By Sara Keddy

Editor@berwickregister.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

“You rock” is a pretty informal way to toast the achievements of Berwick-area businesses and groups working to build for the future, but that’s the enthusiasm David Keddy wants people to feel themselves.

Keddy is the economic development officer for a project partnered by the town and Western Kings Board of Trade. He organized a “Toast to the community” evening at the town hall July 7 to highlight long-standing - and new - features in the area.

“Our community is in good shape,” Keddy said.

“We have an opportunity to celebrate all the things that are going on, introduce the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC - there’s some pretty exciting things going on that will transform the town; and get an update on things that are important to you.”

EDAC chairman Berwick Councillor Mike Trinacty said the group is just beginning a two-year project, but there are a half-dozen projects being tackled right off the mark, from beautification to building business links and opportunities, supporting the Kings Mutual Century Centre and Larsens.

He was pleased to announce this evening a well Larsens plant manager Mike Lee has volunteered to join the EDAC.

Officials warmed the crowd of about 50 people up for Mayor John Prall’s toast. Berwick chief administrative officer Bob Ashley said those attending “are the champions for commerce, local growth and industrial development,” and their work is encouraging. Kings West MLA Leo Glavine pointed to local initiative behind the the peat bog and cranberry operations, the board of trade’s rejuvenation, the town’s electric utility.

Prall raised his glass to express “100 per cent support of council” for projects underway now through the town and its partners.

“We want you to know that.”

Apple Dome on the horizon

While everyone expected 2008 to be the year of the Apple Dome, committee chairman George Moody said the delays the new rink and community facility have come up against are no surprise.

“I never thought over six years ago when I agreed to chair the group – and neither did the others on the committee – that we wouldn’t be done yet,” he said.

“We’re a year behind, but that’s part of life.”

On the other hand, the support for the Kings Mutual Century Centre is still strong: from the community, which has contributed over $4 million from individuals, businesses and municipal governments; to the province’s $2 million.

“They’ve done what they can do, and we’ve had great success. We’re still the only project I know of in Eastern Canada that is raising its money before it starts.”

Volunteers behind the project want a debt-free facility the day it opens, and what’s grown from a $9 million rink to a $7 million, three-phase project of community spaces, curling ice, a library and outdoor pool; has posed challenges.

“We’re working hard and we’re meeting those challenges.”

Chief among them would be the lack of committed federal funding of any kind, but Moody said there is another program coming this fall the Apple Dome should be included in.

As well, the committee is finalizing this month some important details – whether to have a 1,200- or 800-seat arena, for example, and tender requirements for site work that could happen this fall for an immediate construction start in 2009.



Business picking up for board



People “may not know a lot about the board of trade,” Western Kings Board of Trade president Linda Ramsay said, “and we really have no one to blame but ourselves – but that’s going to change.”

The board has just approved a new strategic plan for the next three years, with five priorities to build business services for members and the community.

Ramsay highlighted recent programs - a lunch ‘n learn on waste handling for businesses, a tour at The Cider House in the Berwick Industrial Park, the retail merchants’ promotions; ad talked about projects getting started in cooperation with the new Economic Development Advisory Committee to “brand” the board and its role in the area and recognize leaders at an event in the fall.



Fire hall project: no alarms yet



Berwick firefighters have a problem, department volunteer Steve McMahon said.

“We’ve all got bruises on our arms from pinching ourselves it’s happening.”

“It” is the construction of a $2.5 million fire hall at the northern end of Commercial Street, expected to be ready late this fall. It’s been a long-dreamed of replacement for years, and McMahon - followed by Mayor John Prall and Deputy Mayor Don Clarke - credited the great relationship between the town, the department and the non-Berwick based fire commission.

While safety of firefighters was key - an old, small hall with outdated space and facilities left no room for renovations - the new fire hall has big consideration for energy use and the environment with multiple “green” features.

“We’re still on budget, still on time - the project was well specced out from the start,” McMahon said.

He also reassured the community “it won’t flood,” answering a question about the site’s proximity to the Cornwallis River.

“The finished main floor will be four feet above the main road, and the worst case anyone can remember was four or five years ago, when there were five inches of water out there for about an hour. If we get above that, we’ll have bigger issues than that in the town.”