Hi all, hope your summer is going well. Happy almost Natal Day weekend! This is a short newsletter update with just a few things to share.

I love the heat, but not everyone does and for some folks this weather can be dangerous. As the Environment Canada site says extreme heat affects everyone. It goes on to say “Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.”

Service agencies who assist the homeless and vulnerable and steps are taking to protect those folks, and HRM has been keeping beaches open later and the waterfront is going to have two “cooling stations” open this Natal Day. Stay safe in this hot and beautiful Natal Day weekend, and follow these precautions prepared by Halifax EMO.

I know there is a lot of concern in the community about what the legalization of cannabis means for residents, and wondering what Council is trying to do with our various by-law changes. I understand the concerns I hear from the public. Really, Halifax has done a horrible job communicating what the intent of the by-law changes and more importantly how we see them being enforced. I wrote about it here.

Short version – I supported Councillor Austin’s motion to look at treating cigarettes differently from cannabis products. While I think smoking in public spaces needs to be curtailed, the urgent need is to deal with changes we can easily anticipate due to the legalization of cannabis. Please read my blog post for details about what the various concerns are.

I will be away from the office for the last week of August back a few days after Labour Day. Melody and the Council support office will be happy to assist while I am way.

Have a great summer!

Public Meetings and Notices

Halifax and West Community Council

Tuesday August 7th 6-8pm | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

The next meeting of Halifax and West Community Council will take place on Tuesday August 7th at 6:00pm at Halifax City Hall. To view the agenda for the upcoming meeting, visit: http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.php

Halifax Regional Council

Tuesday August 14th 10am | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

The next meeting of Halifax Regional Council will take place on Tuesday August 14that 10:00am at Halifax City Hall. Agenda and reports are posted by noon on Friday prior to the meeting date and are available at http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.php

Community Events

Halifax Busker Festival

August 1st– 6th Noon-10pm | Halifax Waterfront

It’s that time of year again! Check out the Halifax Waterfront from August 1st-6thfor the annual Halifax Busker Festival. From fire breathers to acrobatics, comedians to dancers – Street performers from all over the world come to the Halifax Waterfront to show off their talent. The shows will take on several stages across the waterfront from noon to 10:00pm. This event is FREE. To view the performance schedule and locations, visit: https://buskers.ca/

Learn to Camp with Parks Canada

Thursday August 2nd 1-4pm | Halifax Central Library, Paul O’Regan Hall

Never been camping? Check out Learn to Camp with Parks Canada on Thursday August 2nd from 1:00-4:00pm at the Halifax Central Library. Learn basic camping skills from Parks Canada staff as you go through “Learn to Camp” stations. Learn skills like how to build a fire, set up a tent and how to be safe in the wilderness. For more information, visit: https://halifax.bibliocommons.com/events/search/local_start=2018-07-30%20TO%202018-08-05&fq=branch_location_id:(SGA)/event/5af38353dbec2d340080e177

Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day 2018

August 3rd– 6th | Halifax and Dartmouth

Get out this weekend and celebrate the city’s 123rd Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day 2018 celebrations August 3rd– 6th. A multitude of FREE events will be taking place in both Halifax and Dartmouth over the weekend. There will be 3 different fireworks shows, family activities, live music, busker performances, pancake breakfast, the Dingle Beach Party, the Natal Day Parade and much more! For a complete list of events, dates and times, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1576809479292660/

Halifax Transit Natal Day Free-Ferry Event

August 4th All Day | Halifax and Dartmouth Ferry Terminals

Halifax Transit’s harbour ferry service will be free to riders for the entire day on August 4th in support of Feed Nova Scotia. Please bring a cash or food donation in place of a fare.

Mayor and Council Garden Party

Saturday August 4th 1-5pm | Halifax Public Gardens, Halifax

Head out to the Public Gardens on Saturday August 4th from 1:00-4:00pm for the Mayor and Council Garden Party presented by Southwest Properties. There will be live music at the Bandshell and Jubilee Fountain, Atlantic Cirque Living Statues, giant board games, face painting, a make your own postcard table, refreshments and much more! There will also be the Southwest Tea Party featuring The Victorian Ladies of the Friends of the Public Gardens. For more information, visit: http://natalday.org/events.php?getSearch=-5&start=2018-08-04&myButton=1

6th Annual Children’s Festival

Sunday August 12th 10am-1pm | Victoria Park

The 6th Annual Children’s Festival will take place at Victoria Park on Sunday August 12th from

10:00am-1:00pm. There will be several family-friendly events you can partake in such as face painting, petting zoo, bouncy castles, live entertainment, treats and more! This is a FREE event. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/365397647318767/

The Art of Disability Festival

Sunday August 12th 12-5pm | The Westin Nova Scotian Commonwealth Ballroom

Independent Living Nova Scotia invites you to check the art festival displaying the artistic talents of people in the disability community on Sunday August 12th from 12:00-5:00pm at The Westin Nova Scotian. This FREE event highlights several aspects of the arts including fine art and performance art. Come out and celebrate the diverse talents in our community! For more information, visit: https://www.ilns.ca/events

Rise and Grind – Free Coffee for People on Bikes

Tuesday August 14th 7:30-9am | Agricola Street

Halifax Cycling Coalition will be hosting a rise and grind on Tuesday August 14th7:30-9:00am outside the Cyclesmith on Agricola Street. There will be free coffee and snacks for people riding their bikes! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Halifax Cycling Coalition, get a basic bike tune-up and connect with other fellow bike riders. For more information, visit: https://cyclehalifax.ca/civi/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/event/info&reset=1&id=126

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