District 7 Update – info on back to school, Cogswell, permits online, and more.

In this issue

My Council Update includes info on back to school, Cogswell, open data on permits, empty lot tax or demolition control update, Spring Garden road temporary closure, Grain Elevator risk assessment, rental registration, an the HalifACT update.

Public Engagement section shows upcoming Council meetings, and info Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment community engagement, and more regional plan review info. Roadworks continues to amaze with the amount of work going on. Community Events & Information has a lot of great events, info on a 10K student bursary, Good Grief Nova Scotia and many other events.

Councillor Update

Hello all,

It’s back-to-school time, which seems absurd after a rainy, challenging summer that felt all too short. I want to wish all our returning students, of all ages, a happy, healthy, and successful school year.

I would also like to remind all motorists to be extra vigilant with students walking, cycling, commuting, or traveling by school bus. Please be patient and plan for travel to take a bit longer than it has

It is important for those driving kids to school do it 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 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 for “just for a minute” in these spaces you are putting other people’s children at risk by blocking 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.”

The picture at the top of this update is of the new, largely completed park between Lower Water and Hollis built as a part of the Cogswell Project. You can also see the final curbs and sidewalks starting to go into this southern portion of the work area. To see daily updates, you can have a look at the project webcams – https://cogswellproject.photosentinel.photos/gallery/#/installation/18107

I’ve had a number of requests for info about properties where drilling or digging was taking place, both on Robie and Young Ave. In both cases it was pre-permit work, Robie appears to have been geotechnical work, and Young was environmental remediation.

If anyone is interested in knowing if HRM has received or issued a permit, you can check OpenData. The permits are now mapped, which makes it more user-friendly: https://data-hrm.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/HRM::pplc-building-permits-geolocated/explore

I also want to update residents about potential impacts on project timelines as a result of the series of emergencies we’ve experienced in the last six months.

Unfortunately, municipal staff and the contractors are trying to manage both the existing construction program as well as significant emergency work associated with the wildfires and recent flooding. Both contractors and staff are working directly on disaster recovery, and in some cases, they or their families are directly impacted by the fires or floods.

I truly believe staff are doing the best anyone could under the circumstances, but there are less than 90 days of construction left before winter pauses work. There are no contractors sitting around waiting for work . There is no depot full of gravel, culverts, and equipment that is sitting idle. Everyone and everything is out there working and I ask residents to continue to be patient.

HRM, the Province of Nova Scotia, and Halifax Water are working to repair and restore every road, culvert, and ditch, but I expect some new and some restoration projects will be delayed until spring. This is unfortunate but I think it is understandable given the circumstances.

I made several motions at the last meeting of Council, one of which was to ask for a report regarding paths for disallowed demolition under normal circumstances until a building permit has been issued, and the establishment of an empty lot tax.

Halifax and Nova Scotia is in a housing crisis. Vacancy is at an all-time low. Currently, lots are being cleared and left empty, which will eventually lead to needed missing middle density on corridors in the Regional Centre and in other places throughout HRM,

This has caused a great deal of concern as the demolition of existing housing units, many of which are in good repair, reduces housing stock and leaves gaps where no housing will replace this loss, potentially for years. Requiring developers to have a building permit issued prior to being allowed to apply for a demolition permit may help close the gap between demolition and construction and reduce the time the land sits idle. It is important to find out if HRM has the legal ability to do this, there is quite a debate about whether this is allowed under provincial law.

An additional incentive to move quickly to develop empty lots, or to hold them open, would be to ask the province for permission to establish an empty lot tax in the serviced area of HRM. A significant empty lot tax, designed to allow HRM to collect a similar tax to what it will receive when the property is developed, would discourage lots in the urban service boundary from being left empty.

This would not apply to new subdivisions and greenfield development. An empty lot tax should be set quite high, and the additional revenue could be used to fund additional affordable housing programming.

Spring Garden Road, between Queen and South Park streets, will be closed from 6 a.m., Tuesday, September 5 until 8 p.m., Tuesday, September 19. This section of the street will be closed to cars buses and cyclists, but open to pedestrian traffic. Businesses will remain open and operational throughout the construction period, and pedestrian access to all businesses and properties will be maintained.

The road will be closed 24/7, with crews having permission to work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The full closure is required to minimize the construction duration and allow the work to be completed more safely and efficiently. This includes:

Installing the sidewalk, planters, and trees on the south side of Spring Garden Road between Queen and Birmingham streets
Installing three new bus shelters
addressing deficiencies in existing pavers
repairing benches
addressing other deficiencies in infrastructure from previous work in 2021

The municipality, in partnership with the Halifax Port Authority, has completed a land use risk assessment study of the Halifax Grain Elevator. The land use risk assessment was started in 2021 to help inform land use by-law planning and updates as part of the municipality’s Centre Plan.

The Land Use Risk Assessment Study – Halifax Grain Elevator report was provided to the municipality in November 2022 and since then ongoing coordination between the municipality and the Halifax Port Authority has taken place to confirm the details and recommendations in the report.

Following the explosion in 2003, significant steps were undertaken:

Operations were paused.
The Port brought in industry experts to assess operations and associated risk.
Improvement plans were developed and executed.
The operator enhanced their preventative maintenance schedule.
The schedule, which is based on hours of operation, includes inspecting and maintaining the dust collection system, bearings, belts, bucket elevators, motors, etc.
An explosion suppression system was installed. This system is inspected quarterly by the operator, and annually by the manufacturer.
A temperature monitoring system for the bearings was added.
The housekeeping program was enhanced as part of ongoing efforts to keep dust levels down.

In the years since, the Port has worked with the operator to bring in independent experts on a periodic basis to do inspections and identify areas where improvements can be made.

To the specific question on “Who is responsible for ensuring that the checks are being done?” the Halifax Grain Elevator is a federally regulated industry/workplace and is subject to periodic inspections by Employment and Social Development Canada. The last inspection was in June of 2023. The inspector was satisfied with the safety procedures in place, and the operators of the Halifax Grain Elevator and Halifax Port Authority remain committed to ensuring all standards are met.

For summary information and a link to the complete report, visit: halifax.ca/halifaxgrainelevator

All property owners must register their rental properties at halifax.ca/rentalregistry by April 1, 2024.

Rental properties include large and small apartment buildings, income properties, single room occupancies, secondary and backyard suites and short-term rentals.

The Residential Rental Registry will provide the municipality with a clearer picture of the rental landscape in the Halifax region. Currently, the accuracy and detail of available building information is limited. A complete record of rental properties is expected to provide significant benefits for residents occupying these buildings, by enhancing the municipality’s ability to provide services where needed. Over time, the registry will help the municipality proactively identify maintenance issues, reduce complaints and non-compliance, and improve the safety and overall living conditions for renters across the region.

The Residential Rental Registry process includes:

Registration: Rental property owners to complete an online form to register their property(ies) by April 1, 2024 (there is no application fee)
Review: Municipal staff will review the registration and contact the applicant if further information is required
Confirmation: Municipality to provide registration number to the rental property owner

After April 1, 2024, owners of any unregistered rental properties may face fines of up to $10,000. It is important to note that registration of a rental property under By-law R-400 is not a permit to run a rental property and does not confirm the legal use of the property.

In addition, By-law R-400 requires rental property owners to have and keep current, a maintenance plan for their rental property(ies). A maintenance plan includes a list of all elements of the rental housing that are regulated by By-law M-200, Respecting Standards for Residential Occupancies, noting scheduled repairs and replacements. For further information visit: halifax.ca/rentalregistry

I want to share the latest issue of the HalifACT community update which provides a snapshot of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to advance the goals set out in our long-term climate action plan. Commitment to climate action means continuing to adapt and prepare for the impacts of climate change while protecting the natural environment and looking for ways to enhance resiliency through green energy.

HalifACT is already taking action by transitioning to electric buses and fleet vehicles, retrofitting municipal buildings for energy efficiency, and investing in emergency preparedness, stormwater protection, and food security.

You can read the current and past issues here: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/energy-environment/halifact-2050-acting-climate-together/halifact-community-update

Finally, have a great day on Labour Day, don’t forget to put out your garbage Saturday (edit, originally said Friday). Long weekend service adjustments can be found here: https://www.halifax.ca/home/news/municipal-service-level-adjustments-labour-day-long-weekend

That’s all for now! Please be safe, be kind, be patient,

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 12 10am
Tuesday September 26 10am

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.

Wednesday, September 19, 6pm

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, September 27, 6pm

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.

Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
To improve how we make decisions, understand community vulnerability, mitigate emergency risks and hazards, the Halifax Regional Municipality Emergency Management Division is conducting a Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA).

The first phase of the HRVA project consists of a series of public engagement sessions that will be held across the municipality to introduce the HRVA process, gather local knowledge on historical hazards and likelihood of reoccurrence as well as to increase overall community awareness and preparedness in the face of emergencies. These public engagement sessions will be held in-person with opportunities to attend sessions in each district. The information residents have to offer about the potential hazards and risks will help guide mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from emergency events at a community level and as a municipality as a whole.

The HRVA process invites all members of the local community, emergency response agencies, and other stakeholders to participate. Residents who are unable to attending their district or community meetings can still participate in the HRVA process by submitting their comments using the following link – https://www.shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/hrva

A HRVA community meeting will be held September 11, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Lindsay Room, Halifax Central Library

We aim to reach as many communities as possible by working with communities and community leaders. Further opportunities may be made available for in-person public participation in the HRVA process.

Common Terms in the HRVA Process:

Potential hazards: sources of harm to human health and life, infrastructure, natural environment and social vulnerabilities.
Risks: severity and possibility of impacts.
Vulnerabilities: conditions that may be influenced by physical, social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors which increases impacts of a hazard on a community.
Impacts: identifying potential consequences on individuals, community, businesses, natural, and economic resources

Gorsebrook Rugby Clubhouse/Service Pavilion Engagement
Tuesday September 26, 6-7:30pm | Gorsebrook Park between the playground and the Gorsebrook rugby soccer field.
The Halifax Rugby Football Club (HRFC) is seeking to build a clubhouse at the south end of Gorsebrook Park in Halifax. The planned scope of the project addresses several current needs, including:

change rooms and showers for sports field users, not limited to the rugby club.
Social and meeting space for use by the rugby club and the wider community.
Centralized Public washrooms* for park users, including users of the playground.
A viewing deck for the sports field
Storage for equipment by other sports users of the park

Both the city’s Washroom and Drinking Fountain Strategy and the Gorsebrook Park Plan put a priority on public washrooms in the park. The clubhouse will be operated by HRFC and serve the club and wider community for many years. For more info please visit: https://www.halifaxrugby.ca/clubhouse

Regional Plan Review

To October 27, 2023 | Various Locations
The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting residents to provide feedback on the Draft Regional Plan, both online and through in-person public engagement events. The public engagement period will run until October 27, 2023.

Feedback received will be summarized in a What We Heard report and used to refine key regional policy directions.

The Regional Plan sets out a common vision and long-range, region-wide planning policies outlining where, when and how future growth and development should take place. The Regional Plan was adopted in 2006 and is reviewed approximately every five years to ensure it is reflective of the municipality’s goals for growth and development.

The Draft Regional Plan is responding to the Halifax region’s population growth and need for housing, the need to act on climate and equity, as well as updating policies to reflect Priority Plans.

Residents may submit feedback at any time on the Draft Regional Plan, including any requests for site-specific amendments.

Additional in-person engagement events for the Regional Plan Review have been scheduled and all dates are now posted publicly on the Regional Plan Review Shape Your City page. The list of new dates is provided below.

Staff are also available to meet with interested community and stakeholder groups by request, by emailing regionalplan@halifax.ca or calling 902-943-3248. The Regional Plan Review engagement period runs until October 27, 2023.

Engagement Events

At “Pop-Ups”, staff will be at public places/events with a small table or booth. These events provide an opportunity for residents to meet planners and talk about ideas for their communities.

“Open houses” will be organized meetings where staff invite residents to come to learn more about the Draft Regional Plan and the Suburban Plan process.

Residents who would like to attend an event and require accommodation for accessibility are asked to please contact Planning Staff by emailing regionalplan@halifax.ca or calling 902-943-3248.

Pop-Ups:
Scotia Square (Near Kiosks by Food Court seating), 5201 Duke Street, Halifax
Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Coronation Avenue Park, 34 Coronation Avenue, Halifax
Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Please note we will be on the grass at Coronation Avenue Park and the location may not be accessible for all people.
In case of rain, this event will be postponed to Thursday, September 7, 2023, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sackville Farmers Market, 650 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville
Saturday, September 9, 2023, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunnyside Mall, 1595 Bedford Highway, Bedford
Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 10:30 a.m. – to 1:30 p.m.

Alderney Landing Farmers Market, Alderney Gate, Dartmouth
Saturday, September 16, 2023, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cole Harbour Place (Centre Court), 51 Forest Hills Parkway, Cole Harbour
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Spryfield Farmers Market, 205 Herring Cove Road, Halifax
Sunday, September 24, 2023, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Woodlawn Library, 31 Eisener Boulevard, Dartmouth
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Open Houses

Acadia Hall, 650 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Canada Games Centre (Boardroom), 26 Thomas Raddall Drive, Halifax
Monday, September 25, 2023, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Chocolate Lake Recreation Centre (Multipurpose Room), 1014 Purcells Cove Rd, Halifax
Wednesday, October 11, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Bedford Legion (Bingo Hall), 1772 Bedford Highway, Bedford
Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Cole Harbour Place (Harbour Room), 51 Forest Hills Parkway, Cole Harbour
Thursday, October 26, 2023, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Roadworks Update

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

SOUTH ST from OXFORD ST to END, starting on 2023-09-06 | View in RoadWorks Map
BELL RD from TROLLOPE ST to SACKVILLE ST, starting on 2023-09-02 | View in RoadWorks Map
SOUTH PARK ST from BELL RD to SPRING GARDEN RD, starting on 2023-09-02 | View in RoadWorks Map
TROLLOPE ST from COGSWELL ST to BELL RD, starting on 2023-09-02 | View in RoadWorks Map
DALHOUSIE ST from SOUTH ST to BEAUFORT AVE, starting on 2023-09-03 | View in RoadWorks Map
LEMARCHANT ST from COBURG RD to SOUTH ST, starting on 2023-08-31 | View in RoadWorks Map
SEYMOUR ST from UNIVERSITY AVE to SOUTH ST, starting on 2023-08-31 | View in RoadWorks Map
INGLIS ST from GREENWOOD AVE to ROBIE ST, starting on 2023-08-21 | View in RoadWorks Map
SOUTH ST from TOWER RD to SOUTH ST, starting on 2023-08-22 | View in RoadWorks Map

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

CUA $10K in a Day Student Tuition Giveaway,
Thursday, September 7, 2023 | Online
Each September, CUA gives $10,000 directly to students studying in Nova Scotia. Through our annual $10K in a Day Student Tuition Giveaway, anyone studying a post-secondary education in Nova Scotia is invited to submit a free online ballot for their chance to win a $1,000 tuition cheque. Winners are selected through random draw. Online ballots are open now until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Winners will be selected and contacted on Friday, September 8^th. More information is available online at cua.com/10k

District Boundary Review final hearing
September 7, 2023, 6:30 pm | Offices of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, 1601 Lower Water Street
On May 30, 2023, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) gave notice that the public hearing and evening session for the municipality’s 2022 District Boundary Review application (Matter No. M10924), originally scheduled for May 31, 2022, had been postponed due to the local state of emergency in effect because of the wildfires affecting communities in the region. The NSUARB has rescheduled the public hearing session for Matter No. M10924 for the evening of September 7, 2023, starting at 6:30 p.m. The hearing will take place at Offices of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor, Halifax, NS. The deadline for speakers to register at the original hearing was May 10, 2023, therefore there will not be an opportunity for additional speakers to register to speak at the rescheduled hearing. The municipality’s website, halifax.ca/boundaryreview, will be updated with the rescheduled hearing date and there will be social media posts to advise of the new date in consultation with the NSUARB. There will also be reminder social media posts one week before the rescheduled hearing on September 7, 2023.

Halifax South Square Roots Produce Bundles
Sept 9, 9:30-10:30am | Spencer House Seniors Centre, Morris Street
Square Roots Bundles program is dedicated to reducing food waste and increasing food security! Note that we try to ensure there is as close to 10 lbs or more of produce, however we are dependent on produce availability. Depending on the week, the true cost of a food bundle ranges from $15 – $22. We are grateful to our sponsors, private donors, and for a grant from the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to ensure we can continue to off-set the true costs. Bundle Pick-Up Saturday, Sept. 9th between 9:30 – 10:30 am More info https://squarerootsbundleshfxsouth.com/

Seventy at Seventy: Celebrating 70 Years of the Army Museum in Halifax
Friday September 8, 7pm | Cavalier Block (second floor) Halifax Citadel
The Chair and Board of Directors of the Army Museum, Halifax Citadel request your support for Seventy at Seventy: An Evening of Wine and Cheese celebrating 70 years of the Army Museum. The money raised will go towards the upgrading of the Second World War exhibit over the winter in anticipation of the eightieth anniversary of the Normandy Invasion. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/70-for-70-wine-and-cheese-fundraiser-tickets-680330947177?aff=oddtdtcreator

Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Community Meeting
September 11, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm | Lindsay Room, Halifax Central Library
To improve how we make decisions, understand community vulnerability, mitigate emergency risks and hazards, the Halifax Regional Municipality Emergency Management Division is conducting a Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA). This public engagement session will introduce the HRVA process, gather local knowledge on historical hazards and likelihood of reoccurrence as well as to increase overall community awareness and preparedness in the face of emergencies. These public engagement sessions will be held in-person with opportunities to attend sessions in each district. The information residents have to offer about the potential hazards and risks will help guide mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from emergency events at a community level and as a municipality as a whole. More info here: https://www.shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/hrva

Atlantic International Film Festival
September 14 – 21, 2023 | Various locations around HRM
This eight-day festival celebration of film, media and music from around the world transforms Halifax into a mecca for filmmakers, industry types, and film lovers. The festival offers a first-look at the best international films of the festival season, and features a number of daily screenings. For a full event listing of events and screenings, visit https://atlanticfilmfestival.ca/

Bangladesh Festival
September 16-17, 2023 | Halifax Forum Windsor at Young Street.
Bangladesh Festival is a celebration of Bangladeshi Crafts, Culture, Cuisine, Music, and much more, showcasing the distinct and unique contribution of Bangladeshi immigrants in Canadian cosmopolitan mosaic. Building on the success of our Inaugural Festival in 2022, we are looking forward to organizing Bangladesh Festival 2023. The key activities of the festival will include live performances by local and national artists, kiosks by budding local entrepreneurs featuring traditional South Asian food, clothing, jewelry, arts, books, and handicrafts, and live entertainment for kids. By exhibiting the core cultural values and symbols of our community and organization, the event hopes to provide an inspiring and inclusive environment for various communities to learn from and appreciate each other’s heritage. This festival is open to the public, and we believe that visitors will travel from across Canada to experience this event.
https://bcfsociety.ca/

Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association AGM
Tuesday, September 19^th from 5 pm to 7:30pm, Oxford Tap Room
The Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, September 19^th from 5 pm to 7:30pm, upstairs at the Oxford Tap Room. Please hold the date and more details will follow soon. During the AGM we will be nominating new board members to the association’s Board of Directors. If this interests you, please fill out the Nomination Form and return it before Tuesday, September 5th. The form can be e-mailed to Karla@Quinpoolroad.ca or mailed to the address shown on the form. Board members are asked to complete a two-year term with the option to renew. Board meetings take place once a month and will be booked in advance.

Good Grief, Nova Scotia!
September 23-30 | Various Locations
Good Grief, Nova Scotia! is a week-long grief festival to support and nurture grief literacy in communities across the province of Nova Scotia – and beyond! This festival takes place from September 23 to 30, 2023, bringing together citizens from our many overlapping communities to learn and share knowledge, practices, and experiences about grief. Learn more about the virtual and in-person events scheduled by visiting www.goodgriefnovascotia.ca and discover some podcasts that share on this important topic.

change rooms and showers for sports field users, not limited to the rugby club.
Social and meeting space for use by the rugby club and the wider community.
Centralized Public washrooms* for park users, including users of the playground.
A viewing deck for the sports field
Storage for equipment by other sports users of the park

Natural Burial: Dying Sustainably
Wednesday September 27, 2023 6pm | Cathedral Church of All Saints, Cathedral Lane
This session is a part of a week of events from September 23 to 30 designed to support grievers in our communities and to grow grief literacy across Nova Scotia and beyond. To learn more about this initiative visit Good Grief, Nova Scotia at www.goodgriefnovascotia.ca – Speakers include The Reverend Marian Lucas-Jefferies: Environmental Network, Diocese NS & PEI, Louisa Horne, Natural Burial- Sustainable Dying, and The Reverend Canon Dr. Jody Clarke, Atlantic School of Theology, Specialist in Death and Dying
Registration helps us to plan refreshments but walk-ins also welcome https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/natural-burial-dying-sustainably-tickets-695400289987

Halifax Lancers Summer 2023 Public Programming
Various Dates and Locations
The Horses of Halifax love their home in our city and want to spend their summer with YOU! As a non-profit, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits and joys of horses. Let the horses touch your heart through:

Musical Ride Performances:
Sunday, September 24
o Hants County Exhibition, Windsor, Nova Scotia
Sunday, October 1 at 2:00 pm
o Halifax Lancers Open House, Outdoor Paddock, 1690 Bell Road
More info: https://www.halifaxlancers.com/summer

HRM Active Transportation (AT) Education and Promotion Grants
Deadline October 13, 2023.
These grants supports 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 Details can be found here

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 .

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
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.