Hello all,

It’s been an eventful and exhausting couple of weeks since the last newsletter or hurricane update! Several items to let you know about below.

Residents should check out my new and updated website at https://wayemason.ca while the content is largely the same this one is easier to navigate, less visually complicated and works better on mobile devices. Please let me know what you think and if you find any bugs.

On the crane collapse – I was glad to see the province declare a Local State of Emergency around the crane collapse site though I continue share the frustration that it is taking so long to get the work underway on that site. There is no play book for this, unfortunately. The province is producing periodic updates on progress, latest one is posted as a blog here on my site, it is dated October 3. (EDIT – a new update came out today, October 7)

While the emergency is still being dealt with unexpected things will occur with little to no notice. Regrettably, yesterday (Sunday) around 9:45am crews found that they would have to shutdown the water. Due to the significant weight of the large crane being put into service today to help remove the damaged crane, there was concern that it could damage the water main. During tests a valve malfunctioned so crews had to shutdown service to repair the valve.

Water service was restored by 2:54pm, but this still caused tremendous frustration and hardship to residents and businesses with no notice. It was really unfortunate and I hope such things don’t happen again, but the crane removal is one of those events where things may happen that require swift action with little notice, and I am truly sorry about it.

I will post provincial updates for the crane removal as I get them.

I’ve also had residents concerned that Camp Hill Cemetery remains closed. Staff report that nine massive trees came down, with root balls coming right out of the soil. This creates really large holes that need to be filled, and disturbed the graves. Camp Hill is not safe, but work to fill the holes starts tomorrow and hopefully will be done by the end of the week.

The clean up from the storm is still ongoing and this puts parks and public works staff about four weeks behind on scheduled work, so there is a good chance some projects will not get done or completed before snow falls and the municipality switches to winter works. Staff will work hard in the spring to complete any outstanding issues.

Much of the CFL report has been made public, and I have to say I don’t see a good reason to invest public dollars and take on that kind of risk. I will not be supporting going forward with a stadium at this time. We have a lot to do with transit, libraries, and recreation first, and I will support Councillor Austin’s motion tomorrow.

Important reminder – the deadline for submitting Participatory Budget projects is coming up! We have small and large project categories this year! Please have a look at https://wayemason.ca/ and be read to come vote Nov 4. Information listed below.

The picture above is from Campbellton NB, where I represented both the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and Halifax at the Atlantic Mayor’s Congress. Being President of NSFM has been wonderful and rewarding, but I am also looking forward to my term ending mid November, as so much travel can be wearing!

Finally, my Coordinator, right hand person, and brains behind the operation, Melody Campbell, has been promoted to the job of Manager of the Council Support Office, and I could not be prouder! Way to go Mel, you deserve it!

For the time being she is still acting as my coordinator but I will introduce you my new support person soon.

Thanks, Waye

Public Meetings & Events

LCW General Meeting

Monday October 7, 5:30pm | Local Council of Women House, Young Ave at Inglis

Join us for a general meeting at the Local Council of Women House. We’d love to provide you with an update of what we’ve been up to and hear from our membership. Hope to see you there! Founded in 1894, the local Council of Women chapter supports groups and causes around Halifax. We’re always open to welcoming new members – both individuals and organizations.

https://www.facebook.com/events/381917292710549/

Park to Park Annual Meeting

Wednesday October 9, 7pm | Wellington South Lobby Meeting Room, 1041 Wellington Street

The Park to Park AGM will take place and the agenda includes the annual report, financial update, election of the board, and guest speaker Councillor Waye Mason will update the membership on issues around the area.

http://www.parktoparkhfx.ca/

Federal Election

Advance Polls October 11-14, Election Day Monday October 21 | Various Locations

Vote on advance polling days at your assigned polling station from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Vote on election day at your assigned polling station on Monday, October 21. Polls will be open for 12 hours (hours vary by province).

To find your advance polling station, check your voter information card or use the Voter Information Service.

More information on Halifax candidates here

More information on how to and where to vote here

Participatory Budgeting Voting Day

November 4, 5:45 – 8:00 pm | Halifax Central Library, Lindsay Children’s Room

Eligible projects present for a Science Fair Show-and-Tell style event where residents of District 7 voted on projects they wanted to get funded. Each resident was provided a ballot and have to vote on five projects. Each resident are provided a ballot and required to vote on three different large and three projects. If you are live in District 7 and old enough to mark your own ballot, you can vote! International students and permanent residents are encouraged to participate as well.

https://wayemason.ca/pb

Community Events



2019 Art Bank Purchases

Monday October 7 5pm | Anna Leonowens Gallery, Granville

Join us on Monday, October 7th at the Anna Leonowens Gallery to celebrate the latest acquisitions to the Nova Scotia Art Bank. Remarks at 5PM next door at Art Bar +Projects. Drop-in at the gallery between 5:30-7PM. Exhibition runs until Wednesday October 16th, 2019. Featuring artworks by: Bonnie Baker, Sarah Burwash, Jay Crocker, Cecil Day, Lindsay Dobbin, Maria Doering, Frances Dorsey, Margarita Fainshtein, Anke Fox, Kara Highfield, Jessica Hogg-Korderas, Violeta Izquierdo, Ryan Josey, Alexandra McCurdy, Marvin Moore, Kim Morgan, Arianne Pollet-Brannen, Susan Tooke, Melinda Spooner, Alex Livingston, Charlotte Wilson-Hammond

https://www.facebook.com/events/434039420551482

13th Annual Mission Breakfast

Wednesday October 9, 07:30am | Pier 21 National Historic Site

The Annual Mission Breakfast is the signature fundraising event for the Brunswick Street Mission. Currently the only fundraising event held to support our programs and services the money raised during the breakfast is critical to us continuing to support those experiencing poverty. The Breakfast fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, October 9th at Pier 21 (1055 Marginal Road, Halifax). Each year the Annual Mission Breakfast has included a special guest speaker and this year is no different. We are excited to announce that this year’s speaker will be Lt. Gen. Roméo Dallaire.

https://www.facebook.com/events/358318621545591/

Kent Monkman: Making Miss Chief

Wednesday October 9, 7pm | Halifax Central Library, Paul O’regan Hall

History is subjective. Kent Monkman will discuss the creation of his shape-shifting, time-travelling, gender-fluid alter ego Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, and how it has enabled him to challenge the authority of the settler version of North American art history upheld in museums across the continent. With Miss Chief at center stage, Monkman has created site-specific performances at the Royal Ontario Museum, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Compton Verney, and the Denver Art Museum. His painting and installation works have been exhibited at numerous institutions throughout Canada, the U.S., France and more.

https://www.facebook.com/events/385345929040364/

Federal Candidates Debate on Youth Issues

Thursday October 10 6pm | Italian Cultural Centre, 2629 Agricola

Millennials and Gen Z are the biggest voting bloc this election yet many of us feel like our voices aren’t being heard. How do we get our public leaders to talk about the issues that matter to us? Join us on October 10th for a facilitated discussion on how federal issues impact youth, and where you will be working with other people in the room to have your voice heard and formulate the questions for the debate with the candidates for Halifax. Registration starts at 6pm, with our facilitated group discussion from 6:30-7:30pm. After that we’ll have a short break, and then a candidates debate from 8-9pm.

Confirmed Candidates:

Andy Fillmore – Liberal Party

Christine Saulnier – NDP

Bruce Holland – Conservative Party

Jo-Ann Roberts – Green Party

https://www.facebook.com/events/2419092674875994/

Celebrating International Day of the Girl Child

Friday October 11, 9:30am | Rosaria Student Centre Multi-Purpose Room, Mount Saint Vincent University

The Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender, and Social Justice and Mount Saint Vincent University invite you to a celebration of the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child. Inspirational girls from across Nova Scotia will share their stories.

https://dayofthegirl2019.eventbrite.ca

30th Anniversary Reception and Silent Auction – Stepping Stone: Now and Then.

Friday October 11 4-7pm | Neptune Theatre, Argyle Street

Join us as we celebrate Stepping Stone’s 30th anniversary in the community. The reception will feature guest speakers including the Honourable Justice Anne S. Derrick, finger food, and cash bar. The silent auction will provide an opportunity for you to support our programming by bidding on local goods and services. Silent Auction will be held from , 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

https://www.facebook.com/events/516974149066405/

Together from Aways: Meet the HFX Wanderers

Tuesday, 15 October 2019 7pm | Canadian Museum of Immigration 1055 Marginal Road

Join head Coach Stephen Hart, a Trinidad and Tobago immigrant, alongside two of his players in this fun and enlightening chat about soccer, immigration and culture, followed by Q&A, autograph session and reception.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2395137747367024/

Teardown: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up w Dave Meslin

Wednesday October 16 7pm | Halifax Central Library

Join us for a talk and on-stage conversation with Dave Meslin, author of Teardown: Rebuilding Democracy From The Ground Up. The talk will be held in the Paul O’Regan Hall at the Halifax Central Library. Admission is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. From the book: Our democracy is a trainwreck. Our elections feel hollow and our legislatures have become toxic. Fierce partisanship, centralized power, distorted election results and rigged systems all contribute to our growing cynicism. From environmental activism to public space advocacy to the ongoing campaign for electoral reform, Dave Meslin has been both out on the street in marches and in the back rooms drawing up policy. With Teardown he reminds us that the future of our species doesn’t need to look like a trainwreck. That we’re capable of so much more. It’s time to raise our expectations: of the system, of each other and of ourselves…

https://www.facebook.com/events/1292479840919811/

Hats Off Halifax

Wednesday October 23, 2019 | Parkland at the Gardens, 5732 College Street

Hospice Halifax would love to have you join us for a classic cocktail party supporting the new hospice residence on Wednesday, October 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. Hosted by Parkland at the Gardens on 5732 College Street in Halifax, there are only 150 tickets available for this delightful night out! Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne as you arrive for a fun evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, light jazz piano and a silent auction.

https://hospicehalifax.ca/hatsoff2019/

Halifax Pop Explosion Music Festival and Conference

October 23-26, 2019 | Various Venues

Sept Since 1992, Halifax Pop Explosion Festival and Conference (HPX) has been bringing tomorrow’s headliners to Halifax, and helping music fans discover their next favourite bands. Starting as a small, multi-venue festival showcasing local talent and bringing new sounds to the city, the Festival has grown into a 4 day city-wide music and comedy takeover that attracts some of the most exciting talent, ecstatic fans, and industry professionals from around the world.

http://halifaxpopexplosion.com/

Stand – Up For Stray Pets! A Comedy Benefit For SPCA NS

Thursday October 24 9:30pm · Chain Yard Cider · Halifax, Nova Scotia

Comedians Mark Harnett and Catherine Robertson have put together their passion and love for both pets and comedy to bring a fundraising show to a worthy organization!

Its happening Thursday October 24th at The Chain Yard Urban Cidery, who are pet lovers as well. More details coming soon including the line -up, hope you get out and support our furry friends and maybe even find one a home

https://www.facebook.com/events/2517689628316651/

Hal-Con Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comic and Gaming Convention

October 25-27 2019 | Halifax Convention Centre, Argyle Street

The largest Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comic & Gaming Convention in Atlantic Canada! Hal-Con 2019 will be held October 25-27, 2019 at the Halifax Convention Centre. Originally showcasing comic books, games, science fiction/fantasy and film/television, and related popular arts, it has grown to encompasses the full-spectrum of geekdom, including Comic Books, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Gaming, Cyberpunk, Steampunk, Renaissance, Anime, and anything else of the fantastical while still having enough appeal for even the most casual fan. The gathering includes entertainment for most tastes from music, stage show, and small social gaming circles, and the chance to rub elbows with the famous and infamous of geek pop-culture.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1247010168804395/

I Light HFX

Friday October 25, 6:15 · Cyclesmith Halifax, Agricola Street

Without lights, a person on a bicycle is nearly invisible. As the days get shorter, more people will be riding after sunset. Let’s make sure no one gets left in the dark. Help support our I Light HFX campaign! The purpose of the I Light HFX campaign is to raise awareness and create a sense of community visibility about cycling after dark. The campaign includes a community ride with well-lit bikes, the distribution of lights in our community, and raising funds for the HCC. Wear your brightest colours. Light up your bicycle. Ride with us! There will be prizes for the brightest bikes!.

https://www.facebook.com/events/514297976033496/

How can we help?



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