District 7 Update – Emancipation Day, Natal Day weekend, more

In this issue

My Council Update includes info on Emancipation Day, Natal Day weekend, Spring Garden bollards, and Halifax Volunteers.

The Public Meetings, Hearings & Engagement section shows Council and Budget meetings as well as Peace and Friendship Park engagement and the Travellers Opinion Survey.  Roadworks info has been updated and Community Events & Information includes some more upcoming summer events and some other grant and community-building opportunities.

Councillor Update

Hi everyone,

Back in  2021, Nova Scotia officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day, a time to reflect and acknowledge our shared history of the enslavement of people of African descent in Canada.

Why do we recognize Emancipation Day?  On August 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 became law, officially ending the practice of slavery across the British Empire.

Slavery was foundational in the systemic anti-Black racism that impacts people of African descent today. Recognizing Emancipation Day provides an opportunity to maintain ongoing meaningful dialogue around race relations and inclusion, and to celebrate the diverse heritage, culture and contributions of people of African descent across the region.

Emancipation Day 2024 Events

• Provincial proclamation, municipal flag raising and unveiling of the Jamaican Maroons Commemorative National Historic Site
  Thursday, August 1^st, 2024 | 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. | Fort George (Citadel Hill)
• A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada Exhibition opening
  Thursday, August 1^st, 2024 | 1:30 pm. | Pier 21
• Freedom Narratives: Emancipation Day Art Celebration
  Thursday, August 1^st, 2024 | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. | Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library

HRM is committed to addressing the anti-Black racism that still exists within our organization and the communities we serve. To support these efforts, Regional Council endorsed the framework for developing a municipal Anti-Black Racism (ABR) Strategy and Action Plan. This work in ongoing.

This year, the municipality is also launching the Anti-Black Racism Grants program to empower communities and residents of African descent to address issues of anti-Black racism through community-led, grassroots projects and initiatives. Information on this new program can be found below in this newsletter.

You are all invited to attend the 127th Annual Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day celebrations this weekend, August 3-5, 2024!

The 127^th Pepsi Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day Parade takes place Monday, August 5 starting at 10 a.m. In addition to the parade, residents can also participate in the following municipal taking place over the Natal Day weekend:

• Crescendo Festival on Saturday, August 3 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park Stage.
• Halifax-Dartmouth Harbour Natal Day Fireworks on Saturday, August 3 at 10 p.m. on the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfront (Rain date: Saturday, August 4 at 10 p.m.)
• African Nova Scotian Music Association “Freedom Festival” on Sunday, August 4 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park Stage.
• Freedom Festival Pryro Show on Sunday, August 4 at 9:30 p.m. on the Dartmouth Wharf.
• Lake Banook Natal Day Fireworks on Monday, August 5 at 9:30 p.m. at Lake Banook.

Residents are also encouraged to attend the many community-led events, which offer a diverse mix of music, culture, entertainment and family-friendly fun.

The municipality is attentive to safety concerns related to fireworks and remains in consultation with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency on this issue. The municipality would also like to reassure residents that there are measures in place to ensure the fireworks used at municipal events are used in a safe manner and in accordance with any relevant fire regulations.

As always, the status of fireworks for events is subject to change. Notification of changes will be shared via the municipality’s Civic Events’ Facebook page and Twitter channel.   For more information, visit natalday.org.

I’ve had a number of inquiries about why HRM is replacing the granite bollards on Spring Garden Road at both locations (Lawton’s and Park Lane).

The granite bollards are actually 100+ year-old recycled stone street curbs that were cut down to be upcycled. Unfortunately, the granite is more fragile than was thought.

It’s not just big delivery trucks that break them, at least one snapped when tapped with a sedan. When they break, they don’t leave a clean break at ground level (sometimes leaving a sharp rock at ankle height) and HRM crews don’t have tools to grind granite.

The original plan was to replace a granite bollard with granite when the first one broke, but three or four more broke last summer alone, and it is now felt it’s too much of a risk to leave them.   They are all being removed for this reason.

These heavy stone pieces are dangerous when they fall.  In the short term, flex posts are going to be installed, and in the long term, new bollards (that are on order, but delayed due to ongoing supply chain issues) which meet the look of the Spring Garden Road streetscape will be installed.   It was a nice idea to reuse the old granite this way.  Unfortunately, it did not work out for this application.

Some very good news is that the work to upgrade the signal lights at the intersection of Jubilee Road and Oxford has started, and this will mean the long-awaited protected right turn and left turn phases can be implemented here.  Why is this important? Back in June 2022, I wrote that the much loved and much hated No Right Turn on Red had been put there because “people would come up to the intersection and only look left, if they did not see a car they would turn right on a red, brush and in one case hit the kids or crossing guard.”

 

The signal controls there were old tech from the 1990s and could not handle more protected turns (green flashing arrows). This upgrade will make the pedestrian ramps and curb cuts safer, the buttons for the audible signals easier to reach, and allow for protected turns, which will help make pedestrians safer and reduce the backup on Jubilee and Connaught.  This work will cause some traffic disruption in the short term, so please be careful as you approach the intersection.

Finally, I want to tell you about some amazing Citadel High School students that Councillor Cleary and I met a few weeks ago.  They have founded a group called Halifax Volunteers.  Halifax volunteers promote volunteering opportunities available in the HRM community. They connect with organizations that require volunteers and promote them via our social media platforms and other means. They are connected to Citadel High’s and other school’s student councils, who are all promoting volunteerism. Follow them on Instagram  @hfx.volunteers and a website is on the way!

That’s it for now!

Be kind, be patient, and take care,

Waye

 

Public Meetings, Hearings & Engagement

Halifax Regional Council – Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers or Virtual.
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 August 6, 1 pm
• Tuesday August 20, 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.

• Tuesday August 13 6pm (virtual)

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 August 28 6pm (if required)

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

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.

Peace and Friendship Park Plan Public Engagement
Online Engagement begins August 6, 2024, ends September 3, 2024
The Halifax Regional Municipality is preparing a park plan for Peace and Friendship Park and is inviting residents to provide feedback on several possible design changes.

In October 2018, the municipality formed the Task Force on the Commemoration of Edward Cornwallis and the Recognition and Commemoration of Indigenous History to consider the park’s historical association with Edward Cornwallis. The Task Force developed 20 recommendations – including removing a statue of Cornwallis, renaming the park and undertaking park design and programming changes with a focus on youth and education. The park has several important park elements that will not change like the playground, play lawn, paver performance space, and destination pathways. The focus of the most impactful park changes will come through the introduction of design elements in the park’s centre.

Travellers Opinion Survey
July 22 to August 12 | Online
Residents are asked to provide feedback on how they travel throughout the region in the latest Traveller Opinion Survey.  Open from July 22 to August 12, the survey is used to measure residents’ perception of our existing transportation network (walking/ rolling, bicycling, transit and driving). It helps the municipality learn more about how and why residents travel, as well as understand what motivates people to use sustainable transportation modes.

This year’s survey will help set the future framework for sustainable transportation in the Halifax region as the most recent survey was completed in 2019 and the way many people travel each day has changed significantly since the pandemic. The 2024 survey will help record and track public perception and awareness of available sustainable transportation options. The results will be compared to the 2019 survey to measure progress.

To take the 2024 Traveller Opinion Survey, visit https://www.shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/traveller-opinion-survey.

Roadworks Update

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

• PARKHILL RD from MARINE DR to DINGLE RD, starting on 2024-08-05
• BELL RD from TROLLOPE ST to AHERN AVE, starting on 2024-07-28
• BRUNSWICK ST from ARTZ ST to UNIACKE ST, starting on 2024-07-26
• YOUNG AVE from ATLANTIC ST to INGLIS ST, starting on 2024-07-26
• HOLLIS ST from DUKE ST to GEORGE ST, starting on 2024-07-21

Cogswell Construction Project Important Update
Beginning June 17, Barrington Street, from Upper Water Street to Duke Street, was closed to accommodate construction in support of the Cogswell District project for approximately six months. This is a major closure that impacts drivers, Halifax Transit, pedestrians, cyclists and access to abutting properties. The closure will require the relocation of the Barrington Street bus bays, the rerouting of 30 Halifax Transit routes, and the relocation of lounge/ washroom facilities for Transit Operators.

Halifax Transit users will be significantly impacted as the four bus bays in front of Scotia Square will be relocated. As a result, 30 routes passing through Barrington Street and the surrounding area will be rerouted.  You can find the map where the new stops will be located here.

Barrington Street, from Upper Water Street to Duke Street, will be fully closed. A section of the new Cogswell Street will be temporarily connected to Barrington Street at Upper Water Street, which will allow for the re-opening of Albemarle Street and will reconnect a key east-west corridor downtown.  With the closure of Barrington Street, access to Hotel Halifax will be from a new driveway off Cogswell Street. Access for loading and deliveries has been coordinated with abutting property owners.

It is anticipated the new Halifax Transit hub on Barrington Street will open by the end of the year and will include new heated shelters, additional seating space, wider sidewalks and layover space for passengers and buses. The new permanent Cogswell Street from Brunswick Street to Upper Water Street is expected to open, replacing the overpass that was previously demolished. Additionally, it is projected the new permanent Barrington Street from the roundabout at Nora Bernard Street and Barrington Street to Duke Street will open, including access to Valour Way.

More info at Halifax.ca/cogswell

Community Events and Info

Halifax Buskers Festival
July 31 – August 5, 2024 | Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts
With stages at the Halifax Seaport, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Sackville Landing, Foundation Wharf, and Dartmouth’s Alderney Landing, the 38th edition of Buskers will provide locals and visitors alike with exciting and unique entertainment. Electrifying acts will provide six days of incredible performances, including: 2023’s People’s Choice winner and Halifax’s own Mighty Mike (CAN), Steve Goodtime (CAN), USA Breakdancers (USA), Mat Ricardo (UK), Gracie B (AUS/UK), Fraser Hooper (UK), Ruby Rubberlegs (AUS), Spring Action (CAN), Seb und Fritzzz (GER), Chris Blaze – The Fire Ninja (AUS), Les Vitamines (CAN), Pancho Libre (MEX), Lukas Stark (CAN), and Silver Elvis (CAN)! For all event details, please visit www.buskers.ca.

Anti-Black Racism Grant Program
Applications accepted starting August 1, 2024 | Online
On August 1, the Halifax Regional Municipality will introduce the Anti-Black Racism Grants Program, designed to support grassroots initiatives and projects that combat anti-Black racism. This program aims to provide funding to community organizations and individuals dedicated to creating positive change and addressing systemic inequalities. Please note priority will be given to applicants from African Nova Scotian and African descent communities, with an emphasis on grassroots, volunteer-led groups serving local residents. By empowering local efforts, the municipality aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable community. For more information, please contact ANSAIO@halifax.ca or you can read the staff report at https://cdn.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-hall/regional-council/240709rci07.pdf

Storytelling in the Cogswell District – Invitation to Mi’kmaw and Urban Indigenous Community.
August 1 at Mi’maw Native Friendship Centre and August 7 online
The Mi’kmaw and Urban Indigenous community are invited to participate in engagement events that will guide storytelling within the Cogswell District neighbourhood. We will discuss the stories, aspects of culture, history, art, teachings, ect. that should be presented in the new neighbourhood to honor the Mi’kmaw and Urban Indigenous community.

• In-Person Event – Storytelling Circle: Thursday, August 1 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (2021 Brunswick Street, Suite 209)
• Virtual Session: Wednesday, August 7 from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Please email to request a meeting link, details can be found on the project page.

This engagement will be led by Lyndsay Francis, who is of Mi’kmaw heritage and part of the Acadia First Nation, and Kristen Elkow. They will lead two other engagement events in late August. For more information, visit https://brnw.ch/21wKOD1.

Natal Day 2024
August 5, 2024 (parade starts 10am) | 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 5, 2024.  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

Zero Emission Bus Pop Ups
Halifax Natal Day Parade – August 5 & Play for the Planet – Halifax Wanderers – August 24
The Zero Emission Bus Project is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. The project will result in the addition of more than 200 electric buses to the Halifax Transit fleet, an expansion of the Ragged Lake Transit Centre, and an eco-rebuild of the Burnside Transit Centre to achieve a net-zero ready standard. Have any questions about our Zero Emission Bus Project? Want to see our first electric bus in person? Drop by one of our pop-up events to meet with Halifax Transit staff!

Halifax Regional Library Board Open volunteer positions
Deadline Tuesday August 6 | Apply online | 
Volunteer to serve on the Halifax Regional Library Board. The deadline to apply has been extended to 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6.  Application forms can be found at halifax.ca/serve.

EV Test Drive Event
Multiple dates and locations
The Halifax Regional Municipality has partnered with Next Ride and the Clean Foundation to offer a number of free electric vehicle (EV) test drive events to residents across the municipality, including in rural, urban and suburban areas. These events are taking place from June to August.  During each test drive event, residents can expect a free test drive in an electric vehicle and information on electric vehicles, electric vehicle rebates, and the Municipal Electric Vehicle Strategy. Visit www.halifax.ca/EV for the event schedule. Registration for each event will open approximately two weeks before the event date. Residents are encouraged to register online to guarantee your test drive. Limited walk-in spots may be available.

• Aug. 12 – Centennial Arena, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Aug. 15 – Cole Harbour Place, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Aug. 19 – Greenfoot Energy Centre, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Aug. 22 – Alderney Gate, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To schedule a test drive at one of these events, head to https://nextridens.com. Whi­­­le registration is not required, it’s strongly encouraged.

Candidates Information Sessions
Interested in running in the 2024 Municipal and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) Election? You’re invited to attend an upcoming candidate information session. The sessions will take place on the following dates:

• Mon. August 12 | 6 p.m. | Henry G. Bauld Centre

Learn more here.

Community Access Program (CAP)
Starts Feb 12, 2024 | Online Application
Independent Living Nova Scotia’s (ILNS) Community Access Program (CAP) is a 9-week pre-employment program perfect for anyone who is:

• 18-24 years old
• Living in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)
• Wanting to connect with their community
• Looking to develop life and employment skills

Those interested can apply for CAP at the following link: https://ilns.ca/cap/ or get in touch with program staff at cap@ilns.ca or 902-453-0004.

Applications open to September 23, 2024 | Online
Active Transportation (AT) Education and Promotion 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 and improving the safety of people using these modes. To access the Grant application and other info about the grant, please follow the link below and choose the Active Transportation Education and Promotion tab:
https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/cycling-walking/active-transportation-grants-program

Three steps to be Prepared!

1. Take steps to stay informed and up-to-date about emergencies, specifically, sign up for Halifax Alert. This system can email, text, or call you, or do all three, so you don’t need a computer or to use data to access it. Issues from winter parking bans and up are communicated using this system. (Only the biggest emergencies use the Alert Ready phone alert system, which can take longer to get a message out on).
2. If an emergency happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.
3. Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry (VVPR) is a voluntary, self-referral list only for residents of the Halifax Regional Municipality who may require support during emergency situations – please have a look and determine if you or anyone you know should sign up.

More info here

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.ht

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.