Policing, $2700 to PHARMASAVE, Kings Transit, & MORE

The cost of policing is a major concern across Canada, CAO Rob Frost told the March 5 meeting of Hantsport Town Council. He has been speaking to the Department of Justice and hopes to get more information about reducing the cost.
  The town voted to accept PHARMASAVE's suggestion that council give it $2700 for renovations which Dr. Price requested. No request was made for invoices when the work was complete.
   In his detailed presentation to council,  Kings Transit (KT) Manager Ron Mullins requested $30,176 from Hantport for 2012/2013. KT received $29,920 for 2011/2012. He hopes for a $15,000 surplus.              KT is a public entity, supported by the municipalities, and is an example of regional co-operation. The Province does not contribute to public transport.
  Councillor Paul Morton asked what will happen if the town does not pay for KT. Mullins replied that it is council's decision and that it was not up to him to say. The bus going east might come off HWY 1 at the Ben Jackson exchange, down HWY 101, and then on the William Hall exchange to HWY 1.
  Several of the buses are getting a new paint job to attract attention and to promote advertising.

Photos submitted.

  WIFI and GPS is now being installed in buses so that riders know where the next bus is. Several riders have asked about bus shelters. These are privately owned and cost $20,000.
  Mullins agreed that scheduling for buses east of Wolfville is a problem. The buses driving east of Wolfville operate every two hours. To increase service, KT needs provincial money. Mullins is currently working on making the schedule easier to follow from one end of the system to the other.
  The provincial government recently announced its Public Transit Initiative in its Nova Scotia Moves Program. The municipal and provincial governments split the cost 50:50.
  Focus groups of town residents will consider the budget later this month. They are divided into three groups by age. Two councillors will attend each session.
  Council appointed councillor Rob Frederick as ex-offico and non-voting member on the board of the Food Bank.