I can’t really believe it is almost October already, where did the time go? After a very busy summer I am gearing up for the start of the Halifax budget process, a lot of major initiatives being launched, and a lot of development projects coming to the public.

I want to once again welcome back to all the students both come to Halifax for the first time or returning to school! We want you to enjoy your time here, but I have to remind you that the area around Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s is residential, and we need you to keep that in mind.

Recently residents on some streets have experienced ‘party houses’ and other activity that makes it hard to get a good nights sleep. Police patrols are stepped up in the neighbourhood for the Fall Back program, but residents are encouraged to call police non-emergency to make sure that police know where the hot spots are.

In that moment police could be on the other side of the peninsula and not know about an issue you are facing. In the longer term policing and municipal response are triggered by data – so ALWAYS call it in so it is logged. This helps create a “heat map” showing where problems are clustered. No call, no data, no heat.

Similarly, call 311 about other issues, like garbage left out etc.

There are many public meetings coming up on proposed developments for the peninsula. I encourage residents to read more and consider attending the two public meetings listed below.

Enjoy the fall and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!

Public & Planning Meetings

Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee

Monday September 25, 2017 4-6pm | Halifax Hall, Halifax City Hall

This is a meeting of the committee, public may attend but not comment at the meeting.

Case 20658 – Application by WM Fares Architects for amendments to the Halifax Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Halifax Peninsula Land Use By-law (LUB) to allow a 5-storey building facing Bayers Road, and a 3-story building facing Young Street , with commercial uses and residential units at 6419-6467 Young Street and 6438-6460 Bayers Road, Halifax.

, with commercial uses and residential units at 6419-6467 Young Street and 6438-6460 Bayers Road, Halifax. Case 20632 – Application by WM Fares Architects to change Halifax Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Halifax Peninsula Land Use By-law (LUB) to allow a 5-storey building with residential units and ground floor commercial uses at 2440-2454 Agricola Street, Halifax.

More info here: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/boards-committees-commissions/september-25-2017-halifax-peninsula-planning-advisory

Public Meeting – Case 20577 – Robie + Cunard

Monday September 25, 2017 4-6pm | Halifax Hall, Halifax City Hall

This is a public meeting hosted by the planning advisory committee. The public are encouraged to come and make comments on the proposal. Case 20577 is a proposed mixed use residential building with street level commercial. building that includes an 11-storey mass, and approximately 45-feet (greatest) and 37-feet (least) to the 13-storey mass. Step-backs for upper storey portions of the building above the street wall vary from 10-feet (Robie St) to 34-feet (Compton Ave). More info will be available here: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=831

Public Meeting – Case 20267 – Chebucto Road, Beech and Elm Streets

Thu, October 5, 7pm – 9pm | Location TBD

This is a public meeting hosted by the planning advisory committee. The public are encouraged to come and make comments on the proposal. Proposal for a Mixed-use (commercial and residential) building to a maximum 5-storeys at Chebucto Road, Beech and Elm Streets. Proposal includes ground-level commercial retail space on Chebucto Road with on-site parking, and 56 residential units on upper floor. More info will be available here: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=831

Community Events

Peace Halifax Festival

Saturday, September 23, 2017 10am-5pm | Pier 21

Join the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre for Peace Halifax, a festival of ideas, music and fun. This is a day of reflection and rejuvenation and will feature face painting, Storytime, Zen garden-making, and peaceful music throughout the day. For more information, visit http://halifax.brahmakumaris.ca/peace-halifax/

Local Council of Women Yard Sale

Saturday, September 23, 2017 8:30am-12:30pm | 989 Young Ave, Halifax

The Local Council of Women will be holding their annual yard sale on Saturday September 23rd. There will be books, household items, home décor, and much more. Event goes rain or shine.

Etsy Made in Canada Halifax

Saturday, September 23, 2017 10am-7pm |Cunard Centre

Join Maritime Makers and Etsy sellers from across Nova Scotia as they showcase their quality products. This unique community run market gives Etsy sellers the opportunity to sell their goods to local buyers in their own neighborhoods. Admission is $2 at the door, and free for children under 12 and seniors. For more information, please visit http://maritimemakers.com/

Quinfest Family Fun Day

Saturday, September 23, 2017 11am-3pm | Quinpool Road

Join the businesses on Quinpool Road for their annual Quinfest, an afternoon of fun, free family activities. These activities include: face painting, carnival games, crafts, bouncy castles, food samples, live entertainment, and sidewalk sales! For more information, visit www.quinfest.com

Halifax Switch

Sunday, September 24, 2017 12pm-4pm | Spring Garden Road and Agricola Street

Switch Halifax opens Spring Garden Road and Agricola Street to entertainment, markets, recreation and activities and encourages people to switch their cars “off”. Attendees are invited to park their car for the day and travel by foot, bike or bus and experience the many activities taking place. For more information, please visit www.switchhfx.ca

Dal/King’s Bike Society Fall General Meeting

Wednesday, September 27, 2017 7pm | Dalhousie Student Union

Join the Dalhousie/King’s Bike Society to learn more about bicycle-related activities on campus and have an opportunity to provide feedback on Bike Centre improvements and initiatives. Everyone is welcome.

Hopscotch Arts Festival

September 28-October 1, 2017 | Various locations around HRM

Hopscotch Arts Festival showcases international and local artists representing various art forms. Recognized by HRM’s event strategy, Hopscotch provides a unique experience for local artists and our diverse community. For a full listing of events, visit https://www.halifax.ca/recreation/programs-activities/events/civic-events/hopscotch-arts-festival

Halifax Oyster Festival

September 29-30, 2017 | Halifax Waterfront

Come out and celebrate Nova Scotia oysters, local wine and craft beer on the beautiful Halifax waterfront! There will be all-you-can-eat oysters, wine and beer samplings, and a shucking competition. Event goes rain or shine. For more information and tickets, visit www.oysterfest.ca

Breastfeeding Family Fair

Saturday, September 30, 2017 10:30pm-12:30pm |IWK Health Centre

The Breastfeeding Community of Practice invites everyone to join in a family-friendly breastfeeding fair at the IWK Health Centre. There will be music, face painting, games, prizes, and food. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Breastfeeding.CoP/

Atlantic Fashion Week

October 2-8, 2017 | Various locations around HRM

Atlantic Fashion Week (AFW) is entering it’s 11th season this fall, and showcases the very best in Atlantic Canadian fashion design. There are several shows planned for the week, and a full schedule is available at https://www.atlanticfashionweek.com/

Nocturne Halifax 2017

Saturday October 14, 2017 6pm-midnight | Various locations around HRM

Join Nocturne Halifax for the 10th anniversary of their annual celebration of art at night. This free event showcases the visual arts scene in Halifax and provides residents with an opportunity to experience art in a whole new light. The Nocturne Program Guide provides details about exhibitions in galleries and public spaces throughout the city. To view the guide and more information, visit http://nocturnehalifax.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 https://www.halifax.ca/home/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/agendas-meetings-reports

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 Committe Reports and Agendas

The Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee meets once a month to discuss and provide feedback to council on planning proposals for the two districts. 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