60656 Hetty Van Gurp - Tancook 101 Booklet PROOF...Green dashed lines to show trimming area. They...

Tancook 101

Everything you need

to know about life on

Big Tancook Island

A publication of Big Tancook Island

Emergency Response Association

Big Tancook Island is situated in Mahone Bay,

Nova Scotia. It measures approximately 6 km by

1.6 km and is accessible by ferry from Chester, NS.

Green dashed lines to show trimming area. They will not print.60656_Hetty Van Gurp - Tancook 101 Booklet PROOF - Nov 21, 2018 10:58:13 AM


Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors

“Age-friendly Communities Grant” program for funding our

“Big Tancook Island: Creating a Community of Care” project

as submitted by the Big Tancook Island Emergency Response

Association (BTIERA).

The primary goal of this booklet is to provide island residents

with important information about health service providers

who will travel to Tancook when needed.

For newcomers and people interested in exploring Tancook

as a place to live, this booklet includes other pertinent

information.

www.tancookcommunitynews.com

Tancook Community News

(Cover photo by Brenda Knapik.)


1

Contents Local Emergency Services

Medical First Responders……………………….……….…….. 3

Defensive Fire Service………………………………………...…. 3

Regional Medical Services

VON…………………………………………………….…………..……. 4

Palliative Care……………………………….……………………….. 4

Caregivers Nova Scotia……………………….………….…….. 5

Alzheimer’s Society…………………………….…………..……. 5

Our Health Centre…………………………….………………….. 6

Seniors’ Community Health Team………………..……….. 6

211……………………………………………………………………… 6

Transport

Ferry……………………………………………………..……..……… 7

Fuel……………………………………………………..………………. 7

Island Vehicles……………………………………….……………. 8

Boats…………………………………………………….…………….. 8

Wharf Etiquette

Long-term Parking……………………….…………………….. 8

Short-term Parking………………………..…………………….. 8

Fishing Season……………………………….……………………. 8

No Parking Areas……………………….………………………... 9

Cargo Areas…………………………………..…………….………. 9

Trash Collection

Household Trash ……………………………..………………….. 9

Hazardous & Electronics Waste…………………………….. 9

Bulk Waste…………………………………………………………… 9

Associations

Tancook Island Recreational Centre………………………. 10

Big Tancook Island Emergency Response………………. 10

School Advisory Committee……….………...………………... 10

Harbour Authority………………………………………….……. 10


2

Government Representation

MODL …………………………………………………………………………. 10

MLA…………………………………………………………………..………... 11

Post Office …………………………………………………………..………. 11

Elementary School..……………………………………………..…….…. 11

RCMP…………………………………………………………………..…….... 11

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal……………..…... 11

Recreation

Camping………………………………………………………….….……….. 11

Picnic Areas …………………………………………………………. …….. 12

Bicycling ……………………………………………………………… …….. 12

Boating……………………………………………………………………….. 12

Kayaking…………………………………….………………………………. 12

Geocaching…………………………………………………………………. 12

Community Events

Dances……………………………………………………………………… 12

Beach Bash ………………………………………………………………. 12

Community Dinners………………………………………………….. 13

Take the Roof off Winter…………………………………………… 13

Canada Day Celebration ………………………………….…… ….. 13

Knit Camp …………………………………………………….…………. 13

Gallery Nights ………………………………….…………….………… 13

Services……………………………………………….………….….….. ….. 13

Businesses

Carolyn’s Restaurant & Crafts & Bike Rentals……………… 14

Wishing Stones Studio & Gallery……………………………. ….. 14

Avon & Epicure…………………………………………………………. 14

Internet…………………………………………………………………….. 14

Short-term Rentals……………………………………………………. 14

Chester Businesses……………………………………………….…… 15

Did you Know?.................................................................................. 16

Words of Wisdom…………………………………………………….. 18


3

Local Emergency Services

All emergency services should be accessed

through 911.

The Big Tancook island Emergency Response

Association (BTIERA) encompasses both medical and

fire services and is run exclusively by well-trained

volunteers.

Medical First Responders (MFRs)

We have a team of trained volunteer MFRs on Tancook who

will respond when a 911 call is received. In most cases, the

patient is transported by ferry accompanied by our MFRs. We

have a fully equipped medical response vehicle on the island.

At the Chester wharf the patient will be handed over to EHS

paramedics.

A LifeFlight helicopter, if available, will be called out in more

serious situations. The helicopter lands at the helipad behind

the Rec Centre.

Defensive Fire Service

The fire service on Tancook is also run by volunteers. By

calling 911, the volunteer fire service will be notified and

dispatched. All emergency vehicles and equipment are stored

at the Rec Centre on School Road.


4

Regional Medical Services As part of this funded project, we were able to host several

community information sessions to clarify and expand upon

medical services now available to Tancook residents on the

island. These service providers are as follows:

VON

If required, a VON nurse will travel to Tancook to provide

nursing care. After having fulfilled a risk assessment, volunteer

drivers who have been approved by VON can now transport

nurses in one of BTIERA’s vehicles to and from the home of the

patient. To request a VON nurse visit, please contact:

Karen Marr RN

VON Senior Manager

902-742-4512 ext 222

Palliative Care

The Palliative Care consultation team provides a referral-based

service. Referrals are received from other health care

providers who, from their assessments feel this team may be

able to assist with pain and symptom management issues.

Once a person has been seen by a member of the consultation

team they are given the phone number of the nurse on the

team who will be following them should a concern arise

between visits.

Visits to the island will need to be planned in advance to

coordinate the availability of the consultation nurse, the ferry

schedule and transport on arrival to the Island.


5

Hours of work for members of this consultation team are

Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

For more information, please contact:

Janet Carver

Health Services Manager

Palliative Care Services

Tel: 902-634-7387

Caregivers Nova Scotia

Caregivers Nova Scotia is dedicated to providing recognition

and practical support to friends and family giving unpaid care.

Caregivers Nova Scotia offers a variety of services and

programs, including confidential one-on-one telephone

support; peer support groups and educational workshops.

For additional information, please contact:

Jennifer Briand

Caregiver Support Coordinator - Western Region

902-521-5592

Alzheimer Society

The Alzheimer Society offers information, support and

education programs for people with dementia, their families

and caregivers.

For information, please contact:

Cheryl MacKay

Alzheimer Society of Canada

902-523-1614


6

Our Health Centre

Our Health Centre, located in Chester, is a health and wellness

community resource accessible to residents of Tancook. In

addition to a wide variety of regular programs and services,

OHC has a walk-in medical clinic, blood collection lab service

and well water testing.

For additional information, please contact:

Lorraine Burch

OHC General Manager

902-275-3847

www.ourhealthcentre.ca

Seniors’ Community Health Team

This is a team of health professionals dedicated to the health,

safety and well-being of seniors along the South Shore. Team

members include: Dietician, Nurse, Occupational Therapist,

Physiotherapist, Social Worker, Geriatrician, Office Support

Staff.

Services are offered in the senior’s home or community. A

referral can be made by a doctor, nurse practitioner or other

health care professional.

For information, please call:

902-634-7015

211

211 Nova Scotia is a free helpline that connects you to

community and social services in your area 24 hours a day,

365 days a year.


7

Transport

Ferry

The Tancook ferry is operated by Nova Scotia’s Transportation

and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) under the direction of the

Captain in Charge. It provides all transportation to and from

the island for passengers and cargo, including vehicles. (One

vehicle per passage, arranged in advance by contacting the

ferry at 902-275-7885.) Vehicles are transported at a cost of

$20.00 round trip. There is a maximum length of 23 feet and

weight of 9.5 tons.

Cargo boxes are restricted to small non-hazardous items such

as food stuffs and small packages. All other items should be put

on cargo trays or in cattle boxes.

Passenger fee is round trip and tickets can be purchased on the

ferry (cash only), either individually for $7.00 or passes of five

or ten or an annual pass. Children under 12 travel free. Cargo is

free of charge.

Fuel

There is a limit of 4 containers of gas on any given ferry run.

The last Saturday of each month is designated as a fuel run and

has 2 extra trips. The ferry leaves at 6:30 am and returns from

Chester at 8:00 am. Passengers can travel on the 8:00 am ferry.

The ferry then leaves for Chester at 9:00 and returns to

Tancook with unlimited full fuel containers and no passengers

at approximately 10 am.

Diesel and heating oil do not fall under these restrictions.

Diesel containers should be yellow. Oil drums should have the

appropriate labeling as required by law.


8

Island Vehicles

Under provincial law, local vehicles are exempt from

inspection and tags but are required to be insured.

Boats

While there are no marina facilities on Tancook, there is a

public boat ramp in Northwest Cove. Please avoid parking that

would block access.

Wharf Etiquette

Long Term Parking

There is a designated long term parking area provided by the

Harbour Authority. This is a for-rent system. Please contact

Harbour Authority for availability. (902-279-1747)

Short Term Parking

There is short term parking

(max. 48 hrs) available on the

wharf during summer. The

Harbour Authority has the right

to remove or ticket vehicles or

revoke parking privileges for

vehicles parked longer than 48

hours.

There is no overnight parking

from November 1 to April 1 for

snow clearing purposes.


9

Fishing Season

Please refrain from parking alongside the fishing boats during

lobster season which runs from the last Monday in November

until the end of May. During loading and unloading of traps to

fishing boats, fishers may have to remove vehicles that are

hindering the process.

No Parking Areas

The keyway is designated for turning around and people

should avoid parking there.

Cargo Areas

Cargo areas are designated on both the Tancook and Chester

wharves by a broad red line. This is for the loading and

unloading of cargo and should be kept clear while cargo

operations are under way. Failure to observe this rule will

result in cargo operations being halted and will cause undue

delays in the ferry schedule.

Trash Collection

Household Trash

Household trash collection is every 2 weeks. If you are unsure

of your week for collection, check with a neighbour.

Recyclables need to be separated and there is only 1 black bag

allowed per household.

Hazardous & Electronics Waste

There is an annual hazardous waste collection as well as an

annual collection of discarded electronics.

Bulk Trash

There is a bi-annual bulk waste collection.


10

Associations

Tancook Island Recreational Centre Association

The Rec Centre is a charitable organization run by volunteers.

It hosts dances and dinners on the island as well as providing

lunches for special events. It is available for private functions.

Membership is open to seasonal and full-time residents.

Big Tancook Island Emergency Response

Association (BTIERA)

BTIERA is the umbrella association under which the Fire and

Medical volunteer services operate. It is a registered not-for-

profit, charitable organization. Membership is open to full-time

and seasonal residents. In addition to fundraising events, funds

are provided by the Municipality via fire tax rates and grants.

School Advisory Committee (SAC)

The Big Tancook Elementary School Advisory Committee has

been instrumental in keeping our one-room school open. The

SAC is made up of parent and community representatives as

well as the school’s teaching principal.

Harbour Authority

The Harbour Authority manages the wharf as part of the vital

infrastructure of the island. It has sole authority for all aspects

of the wharf including mooring of boats and parking both short

and long-term. Please be aware of the rules.

Government Representation

Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL)

Big Tancook Island falls under MODL. This includes building

permits and inspector, trash collection and other issues


11

associated with the management of island services.

Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)

Big Tancook Island falls under the area of Chester - St.

Margaret’s.

Post Office

Canada Post operates our local post office. Opening hours are

Monday-Friday 9:30 am-1:00 pm and 2:00 pm-4:00 pm;

Saturday 1:30 pm-4:00 pm. P.O. Boxes are free.

Elementary School

Big Tancook Island Elementary School provides education to

school age students from grades primary to 5 (inclusive).

RCMP

While there are no permanently stationed police officers on Big

Tancook Island, they make periodic, unscheduled visits to the

island and keep a police vehicle on the island. They also have a

boat in Chester that can be used during emergencies.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR)

TIR is the provincial department charged with running the

Ferry Service and maintaining the roads and related

infrastructure. Please note: Ferry Service and Road

Maintenance are two different areas of responsibility

Recreation

Camping

There is a wilderness camping area on the island at South East

Cove; it has no bathroom or water facilities. Please contact

Martha Farrar if you wish to use this camping area.

(902-277-2529)


12

Picnic Areas

There are three picnic areas on the island managed by the

Recreational Center

Bicycling

All land on Tancook is private; therefore bicycling is restricted

to the main roads.

Boating

If properly insured, private boats are normally allowed to tie

up beside fishing boats during non-fishing season on a short-

term basis. There is no marina available on Tancook.

Kayaking

Tancook is a popular place for kayaking. Please be cautious of

the rugged coastline.

Geocaching

Tancook has over 40 geocaches with one of the highest

concentrations of favourites.

Community Events

Dances

Dances are held at the Recreational Centre – some with a live

band and some with a DJ. Notices for dances (and other

community events) are posted on the Ferry and Post Office

bulletin boards.

Beach Bash

A beach party is held once a year on South East Cove Beach.


13

Community Dinners

Community dinners are held throughout the year. Often they

are fundraising events for BTIERA or the Rec Centre. Take the Roof off Winter

This event is organized and sponsored by the Municipality and

is usually held in February. It encourages winter activities

such as walking, snow-shoeing and cross country skiing

(dependent on snow conditions). Refreshments are available in

the afternoon. Canada Day Celebration

A BBQ and games celebration (sponsored by MODL and the Rec

Centre) is held at the Rec Centre on the first of July to celebrate

Canada Day. Knit Camp

This is held every other year and is a private event. Gallery Nights

Wishing Stones Studio and Gallery is a favourite resting place

and social center on the island. The gallery is open on several

nights during the year to provide a social gathering

opportunity for islanders.

Services Being islanders, Tancook residents are extremely self-

sufficient. If you are new to Tancook and are in need of any of

the following services, you will likely find someone on the

island who can help you out. Roofing; plumbing; transporting

heating oil; lawn mowing; painting; general repairs;

excavating; bookkeeping, barge services, mechanical…

If you are in need of one of these services, just ask a neighbour!


14

Businesses

Carolyn’s Restaurant, Craft Shop and Big Tancook

Bicycle Rentals

Carolyn`s is a seasonal restaurant that offers local crafts and a

bike rental business.

Wishing Stones Studio and Gallery

Wishing Stones sells wildlife photos by nature photographer

and birding expert, Hillary Dionne. The gallery also carries

other local arts and crafts. Wishing Stones is also an island

museum and a lending library for books and movies.

Avon

We have an Avon representative on the island.

Epicure

We have an Epicure representative on the island.

Internet

Our Internet providers are Eastlink, Xplornet and Bell Aliant.

There is no public Internet access on the island.

Short-term Rentals

We have a few rentals available on the island. These are

typically rented during the summer months but some may be

available during off-season months. Details are available on

www.tancookcommunitynews.com under Businesses.

To inquire about renting, please call:

Pinky - 508-397-0484 or 902-228- 2198

Stephens’ Oceanfront Cottage - 902-277-1482

Rhyno Rental - 902-275-7979

Oceanfront Rental - 902-865-9962


15

Chester Businesses

There are several businesses in Chester that supply goods and

services to Tancook residents. Some will deliver goods to the

ferry. (Marked with *)

Lumber: Lester D. Collicutt Lumber & Building*; Castle

Building Centre*; Home Hardware*

Food: Foodland; Independent (NSLC next door)

Pharmacy: Pharmasave Chester*

Banking: Scotiabank

Gas/Automotive: Chester Irving and Convenience; Bumper to

Bumper*; Chester Service Center; NAPA*.


16

Did you know?

• Tancook is a favourite destination for geocachers.

• Under Nova Scotia law, it is illegal to burn household

trash.

• Most property on Tancook is privately owned.

• There are currently 6 children enrolled at Big Tancook

Island Elementary School.

• In 2017 Big Tancook Island was presented with the

Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award.

• Back in the mid-70's, Justin Trudeau visited with his

father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, on a day trip.

• Although referred to as the government wharf, our

wharf is run and managed by the Big Tancook Island

Harbour Authority and is classed as a core fishing

wharf. The end of the dock is subleased by the

government for the ferry.

• Tancook lobsters and Bonny’s fudge are the best in the

world.

• The “Shaggin' Wagon” had its brush with fame when the

late John Dunsworth, actor from Trailer Park Boys and

Haven, visited it and signed the wall of the van.


17

• If you use tote tubs for transporting your groceries and

supplies, the chances of having them misplaced

decreases. It is even better if you write your name on

the totes and they stack so much better in the ferry

freight boxes.

• If you remain out of the loading zone while the ferry

crew is trying to transport cargo, it REALLY brings a

smile to their faces! And it REALLY, REALLY brings a

smile to their faces when passengers share loading

trays with passengers from the same island. And it

REALLY, REALLY, REALLY brings a smile to their faces

when you bring cookies for them.

• There is a leash law on Tancook.

• Each spring a group of workers from the Museum of

Natural History in Halifax comes to the island to collect

snakes, preferably pregnant ones, for study and display

during the summer months. In the fall, they return the

snakes and any young ones to their original habitat for

winter hibernation. Their most exciting island venture

produced an albino garter snake, birthed at the

museum, which remained at the museum, for an albino

cannot survive in the wild.

• The ferry is a social gathering place where people catch

up on the “news”.


18

Words of Wisdom from the

Children of Tancook

Get a parking spot on the wharf early before there are none

left.

In the summer, walk to the Gallery and have a talk with

Hillary.

Don’t shoot all the deer – just as many as you need.

Drive slowly. Watch out for deer, kids and potholes.

If you go underwater with goggles you might see green

crabs, starfish, clams and periwinkles,

Use a gaff to shake apples down.

Even though you’re having fun, still listen to your parents.

If you want to go apple picking, look for Krista.

When lobstering, watch out for the grabber claw.

Drive slowly in winter or you might end up in the ditch.


19



Tancook 101

Everything you need

to know about life on

Big Tancook Island

A publication of Big Tancook Island

Emergency Response Association

Big Tancook Island is situated in Mahone Bay,

Nova Scotia. It measures approximately 6 km by

1.6 km and is accessible by ferry from Chester, NS.


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