Hall's Harbour: Events Calendar

It is unfortunate that this event had to be canceled this year and it is unfortunate also that the reasons regarding this cancellation were not adequately conveyed to the groups involved.

An invitation was issued to all community groups to a meeting on May 27, 2010 with the HHCDA, who is the sponsoring and insuring body for this event. This letter is to follow up on this meeting. None of the groups invited to this planning session attended. The Fundy View Community Club had previously, on May7, 2010, apprised the HHCDA of their cancellation of the chicken barbecue and children's parade. The FVCC subsequently also canceled their variety show which left no FVCC events at all scheduled for the day. The FVCC did not send a representative to the meeting as they rightly felt it would serve no purpose given these prior decisions by the FVCC board.

Given the lack of attendance or any communication whatsoever by other community groups the HHCDA was faced with a very important decision. The question was asked at the meeting if there was anyone present who would take on these events and move them forward. The answer was no so we had no choice but to move to cancel , by unanimous vote, the event for this year with the hope that next year there would be renewed energy to do this and the event could go ahead.

Another issue was looming over the HHCDA. This issue was the one of liability and due diligence. Last year we attempted to have better traffic control for the afternoon and evening events. Despite our best efforts and those of the Traffic Police unit of the Waterville and District Fire Department, traffic was at best chaotic and at worst potentially lethal. Significantly, at the WDFD Traffic Police’s request, a call to 911 to assist with a situation regarding suspected impaired and dangerous driving was made. The RCMP attempted but could not respond due to the crowds and cars on the highway. This also meant that fire and emergency vehicles could not have responded to any potential threat as well. Clearly to have exposed the people attending any event to this sort of situation was negligent and could not be repeated. Given the fact that the HHCDA is the sponsoring body and we are aware of the public safety issues we cannot turn a blind eye to them.

Thank you

David Lacey, Co-Chair HHCDA

NOV 25 /2009

By a vote of 35 to 82 the motion to tax the residents of the fire district $25.00 per household to fund the FVCC was defeated tonight.

117 ratepayes voted on the issue. A vigorous discussion followed a presentation by the FVCC Board. Nobody was injured.

Letter to Bill Butler and Municipal Councilors Nov/ 21/09

Dear Mr Butler
and Municipal Councilors Nov 21/09

I suggest that voting procedures be made uniform throughout the Bylaws where they pertain to such items as Area Rates and Private Road Maintenance charges etc. There are differences in this procedure as noted below ( 3.3.6) and the procedure we are bound by in the case of an area recreational rate for Hall's Harbour. In the Rec rate issue those listed on the tax bill and their spouses are allowed to vote essentially giving a property more than one and potentially several votes, if others are listed. This is clearly discriminatory to single people and multiple property owners. In the case below ( 3.3.6) it is one property, one vote which seems fair in cases where all properties will be burdened equally in the outcome, as is the case with a Recreational Rate.

The Notice of Meeting ( below 3.3.2) differs as well with it being necessary to notify each stakeholder by direct mail. This should be harmonized with the other related bylaws as well. All ratepayers should be notified well in advance of any vote of the issue at hand.

Another important difference is the in the forms of voting allowed. Proxy, electronic,telephone and "other reasonable means of voting" are allowed in the case below ( 3.3.6) but not in an Area Rate case. Again, the lack of differing forms of voting may ( and certainly does in the Hall's Harbour case) put those who cannot attend at a distinct disadvantage.

Simply put it seems that if the issue affects a property and all properties equally then the voting process should be fair and equal based on ownership of properties affected. One property, one vote. If you are taxed once you should get one vote and only one. If you are taxed several times you should be able to vote accordingly. I feel these issues need to be addressed and harmonized to allow the voting process in all forms of decisions on tax, rates, and fees to be on an equal footing. Please put this request before council for consideration.

See the bylaw clauses referred to below:

See Bylaw re Private Road Maintenance

3.3.6 Following the Applicant’s presentation to the meeting, support for the charge
shall be determined by majority vote of the Owners present at the meeting.
Proxy voting, telephone voting, and electronic voting or other reasonable
means of voting as determined by the meeting will be allowed for those Owners
unable to attend the meeting in person. Each Owner shall have one vote for
each lot they own, limited to one vote per lot if there are multiple Owners of one
lot.

3.3.2 Notice of said meeting shall be posted in no fewer than 5 conspicuous places
in the area to which the charge is to be applied, no less than 14 days prior to
the meeting. Notice of the meeting will also be made through direct mail to all
Owners of land which may be subject

Oct 14 /09

Lobster season starts tomorrow. The Hall's Harbour web cam has been a huge hit around the world with thousands of visits and great interest in the activities in Hall's Harbour but not with the local fishermen who like to keep their activities secret. Because of this and a complaint to DFO the blog on the web cam has been taken down. We respect this need to keep secret the fishermen's activities and will not be publishing any of the following on this website:. Their comings and goings, catch landed, ownership of boats, their locations, any mishaps they may have or any information concerning the fishermen or their boats until further notice. We appreciate their need for complete secrecy in their activities. We cannot , however, control what people see and observe. We can only ask that anyone seeing a boat keep it a secret.

September 2/09

The new webcam had over 700 hits from 23 countries on its first day. Check on the link below to have a look!

The AGM of the HHCDA is Sept 24 at 7:30 at the C@Psite

Aug 31/ 2009

Hall's Harbour has a new web cam. Have a look at: Hall's Harbour Web Cam

Aug 9/ 2009

Apologies for taking most of the summer off from reporting the news. Lobster season has closed and the sinking of Rob Bains boat was an unfortunate ending to an up and down season all around. Rob and his crew are fine but the boat was water damaged and was recently purchased by John Taylor who is actively rebuilding it for the fall season. It will replace the Novi which may stay in the harbour under new ownership.

Construction is beginning August 10 on the Red Fish House Wharf and in preparation the dory, anchor and flowers were moved today by Charles Skerry, Morley Ward and David Lacey to temporary safe locations. The construction will see the Fish House moved, the wharf rebuilt and a new walkway replacing a part of the wharf and a rock barrier constructed between the Fish House Wharf and the Lighthouse Wharf. The lighthouse wharf may go to care of the Harbour Authority and Small Craft Harbours this year.

The HHCDA has reopened the Eco Trails and has published a new brochure this year. The Harbour Authority has a new Chair in Morley Ward. The Litle house has sold to a Florida couple. Construction is moving forward on the VanMeekeren and Houghton cottages.

Bald eagles are frequent visitors to the Harbour with 3 sighted this morning alone. The northern shark fishery did not go forward this year but the harbour was very busy nonetheless. Tourist numbers are moving upward after a dismal start to the season and it is hoped local businesses will fare reasonably well this year.

May 19/2009

Lobster season has begun, the Pound is open and serving all kinds of goodies, cottages are being opened or, in the case of the Orenstein white cottage, getting new foundations and new owners, the VanMeekerens. Daryl and Darlene Houghton have purchased the Pick cottage and are renovating and restoring that craftsman beauty back to its glory.

A new boat, the "Tide Bound" has arrived in the Harbour and has been setting traps all week. David Lacey returned from France where he tought a 2 week painting course in Limoux and area in Southern France. The new works painted on and from this journey will be posted soon on www.davidlaceygallery.com.

Halibut are being landed and lobsters too. The harbour is being dredged. A new Hall's Harbour Brochure is in the works and will be published soon. Tourists are streaming in despite a rumored economic slowdown. Anyone who has tried to navigate New Minas lately will dispute that! John Neville has opened his gallery and the rest will follow soon. Hummingbirds are back and lawns are being mown almost daily it seems. Spring just might be here!

There has been no progress on the issue with Well #3 at this point.

Feb 21 2009

Hall's Harbour is getting a new webcam as soon as the details can be worked out. The location for the webcam has not been determined as yet. The following are some sample images that can be seen at the following url's:

HH webcam 1

HH webcam 2

Feb 5 2009

Mike and Henriette have left the management of the Lobster Pound and are moving to Weymouth immediately to undertake a new venture there. They will be greatly missed in Hall's Harbour. We wish them well. It is not known who will assume management of the Lobster Pound in their absence or what effect, if any ,this will have on day to day operations of the Pound or the Gift shop Restaurant.

The HHWCL has had a conference with David Lacey regarding Well #3. Please see the HH Water Coop page.

Jan 22 2009

The HHWCL has set a date and time when all its executive have agreed that it is convenient for them to talk again with David Lacey regarding Well #3. Mr Lacey will host, at his expense, a conference call on January 29, 2009 at 7:30 pm to finalize this issue. The last time the HHWCL executive and members of the committee formed to resolve this issue and were able to arrange a convenient time for them to meet with Mr Lacey was October 25, 2008, some 88 days ago. This will be the final meeting on the matter. The outcome will decide the future of well #3.

The HHVFD has begun construction on the generator shed and parking space addition to the Fire Dept.

Jan 12, 2009

See the Water Coop page for an update on the talks to have Well # 3 remain in its current location.

Jan 5 , 2009

Some "maybe" news on the horizon. Have a look at the proposed clean water plan for the Hall's Harbour area. This proposed plan is called Watershed Area Stewardship for Hall's Harbour, or WASHH. The following is a URL to the bare bones website proposal. http://www.washh.webs.com/

The website is self explanitory. Your feedback is welcomed. Contact: The editor WASHH

Daryl Houghton and family have purchased the Pick cottage.

There is a chance that Hall's Harbour may soon get its own webcam! Look for more on this in a few days.

A large rogue wave swept many bait barrels and boxes into the creek and out to sea a few days ago. Flooding was reported in the Lobster Pond and a truck on the premises was flooded.

Sept 30/2008

Kings County Council has contributed $28,000 to pave the Hall's Harbour Fire Dept. parking lot by a Special Funding approval at the September 16th Council meeting. An offer to pave a portion of the parking lot, at no cost to the Department, was put forward by the HHCDA and rejected by the HHVFD Board last year as it would be used occasionally by the local youth as a surface on which to play street hockey. There is no word if street hockey will be banned from the new surface by the HHVFD Board.

News updates:

Terri and Scott King welcome their wonderful baby girl Sydney into the world on 08/08/08. Congratulations!

The Doggers are back! A market has been found for northern shark and Derek and the Doggers are on the job hoisting fish by the truckload up the hill and off to market.

Mark and Joanne Taylor have bought the Eugene Ells cottage and are busy making it their Harbour Hide away! Welcome Mark and Joanne!

The lobster season has closed for the summer and will reopen this fall. Good catches but low prices were reported.

IMPORTANT! The HHWCL annual general meeting will be held at the Fundy View Community Centre on Aug 22 at 7pm. All are encouraged to attend as there will be an expert speaker addressing the issues surrounding Wellhead Protection. Come and hopefully hear the truth regarding this proposal and how it will affect you and your surrounding neighbours. ALL are welcome and encouraged to attend.

HHWCL Members should examine carefully the clause in the HHWCL Policy and Procedure manual which allows the executive of the HHWCL to spend FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS each and every calendar year WITHOUT consulting the membership! This is a fact!

No Bass as yet at Hall's Harbour but many are trying their luck. The mackerel are being landed by the bucketful.

The next Chowder Supper is on September 6.

July 5/08

Its official, Mike Jumelet has caught the first, but small, mackerel of the year. Charles Skerry followed it up with a two mackerel catch moments later! Congratulations to the Hall's Harbour International Mackerel Fishing Championship First Mackerel Winner, Mike!

Hall's Harbour day, July 1st was a huge success as all organizations worked together and provided a superb day of events, entertainment and great food for all who attended. Congratulations all around!

The Northern Shark fishery may not go ahead this year. Shark has been removed from menus worldwide as a response to pressure from special interest groups. The buyers and fishers are actively seeking new markets and the season may be saved. More news on this issue soon.

Lobster prices remain low and fuel prices high placing a strain on the local lobster fishery. Catches, by all reports, are quite good however.

SUMMER IS HERE! Don't miss these local attractions!

Bobbi-Mai's Fresh Live Lobster, 3744 Hwy 359. Phone 902- 679-5851. Fresh lobster daily from the bay at competitive prices. CLOSED until the fall fishery.

The Hall's Harbour Lobster Pound is open daily. Drop by for a great meal! The fine healthy choice menu is new for this year as well as all the tummy lovin' favourites like fish and chips, those famous clams and LOBSTER of course! Now serving ice cream!! Cool new gifts and clothing too! 902-679-5299

The John Neville Gallery Great works by a local master! 902-679-7148

Tricia Neville has wonderful jewel like sculptures and wearable art you must see at the Neville Gallery.

The David Lacey Gallery 902-679-7073 or 678-3003, is open dailywith many new works by David Lacey. Come and see! www.davidlaceygallery.com

Richard Killam Photography,902- 679-1949, is open for 2008 with local photos by Richard Killam

Parker's Store and Antiques is open. Look for your seaside suprise inside! Ice cream, chips, candy and antiques! 902-679-3488

Janet Gordon's quilts are available on the West Hall's Harbour Road. Amazing! 902-679-2791

Paints and Pots is open soon at the Lobster Pound. Paintings and pottery art. Wow!

The Tides In accomodations welcomes you to their suites year round. 902-679-1949

Stained glass by Carmen Steele at True North Stained Glass on the West Hall's Harbour Rd.

Monday, June 23

Welcome to summer and welcome to the CDA Summer Student Kaitlyn Ward. Kaitlyn will be in and around the Harbour from June 30 until the end of August welcoming visitors, keeping the Harbour area clean and tidy, assisting the various community groups and performing other tasks. Kaitlyn lives in Hall's Harbour during the summer with her parents Mr and Mrs Mark Ward and her brothers. The Wards currently have a cottage on Route 359.

Have a look at "HH Communiy Develop. Assoc." for a complete rundown on what the HHCDA has been doing lately and what events are planned.

Sunday, June 15

Welcome to the lobster boats, "Lisa and Brothers" captained by Rod Baines and "Forbidden Places" captained by Flavian LeBlanc to the Harbour.

Sat, June 14

NOTICE: www.hallsharbour.org is now up and running. This is the "official" Hall's Harbour website sponsored by the Historical Society and the various community organizations. hallsharbour.com (this website) will still carry the "real" news!

Card Games every Tuesday at 7:30 at the Fundy View Community Centre.

Fish Chowder Supper: Firehall, Aug 2.

June 8

Thank you to Sylvia and Charles Skerry for aquiring the new base for the interpretive sign at the end of the Lighthouse Wharf and putting it and the sign in place. The flowers have been planted in the Harbour boxes this week sponsored by the HAHH and HHCDA.

Blomidon Nurseries has generously donated a rose bush that will be planted under the Welcome to Hall's Harbour sign on Rte. 359. Thank you to Jack Sutton for securing the donation and to Sylvia Skerry and Heather Stephens for planting the rose.

Web designer Judith Newman, http://www.lupinworks.com/ has completed working on the upcoming hallsharbour.org website for the Historical Society. The website is online.

June 7

ECO TRAIL UPDATE: Donald Wallace and Judith Saunders have removed permission for the Eco Trail to cross their property east of the Harbour Brook by registered letter to the CDA after 12 years of continued use and enjoyment by both locals and tourists. This has effectively closed the West Eco Trail from Hwy 359 to the brook. The trail from Hwy 359 to Cove Rd remains open for public use. Alternate routes for the West Trail are actively being sought.

To those of you who have been looking for the Kingfisher that has lived happily in the Harbour area for the last few years it has been reported that this wonderful bird was shot by a local resident. It is important to note that the Kingfisher is protected by Nova Scotia law. This is a sad event for all bird lovers. Anyone having first hand knowledge of this act is asked to contact the Department of Natural Resources and report the incident so the offender can be brought to justice.

May 29

A German film crew is filming the Lobster Pound and Harbour area this evening and for the next few days. The production company is from Hamburg Germany and work for ZDF, a major German network. They are doing a special about lobster.

Various zoning and area land use map links

HH county map

R7 Hamlet zoning

Lobster Pound Zoning M5

Hamlet description

http://www.county.kings.ns.ca/comdev/mps/sections/mps-3-6.pdf

Tourism Development ( see 4.4.6.8.1 halls hbr)

http://www.county.kings.ns.ca/comdev/mps/sections/mps-4-4.pdf

Hall's Hbr TDA map

http://www.county.kings.ns.ca/comdev/mps/maps/Halls%20Harbour_MPS.pdf

Zoning Maps

http://www.county.kings.ns.ca/comdev/lub/maps.asp