PCREN Expands Services & Virtual Adviser Program
- Details
- Published: Monday, 06 July 2020 14:16
Pictou County Regional Enterprise Network (PCREN) expands business support services;Introduces Virtual Adviser Program
(Pictou County, NS) - In an effort to further assist Pictou County companies adjusting to the impacts of COVID-19, the PCREN has expanded its business support services by introducing a new Virtual Adviser Program.
Powered by On-Demand Talent Platform BoomersPlus, this free program will match qualified Pictou County companies with a seasoned Adviser to help their business manage and recover from COVID-19. Virtual Advisers are experienced professionals from across Canada representing a full range of disciplines, industries and environments, willing to share their lessons learned.
“We know that local businesses have experienced an unprecedented level of change and uncertainty in recent months, and we are excited to make this type of personalized support available. Selected businesses will be matched to talented and experienced Business Advisers from across the country,” says Sarah MacIntosh-Wiseman, CEO of the PCREN. “We are confident that these connections will result in effective, tangible solutions to help our local businesses move forward successfully.”
Businesses can apply on the PCREN website - pictoucounty.com/advisorprogram/ Applications will be reviewed by PCREN staff. There are a limited number of spots available in the program, so businesses are encouraged to apply before July 15th. If accepted, businesses will be matched with a Virtual Adviser from a network of thousands of professionals based on the business need or challenge. On a mutually agreed schedule, the businesses will meet virtually with their business adviser to discuss the challenges and find potential solutions.
"The Virtual Adviser Program is a natural evolution of our mandate – to help organizations and communities leverage the wisdom and experience of seasoned professionals. We are excited to partner with the Nova Scotia RENS to help small businesses struggling through the challenging economic environment created by the COVID-19 crisis, said Kevin MacIntyre, VP, Marketing, BoomersPlus.
"Participants will have access to four to six calls over a two to three-month period, with the potential for an extension. To participate, businesses must be located in Pictou County and able to complete four to six phone calls with an adviser along with any follow-up work necessary for the duration of the program.
The PCREN is launching this program in partnership with the Nova Scotia Regional Enterprise Network (NS REN). Regional Enterprise Networks lead a collaborative approach to economic development and supporting business growth. To learn more, visit https://nsrens.ca
To learn more about BoomersPlus, visit https://www.boomersplus.com
Residential Lead Sampling
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- Published: Wednesday, 24 June 2020 12:16
As part of Health Canada’s efforts to reduce lead concentrations in drinking water, municipalities are now conducting lead sampling in residentials homes. The Town of Trenton is seeking the participation of 22 homeowners who suspect they may have a lead service line, lead soldering in their plumbing, or lead fixtures, and would like their water tested. Trenton’s water distribution system continuously meets the Health Canada Guidelines for lead in drinking water. However, some houses are known to have lead piping, soldering, and fixtures, which can contribute to increased lead concentrations in drinking water. Sampling will involve collecting a 1L sample of water after a period of 6 hours where no water has been used. Sampling will be conducted once annually during the warmest months, with the possibility of increased sampling depending on the results. If more than 22 residents request to be part of the study, the Town’s Water Works Dept. will choose 22 residential homes which best represent the focus of the study. The resident’s chosen will be contacted, and informed when sampling can begin. Sampling bottles will be supplied by the Town of Trenton. For more information, or to sign up, please contact:
Dan Campbell
Director of Water Works
Tel: 902-752-1450
2020-21 Tax Billing Notice
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 13 May 2020 15:38
To: The Residents & Commercial Occupants of the Town of Trenton
Re: 2020-21 Tax Billings
I hope this memo from the Town Administration finds you and your families well considering the world pandemic that is impacting each of us in some way.
Please find enclosed an interim billing for the residential and commercial taxes for the current fiscal year 2020-21.
This year our plans have been impacted in the areas of recreation and student programs that may not materialize in the current fiscal. The Town must continue to maintain service to the infrastructure and essential services including streets and roads, property care, fresh water supply, sewage systems, policing, fire protection and administration to ensure that transactions and records are maintained. The Town requires financial capacity to continue in a strong way.
Our last fiscal year was a successful one and enabled the Town to gain some essential funds which was important considering the deficit situation we had to overcome from 2019. This information will become public once the fiscal year audit is completed later this year.
Through the budget we note the following key points:
- The pollution control user fee (sewer charge) that was previously moved from your tax billings to your water billing, you will now see is back on your interim and final tax billings. This will provide you with a quarterly water billing that reflects your water consumption and charges only. Hopefully, this will provide an assurance that water use will not be so concerning for residents.
- he Town is looking to further assess the current infrastructure and its lifespan. This year we will assess all equipment and resources to ensure we are being proactive.
- The Town is looking at the installation of curbs, guard rails, sidewalks and paving where applicable. Work requirements will be assessed to determine these locations.
- There will be a major effort this year to develop a strong land use plan for the main streets where commercial occupancy will flourish. We will be contacting as many service providers we can this year to start the plans. The Town deserves and needs more commerce and amenities to service the need of the residents.
- One area of concern to consider that will possibly affect the Town is the condition of the water reservoir. We will keep you posted on this and to this point we have not allotted any money on this other than consultation.
- We will be looking to adopt “tot lots” where applicable to assist in having play areas close by within certain areas of the Town. This work may be stalled by the pandemic we face but we will look to what we can do.
- This year work will commence in the Trenton Park in terms of the revitalization plans drafted a few years ago and funds awarded last year. Work is already underway.
- There will not be any other significant capital expenditure other than what we can afford as we again look to our need to improve the cash flow.
In relation to the above items and more importantly the first bullet is the residential tax rate went from $1.62 / 100 to $1.94 / 100 for this year. It is important to note that this is mainly due to the reallocation of the pollution control user fee (sewer charge) from the quarterly water billings.
An example of the reclassification of the Pollution Control component back on the residential tax base is as follows:
| Property assessment ($91,200) | Old Rate | Year 2020 | New Rate | Year 2021 |
| Residential Property | 1.62 / 100 | $1,477.44 | 1.94 / 100 | $1,769.28 |
| Solid Waste (Garbage pickup) | $143.42 | $143.42 | $122.04 | $122.04 |
| Fire Protection | 0.0725 / 100 | $66.12 | 0.0725 / 100 | $66.12 |
| Total Taxes | $1,686.98 | $1,957.44 |
Water Utility (assume same consumption year to year) Annual Totals
Annual water 2020 (2020 rate included the pollution control) $828.00
Annual water 2021 (2021 has the removal of the pollution control) $345.31
As you can see in this example, the increased tax rate went up by 16% or $270.46;however, the water costs per year decreased by 58% or -$482.69.
The administrative office that includes finance, planning, inspection, and communications is struggling as we are now working remotely rather than grouping in the offices as a team. It creates an inconvenience for us, you the residents and commercial land holders, and for that we are all called to adapt. So important is the need for you to be supportive and make your payments to the Town in the easiest and best way possible. We have sent you many methods of payment and we appreciate online (preferred method), credit card (Visa or MasterCard), or cheque if that is convenient. We do apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
In closing, we thank you for your continued support. Stay well and safe during these uncertain times. Thank you in advance for your support.
Respectfully,
Town Administration
Trenton Park Revitalization - April 2020 Status Report
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 27 May 2020 10:27
Trenton Park Revitalization - April 2020 Status Report
pdf Trenton Park Revitalization - April 2020 Status Report (569 KB)
Trenton Park & Trails Reopening to Public (May 01, 2020)
- Details
- Published: Friday, 01 May 2020 16:44
Trenton Park is reopening to the public effective today! (May 01, 2020)
This is in response to the announcement from the Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health on the easing of some public health restrictions around COVID-19. Please note that existing public health directives around social distancing and social gatherings remain in place. People must keep two metres apart and not gather in groups of more than five.
What do these initial steps mean for Trenton Park?
PARK & TRAILS - Trenton Park & all Town trails are reopening to the public. You must continue to respect social distancing protocols as stated above. We would also like to remind you that ALL dogs are required to be on a leash while visiting Trenton Park and walking in all areas of the Town outside of your private property.
PLAYGROUND - The playground will continue to be CLOSED to the public until further notice.
FISHING - Sportfishing is permitted from shore, but fishing derbies are not allowed. Please be aware that while sportfishing is permitted at Trenton Park, the ponds are not regularly stocked, and you must follow Nova Scotia regulations which can be found in the Nova Scotia Anglers' Handbook and 2019 Summary of Regulations. Anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. https://novascotia.ca/f…/documents/Anglers-Handbook-2020.pdf
"We know that getting outdoors for recreation is important for people's physical and mental health," said Premier McNeil." That's why we are easing some restrictions, while still keeping the majority of our public health directives in place to continue fighting the virus. But I need to be clear: if we see an increase in positive cases or people not continuing to adhere to all the public health measures, the restrictions will return."