view of public gardens and garrison grounds

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Transit changes, transparency and open data, chicken bylaw public hearing, more

In This Issue

My Council Update is linked to Jennings/Larch street party update, Housing Update #2, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation info, upcoming Transit changes, and some great open data and transparency initiatives.

Public Meetings and Hearing includes details about the chicken bylaw public hearing and upcoming council meetings and the Carlton East and West information meeting.  Roadworks includes a lot of stuff as we approach the end of construction and paving season.   Community Events shows a very slow return to some kind of normalcy. This issue ends with info on how to reach out and get help on municipal issues.

Councillor Update

Hello all,

Two updates went out from me in the last week – one yesterday was an update regarding the events on Jennings and Larch Street.  Late last week I sent out Housing Update #2.  

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place Thursday, September 30.

In its commitment to reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten, the Government of Canada recently passed legislation to make September 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, this day provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools I hope you too are able to have a day of quiet reflection or participate in a community event here in HRM, or virtually: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/diversity-inclusion/indigenous-services/national-day-truth-reconciliation

On November 22, Halifax Transit will introduce large-scale service changes.
As our city changes, so do our public Transit needs. On November 22, 2021, Halifax Transit will introduce large-scale service changes primarily affecting Dartmouth communities (Districts 2, 3, 4, 6) but that also reach to Halifax, Spryfield, Cole Harbour, and communities between Dartmouth and Porters Lake/Seaforth. A new West Bedford Park & Ride will also open, which will require minor route modifications to four routes to service the Park & Ride.

Starting now, you can learn more about these changes and become familiar with navigating a new route if you are impacted:

  • Learn more about these plans at Halifax.ca/servicechanges.
  • To look up your changes visit halifax.ca/transit or call 311
  • Attend a free webinar on September 29th at noon to learn more about the Halifax Transit changes, and how to navigate the buses once the changes are in place. Register here: halifax.ca/yournewcommute
  • More information, including a booklet with route maps and schedules, as well as a new Riders’ Guide and Network Map will be available in October.

One of the things I am particularly happy with is the move to open data and transparency at HRM.  This week, HRM released two new datasets as part of the Open Data program.

In support of #HalifACT, the municipality’s climate action plan, HRM Building Energy Usage has been shared with the public. This includes electric, natural gas, fuel oil, and propane usage and costs for a number of our facilities.

HRM is also releasing building and construction permits from the new Planning Permitting Licensing & Compliance application, PPL&C Issued Construction Permits, and PPL&C Issued Building Permits.

Explore the municipality’s Open Data catalog: https://catalogue-hrm.opendata.arcgis.com
You’ve also seen me once a year announce what roads are getting paved and sidewalks and AT trails build.  You can now view a map outlining projects that have been approved for capital work in District 7, including guiderail installation, street repairs, bridge work and more: halifax.ca/transportation/streets-sidewalks/paving-repair
There’s also now an interactive map for possible developments HRM and importantly, here in District 7. To view an interactive map for more details about active planning applications across HRM – visit: halifax.ca/business/planning-development/applications   You should know that some applications may not be included on that map – i.e. certain Land Use By-Law amendments or Variance applications.

Public Meetings, Hearings & Engagement

Halifax Regional Council – virtual meetings
If you want to read reports coming to Regional Council (posted mid-day Friday prior to the Tuesday meeting) or to check the agenda. Upcoming meetings:

  • Tuesday, September 28, 1pm
  • Tuesday, October 5, 10:00 am
  • Tuesday October 19, 10 am – this may be a face-to-face meeting at City Hall, pending phase 5 and where we are with COVID.

Agendas here: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=127

Halifax & West Community Council – virtual meetings
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.

  • Tuesday, October 12, 2021 6pm

Agenda here – https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=140

Regional Centre Community Council – virtual or face to face meeting
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.

  • Wednesday October, 27pm if required.

Agenda here – https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=140

Public hearings

VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING – Case 22227– Halifax Regional Council intends to consider, and if deemed advisable, amend the existing Regional Municipal Planning Strategy to permit the keeping of egg-laying hens. The virtual public hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. It will be webcast and may be viewed online. Get more information and find out how to participate in the virtual meeting

Public hearings are published 2-3 weeks before they take place and a list of upcoming hearings can be found here: https://www.halifax.ca/business/planning-development/public-hearings

Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Council
Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee meets once a month to discuss and provide feedback to Council on planning proposals for the three districts on the peninsula. Upcoming meetings:

  • October 25, 4:00 pm if required, possibly face to face

Please check the webpage for agendas (usually available a week before the meeting), locations, and times: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/boards-committees-commissions/h/halifax-peninsula-planning-advisory-committee

Information about how to watch or participate in virtual meetings can be found on the agenda pages. Please confirm meeting dates and times on our website as dates and times are subject to change.

Carlton East and West Developer Lead Public Information Meeting
Wednesday October 6, 6pm | Virtual
Killam has launched a new website regarding this project, which is substantially different from the previous proposal for a 23 story tower.   The online public meeting is October 6th. They are not seeking any variances.  Public Information Meetings are for information only and are not a part of the Council decision-making process.
https://killamreit.com/new-development/halifax-ns/carlton-east-carlton-west

Roadworks Update

The following street closures or sidewalk disruptions have recently been added to the RoadWorks map

  • SOUTH ST from SOUTH PARK ST to QUEEN ST, starting on 2021-09-29
  • PEPPERELL ST from SELDON ST to PRESTON ST, starting on 2021-09-20
  • LOWER WATER ST from BISHOP ST to MORRIS ST, starting on 2021-09-11
  • CUNARD ST from MAYNARD ST to GOTTINGEN ST, starting on 2021-09-13
  • SALTER ST from HOLLIS ST to BARRINGTON ST, starting on 2021-09-12
  • ROXTON RD from MARLBOROUGH AVE to GREENWOOD AVE, starting on 2021-09-11
  • BRUNSWICK ST from COGSWELL ST to DUKE ST, starting on 2021-09-11
  • ARGYLE ST from DUKE ST to CARMICHAEL ST, starting on 2021-09-10
  • CEDAR ST from WALNUT ST to GARDEN ST, starting on 2021-09-11

You can find out road closure details on the HRM Roadworks map:
https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/streets-sidewalks/RoadWorks

Other Major Projects:

South Street Bridge Rehabilitation Proposed Project –. Contact the CN Public Inquiry Line at 1-888-888-5909 or at contact@cn.ca if you have any questions.

Cathedral Lane, University Avenue & South Park Street Sewer Separation Project – May to early December 2021.  More info and contacts here: http://halifaxwater.ca/project/cathedral-ln-south-park-st-sewer-separation

Community Events and Info

Ceremonies and Events 

HRM’s Active Transportation Grants Program
Friday, October 15 due date
Community associations in HRM play a significant role in operating and maintaining Active Transportation (AT) facilities and promoting and educating the public about walking and cycling.  To help these community groups do this work, several grant programs are available to support projects and events through five available AT grants. Learn more and apply here: https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/cycling-walking/active-transportation-grants-program   The deadline to apply is Friday, October 15th for projects starting in November 2021 and ending in March 2022.

Municipal Tax Deadline
Last working day of October
The municipality invoices property tax bills to all property owners twice each year. I would like to remind residents that the 2nd bill of the year is sent in September, and is due on the last working day of October. Learn all about municipal property taxes here: https://www.halifax.ca/home-property/property-taxes/covid-taxes-halifax and how to pay them here: https://www.halifax.ca/home-property/municipal-payments/making-a-payment

3rd annual AfterWords Literary Festival
28 September to 3 October 2021 | Online
The third annual AfterWords Literary Festival is presented virtually via Zoom from Kjipuktuk Halifax to the world. With workshops, panel discussions, interviews, and readings, AfterWords brings readers and writers together to examine the ideas that push us to the page. This year featuring Lawrence Hill, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Katherena Vermette, Souvankham Thammavongsa, Mark Critch, Sheila Heti. Avni Doshi, and more! www.afterwordsliteraryfestival.com/events

Digging Roots
Saturday October 2 7:30 pm | Grand Parade (Halifax)
Digging Roots breathe life into songs from their land, Turtle Island, to raise their voices in solidarity with a global chorus of Indigenous artists, activists and change-makers. For over a decade, JUNO Award winners Digging Roots have traveled the world with a joyful message of resistance, celebrating Anishinabe and Onkwehonwe traditions of round dance and interconnectedness interwoven with the bedrock sounds of blues, soul, and rock n’ roll.  https://www.facebook.com/events/4344473798968968/

Nocturne 2021: LIMINAL curated by Liliona Quarmyne
13 October – 16 October 2021| Various Locations
Nocturne 2021 is BACK! Join artists, creators, community groups + galleries in a 4-day immersive artistic experience. See your city transformed by artists from October 13-16, 2021. Nocturne: Art at Night celebrates contemporary professional art in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. Through our festival and additional programming, we use art as a catalyst for connection. The completely free annual event showcases and celebrates the visual arts scene in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. Nocturne is a not-for-profit organization that brings the city access to art and wonder with no barriers. Every year we work with a new curator to bring to life a curatorial concept or theme for our artists to respond to at our art at night festival. This year we have selected Liliona Quarmyne as our curator who has chosen the theme: Liminal. This year our curator worked with designer Kadeem Hinch to visualize their theme. More at www.nocturnehalifax.ca

How can we help?

311 – HRM’s Call Centre
HRM’s call centre is open 7 days a week, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 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,

Call my office
Call my office for assistance with your municipal issues. Please have your 311 reference number ready.  You can reach my Coordinator Liam MacSween during the business day, his phone number is 902-490-2012 and his email is macswel@Halifax.CA

Reach out to me
I’m always available to help residents.  Email is always better than a phone call, as I am often in meetings and much of the time I cannot answer the phone. If Liam or 311 cannot assist you, please email me at waye.mason@halifax.ca or call 902.430.7822