In this update:

PUBLIC MEETINGS AND HEARINGS

Community conversations next phase of Centre Plan public consultation process

Bikeway Connector Project Public and Online engagement sessions

Rehabilitation/repair of Northwest Arm trunk sewer

Centre Plan Complete Draft Comment Deadline

Integrated Mobility Plan

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND INFO

2017 Volunteer Award nominations now open

Home Warming Program for Low Income Residents to Improve Energy Efficiency

Neighbourhood Placemaking Program

Nova Scotia Tree for Boston Send-off

Parade of Lights

Halifax Cycling Coalition 9th Birthday Party and 4th Annual Halifax Bike Awards

An evening of bridge in support of Spencer House Seniors Centre

Halifax Christmas tree Lighting

Meeting: South Park Street Bicycle Lane

HELP & MORE INFO

Call my office

311 – HRM’s Call Centre

Regional Council Reports and Agendas

Halifax and West Community Council Reports and Agendas

District 7&8 Planning Advisory Council Reports and Agendas

PUBLIC MEETINGS AND HEARINGS

Community conversations next phase of Centre Plan public consultation process

November 14-17 6-8pm | various locations

The municipality’s Planning and Development team is inviting residents to join them at one of the upcoming community conversations being hosted as part of the ongoing Centre Plan public engagement and consultation process. The meetings will focus on discussing how the draft Centre Plan will affect future development within the Regional Centre. Residents are invited to join their neighbours and the Centre Plan project team, at one of the following community events:

Monday, Nov. 14, 6 -8 p.m, Shirley Burnstein Hall, Edward L Roach Building, Northwood Centre, 2615 Northwood Drive, Halifax

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6-8 p.m, Dartmouth Sportsplex, Nantucket Room, 110 Wyse Road, Dartmouth

Thursday, Nov. 17, 6-8 p.m, Dalhousie University Student Union Building, McInnes Room, 6136 University Avenue, Halifax

The Centre Plan will serve as a blueprint for smart development by providing much needed clarity on how and where growth should occur in the Regional Centre. The draft plan released on Oct. 26, 2016, will be available for comments until early Dec. to allow the time for thoughtful, considered review and public input in relation to each section of the plan. For more information on the draft Centre Plan visit www.centreplan.ca.

Bikeway Connector Project Public and Online engagement sessions

Nov 16 & 17 | Various Locations

The Bikeway Connector Project will develop and assess the feasibility, land requirements, and cost of specific options that improve connections between the Macdonald Bridge bikeway and bicycle networks in Halifax and Dartmouth.

As part of the planning process, public engagement sessions will be hosted on November 16 and 17, 2016 to provide information and receive feedback on the preliminary design options.

Wednesday, November 16th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. with presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Italian Cultural Centre, 2629 Agricola St., Halifax

Italian Cultural Centre, 2629 Agricola St., Halifax Thursday, November 17th 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. with presentation at 12:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. with presentation at 6:30 p.m. Alderney Landing

For more info: http://shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/bikeway-connector-project

Rehabilitation/repair of Northwest Arm trunk sewer

Wednesday, November 30 | Saint Mary’s Boat Club

Halifax Water is in the planning stages of a major rehabilitation/repair of Northwest Arm trunk sewer. This project will be a direct benefit to local residents, the water quality of the Northwest Arm, and therefore the overall community. The project work (actual construction) is currently scheduled to get underway as early as April 2017 with a targeted completion date of March 2018.

Centre Plan Complete Draft Comment Deadline

Friday, December 2

One of the most important documents that will affect District 8 has been released in draft form – please review carefully since the Centre Plan when approved by Regional Council, will set the direction for how our neighbourhoods and community will grow and develop. Here is the link to the draft: http://tinyurl.com/jqzguvf For more information on the Centre Plan go to: http://centreplan.ca/

Deadline for feedback on the draft is Dec 2. You can also provide feedback directly to planning staff: PlanHRM@halifax.ca Please copy me: waye.mason@halifax.ca

Integrated Mobility Plan

November 30 – December 8 | Various Locations

HRM staff want you to help them think outside the traffic box. Their goal is to create a plan that will ensure roadway, active transportation and public transit initiatives are planned and delivered using a more holistic approach that improves mobility for all users. To that end, they want to hear about resident’s and stakeholder’s transportation priorities and create a plan that will help HRM deliver safe, affordable mobility options that people will actually use and enjoy. Help HRM build better communities by attending one of the upcoming Integrated Mobility Plan public workshops.

Please note workshops will be held at the following locations with one session in the afternoon (12 p.m. to 2 p.m.) and one in the evening (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.).

Wednesday, November 30 at Dartmouth Sportsplex – Nantucket Room, 110 Wyse Road, Dartmouth

Thursday, December 1 at Italian-Canadian Cultural Centre – Auditorium, 2629 Agricola Street, Halifax

Wednesday, December 7 at Bedford-Hammonds Plains Community Centre – Arts & Crafts Room, 202 Innovation Drive, Bedford

Thursday, December 8 at Captain William Spry Centre – 16 Sussex Street, Halifax. (12 p.m. session at Meeting Room #2, 6 p.m. session in the Community Multipurpose Room)

Can’t attend a workshop? Want to see the presentation boards? Do you have ideas on how to improve the way people move in and around the municipality? Send us your feedback: Email: planhrm@halifax.ca Mail: Integrated Mobility Plan

c/o Rod McPhail

Halifax Regional Municipality

PO Box 1749

Halifax, NS B3J 3A5

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND INFO

2017 Volunteer Award nominations now open

Do you know an amazing volunteer, individual or group making a difference in your community? Each year the Mayor and Regional Council recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and groups who volunteer their time and skills to provide services and programs in municipal communities. The 2017 Volunteer Award nominations are now open, so nominate an outstanding individual or group today! Nomination deadline is December 16, 2016. For more information, visit http://www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices/awards/index.php

HomeWarming Program for Low Income Residents to Improve Energy Efficiency

HomeWarming is a program that helps Nova Scotians living on a low income save money on heating and cooling bills and feel more comfortable year-round – your home will be assessed and complete energy efficiency upgrades done at no charge. Clean Foundation and Efficiency Nova Scotia are working together to offer income-qualified homeowners these free efficiency improvements. Interested homeowners can speak confidentially with a Service Advisor about their eligibility by calling 1-877-434-2136 (toll free) or by visiting HomeWarming.ca



Neighbourhood Placemaking Program

Neighbourhood Placemaking provides guidance and support to community members interested in hosting a project in their neighbourhood. This could be intersection painting, the building of benches for a local gathering place, a community garden, or any idea that brings together community members to create public art that activates shared public spaces to give a sense of place and build community. The program provides staff support and resources. For more info on the application process and toolkit go to: http://www.halifax.ca/culture/communityarts/placemaking.php



Nova Scotia Tree for Boston Send-off

Wednesday November 16, 2016 11:30am | Grand Parade

Each year Nova Scotia sends the city of Boston a Christmas tree gift in recognition of the tremendous assistance we received from the state of Massachusetts following the Halifax Explosion on December 6th, 1917. This year Nova Scotia’s evergreen Christmas gift is a 47-foot white spruce from Inverness County, Cape Breton and the Mi’kmaq community will help celebrate its send-off. For more information on the send-off ceremony, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1222527264476404/

Parade of Lights

Saturday November 19, 2016 6pm | Downtown Halifax

The 21st Annual Parade of Lights will take place the evening of Saturday, November 19th. The Parade is the perfect way to kick-off the holiday season, and features festive floats, marching bands, dancers, and a visit from Santa Claus himself! For more information and the parade route, visit http://www.destinationhalifax.com/content/chronicle-herald-holiday-parade-lights

Halifax Cycling Coalition 9th Birthday Party and 4th Annual Halifax Bike Awards

Thursday November 24, 2016 6pm | Timber Lounge, Agricola Street

Do you have a favourite bicycle shop? Or know of a colleague who rides to work everyday? Vote for them in the 2016 Bike Awards! The Bike awards are an annual event that recognizes outstanding community leaders, businesses, bike heroes and groups that have had an impact this year in making Halifax a better place to ride a bicycle. Awards will be presented at HCC’s 9th Birthday Party on December 5th at 7pm at the Timber Lounge, 2712 Agricola Street.

An evening of bridge in support of Spencer House Seniors Centre

Friday November 26th 6:30 PM- 10:30 PM | All Saints Cathedral Great Hall

Mark your calendar! Join us for a great evening in support of Spencer House Community Senior Centre. Your evening will include complimentary drinks and Hors D’oeuvres catered by the fabulous team of Jo and Colleen, door prizes and 50/50, a sanctioned Duplicate Club Charity Game. Registration now open! Full table $500, half table $250, one seat $125. Tax receipts provided. Contact Linda Tuff or Maureen Donovan- 902 454 4098 or 902 880 3472

Halifax Christmas tree Lighting

Saturday November 26 2016 6-7pm | Grand Parade

What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than at the annual Halifax Christmas Tree lighting! This year’s festivities will feature music and entertainment, fireworks, lighting of the Christmas tree and a visit from Santa Claus. Feed Nova Scotia will be accepting non-perishable food or cash donations at the event. For more information visit http://www.halifax.ca/events/HRMChristmasTreeLighting.php

Meeting: South Park Street Bicycle Lane

Monday November 28, 2016 6:30-8:30pm | Halifax Central Library, Lindsay Children’s Room

HELP & 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: http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.php

Halifax and West Community Council Reports and Agendas

Community Council has now decided to meet 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. http://www.halifax.ca/commcoun/west/index.php

District 7&8 Planning Advisory Council Reports and Agendas

The District 7&8 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: http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/D78PAC/index.php