FAQs

The Nova Scotia Guidelines for Monitoring Public Drinking Water Supplies require that where a chlorine disinfection system is being used, a minimum free chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/L should be measured at all points in the water distribution system and must not exceed 4 mg/L at any time.

The Municipality of East Hants is serviced by the East Hants Water Utility.  The Utility services the Lantz, Elmsdale, Enfield and Shubenacadie areas. Read more on water rates.

Water bills are issued at the end of each quarter. They are due twenty (20) days from the Invoice Date shown on the Water Utility Invoice.

The URB has given the Utility the authority to suspend service to customers whose bills remain unpaid for more than thirty (30) days after the billing date. A re-connection charge of $40.00 must be paid before service will be resumed.  Any further suspensions of service incurred by the customer are subject to a $75.00 re-connection fee, before resumption of service. The charge will be $200.00 if re-connection is requested outside of normal working hours.

To report an illegal dump in your community, you can:

• Call the Solid Waste Hotline at 1-888-873-3332
• Report online by visiting our solid waste web page and clicking "report illegal dumping"
• Download our East Hants Waste Wizard mobile app and report illegal dumping directly from your mobile device.

The Municipality investigates reports of illegal dumping and work to have the sites cleaned.

Anita Benedict is the East Hants Town Crier.

Yes, East Hants has a Town Crier.

Anita Benedict, of East Noel, applied for the position after learning about it at the annual Lieutenant Governor's Garden Party in Halifax in June 2013.

The Municipality of East Hants began looking for a Town Crier to fill the vacancy after Bob Raoul announced his retirement.

Benedict became the official town crier for the Municipality of East Hants in September 2013.

Contact the Town Crier well ahead of your planned event to book her attendance.

In East Hants, it is a program whereby the Municipality has authority to administer, regulate the selection, installation, testing and maintenance of backflow prevention devices. The program also seeks to educate water customers on industry best practices to prevent cross connections.

Backflow Prevention Devices (BFP) are installed to minimize risk of a potential contaminant entering the distribution system from a customer’s property. This helps to protect the public’s safety by preventing drinking water contamination.

No.

Single family homes are considered a minor hazard to the water supply. Although homeowners are not required to install a BFP device, they are encouraged to install one to protect their homes from the potential of contaminated water.

Disinfection is a critical process of water treatment. The goal of disinfection is to kill or destroy harmful bacteria and viruses in the water that can cause sickness, disease and even death.

Chlorine has been shown to be an effective agent against waterborne bacteria and viruses.

Yes. The amount of chlorine found in our treated water is safe to drink.

Each year, Council sets a general exemption rate in accordance with Section 69 of the Municipal Government Act. This exemption applies to taxpayers in the Municipality whose household taxable income does not exceed the limits set by Council.

Read more about the Municipal Tax Assistance Program.

Storing water in an uncovered glass container in the fridge overnight will allow the chlorine in the water to dissipate. As well, activated carbon or charcoal filters can remove the background taste of chlorine.

East Hants is responsible for the water and sewer mains and short lengths of laterals which are located under the street and end at your property line. You are responsible for the repair and maintenance for your water and sewer laterals, which are the pipes and connections running from the property line to your house .

Please click here for our helpful info-graphic.

FOG is an acronym for fat, oil and grease.

For more information about preventing FOG build up in the sewer system, click on the links below:

F.O.G Prevention

Saving our Sewers, the Environment and Money

A grease trap is a plumbing device designed to trap fat, oils and grease (FOG’s) and prevent them from entering a wastewater system.

For more information about preventing FOG build up in the sewer system, click on the links below;

F.O.G Prevention

Saving our Sewers, the Environment and Money

Once the wastewater cools, fat, oil, and grease (FOG) harden and float to the top and the food solids settle at the bottom. The wastewater is forced through the grease trap and out to the sanitary sewer.

For more information about preventing FOG build up in the sewer system, click on the links below:

F.O.G Prevention

Saving our Sewers, the Environment and Money

When warm FOG (fats, oils and grease) enter the plumbing system they cool, harden and can stick to the inside of sewer pipes. Overtime, this buildup can cause blocked sewers. Blocked sewers can lead to a sewage backup into your business, a neighbouring property or into environmentally sensitive areas.

For more information about preventing FOG build up in the sewer system, click on the links below:

F.O.G Prevention

Saving our Sewers, the Environment and Money

You will need to complete a water connection or disconnection form. These can be filled out at the Municipal Office in Elmsdale, N.S or faxed to the attention of the Utility/Accounts Receivable Clerk at 1-888-684-5912. Read more...

It's an exciting time in East Hants as we construct a $19m aquatic centre. Here are links with further information:

Latest information

Construction Camera

You will receive an introduction letter and a brochure in the mail from Neptune Technology instructing you on how to book your appointment.

Your neighbour may not have received a letter if their meter has already been replaced through a previous service call or appointment.

Schools in East Hants are now part of the Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education. Elected school boards were dissolved in 2018.

The Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education serves four areas in Central and Northern Nova Scotia. They are named Families of Schools. The Nova Family encompasses schools in the Municipality of East Hants, of which there are fourteen elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.  There are also four Adult High Schools in Chignecto-Central; one in each Family of Schools.

The Municipality requires that your dog is licensed every year. For more information on licencing your dog, visit our page on Dog Control.

Community Grants are designed to encourage community recreation in a manner consistent with the recreation principles, goals and plans of the East Hants Municipal Council.  In addition it is to be used to improve the quality and quantity of community recreation opportunities by financially assisting groups with New Recreation & Culture Initiatives, Leadership, Youth Programming and Aquatic/Outdoor Skating Programs.

Community Grants are received and assessed on an “as needed” basis.  In addition, it is the policy of council to approve only one community grant per year (April 1st - March 31st) per group.

It is also a policy of Council to encourage community commitment to an initiative by not exceeding community contributions to projects being considered for grant assistance.

For more information, please contact the Recreation & Culture Department at 883-3387.

There are two detachments of the RCMP that serve East Hants:

Enfield Detachment                                                     
902-883-7077
136 Highway 2
Enfield, NS
B2T 1C8

Rawdon Detachment                                                      
902-632-2424
3945 Highway 14
Rawdon, NS

Mount Uniacke Satellite Office
555 Hwy 1, Mount Uniacke
Mount Uniacke, NS
**Open to the public on Thursdays only.

Street lights that are owned by the Municipality of East Hants are to be reported to the Municipality if they are malfunctioning.  You can report a broken or malfunctioning streetlight to the Municipality by e-mailing streetlights@easthants.ca or by calling 1-866-758-2299 x 103.

A streetlight is typically owned by the Municipality if it is located on a wooden NSPI pole, it is a LED (Light Emitting Diode) type fixture, and it is road way facing.

A streetlight is typically privately owned if it is facing away from the roadway toward private property or driveway, or if it is located away from the street/road on private property, or if it is not a LED type fixture.

Privately owned streetlights/security lights that are rented from Nova Scotia Power are to be reported to NSPI when they are malfunctioning. (You can report a broken or malfunctioning street light to NSPI by calling 1-877-428-6004 and selecting option 3 or by filling out an electronic form on their website.)

MUNICIPALITY OF EAST HANTS REPORTING PROCEDURE:

You can report a broken or malfunctioning streetlight to the Municipality by e-mailing streetlights@easthants.ca or by calling 1-866-758-2299 x 103.

Please provide the following information when reporting a malfunctioning streetlight.

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM

• First & Last name
• Phone Number
• Description of Problem:
  • Single fixture out
  • Multiple Fixtures out
  • Lights within the fixture are out (e.g. one strip of lights on one side of the fixture is lit and the other is out)
  • Light flickering / strobe effect
  • Light on during the day
  • Broken or damaged arm/bracket
  • Other (please describe)

LOCATION OF PROBLEM

• Street address
• Nearest Intersection
• Community
• Description of where the streetlight is located:
  • In front of the address indicated
  • Across the road from the address indicated
  • Additional descriptive information that may be helpful with details of how the light may be located (e.g. relation to landmarks, or how many poles from an intersection or landmark etc.

The Municipality has multiple programs that provide financial assistance for residents of all ages to participate in recreational activities. Current programs are listed on our Sport & Recreation Funding Programs page. Two main options include:

Recreation Access (RecAccess) is a funding program offered by the Municipality of East Hants designed to reduce financial barriers for adults, youth and children who wish to enroll in municipal recreation programs/services. Each member of the qualified applicant’s household will be eligible for a 75% discount on up to four registered recreation programs per year and 10 single entry passes to the East Hants Aquatic Centre.

KidSport™ Canada is a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under. Through a confidential application process we provide grants so they can play a season of sport. One of our primary goals is to support our network of 11 provincial/territorial KidSport chapters and 177 community KidSport chapters across Canada in their fundraising and sport activities.

For more information on these programs, please contact the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department at 902-883-3387.

You require a building permit for the following:

• New homes or mini homes
• Relocating a dwelling or mobile/mini home
• Constructing an addition onto any home or building
• Constructing a garage or storage shed greater than 20 sq. m (215 sq. ft)
  (* Please note: if you are in a zoned area you will be required to apply for a development permit for structures greater than 9 sq. m)
• Any structural renovations to an existing dwelling or building
• Any non-structural renovations that exceed $10,000 in monetary value
• Any change of use in an existing building. (ie. single unit dwelling to a two unit dwelling)
• Decks

Building permits ensure buildings are constructed using the proven safety standards and materials of the National Building Code.

To make a full application for a building permit the following information is required:

• Floor plans, building elevations, cross sections
• Plot plan/site plan
• Lot grading plan (when lands are located where municipal water and wastewater services are provided)
• Copy of approvals from other government agencies, where required (Nova Scotia Environment for septic and Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for road access).

NOTE: A location certificate is also required by a surveyor once the footings have been installed.

Development permits are issued along with building permits to ensure that the development meets the requirements of the planned area of the Municipal Land Use Bylaw. Generally, Mount Uniacke, Enfield, Elmsdale, Lantz, Milford, Shubenacadie, and a part of East Gore are located in the planned area. Outside of the planned area is the Wind Energy Zone where only wind turbines require development permits.

Please call 902.883.3387 to arrange an appointment for your building permit.

If you are inside the water distribution serviced area (Enfield, Elmsdale, Lantz and Shubenacadie) you may call the Municipality at 902-883-2299 during 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday and ask to speak with the Supervisor of Drinking Water Operations or the Manager of Water & Wastewater.

Actual water chemistry and distribution system data is obtained on a daily, weekly and monthly basis for the entire system and reported quarterly to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment (NSE).

If you live outside the serviced area you will have a private well system which falls under provincial regulations (NSE). For further information please follow the links below;

Water Testing Labs in Nova Scotia:  novascotia.ca/nse/water/waterlabs.asp

Sampling private wells in Nova Scotia: novascotia.ca/well-water-testing/

If your water is discoloured, the first thing to do is run your hot water tap and fill a clear glass.

If there is colour to the water then it is likely that your hot water tank has sediment in it and it needs to be flushed out. If there is no colour from the hot water tap but there is when you run the cold water, then please call the Municipality at 902-883-2299 during 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday and ask to speak with the Supervisor of Drinking Water Operations or the Manager of Water & Wastewater.

The provincial Residential Tenancies program helps landlords and tenants understand their rights, and exercise those rights when necessary. The Government of Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies site will answer your questions and provide you with the information you need.

Here are a few suggestions where you can find jobs in Nova Scotia:

Municipality of East Hants

Futureworx

Province of Nova Scotia

Government of Canada

CareerBeacon

Here are the telephone numbers for key contacts at the Municipality.

The Emergency Management Act allows for two separate types of states of emergencies. The first is known as a “Local State of Emergency” and is enacted by a Municipal Government either through a resolution of council, or by the direct request of the Municipal Mayor or Warden.

The second type is a “State of Emergency” which is declared by the Minister responsible for Emergency Management.

States of Emergencies can be declared for a specific portion or for an entire jurisdiction (i.e. a specific geographical portion of the province or province wide).

Why is a state of emergency called?

A state of emergency provides the authority to do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of people and the protection of property and the environment.

More specifically, a state of emergency permits:

• Control or prohibit of travel
• Entry without warrant
• Ordered Evacuation
• Confiscation of property
• Order of assistance

How are citizens affected by a state of emergency?

During states of emergencies the public is expected to listen to and follow the instruction given by authorities, and to comply with any orders given by the Province.

These may include such things as restricted travel and evacuations. Certain circumstances may require citizens to stay in their homes or to evacuate to a reception centre/shelter.

How long does a state of emergency last?

A province wide state of emergency is valid for 14 days and can be renewed should the special powers still be required to manage the event.

Can individuals be charged more for essential items or services during an emergency?

The Emergency Management Act makes it an offence to inflate (gouge) the price of essential items and services during emergencies. These can include such things as food, water, clothing, essential equipment, medical supplies or other essential goods and services. Citizens are encouraged to contact their local police to report any suspected cases of price inflation during emergencies. Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of price gouging should retain all relevant receipts.

Starting a business can be overwhelming.

The Business Development Officers in East Hants are there to help.

More information is available the the Start a Business section.

The Emergency Management Act allows for two separate types of states of emergencies. The first is known as a “Local State of Emergency” and is enacted by a Municipal Government either through a resolution of council, or by the direct request of the Municipal Mayor or Warden.

States of Emergencies can be declared for a specific portion or for an entire jurisdiction (i.e. a specific geographical portion of the municipality or the entire municipality).

Why is a state of emergency called?

A state of emergency provides the authority to do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of people and the protection of property and the environment.

How are citizens affected by a state of emergency?

During states of emergencies the public is expected to listen to and follow the instruction given by authorities, and to comply with any orders given by the Province or Municipality.

These may include such things as restricted travel and evacuations. Certain circumstances may require citizens to stay in their homes or to evacuate to a reception centre/shelter.

How long does a state of emergency last?

Local states of emergencies are valid for seven days after which time they can be renewed.

Can individuals be charged more for essential items or services during an emergency?

The Emergency Management Act makes it an offence to inflate (gouge) the price of essential items and services in times of emergencies. These can include such things as food, water, clothing, essential equipment, medical supplies or other essential goods and services. Citizens are encouraged to contact their local police to report any suspected cases of price inflation during emergencies. Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of price gouging should retain all relevant receipts.

The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia can help.

For information on immigrating to Canada, please visit the Government of Canada's Citizenship and Immigration website.

Tax bill must be paid even when an assessment appeal has been filed.  Interest will accrue at 10% per annum if payment is not received.  Any overpayment as a result of an appeal decision will be refunded with interest at the rate set by Council.

Information on the provincial CAP Program is available online.

East Hants tax rates are posted online.

For your ease and convenience, there are several ways to pay tax and water bills in East Hants.

Spring tax bills are due on June 1^st of each year. Final tax bills are due on October 1^st each year.

There are up to four notices sent throughout the year to property owners whose accounts are in arrears. The notices are sent in July, October and January, as well as in the Spring when necessary.

Initial collection proceedings begin at the end of June on properties that are subject to Tax Sale.

The Visitors section of the East Hants website lists places to stay in East Hants, including B&Bs, Cabins and Campgrounds.

There are so many fun things to do in East Hants! East Hants is the perfect blend of urban and rural communities so there is always something to do.

Here are 10 of the top things to experience in East Hants.

Here are the telephone numbers for key contacts at the Municipality.

You will need to complete a water connection or disconnection form. These can be filled out at the Municipal Office in Elmsdale, N.S or faxed to the attention of the Utility/Accounts Receivable Clerk at 1-888-684-5912. Read more...

There are two detachments of the RCMP that serve East Hants:

Enfield Detachment                                                     
902-883-7077
136 Highway 2
Enfield, NS
B2T 1C8

Rawdon Detachment                                                      
902-632-2424
3945 Highway 14
Rawdon, NS

Mount Uniacke Satellite Office
555 Hwy 1, Mount Uniacke
Mount Uniacke, NS
**Open to the public on Thursdays only.

Street lights that are owned by the Municipality of East Hants are to be reported to the Municipality if they are malfunctioning.  You can report a broken or malfunctioning streetlight to the Municipality by e-mailing streetlights@easthants.ca or by calling 1-866-758-2299 x 103.

A streetlight is typically owned by the Municipality if it is located on a wooden NSPI pole, it is a LED (Light Emitting Diode) type fixture, and it is road way facing.

A streetlight is typically privately owned if it is facing away from the roadway toward private property or driveway, or if it is located away from the street/road on private property, or if it is not a LED type fixture.

Privately owned streetlights/security lights that are rented from Nova Scotia Power are to be reported to NSPI when they are malfunctioning. (You can report a broken or malfunctioning street light to NSPI by calling 1-877-428-6004 and selecting option 3 or by filling out an electronic form on their website.)

MUNICIPALITY OF EAST HANTS REPORTING PROCEDURE:

You can report a broken or malfunctioning streetlight to the Municipality by e-mailing streetlights@easthants.ca or by calling 1-866-758-2299 x 103.

Please provide the following information when reporting a malfunctioning streetlight.

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM

• First & Last name
• Phone Number
• Description of Problem:
  • Single fixture out
  • Multiple Fixtures out
  • Lights within the fixture are out (e.g. one strip of lights on one side of the fixture is lit and the other is out)
  • Light flickering / strobe effect
  • Light on during the day
  • Broken or damaged arm/bracket
  • Other (please describe)

LOCATION OF PROBLEM

• Street address
• Nearest Intersection
• Community
• Description of where the streetlight is located:
  • In front of the address indicated
  • Across the road from the address indicated
  • Additional descriptive information that may be helpful with details of how the light may be located (e.g. relation to landmarks, or how many poles from an intersection or landmark etc.

Starting a business can be overwhelming.

The Business Development Officers in East Hants are there to help.

More information is available the the Start a Business section.

The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia can help.

For information on immigrating to Canada, please visit the Government of Canada's Citizenship and Immigration website.

For your ease and convenience, there are several ways to pay tax and water bills in East Hants.

Backflow Prevention Devices (BFP) are installed to minimize risk of a potential contaminant entering the distribution system from a customer’s property. This helps to protect the public’s safety by preventing drinking water contamination.

FOG is an acronym for fat, oil and grease.

For more information about preventing FOG build up in the sewer system, click on the links below:

F.O.G Prevention

Saving our Sewers, the Environment and Money

A grease trap is a plumbing device designed to trap fat, oils and grease (FOG’s) and prevent them from entering a wastewater system.

For more information about preventing FOG build up in the sewer system, click on the links below;

F.O.G Prevention

Saving our Sewers, the Environment and Money

Once the wastewater cools, fat, oil, and grease (FOG) harden and float to the top and the food solids settle at the bottom. The wastewater is forced through the grease trap and out to the sanitary sewer.

For more information about preventing FOG build up in the sewer system, click on the links below:

F.O.G Prevention

Saving our Sewers, the Environment and Money

When warm FOG (fats, oils and grease) enter the plumbing system they cool, harden and can stick to the inside of sewer pipes. Overtime, this buildup can cause blocked sewers. Blocked sewers can lead to a sewage backup into your business, a neighbouring property or into environmentally sensitive areas.

For more information about preventing FOG build up in the sewer system, click on the links below:

F.O.G Prevention

Saving our Sewers, the Environment and Money

It's an exciting time in East Hants as we construct a $19m aquatic centre. Here are links with further information:

Latest information

Construction Camera

Meetings of the Executive Committee and Council are listed on the Council Calendar.

The Municipality of East Hants operates an open and transparent government. Councillor and Chief Administrative Officer expenses are now available to view online.

East Hants works hard to treat all potential suppliers fairly. While specific requirements of individual jobs may vary, we strive to ensure our approach and our respect for firms competing for our work remains consistent.

You can review our Procurement Policy for the detail, but goods over $25,000 and services and construction over $50,000 have to go for public competition. Under those thresholds, we’re free to look for a minimum of three quotations through an invitational process.

The “Who has downloaded this” link on our website is designed to encourage suppliers to connect. Traditionally, electricians, plumbers, and businesses market their services to subcontractors or general contractors bidding on large commercial jobs. This list allows for this type of interactivity. We do not limit it to construction activities either, as the Municipality believes that there are a number of talented firms that may not have all of the skills or resources in-house to respond to a competition; knowing who else is interested allows them to potentially partner up to provide services or to market their specific skills to a larger firm. Large project teams are often made up of a variety of consultants and sub-consultants with different skills, expertise and talents, and the Municipality would like to encourage these type of partnerships.

The Public Procurement Act of Nova Scotia is the primary set of rules for Municipal procurement. We are tasked to be open, fair, efficient, effective, consistent and transparent in our dealings, supporting the principles of sustainable procurement included in the Act, all the while using public money wisely.

East Hants must also act in accordance with a number of trade agreements when the purchase is over a certain dollar value. The new Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) are two examples. These treaties attempt to remove barriers to trade so that Canadian companies can be more competitive in markets other than Nova Scotia, but they obligate us to be fair to other jurisdictions as well.

Managing all of these requirements can be complicated and setting things out clearly requires us to be exact.

Every job is different: individual projects have specific requirements which may also require certain qualifications. For example, we require anyone hired to do work on our premises to have Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia workplace insurance and almost always require the supplier to have Commercial General Liability insurance and to list us as an additional insured.

Higher value or higher risk construction projects may require Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia safety accreditation (WCB Safety Certified) while lower value or lower risk projects may just require the completion of a Safety Questionnaire. The point is that we want suppliers that value safety and adhere to the applicable safety legislation.

Bid bonds and contract security (performance and labour and material bonds) are commonly required for construction projects over $100,000.00.  We will sometimes look for performance security in certain service contracts (curbside collection). While we may consider alternative forms of security, such as irrevocable letter of credit or certified cheque, in smaller jobs, most bonding will be required to be in the form of a CCDC bond document.

More often we are including a number of specific questions in our competitions so that we can understand better how a supplier does business. We know responding to RFPs can be challenging; we’re not looking for fancy prose, just a clear and concise description of what you intend to do or provide as indicated by the question we’re asking. Answering questions gets points; not answering does not.

Just like you, we want good value and a good business transaction with no surprises.

To achieve that, the requirements for each competition may be unique and they will be described in the competition documents. Capacity, capability, quality, contingency, and the communication around these are becoming the focus of our evaluations because these are the things that demonstrate value to the Municipality. Our contracts aren’t designed to unreasonably hold suppliers to a standard that they have not committed to; we try to be clear about what we expect and we want suppliers to be clear about what they can provide. If you promise it, we’ll believe you and will expect you to provide it.

Our competition documents are the tools we use to communicate our needs. We’ll be as clear as we can about what we want and what we expect, we’ll tell you what we want to know and what we value, and we’ll tell you the things upon which we’ll base our award. Sometimes price will be the most important thing (when all things are equal) and sometimes we’ll have a set of standards we’ll look for before we’ll even consider your price; point is, you’ll know before you bid and can make your choices accordingly.

All public competitions (Tenders, RFPs, and Standing Offers) will be advertised through the Nova Scotia procurement website. The Nova Scotia website has the Tendering Opportunities Notification System (TONS) feature which allows you to subscribe to certain criteria and get automatic notifications. The NS website will direct you to the East Hants website to download the documents.

You may download competition documents from our website at for free. Once registered for a competition, you can elect to receive automatic notifications of Addenda and similar changes to the competition, but always check our site before you submit in case a notification was missed. We recommend you only download documents from our website to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information.

We may occasionally use other media to supplement our advertisements (local papers, social media, etc.), but they will always refer you back to our website. The Construction Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) periodically downloads our competition documents and we appreciate them getting the word out. We recommend still downloading directly from our site.

Every competition contains a description of what the response needs to looks like and what the rules are for submitting. Please read these carefully because the procurement rules we live by are very unforgiving. Most importantly, make sure you include anything which we say must be included and make sure to sign your response. If we ask for pricing to be placed in a separate envelope, please do so.

Also, if we’ve made a mistake, let us know before the competition closes so we can fix it. Ask us questions (through the method identified in the competition document) and we’ll answer them, usually in an addendum to all suppliers.

We will get back to you.  Really.

We’re a small municipality so it takes us time to get through an evaluation process which can, and typically does, include reading and re-reading the submissions, confirming compliance to the requirements, verification (adding up the numbers or calling references), clarifying anything that is unclear, and, finally, scoring. There may be several evaluators, so all of the scores have to be compiled and verified to determine a top-rated response. Once we have determined the highest-rated proposal or tender, we may have to get approval from Council or the CAO to proceed with award.

Once award is announced, we will:

• Inform unsuccessful proponents

• Update the Nova Scotia Procurement website with the successful proponent’s name and, in most cases, the expected value of the contract

• Provide a debrief to those suppliers who request one within 30 days of the award of a publicly tendered project

• A debrief will only provide feedback on the suppliers’ own proposal or tender with the goal to help the proponent improve future responses

• We encourage and accept feedback from the supplier with respect to the process

If you are successful, you will be asked to sign a contract, usually based on the sample contract included in the competition documents. While there is some room to negotiate small details before the final contract is signed, suppliers must identify any objections to the terms of the sample contract before the competition closes. The Municipality will attempt to be reasonable, but typically clauses like indemnification, insurance, WCB coverage, and performance obligations have been carefully thought through and will not be changed.

East Hants will not typically accept a limitation of liability in a contract. While we recognize suppliers need to protect themselves too, we go to them because they are experts, because they understand the risks in the work they do, and because we expect them to do good work that we can rely on and that they will stand behind.

Once the contract has been signed by both parties, it moves over to the department to manage. The supplier must provide any documents they promised (Certificate of Insurance, Bonds, WCB letters, etc.) prior to starting the work.

At the end of any project involving an outside supplier, we want to look back and clearly see three things:

• Excellent value to the taxpayers of East Hants;

• A smooth procurement process satisfactory to both the supplier and East Hants; and

• A growing, professional, and mutually beneficial relationship between East Hants and the supplier, in accordance with the rules in which we operate.

Parent/Guardian Policy

• Children 7 years of age or younger must remain within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian (16+ years) at a ratio of 1 adult for every 2 children in the Aquatic Centre.
• Youth 8-11 years old must have a parent or guardian in the building at all times.

Spa (Hot Tub)

• Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the Spa unless supervised by a person who is 16 years of age or older.

Water Slide

• You must be 1.2 metres tall to ride the waterslide.
• Parental or adult supervision is recommended.
• NO tubes, mats or life jackets permitted while riding the waterslide.

Lane Etiquette

• Each lane is designated a different speed: Fast, Medium, or Slow. Consider your abilities relative to those already in the lane and decide on the lane in which you’d feel most comfortable.
• Always swim in a counter-clockwise direction, even if only two of you are in the lane. This will help ensure there is no confusion for anyone who wants to join your lane.

POOL REGULATIONS

• No person infected with a communicable disease or having open sores on the body shall enter the pool.
• No food or beverage except water is permitted on the pool deck.
• Ensure you are not ill–including having conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, open sores, bandages, head colds, discharging ears or noses, or ear infections.
• Persons with related symptoms should not enter the pool until 48 hours after cessation of these symptoms.
• No person shall bring a glass container onto the deck or into the pool.
• No person shall pollute the water in the pool in any manner.
• Spitting, spouting of water or blowing nose in the pool or on the deck is prohibited.
• No person shall engage in boisterous play in or about the pool.
• Anyone not toilet trained must wear water resistant swimwear to prevent contamination of the pool. Cloth or disposable diapers are not accepted.
• Ensure all children and non-swimmers are supervised (within arm’s reach at all times) by a responsible person of at least 16 years of age.
• Outdoor footwear and strollers are not permitted on the pool deck.

Children 7 years of age or younger must remain within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian (16+ years) at a ratio of 1 adult for every 2 children in the Aquatic Centre.
Youth 8-11 years old must have a parent or guardian in the building at all times.

Parent/Guardian Policy

• Children 7 years of age or younger must remain within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian (16+ years) at a ratio of 1 adult for every 2 children in the Aquatic Centre.
• Youth 8-11 years old must have a parent or guardian in the building at all times.

Spa (Hot Tub)

• Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the Spa unless supervised by a person who is 16 years of age or older.

Water Slide

• You must be 1.2 metres tall to ride the waterslide.
• Parental or adult supervision is recommended.
• NO tubes, mats or life jackets permitted while riding the waterslide.

Lane Etiquette

• Each lane is designated a different speed: Fast, Medium, or Slow. Consider your abilities relative to those already in the lane and decide on the lane in which you’d feel most comfortable.
• Always swim in a counter-clockwise direction, even if only two of you are in the lane. This will help ensure there is no confusion for anyone who wants to join your lane.

POOL REGULATIONS

• No person infected with a communicable disease or having open sores on the body shall enter the pool.
• No food or beverage except water is permitted on the pool deck.
• Ensure you are not ill–including having conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, open sores, bandages, head colds, discharging ears or noses, or ear infections.
• Persons with related symptoms should not enter the pool until 48 hours after cessation of these symptoms.
• No person shall bring a glass container onto the deck or into the pool.
• No person shall pollute the water in the pool in any manner.
• Spitting, spouting of water or blowing nose in the pool or on the deck is prohibited.
• No person shall engage in boisterous play in or about the pool.
• Anyone not toilet trained must wear water resistant swimwear to prevent contamination of the pool. Cloth or disposable diapers are not accepted.
• Ensure all children and non-swimmers are supervised (within arm’s reach at all times) by a responsible person of at least 16 years of age.
• Outdoor footwear and strollers are not permitted on the pool deck.

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the Spa unless supervised by a person who is 16 years of age or older.

Water Slide
You must be 1.2 metres tall to ride the waterslide.
Parental or adult supervision is recommended.
NO tubes, mats or life jackets permitted while riding the waterslide.

Lane Etiquette
Each lane is designated a different speed: Fast, Medium, or Slow. Consider your abilities relative to those already in the lane and decide on the lane in which you’d feel most comfortable.
Always swim in a counter-clockwise direction, even if only two of you are in the lane. This will help ensure there is no confusion for anyone who wants to join your lane.

POOL REGULATIONS
No person infected with a communicable disease or having open sores on the body shall enter the pool.
No food or beverage except water is permitted on the pool deck.
Ensure you are not ill–including having conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, open sores, bandages, head colds, discharging ears or noses, or ear infections.
Persons with related symptoms should not enter the pool until 48 hours after cessation of these symptoms.
No person shall bring a glass container onto the deck or into the pool.
No person shall pollute the water in the pool in any manner.
Spitting, spouting of water or blowing nose in the pool or on the deck is prohibited.
No person shall engage in boisterous play in or about the pool.
Anyone not toilet trained must wear water resistant swimwear to prevent contamination of the pool. Cloth or disposable diapers are not accepted.
Ensure all children and non-swimmers are supervised (within arm’s reach at all times) by a responsible person of at least 16 years of age.
Outdoor footwear and strollers are not permitted on the pool deck.

When a class fills up, we encourage you to join the waitlist. When someone unenrolls from a class, the first person on the waitlist is automatically enrolled in that class as “Pending”. You will then be sent an email from the East Hants Aquatic Centre. You can either confirm your spot via email by clicking “confirm spot” as indicated in the email. If you need assistance you can call the aquatic centre at 902-758-3467 or visit us in person. Pending spots will be held for 48 hours. If you have not confirmed the spot within 48 hours, the spot will be given to the next person on the waitlist.

Additional Notes:

• You can add yourself to multiple waitlists for all dates/time that work for you.
• Our aquatics team looks at waitlists to create new classes based on the demand for specific levels. If space and staffing allows, we will create more classes to meet that demand. We then contact the people on the waitlist to confirm their enrollment. If there are additional spaces available in those newly created classes not filled by the waitlist, we open the class up for booking online.

The open showers are to be utilized by patrons who are using the pools - it is an opportunity to rinse before entering the pool with your swimsuit on. All swimmers must shower and wash with soap (provided) before entering the water. Nudity is strictly prohibited here and a swimsuit must be worn.

Nudity, undergarments (boxers, briefs, fashion bra or underwear).

Fully clothed or swimsuits, athletic wear (this could include a sports bra).

A change cubicle is a private stall for users to access to change their clothes in private. Yes, the private stall cubicles and washroom stalls can all be locked.

No, please bring your own lock. The Municipality of East Hants is not responsible for any items left behind, unlocked or stolen.

All lockers located within the universal change rooms are DAY USE ONLY.

Yes, the universal change room is designed to allow for this. There are private change cubicles, private showers and washrooms stalls for users.

Withdrawing From Programs

Municipality of East Hants will issue full program credit to client accounts if notice of request to withdraw from a program is received a minimum of 5 business days prior to the start of the program. If a Client wishes to withdraw from a registered program the request can be made in person at the East Hants Aquatic Centre, or via email at aquatics@easthants.ca Clients requesting withdrawal will be required to fill out a Request for Withdrawal form.

If a program is cancelled by the Municipality of East Hants, credit will be issued to the clients account and if requested the credit may be paid out by cheque. Please allow 4-5 weeks for processing.

Liability Waver

The Municipality of East Hants is not liable for injuries sustained by participants. Participation is at your own risk.

Late Registrations

Program fees may be pro-rated for late registrants until the second day of a particular session or program. As some programs have evaluated or instructional components, the municipality reserves the right to restrict participants from joining certain programs after the initial start date.

Age Policies

For programs with age restrictions program participants must meet the required age by the start date of the program. Please note that some programs are available to any age group.

Attendance

The Municipality of East Hants will not reschedule sessions, or issue credit, for programs or sessions which a registered participant does not attend.

Course Requirements

Programs may have prerequisites or other requirements for participation outlined in the program description. All participants must show evidence that they meet the requirements stated in the program description prior to the start date of the program.

HST

HST will be added to pricing for registered programs as required.

The Municipality has multiple programs that provide financial assistance for residents of all ages to participate in recreational activities. Current programs are listed on our Sport & Recreation Funding Programs page. Two main options include:

Recreation Access (RecAccess) is a funding program offered by the Municipality of East Hants designed to reduce financial barriers for adults, youth and children who wish to enroll in municipal recreation programs/services. Each member of the qualified applicant’s household will be eligible for a 75% discount on up to four registered recreation programs per year and 10 single entry passes to the East Hants Aquatic Centre.

KidSport™ Canada is a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under. Through a confidential application process we provide grants so they can play a season of sport. One of our primary goals is to support our network of 11 provincial/territorial KidSport chapters and 177 community KidSport chapters across Canada in their fundraising and sport activities.

For more information on these programs, please contact the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department at 902-883-3387.

If you need to adjust or delete a credit card that is stored on your client page, you will need to contact us at 902-758-3467 or aquatics@easthants.ca

However, you can add multiple credit cards to your account, so if you have an error in one card number or want to use a different card for this registration, and you can’t contact us right away, simply add the correct information as a new card and contact us as soon as possible to remove the incorrect or outdated card information.

No, it is not possible to withdraw from a program that you’re registered in online. You will need to call the 902-758-3467 to speak to staff.

To login to your account, go to easthants.perfectmind.com, and click on "Login or Create Account".

Yes, the new software and payment processor are fully encrypted and compliant to ensure your personal information is secure.

The software requires all passwords must:

- Be at least 10 characters long

- Contain one uppercase letter

- Contain one number

- Not contain a sequence (i.e. 123456 or abc123)

We strongly encourage our users to choose a strong password and be diligent in protecting their personal information and account details.

The Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation requires users to consent to receive emails from the Municipality of East Hants. You will be asked to opt-in to two different email options:

1. Transaction emails – When you buy a service, you will be emailed documents such as receipts, registration confirmations, membership agreements, rental agreements, withdrawal or transfer confirmations, scheduled payment agreements and payment reminders, waitlist updates, membership pass expiry updates, etc.
2. General communication emails – we encourage you opt-in to this option to learn about new programs and special events. In addition, we will notify you of any service disruptions or situations that may affect your experience.