News & Announcements
May is Gaelic Nova Scotia Month
- Details
- Category: News & Announcements
"Dualchas na Gàidhlig,'s ann leibhse a tha e: “Saying yes to Gaelic!"
May marks Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, a time to honor and raise awareness about the rich history, culture, language, contributions, and accomplishments of Gaels throughout the province. Today, Warden Amanda Mombourquette, on behalf of Richmond Municipal Council, officially declared May as Gaelic Nova Scotia Month.
To read the proclamation, visit Richmond Municipal Council Proclamations
To learn more about Gaelic history, culture and language, visit https://www.gaelic.ca/
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
- Details
- Category: News & Announcements
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month
As spring has begun, and warm weather is just around the corner, you may find yourself spending more time outdoors these days. With the warmer weather comes tick season. In efforts to bring awareness about Lyme Disease prevention, Warden Amanda Mombourquette, on behalf of Council, has proclaimed May to be Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Richmond County.
There are several kinds of ticks in Nova Scotia, but only the blacklegged tick carries the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Blacklegged ticks are found throughout NovaScotia and all areas of the province are considered as having some risk of Lyme Disease. Ticks like moist and humid environments and can be found in or near woods, shrubs, leaf litter, long grass, urban parks and gardens. They are very small, which makes them hard to spot and their bites don’t hurt, which makes it difficult to know when you’ve been bitten.
Lyme Disease Petition
The Nova Scotia Lyme Advocacy Group has prepared a petition to be presented to the Nova Scotia government during the fall sitting.
PETITION – TICK-BORNE DISEASES IN NOVA SCOTIA DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AWARENESS REQUIREMENTS
The three asks are:
- Adequate Education for all health care providers and residents.
- Development of a Dedicated Tick-Borne Diseases Care Clinic.
- Formation of a Non-Partisan Task Force, including those with lived experience.
If you or someone you know is interested in helping to obtain signatures please contact Donna Lugar at and the petition will be emailed to you to be printed off and photocopied.
Proclamation
WHEREAS Lyme disease is a serious illness caused by the bite of a black-legged tick infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi: and
WHEREAS black-legged ticks carrying a variety of diseases or illnesses can now be found in all parts of Nova Scotia; and
WHEREAS awareness, education and practicing preventative measures, such as daily tick checks and proper tick removal, can help reduce your chances of contracting tick-borne diseases
THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Warden Amanda Mombourquette, on behalf of the Municipality of the County of Richmond do hereby proclaim May 2024 as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month”.
Dated at Arichat, Nova Scotia this 22 day of April, 2024
Tick Check Basics
Check your body and clothing for ticks after spending time outside. Ticks like warm places o the body.
Check:
- in the hairline
- back of neck
- elbows
- back of knees
- back of ears
- waist
- groin
- between the toes
- don't forget to check your pets
- A bath or a shower within two hours of being outdoors makes it easier to spot ticks.
To learn how to reduce your risk by practising preventable measures such as daily tick checks, and proper tick removal, please visit the Government of Nova Scotia Safety Tips.
Q&A - Proposed Water Rate Increase
- Details
- Category: News & Announcements
The Municipality of the County of Richmond - Q & A - Proposed Water Rate Increase
Q: Why is the municipality proposing a water rate increase?
A: The municipality last completed a water rate study in 2016, with the last water rate increase occurring on April 1, 2018. However, due to various factors, the utility delayed moving forward with a new rate study and proposed increases. The utility has been drawing from its accumulated surplus to cover revenue shortfalls over expenses. However, this surplus has significantly diminished, necessitating new rates to avoid ongoing losses within the utility.
Q: What are the reasons behind the need for these proposed rate increases?
A: Several factors contribute to the need for proposed rate increases, including:
- Increased operating costs due to treatment upgrades to meet regulatory requirements.
- Inflationary cost pressures affecting the cost of chemicals, parts, laboratory services, fuel, electricity, and labour.
- Rising capital and operating costs to maintain aging infrastructure.
- Budgeted capital expenditures of approximately $1.25 million from 2024/25 to 2026/27, including work for the renewal of aging infrastructure and necessary treatment upgrades.
- Increased depreciation expenses related to new or upgraded infrastructure, such as the Louisdale / Evanston / Whiteside Water Treatment Plant completed in 2019 and upgrades to the Arichat Water Treatment Plant in 2020/2021.
Q: How were the proposed increases determined?
A: Unlike increases to other municipal services, water rate increases must undergo a rigorous process. The Water Utility, which operates separately from regular municipal operations, requires approval from the NSUARB (Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board). To support the application for increases, a rate study must be performed. The recent rate study concluded in January 2024 highlighted that current rates were insufficient to cover costs, resulting in significant operating deficits in recent years.
Q: What are the financial implications of not increasing rates?
A: Operating deficits have been incurred in recent years, resulting in a steady erosion of the utility's surplus. If current rates are maintained, it is projected that the reserve will be depleted by fiscal year 2025/26 and the Utility will be unable to cover its operating expenses. Depleting reserves would also leave the utility financially vulnerable and unable to fund necessary infrastructure projects in the future.
Q: What are the proposed rates for residential water usage?
A: The proposed rates are based on projected revenue and costs to the utility. For an average residential water consumption of 31 cubic meters, the quarterly bills would increase gradually over the next few years. While these increases may pose challenges, they are essential to cover the operating costs of the utility and address infrastructure deficits and ensure the long-term sustainability of water services in our communities.
The proposed rates for residential water usage are as follows:
|
Consumption Rate (per cubic meter): • Present: $1.67 • 2024-25: $1.76 • 2025-26: $2.03 • 2026-27: $2.23 |
Base Charge for Residential 5/8” Meter (per quarter): • Present: $38.31 • 2024-25: $49.25 • 2025-26: $56.45 • 2026-27: $61.09 |
Q: How will these proposed rates impact residential water bills?
A: Using a residential 5/8” water meter with an average consumption of approximately 31 cubic meters per quarter, the impact on total water billing, including the proposed consumption rates and base charges, is as follows:
Quarterly Water Bill – 5/8” Residential Meter @ ~31m3 / quarter:
- Present: $90.71
- 2024-25: $104.58
- 2025-26: $119.54
- 2026-27: $129.89
Q: How do the proposed rates compare to other utilities in the Province?
A: Average residential bills are expected to remain at or below the Provincial average.
Q: How can residents provide feedback on the proposed increases?
A: The NSUARB holds Public Hearings to allow residents an opportunity to provide feedback and comments. The Hearing is scheduled for May 29 at 1 pm at the Municipal Office. Residents wishing to speak at the hearing must advise the NSUARB by Friday, May 17. Additionally, written comments can be submitted by sending a letter to the Clerk of the NSUARB.
Mail: Clerk of the Board, P.O. Box 1692, Unit “M”, Halifax, NS B3J 3S3.
Email: .
By Fax: 902-424-3919.
Further details, including the Notice of Public Hearing, can be found on the NSUARB website, visit: M11583 - Notice of Hearing.pdf (novascotia.ca).
Resources
pdf Richmond Water Rate Study(815 KB)
pdf NSURAB Public Hearing Notice(108 KB)
Call for Applications - Police Advisory Board (Provincial Appointee)
- Details
- Category: News & Announcements
Call for Applications - Police Advisory Board (Provincial Appointee)
Police Advisory Board (Provincial Appointee)
The Municipality of the County of Richmond has a vacancy on the Police Advisory Board to be filled by a Provincial Appointment.
Applications are now open. The deadline for adjudicative applications is May 22, 2024. To learn more and apply, visit novascotia.ca/abc or call 1-866-206-6844 (toll free).
Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABC's)
pdf Full list of vancancies.(93 KB)