Happy new year to you! 2018 sure started with a bang, didn’t it? I had not intended to write much to introduce this newsletter, but I wanted to ask for your help.

I was humbled to witness the dedication, hard work and commitment of the various shelter and homelessness charities. I’ve been constantly amazed by both of their staff and the countless volunteers during the cold snap the last three weeks – especially during the two winter storms. These people are selfless and work so hard to help provide safe shelter to the most vulnerable in our society. They do amazing work. The picture above is of Halifax Regional Police (who were huge support) helping shelter staff load cots into police van to be moved to temporary emergency location during the height of the storm. This is just one example of the work these folks do.

The recent winter storm caused unexpected operational costs for the various not for profits that operate the shelters in Halifax. Out of the Cold and the Warming Centre had to move temporarily, Phoenix House too had some damage to their siding, and usage was at 110% at all facilities. If you have a favorite charity you have donated to in the past, consider giving a little more as you are able.

Out of the Cold – http://outofthecoldhalifax.org

Warming Centre – http://halifaxsouth.ca/warmingcentre

Adsum House – http://www.adsumforwomen.org

Phoenix House – https://phoenixyouth.ca

Barry House – http://www.shelternovascotia.com

Salvation Army Booth Centre – https://www.salvationarmy.ca/maritime/

Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH) – http://moshhalifax.ca

Every bit helps!

I’ve been asked to pass along a message from the Inglis Street Elementary PTA who have been doing amazing work around accessibility at the Gorsebrook playground:

A Playground for Every BODY

For the past couple of years, Inglis Street School has been working towards upgrading one of District 7’s playgrounds (next to our school) with the intention of creating a playground where children of all abilities can enjoy an inclusive and barrier free playground.

The first phase of the project was the construction of an accessible paved pathway leading from Inglis street elementary schoolyard to the Gorsebrook park playground. As a result of this, all children (including those with mobility challenges) living in District 7 as well as those attending the area schools and day care or visiting the IWK Health Centre can now more easily access the playground area.

In the next phase the older play structure and swings will be replaced. Due to the substantial total cost of the project, along with the $30,0000 participatory funding obtained over the past two years, HRM has earmarked additional funds from a provincial grant which leaves us needing to fundraise at least an additional $15,000 to achieve the total amount required for this phase of the project, which includes; purchasing a new complete play set, additional adaptive play equipment to cater to the needs of children with disabilities, upgrading the surface of the playground and repairs to the surrounding paved areas. We are working closely with the HRM Parkland planning team towards the completion of this phase of the project by the end of 2018.

We are looking for your community support for our upcoming fundraising events and fairs.

We are kicking off this round of fundraising on February 8th at 6:30 pm at the Inglis Street Elementary School where we will be holding a DELICIOUS DESSERT AUCTION. Please stay tuned for more information on the next newsletter and our school website (http://www.ises.ednet.ns.ca).

You can also consider a direct donation to the playground fund (we are collecting donations at the school’s main office – we will issue tax receipts).

Thank you,

Inglis Street School

Public Hearings and Meetings

Public Hearing on Case 18966 – 6009-6017 Quinpool Road, Halifax (Willow Tree Tower Proposal)

Tuesday January 16 6pm · Halifax City Hall · Halifax

A public hearing has now been scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at Halifax City Hall (Council Chamber), 3rd Floor, City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS. Regional Council will consider the amendments to the Halifax Municipal Planning Strategy and Halifax Peninsula Land Use By-law contained in the March 31, 2017 staff report found below with the exception that the overall height of the building be limited to 62 meters.

Public Information Meeting Case 21076 3834 Robie Street

Thursday January 11th, 7pm | NSCC – Institute of Technology Campus, 5685 Leeds Street, Halifax, NS, Canada (Atrium)

Application by Shelley Dickey Land Use Planning requesting a rezoning of a non-compliant 6-unit dwelling from R-2 (General Residential) Zone to the R-2A (General Residential Conversion) Zone designation located at 3834 Robie Street, Halifax. More info: https://www.halifax.ca/business/planning-development/applications/case-21076-3834-robie-street-halifax

Public Information Meeting – Case 20160 – 90 Club Road

Thursday, January 18, 7pm | Harrietsfield Elementary School, 1150 Old Sambro Rd, Harrietsfield, NS B3V 1B1, Canada (Gym)

Application by Civtech Engineering to amend the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for Planning District 5 (Chebucto Peninsula) to allow commercial and residential development at the former satellite station site at 90 Club Road in Harrietsfield. https://www.halifax.ca/business/planning-development/applications/case-20160-90-club-road-harrietsfield

Public Information Meeting – Case 20928: 5720-5722 Inglis Street

Thursday February 15 7pm | Halifax Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Rd, Lindsay Children’s Room

Case 20928: Application by RHAD Architects requesting a development agreement for a property located at 5720-5722 Inglis Street, Halifax to allow for a 12-unit residential building on the same property as an existing heritage building. https://www.halifax.ca/business/planning-development/applications/case-20928-5720-5722-inglis-street-halifax

Community Events

Yoga In The Citadel Community Centre

Tuesday January 9 7:30pm | Citadel Community Centre

This week Ayla will be teaching! We are located inside of the Citadel Community Centre on the North side on Citadel High School (the end facing the round a bout). Parking with signs “HRM” are ours to use for free! This is an all levels $5 class. Please bring your own mat and any props you may need

Body Worlds Rx Official Opening

Thursday January 11 7pm | Museum of Natural History · Halifax

Official Opening Reception for the Atlantic Canadian debut of Body Worlds! This will be the first opportunity to see this highly-anticipated exhibit before it opens to the public. This exclusive event is only available to Museum Pass Holders and those who have purchased Advance Tickets. You can also purchase Museum Passes at the event. Be among the very first to see Body Worlds Rx!

Four Circles of Life: Learning Mi’kmaq Perspectives

Thursday January 11, 6:30pm | Halifax Central Library

The Nova Scotia Environmental Network, the Peace and Friendship Alliance and the Halifax Central Library present four talking circle sessions led by four esteemed Mi’kmaq teachers to build right relationships. The traditional Native American non-hierarchical way to solve problems is to allow people to express honestly from the heart. In turn, holding a special object, each may speak on the topic introduced, in this context, by the Mi’kmaw teacher, or pass without speaking. When everyone has spoken as many times as they wish, the teacher ends the circle. Full details here: https://nsenvironmentalnetwork.com/

In The Dead Of Winter Festival 2018

18 January–21 January | Various venues

In the Dead Of Winter is back for our 13th year! #IDOW2018 is Halifax’s favourite winter festival. Join us for another weekend of music and good friends! Initial line up below, more names to be announced: Waxahatchee (solo), Terra Lightfoot, The Weather Station, Brooklyn Doran, Camille Delean, Campbell Woods, Cassie Josephine & Gabriel Minnikin, Corey Gulkin, Dana Sipos, Dance Movie, Emily Rockarts Music, Fiver, Kaia Kater, Kim Harris, Leanne Hoffman, Lydia Persaud Music, Meaghan Blanchard, Nick Ferrio, Owen Meany’s Batting Stance, Palehound, Reeny Smith, STEWART LEGERE, The Franklin Brewery Boys, The State of Alaska, Witch Prophet, Valerie. #IDOW2018 More info: http://www.inthedeadofwinter.com

Women’s March Halifax 1st Anniversary

Saturday January at 12:00 noon | Grand Parade, Halifax

WE MARCH AGAIN in solidarity with women and human rights groups from across the world we will be marching again to show that the progress made in 2017 was not enough. There is still so much work to do to protect and advance the rights of women, and the rights of all vulnerable citizens in our country and around the world. For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1528377957210556/

Halifax Pride Youth Committee Meeting

Monday, January 22 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Halifax Central Library, Creative Lab – Room 2nd Floor

Do you want to have a say in new events for youth during the Halifax Pride Festival?!? Halifax Pride’s Youth Committee will have its first meeting for the 2018 festival in the Halifax Central Library, and all youth 19 and under are welcome to attend. This Youth Committee will focus on improving opportunities for young people at Halifax Pride and will develop a new youth focused event to be held during the Halifax Pride Festival. The Youth Committee will be responsible for deciding what the new event (or events) will be and identifying logistical needs. The Halifax Pride Society will provide financial support for the event(s) and a Volunteer Leader to help facilitate activities. In addition to event planning, the Youth Committee will also be asked to advise the Halifax Pride board on various other issues.

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