District 7 Update – library strike, student bus pass pilot, Treaty Day, more
District 7 Update – library strike, student bus pass pilot, Treaty Day, more

District 7 Update – library strike, student bus pass pilot, Treaty Day, more

In this issue

My Council Update includes info on election and transition, library strike, student bus pass pilot, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Treaty Day, Gorsebrook lights, South Paw Conservation, and construction on streets and roads.

The Public Meetings, Hearings & Engagement section shows Council and Budget meetings.  Roadworks info has been updated and Community Events & Information includes some more upcoming festivals and some other grant and community-building opportunities.

Councillor Update

Hello all,

First thing I want to talk about the upcoming election and transition. In just a few days we will see who has decided to become an official Candidate for election day in District 7. I’ll send out a special newsletter with links to each candidate’s websites and social media on Sept 12 or 13.I’ll be Councillor until Nov 4’s swearing-in but between the election during the transition, I’ll be busy helping to orient the new Councillor, and one way or another transitioning to a new job myself! I’ll still be responding to calls and emails, but it will be best to call the office at 902-490-4050 if any issues pop up during that time.

Due to protection of privacy concerns, I am not able to hand over my mailing list to the new Councillor! As soon as the election is over and the new Councillor has gotten their communication set up, I will email you their subscription details.

Final note on elections – these emails are prepared by me, and sent on my Mailchimp subscription and posted on the website I pay for myself, so I am going to continue to send them during the election period, it’s not embargoed like municipal funds and communications.  Despite this, I will continue to keep my own campaign stuff separate – for more info please visit masonformayor.ca

This has been a tough two weeks for everyone who works for and relies on Halifax Public Libraries. As most people are aware, library workers are on strike. Based on the emails I’ve received they are very much missed. I’ve joined workers on the picket line in Spryfield and at their protest before Council last week and heard their concerns.  I agree library staff should be fairly paid.

It is Council’s business to make sure Halifax Public Libraries as an organization is meeting the outcomes we expect, in addition, it is important to maintain the autonomy and independence of the library Board.

I was on the Board for 4 years, and I know the rigour with which the Board and executive put into preparing the budget submission. I support them in that work, even now.   I’ve also supported budget increases for the library in the past, and support making sure we have one of the best systems in Canada.  All that said, I think it is very important that politicians do NOT start to step into directing the operations of a library. I will continue to meet with library workers and union reps, as well as management, to learn more about the dispute, and I encourage both sides to return to the table.

I was really happy the province extended the student pass pilot to all HRCE and CSAP schools in time for this school year.  The province (through HRCE and CSAP) is paying about 2/3s of the cost with the goal of reducing the number of school buses on the road.  The idea is this is going to be a net savings to them by letting the school system contract less school buses.

At this stage, this is still a pilot, but when the full program rolls out in a year, I expect that private schools and homeschoolers will be able to buy in too.   I expect that a price per pass will be established and the program be offered to all remaining kids.  But that’s not in place yet, until the next year is over.

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.

October is Mi’kmaw History Month, which starts with a celebration of Treaty Day on Tuesday, October 1 in Nova Scotia.

There will be the Mi’kmaw church service at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica at 10:30am, followed by the Government House flag raising hosted by Lt Governor of Nova Scotia at noon, the Veteran’s Parade from Government House to Peace and Friendship Park (1170 Hollis St, Halifax NS) and then an event MCed by Senator Dan Christmas followed by Municipal Treaty Day Proclamation and brief remarks by L’nu Veteran leader and Kji Saqamaw.   The day closes with Treaty Day Awards in the Kenneth Rowe Room at Pier 21.

South Paw Conservation asked me to share a link to their Facebook page. They are a foster-based nonprofit organization. Most recently their focus is helping with overpopulation issues in the Bahamas or local ferals. In July they rescued 70 dogs and 30 cats. They are looking for homes!  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/PKH3tWZ6onrufXvL/?mibextid=oFDknk
Recently the lights at Gorsebrook Park lacrosse and ball hockey rink were staying on all night.  It ended up that the timer on the lights had failed.  Staff have repaired the issue.  It was a faulty relay that was overriding the timer and keeping the lights on once the button was pressed.  The timer is now set from 5pm-10pm.  I appreciate the resident letting me and 311 know about this, so it could be fixed!

Construction continues in our streets and roads. I think more big and small projects are happening at one time than I’ve ever seen before. Some of this has to do with how fast the city is growing and how many changes we need to our roads and traffic controls, but a large chunk is because of all the projects that were delayed last year when crews were pulled off to work on flood and fire recovery.  All told though, the work to upgrade Jubilee/Oxford, the new sidewalks and paving on Victoria (especially replacing the sidewalk connecting Joe Howe Manor to South Park and Queen!), the bus stop and new crosswalk on Inglis, and the new crosswalk and light on Robie at Binney, paving LeMarchant, and many more small projects are things that will make our community safer, so I am happy to see them all coming together now.

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 September 10, 10am (City Hall)
  • Tuesday October 1, 10am (Virtual)

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

Halifax & West Community Council – Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers or Virtual
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.

  • Monday, September 9, 6pm (City Hall)
  • Wednesday, October 8, 6pm (Virtual 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 October 9 6pm (virtual 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.

 

Roadworks Update

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

  • CEDAR ST from WALNUT ST to GARDEN ST, starting on 2024-09-15
  • CHERRY ST from ROBIE ST to VERNON ST, starting on 2024-09-14
  • JENNINGS ST from OXFORD ST to PRESTON ST, starting on 2024-09-14  
  • LARCH ST from JUBILEE RD to PAYZANT AVE, starting on 2024-09-14
  • AGRICOLA ST from ALMON ST to CUNARD ST, starting on 2024-09-08
  • BAUER ST from COGSWELL ST to NORA BERNARD ST, starting on 2024-09-04
  • MAYNARD ST from NORA BERNARD ST to FALKLAND ST, starting on 2024-09-09
  • SOUTH ST from SOUTH PARK ST to QUEEN ST, starting on 2024-09-03
  • OXFORD ST from CHEBUCTO RD to QUINPOOL RD, starting on 2024-09-03

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

Atlantic International Film Festival 
September 11 – 18, 2024 | Various locations around HRM 
The Atlantic International Film Festival has grown into one of Canada’s premier celebrations of film and filmmaking, an essential platform for our regional industry alongside the best new national and international offerings. Celebrating its 44th year in 2024, the festival began as a tiny, grassroots operation in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1981, relocating to Halifax the following year. Providing an immersive escape and experience for movie lovers, filmmakers, and industry professionals worldwide, AIFF continues to take place at Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane in the heart of historic downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. For a full event listing of events and screenings, visit https://atlanticfilmfestival.ca/

Bangladesh Festival
September 22, 2024 | Steel Wheels Auto Museum 66 Otter Lakev

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 2024. 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.
https://bcfsociety.ca/

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.

Active Transportation Education and Promotion Grant Program. 

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.