told not to divulge who suspects are... >>> The Herald  Mom's boyfriend shaken by murder... >>> The Herald  >>> Canadian Press video   >>> National Post  sct16feb08

Enough is enough in the Digby Neck quarry fight... divide and conquer strategy not welcome in Bilcon's fight to overturn panel decision  >>> more

More court time for eBay land sellers... lawyers for Carmen & Kevin Blinn and Jon and Sadie Smith faced off in Supreme Court Friday at a hearing before Justice Susan Hood about who was representing the mysterious Mr. Blinn in the proceedings.
     The Smiths have sued the Blinns and a numbered company for fraudulent and deceptive sales practices in at least three eBay land deals in Yarmouth and Cape Breton. 
     The Blinns lawyer, Stephanie Atkinson of Burchell MacDougall, says she no longer represents Kevin Blinn and will file documents with the court to that effect. The Smith's lawyer, Michelle Kelley of Cox Palmer, says she now hopes that the case might go to trial in the fall. The suits began in late 2006. 
     Another Burchell MacDougall lawyer, Gary Richard, is on record as representing Kevin Blinn in a series of one year-old defamation allegations and suits relating to the couple's eBay real estate sales in Port Clyde. Richard has not filed any notice with the court that he no longer represents Mr. Blinn in those actions.
     None of allegations in any of the cases has been proven in court.  sct16feb08

Not enough evidence for  trial in Black Loyalist firebombing... A Shelburne County man who was accused of setting fire to the headquarters of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society in in Birchtown near Shelburne will not go to trial.
     The Crown entered a stay of proceedings Thursday on a charge of arson against Gaylord Avery Perry. Local RCMP did not accumulate adequate evidence to pursue charges, according to Crown prosecutor.
     "Considering the evidence that was available, I wasn’t satisfied that it was appropriate to continue at this stage," Jim Fyfe told The Herald after court on Wednesday.  >>> more   sct16feb08

Dishing dirt in Barrington.... land developer Ken Anthony is waiting to see who will take the lead in clearing up the contaminated soil from near his new apartment development on the former High School site in Barrington Passage.
    "I've cleaned up two smaller messes myself to the tune of $45,000, but enough is enough," Anthony told SCT. The Municipality of Barrington recently rejected a request from Tri-County Reginal School Board to cost-share the cleanup. 
     "Under the law, we have a right to presume that the District was giving us uncontaminated land when they turned the site over," said a muni official. 
     The contamination is likely to be fuel oil, according to Anthony. If the matter is not resolved soon, the builder said, "It will be going to the lawyers."
     Anthony has signed deals for 16 of the apartments to be occupied within a couple of months and is also adding commercial space to the project sct14feb08 

Energy Minister pursues Georges Bank oil exploration... Energy Minister (and Yarmouth MLA) Richard Hurlburt told meetings of the Tory faithful and oil and gas executives that the fishery could coexist on Georges Bank and that "It’s safe to do drilling in our offshore," Mr. Hurlburt said.
    Hurlburt says he will spearhead the government's push to overturn the current exploration moratorium, while the Ecology Action Centre and Shelburne County MLA Sterling Belliveau have protested the "new policy direction" for the energy department and government.  >>> The Herald
    Georges Bank is part of the Gulf of Maine and is off the southern tip of Nova Scotia near Yarmouth. The US Geological Survey describes parts of the Georges Banks as "important habitat for the spawning and survival of several fishery species".
     The New England-based Conservation Law Foundation has warned that, despite the moratorium, the region "continues to be targeted by the oil and gas industry and other pro-drilling interests".    

eBay land sales team buys back foreclosed lot... Wednesday's Sherrif's auction in Shelburne saw Carmen Blinn buy back a foreclosed lot from her Seaside Breezes development in Port Clyde for close to $2,900. Blinn's numbered company had foreclosed on Stephen Rowe from the USA after he explained to them that he could no longer meet the payments.
    Prior to the auction, Blinn argued in the courtroom with the Sheriff about who was the rightful owner of the land, with the Sheriff saying the numbered company and Blinn saying the mortgager. In the end, it was disclosed that the the mortgager is the same numbered company.
    Blinn's attorney Stephanie Atkinson wrote to the Sheriff claiming that there was no HST due on the sale. According to provincial records, the numbered company is headquartered in Burchell MacDougall law offices in Truro.
    The 2.3 acre lot originally sold for $10,000, with $15,000 now being sought for similar lots on the Blinn's web site. The numbered company and Carmen Blinn are plaintiffs in two defamation suits and, with husband Kevin Blinn, are defendants in two defamation and one consolidated fraud suit regarding sales practices over eBay for the Port Clyde land and other properties. sct14feb08 

49 more jobs to go at Bowater Mersey?... A move to cut 49 positions at Bowater Mersey Paper Company Ltd. is literally rolling along the employee line with probable job losses at the end, says Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada Local 141 President Courtney Wentzell  >>> more

Farmed salmon killing wild species...  Salmon farming operations have reduced wild salmon populations by up to 70 per cent in several areas around the world and are threatening the future of the endangered stocks, according a new scientific study.  >>> more

Politics and law trumping growth for SouthWest Nova... lawyers, godfathers, government money, hangups and politics... Clarks Harbour mayor says Shelburne County is getting the shaft again... more on the disappearing $750,000 from Jim Meeks at The Herald   >>> more

Yarmouth area gets $150,000 in tourism boost... the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores tourism area will get a big boost from ACOA, the Nova Scotia government and SWSDA to develop a long-term tourism plan for the region.
     "The federal government, through ACOA, recognizes the potential for tourism in Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores region as well as the contribution this industry makes to the economy of southwest Nova Scotia. A long-term strategy [will] ensure a vibrant future for communities," said Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
     The provincial government and ACOA are each contributing $67,500 to the $150,000 project. The South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA will contribute $15,000.
     "This funding is a continuation of our support for the tourism industry in the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region," said Bill Dooks, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "The long-term plan we're funding will be strategic and customer focused, and it will draw on the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful part of Nova Scotia to bring more visitors here."
      Recent news stories have detailed the challenges the Yarmouth and the South Shore have faced with the past year's dwindling tourism numbers, and modified ferry service and some operators in the area have high hopes that a long-term plan will add to the region's tourism viability.
     Bob Benson, owner of Churchill Mansion appreciates the need and wisdom of long-term planning, but also sees the need for immediate action. "Lots of places are for sale and tourism workers are leaving the area," Benson told SCT. "We are losing our tourism infrastructure and we need help now."    sct11feb08

Base instincts.... The purchase and sale agreement has been signed, money has changed hands and producer Steve Gilmour is set to begin production on Moon Harvest there in March...  Gilmour and Jim Hendrick of New Hampshire met with SWSDA execs today to discuss the timelines involved in the $2.75 million real estate transaction and, from all reports, it was a veritable lovefest.
    Gilmour, head of Atlantic Film Studios, is eager to begin production on the film written by Clare Bourke-Jones. "We're off to the races now," Gilmour added, "and we expect smooth sailing after some earlier bumps in the road." sct11feb08

Nova Scotia Music maven to program concerts at Bowood... former TV host and East Coast Music Awards chair Stephen Antle, has been solicited by Ralston MacDonnell to produce a series of events at Bowood (former Boy's School).
     Muscian Antle, one of the founders of the famed Stan Rogers Folk Festival, has ambitious plans for the site, including shows in the 150-seat theatre, 800 seat former gym and 5,000-person outdoor square off Commission Street.
     Folk hero Bruce Guthro is slated for two shows this season, with possible appearances by Lennie Gallant, Jill Barber and others. The affable Antle also discussed tentative plans to have a Francophone/Acadian-flavoured event, featuring big-name regional performers.
    Antle will be meeting with community and cultural groups as he works to integrate the Bowood programming into the existing cultural landscape. One possibility discussed was the reprise of the former Shelburne Jazz & Blues Festival, turned away by The Osprey in 2006 after four years of operation.
     "With the surprising and unqualified success of StanFest," said Antle, "there's no reason Shelburne couldn't have a similar experience with the right programming and promotion." sct11feb08

I'm in!!... Mayor's race sees first salvo with announcement by P.G. Comeau...  in a somewhat surprising announcement in the middle of Wednesday's Town Council meeting, Mayor P.G. Comeau announced that he would offer again as mayor of Shelburne in October elections.
     The early announcement by the savvy politician is seen by some pol-watchers as a preemptive strike at any number of others who seemed poised to take on the veteran campaigner.
     Also rumoured to be considering a run to be named "his or her worship" are councilors Al Delaney and Elizabeth Acker, deputy mayor Tony Mahaney, former port boss Donnie Acker and former Chamber prez Elizabeth Rhuland. A crowded field is generally seen as plus for the "no holds barred" style of Comeau's electioneering.
     Past elections have been fraught with no little controversy, including claims of polling booth irregularities and a series of "sure thing" ferry announcements, which turned to dust in post election. sct07feb07 

Councilor and warden rants hallmark (again) of Municipal Council meeting... During a discussion of the proposed move by the Muni offices to Ralston MacDonnell's charming wooded glen of Bowood, councilor Rayond Davis raged that it was "those crazy meetings" that made him agree not to consider the move until fiscal 2008-2009 budget discussions.
     Davis was reminded by former deputy warden John Roscoe that  councilors  had promised rate-payers to hold off on any move votes until this spring. "I will be voting against it," said Roscoe. Davis is on record as having made previous votes just to "shut up" certain councilors.
     The move to Bowood is the brainchild of out-going CAO Reg Ridgely, who, some months ago,  had invited MacDonnell to an unagended and unannounced visit with the Council to give his latest slide show pitch about the move. Ridgely's presentation last week was mostly an amalgam of MacDonnell's slides, with a smattering of largely unreadable and not-too-very-relevant-to-the-circumstances-here news clippings tossed in. Middle school book report grade = C-.
     In a common tableau reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinners long past, and as is often the case at council meetings, Davis was being gently (and sometimes covertly) nudged into some semblance of public self-control by Ridgely and tablemates. 
     The Council requested staff to re-visit the issue and prepare a solid report. The previous report more than a year ago by a staff committee had the decaying buildings falling in on themselves and suffering the ignoble fortune of being razed by dozers if the Munis did not move into the site immediately. 
     Not to be outdone and apparently being incensed by the lack of respect afforded her in her role as warden, Paulette Scott took her council to the collective woodshed. Citing behaviour at Council and elsewhere, warden Scott had at 'em. 
     In what would be reserved for a more private and guarded down-dressing of her wards and colleagues by a more politic and statesmanlike headmistress, Scott openly criticized the real or imagined  transgressions of her councilmates. Given the consistently egregious behaviour of Davis, it came as a surprise to many in the room that the usually-composed and decidedly civil  Sherm Embree was singled out for the dastardly crime of "eye-rolling" during one of Davis' oratorial expostulations. 
     The public attending, nor her fellow councilors (with possibly two exceptions) were not amused.  (story based on Coast Guard reports and interviews with attendees).sct5feb08