Hi folks, after today’s Council meeting I’m going to be out of the office on vacation returning March 22. I will not have access to email, phone or social media until I return. My family tells me this is normal and appropriate on vacations, I am skeptical but going along with it and we shall see how it goes!

If you need help during this time. you can call my office and speak to my Coordinator Melody Campbell at 902 490 2012 or, email her at mailto:melody.campbell@halifax.ca, or if you have a routine municipal issue please call 311. If it is an emergency always call 911.

Sixth Annual District 7 Participatory Budgeting Vote

Building a great community – one great idea at a time

Each district has a budget of $94,000 for a District Capital Fund for permanent projects in the community that provide widespread community benefit. For the last five years community members just like you have proposed projects, made recommendations on how to spend this money, and voted on who should be funded.

All residents of District 7 – including children – are invited to come and help choose projects that will help build a stronger community! We are practicing a different way to make decisions about how to spend public money in our neighbourhood.

Do you live in District 7 Halifax South Downtown?

Need funding for a project to support, enhance, build community here?

Want to have a say in how this neighbourhood budget is spent?

Does your community:

Need funding for a project to support, enhance, build community?

Want to see more public art, bike racks, benches?

Does your neighbourhood want to improve a park or playground?

Participatory Budgeting How to and Idea Swap

Wednesday April 4, 2018 | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Halifax Hall, City Hall

Everyone is welcome to discuss priorities and ideas on how to improve District 7. Find out more about submitting a project.

Proposal Submission Deadline

Midnight | Friday, May 4, 2018

Email to mailto:melody.campbell@halifax.ca or by mail to Melody Campbell, Council Support Office, PO Box 1749 Halifax, NS B3J 3A5

District 7 Community Vote

Wednesday, June 13, 2018 | 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Lindsay Children’s Room, Halifax Central Library

District 7 residents of all ages are invited to vote on their favourite projects in person. Winners will be announced that night.

MORE INFORMATION: Please visit http://halifaxsouth.ca/pb

Public Meetings and Notices

Public Engagement Session on the Development of an Accessibility Program

Residents are invited to attend a series of public engagement sessions on the development of the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Accessibility Program.

The municipality is seeking feedback on how to remove barriers and increase access to programs and services that will help build more inclusive communities.

The engagement sessions, hosted by the Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Office, will be held at each location from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Guiding guides, real-time titling and sign language interpretation will be available at all sessions.

Wednesday, March 7 at the Tantallon Public Library Program Room.

Thursday, March 22 at the multifunctional room of the Gordon Snow Community Center.

Monday, March 26 at the multifunctional room of Captain William Spry.

In the event of an unforeseen change in the time, date or location of any of the scheduled sessions, please consult the Accessibility Program project page at https://www.shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/accessibility-framework for the most up-to-date information.

Budget Committee – 2018-19 Budget and Business Plan

Wednesday, March 7th 9:30am | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

The next meeting of Budget Committee will take place on Wednesday March 7th at 9:30am at Halifax City Hall.

Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee

Thursday, March 8th 1-3pm | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

The next meeting of the Point Pleasant Park Advisory Committee will take place on Thursday March 8th from 1-3pm at City Hall in Council Chambers. The agenda can be found here: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=133

Halifax Regional Council

Tuesday, March 20th 10am | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

The next meeting of Halifax Regional Council will take place on Tuesday March 20th at 10am 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

Public Engagement Event – Downtown Bikeways (Hollis, Lower Water)

Wednesday, March 21st 2:00pm and again from 6:00 pm | Art Bar + Projects, 1873 Granville Street

The public is invited to talk about next steps for improving the downtown bikeway projects.

Centre Plan Public Engagements

Underway now | Various venues around the regional centre

More information here: https://wayemason.ca/2018/02/28/centre-plan-ferry-terminal-jem-more/

Community Events

St. Patrick’s Day Flag Raising Ceremony

Friday, March 9th 12:00pm | Grand Parade

Join Mayor Mike Savage on Friday March 9th at 12pm in Grand Parade as we kick off St. Patrick’s Day week with the raising of the Irish flag outside Halifax City Hall.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Sunday March 11th 1:00pm |Terminal Road to Lower Water Street

Head downtown on Sunday March 11th at 1:00pm for the 11th annual Halifax Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade begins at Terminal road and goes along Lower Water street and finishes at Historic Properties. For more information, visit: https://downtownhalifax.ca/event/st-patricks-day-parade-0

Vincent Coleman Dedication Ceremony

Wednesday March 14th 10:30-11:30am | Alderney Ferry Terminal

Come down to the Alderney Ferry Terminal on Wednesday March 14th at 10:30am for the official unveiling of Halifax Transit’s newest ferry, the Vincent Coleman.

Votive Dance presents: Homeplace

Thursday March 15th 7-8:30pm| Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Choreographed by Kathleen Doherty, Homeplace was developed out of her experiences living in Ireland. Lush landscapes, mythology and everyday activities gave way to this dance. On Thursday March 15th at 7pm, head down to Pier 21 to experience Homeplace. This is a free event. For more information, visit:

https://downtownhalifax.ca/event/votive-dance-presents-homeplace

Big Brothers Big Sisters Information Session

Monday March 19th 5:30-6pm | Halifax Central Library

If you are interested in getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, head down to the Halifax Central Library on Monday March 19th from 5:30-6pm for a free information session on how to get involved with this great charity! For more information, visit : https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/big-brothers-big-sisters-information-session-registration-41146417041?aff=ehomecard

Common Roots Urban Farm is looking for Volunteers!

Common Roots Urban Farm is looking for Farm Steward volunteers this season. Join us as we spend the summer outside gardening, spending time in community, and learning from one another. Every summer, Common Roots Urban Farm is cared for by a group of dedicated volunteers that make sure the gardens are looking spectacular, the tools are cleaned and tidied, and the community is welcomed and supported. We’re looking for about 28 volunteers to help this season. The time commitment is one day each week, Tuesday – Sunday, from 3:00 – 6:00, May – October. This is a great way to meet your neighbours, get outside, share some laughs and get your hands in the soil. Deep friendships have been forged here, and we even heard there was a marriage that grew out of Common Roots! Sound interesting? You can fill out an online application form here. Once you have submitted your form Volunteer Services in the hospital will be in contact with you shortly. If you have further questions before applying, please contact urbanfarmers@partnersforcare.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