With the Inter-Municipal Services Agreement Board’s (IMSA) approval, the Municipality of the County of Annapolis has renewed its collaboration with Valley Waste-Resource Management (VWRM).

 The County has entered into an agreement that has Valley Waste managing all aspects of solid waste for Annapolis County under a service contract.

 "Council and staff are so pleased to see this partnership with VWRM evolve," said Warden Alex Morrison. "We are grateful to have the support of our IMSA affiliates. I believe it's fair to say that all municipalities recognize the benefits of working together on a region-wide basis to manage a variety of issues, including solid waste."

 The 18-month term agreement runs from July 1, 2023, until March 31, 2025, or upon the establishment and finalization of a new IMSA. At that time, Annapolis County may have the opportunity to become part of the inter-municipal services agreement with other municipalities in the Valley. The other municipalities that currently participate under the IMSA are Kings County, Annapolis Royal, Berwick, Kentville, Middleton, and Wolfville.

The organizations are working diligently to make this transition of solid waste management to VWRM as seamless as possible. Residents should not notice any considerable change, except for the VWRM logo appearing on promotional materials, carts, etc.

“Valley Waste-Resource Management welcomes Annapolis County back under our umbrella of services. It strengthens our region, and we look forward to working with Annapolis County and its residents into the future”, says Andrew Garrett, Communications Manager.

Under the new agreement, Valley Waste will offer service enhancements previously provided by municipal staff: Bylaw enforcement, including illegal dumping management; compost cart management; residents’ educational components; and ongoing management of contracted collection services provided by EFR, including all public service inquiries.

The transfer of solid waste management to VWRM became effective on July 1, 2023.

Annapolis Regional Emergency Management Organization (Annapolis REMO) is urging everyone to take proactive steps in preparation for Tropical Storm Lee.

Meteorological indicators are forecasting landfall in Nova Scotia this weekend, and it is predicted to bring powerful winds, heavy precipitation, and potentially dangerous storm surges. Authorities across the province are diligently preparing for the storm and are telling the public to do the same, well in advance of its arrival.

"Taking immediate steps to get prepared for the storm will make all the difference in the world,” said Brian Orde, Coordinator of Annapolis REMO. “If you haven't prepared yet, it's essential to go out right now before the storm hits. Also, extend assistance to community members who may be vulnerable and require additional support.”

Residents are encouraged to put in place an emergency plan, acquire or update their emergency kits, and stay well-informed throughout the event.

Orde shared some key steps individuals can take to prepare for the approaching tropical storm:

• Assemble an emergency kit stocked with supplies sufficient for several days without power. This should include at least 6 liters of water per person (equivalent to 2 liters per day), non-perishable food items that require no cooking, such as canned and dry goods (don't forget to include pet food), a manual can opener, first-aid supplies, a minimum 3-day supply of prescription medications (including pet medications), wind-up or battery-powered flashlights and radios, extra batteries, small bills for cash, and copies of important documents like driver's licenses, birth certificates, and insurance papers.
• Develop a household emergency plan and ensure that all household members are familiar with it.
• Keep mobile phones fully charged and enabled to receive Environment Canada Weather Alerts, including forecasts and notifications for flash flooding and other emergency situations.
• Avoid driving on flooded roadways.
• Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and identify alternative shelter locations in case evacuation becomes necessary.
• Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, birdfeeders, and other loose items.
• Remove boats and watercraft from the water to prevent damage.
• Properly install, fuel, and ensure the good working order of generators, maintaining a safe distance of at least 20 feet (7 metres) from your home and never locating them within enclosed spaces such as garages or sheds.

Additionally, residents are encouraged to subscribe to Annapolis REMO Emergency Email Notifications for timely updates. Subscribing is a straightforward process; simply visit https://annapoliscounty.ca/government/subscribe-to-news, click on “REMO-Regional Emergency Management Organization,” provide your name and email, and click the subscribe button.

For comprehensive information on creating a Home Emergency Plan and learning how to prepare for all types of emergencies, visit www.getprepared.ca. Stay connected with Annapolis REMO via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AnnapolisREMO) and Twitter (@Annapolis_REMO) for further updates and important announcements. Your proactive participation in preparing for Tropical Storm Lee is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

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Annapolis REMO contact:

Brian Orde,

Annapolis REMO Coordinator

(902) 532-0258 (office)

(902) 955-1185 (cell)

borde@annapoliscounty.ca

It is extremely disappointing to hear about a planned protest representing “Million Person March for Kids” taking place in our community of Bridgetown today.

Of course, every person has the right to voice their opinion and support their own belief in the form of a respectful and peaceful protest; however, if the message reflects fear and hate towards another group of people, it is just wrong. I, along with all members of Council, strongly and unequivocally denounce any words or actions of hate towards other individuals regardless of their beliefs.

Thankfully, we do live in an area where there are people who are diligent in promoting inclusivity, kindness, and acceptance of not only the 2STLGBTQ+ community, but everyone. This is the kind of continuous positivity and encouraging messaging of inclusion that is appreciated, valued, and needed.

Alex Morrison
Warden

Municipal Council is pleased to share that the planning and development of Bear River’s new water system is underway.

In July, Council voted unanimously to approve the funding needed to start the process for this long-awaited project.

“It is wonderful to see that there is movement in the community of Bear River as the new water system starts to come to fruition,” said Annapolis County Warden Alex Morrison. “Providing safe water to the businesses and residents of Bear River has always been a priority, so after years of discussions it is wonderful to see the work being started.”

In June 2023, the engineering services of CBCL Ltd. were engaged to complete a study of water supply options in Bear River. It was determined an expansion of the existing Hillsborough Water System was the best course of action. The detailed project planning is now ready to proceed.

“Over the last 7 years, we have faced obstacles to progress, which is not uncommon when dealing with so many levels of government and key community partners,” noted Councillor Michael Gunn. “However, we are fortunate to have a good relationship with our neighbours, Municipality of Digby, who have continually supported us in the goal of bringing potable water to residents and businesses in the 'downtown’ core of Bear River.  I'd like to thank them for their steadfast commitment to the project, and Annapolis County Council who have supported the effort to keep this dire need a priority.”

The total cost for the project is approximately $2.6 million which will involve a series of steps. The first is securing sufficient water supply, which involves enhancing the Hillsborough Water Society’s wells and storage to accommodate the new system.

While the water supply is being developed, CBCL Ltd. will design the expanded water distribution network. This involves designs for upgrading the existing network of watermains from 50mm lines to 100mm, including approximately 1.2 kms of new watermain network. As more work design continues and the distribution network is laid out, the system plan will be presented to the public at an information session.

“Although exact dates have not been confirmed, staff will be engaging with municipal engineers, regulatory officials, Bear River First Nations, and community groups as the project continues to move forward,” noted Warden Morrison. “Citizen involvement and input to complete this project is very important to its success.”

Residents can expect to see more presence of municipal staff in and around Bear River over the coming months as this next phase of the project gets underway.