NEWS

TAXI APPEALS AND LICENSING MOTION
I am pleased to let residents know HRM is taking action to tighten standards for taxis. My motion was passed unanimously & I would like to share my introduction to that motion:

What citizens in HRM value is a taxi system that is safe for all. It is important that the public both know and feel the taxi system in HRM is safe. People should only be licensed to drive a cab if they contribute to the fact and perception of the public that the taxi system is safe for all, and not if the driver’s actions detract from that perception.

Taxi drivers have a duty of care, and must conduct themselves at all times in a manner which will maintain the good reputation of the taxi system and its ability to serve the public interest. The taxi system is a publicly regulated system, and no one has a right to a license. The grant of license is a privilege that can be revoked at any time. HRM must take every step to ensure that what citizens value is protected and the highest standards maintained.

The administration and oversight of licensing appeals, including taxi licenses, is technically difficult & beyond the training & experience of most Councillors. The process of license appeals should be reviewed & amended to reflect that.

PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING 2017/18
BUILDING A GREAT COMMUNITY – ONE IDEA AT A TIME
Once again, I invite District 7 residents’ input on how to spend $94,000 in the community. The funds will be allocated using a Participatory Budgeting model whereby residents are invited to submit community project ideas and qualifying submissions are then voted on by the community.

The benefits of this process are that it encourages great ideas to come forward from local groups, builds community support and collaboration, and gives local residents a direct say in how they want the District 7 capital funds spent.

Participatory Budgeting Idea Swap
UPDATED DATE AND LOCATON: Monday April 10, Halifax Hall, Halifax City Hall
Everyone is welcome to discuss priorities and ideas on how to improve District 7. Find out more about submitting a project.

Proposal Submission Deadline
Midnight | Monday, May 15, 2017
Email to melody.campbell@halifax.ca or by mail to Melody Campbell, Council Support Office, PO Box 1749 Halifax, NS B3J 3A5

Community Vote
Wednesday, June 14, 2017 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Lindsay Children’s Room, Halifax Central Library
District 7 residents of all ages are invited to vote on their favourite projects in person. Winners will be announced that night.

More info at http://halifaxsouth.ca/pb

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Halifax Regional Council
Tuesday, March 21 2017 10am | Halifax City Hall, Council chambers
Council agenda and reports are available by noon on the Friday prior to the Council meeting and can be found by visiting http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.php. Please note: Case 18966 – Amendments to the Halifax MPS and Halifax Peninsular LUB for 6009 and 6017 Quinpool Road Halifax will be on the agenda for First Reading.

Halifax & West Community Council
Wednesday, March 22 2017 6pm | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers
The next meeting of the Halifax & West Community Council will take place on Wednesday March 22, 2017 at 6pm in Halifax Council Chambers. Please visit http://www.halifax.ca/Commcoun/west/index.php for the upcoming agenda, previous minutes and reports.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Bullies take the city – Halifax Bully Walk
Sunday, March 19 2017 1pm | Halifax Grand Parade
Join Halifax Bully Breeds for a group walk in the city – socialize, make new friends, exercise, and stand-up to bullying. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/390100294690255/

Groundswell Music Festival
March 16-18, 2017 | Various locations around HRM
Groundswell Music Festival returns to Halifax to highlight the very best of Nova Scotia music and hospitality. The festival focuses on Nova Scotian music, food and drink and will feature performances by Rawlins Cross, The Stanfields, Ria Mae and in-Flight Safety. For more information, please visit https://groundswellmusic.ca/festival/

The Big 30th Sing in support of Phoenix’s 30th year!
Monday, March 27th, 6:30 | St. Andrew’s United Church
Make a night of it! Go for supper beforehand with a group of friends or colleagues; bring the kids; grab a coffee with new friends you’ll meet after The Sing!  Song of the night is “let it be” – RSVP via email to phoenix@phoenixyouth.ca or find the event on Facebook.
By donation: adults $20; kids 2-12 $10; kids under 2 free
https://www.facebook.com/events/376992379341887/?active_tab=about

HELP AND MORE INFO:

Call my office
Call our office for assistance with your municipal issues. Contact my Constituency Coordinator Melody Campbell by phone 902-490-2012 or email melody.campbell@halifax.caor contact me directly. The best way to reach me is via email at my city email – waye.mason@halifax.caor you can call my direct line at 902-490-8462.

311 – HRM’s Call Centre
HRM’s call centre is open 7 days/week from 7 am to 11 pm to respond to routine inquiries and complaints from HRM residents. Please use this service since it helps HRM keep track of issues that are of concern for residents (missed solid waste pickup, sidewalks not cleared, transit info or complaints, etc.) For more information please visit http://www.halifax.ca/311/

Regional Council Reports and Agendas
If you want to read reports coming to Regional Council (posted mid-day Friday prior to the Tuesday meeting) or to check the agenda please go to: http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.php

Halifax and West Community Council Reports and Agendas
Community Council meets on Tuesday evenings that alternate with Regional Council. Please check the webpage here for agendas (usually available a week before the meeting), locations and times. http://www.halifax.ca/commcoun/west/index.php

District 7&8 Planning Advisory Council Reports and Agendas
The District 7&8 Planning Advisory Committee meets once a month to discuss and provide feedback to council on planning proposals for the two districts. Please check the webpage for agendas (usually available a week before the meeting), locations and times: http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/D78PAC/index.php