Good afternoon all,
This week new council members were in orientation sessions all day and our first new Council meeting was held on Tuesday, 12 November. So, I plan to spend the weekend digging myself out of my email and phone call backlog and preparing for our Regional Centre Community Council meeting on Monday and our Council meeting on Tuesday 🙂 Sorry for the delay if you are waiting on a response from me. Our last day of orientation is Monday.
This update will cover District 7 topics from Tuesday’s meeting and share HRM notices.
Remembrance Day at Point Pleasant Park, The Point Pleasant Park Advisory Committee meeting and the HRM Volunteer C
12 November Council Meeting District 7 Topics:
The full meeting agenda, reports and video recording are linked here:
Halifax Regional Council – November 12, 2024
Agenda Item 2: I offered condolences and acknowledged the death of and life-threatening injuries to vulnerable road users that occurred on Spring Garden Road 30 & 31 October (see item 15.7.2 as well).
I highlighted this volunteer-to-seniors matching program that I learned about at Spencer House last week. Please sign up if you have time to help or are in need of support and tell a friend.
Happy at Home | SpencerhouseRedesign
Agenda Item 15.6.1 Request to Include 1300 Oxford St (First Baptist Church) as a Registered Heritage Property.
“Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council set a date for a heritage hearing to consider the inclusion of 1300 Oxford Street, Halifax, in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as shown on Map 1 of the staff report dated September 18, 2024, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.”
This motion passed. I voted yes.
Agenda Item 15.6.4 Proposed Demolition of a Municipally Registered Heritage Property at 1259 South Park Street (groundskeepers house, Holy Cross Cemetary)
“Motion:Â
That Halifax Regional Council set a public hearing date to consider the proposed demolition of the registered heritage property and contributing heritage resource at 1259 South Park Street, Halifax, in accordance with Attachment G of the staff report dated January 31, 2024 and By-law H-700 (the Schmidtville Heritage Conservation District By-law).”
This motion passed. I voted yes. The motion was recommended by the Heritage Advisory Committee, and I think the plan for the commemorative and useful space in the cemetery it a positive one.
Agenda Item 15.7.2 Councillor Morse Review of Halifax Transit Collisions
“Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to prepare a staff report and presentation on transit-related collisions in HRM. The report should include data for injuries in the current year and the previous 5 years to identify trends. Â The report should also highlight current and planned initiatives to mitigate and reduce transit-related accidents and collisions involving vulnerable road users.” Â Â
This motion passed. I voted yes.
Agenda Item 18.1 Mayor Fillmore – Removal of the Nine Potential Designations
“Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Waive Notice of Motion, in accordance with section 49 (1) of Administrative Order One; and
2. Rescind Regional Council’s July 9th, 2024 endorsement of the amended list of potential designated locations and direct the Chief Administrative Officer to cease designating locations for sheltering from this list.”
The motion passed, but was deferred to a future meeting to be accompanied by a staff report per Administrative Order 1. I voted no to adding this to the agenda, because I wanted to have background information and staff recommendations on the motion before discussing it.
Latest news on University Avenue encampment: Halifax encampment residents pose unique challenge for service providers | CTV News
Halifax Transit Route Changes in District 7:
Improved Route 1 Spring Garden
Beginning Nov. 18, 2024, Route 1 Spring Garden will service Gottingen St. in both directions.
- New connection to Gottingen St.: Route 1 Spring Garden will follow similar routing and levels of service as the former Route 1, travelling from the Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth to Mumford Terminal in Halifax, but will now service Gottingen St. in both directions. This change will also provide a direct connection to Gottingen St. from Dartmouth, which is currently not offered by Halifax Transit.
- Schedule improvements: The updated schedule for Route 1 will reflect the new routing and improve on-time performance.
Helpful links
Improved Branched Route 10A/B/C Dalhousie
Beginning Nov. 18, 2024, improved branched Route 10 A/B/C Dalhousie will be introduced, providing better and higher frequency service to destinations in Dartmouth. This modified route will replace Route 10 Dalhousie.
Route 10 A/B/C will provide service between:
- 10A Dalhousie – Bridge Terminal
- 10B Dalhousie – Micmac Terminal
- 10C Dalhousie – WestphalÂ
- Branching of route: The branching of Route 10 A/B/C will allow scheduling to reflect demand for frequency on different portions of the route.
- More direct service: Service will be removed from a section of South St., from Beaufort Ave., and from a section of Inglis St. This routing change will provide more direct service between high ridership locations, particularly in the areas near Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s University.
Helpful links
Route 10A/B/C Dalhousie Individual Route Map
If you have questions or concerns beyond the above notes, please contact 311 or to visit halifax.ca/servicechanges for additional information.
A Seat at the Table – Public Recruitment to Boards, Committees, and Commissions
This recruitment campaign focuses on promoting opportunities for diverse communities throughout the municipality to bring their ideas, experience and expertise to the table.
- Residents can apply online at halifax.ca/serve starting on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, and applications will close on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
- Residents that require support or accommodation to the application process are encouraged to call 902-490-4210 or email serve@halifax.ca
- There are 39 volunteer positions available on the following bodies: Accessibility Advisory Committee Active Transportation Advisory Committee Audit Committee African Descent Advisory Committee Board of Police Commissioners Grants Committee Heritage Advisory Committee Point Pleasant Park Advisory Committee Special Events Advisory Committee Women & Gender Equity Advisory Committee Youth Advisory Committee
Captain William Spry Community Centre pool temporarily closed from Nov. 28 to Jan. 2
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that the Captain William Spry Community Centre pool (16 Sussex Street, Halifax) will be closed from Thursday, Nov. 28 to Thursday, Jan. 2 for maintenance.
For a full list of alternative swimming facilities, visit our website.
Residents invited to Halifax Tree Lighting
The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting residents to attend the annual Halifax Tree Lighting.
This event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Grand Parade.
In addition to lighting the Christmas tree, there will be fireworks, a visit from Santa Claus and live music from Julia Tynes, PAW Patrol’s Skye & Chase and Gabby’s Dollhouse Dance Party.
For more information, visit our website.
Police continue to recover stolen bicycles
Halifax Regional Police continue to recover bicycles and scooters believed to have been stolen throughout the region. In some instances, stolen property is recovered during an investigation and other times, found property is turned over to us through the kindness of the public.
If your bike was recently lost or stolen, and you would like to see if it’s been recovered by police, HRP’s Lost & Found Property can be reached at 902-490-5232.
Some bicycles that we currently have – and would be very happy to reunite with their owners – include two children’s bicycles and helmets. If you believe these bicycles may be yours, please contact us. You will be asked to provide some form of proof of ownership before property can be turned over to you.
It is good practice to keep your bike locked up, in a well-lit and well-travelled area. Take a photo of your bike and record its serial number as this will assist in identifying it if it becomes lost or stolen. Cyclists can also register for the free 529 Garage program, which can help reunite owners with recovered bicycles.Â
HRP encourages people to report their bikes stolen to police as soon as possible with as much information as possible, including the serial number, make, model, speed, colour, and any distinguishing markings. File a police report online or by calling 902-490-5016.
Applications open for 2025 Volunteer Awards
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that applications have opened for the 2025 Volunteer Awards. The application period closes on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Every year, the municipality recognizes the extraordinary contributions of outstanding individuals and groups who volunteer their time and skills to provide services and programs in their communities. The annual Volunteer Awards put a spotlight on the residents who volunteer in our region.
There are three categories open for applications: Youth, Adult and Group. The award recipients will be announced at the 2025 Volunteer Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 30. This coincides with National Volunteer Week.
For more information, visit our website.
Police advise citizens of recurring scam targeting seniors
Police are advising citizens to be cautious of a scam that targets seniors that is continuing to occur throughout our region.
Halifax Regional Police continue to receive reports in relation to a scam intended to defraud seniors of their money. In each incident, the victim received a call from someone pretending to be a family member who indicated that they have been arrested and are in jail. Another person representing themselves to be from the legal system becomes involved in the call and informs the victim that they need to pay money to have their loved one released from custody. In one case, a suspect made arrangements to pick up the money in person.
Don’t be pressured to act immediately.Scammers try to create a sense of urgency so you will take immediate action and don’t have time to think the situation through or consult someone else.
If you receive a call like this, do not provide or confirm any personal or financial information and hang up the phone. In Canada, law enforcement and court officials will not attend a residence to collect money in relation to bail.
Police remind people to be suspicious of any emails or calls asking for money and to make sure the person is legitimate before providing any money. Scammers can spoof phone numbers and make it appear as though they’re calling from a trusted source. You should not give personal information to anyone, whether solicitation occurs by email, telephone or in person, unless you are certain of the identity of the individual and/or the legitimacy of the organization they claim to represent.
Police are asking the public to share this information broadly, particularly with seniors, to help raise awareness of this scam.
Call police at 902-490-5020 if you’ve lost money or your identity has been compromised as the result of a scam. You can report a scam where you haven’t been a victim to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or call 1-888-495-8501.
For more information and scam prevention tips, visit:
Traffic Advisory – Spring Garden Road – Wastewater System MaintenanceÂ
From November 18 to November 20 (weather dependent), Eastern Trenchless, on behalf of Halifax Water, will be undertaking wastewater system maintenance through cure-in-place-pipe (CIPP) trenchless lining technology near Spring Garden Road and South Park Street, Halifax. This work will not impact Halifax Water services in the area.Â
This work will take place from:Â
- 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on November 18 and November 20.Â
- 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM on November 19.Â
Traffic Impacts for the duration of this work:Â
- There will be a lane reduction on Spring Garden Road near the intersection with Cathedral Lane, Halifax. Two-way traffic will be maintained, and sidewalks will remain open. Â
- There will be a lane reduction on South Park Street near the intersection with Spring Garden Road, Halifax. Two-way traffic will be maintained, and sidewalks will remain open.Â
CIPP lining involves reinforcing the inside of ageing underground pipes with a fabric liner that is saturated with a resin and then cured using UV light or steam. This process is significantly less intrusive to traffic than traditional open-trench excavations for pipe replacement work that would otherwise need to be done.Â
Motorists should expect delays and use alternate routes. Motorists are also reminded that speed fines double in work zones. Â
We apologize for any inconvenience this necessary infrastructure improvement work may cause. Â
To ensure the safety of our communities and our staff, please maintain a safe distance when Halifax Water staff or contractors are working in your area.Â
For more information on Halifax Water, please check www.halifaxwater.ca, visit us on YouTube, or Twitter @HalifaxWater, Facebook, or call our Customer Care Centre at 902-420-9287. Â
Upcoming Roadworks:
Road Closure – Jubilee Road
Location: Jubilee Road between Oxford and Larch streets
Date: Monday, Nov. 18 to Monday, Nov. 25
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Work details: This closure is due to utility installation for a new development.
Traffic impact: Local access only. One sidewalk will remain open during construction. The closed sidewalk and will alternate sides as construction progresses. Motorists should expect delays and are asked to use alternative routes whenever possible.
Road Re-opening – Barrington Street
Location: Barrington Street from Upper Water to Duke streets
Date:Â Monday, Nov. 25, starting at 5 a.m.Â
Time:Â 24/7
Work details: This closure was in place to facilitate the mass excavation and final configuration of Barrington Street in support of the Cogswell District project.
Traffic impact:Â Traffic will travel along Barrington Street between Upper Water Street and Duke Street. There will be one lane northbound and two lanes southbound maintained during peak hours. Motorists should expect delays.Â
Transit impact:Â Stops 5 and 84 located on Albemarle Street will be relocated to a temporary bay on the west side of Barrington Street north of Duke Street, in front of Scotia Square.Â
Road Closure – Cogswell Street
Location:Â Cogswell Street from Albemarle to Barrington streets
Date:Â Monday, Nov. 25, starting at 5 a.m.
Time:Â 24/7
Work details: This closure is to facilitate the mass excavation and final configuration of Cogswell Street at the Barrington Street intersection. This work is in support of the Cogswell District project.Â
Traffic impact: Traffic heading southbound from the new roundabout will have the option to travel southbound on a partially reopened Barrington Street or continue on Upper Water Street. Access to/from Albemarle Street will be via Brunswick Street and Duke Street. Northbound traffic will be able to travel through the area on either Upper Water Street or Barrington Street from Duke Street. Motorists should expect delays and use alternative routes.Â
Transit impact: Stops 5 and 84 located on Albemarle Street will be relocated to a temporary bay on the west side of Barrington Street north of Duke Street, in front of Scotia Square. Â
The following street closures or sidewalk disruptions have recently been added to the RoadWorks map in or near your district
- GRANVILLE ST from PRINCE ST to SACKVILLE ST, starting on 2024-11-20 | View in RoadWorks Map
- BARRINGTON ST from PRINCE ST to GEORGE ST, starting on 2024-11-14 | View in RoadWorks Map