Chamber News

Special Announcement to West Hants Chamber Members

In partnership with the Hants – Kings Community Business Development Centre, the Job Resource Centre is pleased to present FREE Human Resource Training. The Job Resource Centre has secured the services of Marlene Custance of West 14 Group. Marlene spent many years in the HR industry with major NS companies. Marlene will be presenting a three session series of workshops that will assist anyone who has employees.
 

Sessions will take place at the Job Resource Centre in Windsor, 80 Water St.

Should you or someone from your organization wish to attend please rsvp to Rob Frost:

Rob Frost
Floor Supervisor/ Employment Coordinator
Job Resource Centre
Windsor, NS
(902) 798-6645
rfrost@enterprisecentre.info


West Hants and Area News

Letter to Premier on track

Following Kings County Economic Development’s lead, the Hants Regional Development Authority is ready to present a letter to the Premier on behalf of all three West Hants Councils (Hantsport, West Hants and Windsor) regarding the rail corridor between Halifax and the Annapolis Valley. An economic impact study sponsored by the Kings EDA earlier this year concluded that maintaining the line through Kings County was not feasible for the time being, but called for increased co-operation among jurisdictions, including Hants County, to commit to keeping the corridor available for additional shipping and commuter rail service in the future. The letter states, “Our region’s rail connection represents a significant asset for existing businesses and a potential selling point for new industrial employers. It also promises future opportunity for a commuter rail service. To this end, the Hants Regional Development Authority has agreed to explore opportunities for maintaining the connection. The benefits of the Atlantic Gateway Initiative can extend to the Annapolis Valley through solid regional infrastructure, including a twinned highway and continued rail service.” Currently, the Hantsport to Windsor line is tied to Fundy Gypsum’s operations and there is no significant industrial user to justify keeping the Windsor to Halifax line open. “We certainly don’t want to lose that part of the line for the benefit of businesses and commuters down the road,” says Councillor Shirley Pineo. “Especially not with gas prices escalating the way they are and how our area is growing. Hants County is one of the fastest growing areas around the HRM because it is within a reasonable commuting distance.” Ryan MacNeil, the HRDA’s Executive Director, states that consulting is underway with select businesses who have expressed interest in maintaining the line between Windsor and Halifax. “When we have gathered this intelligence, we plan to form a small working group to proceed with the action plan,” MacNeil told E-News. The HRDA was unable to comment about plans to consult the public at the present time, but encourages Chamber members to make their views known the HRDA.

The letter is the latest development in a long line of transportation issues each Council and the HRDA has been grappling with to improve transportation in the area. Kings Transit ridership has incrementally increased as improvements to the service have been made. May statistics show a slight increase of about 70 people to reach a total of 2,296. It is hoped these numbers might increase again if enough residents not directly on the Kings Transit route can be encouraged to use the service if they have better access to it. One idea being tried on is to have smaller feeder buses in the very rural areas like the Burlingtons, Avondale and Vaughan meeting up with Kings Transit bus route, which is expected to make additional changes to its schedule effective July 1, 2008. The pending changes will mean riders will be able to ride straight through to Wolfville without having to change buses or wait in either Brooklyn or Windsor, which can add on to the journey times by as much as a half hour. Eventually Kings Transit is hoping to have buses to meet Metro Transit buses in Sackville.
[Source: Avondale Media].


Gas Price Leak

“Someone is playing the fiddler somewhere,” says Gary McLean of McLean’s Petro Canada in Brooklyn, when it comes to talking about the province’s gas regulation. “It’s got it’s good and bad points, like everything in life, but I don’t think the government thought this all the way through,” he said, “And on the other side of the coin, people are going to have to adapt, “ he says. “High gas prices are here to stay.” McLean, who previously was supplied by Esso for many years but jumped to Petro Canada after Wilson’s took over the Esso stations, says he knows he’s been fortunate to be considered a surviving independent retailer in a rural area - so far. “There are about 5 gas stations in this rural area now, and I’ll be surprised if I see all of them remaining open by the end of the summer, and that’s just the way business is. The stronger survive and the weaker go under. ” McLean, who estimates gas will reach and stay around $1.50 per litre the rest of the summer, says he can’t judge the volume the rest of the local stations are selling the way he used to. Environment Canada once made that information available to the public before the Privacy Act was made law. One of several factors hurting his business right now is the price leaks that are happening every day of the week. He explains that with regulation meant that the weekly adjusted prices were meant to be kept under wraps until the government’s announcement each Friday. “We get a fax late Thursday from our supplier telling us what the gas prices will be, and by law we are not allowed to tell anyone what that amount is,” said McLean. “So how are the media finding out days before?” I don’t deny the public has a right to choose the best prices, but knowing they are going up in a heated market days before they do go up creates problems,” said McLean. “Before regulation, I used to just make the margins I needed, but now I might be getting 4 cents/litre and it costs me 3.5 cents to pump it after I cover the cost of selling it for less than what I bought it for, credit card fees and HST.” McLean says that there are some markets, like New Brunswick, where the regulated market helps to create stability in retailer’s margins. “But somehow Nova Scotia is just not getting it right,“ he says. “I don’t think they took enough time to think it through and I’m not entirely sure the government should have their noses in it if they can’t do it right,” he says. Even that 3-4 cents lower in New Brunswick might not help out consumers a whole heck of a lot, it sure does help us.” McLean did his own fuel consumption test recently on his truck while driving to Halifax over a two week period. “By lowering my speed by from my usual 115 km/ hour to 95 km/hour, I drove one day for free,” he said. “My tank lasted me longer and it didn’t take more than 5 minutes longer to get to my destination.” [Source: Avondale Media]

Mall is a Memory

Businesses and traffic along Gerrish Street will notice a new, but familiar, face amongst them. Avon Microsystems has moved from its location in the Windsor-West Hants Industrial mall to the site of the site of the former Legal Aid office at 138 Gerrish Street. Gordon Winstone, the company’s owner, said the time was right to expand from where it had been located since 2002. “The mall is no longer owned by the province, so for the cost of being there, I might as well be in the heart of Windsor where everyone can see me,” he said. “We’re very pleased. We’ve got more space and look forward to getting some more foot traffic,” said Winstone. The original intent of the site, which features up to 5 office spaces, was to be an incubator mall, said West Hants Municipal Councillor Shirley Pineo. “It was to be a place where businesses could get on their feet paying lower rents until such a time they were capable of paying usual commercial prices,” she said. The facility’s previous owner was the Department of Transportation and Public Works, now renamed to Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. The Department sold the site in October to a new owner who is gradually bringing the rents up to commercial standards. Current tenants include Feet First, Ryjobar Machining Services Ltd and Envirosphere Consultants Ltd.

But with good news also comes bad. E-News has learned that Fort Edward Mall Department store SAAN is closing on August 15th. The Mississauga-based store is going out of business across Canada, which will impact four stores in Nova Scotia in Windsor, Liverpool, Digby and Yarmouth. [Source: Avondale Media, The Chronicle Herald]

For more commercial office space for sale or lease, see below.

Valley Wines Win

Gaspereau Valley Haverstock Vineyards toasted several gold awards from this year’s All-Canadian championships in Windsor, Ontario. Says owner Gina Haverstock, “Nova Scotian year after year is pulling out more medals and putting (the province) more on the map as a growing region, as a winemaking region.” This year, 152 wineries across Canada submitted more than 1,000 wines for consideration. Five Nova Scotia wineries, all but Jost based in the Annapolis Valley, won a total of 19 medals. However, Jost awards did include a bronze for their 2007 blended Avondale Riesling Gold. For a complete list of winners, click here

101 Update

Just over 4 kilometres of the Highway 101 westerly toward the Kings-Hants county line from the exit to Falmouth has just been completed and open to motorists. Alva Construction was awarded the $5.3 million dollar tender in July 2007 and work began shortly after last August. “We worked on it right up until December,” company spokesperson A.G. MacDonald told The Chronicle Herald. The company needed 125,000 tonnes of gravel and opened up a quarry outside of Windsor to drill, blast and crush their own.


Regional and National Headlines

Federal Budget Act passes
 

The Federal Tories survived yet another confidence vote on Monday when politicians voted in favour of a government bill that also contains controversial changes to Canada's immigration law. Members of Parliament voted 121 to 90 in favour of bill C-50, the 2008 budget implementation act, in the House of Commons on Monday evening. The bill received third and final reading in the House. The amendments, which are embedded in the budget bill, will give the immigration minister greater selection powers to limit the number of new immigration applicants. It will also allow the government to fast-track applications from the types of immigrants it wants, such as skilled workers, and freeze applications from others. Prime Minister Harper and Immigration Minister Diane Finley have argued the measures are necessary to reduce a backlog of more than 900,000 immigration applicants, which has created wait times of between three and six years for even those who meet all the requirements.
[Source: cbc.ca]

Car RDA Funding

The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, announced funding for 54 Canadian research projects that are exploring a wide range of advanced technologies to make future automobiles more efficient, safe and environmentally friendly. He made the announcement last week at the AUTO21 2008 Conference in London, Ontario, while speaking to leading-edge researchers from across the country. "Canadian consumers are looking for new, cutting-edge vehicles that are advanced, efficient and green," said Minister Prentice. "Right here in Canada our researchers are stepping up to deliver, and our government is proud to be investing in these projects that involve more than 500 Canadian researchers." "Our government knows how important our auto sector is for our economy, and we are doing what it takes to fuel innovation for our industry to get out in front of the competition and stay there," he added. "In fact, investing in these research projects is one part of our government's plan to boost the competitiveness of Canada's auto industry. We've also introduced an auto strategy, we've provided tax incentives, and we've introduced mandatory fuel consumption standards."

The Government of Canada is investing $9.5 million over two years for these projects through the Networks of Centres of Excellence Program. An additional $10.5 million is being provided by 240 private and public sector organizations, including automakers, parts suppliers and materials companies. As a result of this investment, more than 300 researchers at 43 universities will conduct research and development that will keep Canada at the forefront of innovation in the automotive industry. For more info - http://www.nce.gc.ca/

Environmental Management MOU

Federal and provincial environment ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on environmental cooperation and announced significant federal project funding in Wolfville June 6.
The deal was signed at the conclusion of a two-day Atlantic Council of Environment Ministers meeting, held during Environment Week.

Federal Environment Minister John Baird, Nova Scotia Environment Minister Mark Parent, New Brunswick Environment Minister Roland Hache, PEI Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister George Webster and Newfoundland and Labrador Environment Minister Charlene Johnson signed. New Brunswick’s Environment Minister was unable to attend, but signed the agreement in advance. N.B. Deputy Environment Minister Rachel Bard represented the province at the event.

The agreement is a broad set of environmental management principles designed to enhance environmental protection, helping governments work together. The first project will focus on surface and ground water. Baird said climate change challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions, are shared by all Canadians. The MOU is the foundation of what he hopes will be a fruitful, productive relationship. “It will establish principles that will be the cornerstone of environmental management in the Atlantic region,” Baird said. “Good information leads to good decisions, which leads to better environmental protection,” Parent said. Baird announced $5 million in new funding for five years for a weather station and conservation on Sable Island, part of the federal government’s Action Plan for Clean Water and an overall investment of $61.5 million over five years. The initiative will contribute to the eventual designation of Sable Island as a National Wildlife Area. Baird said the federal government wants the biggest environmental benefit for its buck, and Sable Island is a priority for him. Parent said the Sable Island research station would provide important environmental data to help support decisions made for our region. He said wildlife protection is good news as well and it’s a great way to celebrate Environment Week. The Ministers also discussed climate change, solid waste management, and renewable energy among several other environmental issues facing this region.  For more info - www.ec.gc.ca  [ Source: Nova News Now]


West Hants Commercial Real Estate/Office Space

Commercial property in the area proves to be a hot commodity these days as a number of sales are getting taken off the market. The former home of Sun Kiss Tans recently sold and E-News can confirm an offer has been made on the former site of the Dragon Tan Restaurant and Black Bear Tavern on Water Street. Further details are pending.
 

• Red Letter Philanthropy Counsel is leasing three professional offices adjacent to their facilities in Avonian Place on Water Street. These spaces are high end, beautiful fit and finish. Offices available as follows:
  
  - 2 single individual offices (enter to main hallway)
  - 1 double office, with executive office and waiting room
  
  To view, click here; inquiries: 902 798 0809 or michelle@redlettercounsel.com
   

• The Christie Cuffari Law Office has space available next to the CIBC on Gerrish Street in Windsor, for $10 sq foot plus electricity, up to 1,650 square feet available. Contact Sandy Hill 798-0037
   

• Minas Realties has a listing for 6000 sq feet of space for sale that is currently being leased to the NSLC in Hantsport for the next four years. Lease info is available through the listing office under confidentiality agreement. $499,900
   

• Janet White is listing a 9,600 sq foot lot on Upper Water Street. Call 798-5020
   

• Other West Hants businesses for sale include Crossroads Restaurant $575,000
  and the Walton Pub & Eatery/Variety $269,000
   

• Have commercial space to lease or sell? Please send your listing to info@whcc.ca and we will circulate the information with our newsletter which is also posted on our website.

In other real estate news, the South Shore’s Tradewinds Realty Inc. is expanding into Hants County with the addition of agents Wendell Gilby and Amy Thompson.


Business Events List:

June – October, Windsor Farmers Market
Windsor Waterfront Time: 8.30am-1.00pm

Wednesday, June 11th - Novaknowledge Leaders Breakfast, Values-Banking vs. the Subprime Crisis, keynote Jamie Baillie, president and CEO Credit Union Atlantic, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax. 8 a.m.

Wednesday, June 11th - Peter Mansbridge Keynote
Nova Scotia Co-operative Council annual banquet, keynote Peter Mansbridge, Canada and its Changing Place in the World, Glengarry Hotel, 5:30 p.m.
 

Thursday, June 12th – K- ROCK-89.3 FM
Following tests of their transmitters, Thursday expects to be the first regular broadcast day of Annapolis Valley’s newest radio station. http://www.k-rock893.com
 

Friday, June 13th –15th – 50+ Expo 2008
Exhibition Park. Over 300 Exhibitors with entertainment and presentations on Pensions, Fraud, Diets and lifestyle. 9-5 each day, Tickets $5.00/door
 

Saturday, September 27th – Gala Fundraising Event
Hantsport Memorial Community Centre celebrates 60 Years. Play in the Casino and bid for prizes. Music by Route 66.Tickets are available from the Hantsport Pharmasave, 684-3255 or 684-3166.  For more info, visit www.hantsportnovascotia.com

Chuckles:

A husband and his wife were sound asleep when suddenly the phone rang.

The husband picked up the phone and said, "Hello? How the heck do I know? What do I look like, a weatherman?" He then slammed the phone down and settled into bed.

"Who was that?" asked his wife.

"I don't know. It was some guy who wanted to know if the coast was clear."