So, March came in like a lion, let us hope it goes out like a lamb. You can read my apology and thoughts on sidewalk snow removal here.



Participatory budget delay for review, rethink and redesign



It’s been six great years of Participatory Budgeting, and it’s time to talk about what changes we may want to see to make it even better. I had hoped to have a meeting last Fall but we ran out of time, so I’ve decided to have a meeting in May and move the Participatory Budget vote to October.



The program was designed by and for the community, and I want to hear what you think! Please join me Wednesday, May 16th at the Centre Library at 7:00 PM to provide your feedback. More information coming soon at https://wayemason.ca



Next two weeks

After the wild success of my two week screen free vacation last year we decided to do it again! I’m heading out Monday and will be back April 2, with no access to email or social media (which is starting to define vacation for me!)



Just wanted to let you that for the time being you should contact myvacting Council Coordinator Laura Nooyen – her number is 902-490-7177 and her email is nooyela@halifax.ca That said, she is off next week, so from March 18-22 Ken Benoit will be covering and is available at 902-490-7184 or benoitk@halifax.ca

Public Meetings and Notices

Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee

Monday March 18th 4:30-6:30pm | Halifax City Hall, Halifax Hall

The next meeting of the Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee will take place on Monday March 18th from 4:30-6:30pm. To view the agenda for the upcoming meeting, visit: http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.php



Budget Committee

Friday March 22nd 9am-12pm | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

The next meeting of the Budget Committee will take place on Friday March 22ndfrom 9am-12pm. To view the agenda for the upcoming meeting, visit: http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.php



Halifax Regional Council

Tuesday March 26th 10am | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

The next meeting of Halifax Regional Council will take place on Tuesday March 26th at 10am. To view the agenda for the upcoming meeting, visit: http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.php



Transportation Standing Committee

Thursday March 28th 1-3pm | Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

The next meeting of the Transportation Standing Committee will take place on Thursday March 28th from 1-3pm. To view the agenda for the upcoming meeting, visit: http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.php



Community Events

March Break Family Sunday: Clay Around

Sunday March 17th 1-4pm | Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis Street

Check out the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on Sunday March 17th from 1-4pm and get your hands dirty! Clay and Sculpture materials will be the focus of this event. You can find inspiration from the various artworks in the Gallery as you create your own masterpiece! For more information and admission fees, visit: https://downtownhalifax.ca/event/march-break-family-sunday-clay-around



St. Patricks Day Extravaganza at The Old Triangle

Sunday March 17th 7am | The Old Triangle, 5136 Prince Street

Celebrate St. Patricks Day at The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse. Doors open at 7am with bands playing all day and night. No cover charge and loads of prizes and giveaways! For more information and a list of bands playing, visit: https://downtownhalifax.ca/event/stpatricks-day-extravaganza-old-triangle



Halifax Job Fair

Tuesday March 19th 1:00-3:00pm | Four Points Hotel by Sheraton

Looking for work? Head to the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton on Tuesday March 19th from 1-3pm and check out the Halifax Job Fair. Meeting face to face with hiring companies, recruiters, Human Resource Managers, employment agencies and more. Admission is FREE for job seekers. Online registration is required, visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/free-halifax-job-fair-march-19th-2019-tickets-50700449409?aff=ebdssbdestsearch



Connector+ Launch Event

Wednesday March 20th 4-6pm | Volta, 1505 Barrington Street, Unit #100

Join the Halifax Partnership on Wednesday March 20th from 4-6pm as they launch their new digital platform: Connector+. Expanding on the Connector Program, Connector+ will provide more opportunities for business leaders in Nova Scotia to meet current and future young talent in their community. Come celebrate the product launch and learn how Connector+ can benefit you! For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connector-launch-event-tickets-54954829374?aff=ebdssbdestsearch



Free Access Evening – Discovery Centre

Wednesday March 20th 5-8pm |Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street

Every Wednesday the Discovery Centre offers free admission between 5-8pm. Bring the kids and come learn, play and create! For more information, visit: http://thediscoverycentre.ca/calendar/



Volunteer Orientation Session

Wednesday March 27th 5-7pm |ISANS Mumford, 6960 Mumford Road, Suite 2120

Want to be a part of welcoming newcomers to Nova Scotia from all over the world? Check out the ISANS volunteer orientation session on Wednesday March 27th from 5-7pm at the ISANS Mumford office. ISANS has many volunteer roles such as: community connections volunteer, English tutor, professional mentor and more! Registration is required. For more information, visit: http://www.isans.ca/event/volunteer-orientation-session/2019-03-27/



Halifax Burger Week

March 28th-April 3rd | Halifax Regional Municipality

Halifax Burger Week has become a favourite yearly tradition here in Halifax! This city-wide burger eating event is a fundraiser for Feed Nova Scotia put on by The Coast. Restaurants around the city participate and compete to offer the most creative burger. Burgers have a set price of $6.00 or a higher price with the restaurant making a donation to Feed Nova Scotia from each burger sold. Get your passport and check out your favourite local restaurants for the 2019 Halifax Burger Week! For more information, visit:

https://burgerweek.co/



Camp Courage: Entrance Essay Deadline

Sunday March 31st | Halifax Regional Municipality

Experience Camp Courage

The First Responders Society is an incorporated non-profit company established by firefighter, Andréa Speranza, in January 2006, for the purpose of introducing young women aged 15- 19 to careers as first responders primarily paramedics, police officers, and firefighters.

The ultimate goal is that the young women will leave with a sense of empowerment and the confidence to believe that they can achieve any goal, career or dream they desire.

You have what it takes, join us in 2019 for the experience of your life!

July 7th to July 14th!

The camp is 100% free. In order to be accepted into camp you must write an essay on one of two topics; how you can improve someone else’s life that is less fortunate, or how you can improve your Community. Instead of paying cash, you have to do what you’ve proposed in your essay. The only limitation is your imagination.

This illustrates how hard work creates opportunities. It teaches to be thankful for what you have and to respect others that have less, it teaches the value of helping others.

Camp Courage accepts only 24 participants each year, and entrance essays are due March 31st. Essays and applications can be submitted at: https://campcourage.ca/apply/how-to-apply/

How can we help?

Call my office

Call our office for assistance with your municipal issues. Just wanted to let you that for the time being you should contact my acting Council Coordinator Laura Nooyen her number is 902-490-7177 and her email is nooyela@halifax.ca though she is off next week, so from March 18-22 Ken Benoit will be available at 902-490-7184 or benoitk@halifax.ca



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





