In this issue

My Council Update includes info on the wildfires updates, Square Roots bundles coming to Halifax South (volunteers needed), participatory budgeting and more.

Public Meetings and Hearings includes a hearing next Tuesday on a case in Beechville. Roadworks is the busiest I’ve ever seen it.  Community Events & Information has a lot of summer events and rec opportunities.

Councillor Update

This newsletter was created on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at noon.  The wildfire situation is evolving rapidly. Please check the Halifax and Nova Scotia websites for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you for putting up with the deluge of email updates this week!  The wildfire situation and the tinder-dry woods have created an unprecedented crisis in our region.

I have posted the full HRM update as of this morning below but here are some top-line considerations:

HRM and provincial first responders are stretched to the limit. There is very little left to respond to new situations, so please, stay out of the woods and wooded parks, don’t flick a cigarette butt, don’t burn anything, don’t set off fireworks, and don’t drive unnecessarily. The concern is twofold: one is that folks might inadvertently start another fire or other incident that requires a response.

Halifax Fire folks who respond to a heart attack or have to do a technical extraction from the woods are all deployed right now fighting wildfires.

Second is that if the woods catch fire, the resources to save people innocently hiking are not available as they normally would be.

No donations of physical goods are required at this time.  The comfort centres and various not-for-profits were drowning in donations within 24 hours of the start of this. There is no need or ability to take more physical donations. Please consider instead a donation to the United Way – see info below.

I have some very good news – the Square Roots Bundles Program is expanding to Halifax South.  The Square Roots Bundles Program –  Dedicated to Reducing Food Waste and Increasing Food Security. The new drop-off location begins June 10 at Spencer House Seniors Centre at 5596 Morris St, Halifax.

Pick Up will be Saturdays 9-11am, with delivery every second Saturday. Pricing is $10 for 10lbs of produce

To pre-order your bundle go to squarerootsbundleshfxsouth.com

I really have to thank Allison Davis at Spencer House and Gillian Doucet Campbell at the Cathedral Church of All Saints for their dedication to delivering this needed opportunity to provide lower cost produce to those in need.  This is in response to the current social crisis that is causing such tremendous food insecurity.

We will need volunteers to help make the bundles and run the pickup!  Please check out the website and consider lending a hand.

Regional Council has received an update on the ongoing Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Regional Park project.

Located on the western edge of the Halifax urban core, the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes area comprises Acadian Forest, wetlands, and a system of lakes and headwaters offering residents opportunities to engage with nature.

In 2021, the municipality signed a statement of collaboration with Parks Canada to indicate mutual interest in the opportunities for the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove area as part of the National Urban Parks Program. In January 2022, the municipality initiated a comprehensive background study of a potential Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Regional Park. This included public consultations, feedback from which can be found in a “What We Heard” report.

On May 23, 2023, the federal government announced the completion of Parks Canada’s pre-feasibility report and a $2.1 million contribution through the National Urban Parks Program. Along with contributions to the involved Indigenous nations, this funding will enable to province and the municipality to assess opportunities for the conservation of nature and enhanced access to urban greenspace – and to begin the planning phase of the project.

Annually I get this email that asks me to share information with the public about the PET scanner and cyclotron at the VG.  Someone felt it was important to share this with you, so I do!

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.
The objective of the Cyclotron – Radiation Safety Public Information and Disclosure Program is to:

1. Meet federal requirements to ensure that radiation safety information relating to the health, safety and security of persons and the environment are communicated to the public.
2. Determine public views on cyclotron radiation safety.
3. Gather feedback to improve the existing program.

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

I wanted to let residents know I will be away June 14-16 at the Green Municipal Fund Council meeting in Ottawa and then attending and presenting at the Canada Vote Summit Conference at Toronto Metropolitain University June 19-20.  Unfortunately, I will miss the June 20th Council meeting.

In closing – the news has been hard the last week. It is ok to not feel ok. Reach out to your loved ones and check on your neighbours. T

here are ways to get help if you need it. Find information on mental health support for Nova Scotians at https://novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing/ or if you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167

Be kind, be patient, and take care of each other.

Waye

Participatory Budgeting Rescheduled to Monday June 12

With much consideration, we have decided to delay our participatory budgeting evening until June 12th.

It will be held at the same time and the same location – Lindsay Children’s Room, Halifax Central Library.

With the ongoing wildfires still not under control the focus needs to be on operational issues with the Municipality.

Our sincere apologies for the short notice and any inconvenience this may cause.

Wildfire Update June 1 2023 8am

The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following updates and impacts to municipal services as a result of the ongoing fires.

Evacuation registry

Residents and businesses whose properties are located in the area of significant impact on the evacuation map must immediately register with 311 via the online form (or by calling 1.800.835.6428), as staff are contacting residents whose homes have been destroyed.

Evacuation area update

Residents are reminded that the evacuation order was rescinded only for residents of Indigo Shores (see map) on May 31 and they can re-enter the area via Margeson Drive. As there continue to be active fires in the Tantallon and Hammonds Plains areas, residents of Indigo Shores must be prepared to evacuate within 30-minutes notice.

Emergency preparedness

All residents in the state of local emergency zone should have a bag packed as they may have limited time to leave their homes if required to evacuate on short notice. Residents who are directed to evacuate are advised to bring their pets, important documents and medication with them, as well as supplies for a minimum of 72 hours.

Evacuation information and response

Evacuation orders are mandatory, which means residents must evacuate in accordance with local authorities, such as police, firefighters and ground search and rescue.

Residents are not allowed to return to their homes until they are advised that it is safe to do so by municipal authorities. Residents must remain clear of the evacuation area and refrain from filming and taking photos of the fire area, including flying personal drones.

Those who have evacuated are advised that if they do not have access to their medication, they can contact any pharmacy and request a renewal. For more information, please see the guidelines provided by the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia.

View the most recent map of the fire evacuation areas and state of local emergency zone that outlines the area of significant impact. The status of the evacuation areas continues to be assessed and updates will be provided as soon as they are available.

The Canada Games Centre evacuation centre at 26 Thomas Raddall Drive is open until further notice.

Nova Scotia Health’s mobility primary care clinic is hosting a drop-in clinic at the Canada Games Centre on Thursday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Major insurance companies and their representatives will again be available to speak with affected residents at the Canada Games Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 1. Future opportunities to speak with their representatives will be available in the coming days.

Comfort centres

Comfort centre details are as follows:

• Black Point and Area Community Centre | 8579 St Margarets Bay Road. The comfort centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. today.
• Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre | 1583 Beaver Bank Road. The comfort centre will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

Halifax Transit

The following routes are currently impacted:

Route 330 – Route 330s will start and end at Sheldrake Lake (3826 St. Margaret’s Bay Road). There will be no service to Tantallon Park and Ride (3664 Hammonds Plains Road).
Route 433 – Route 433 will start and end at West Bedford Park and Ride (120 Innovation Drive). There will be no service on Hammonds Plains Road, from Gary Martin Drive to Tantallon Park and Ride.
Route 83/183 – Route 83/183 will end on Crossfield Ridge. They will then turn right on Sackville Drive and right onto Melham Drive. Routes 83/183 will hold on Melham Drive before departing heading back to Sackville Terminal (7 Walker Avenue).
Solid Waste

Curbside collection will continue as planned today. Residents are reminded that collection can begin as early as 7 a.m.

The municipality’s Curbside Giveaway Week, planned for Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, has been cancelled. The next Curbside Giveaway Weekend will be held on the weekend of Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15.

Parks & Recreation

The Bedford-Hammonds Plains Community Centre, at 202 Innovation Drive, will be closed today. The LeBrun Recreation Centre will be re-opening today for regularly scheduled programs and rentals.

The Lakeside Community Centre is offering equipment loans (mostly sports equipment) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. There will also be drop times available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with toys, art, games and dinosaurs for the children. Parents and young children are welcome to come and play.

The HRM Rec Van will be visiting the following locations each day, beginning today until Sunday, June 4:

• Hubbards Recreation Centre (1492 St. Margarets Bay Road, Lakeside): 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Blackpoint Fire Hall (8579 St. Margarets Bay Road, Black Point): 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Kevin Cox Field in Timberlea: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Cybersecurity and fraud

Halifax Regional Police are warning residents of a potential scam related to emergency evacuation orders and remind people to monitor official government channels for direction on emergency evacuation situations and fire updates. The municipality is aware of ongoing scam texts regarding residents’ pets. Residents are reminded to always verify the source of calls, and to not give personal information to unknown callers.

Donations, volunteering and United Way Halifax Wildfire Recovery Appeal

The outpouring of support has been tremendous; however, the evacuation centre, comfort centres, and fire stations are unable to receive either clothing or food at this time because the focus is on fighting the fire and assisting those who are evacuated.

United Way Halifax has launched the United Way Halifax Wildfire Recovery Appeal to support communities impacted by the wildfires across Nova Scotia as they recover and rebuild. To make a financial contribution to the wildfire recovery appeal, visit unitedwayhalifax.ca and click on the “donate now” button.

Wooded areas of municipal parks closed

In addition to the Province of Nova Scotia restricting travel and activities in wooded areas, the municipality has closed all wooded areas of municipal parks and all municipal trails effective 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31. More information can be found on our website.

Given the impacts of fire emergency vehicles moving throughout the Halifax region, the municipality is asking residents to avoid road travel, particularly near the state of local emergency zone. This will help to ensure that residents do not impede the work of first responders.

Where and how to stay informed:

• Please visit: halifax.ca/fire or follow @hfxgov on Twitter for all fire updates.
• https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/atlantic-canada-wildfire-responses
• https://www.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/emergency-management/fires-tantallon-hammonds-plains
• Emergency alerts and information: https://novascotia.ca/alerts/
• Municipal updates at halifax.ca/fire and @hfxgov.
• Municipal public service announcements can be found here: https://www.halifax.ca/home/news
• Accounts to follow for regular updates:
  • @ns_dnrr
  • @hfxgov
  • @nsgov
  • @nsemo
  • @rcmpns

• Visit Halifax.ca for the latest information about comfort centres
• For insurance information if effected by the fires, visit http://www.ibc.ca/nl/disaster/wildfires/

The United Way Halifax Wildfire Recovery Appeal

The wildfires in the Tantallon and Hammonds Plains area, as well as Shelburne County, have displaced thousands of residents, threatened or destroyed hundreds of homes, and changed neighbourhoods forever. Our hearts are with all those affected.

In our experience, communities need a wide variety of supports and services when rebuilding after a climate change disaster such as a wildfire. We’re committed to being there during the recovery and rebuilding process.

By donating to the United Way Halifax Wildfire Recovery Appeal, you will help provide financial support to charitable organizations in Halifax and surrounding areas, including Sheburne and those impacted on the south shore, to meet the needs in their communities.

Thanks to a generous matching gift from Emera, individual donations to the appeal will be matched up to $125,000. By making your gift today, your impact will be doubled.

How to donate: 

1. Visit our donation page
2. Choose your donation amount
3. Use the drop down menu to choose Wildfire Recovery Appeal
4. Follow instructions to complete your donation

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:

• June 6, 6pm – shortened meeting due to wild fire concerns.
• June 20, 10am (I will be away)

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 alternating with Regional Council. Please check the webpage here for agendas (usually available a week before the meeting), locations, and times.

• Tuesday, June 13 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 alternating with Regional Council. Please check the webpage here for agendas (usually available a week before the meeting), locations, and times.

• Wednesday, June 28, 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 in 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

Case 24509 – Beechville Community Planning Phase 1 – Amendments to the Timberlea/Lakeside/Beechville Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law.
The public hearing will be held by Halifax Regional Council on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax.  View the staff report. Get more information on the case and how to participate in the public hearing.

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

Park Lighting Survey
Online until June 11
Did you know? The Halifax Regional Municipality has over 900 parks in urban, suburban and rural settings that are used for a variety of recreation and leisure purposes. In some circumstances, parks are also locations through which people travel between destinations. While parks are typically used during daylight hours, park lighting needs to be considered to accommodate evening use as well. Currently, there is no formal process to evaluate when and where lighting might be installed, and which parks, or areas within parks, should be prioritized.

A Park Lighting Strategy is being developed to address the safe use and passageway in parks. The information gathered through this survey will help shape the process, criteria, prioritization, and design of spaces within parks that could be considered for lighting.

The engagement program is organized into two tasks:
Task 1 includes a few questions about you and preferences for lighting.
Task 2 includes interactive maps for you to highlight your experiences in parks as they relate to lighting.

The engagement program will be available from May 15 to June 11, 2023. Paper copies of the survey can also be collected from all branches of the Halifax Public Libraries. If you require special accommodation to participate in the engagement program, please contact Stephen Cushing at cushins@halifax.ca(External link).

For all information and to access the survey, visit https://www.shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/park-lighting-strategy.

Roadworks Update

Summer is here! Longest list I’ve ever seen.  Some of this may be done.

• PARKHILL RD from DINGLE RD to MARINE DR, starting on 2023-06-06
• QUINPOOL RD from OXFORD ST to PRESTON ST, starting on 2023-05-29
• WATT ST from WALNUT ST to LEMARCHANT ST, starting on 2023-05-27
• COGSWELL ST from ROBIE ST to TROLLOPE ST, starting on 2023-05-24
• DUKE ST from GRANVILLE ST to BARRINGTON ST, starting on 2023-05-28
• DUKE ST from HOLLIS ST to GRANVILLE ST, starting on 2023-05-28
• BRUNSWICK ST from COGSWELL ST to CORNWALLIS ST, starting on 2023-05-26
• PROCTOR ST from BRUNSWICK ST to END, starting on 2023-05-26 |
  QUINPOOL RD from OXFORD ST to PRESTON ST, starting on 2023-05-29
• BELL RD from AHERN AVE to TROLLOPE ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• NORTH PARK ST from COGSWELL ST to CUNARD ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• COGSWELL ST from NORTH PARK ST to ROBIE ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• TOWER RD from PINE HILL DR to OGILVIE ST, starting on 2023-05-21
• UPPER WATER ST from BARRINGTON ST to PURDYS LANE, starting on 2023-05-21
• SACKVILLE ST from BELL RD to SUMMER ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• COGSWELL ST from ROBIE ST to NORTH PARK ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• TERMINAL RD from LOWER WATER ST to HOLLIS ST, starting on 2023-05-21
• CUNARD ST from NORTH PARK ST to MAYNARD ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• COGSWELL ST from AHERN AVE to RAINNIE DR, starting on 2023-05-20
• AHERN AVE from BELL RD to COGSWELL ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• NORTH PARK ST from CUNARD ST to COGSWELL ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• SOUTH PARK ST from UNIVERSITY AVE to INGLIS ST, starting on 2023-05-21
• UNIVERSITY AVE from SOUTH PARK ST to SUMMER ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• OGILVIE ST from TOWER RD to YOUNG AVE, starting on 2023-05-21
• CREIGHTON ST from CHARLES ST to CUNARD ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• PINE HILL DR from FRANKLYN ST to TOWER RD, starting on 2023-05-21
• POINT PLEASANT DR from YOUNG AVE to MARGINAL RD, starting on 2023-05-21
• CUNARD ST from CREIGHTON ST to NORTH PARK ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• SUMMER ST from SACKVILLE ST to BELL RD, starting on 2023-05-20
• YOUNG AVE from INGLIS ST to POINT PLEASANT DR, starting on 2023-05-21
• AGRICOLA ST from CUNARD ST to CHARLES ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• HOLLIS ST from TERMINAL RD to BARRINGTON ST, starting on 2023-05-2
• CUNARD ST from ROBIE ST to NORTH PARK ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• INGLIS ST from BARRINGTON ST to YOUNG AVE, starting on 2023-05-21
• BELL RD from AHERN AVE to SACKVILLE ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• POINT PLEASANT DR from TOWER RD to FRANKLYN ST, starting on 2023-05-21
• TROLLOPE ST from BELL RD to COGSWELL ST, starting on 2023-05-20
• SOUTH PARK ST from SACKVILLE ST to UNIVERSITY AVE, starting on 2023-05-20
• FRANKLYN ST from BALMORAL RD to PINE HILL DR, starting on 2023-05-21
• BARRINGTON ST from HOLLIS ST to INGLIS ST, starting on 2023-05-21
• SUMMER ST from UNIVERSITY AVE to SACKVILLE ST, starting on 2023-05-20

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

Cogswell Construction Project
This major construction project, one of the biggest HRM has ever undertaken, is well underway.  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 – Updated
Canadian National Railways (CN) and Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) are proceeding with bridge and roadway rehabilitation work on Jubilee Road in April 2023. The work will include rehabilitation of the arch bridge structure, full replacement of the roadway, railing, and sidewalks as well as work to the water and wastewater services. Construction is planned to last for seven months during which time no pedestrian or vehicular traffic will be permitted.

Updates will also be provided on HRMs webpage at halifax.ca/cnbridgesrehabilitation. If you have any tenants at this address, please forward a copy of this letter for their information.

Please contact CN at 1-888-888-5909 or at contact@cn.ca if you have any questions.

Community Events and Info

Pride Community VIrtual Meeting
Friday June 2, 2023 6:30pm | Online
Pride Halifax is having a virtual community meeting on June 2, 2023 at 6:30pm to provide folks an opportunity to hear information on 2023 Pride Festival as well as ask questions. Sign up here https://forms.gle/x4KWc4JkTvP7y4Qu9 Registration for the meeting closes TODAY June 1, 2023, at 6:30pm.

Recreation Day
June 3 | Various Locations
Recreation Day, celebrated on June 3rd, is a wonderful opportunity to prioritize our well-being, indulge in leisure activities, and celebrate the importance of recreation in our lives. It reminds us to take a break from our busy schedules, engage in activities that bring us joy, and foster a healthy work-life balance. Visit our website for a great list of Recreation Day celebrations in communities across the municipality for all ages!

Following our recreation day celebrations on June 3, we’ll keep the fun going by highlighting some of our favourite programs all month long. The Recreation Month spotlight series will showcase the wide array of programs and activities we have to offer for all ages in communities across the municipality.

Learn more and see the full list by visiting https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/programs-activities/recreation-day?fbclid=IwAR1G6WV5j-otvidIZgxlx6kn025M4GZFj0kBXERUFDYSPKdwbjdH6wbi7js.

Emera Oval Summer Programming
Opens June 3 | Emera Oval
On June 3, 2023, the Emera Oval opens for residents and guests to enjoy in-line skating, roller skates, biking, skateboarding and more.

Starting on June 3, 2023, the Emera Oval will offer:

• Free equipment rentals (with valid government issued ID)
• Public washrooms
• First aid

The Emera Oval includes an accessible washroom, on street accessible parking, and wheelchair access on the surface (outside lane only).

Before heading over, please check the schedule below in case of closures due to weather issues, surface condition closures or special events.

Group bookings are available for 20 people or more with advance registration. Learn more by visiting https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/programs-activities/outdoor-recreation/emera-oval.

Ready for Summer Rec Registration Open!
Open Now | Online and in person
Register now for Ready for Rec summer programs for youth 13-18.

Ready for Rec youth summer program

Date: Weeks of July 4, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31 and August 8
Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Central Spryfield Elementary School, 364 Herring Cove Road, Spryfield

This fun summer program is designed for youth with disabilities aged 13-18. Participants will explore the community and learn new things along the way. The focus is healthy living through fun recreation activities. Participants should be able to be in a group of two or three campers to one staff.

Ready for Rec youth outdoor fun

Date: Weeks of Aug. 14 and Aug. 21
Time: 10 a.m.- 2p.m.
Location: Shubie Park (drop off by the Fairbanks Centre)

The Ready for Rec Outdoor Camp offers an inclusive and supported environment for youth (13-18) with disabilities to learn and explore nature. Participants will engage in a combination of structured and unstructured seasonal activities, such as nature walks, scavenger hunts, creative expression and free play. This program offers one-to-one staffing if needed.

To register for Ready for Rec youth programs, please contact inclusion@halifax.ca. To learn more about our Ready for Rec programs, visit: halifax.ca/readyforrec

Test Drive an Electric Vehicle
Various Locations
The municipality is partnering with Next Ride and the Clean Foundation to host 18 free electric vehicle test drive events in communities throughout the municipality between May and July, 2023. Our team will be on hand to answer questions and share information about electric vehicles, available rebates and what to expect from the municipality’s electric vehicle strategy.

Secure your spot by registering for a free test drive event near you in advance. Limited walk-in spots will be available. Links to register will become available approximately two weeks before each event. To register, visit Next Ride’s webpage and scroll down to find our municipal test drive events as they become available. You can see the full list of event dates and locations by visiting https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/energy-environment/electric-vehicle-strategy?fbclid=IwAR2rf0h0t30BJFGWe5_ThJgf_2kcVjW9n8cMJKPM3tKavD4EhWaUizUYrMA .

Spring 2023 Gritty to Pretty
Applications Open | Online
The Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) has launched a call for submissions for the Spring 2023 Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Program. The 8^th edition of this program will once again include our standard Open Grant and Mural Grant, as well as our Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) Muraland Open Grants. We are also proud to reopen our Façade Lighting Grant as part of this call out.
To be considered for DHBC funding, applicants are asked to submit a completed application form which can be found on our website at www.downtownhalifax.ca/grittytopretty. Additional documents that describe and support funding requests are encouraged. The deadline to apply for all five grants is Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Learn-to-row for girls, non-binary, BIPOC, newcomer, and queer youth
Register Now | Halifax Rowing Club at St Mary’s Boat Club
The Halifax Rowing Club has funding from ParticipACTION Canada to offer 8 youth free Learn-to-Row classes and a whole summer of rowing, free of charge, plus coverage of transportation costs (bus tickets). We are hoping to engage girls, non-binary, BIPOC, newcomer, and queer youth and would very much appreciate if you would spread the word! To register, go to:  https://freeonlinesurveys.com/s/dpQXSo7v

HRM LakeWatchers
July 1 – August 31 | Lakes near you
Get involved in monitoring the quality of our local lakes! The municipality’s LakeWatchers program launched last year and is a great way to help keep our lakes safe and clean. The program will involve community teams to:

• Conduct environmental monitoring in 76 lakes across the municipality.
• Collect data, such as pH levels, to inform future actions to maintain/improve a lake’s health.
• Share data with residents through future staff reports to Regional Council and through the municipality’s Open Data Portal (https://catalogue-hrm.opendata.arcgis.com/)

You can get involved!  Data collection will take place twice yearly through a year through internal sampling (staff or contractors) and/or trained community teams, called LakeWatchers. The municipality will leverage existing water quality community groups and welcomes new volunteers to collect data in support of this program.  Interested in getting involved? Learn more: https://halifax.ca/lakewatchers

Canada Summer Jobs 2023
Available Now | Online
Youth 15-30 can now apply for the federal government’s Canada Summer Jobs program, as the hiring period for 2023 has launched! This is your chance to gain experience and put your skills to use to help your community! Canada Summer Jobs aims to help younger Canadians develop the skills and experience to transition successfully into the labour market.  Keep an eye out here for the many opportunities that will be posted here:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth. New jobs will be added regularly as they are approved for funding by the Canada Summer Jobs program.

Adventure Earth Camps and Programs
Registration is now open | Visit www.halifax.ca/myrec
The Adventure Earth Centre is offering a variety of outdoor recreation programming this summer!
– Overnight Camps at Camp Mockingee
– Day Camps at Shubie Park
– Day Camps at Fleming Park
Visit www.halifax.ca/aec  to learn more about these outdoor, interactive summer programs.

North American Indigenous Games (NAIG)
July 15-23 | Various Venues
It is less than 100 days the start of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games! Three months from now, Kjipuktuk will welcome over 5,000 Indigenous athletes, managers and coaches across 16 different sports from all across Turtle Island representing over 750 Nations. Sport. Culture. Legacy.  NAIG is one of the largest games in North America, larger than the Canada Games.  For more info visit www.naig2023.com

Natal Day 2023
August 7, 2023 | Halifax Regional Municipality
Mark your calendars for Natal Day! Registration is now open for participants in the annual Natal Day parade! As part of the municipality’s Natal Day weekend programming, residents are invited to participate in the Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day parade on Monday, August 7, 2023.  The parade will begin at Novalea Drive in Halifax at 10 a.m. and will conclude at Maple Street in Dartmouth. A maximum of 55 entries will be permitted to participate, so register soon!  halifax.ca

Service Canada Supports Communities
Online
Does someone in your community need help with Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and more?  Are you or one of your community members a person with a disability or need extra support to get Service Canada benefits and services? Access support online at https://eservices.canada.ca/en/service/  Does someone in your community need a Social Insurance Number or confirmation of their SIN? Access help at  https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html

Great Nova Scotia Pick Me Up
Everywhere | Register today
Residents and groups looking to clean up litter in their communities can access programs supported by HRM Solid Waste Resources. Between the months of April to November, residents of Halifax can register with the Great Nova Scotia Pick Me Up (GNSPMU) by visiting their website (https://www.nspickmeup.ca). GNSPMU is coordinated by Divert Nova Scotia and is supported in part by HRM. Upon registration, residents can pick up their free litter cleanup kit, which consists of litter bags and nitrile gloves, at their local Halifax Public Library or at one of the three Customer Service Centers located throughout HRM.

In addition to providing litter kits, HRM also provides three different disposal options for residents participating in the GNSPMU program. These disposal options include:

1. Placing the materials curbside to be collected on your next garbage collection day if it does not exceed curbside bag limits.
2. Taking the materials directly to the Otter Lake landfill for disposal. HRM will waive tipping fees for any groups or residents who are registered with the GNSPMU.
3. Residents can also get the materials picked by HRM road operations. Residents who choose this disposal option must contact 311 two weeks prior to their litter clean-up date to help ensure that the materials are collected.

Residents and groups who are looking to complete litter cleanups during the winter months can contact wasteless@halifax.ca directly to access litter kits and to arrange for pickup from their cleanup event.  If you have any additional questions about litter programs they can contact wasteless@halifax.ca or visit www.halifax.ca/litter.

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

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 the office 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.