In this issue
My Council Update includes info on the election and voting already underway, the new playground in Point Pleasant Park, exciting news about the new Shelter NS building on Nora Bernard, the de-designation of University Avenue, and the crosswalk at Robie/Binney.
The Public Meetings, Hearings & Engagement section shows Council and Budget meetings. Roadworks info has been updated and Community Events & Information includes some upcoming events, including the annual Volunteer Conference.
Councillor Update
Hello all,
Something I’ve been working toward for a long time is starting next week! The installation of the new playground equipment in Point Pleasant Park is scheduled to begin the week of October 14, 2024. Depending on the weather, the installation will take between 5-7 weeks. The playground equipment will be going in a green space just off of Sailors Memorial Way, close to the lower parking lot.
This was requested by area parents as there are no playgrounds closer than Gorsebrook Park, and because the forts on the shore have deteriorated to the point they are no longer suitable for climbing and playing (as it was when I was a lad!).
Earlier this summer, Shelter Nova Scotia purchased the nearby property at 5531 Nora Bernard Street. The primary objective for acquiring 5531 Nora Bernard is to develop a new location for the already-existing Hub, our walk-in support centre for people experiencing homelessness, who are housing insecure or who are living rough in the community.
Once completed, this space will also house Shelter Nova Scotia’s administrative offices and some supported apartment-style units as well. Demolition of the existing structure at 5531 Nora Bernard will begin Monday, October 14, 2024.
The earliest construction of a new building would begin on the site is the spring of 2025. In the meantime, we will be further developing our plans and meeting with stakeholders – including our neighbours – regarding questions and concerns. They will also be holding a community meeting so we can provide residents with more information and hear your feedback. Shelter NS will be in contact with neighbours soon.
The municipality has de-designated the University Avenue green space due to safety concerns in advance of winter snow-clearing operations in this area.
During winter weather, snow is cleared from University Avenue with heavy equipment working in very close proximity to the University Avenue green space. With the increase in people sleeping rough at this location, when snow-clearing efforts begin, it will no longer be safe for people to shelter in this area.
Municipal staff are providing people sleeping rough in this location with notices that include a timeline to relocate to indoor options by Nov. 1.
HRM teams will continue to offer resources and support during this period, including transportation of people and their belongings to provincially-funded indoor shelters and housing options. For more details on these efforts visit halifax.ca/addressinghomelessness
Final bit of news, the long-awaited crosswalk and lights at Robie and Binney are installed, and the bus stop is about to be moved 10 meters north to the new concrete pad. The lights should be on next week. This will allow safe access into Camp Hill for residents walking downtown via Sackville to get downtown.
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:
- Swearing In – November 5, 2024, details and location to be determined
- November 12, 2024, 10am – City Hall
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.
- To be determined post election
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.
- To be determined post election
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
- BARRINGTON ST from GEORGE ST to PRINCE ST, starting on 2024-10-06
- GOTTINGEN ST from PORTLAND PL to COGSWELL ST, starting on 2024-10-05
- DUBLIN ST from CHEBUCTO RD to NORTH ST, starting on 2024-10-01
- CAMBRIDGE ST from JUBILEE RD to GELDERT ST, starting on 2024-09-29
- UPPER WATER ST from DUKE ST to BARRINGTON ST, starting on 2024-09-25
- UPPER WATER ST from DUKE ST to BARRINGTON ST, starting on 2024-09-27
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
Hello, I would like to share the following event with you and your constituents. And if you are available, please stop by October 17th or 18thh for a chance to network with employers and job seekers. Could you kindly share the event details and poster with your constituents? The news releases (English, French) are also attached for your reference.
Nova Scotia Works Fall Job Fair
Thursday, October 17th, 6-8 pm and Friday, October 18th, 11 am – 4 pm | Zatzman Sportsplex 110 Wyse Road, Dartmouth
The Nova Scotia Works Fall Job Fair are hosting over 70 employers over two days, who are collectively recruiting for hundreds of job openings over a wide variety of industries. The complete list of employers and job openings is available at www.HRMJobFair.ca.
Last Thursday of the Month, 10:30 | 237 Brownlow Ave Suite 160
March of Dimes Canada hosts a volunteer led support group for stroke survivors and their families in their Dartmouth office. This group is open to all stroke survivors (of any age) and their families within HRM. It is a free community-based program that is open to everyone in our community affected by stroke. I’ve attached our poster for you to review.
Friday, Nov. 15 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Delta Hotels by Marriott Dartmouth 240 Brownlow Avenue, Dartmouth
The conference is an opportunity for volunteers to connect, celebrate and learn relevant skills. Delegates representing a variety of organizations and causes will participate in two training workshops, as well as networking activities. Participants will also enjoy a keynote speech and a seated meal. This year’s workshops will cover topics such as: financial management for non-profits boards; understanding burnout; public speaking; tools to connect and engage with youth; gender diversity; co-generational volunteering; fundamentals of marketing and promotion; fundraising; volunteer recruitment and retention; working with different personalities; community event planning; and a panel discussion on newcomer and immigrant experiences in the volunteer sector. Early bird registration will be open until Monday, Oct. 21. Regular registration will remain open until Monday, Nov. 4. For more information, including a complete schedule, visit our website.
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.