Note – immediately after I pressed send on my email version of this newsletter the news came that the Queen had died. I have posted the following on my social media and added it here.
A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother has died, and this is sad as any death is sad. I know there are family and friends of Elizabeth Windsor who are devastated today, and my heart goes out to them.
She was the same age as my still living grandmother, so it certainly resonates for me… I hope to see Nanny when I am in Ontario later this month, and this reinforces that I need to make that effort while I can.
Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada for my entire life, has died.
Both of my Grandmothers are English war brides. My Dad was born in the UK during the war. Because of that, I have a UK passport. I grew up thinking everyone called face cloths “flannels” and that steak and kidney pie was something everyone ate (they really don’t!).
Because of my heritage and upbringing, Queen Elizabeth has always been a valued and honoured part of my life, unthinking, and unquestioned.
Personally, I am sad and shocked by the idea of a world without the Queen.
I recognize though that not everyone has that personal connection. While other Commonwealth countries have been talking for decades, Canada has not been having discussions about what future role of the monarchy, if any, in a pluralistic, multicultural democracy, but today is not that day.
Today, a person has died, and people are grieving, and my thoughts are with them, and I am sad.
The Queen is dead. Long live the King.
In this issue
My Council Update includes info on back to school, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, noise near the VG site, e-scooter update, Spencer House, discarded needle collection, cyclotron update, and a brief update on traffic calming, pedestrian safety and bike lanes.
Public Meetings and Hearings has info on upcoming council meetings and provides details on the Regional Plan Review Phase 3 public hearing, the 2023 Municipal Service citizen survey, and a call for feedback on the Draft Downtown Halifax Heritage Conservation District Plan. Roadworks has a few updates though construction is winding down for the season. Community Events contains some upcoming events including info for the Halifax site for the Global Climate Strike and some useful grant information.
Councillor Update
Hello all,
It’s back to school time again! I would like to wish all students a happy, healthy, and successful 2022-2023 school year. I would also like to remind all motorists to be extra vigilant with students walking, cycling, commuting, or travelling by school bus.
At the forefront of the speed and parking rules in school zones is the safety of our children – and the safety of others, including parents dropping off their children, school bus drivers, teachers, and others who may happen to be walking or driving through the area. The rules are also in place so that buses and others can manoeuvre in the area as they need to.
It is also key for those who frequent school zones – particularly parents – to be informed on how to drop off kids safely, and legally. Please watch out for specific signage around schools regarding no parking, no stopping, and school bus-only zones. It is very important parents leave enough time in the morning to walk, bike, or if you must, drive your kids to school, and if you are late, please do not park or stop in a no stopping, no parking or bus loading area.
No parking signs are put in place to ensure that there are unimpeded sight lines to intersections and crosswalks, if you stop “just for a minute” in these spaces you are putting other people’s children at risk by obscuring these views.
Please be a good neighbour and do not block entrances to garages, driveways, or bike lanes and local street bikeways. Police and parking enforcement will be in school areas and ticketing for the next few weeks.
I’d also like to welcome our new and returning post-secondary student residents. As I said in my recent print newsletter: “One of the things that makes this neighbourhood so great is the diverse mix of residents. There is no “student neighbourhood” in Halifax. This area has students mixed in with many others and you are as likely to live next to your professor, an emergency room doctor, retired people, seniors, preschool and school-age children, babies, and people of all kinds.
Halifax is one of the best cities in Canada, and it takes all of us to work together to make that true. We all need to work together to share this community respectfully.”
Residents should be aware that police patrols have been ramped up for the annual Fall Back campaign and HRM and HRP are ready to respond promptly if we see an attempt to repeat last year’s street party.
HRM has also developed a Student Move-In campaign around solid waste and recycling. HRM Waste Resource Education Officers will begin door-to-door visits in student areas around the universities next week. They intend to visit 700 individual residences. Compliance officers began patrolling this and will continue to do so for the next 4 weeks.
September 30th is now 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 ongoing legacy of residential schools, ensuring that this tragic part of Canada’s history – that continues to have lasting impacts – is never forgotten.
And every year on October 1st, Nova Scotians mark Treaty Day to celebrate the rich history, proud culture, and important contributions of Mi’kmaq people. These centuries-old treaties honour the enduring bond of friendship and respect between Nova Scotia’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and reaffirm the historic presence of the Mi’kmaw who have occupied the land for thousands of years.
I encourage you to wear an orange shirt on September 30th and attend these commemorative events, as I plan to do:
- Ceremony for National Truth & Reconciliation Day on Grand Parade Square: September 30th at 6:00 p.m.:
- Flag raising for Treaty Day at Grand Parade: October 3rd, 2022, at 11:30 a.m.
While Treaty Day is officially October 1st, this year’s flag raising will be taking place in Grand Parade on October 3rd. There will be a church service, readings, drumming/dancing and more on this day.Stay tuned for more details, closer to the date.
I’ve had a number of inquiries about the 24-hour noise in the South End near the VG hospital site. The noise comes from temporary chillers that provide cooling to the Centennial and Victoria facilities on the VG campus while infrastructure repairs are performed allowing our in-house units to come back online. These temporary chillers are expected to leave the premise in approximately 1-2 weeks.
Many residents have asked for an update on e-scooters. The Province recently passed the legislation that covers most of the rules however they did not communicate those changes widely. Currently, HRM staff is working on a comms package around e-scooters. A barebones version of the webpage has been published.. The rest of the comms package will be available in the coming weeks. More info here: https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/cycling-walking/e-scooters
Staff is working with legal right now to assess any gaps to determine if an HRM-specific bylaw is required to further enhance rules or enforcement. Traffic management staff has made both the RCMP and local police aware of the Provincial legislation and the need to enforce it. Lastly, a staff report is coming on the integration of commercial operators to Council. That report is scheduled for the fall.
I’m a fan of micro-mobility if it is used responsibly. This law means stay off the sidewalk, use a bike lane if available, stay next to the curb (don’t weave all over the place) and wear a helmet.
Congrats to Spencer House Seniors Community Centre for a successful fundraiser! Spencer House raised $16,956.38 last month. If you did not have the chance to donate during the Give65 event, please visit our website at https://www.spencerhouse.ca/donations to make a donation at any time.
Your support can help the Centre provide activities like the Summer Healthy Food Programs. With the support of Help Age Canada, Spencer House has introduced a Breakfast Program summer. Three days a week, breakfast includes a variety of fruits, smoothies, healthy grains and proteins, with the added bonus of having breakfast with friends. Thanks to the United Way Healthy Food Fund, every Friday, members enjoyed local fruits and vegetables to take home delivered by The Mobile Food Market and whole grain bread from Stone Hearth Bakery.
To read more about the activities at Spencer House you can download their new newsletter: https://www.spencerhouse.ca/newsletters
Many residents have noted that there seem to be more used needles in the community than in past years. Mainline Needle exchange can help with this.
Their peer walk goes out 6 days a week and they do needle cleanup all around North End and as far South as Spring Garden. They generally follow a regular route but do tweak any time they learn of new hotspots. They’ve added the Falkland St area a couple of weeks ago.
They are happy for community members to contact directly when they see needles and depending on the time of day they will send the peers or a staff member will go over from the office to pick them up. Generally same day, especially in North End. It’s usually best when people call directly so they can get good directions on where they saw the needles as well as a call back number. This way when they get there if they can’t see any they can call the person who actually saw them and get more specific directions.
The best way for people to reach Mainline is to call 902-423-9991, the office is open 7am-7pm Mon-Fri and 9am-12pm weekends and holidays.
I’ve been asked to share information by the NSHA as a part of their Cyclotron – Radiation Safety Public Information & Disclosure Program.
The cyclotron is a federally regulated device that produces radioactive isotopes for the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Centre. The cyclotron and the PET Centre are both located at the VG Site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. The isotopes used in PET scans can help health care providers diagnose many conditions and find early stages of diseases such as cancers, injuries and infections.
Nova Scotia Health Authority welcomes feedback from residents of District 7, who live close to the site of the Cyclotron and PET Centre. To learn more about the program and to provide feedback, please visit: https://www.engage4health.ca/cyclotron-radiation-safety-public-information-disclosure-program
Finally, there is a lot of activity going on right now in traffic calming, pedestrian safety and bike lanes.
A lot of the changes can be confusing and appear counterintuitive at first glance. An example of this is the changes on Tower Road. The ‘no parking’ zone will remain on the east side of Tower Road. This will keep this area as a ‘drop off’ zone as parents are legally able to stop in a ‘no parking’ zone for purpose of dropping off and picking up their children at Halifax Grammar (as long as they stay in the car).
The curb extensions or bump outs were installed on the east side at Atlantic for a couple of reasons. One is those parents dropping off students were regularly parking too close to the intersection/crosswalk and creating safety issues. This alleviates that. On the opposite side of the street is a lengthy bus stop (approx. 75m long), so they couldn’t put a bump out in the middle of it, and that also means there is no parking allowed directly opposite Atlantic Street.
Because Tower Road is in fact a minor collector, not an arterial, it qualifies for traffic calming. It is very possible that there are occasions when a bus is stopped on the opposite side of the street and there are southbound vehicles that will require a vehicle turning from Atlantic Street to wait a moment or two before making their turn onto Tower Road, but generally, the design should see traffic speed reduced and make the pedestrian crossings much safer.
I’m excited to see the construction of a safer intersection at Beaufort/Dalhousie/Oakland which will make that area much much safer for pedestrians and drivers. That should be done before winter.
The municipality is planning to install 8.5 km of interim bikeway improvements this fall, using quick-build materials like concrete curbs, bollards, paint, and traffic calming features to make it easier and safer to cycle in Halifax and Dartmouth. These treatments will be in place until the streets can be permanently upgraded (likely within five years). https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/cycling-walking/expanding-network/tactical-bikeways
Folks continue to email for and against the no right turn on red at Jubilee and Oxford. The no right turn on red will remain in place, and the traffic impacts are being monitored. Good news is the signal at the intersection has been bumped up the list a bit and will be replaced next summer, so a right turn signal can be added.
I’ve also asked staff to look to include rapid flashing beacons at the Beech and Jubilee crosswalk, and also do a bump out with tactical materials at Oxford/Norwood (like we saw installed at Walnut and Jubilee) in the work plan for next summer.
Thanks, stay safe, be kind,
Waye
Public Meetings, Hearings & Engagement
Halifax Regional Council – Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers
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 13th, 10 am
- Tuesday, September 27th, 10 am
- Tuesday, October 18th, 10 am
- Tuesday, October 25th, 10 am
Agendas here: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=127
Halifax & West Community Council – Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers
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, September 20 6 pm (if required)
- Tuesday, October 11 6 pm (if required)
Agenda here – https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=140
Regional Centre Community Council – Harbour East Marine Drive Room, Alderney Landing
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, September 28, 6 pm (if required)
- Wednesday, October 26, 6 pm (if required)
Agenda here – https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=140
Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee & Design Advisory Committee
The Nova Scotia government has suspended the meeting of planning advisory committees and most forms of public engagement on planning for three years, ending April 2025.
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.
Public hearings
Public hearings are published 2-3 weeks before they take place. There are no public hearings posted at this time. A list of upcoming hearings can be found here: https://www.halifax.ca/business/planning-development/public-hearings
Regional Plan Phase 3 Public Hearing
Tuesday, September 27th 6:00 p.m. | Council Chambers, Halifax City Hall
HRM’s Regional Plan sets out a common vision, principles and long-range, region-wide planning policies outlining where, when, and how future growth and development should take place between now and 2031. We are now in Phase 3 of 5 of the Regional Plan. Certain adjustments can still be made to the plan as it currently stands, and we are still collecting feedback from residents. An in-person public hearing to hear feedback about the proposed amendments for Phase 3 will be held by Regional Council:
Here are the proposed Regional Plan amendments – part of Phase 3 of the Plan – that you can provide feedback on:
- Requiring Council to consider the policies and objectives of the priority plans (the Integrated Mobility Plan, Halifax Green Network Plan, HalifACT) as part of discretionary planning applications
- Requiring Council to consider environmental and cultural values, relationship to wilderness areas, mobility planning, and climate action as part of secondary planning
- Policy and regulations to support housing diversity, that remove regulatory barriers in land use by-laws for tiny homes and converted shipping container dwellings
- Allowing the adaptive reuse of municipally registered heritage properties by development agreement
- Supporting ongoing work on community action plans for historical African Nova Scotian community
- Revised Conservation Design Development policy to improve its interpretation and implementation
- Amendments to support site specific requests for development and minor housekeeping amendments (i.e., corrections to the Service Requirements Map to ensure that lands currently serviced with water and/or wastewater are accurately represented)
I encourage you to visit the Regional Plan webpage to learn more about these specific items and how you can provide feedback regarding other elements of the Plan: http://www.shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/regional-plan
2022 Municipal Service Survey
Monday, September 12 until Thursday, September 29
To inform the 2023/24 business planning and budget process, the municipality is conducting the 2022 Municipal Services Survey (previously known as the Budget Survey). This online survey will gather feedback from residents about their priorities, preferences and satisfaction with municipal services. Residents can go to www.halifax.ca/citizensurvey for more information and participate!
Municipality seeks feedback on Draft Downtown Halifax Heritage Conservation District Plan
Open Now, closes Thursday, December 1, 2022
HRM is seeking feedback from residents across the municipality on the Draft Downtown Halifax Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Plan. Halifax Regional Council initiated a process to create a new Heritage HCD in Downtown Halifax, integrating the two established HCDs (Barrington Street and Old South Suburb) with a new area (the Capital), which will include Province House square, Granville Mall and Historic Properties.
The Draft HCD Plan can be found here and includes recommendations to promote the distinct heritage values and character of these three historic areas of Downtown Halifax.
Residents are encouraged to review the Plan and provide feedback by either:
- Participating in an open house scheduled for Monday, Sept. 12 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Halifax City Hall. Municipal staff will be present to answer questions and discuss the policy objectives proposed in the Plan. Registration is not required.
- Sending comments and/ or questions via email to heritage@halifax.ca until Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.
The final documents will be presented to various committees and Regional Council for consideration and approval in the spring of 2023. More info can be found here: https://www.shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/downtown-halifax-heritage
Roadworks Update
The following street closures or sidewalk disruptions have recently been added to the RoadWorks map
- SPRING GARDEN RD from BIRMINGHAM ST to QUEEN ST, starting on 2022-09-06
- SOUTH PARK ST from MORRIS AVE to CLYDE ST, starting on 2022-07-12
- UNIVERSITY AVE from CATHEDRAL LANE to SOUTH PARK ST, starting on 2022-09-01
- RAMP COGS-3C RAMP from RAMP COGS-3B RAMP to HOLLIS ST, starting on 2022-08-17
- RAMP COGS-5 RAMP from BARRINGTON ST to RAMP COGS-3C RAMP, starting on 2022-08-17
You can find out road closure details on the HRM Roadworks map:https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/streets-siewalks/RoadWorks
Cogswell Construction Project
This major construction project, one of the biggest HRM has ever undertaken, has begun. Construction will take three years. More info can be found here: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/regional-community-planning/construction-projects/cogswell-district-redevelopment
Jubilee Road CN Bridge
CN and HRM are coordinating the rehabilitation of this bridge, which has been delayed until 2023.
Community Events and Info
Superwalk
Saturday September 10, 2022 10-1pm | Victoria Park
SuperWalk is the largest annual fundraiser for Parkinson’s Canada, an important and ever-expanding resource for Canadians living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. Currently, more than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s and that number grows daily. There will be an MC and introduction, a short walk and mingling afterwards.
2022 Halifax Mayor’s Bike Ride
Saturday, Sept 10, 2022, 2-4 pm | Departing Central Library
The Halifax Regional Municipality and CAA Atlantic invite you to join Mayor Mike Savage and Councillors for the ninth annual Mayor’s Ride on Saturday, September 10, 2022 (2–4 p.m.). The Mayor’s Ride aims to promote cycling and celebrate active transportation in the municipality. The ride also highlights the role that supporters of healthy & active communities (like you!) are playing in the Halifax region. This popular event routinely attracts 50+ riders and broad media coverage.
This year’s ride begins at the Halifax Central Library. The route will celebrate the new cycling infrastructure installed on the Halifax Peninsula in recent years. A reception will follow afterwards at the Central Library. Bicycles and helmets are required for the ride, the HRP will be providing a bicycle escort, the route is approximately 9.5 kilometres. Spread the word — everyone’s invited! RAIN DATE: Sunday, September 11, 2-4 p.m.
Downtown Halifax Heritage Conservation District
Monday, September 12, 2022, from 1:00 to 7:00 PM, in City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax.
A Public Open House is scheduled for Municipal staff will be present to discuss the policy objectives proposed in the draft Downtown Halifax Heritage Conservation District Plan (download the draft Plan(External link)). All are welcome to participate!
Global Climate Strike
Friday, September 23, 2023, 11 am | Victoria Park, Halifax
It’s all hands on deck. We have received the details for the peaceful climate strike planned for Friday, September 23rd – 11 am at Victoria Park Halifax and then a march down to City Hall. The strike will represent all of Nova Scotia. It’s now time to get the word out and wanted to share and ask you if you can invite everyone you know. If you are interested in getting more involved please reach out. There are a number of organizations involved at this point but the idea is to get as many as possible. More here https://fridaysforfuture.org/
Upcoming job fairs, information sessions and opportunities to work with the municipality
September | Various Locations |
Recruitment is a top priority for the Halifax Regional Municipality. Attracting and retaining talent with the required skills and knowledge to deliver municipal services now and into the future is key to our success. The Halifax Regional Municipality will be participating in a number of upcoming job fairs and information sessions. Residents are encouraged to register for the events to learn more about working with the municipality and to speak directly with a recruiter.
BIPOC Atlantic Job Fair | presented by Diversity Employment Network (DEN)
Date: September 15, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Halifax Tower Hotel, The Lakelands Hall, 15 Lakelands Boulevard, Halifax
To register: BIPOC Atlantic Job Fair | Eventbrite
Halifax Universities Career Fair | presented by Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University & Mount Saint Vincent University
Date: September 20, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax
To register: Halifax Universities Career Fair | Registrant Login
Out & Equal Job Fair
Out & Equal Job Fair – designed to match members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to employers | presented by YMCA/Nova Scotia Works
Date: September 22, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: 2269 Gottingen Street
To register: Out & Equal Job Fair | Eventbrite
YMCA Information Sessions for Francophone and Bilingual Community
Hosted by the YMCA, these sessions are designed to provide members of the Francophone and bilingual community with an overview of working for the municipality as well as resume writing and interview skills
Dates & Times:
September 21 | 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
September 27 | 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
October 4 | 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
To register: Call 902.292.8739
Community Circle for transit job opportunities
Co-hosted by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion/ANSAIO and Halifax Transit to highlight transit job opportunities
Date: September 28, 2022
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Upper Hammonds Plains Community Center, 711 Pockwock Road, Upper Hammonds Plains
To register: Drop-in
2022- 2023 Active Transportation Education and Promotion Grant
Deadline September 30, 2022 | Online
Active Transportation (AT) Education and Promotion Grants support municipal objectives for a multi-modal transportation system as described in the Integrated Mobility Plan and the Active Transportation Priorities Plan. Grants are intended to support projects that aim to increase the number of people walking, bicycling and rolling and improve the safety of people using these modes. Projects may include safety and skills training programs, AT promotions and marketing programs, AT education and engagement, Transportation Demand Management programs, AT-related events, and etiquette and stewardship programs. More here: https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/cycling-walking/active-transportation-grants-program
Wellness Funds applications are
Deadline 14 October 5:00pm | Online
The annual Wellness Funds applications are now open with a deadline to apply by 14 October @ 5:00pm. If you know of any not-for-profit groups t that have upcoming projects that focus on the health and wellness of communities, they may be eligible for this fund. Projects should touch on an aspect of the Central Zone Community Health Plan. The application process is entirely on-line and if anyone has any questions, I would be more than will to connect and assist.
More info: https://www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca/wellness-funds
HRM Urban-Forest Tours for Summer/Autumn 2022
September and October | Various Locations but Halifax South Downtown meets at the Central Library October 15 10am.
Halifax Tree Project, led by Peter Duinker (Professor Emeritus, Dalhousie University), is collaborating with HRM Councillors to offer guided tours of the urban forests in various HRM Council Districts. The aim of the tours is to give citizens a chance to learn more about the trees in the city and to discuss their views on urban-forest management. Dr. Duinker will lead each tour with the assistance of HRM Urban Forestry staff and the Councillor for the District.
The tours are about two hours in length and the itinerary is designed for a short, easy walk from a central starting point. There will be no driving between sites – just walking and discussing the streets and parks we visit. Unless the weather is really inclement, the tours will proceed rain or shine.
No need to register – just show up at the starting point on the date and time indicated. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. In the meantime, you might enjoy reading various articles about the HRM urban forest on the Halifax Tree Project website (www.halifaxtreeproject.com) and the HRM Urban Forestry website (https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/streets-sidewalks/urban-forestry).
If you have any questions or comments, please send them to pnduinker@gmail.com. See you soon somewhere in our glorious treescape! Here are the tours for September, and October.
- District 13 – 18 September, 13:00; starting point is Uplands Park, corner of Hammonds Plains and Crestfield.
- District 16 – 21 September, 17:00; starting point is north end of the Bedford Place Mall parking lot.
- District 03 – 24 September, 10:00; starting point is the parking lot, end of Oceanview School Road.
- District 15 – 25 September, 13:00; starting point is Acadia Hall, 650 Sackville Dr.
- District 07 – 15 October, 10:00; the starting point is the plaza, Halifax Central Library.
2023 HRM Volunteer Award nominations are now open
Deadline Friday, January 6, 2023, | Online
Do you know an outstanding volunteer who gives back to your community? You can give them the recognition they deserve! Nominate an adult, youth, or group for the 2023 HRM Volunteer Awards. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 The HRM Volunteer Awards is an annual event that puts a spotlight on residents who have made a difference in their community by donating their time and skills to various programs and services. Successful nominees will be notified in March and will be invited to attend an awards ceremony during National Volunteer Week, taking place from April 16 to April 22, 2023. Let’s show appreciation for the work that volunteers do to help build stronger, healthier, and more supportive communities. Thank you, volunteers! Nomination forms and detailed nomination criteria are available now: www.halifax.ca/volunteerawards
Co-op Conversation Guidebook
Available Now | Free Download.
The Co-op Conversation Guidebook is an introductory level guide designed specifically to be culturally appropriate for a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour) audience. This includes:
- Showing how the story of marginalized and racialized people have been involved in cooperation and co-ops as part of their culture for many years.
- Showcasing examples of co-ops led by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) people.
- Showing how flexible the co-op model can be in helping to solve problems in the community.
- Supporting BIPOC communities to create more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive community-based economic development.
There are seven modules and several additional resources available on our website. The Guidebook is also designed to be flexible. A community host can use the whole guidebook or choose different modules to suit their situation and what they are trying to accomplish. The Co-op Conversation Guidebook and additional resources can be found for free here: https://www.inmyownvoice.ca/learning-about-co-ops
Expanded Seniors Care Grant Open for Applications
Available Now
Older Nova Scotians can now apply for grants to help with the cost of household chores, healthcare services and home heating. The Seniors Care Grant program provides up to $500 to help support eligible seniors to live well at home. People applying for the grant are also able to apply for a new, one-time grant of $250 to help with heating costs. The Seniors Care Grant helps cover the costs of services such as snow removal, small repairs, lawn care, transportation, and grocery and medication delivery. The list of eligible expenses has been expanded this year to include phone and internet costs, and health services like eye exams, dental work, mental health supports, physical therapy and foot care. The new $250 home heating grant is available to eligible Nova Scotians 65 and older, including people who have already received money through the Seniors Care Grant or Heating Assistance Rebate Program in the past year. The grant is available for the cost of furnace oil, natural gas, propane, firewood, wood pellets and electricity.
More information about the grants, including how to apply, who is eligible and eligible services is available:
— at the program website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-healthcare-and-home-heating-costs-seniors-care-grant
— by email: seniorsgrant@novascotia.ca
— by calling toll-free: 1-800-670-4357.
Housing Clinic
Monday and Thursday Mornings | Halifax Central Library, Spring Garden Road
Welcome Housing hosts Housing Clinics for those experiencing housing precarity every Monday and Thursday in June from 9-12 am, except on June 16
https://www.welcomehousing.ca/
CN vegetation control
Now to October 22 | CN rail right of way
CN remains committed to running its railway safely and efficiently and building a level of trust and collaboration with the communities where we do business. To that end, we are reaching out to advise you of our vegetation control activities in your area between April and October 2022. A regularly updated schedule is available at www.cn.ca/vegetation
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 to residents. More info here: https://www.halifax.ca/home/311
Call my office
Call my office for assistance with your municipal issues. Please try 311 first, and when you call have your 311 reference number ready. Vicki Palmeter is my Constituency Coordinator. Vicki can be reached by email at Victoria.palmeter@halifax.ca or by phone at 902-490-2012.
Call or email 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 Victoria or 311 cannot assist you, please email me at waye.mason@halifax.ca or call 902.430.7822.