South Queens Chamber of Commerce

11/08/2026

Member Shout-Out: Shore Thing Liverpool NS! 👏⚓
They just launched a new line of 100% cotton apparel from South Shore Living Trading Company. Pop into Shore Thing to check out the new stock and support local! 🍁👕

Announcing a new line of clothing at Shore Thing! Please give a warm welcome to South Shore Living Trading Company! A lovely line of hats, bags, long sleeve tshirts, and tshirts - 100% cotton in sizes from small to ###l in lots of colours in three different designs. Our son, Zach, is modeling one of their Bluenoser shirts and one of their Blue Lobster hats. Great quality and comfort.

11/08/2026

Two grants are available to support accessibility investments in workplaces and businesses - one provincial grant and a federal grant.

Click the link or read all the things below!

https://theaceproject.ca/

Provincial

ACCESSIBILITY GRANTS: The expression of interest (EOI) process is now open for CCTH’s Community and Business Accessibility Program funding. This funding is for organizations looking to undertake upgrades and improvements towards meeting Nova Scotia’s accessibility legislation and standards.

Business Access-Ability Program

Please contact the program officer with any questions or for more information: (902) 220-8812 | Arsenault, Kayla [email protected]

We (they) are excited to announce that we are now accepting Expressions of Interests (EOI). Below you will find a link to the EOI form, and attached to this email are the program guidelines.

EOI - Business Access-Ability Program 27-28 Deadline – Fill out form here https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=EzOyjnXORUOlail6JBK02_OOXNwa6atCs5y_cot2zd5UODJDRzAwWkdRNEIzN1NMMENBS1BTWUo0RS4u&route=shorturl

Please note: This is NOT a funding application. Applications for BAAP will open in December 2026and close on February 14, 2027.

You can contact the program officer at this email for more information: (902) 220-8812 | Arsenault, Kayla [email protected]


ALSO:

The Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund – Express Workplace Accessibility Grant (EWAG) is now accepting applications through a continuous intake process.

This program provides up to $50,000 in funding to help organizations remove workplace accessibility barriers and support the hiring, retention, and continued employment of persons with disabilities.

Eligible projects may include:
- Building renovations, retrofits, or accessibility improvements.
- Installation of accessible entrances, ramps, or automatic doors.
- Purchase of accessible workplace equipment.
- Information and communication technologies that improve workplace accessibility.

Who can apply?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Small businesses with up to 99 full-time equivalent employees
- Indigenous organizations
- Municipal and territorial governments

Projects can have a duration of up to 12 months.
Applications are currently open, with no fixed intake deadline.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-express-workplace-accessibility-grant/overview.html

11/08/2026

We love tourism! Let's get some tourism businesses nominated in the Region of Queens for next year's LQ Business Excellence Awards!

11/06/2026

Federal Grant Alert: Express Workplace Accessibility Grant! 🇨🇦

Are you a local business owner, non-profit, or employer looking to make immediate accessibility upgrades to support current or new employees with disabilities?

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) has launched the Express Workplace Accessibility Grant (EWAG)—a continuous intake stream offering up to $50,000 in funding for fast-tracked workplace improvements!

What does it cover?

-Workplace Renovations & Retrofits: Ramps, accessible washrooms, door openers, and barrier-free pathways.

-Accessible Technology & Equipment: Screen readers, voice recognition software, hearing loops, and adaptive workstations.

Who can apply?

-Small businesses (up to 99 employees)
-Non-profit organizations
-Indigenous organizations & municipalities

⚠️ Important: Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out. Apply early!

Learn more & apply online: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-express-workplace-accessibility-grant/overview.html

Enabling Accessibility Fund - Express Workplace Accessibility Grant offers up to $50K for immediate workplace accessibility projects

11/05/2026

🏗️ Building Nova Scotia: What Will It Take? 🏡

Join the Canadian Home Builders' Association - Nova Scotia and Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia for the 2nd Annual National Housing Day Summit!

Bring your voice to the conversation as leaders, industry professionals, government representatives, and community partners unite to take practical action on housing supply, affordability, and attainable homeownership across our province.

🗓️ Date: November 19, 2026

📍 Location: Halifax Harbourfront Marriott Hotel

Whether you're attending, sponsoring, or exhibiting, don't miss your chance to shape Nova Scotia’s housing future.

👉 Register today! https://novascotiahomebuildersassociation.growthzoneapp.com/eventcalendar/Details/building-nova-scotia-what-will-it-take-national-housing-day-summit-2026-1749973?sourceTypeId=EmailInvitation

👉Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
https://novascotiahomebuildersassociation.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/aZFVGNySvCqCZ

11/05/2026

The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage - Communities Supports and Infrastructure department is
we are now accepting Expressions of Interests (EOI).

Below you will find a link to the EOI form.

If you are considering an application to these programs, participating in the EOI process is highly recommended. Please view the website for program guidelines and project eligibility.

Please note: This is NOT a funding application. Applications for BAAP will open in December 2026 and close on February 14, 2027.

You can contact Kayla Arsenault, Program Officer program officer at (902) 220-8812 or [email protected] for more information.

Businesses can apply for funding from the Business ACCESS-Ability Program to help support accessibility improvements.

11/05/2026

Honoring the Memory of Christopher Clarke

The South Queens Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Christopher Clarke.

Chris was a dedicated advocate for our region, whose contributions and commitment to local business and community growth left a lasting impact on Queens County. His presence, guidance, and spirit will be deeply missed by colleagues, friends, and community members alike.

We extend our heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him during this difficult time.

In deep appreciation and memory,
South Queens Chamber of Commerce

REMEMBERING FORMER MAYOR CHRISTOPHER CLARKE

We are deeply saddened to share news of the passing of former Mayor Christopher Clarke.

Mayor Clarke was the first mayor of Region of Queens Municipality, serving two terms from 1996 to 2000 and again from 2012 to 2016. During his time in office, Mayor Clarke not only oversaw the early days of the newly amalgamated Region of Queens, he also worked tirelessly to see the county through the transition period following the closure of the Resolute Forest Products-owned Bowater Mersey Paper Mill in 2012.

During his first term, Mayor Clarke's Council approved the Millennium Committee's recommendation to mark the turn of the century by providing residents with dogwood trees at cost -- this popular initiative led to Queens County becoming known for its proliferation of dogwood trees.

An exceptional advocate for the residents of Queens County, Mayor Clarke will be remembered for his dedication to the community and service to many organizations, including the Queens Home for Special Care Society.

In November 2025, it was announced that the new 112-bed long-term care facility in Liverpool would be named The Neighbourhoods of Dogwood Lane. Mayor Clarke, who was serving as chairperson of the Board at the time, remarked at the announcement, “It’s a great step forward -- it means a lot to me because I’ve been associated with dogwoods in Queens County for a long time, and I never thought this snowball would have gathered in momentum and kept growing in size, so it’s great.”

Council members and staff extend our deepest sympathies to Mayor Clarke's family and friends. Flags at the Region of Queens Municipality's Administration Building and Queens Place Emera Centre have been lowered in recognition of his life and contributions to our community.

As we receive additional details, including a link to Mayor Clarke's obituary, information will be added to this post to ensure it is shared with the public.
**Updated November 5, 2026: Christopher Clarke’s obituary has now been posted: https://www.chandlersfuneral.com/obituaries/christopher-clarke?fbclid=IwdGRjcAVaEk5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWURturNp3jLiFUFMikrgSJUuwiy51LXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzE3Mzg0NzY0MjY3MDM3MAABHy0Kx3aVqED8z25GzrG30rXO1gJOG6EsmidKUHqtSvnyrWawkUUDC60HVStx_aem_NVd6lUJDgpR8aZVghfOvUA

11/03/2026

Applications are now open for Canada Summer Jobs 2027!

This federal program offers wage subsidies to eligible employers who hire youth aged 15 to 30 for summer jobs.

📅 Application period: October 27 to December 3, 2026 (closes 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time)

Who can apply:
✅ Private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees
✅ Not-for-profit organizations
✅ Public sector employers

Wage subsidies:
💼 Not-for-profits: up to 100% of the provincial minimum wage, plus eligible mandatory employment-related costs
💼 Private and public sector employers: up to 50% of the provincial minimum wage

It’s a way to reduce staffing costs during the busy summer months while giving local youth real work experience.

Review the eligibility requirements and apply before December 3

The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) homepage provides an overview of the program and direct access to the employer and youth sections. It also includes key information for applicants and the public about eligibility, timelines, and how the program works.