News

Feed Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Food Box Program

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Category: Covid-19
Published: Wednesday, 10 June 2020 14:43

Feed Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Food Box program is a short-term initiative to provide home delivery of food to Nova Scotians who need food support and can’t get to a food bank or other food support programs. If you know someone in this situation, please encourage them to call 211 on weekdays from 8am-8pm. Their phone navigators will help identify whether this program is a good fit.

Please note

  • At this point individuals must call 211 for intake, weekdays from 8am-8pm.
  • Each food box contains non-perishable items to help provide food support for up to seven days. A household with one person will receive two food boxes. A household with two or more people will receive four food boxes. No household will receive more than four food boxes in a single delivery. We have a limited capacity of food boxes. If someone needs food support and can’t get to a food bank or other food support programs, we encourage them to make use of this program while it’s available.
  • Food boxes will be delivered throughout the province by community partners, volunteers and courier, depending on the location. In all regions, the matching and delivery process is managed by Feed Nova Scotia. Delivery times will vary between 1-5 days.

Remember, food banks are still there

Most food banks and meal programs are still open with processes in place to safely serve their communities. If you know someone in need of food who does have the ability to access a food bank or meal program, please encourage them to consider this option. To find a food bank nearby, people should call 211 or visit Feed Nova Scotia’s website and click on the Find Food button: Feed Nova Scotia

No Tax Rate Increase as Municipality of Colchester Approves 2020-21 Budget

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Category: Media Releases
Published: Friday, 15 May 2020 11:48

After much scrutiny and thoughtful deliberation, the Municipality of Colchester approved its 2020-21 Operating Budget at a meeting of Council on May 14th.

The budgeting process was especially challenging this year. Council faced many uncertainties relating to COVID-19 and had to meet through ZOOM virtual meetings rather than in person. Despite the unusual circumstances, they were pleased to successfully achieve a balanced budget without increasing tax rates.

“We recognize that many of our residents and businesses may be struggling right now. We worked hard to find ways to reduce spending without impacting our high standard of service, to ensure that we could keep our tax rates the same.” said Colchester County Mayor, Christine Blair.

“We are proud to have one of the lowest tax rates in rural Nova Scotia. We have continued to invest in our reserve funds in preparation for emergency spending if needed and we have continued to invest in capital projects that will help stimulate our struggling economy while improving local infrastructure. I believe we are well positioned to work through these trying times.” said Mayor Blair.

The Operating Budget is set in a context of competing needs, requests, opportunities, and anticipated revenues. Some costs and revenue streams are not within the Municipality’s control. Taxes collected and required to be transferred to the Provincial Government for services such as schools, housing, libraries, and assessment services, and to the Federal Government for policing, increased $389,081 (2.8%) this year to a total of $14,463,224. It is a notable achievement that Council accommodated this increase in the budget without raising tax rates.

“I’m very proud that in this budget we continue to financially support hard-working community organizations throughout Colchester County,” remarked Mayor Blair. The Municipality provides extensive funding for facilities, programs, events, and many not-for-profit community groups in the County. “It is the vital work that these organizations do that makes our communities wonderful and caring places to live in.”

Alert Truro Colchester

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Category: Media Releases
Published: Monday, 11 May 2020 07:51

Sign up to Alert Truro Colchester to be notified of emergencies that threaten life or property in your community. Receive critical information on your phone, computer, or mobile device for events like hurricanes, blizzards, contaminated water, forest fires, chemical spills and other potential hazards affecting you or your loved ones in Colchester County.

Municipal Parks to Re-Open May 4

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Category: Covid-19
Published: Friday, 01 May 2020 12:58

Consistent with the Provincial announcement easing some restrictions during the State of Emergency, the Municipality of Colchester is in the process of re-opening its parks.  The anticipated opening date is Monday, May 4th.It is important to note that all playgrounds will remain closed until further notice.The Cobequid Trail remains open. When participating in any outdoor activity, take precautions to protect yourself and the people around you.

  • You must practice social distancing during all activities. That means staying 2 metres (6 feet) away from people you don’t live with.
  • Plan your activities only with the people you live with. Gatherings are limited to 5 people or fewer.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling sick.
  • Limit non-essential travel. You should use the parks and trails in your local area, if possible.
  • Keep your hands clean. If you have hand sanitizer, bring it with you.
  • Follow cough and sneeze etiquette. Consider wearing a non-medical mask.

West Colchester Residents Request Privacy be Respected

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Category: Media Releases
Published: Wednesday, 22 April 2020 17:07

Residents of the community of Portapique and surrounding area of West Colchester have requested that media please respect their privacy at this time as they grieve and heal from this senseless tragedy.

They have requested that media not enter their community or contact them.

“We appreciate the condolences and the love that has been expressed to us from all across the country. However, residents have asked the Municipality to convey this request to the media on their behalf. Please leave the community to grieve. The presence of cameras and contacting community members for comment is just too much to bear at this time,” said local Colchester County Councillor, Tom Taggart.

As all can appreciate, this has been a very traumatic event for the community. Thank you for respecting this request.

Colchester Offers Funeral Support to Families of All Victims

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Category: Media Releases
Published: Wednesday, 22 April 2020 17:00

Monday evening (April 20) Colchester County Council held an emergency meeting related to the tragic events that occurred in our communities over the weekend.

Much sorrow and heartfelt sympathies were expressed along with concern for the families, friends and neighbors most affected.

At the meeting a motion was quickly tabled to support the families of victims left devastated. Council moved to contribute up to $5000 to help offset the funeral expenses of each victim.

“Council shares the incredible heartbreak that so many are feeling at this time. The families of the victims are left to grieve such incredible loss. We felt that this was one way we could alleviate concerns related to funeral costs and allow families to fully focus on healing.”

In memory of those lost, the flags at our Colchester Municipal Offices continue to be flown at half mast.

County Administration will put staff in place to help navigate any community member who needs assistance finding the support they need throughout this difficult time.

Residents are reminded that the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or someone concerned about them. Call (toll-free) 1-888-429-8167.

Kids Help Phone is available 24/7. Call (toll-free) 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free).

Morneau Shepell has opened its 24/7 bilingual crisis support line to help anyone in need of emotional support as a result of these tragic events. Call (toll free) 1-844-751-2133.

HOSPICE Colchester East Hants is also available for grief support by calling 902-893-3265.

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