Town of Pictou
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou Academy
EOI – 2018 – 1
July 5, 2018
Issued by:
Town of Pictou
Contact:
Dan Troke Chief Administrative Officer Town of Pictou
40 Water Street Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
[email protected] T (902) 485-4372 www.townofpictou.ca
Contents
1.0 Overview ...... 1 2.0 Building, Location and Opportunity ...... 1 2.1 Building Condition ...... 1 2.2 Land and Location ...... 2 2.3 Development Vision and Objectives ...... 4 2.4 Site Purchase or Lease ...... 4 3.0 Expression of Interest Submissions...... 5 3.1 Process ...... 5 3.2 Requirements ...... 5 3.3 Evaluation Criteria ...... 5 3.4 Other ...... 6 3.5 Deadline for Proposal Submission ...... 6 3.6 Inquiries ...... 6 APPENDIX A – Economic Profile Western Pictou County ...... 7 APPENDIX B – Pictou Academy Review ...... 8 APPENDIX C – Asbestos Report ...... 9 APPENDIX D – Public Consultation Report ...... 10
Town of Pictou 2018-06-28
1.0 Overview The Town of Pictou (Town) is soliciting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified firms, developers and/or institutions outlining their interest in the development for the former Pictou Academy building located at 222 Louise Street/88 Patterson (corner lot).
The building is situated on approximately 2.0 acres of land, referred to as the Site. This is corner lot of Louise and Patterson Street and is situated next to the New Pictou Academy High School and Gymnasium. The location is a residential zone and is just down the road from the Hector Arena rink. The former Academy is a 56,787 square foot building with three floors. Approximately 21 different rooms/classrooms can be found inside.
Proponents are encouraged to prepare and submit development ideas and conceptual business approaches for the Site. As conceptual businesses ideas are submitted, proponents should be willing to further their proposal in the form of a sustainable business plan.
Upon review by the Town, proponents may be asked to advance idea before the closing date of this EOI. All proponents should be advised that the closing date is just a suggestion and that a formal agreement could be made before this date.
The following is intended to provide key information and items to be addressed within EOI submissions.
2.0 Building, Location and Opportunity The Town of Pictou currently owns and operates the former Pictou Academy. This Site was returned to the Town in December of 2017 by Chignecto-Central Regional School Board (CCRSB). The Town would now like to see the Site be repurposed and revitalized. The Town is open to all proposals for the property and will facilitate any zoning changes that may be required.
The school is centrally located in Pictou and is in proximity to several amenities including: downtown, the new Pictou Academy and Hector Arena. Pictou serves as the economic hub for western Pictou County and has access to the Prince Edward Island Ferry, Trans-Canada Highway and a large marine terminal (Pier C).
For more information of what the Town of Pictou has to offer please see Appendix A – Western Pictou County Economic Profile. 2.1 Building Condition Building control is anticipated to be transferred to the successful proponent on a “As Is Basis”. The former Pictou Academy was built in two phases. The first phase was built in 1939 and consists of the southern portion of the building. The materials used in this section are wooden floors and walls. This
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 1 Academy
Town of Pictou 2018-06-28 section of the building also has a concrete basement. The second phase was built in 1972 and is cinderblock construction. The exterior of both sections is brick.
The building has a footprint of 56,767 square feet, is two stories tall and has approximately 21 rooms and an auditorium. It has seven entrances/exits and five washrooms (two have multi stalls).
The building is heated via two oil fired boilers (one located in each section of the building). Both are supported by a new oil tank. The insulation has had traces of asbestos but the majority of it has been remediated. For more information please see Appendix B.
The electric is partially breaker and partially fuse based.
The water is supplied through two supply lines at 2” and 1.5”. Based on the age of the building(s) it is anticipated that some lead based solder may exist. Under the old section of the school, lead has been detected in stagnant water samples in the front offices.
The building is also equipped with a keyed lift that services all floors.
While the CCRSB maintained care and control over the former Pictou Academy, they did perform several projects and completed a list of proposed improvements. The list of projects and proposed improvements can be found in Appendix C. 2.2 Land and Location The Site is a corner lot with two civic addresses: 88 Patterson Street and 222 Louise Street. The lot is approximately 2.0 acres and has access from Patterson Street via two paved entrances that form a horseshoe. Access is also available through Louise Street, however it passes through an area used by Pictou Academy students for parking.
The property landscaping has been maintained and the yard features a paved driveway, some surface parking, grass lawns and trees.
The site is in close proximity to several amenities. Hector Arena, Broidy Park, Soccer Fields, Pictou Tennis Courts and Pictou Academy are all within steps of the building.
Within a few blocks is downtown Pictou that has a small waterfront community feel but is also home to several major industries including: Pictou Advocate – the largest printing press on the east coast, Aecon Atlantic Industrial Inc – world class supplier of industrial marine services.
For more information about Pictou, please visit www.townofpictou.ca or see Appendix A (Western Pictou County Economic Profile).
The Site layout can be seen on the next page:
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 2 Academy
Town of Pictou 2018-06-28
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 3 Academy
Town of Pictou 2018-06-28
2.3 Development Vision and Objectives The Town has hosted information sessions and conducted a survey with respect to this Site. From these meetings a myriad of proposed uses was recommended including residential, commercial and institutional activities. The overarching theme was that Pictou does not want this Site to go into disrepair and we would like a way to preserve the memory of Pictou Academy while finding a new purpose for the Site.
Summarized results from all public meetings can be found in Appendix D.
What the Town would like to see at this Site is:
1) A use that compliments the Town’s current value proposition and culture.
2) An activity that promotes growth of the community spirit, and actively enhances the quality of life in Town, but does not impede the current lifestyle of nearby residents.
3) A long-term vision that is not necessarily restricted to any one activity (mixed-use proposals are welcome).
4) A financially stable practice that supports growth and contributes to taxation for the Town of Pictou. 2.4 Site Purchase or Lease The Town will entertain either purchase or lease options for this Site. Two preconditions that must be met are the Site:
1. Must be fully operated and maintained, at no expense to the Town; and 2. Cannot remain vacant and go into disrepair.
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 4 Academy
Town of Pictou 2018-06-28
3.0 Expression of Interest Submissions 3.1 Process The Town will accept and review proposals as they are received – i.e. there is no formal opening. If the Town receives a submission that it believes could have mutual benefit to both parties, it will advance the idea and request a more formal business proposal. If the Town believes the business proposal is in the best interest of the Town, community and business partner, the Town will require any proponents to enter into a formal agreement detailing predetermined requirements (operational strategy – own/lease, financial considerations, deadlines, etc.)
The goal of following this format is to avoid the Site from sitting idle for another winter. The Town would like to see activity at this site as soon as possible.
The Town of Pictou reserves the right to request clarification of information submitted in the EOI, to request additional information and to seek consulting services to assist in evaluating the EOIs and negotiating an agreement. The Town also reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
3.2 Requirements The following information shall be submitted by proponents:
1) Letter of interest with full contact details 2) A summary of proposed activities 3) Previous experience with similar endeavors 4) Preliminary Business Plan: a. Operational Strategy b. Evidence of developer’s financial ability c. Proposal/Business time-line d. Purchase vs Lease Proposal 5) Any additional information for a better understanding of the proposal.
3.3 Evaluation Criteria Currently, no formal weighted scoring method will be employed. Council and staff will review all submitted proposals and meet with proponents to determined feasibility and long-term viability of all options. The following items will be taken into consideration:
Relevant skills and experiences Comprehension of Town enhancement objectives Understanding of the local market Phased approaches to meeting long term goals Quality of proposal approach Synergies with existing market and surrounding area Clarity of proposal
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 5 Academy
Town of Pictou 2018-06-28
3.4 Other Proponents are solely responsible for their own expenses in preparing and submitting responses, and for any meetings, negotiations or discussions with the Town or its representatives and consultants, relating to or arising from the EOI.
The Town of Pictou also reserves the right to:
1) Cancel or withdraw the EOI prior to or after the submission deadline 2) Modify or issue clarifications to the EOI prior to the submission deadline 3) Reject any submission it deems incomplete or unresponsive to the submission requirements 4) Reject all submissions that are submitted under the EOI 5) Modify the deadline for submissions or other actions 6) Enter into negotiations or discussions with one or more proponents 7) Re-issue the EOI or another form of tender, whether or not any submissions have been received in response to the initial EOI
This EOI does not commit the Town in any way to select a proponent, or to proceed to negotiations for a contract of purchase and sale, or to enter into any contract, and the Town reserves the complete right, at any time, to reject all responses and terminate this EOI process. 3.5 Deadline for Proposal Submission Qualified proponents interested in this opportunity shall submit five (5) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of their Expression of Interest prior to 2:00 pm, Thursday, November 1, 2018 to the attention of:
Dan Troke Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Pictou 40 Water Street Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
Late Submissions will be disqualified.
The Town reserves the right to enter into negotiations, advance the EOI process and formalize an agreement before the closing date. Proponents are advised to notify the Town of their ‘intent to submit’ as early as possible to ensure their proposal is considered. 3.6 Inquiries All questions or correspondence concerning this EOI shall be directed by email to Mr. Dan Troke and received no later than October 18, 2018. Any information given concerning this EOI will be provided to all known interested parties as an amendment to this EOI and posted to the Provincial Procurement Website at https://novascotia.ca/tenders/tenders/ns-tenders.aspx. Oral instructions, statements or interpretations are not binding.
Inquiries should be directed to the Town via email to: [email protected]
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 6 Academy
Town of Pictou 2018-06-28
APPENDIX A – Economic Profile Western Pictou County
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 7 Academy
2017
Western Pictou County Economic Profile Background Information for Land Development Proposals
Town of Pictou PO Box 640, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0 4/13/2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Western Pictou County is a gateway community for our province. It is home to the Caribou/Wood Island Ferry which connects Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia. The Ferry passengers disembark onto Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) 106 which passes through Western Pictou County’s service center, the Town of Pictou.
The Town services a catchment area of over 10,000 permanent residents and 475,000 annual ferry passengers. These numbers include the residents of River John, Scotsburn and Pictou. Between the residents and ferry passengers, $300M to $350M is expended annually.
The resident population is employed by several sizable employers including Empire Company (Sobeys, Crombie REIT), Michelin Tires Canada, Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Limited, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Nova Scotia Power Corporation, MacGregor’s Industrial Group, MacKay Meters, Advocate Printing & Publishing, Northumberland Ferries Ltd, Aecon Fabco and others.
Strong regional, national and international businesses receive and ship goods and services through the Trenton Airport, Northumberland Ferries, rail service, Pictou Marine Terminal and the Trans- Canada Highway network. The combination of services available and access to transportation enables ease of connection to the rest of Canada and the world.
The location of lands abutting the Pictou roundabout provide high visibility and extensive traffic volumes. The potential customer and workforce base has above average income and educational characteristics relative to overall Nova Scotia statistics.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... i
CHAPTER 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Catchment Area ...... 1
CHAPTER 2 Phased in Commercial Assessment ...... 7
CHAPTER 3 Activities in the Immediate Area ...... 8
CHAPTER 4 Relationship to Existing Businesses ...... 10 4.1 Overview ...... 10 4.2 Regional Businesses ...... 11 4.3 Important Sectors of the Economy ...... 14
CHAPTER 5 Traffic Volumes ...... 15 5.1 Regional Traffic Volumes ...... 15 5.2 Pictou Rotary Traffic ...... 15
CHAPTER 6 County Amenities ...... 16 6.1 Access ...... 16 6.2 Facilities, Institutions and Attractions ...... 17 6.3 Events ...... 18
CHAPTER 7 Households ...... 19 7.1 Households by Size and Type ...... 19 7.2 Dwelling (Numbers, Age, Condition) ...... 20 7.3 Dwelling Types (Occupied) ...... 21 7.4 Dwelling Size ...... 21 7.5 Type of Occupancy ...... 21 7.6 Dwelling Value & Rental Costs ...... 22
CHAPTER 8 Demographics ...... 23 8.1 Population ...... 23 8.2 Mobility ...... 24
CHAPTER 9 Labour Force Activity ...... 25 9.1 Overview ...... 25 9.2 Journey to Work...... 25 9.2.1 Place of Work for Residents of Western Pictou County ...... 25 9.2.2 Sources of Labour for Western Pictou County ...... 26
CHAPTER 10 Income and Expenditures ...... 27 10.1 Household Income ...... 27 10.2 Incidence of Low Income ...... 28 10.3 Household Expenditures ...... 29
CHAPTER 11 Education ...... 30 11.1 Attainment ...... 30
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
This document is intended to provide background data for use by prospective developers considering a response to the Town of Pictou commercial Request for Proposals for lands adjacent to the Pictou Roundabout. As shown in Figure 1.1, the commercial lands are accessed through a new roundabout located at the Town of Pictou exit from the rotary located on TCH-106. Pictou also has several lots that are suitable for commercial development located in the Browns Point area of Town. Figure 1.4 shows these development areas.
This report is based on dissemination area level statistics in:
• Demographics and income levels; • Households counts by locations; • Labour force and occupations; • Traffic volumes; and • Relationship of the subject area to existing businesses.
1.1 Catchment Area
The general catchment area for this economic profile is shown in Figure 1.2.
Community boundaries are defined by the Community Counts web portal of the Nova Scotia Department of Finance, and include the communities of Pictou, River John and Scotsburn.
More specifically the communities in western Pictou County include:
• Pictou (Bay View, Braeshore, Browns Point, Caribou, Caribou Island, Central Caribou, Haliburton, Pictou, Pictou Island, Scotch Hill, Three Brooks, Waterside, West River of Pictou) • River John (Bigney, Black River, Brook Road, Cape John, Caribou River, College Grant, Dalhousie, Diamond, Dufferin, East Branch, Elmfield, Fitzpatrick, Hedgeville, Hodson, Loganville, Louisville, MacKays Corner, Marshville, Meadowville, Melville, Mountain Road, Plainfield, Poplar Hill, River John, Rogers, Seafoam, Sundridge, Toney Mills, Toney River, Welsford, West Branch, Westerly)
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 1 • Scotsburn (Alma, Campbell Hill, Central West River, Durham, Fitzpatricks Mountain, Four Mile Brook, Granton, Greenhill, Hardwood Hill, Heathbell, Loch Broom, Lyons Brook, Millsville, Rockfield, Rogers Hill, Rogers Hill Cross Roads, Scotsburn, Sylvester)
The information presented in this profile was drawn from three main sources: the 2011 Census; the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS); and the Community Counts web portal of the Nova Scotia Department of Finance. Figure 1.4 shows population counts within concentric circles from Pictou.
Figure 1.3 shows the community counts for the areas noted above overlaid on the 2011 Statistics Canada map of Census Subdivision A and the Pictou Census Subdivision.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 2 Lot A
Lot B
Figure 1.1 - New Roundabout and Commercial Area
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 3 Figure 1.2 - General Catchment Area
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 4 Figure 1.3 - Geographies for the Profile
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 5
Figure 1.4 – Roundabout and Browns Point areas of Pictou
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 6 CHAPTER 2 PHASED IN COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT
The Town is actively considering the enactment of a Commercial Assessment Phase-In By-Law enabled under the Municipal Government Act. The legislation allows for phase in of incremental commercial assessment over a predetermined amount and within a prescribed geographic area of a municipality. It is anticipated that a review and possible enactment will be complete by the fall of 2017.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 7 CHAPTER 3 ACTIVITIES IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA
Generally, the Town of Pictou currently retains an impressive range of activities within the manufacturing, retail, service, and public sectors including:
Manufacturing: • Aecon Fabco (Ship Yard/Marine Division) • Advocate Printing • Cottage Mechanical • Northshore Ballast • Partners Construction • Grohmann Knives
Retail/Service: • In excess of 100 businesses and services in downtown Pictou • Pictou Marine Terminals and Straitline Stevedoring • Two private marinas and boat storage
Accommodations: • An array of motels, inns and bed & breakfast establishments
Public: • Nova Scotia Health Authority (medical centre, restorative care, veterans unit, ambulance services, various outpatient and community programs and services, including a separate addiction services facility) • Pictou County Justice Centre (Supreme, Provincial, Family, Small Claims, and Probate Courts) • Primary to grade 12 education facilities • Oddfellows Home for Special • Shiretown Nursing Home • County and Town level municipal offices • deCoste Entertainment Centre - Performing Arts Centre • Hector Arena • Pictou Fisheries Training Pool
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 8 • Public marina, wharf and slipway
Specific to the roundabout area, the following private and public sector holdings are owned or operated by: • Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Subway, Emergency Health Services, Home Hardware, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, Pictou Fishing Supplies, Lionstone Inn, Dolans Inns and Suites and a Tourist Visitor Information Centre.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 9
CHAPTER 4 RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING BUSINESSES
4.1 Overview Pictou County was rated the most cost competitive community in Canada in which to do business by the KPMG Competitive Alternatives Study 2006. There are established business organizations such as the Pictou Business and Marketing Society (PBMS) and the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce (PCCC). PBMS is comprised of downtown merchants and organizations. The organization helps promote the Town of Pictou and facilitates development in the downtown area while the PCCC is a network of Pictou County businesses and professionals from a variety of sectors. PCCC advocates on behalf of the local business community.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 10 4.2 Regional Businesses
The Town of Pictou retain two large industries, Aecon Fabco and Advocate Printing and Publishing, both of whom play a significant economic role within the Region, Province and Atlantic Canada.
Aecon Atlantic operates within the Aecon Industrial Division. Its Pictou location retains the largest pipe and modular fabrication facilities in Eastern Canada.
The Pictou Pipe and Module Fabrication Yard provides modern, comprehensive facilities for pipe and plate preparation as well as climate controlled spool manufacture and module erection. The facility is on the Northumberland Strait, which facilitates convenient barge transportation of large modules and fabrications to Canadian, US and European markets.
The Pictou location also features a marine facility providing top-to-bottom ship refurbishment and repair. Featuring a new 4,000–ton capacity marine railway, the facility can accommodate “length over keel block” of 305’. The Pictou
Marine Railway is unique from other yards in that it retains Figure 1 - Aecon Fabco side yard transfer capability. This capability allows vessels to be moved off the railway to shore and back to water in a different sequence. The yard works on multiple vessels at one time, and because of the side yard capability, emergency dockings can be handled efficiently. Services also include both 300’ and 600’ wharves.1
The Aecon Pictou facilities are strategically positioned to take advantage of marine commercial and naval programs. In October of 2014 Chantier Davie Canada Inc., Canada’s largest and highest-capacity shipyard and industrial fabricator, announced a cooperative agreement with Aecon whereby the companies have agreed to… “combine fabrication capacities to increase speed and cost of delivery for major marine commercial and naval Figure 2 - Aecon Atlantic (Drydock) programs; use a modern
1 http://aeconatlantic.com/
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 11 production/assembly approach by producing and assembling ship sections at multiple sites; provide greater geographical reach and flexibility for joint programs; skills and knowledge sharing on joint programs”.2
Advocate Printing & Publishing, the largest independent printer in Atlantic Canada, was founded in 1891. Headquartered in Pictou, Nova Scotia, Advocate services the Atlantic Provinces, the eastern seaboard and across Canada. The company includes five newspapers and 24 community and trade magazines, a flyer distribution company, a commercial photography studio and a creative design studio. The printing business includes production of national flyers, magazines, print collateral such as brochures and business cards, and promotional materials such as in-ice signage and banners.
Technology was a primary factor in the company's growth during the nineties as Advocate developed one Figure 3 - Pictou Advocate (Outside) of the most advanced prepress departments in Eastern Canada. A commercial photography studio and a design studio were added to further meet the distinctive needs of the print industry customers. As the new creative divisions grew with new media, the Advocate Communications Group was formed.
In 2006 the company introduced Atlantic Canada’s biggest wide-format printing. Advocate continues to expand by printing everything from national flyers and magazines to banners, brochures, hockey pucks and business cards.3
Figure 4 - Pictou Advocate (Inside)
2 http://www.davie.ca/news/davie-aecon-announce-cooperation-agreement/ 3 http://www.advocateprinting.com/
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 12
Pictou County is host to myriad of major employers including:
Empire Company Limited:
• Headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, incorporated in 1963, and first publicly traded in 1982. • Key businesses are food retailing and related real estate, through wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc., and a 41.5% equity accounted interest in Crombie REIT. With $24.6 billion in annualized sales and $9.1 billion in assets, Empire and its subsidiaries, franchisees and affiliates employ approximately 125,000 people. • Empire's food retailing segment has national presence with approximately 1500 retail stores in operation as well as more than 350 retail fuel locations, which span across all 10 provinces. • Empire's real estate operations are focused on the development of properties across Canada. Empire has gained presence in Western Canada through an ownership in Genstar, a residential land development business and through the acquisition of supermarket chain, Safeway.
Michelin Tires Canada:
• The Michelin Pictou County site is home to a high- performance car tire production shop, tire membrane production and a large rubber mixing operation, as well as the company’s Canadian corporate offices. • Michelin Development provides low-interest loans and access to their business expertise to create quality, sustainable jobs and promote economic growth. • Michelin employs over 3000 workers in its three Nova Scotia facilities. • Started construction of Granton and Bridgewater plants (1st in North America) in 1969 and built first tire in 1971.
Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Ltd:
• The Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Ltd operation at Abercrombie Point, Pictou County, Nova Scotia has operated since 1967 and remains competitive in a global market. • With 50 trucks leaving the mill daily, Northern Pulp is the largest shipper out of the Halifax Port Authority. • Operating approximately 353 days per year, Northern Pulp manufactures 280,000 tonnes of pulp, primarily for export, every year.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 13 • Employs over 330 people directly as well as thousands of additional spin-off jobs in the community. • Together with their supply companies, Northern Pulp produces a total annual value output of $535 million.
Figure 5 - Northern Pulp 4.3 Important Sectors of the Economy The Town serves as a tourism destination community for the region and retains an impressive number of museums and attractions including: the deCoste Entertainment Centre; Hector Heritage Quay; Northumberland Fisheries Museum; McCulloch House Museum & Genealogy Centre; two- private and one public marina; tours at Grohmann Knives and proximity to warm sand beaches. The sector is supported through the work of Destination Eastern & Northumberland Shore (DEANS).
In addition to the manufacturing and service sectors, both the forestry and inshore fishing and processing industries play an important role in the regional economy. For example North Nova Seafoods, located in Caribou, buys and processes shellfish and pelagics throughout the year providing valuable processing employment and purchases from the inshore fleet.
The region retains a number of individuals and companies who participate in logging and the harvest of forestry products for the supply and operation of sawmills and the pulp and paper industry.
Figure 6 - North Nova Seafoods
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 14 CHAPTER 5 TRAFFIC VOLUMES
5.1 Regional Traffic Volumes Pictou/Caribou is a gateway area to the Province of Nova Scotia incurring higher seasonal traffic counts related to the interprovincial ferry service.4 The Average Daily (two-way) Traffic (ADT) for the reporting highways for the fall/winter and summer/spring in the same year showed ranges between 19,600 and 21,900.5
An interpretation of graphs presented by Hawkins and Robichauld shows the annual volumes of passenger related vehicles fluctuates from year to year but from 2004 to 2009 is in the range of 135,000 to 150,000 with 2009 at 140,000. The annual volumes of commercial related vehicles from 2004 to 2009 are in the range of 15,000 to 17,500 with 2009 at 15,000.
According to Hawkins and Robichauld, the economic benefit of the ferry service exceeds its annual subsidies and the largest benefit is the incremental impact on the tourism industry. The estimated annualized economic benefit of the Wood Island/Caribou ferry service is $25 million.
5.2 Pictou Rotary Traffic Table 5.1 gives the average annual daily traffic (AADT) for the five legs of the Pictou Rotary adjacent to the location of the new roundabout and commercial development. The traffic counts for the West River Road leg (TCH exit 3A) are shown in the following table.
Table 5.1 – Average Traffic on Pictou Rotary
Average Traffic Pictou Rotary NW Leg North Leg SW Leg South Leg SE Leg Hwy 6 Hwy 106 Rte 376 Hwy 106 W R Rd* AADT 2007 2380 1130 3560 6600 9500 AADT 2013 2320 1140 3990 6880 12300 % Change -3% 1% 12% 4% 29.50%
4 "Traffic Volumes, Primary Highway System, 2004-2013", Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Traffic Services, March 2014. 5 Highway 106, Exit 1A (Mt. William Rd Inters/C) to Exit 2 (Begg Brook Inter/C); Highway 106, Exit 2 (Begg Brook Inter/C) to Exit 3 (Pictou Rotary Entrance); Highway 376, Rte 256 (Scotsburn Rd) to Pictou Rotary.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 15 CHAPTER 6 COUNTY AMENITIES
6.1 Access
Pictou County boasts several important access routes including:
• Pictou Marine Terminals and Straitline Stevedoring - active commercial port linking Nova Scotia to the world via the Gulf of St. Lawrence. o Fully ISPS compliant, PMT offers 550 m of berth length, 850 sq. m of warehouse space and 6000 sq. m of secure marshalling area, and a flexible skilled workforce. Figure 7 - Pictou Marine Terminals and Straitline Stevedoring (Pier C) • Trenton Airport Limited (CYTN) o Commercial Airport open to public transportation with runways maintained year round. o Landing accommodations for large business jets (ex. Gulf Stream G550), as well as Life Flights. o Runway is 5300ft long and 150ft wide • TCH-104 linking region to New Brunswick, Cape Breton and Newfoundland via Marine Atlantic ferry services.
Figure 8 - Trenton Airport
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 16 • Approximately 120 km to proposed Melford Terminal on Strait of Canso. Pictou County is ½ way point between Halifax and this marine-rail container terminal. • Highway 102 linking region to Halifax and major container terminals including Halterm and CN Intermodal. • Cape Breton and Central Nova Railway, Genesse and Wyoming Inc. • 1 hour from Stanfield International Airport which has spacious cargo facilities offering world class shipping and receiving opportunities. Figure 9 – Caribou/Wood Island Ferry • Ferry / transport services to Prince Edward Island.
Additionally, non-stop flight time between Logan International Airport (Boston) and Halifax Stanfield International Airport is 50 minutes. The CAT ferry has a crossing time of 5.5 hours between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, NS.
6.2 Facilities, Institutions and Attractions
Pictou County offers several attractions as well:
• Pictou Yacht Club • Pictou Fisheries Training Pool • Hector Arena • Six Provincial Parks including Caribou / Munroe’s Island, Waterside Beach • Pictou Antigonish Regional Library • Aberdeen Regional Hospital Figure 10 - deCoste Entertainment Centre • Pictou County Wellness Centre • Pictou County YMCA • William H. Sobey Memorial Indoor Sports Complex (Soccer / turf) • Pioneer Coal Athletic Facility (track) • deCoste Entertainment Centre • Trails • Golf Courses • Curling Clubs • Bike Lanes • Major financial institutions • Vibrant downtown cores Figure 11 - Pictou Marina • All major car dealerships • Wide selection of restaurants- fine dining, ethnic, quick service, cafes, pubs, etc.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 17 • Chignecto Regional School Board- providing education for 20,000 students in grades primary to 12 - services four families of schools - ours is Celtic - it is made up of 20 schools • Nova Scotia Community College - 600 full time students - 20 full time programs. • St. Francis Xavier University-Antigonish - enrollment of 5,000; one of Canada’s top undergraduate universities; 40 minute drive from Pictou County.
6.3 Events Figure 12 - Hector Arena • Home of many provincial and national sporting, arts and music events • New Glasgow Music Jubilee • Johnny Miles Running Event Weekend • Festival of the Tartans • Race on the River Dragon Boat Festival • Pictou Lobster Carnival • River John Days • Farmers Market
Figure 13 - Pictou County Wellness Centre
Figure 14 - Pictou Pool
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 18 CHAPTER 7 HOUSEHOLDS
7.1 Households by Size and Type Table 7.1 summarizes the change in household numbers, size and type from 1991 to 2011 in western Pictou County.
Table 7.1 – Households by Size and Type, western Pictou County
Households by Size and Type, Western Pictou County % Change 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 1991 - 2011 Total Private Households 4,374 4,314 4,466 4,614 4,606 5.3% Persons in Households 11,792 11,493 11,084 11,088 10,752 -8.8% Persons per Household 2.70 2.66 2.48 2.40 2.33 -13.4% Private Households - By Size 1 Person 886 987 1,074 1,159 1,188 34.0% 2 Persons 1,290 1,329 1,619 1,787 1,925 49.2% 3 Persons 754 758 758 761 740 -1.9% 4-5 Persons 1,305 1,102 941 845 683 -47.7% 6 or more Persons 138 138 74 61 71 -48.5% Private Households - By Household Type One-Family Households 3,283 3,160 3,290 3,304 3,256 -0.8% Multiple-Family Households 27 19 30 40 51 85.5% Non-Family Households 1,064 1,134 1,146 1,270 1,299 22.1% One-Family Households 75.1% 73.3% 73.7% 71.6% 70.7% Multiple-Family Households 0.6% 0.4% 0.7% 0.9% 1.1% Non-Family Households 24.3% 26.3% 25.7% 27.5% 28.2% Source: Nova Scotia Community Counts web page - data modeled from Statistics Canada, Census of Population & Jozsa TheManagement average household & Economics size is about 2.33. Among the communities, the average sizes are 2.25 in Pictou, 2.30 in River John and 2.50 in Scotsburn.
Detailed results for each of the three communities, Pictou, River John and Scotsburn can be found in Appendix B.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 19 7.2 Dwelling (Numbers, Age, Condition) Table 7.2 shows the total number of dwelling units in western Pictou County.
Table 7.2 – Number of Dwellings and Condition
Dwellings and Condition Community of Community of Community of Western Pictou Pictou River John Scotsburn County
2011 - # 2011 - % 2011 - # 2011 - % 2011 - # 2011 - % 2011 - # 2011 - % Total number of dwellings 2,732 1,634 1,421 5,786 Total number of occupied dwellings 2,216 81.1% 1,036 63.4% 1,354 95.3% 4,606 79.6% Only regular maintenance or minor repairs needed 1,911 86.2% 1,013 97.8% 1,243 91.8% 4,167 90.5% Major repairs needed 305 13.8% 23 2.2% 111 8.2% 439 9.5% By Period of Construction 1960 or before 1,002 45.2% 276 26.7% 356 26.3% 1,634 35.5% 1961 to 1980 608 27.5% 350 33.8% 466 34.5% 1,425 30.9% 1981 to 1990 305 13.8% 255 24.6% 239 17.7% 800 17.4% 1991 to 2000 257 11.6% 62 6.0% 188 13.9% 508 11.0% 2001 to 2005 24 1.1% 25 2.5% 25 1.8% 75 1.6% 2006 to 2011 18 0.8% 67 6.5% 79 5.8% 165 3.6%
Source: Nova Scotia Community Counts web page - data modeled from Statistics Canada, National Household Survey & Jozsa About half of the housing in western Pictou County was built after 1970. Management & Economics
Relative to the rest of Nova Scotia the housing stock is in better condition with about 9.5% requiring major repairs versus 9.9% in the rest of Nova Scotia.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 20
7.3 Dwelling Types (Occupied) Table 7.3 shows the number of occupied dwelling units by structural type.
Table 7.3 – Occupied Private Dwellings by Structural Type, 2011 Occupied Private Dwellings by Structural Type, 2011 Community Community of Community of Western Pictou of Pictou River John Scotsburn County Total Occupied Dwellings 2,216 1,036 1,354 4,606 Single-detached house 1,731 939 1,185 3,854 Apartment, building that has five or more storeys - - - - Movable dwelling 51 65 138 255 Other dwelling 434 32 31 497 Semi-detached house 76 0 0 76 Row house 110 9 23 142 Apartment, duplex 11 4 0 14 Apartment, building that has fewer than five storeys 232 15 8 255 Other single-attached house 5 5 0 10 Source: Census 2011 & Jozsa Management & Economics
7.4 Dwelling Size Table 7.4 shows the range of occupied dwelling sizes in western Pictou County and the average number of rooms per dwelling. The majority (about 34%) of dwellings has eight or more rooms. The same plurality exists in the three communities, ranging from high of 47% in the community of Scotsburn to a low of about 27% in the Community of Pictou.
Table 7.4 – Number of Rooms on Occupied Dwellings Number of Rooms in Occupied Dwellings Community of Community of Community of Western Pictou Pictou River John Scotsburn County 2011 - # 2011 - % 2011 - # 2011 - % 2011 - # 2011 - % 2011 - # 2011 - % 1 to 4 rooms 515 114 89 718 5 rooms 433 19.5% 248 23.9% 122 9.0% 802 17.4% 6 rooms 422 19.0% 242 23.3% 259 19.1% 922 20.0% 7 rooms 242 10.9% 106 10.2% 244 18.0% 592 12.9% 8 or more rooms 604 27.3% 326 31.5% 641 47.3% 1,571 34.1% Average number of rooms per dwelling 6.0 0.0% 7.0 0.0% 7.0 0.0% 6.5 0.0% Source: Nova Scotia Community Counts web page - data modeled from Statistics Canada, Census of Population & Jozsa Management & Economics 7.5 Type of Occupancy Table 7.5 provides an overview of the occupancy types in western Pictou County. Ownership is high and condominium type dwellings exist in very limited number.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 21 Table 7.5 – Occupied Dwellings by Type of Occupancy Occupied Dwellings By Type of Occupancy Community of Community of Community of Western Pictou Pictou River John Scotsburn County Type of Occupancy 2011 - # 2011 - % 2011 - # 2011 - % 2011 - # 2011 - % 2011 - # 2011 - % Owner 1,544 1,036 1,309 3,888 Renter 672 30.3% - 0.0% 45 3.4% 718 15.6% Band housing - 0.0% - 0.0% - 0.0% - 0.0% By Condominium Status Part of a condominium development 70 3.1% - 0.0% 6 0.4% 76 1.6% Not part of a condominium development 2,146 96.9% 1,036 100.0% 1,348 99.6% 4,530 98.4% Source: Nova Scotia Community Counts web page - data modeled from Statistics Canada, National Household Survey & Jozsa Ownership,Management at 84.4% & Economics is substantially higher than in the rest of Nova Scotia (70.6%). Conversely the rate of condominium style living is only about half that of the rest of Nova Scotia (3.1%).
7.6 Dwelling Value & Rental Costs Table 7.6 shows 2011 owner reported value of dwellings and renter reported monthly rental cost.
Table 7.6 – Dwelling Value and Rent Cost Dwelling Value & Rent Cost Community of Community of Community of Western Pictou Pictou River John Scotsburn County % Hld % Hld % Hld % Hld 2011$ Income* 2011$ Income* 2011$ Income* 2011$ Income* Median value of dwellings 120,984 288.6% 131,156 258.3% 133,309 239.9% 127,732 267.7%
Average value of dwellings 139,671 278.8% 145,269 279.5% 146,714 239.1% 143,473 267.3% Median annual shelter costs for rented dwellings 5,712 13.6% - 0.0% 1,488 2.7% 5,453 11.4% * Dwellings: Median Value/Median After Tax Hld Inc., Ave Value/After Tax Ave Hld Inc.; Annual Ave Rented Dwelling Cost/After Tax Ave Hld Inc. Source: Nova Scotia Community Counts web page - data modeled from Statistics Canada, National Household Survey & Jozsa TheManagement median owned & Economics dwelling value is about 2.7 times the median household income. The highest multiple is in the community of Pictou at 2.9 and the lowest is in the community of Scotsburn at 2.4.
The average value of dwellings is higher than the median, which indicates that dwelling values are skewed to the higher end. The greatest skew to higher values, measured as the ratio of average value to median value, is in the community of Pictou (1.15) and the lowest is in the community of Scotsburn (1.10).
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 22 CHAPTER 8 DEMOGRAPHICS
8.1 Population The population of western Pictou County (not including seasonal residence) was 10,752 in 2011 with the highest population density in the Town of Pictou.
Table 8.1 – Population, Western Pictou County
% OF 2011 TOTAL TOTAL REPORTING 10,752 BY 5-YEAR AGE GROUPS
0-4 YRS 456 4.2%
5-9 YRS 501 4.7%
10-14 YRS 541 5.0%
15-19 YRS 594 5.5%
20-24 YRS 499 4.6% 25-29 YRS 366 3.4% 30-34 YRS 538 5.0% 35-39 YRS 614 5.7% 40-44 YRS 687 6.4% 45-49 YRS 869 8.1% 50-54 YRS 963 9.0% 55-59 YRS 940 8.7% 60-64 YRS 1011 9.4% 65-69 YRS 730 6.8% 70-74 YRS 507 4.7% 75-79 YRS 345 3.2% 80-84 YRS 276 2.6% 85+ YRS 268 2.5%
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 23 8.2 Mobility Table 8.2 shows that over 88% of the people living in western Pictou County in 2011 also lived there in 2006.
Migrants from the rest of Canada made up about 10% of the population and migrants from outside Canada comprises 0.5% of the population.
Table 8.2 – Population Mobility (2006-2011)
Mobility (2006-2011) Community of Community of Community of Western Pictou Pictou River John Scotsburn County Total Total - % Total Total - % Total Total - % Total Total - % Total by mobility status 4,576 2,282 3,247 10,105 Non-movers 3,055 66.8% 1,657 72.6% 2,672 82.3% 7,383 73.1% Movers 1,521 33.2% 625 27.4% 575 17.7% 2,722 26.9% Non-migrants 1,014 22.1% 228 10.0% 302 9.3% 1,544 15.3% Migrants 508 11.1% 397 17.4% 273 8.4% 1,178 11.7% Internal migrants 503 11.0% 306 13.4% 269 8.3% 1,078 10.7% Intraprovincial migrants 354 7.7% 222 9.7% 199 6.1% 775 7.7% Interprovincial migrants 148 3.2% 85 3.7% 70 2.2% 303 3.0% External migrants 4 0.1% 49 2.1% - 0.0% 53 0.5%
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 24
CHAPTER 9 LABOUR FORCE ACTIVITY
9.1 Overview Table 9.1 provides an overview of the labour force’s activity in western Pictou County. In summary:
• The participation rate, at about 60%, was three points lower than that of the rest of Nova Scotia (about 63%); • The employment rate, at about 53%, was about four points lower than the rest of Nova Scotia (about 57%); and • The unemployment rate, at about 10.4%, was (due to a lower participation rate) just slightly above that of the rest of Nova Scotia (10.0%).
Table 9.1 – Labour Force by Labour Force Activity (NHS 2011) Labour Force by Labour Force Activity (NHS 2011) Community of Pictou Community of River John Community of Scotsburn Western Pictou County Total Reporting 4,121 2,049 2,860 9,030 In the labour force 2,370 1,185 1,838 5,393 Employed 2,075 1,054 1,701 4,830 Unemployed 295 131 137 563 Not in the labour force 1,751 864 1,022 3,637 Participation rate 57.5% 57.8% 64.3% 59.7% Employment rate 50.4% 51.5% 59.5% 53.5% Unemployment rate 12.4% 11.0% 7.5% 10.4% Source: Nova Scotia Community Counts web page - data modeled from Statistics Canada, National Household Survey & Jozsa Management & Economics 9.2 Journey to Work
9.2.1 Place of Work for Residents of Western Pictou County Data from the 2011 NHS describing place of work / place of residence flows for residents and people working in western Pictou County are not available. However, the long form 2006 Census does provide the information and it remains indicative of the nature of worker movement.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 25 This data indicates that of the employed residents: • 51% have jobs in western Pictou County; • 45% travel eastward outside the area; • 5% travel westward to jobs; and • 9% of those travelling out of the area for work travel to jobs outside of Pictou County.
9.2.2 Sources of Labour for Western Pictou County This data indicates that of the jobs: • about 75% are held by residents; • about 24% are held by persons travelling from the east; and • 1% is held by persons travelling from the west.
Only about 1% of people come from outside Pictou County.
Economic Profile for the Western Portion of Pictou County 26 CHAPTER 10 INCOME AND EXPENDITURES
10.1 Household Income Table 10.1 – Median/Average Income of Households 2011 NHS Table 10.1 shows the average and Median/Average Income of Households 2011 NHS median household incomes for the Community: Western Pictou communities and western Pictou Pictou River John Scotsburn County County overall. Before Tax Average income $ 58,296 $ 60,410 $ 72,921 $ 62,884 Median income $ 47,615 $ 57,275 $ 64,630 $ 54,530 After Tax Average income $ 50,095 $ 51,973 $ 61,354 $ 53,682
Median income $ 41,924 $ 50,768 $ 55,569 $ 47,709
Table 10.2 provides an overview of the household income distribution in western Pictou County.
Income Distribution of Households, 2011 NHS Community of Pictou Community of River John Community of Scotsburn Western Pictou County # % Cumulative # % Cumulative # % Cumulative # % Cumulative Total Reporting 2,221 1,041 1,353 4,615 Under $5,000 - 0.0% 0.0% - 0.0% 0.0% - 0.0% 0.0% - 0.0% 0.0% $5,000 to $9,999 22 1.0% 1.0% - 0.0% 0.0% - 0.0% 0.0% 22 0.5% 0.5% $10,000 to $14,999 38 1.7% 2.7% - 0.0% 0.0% - 0.0% 0.0% 38 0.8% 1.3% $15,000 to $19,999 212 9.6% 12.3% - 0.0% 0.0% 25 1.8% 1.8% 237 5.1% 6.4% $20,000 to $29,999 395 17.8% 30.1% 158 15.1% 15.1% 93 6.9% 8.7% 646 14.0% 20.4% $30,000 to $39,999 321 14.5% 44.5% 84 8.0% 23.2% 133 9.8% 18.5% 538 11.7% 32.1% $40,000 to $49,999 253 11.4% 55.9% 189 18.1% 41.3% 191 14.1% 32.6% 632 13.7% 45.8% $50,000 to $59,999 112 5.1% 61.0% 64 6.2% 47.5% 146 10.8% 43.4% 322 7.0% 52.8% $60,000 to $79,999 354 15.9% 76.9% 348 33.5% 80.9% 302 22.3% 65.8% 1,004 21.8% 74.5% $80,000 to $99,999 233 10.5% 87.4% 171 16.4% 97.4% 168 12.4% 78.2% 572 12.4% 86.9% $100,000 to $124,999 144 6.5% 93.9% 27 2.6% 100.0% 148 10.9% 89.1% 319 6.9% 93.8% $125,000 to $149,999 60 2.7% 96.6% - 0.0% 100.0% 103 7.6% 96.7% 163 3.5% 97.4% $150,000 and over 76 3.4% 100.0% - 0.0% 100.0% 45 3.3% 100.0% 121 2.6% 100.0%
Table 5.2 – Income Distribution of Households, 2011 NHS
Western Pictou County Economic Profile 27 Figure 10.1 shows the distribution of household income levels among households in western Pictou County, the three Communities and in the Rest of Nova Scotia.
100%
80%
Western Pictou Cty Pictou 60% River John Scotsburn Rest of NS
40%
20%
Income Distribution Among Households (NHS, 2011)
0% $- $50,000 $100,000 $150,000
Figure 10.1 – Income Distribution Among Households (NHS, 2011)
10.2 Incidence of Low Income Table 10.2 shows that in 2006, about 8.0% of families and 65% of unattached individuals were defined as low income, representing 11.5% of the population of western Pictou County (vs. 13.9% in the rest of NS). According to the 2011 NHS the incidence of low income among the population rose to about 13.9% (vs. 17.5% in the rest of NS).
Table 10.2 Incidence of Low Income Incidence of Low Income Community of Pictou Community of River John Community of Scotsburn Western Pictou County Long Form Long Form Long Form Long Form Census 2006 NHS 2011 Census 2006 NHS 2011 Census 2006 NHS 2011 Census 2006 NHS 2011 # % # % # % # % # % # % # % # % Total - Economic families 1,554 741 1,058 3,353 Low income 147 9.5% 37 5.0% 82 7.8% 267 8.0% Not low income 1,407 90.5% 704 95.0% 976 92.2% 3,086 92.0% Total - Unattached individuals 15 years and over 729 326 295 1,350 Low income 271 37.1% 111 34.2% 94 31.8% 476 35.2% Not low income 458 62.9% 215 65.8% 201 68.2% 874 64.8%
Total - Population in private households 5,364 4,982 2,398 2,384 3,326 3,386 11,088 10,752 Low income 703 13.1% 810 16.3% 252 10.5% 387 16.2% 317 9.5% 323 9.5% 1,271 11.5% 1,496 13.9% Not low income 4,661 86.9% 4,172 83.7% 2,146 89.5% 1,997 83.8% 3,009 90.5% 3,063 90.5% 9,817 88.5% 9,119 84.8% Source: Nova Scotia Community Counts web page - data modeled from Statistics Canada, National Household Survey & Jozsa Management & Economics
Western Pictou County Economic Profile 28
10.3 Household Expenditures Table 10.3 shows the annual spending by household. Spending was based on the average household income in each community and the spending profile of households in Nova Scotia by income level.
Table 10.3 – Household Spending (2011$)
Household Spending (2011$)
Community: Western Pictou Pictou River John Scotsburn County Total expenditure $ 129,183,936 $ 62,584,760 $ 98,735,034 $ 290,503,730 Total current consumption $ 104,468,818 $ 46,182,200 $ 72,858,010 $ 223,509,028 Food expenditures $ 14,440,784 $ 6,906,259 $ 10,895,460 $ 32,242,503 Shelter $ 27,223,713 $ 10,930,366 $ 17,243,976 $ 55,398,055 Household operations $ 9,382,147 $ 3,714,860 $ 5,860,641 $ 18,957,648 Household furnishings and equipment $ 5,063,000 $ 1,476,129 $ 2,328,772 $ 8,867,901 Clothing and accessories $ 5,510,184 $ 2,485,661 $ 3,921,432 $ 11,917,277 Transportation $ 21,209,629 $ 11,212,350 $ 17,688,839 $ 50,110,817 Health care $ 5,045,549 $ 1,831,335 $ 2,889,152 $ 9,766,036 Personal care $ 1,841,091 $ 930,857 $ 1,468,540 $ 4,240,488 Recreation $ 5,361,850 $ 2,832,298 $ 4,468,294 $ 12,662,442 Education $ 2,043,960 $ 1,029,785 $ 1,624,611 $ 4,698,356 Reading materials and other printed matter $ 475,542 $ 112,509 $ 177,497 $ 765,548 Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages $ 2,757,274 $ 1,557,920 $ 2,457,807 $ 6,773,001 Games of chance $ 1,570,599 $ 135,200 $ 213,295 $ 1,919,093 Miscellaneous expenditures $ 2,541,316 $ 1,026,669 $ 1,619,695 $ 5,187,680 Income taxes $ 14,630,564 $ 10,490,254 $ 16,549,645 $ 41,670,464 Personal insurance payments and pension contributions $ 6,524,529 $ 4,402,682 $ 6,945,763 $ 17,872,974 Gifts of money, support payments and charitable contributions $ 3,562,205 $ 1,509,624 $ 2,381,615 $ 7,453,445 Source: Nova Scotia Community Counts web page - data modeled from Statistics Canada, National Household Survey & Jozsa Management & Economics
Western Pictou County Economic Profile 29
CHAPTER 11 EDUCATION
11.1 Attainment
Table 11.1 – Educational Attainment (2011 NHS) Educational Attainment (2011 NHS) Community of Community of Community of Western Pictou River John Scotsburn Pictou County Total Reporting # % # % # % # % No certificate, diploma or Degree 2,538 1,424 1,908 5,870 High school diploma or equivalent 391 20.5% 320 16.8% 321 16.8% 1,031 17.6% Postsecondary certificate, diploma or Degree 628 32.9% 326 17.1% 380 19.9% 1,333 22.7% Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma 1,519 79.6% 779 40.8% 1,208 63.3% 3,506 59.7% College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma 385 20.2% 232 12.2% 341 17.9% 958 16.3% University certificate, diploma or degree 570 29.9% 372 19.5% 568 29.8% 1,510 25.7% University certificate or diploma below bachelor level 454 23.8% 135 7.1% 265 13.9% 855 14.6% University certificate, diploma or degree at bachelor level or above 57 3.0% - 0.0% - 0.0% 57 1.0% Bachelors degree 397 20.8% 135 7.1% 265 13.9% 797 13.6% University cert, diploma or degree above bachelor level 272 14.3% 76 4.0% 177 9.3% 525 8.9% Source: Nova Scotia Community Counts web page - data modeled from Statistics Canada, National Household Survey & Jozsa Management & Economics
Western Pictou County Economic Profile 30 Town of Pictou 2018-06-28
APPENDIX B – Pictou Academy Review
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 8 Academy
Town of Pictou 2018-06-28
APPENDIX C – Asbestos Report
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 9 Academy
Town of Pictou 2018-06-28
APPENDIX D – Public Consultation Report
Expressions of Interest for the Former Pictou 10 Academy
Town of Pictou
Report: Consultation on the Future Use of the Pictou Academy Property (May 2018)
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Notes:
This report is an attempt to capture the essence of the ideas and feelings of all participants in the consultation process. Quotes are samples of the many valuable statements made at the public session and received through the initial questionnaire and emails received. Additional suggestions are welcomed ([email protected]) .Thank you for your input!
Next Steps in the consultation process will include a public call for Expressions of Interest from any entities (profit or non-profit) who wish to discuss future development of the former PA property.
______Purpose of the Consultation
• Reflection on what is important to us as a community
• Sharing of ideas about the possibilities for re-purposing an important landmark in our community
• Consideration of differing views on the future and potential of the building
Consultation Session:
A Community Consultation Session was hosted by the Pictou Town Council on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, 7:00-9:00pm at the ‘Small Gymnasium’ of the current Pictou Academy. Mayor Ryan provided information on the building and lot and the town’s role in determining the future of the building. (( Didn’t Kyle make some remarks as well??))
The Facilitator for the group discussion was Jayne MacCarthy, M.H.E., Health Promotion Specialist Mental Health and Addictions Services, NSHA.
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The session was preceded by an opportunity for community members to walk through the former PA building between 6:15 and 7:00 p.m..
Approximately sixty-five interested persons were in attendance.
The Agenda for the evening was as follows:
Agenda
1) Welcome & Introductions 2) Background information -Mayor Ryan 3) Small Group Discussion (Three Topics)
a) What do you value most about your community? What are the strengths and assets of the community? What makes this a good place to live?
b) Describe three wishes you have for the future of your community. What is your ‘vision’ of an ideal community? What are your goals for the future of Pictou?
c) If money or other resources were not of concern and you could transform the former Pictou Academy Building in any way you wished, what would you do?
4) Groups Report Back to the Whole
5) Summary of Questionnaire Results
6) Discussion of Next Steps in the Consultation Process -Mayor Ryan Background Information:
The background information presented by Mayor Ryan consisted of a review of the process that led to the re-acquisition of ‘Care and Control’ of the buildings by the Town, the most current operating costs of the vacant buildings and ‘known’ deferred capital improvements that would be necessary.
• CCRSB Decision – April 2017 (At that meeting it was stated that Care and Control would be returned to the Town on July 31st.)
• Town did not receive ‘Care and Control’ of the building until December 21st, 2018. (July 31st and September 16th were the original dates given by CCRSB)
• Roofs have been replaced on all sections of the building except the Auditorium within the past 15 years. (The auditorium did experience leaking this past winter.)
• CCRSB indicated that they had $180 000 identified as required capital upgrades to the building.
• Heat and lights for the building from December 21, 2017 to March 31, 2018 cost the Town $16,691.29. (CCRSB 2015-16 cost for (oil only) --$62,876)
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• The Town insisted that a proper Plan of Subdivision be completed at the expense of CCRSB prior to the building being returned.
Group Discussion Summary: QUESTION 1 WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY? What are the community’s strengths and assets? What makes this a good place to live? -Responses centred around the following themes:
• People – friendly; strong; courageous; welcoming; enthusiastic; willing to work together; helpful; sense of pride, purpose, resolve and belonging • Our small town lifestyle - safe; everyone knows everyone; proximity to larger centres; small town spirit; affordable housing; close-knit community; quiet
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• Natural assets – Harbour town; waterfront; beaches; our unique geographical location in the County • Recreational opportunities – Jitney Trail; marina; DeCoste Centre; pool; rink; equestrian centres; library • Cultural history & heritage – buildings and people; Scottish heritage • Educational opportunities - P-12 school in the town Comments: “Our community is made up of a diverse selection of voices and opinions that are necessary to facilitate positive discourse and to bring issues that affect citizens to the forefront of discussions.” “Small town spirit and friendly atmosphere.” “People who love Pictou, some are not even from the town but have an admiration for it.” “Lots of possibilities and potential in our town.” QUESTION 2 DESCRIBE THREE WISHES YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR COMMUNITY. What’s your vision of the ideal community? What are your goals for the future of Pictou? Participants envisioned:
• A welcoming, growing, innovative and prosperous community which will attract more businesses to provide more jobs and to provide more shopping opportunities and a greater tax base • Young people would stay or move to Pictou to benefit from, not only numerous job opportunities, but also the many recreational and lifestyle choices available here • Students will continue to be able to attend school P-12 in their own community. • Better health care, including better services for mental health and youth with learning disabilities; more doctors • Improved roads and better use of existing buildings that would maximize the historical nature of the town and encourage tourists to visit • Some envisioned residential development in the downtown and further development of existing assets such as the waterfront, old CN station, old Post Office building and the golf course • Some suggestions took into consideration the larger context, noting the importance of clean air & clean water and having politicians listen more carefully to residents re: pulp mill so that concrete action would be taken. As well the cyclical nature of the town’s population, which expands in the summer months due to seasonal residents, was identified as a consideration
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Comments: “Fix and repair things already in place” “Pictou to be recognized as a heritage /culture icon in the province. It recognizes assets and preserves/conserves & protects what makes us unique.” “The elephant in the room is the pollution & threat to our environment. We don’t want to go against jobs but we want our politicians & government to listen to our wishes.” “Attract young people.” “Sustainable stewardship.” “Plato’s Republic” “A vision that is realistic- combination of change and retention - items of value – grow goals to expand our assets of waterfront, Scottish heritage – live theatre- all the components to use our past to become our future.” “Make this town the place that people want to live in.”
QUESTION 3 IF MONEY AND OTHER RESOURCES WERE NOT OF CONCERN, AND YOU COULD TRANSFORM THE FORMER PICTOU ACADEMY BUILDING IN ANY WAY YOU WISH, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? The majority of suggestions clustered around the following:
• An education centre such a private high school, Hub school, Charter school; institute of higher learning; IT college; university outreach such as agricultural or sylvan campus; campus school for special studies - Celtic Performing Arts Centre (College offering dancing, piping, fiddling etc. classes year round); Pictou Academy of Celtic Arts; open classes for the public on a various of topics of interests; non-traditional education; private school with residence • Museum/Cultural Centre – an arm of Public Achieves; Heritage centre; Aboriginal Resource Centre; art gallery • Move Town Office and/or Library to this site • Community Hub/Centre –Multi-use such as a combination space for private school, public school and non-profit centre; Red Cross depot, Food Bank and clothing depot in this space; space for workshops, meetings, technology, art, yoga classes, etc.; library and youth centre in this space as well
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Additional suggestions included:
• High end condominiums similar to the former Willow St School in new Glasgow • Innovation Centre – for at-home businesses, open to all; think tank (similar to Pugwash’s Thinker’s Lodge); centre for digital expression • Private health clinic/spa – offering private services such as liposuction, MRIs; physiotherapy • Movie studio • Casino • Cannabis Grow-op Comments: “How did Truro re-purpose the old Normal School into a library? This was a successful need turned into a purpose. Antigonish Library is a multi-purpose space; community groups used space.” “Demolish existing building I would build the modern version of the second PA building that burnt in the 1930s for educational purposes. Astronomy facility on top.” “Fully functioning medical centre (new) (Physicians, NPs, therapists, etc.), be an example for the rest of the province.” “Access the recent federal funding.” SUMMARIZING EXERCISE: OF ALL THE THINGS I HEARD TONIGHT, THIS MAKES THE MOST SENSE TO ME: Some participants identified potential uses for the space:
• Community Centre/space; Multipurpose Centre – offering space for community groups and clubs, non-profits (e.g. – Food Bank, Women’s Centre, Youth Centre) and for recreational programs such a yoga, dance, arts & crafts • Educational Institute - Charter School, Hub School, Private school that is gender specific, Montessori School; space for university outreach/extension campus; Celtic centre for the performing arts and education similar to St. Anne’s in Cape Breton • Cultural Arts/ Cultural Heritage centre – Celtic focus; inclusive Heritage focus (Scottish, Aboriginal, Acadian); Indigenous learning centre • Innovation Centre • Library – relocate to the PA building • Town offices – relocate to the PA building • Museum – PA museum; Scottish Heritage museum • Boarding house for students seeking the “small town” experience
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• Follow the ‘WE House’ model inspired by The House That Jane Built to create a community organization for people who need help’. (Educational and recreational opportunities for those in our community that are less fortunate.)
Broader suggestions/statements regarding the future use of the building:
• Don’t demolish it • Ensure the use of the building benefits the entire community • Ensure financial viability • It should be a community decision; it should go to a community vote
Additional Comments and Questions: “There has to be a focus on keeping young families coming to Pictou. An educational institution that’s is specialized does this.” “My main concern is that the many good ideas expressed here tonight might be watered/down to what is doable now for Pictou – i.e. on a small scale. Don’t let this happen. Be strong. Go for the real accomplishment that can be had. Fight!” “A great opportunity to advance the town and get people working together.” “I understood that the “Library Project” was to be connected to the DeCoste Performing Arts Centre. As well the DeCoste Society as a whole has agreed as had the Town of Pictou Administration & Council. So, is this no longer the case? Does the current Council support the library project connected to the DeCoste Centre? “Close the pulp mill. Leverage the natural location of Pictou. Develop downtown, generate tax revenues….” “Golf course should be seriously looked at as it is a business that would bring a lot of people to town.”
Pictou Academy (Building) Questionnaire:
On March 29, 2018 a Pictou Academy (Building) Questionnaire was made available through the Town of Pictou Website (http://www.townofpictou.ca/meetings-and-public-notices/pictou- academy-building-questionnaire/) and in hard copy format at the Town Office. The purpose of the questionnaire was to initiate discussion within the community and to gather ‘initial thoughts’ on the future use of the buildings from residents, former residents, former residents/students and any interested persons.
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Summary: A total of 18 responses were received. The Questionnaire focused on ‘Acceptable Uses’ and ‘Preferred Uses’ for the building/property. Respondents could respond Yes or No to a variety of usage options.
• ‘The Academy’ as a commercial space? • ‘The Academy’ as a residential property? • ‘The Academy’ as an alternate educational/training facility? • ‘The Academy’ as a mixed commercial and residential space?
Acceptable Uses: The majority of respondents (14/18) indicated that ‘Education/Training’ would be an acceptable use for the PA Building. Less than half of the respondents (8/18) said no to using the building for residential purposes. A majority also thought that ‘Commercial’ (10/18) or ‘Mixed’ (12/18) use would not be an acceptable use.
Preferred Uses:
Preferred Use 6
5
4
3
2
1
0 Commercial Residential Education/Training Mixed Other
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Comments/Ideas (Quotes from the Questionnaire): ‘Think Big! Create an International Scottish Cultural Centre.’ ‘Use to house all memorabilia (now being stored in someone’s basement) from the former 7 high schools.’ ‘Sell the property for specific residential development with strict conditions. If it can’t be sold, tear it down immediately.’ ‘Demolish to reduce our tax burden.’ ‘Use as educational/cultural adjunct to Pictou Academy with special courses.’ ‘Mesh with plans to greatly increase the number of International students. Might be used as dorms and ‘off season’ tourist accommodations.’ Use building as ‘an outreach facility for Dalhousie Agricultural College in Truro or outreach programs from St FX.’ Indigenous Studies? Research Lab for ‘hardwood sylvan culture’. Testing new crops re climate change. ‘There is no way the Academy property can be considered for commercial enterprise given its’ residential location.’ ‘The building cannot be left in limbo; to not deteriorate and become an eyesore’ Academy would be perfect for a condo development and/or other residential units.’ (Reference to Annapolis Royal.) Town should invest in renewable resources such as solar power …. For the purchase of solar panels’. ‘With renewable energy, costs to the town would be significantly reduced or eliminated’. ‘I think it would make a good Public Library …. Also close and available for research studies for the Pictou Academy’. ‘Allowing the building to be used for various retail or class environments will help reduce the cost to the owner. Start Up Operating Costs will make or break a business but by sharing space can help reduce costs’. ‘This historic building is our memory and our pride. It should remain as a education facility.’
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Next Steps: • Review Information from Public Consultations (Apr.-May 2018) • Post a Summary/Report on Town Website (May 2018) • Invite ongoing input from public ([email protected]) • Call for Expressions of Interest (Profit/Non-Profit) (June-Oct. 2018) • Investigate (Potential) financial implications to the Town (Ongoing) • Convene a Follow-Up Public Discussion on Specific Options (TBD) • Decision by Council (TBD)
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