News

I always say Fall is my favourite time of year in Halifax. So many events, so much of the best of our community on display, and so much energy, especially with the students returning.

I love living in this neighbourhood, and don’t mind most of the occasional challenges that come with being next to the University.

That said the issues with partying getting out of hand on Jennings Street and elsewhere during Dal Homecoming concern me greatly.

I live right there, 3-4 blocks away. After 23 years living here I know that issues with “party houses” are cyclical and come and go, but 1500 people in the street is far beyond normal, is not acceptable, and cannot be allowed to become the new normal.

I have met with the Mayor and CAO, have been talking to planning, bylaw enforcement and police, and attended the Dalhousie community meeting at Alumni Hall this week.

I hear your the concerns and share them. Three top issues I am working on right now are to see to more proactive policing on the routes we know are most heavily trafficked from downtown back the residence, to advance the inspection and penalties to landlords that overload buildings with more bedrooms than are allowed under the land use bylaw, and to work with Dal to determine how homecoming can be made to work for all of us, if it is going to continue.

You have a role to play – call the police every single time on the non-emergency line 902.490.5020.

Even if the police are unable to respond before the issue resolves, every call for service contributes to our understanding of what type of problems are happening, and where. The average police response time is under 15 minutes this fall. Policing is data driven, so what gets additional resources in problem areas is calling in incidents so the issues show up on the “heat map” of the area.

I’ve had some calls about what to do about checking and fixing lead service lines. If you think you may have a lead service line, or know you have one and want to work to replace it please call the Halifax Water call center at 902-420-9287. These calls are generally routed to the Halifax Water Lead Program staff for general inquiries about the program but can in some cases be routed to the approvals group or water distribution operations if they have a very specific question. In some cases, historic records, especially for private property are not straightforward so it may take a couple of days for a response to go back. https://www.halifax.ca/home-property/halifax-water/water-services/lead-drinking-water

Halifax Water recently released their Halifax Water 2016/17 Stewardship Report. This edition marks the tenth anniversary of Halifax Water becoming Canada’s first regulated water, wastewater and stormwater utility. A ‘One Water” utility with stewardship of the full water cycle. The Report highlights some of the many projects and initiatives Halifax Water has undertaken over this timeframe. These include capital/operational improvements and investments such as the Northwest Arm Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation, Sullivan’s Pond Storm Sewer Renewal, and upgrade & expansion of the Aerotech Wastewater Treatment Facility. The 2016/2017 Stewardship Report also focuses on their Energy Efficiency, Water Loss Control and Water Research Programs; progressive Lead Service Replacement initiative, and Wet Weather Management pilot program. The report can be found on their website at https://www.halifax.ca/home-property/halifax-water/about-your-water/publications-reports.

Finally ,the YMCA Senior Snow Removal program is now accepting applications. The YMCA Senior Snow Removal is a YMCA program – in partnership with the city of Halifax – for seniors, and persons with disabilities which provides a subsidized snow removal service to create safe access. The YMCA pays all service fees directly to the contractor on behalf of program participants. The YMCA will oversee the clearing of the following areas; however, it is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that all areas are free from obstructions: Front and back steps, Walkways, Ramps, Access to fuel tanks. https://www.ymcahfx.ca/ymca-programs/ymca-senior-snow-removal/

Have a safe and fun Halloween, and do not hesitate to call or email if you have any questions or concerns!

Public meetings, hearings, program deadlines

Halifax Neighbourhood Placemaking Program

Deadline October 30, 2017

Neighbourhood Placemaking provides guidance and support to community members interested in hosting a project in their neighbourhood. This could be painting an intersection, building of benches for a local gathering place, planting a community garden, or any idea that brings together community members to create public art that activates shared public spaces to create a sense of place and build a sense of community. Projects accepted work closely with their area Community Developer to develop a more detailed plan for their project. The core team for the project attend workshops where they hash out details and strategies around how to get community input, involvement and buy in to their project. HRM gives 1.5k to each project in support of the artist fees, materials, food, promotion etc. http://www.halifax.ca/recreation/arts-culture-heritage/community-arts/north-common-plazas/neighbourhood-placemaking

Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee

Monday October 23 | Halifax City Hall, Halifax Hall

Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee meets once a month to discuss and provide feedback to council on planning proposals for the three districts on the peninsula.

Halifax Regional Council

Tuesday, October 31 | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

The next meetings of Halifax Regional Council will take place on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 31st. Agendas and reports are posted by noon on Friday prior to the meeting date and are available at https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports

Community Events

Halifax Pop Explosion Music Festival and Conference 25th Anniversary

Oct 18-21 | Various locations

HPX is the Halifax Pop Explosion, an annual festival that presents over 150 artists, comedians and speakers, in more than 15 venues across the city. HPX has a long-standing tradition of presenting the best in new and innovative music from across Canada and the world. HPX bolsters the music presentation with a Music Conference, comedy shows, as well as other partnered events and parties. http://halifaxpopexplosion.com

The Atlantic Jewish Film Festival

Thursday October 19 to Sunday October 22 | Various venues

The mission of the AJFF is to provide an opportunity for the public to experience the Jewish world through film. Their intentions are to celebrate diversity, promote cultural awareness, urge cooperation between nations, to educate and support curiosity and learning, to spark conversation and questioning, and most of all to inspire a greater understanding of Jewish life. https://theajc.ns.ca/ajff/

ECPC Youth Conference (w. David Strickland)

Saturday, October 21 | Halifax Central Library

Emerge’s Emerging Creatives Professional Conference(ECPC) at O’Regan Hall withk keynote spealer David Strickland. Mi’kmaq artist, producer and DJ David Strickland is one of the top indigenous audio engineers in the music business. David has worked with Wu-Tang Clan, OVO and is a member of the Def Squad Family. https://www.facebook.com/events/2017850215115143/

2016 City Harvest

Saturday, October 21, 2016 | Various locations

Come out and experience the best in local food, shopping and services in Halifax – all while supporting locally owned and operated businesses. Many businesses and restaurants will be offering deals and specials, and it’s an excellent opportunity to get out and experience your city. For more information including a full list of vendors, visit http://www.ilovelocalhfx.ca/v1/

Fix-it Fair 2017

Saturday, October 21, 10am – 3pm | Halifax Forum

A trade fair supporting local entrepreneurs in the business of repair and repurposing. Workshops to help even the most un-handy person feel like they can tackle simple home repairs. An art show showcasing original art made from recovered materials. A food festival for local chefs and food rescuers to demonstrate fantastic ways to turn waste food into mouth-watering meals. A DIYer’s paradise for inspiration and practical support. Fix-It-Fair is all of these – and more. It’s a celebration of a culture of self-sufficiency, of supporting a local circular economy, and of helping our planet by reducing waste. And we want you to be part of it! https://fixitatlantic.ca/fix-it-fair-2017/

Art of City Building Conference

Monday, October 23, 2016 | Halifax Central Library

ART OF CITY BUILDING is a new conference designed to inspire conversations around people, design and placemaking. This is a visioning event in a planned series of public conversations that will bring together local, national, and international thought leaders who will share their experiences, connect to Halifax, and aim to challenge thinking. What is the Halifax we want to be? https://my-waterfront.ca/2017/09/29/art-of-city-building-conference/

Class Privilege: How Law Shelters Shareholders and Coddles Capitalism

Wednesday, October 25, 4:30 pm, Room 255 | Sobey Building, Saint Mary’s University

Free Public Lecture by Harry Glasbeek, Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, introducing his new book by the same name, Glasbeek highlights one of capitalism’s weak spots–the perverting economic, political, and ethical roles played by the prime instrument of private wealth accumulation: the legal corporation. Once the corporate mask is ripped off, those who hide behind it become visible. For more information, call 902-240-2782; email: larry.haiven@smu.ca

2nd Halifax Mini Conference on Basic Income

Saturday, October 28 9am-4pm | The Potter Auditorium, 6100 University Avenue

Implementing a Basic Income in Nova Scotia – This second miniconference on Basic Income will feature Guy Standing, Elaine Power, Robin Boadway, Karen Foster, Wayne MacNaughton, and others. The theme: how would a Basic Income look in Nova Scotia. American Sign Language Interpretation available. No registration required. Free admission, lunch and coffee. https://ca.eventbu.com/halifax/2nd-halifax-mini-conference-on-basic-income/6234643

Halloween Themed Group Walk

Saturday, October 28 1pm | Point Pleasant Park

We’ve had some Halloween themed city pack walks in the past that were a lot of fun. How can dogs in costumes NOT be fun?? We’ve had a couple people ask if we were going to plan something for this year as well. We thought it would be really nice to have a more relaxed get together this time around. We would like to ditch the city streets this time, and have a leisurely walk in the park. We can get to know one another more, have more space for the dogs, have more time for talking, and just enjoying the experience. You are more than welcome to put a costume on your dog(s) but it’s definitely not mandatory. Some dogs may not like them, or it may still be too warm All dogs are welcome, but please follow HRM dog park rules.

The Big Sing | Bobcaygeon

Monday, October 30, 7pm | Seahorse Tavern, Gottingen Street

Come celebrate Gord Downie with a song. The Big Sing is a bi-weekly, drop-in singing event with Jack Bennet & special guest Sidath Rankaduwa. October 30, 2017, 7-9. $5. at The Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen St. Come early. Eat somethin’ good. Sing yer heart out. https://youtu.be/o6QDjDPRF5c

2017 NS Heritage Conference

1 November–3 November · Westin Nova Scotian.

Toqolugwejig • Working Together • Faire front commun. Learn and discuss how we can work together to approach heritage as an industry to turn communities into attractive destinations while supporting a sustainable housing industry and a special kind of real estate market. http://nsheritage.ca/

Help and more info

Call my office

Call our office for assistance with your municipal issues. Contact my Constituency Coordinator Melody Campbell by phone 902-490-2012 or email melody.campbell@halifax.ca or contact me directly. The best way to reach me is via email at my city email – waye.mason@halifax.ca or you can call my direct line at 902-490-8462.

311 – HRM’s Call Centre

HRM’s call centre is open 7 days/week from 7 am to 11 pm 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 for residents (missed solid waste pickup, sidewalks not cleared, transit info or complaints, etc.) For more information please visit http://www.halifax.ca/311/

Regional Council Reports and Agendas

If you want to read reports coming to Regional Council (posted mid-day Friday prior to the Tuesday meeting) or to check the agenda please go to: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/regional-council

Halifax and West Community Council Reports and Agendas

Community Council meets on Tuesday evenings that alternate with Regional Council. Please check the webpage here for agendas (usually available a week before the meeting), locations and times. https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/community-councils/halifax-west-community-council

Peninsula Planning Advisory Council Reports and Agendas

Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee meets once a month to discuss and provide feedback to council on planning proposals for the three districts on the peninsula. Please check the webpage for agendas (usually available a week before the meeting), locations and times: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/boards-committees-commissions/h/halifax-peninsula-planning-advisory-committee