Issue 12 - Halifax Regional Municipality

District 8 Residents and Friends,
List of events and notices - here’s what is included:
- Regional Plan Update
- North End Community Circle Meeting
- Share the Road Workshop
- North-South Peninsula Bike Route Recommendation
- Cogswell Shake-Up
- Community Placemaking Project
- International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia
- Bluenose Marathon
- National Public Works Week 2013
- Developer Open House 2559 Agricola (the NSLC property)
- Clean Up My School Initiative: Joe Howe School
- HRM Bike Week
- Free Swimming Lessons at all HRM Beaches Registration
- Doors Open Halifax
- Curbside Giveaway Weekend
- Switch: Open Street Sundays
- Halifax and West Community Council
- A Call for Submissions of Poems: Celebrating the Halifax Common
- Update on the Oval in the Summer
- Community Health Board Survey
- Solar City Update
- Roundabouts at North Park Intersections: Next Steps
- Heritage Gas Update
- Common Roots Urban Farm: Plots Available
- Seniors’ Home Safety Program
- 311 Telephone Service
- Grand Parade: HRM’s Monthly Electronic Newsletter
- Regional Council Reports and Agendas
Please feel free to forward on to friends and neighbours. Please check my website for further
information - http://www.halifax.ca/councillors/district08/index.html . If you are receiving this
email multiple times or would like to be removed please let me know.
I welcome your feedback on issues before Community Council and Regional Council – and on
any municipal issue. If you would like to send your comments to all Regional Councillors please
email the Clerk’s Office clerks@halifax.ca so that your comments are shared and are part of the
public record.
Regional Plan Update – May 15
The Regional Plan is HRM's 25 year blueprint for growth and development and guides many
areas of HRM's service delivery. On May 15 at 11:30 at City Hall the Community Design

Advisory Committee will continue to discuss the draft plan. Based on the project schedule, it is
expected that consultation with the community will take place in May - June. To review the draft
that includes sections on: Environment; Settlement/Housing; Transportation; Economy and
Finances; Regional Centre; Culture and Heritage; Services, Utilities, Solid Waste and Energy;
and Implementation and Governance
For details on the draft visit http://www.halifax.ca/planhrm/RMPSDraft1.html
For further information on the work of the committee, agenda information and dates of
upcoming meetings please go to:
http://halifax.ca/boardscom/CommunityDesignAdvisoryCommittee.html
For general information on the planning review process go to:
Regional Plan http://www.halifax.ca/planhrm/RP5.html
Centre Plan http://www.halifax.ca/planhrm/centreplan.html
North End Community Circle Meeting: May 15
NECC is a group of people seeking to promote and activate helpful relationships, celebrating
strengths and resources to address needs in collaboration with families, residents and
stakeholders in the North End of Halifax. The focus area is between Russell, Robie, Barrington
and Northridge Streets. The group meets on a monthly basis and also hosts community pot
lucks. The meetings are open to the public – the next one is on Wed May 15 at 3:00 pm at
Needham Centre. http://www.facebook.com/NECCircle
Share the Road Workshop – May 15
The Dalhousie Transportation Collaboratory (DalTRAC), in partnership with the Ecology Action
Centre and Halifax Regional Municipality, will be holding a workshop in the Halifax Regional
Municipality to explore options for improving road safety for all users. The workshop will
include a presentation which will highlight effective and innovative ‘Share the Road’ campaigns
from Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand and how these can support an
effective campaign in Nova Scotia. Community members are invited to attend the event on May
15th, 2013 from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Exhibition Room, Dalhousie School of Planning, 5410
Spring Garden Rd. RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/570950102925407/
Refreshments and door prizes will be provided. For further information, please contact: Dr.
Ahsan Habib, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University 902-494-3209 (office), 902- 225-5320
(cell), ahsan.habib@dal.ca
North-South Peninsula Bike Route Recommendation – May 16
The Active Transportation Advisory Committee will be considering the staff recommendation
for the development of north-south bike route on the peninsula. The recommendation is a result
of an extensive public consultation process that considered five candidate routes. The staff
recommendation supports approval of the Windsor-Vernon-Seymour bike route option, with the
sub-option to continue the bike lanes up to the intersections of Almon Street and North Street, as
the first of up to three designated north-south on-road cycling corridors on the peninsula. For
further information on the candidate routes and evaluation process please go to:

http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/documents/Combinedreport.pdf The Active Transportation
Advisory Committee will be discussing the recommendation at their May 16 meeting at
Bloomfield Centre at 4 pm. The ATAC recommendation will then be forwarded to the
Transportation Standing Committee for recommendation to Halifax and West Community
Council. Community Council will make a recommendation to Regional Council which will
make a final decision on the proposal.
Cogswell Shake-Up – May 16
The Strategic Urban Partnership in collaboration with the Mayor's Office is planning the
Cogswell Shake - Up, a fun, dream big visioning exercise for our city. The Cogswell Interchange
is the road system where the downtown and the North End meet. It's the HUB for public transit,
the heart of the business district, and one of the primary routes in and out of the city. The Mayor
and HRM Council are now exploring what the future of the Cogswell Interchange could look
like. There are three goals for the Shakeup:
• Inform - we’ll introduce the Cogswell project to the public and give them high-level
information about the history of the infrastructure, as well as what work is planned for the
coming years
• Inspire – activities at the Shakeup will inspire participants to dream about what’s possible
for Cogswell. Participants will have the opportunity to hear ideas and come up with their own.
• Involve – participants will be given ways to stay involved in, and up to date on the
project into the future
The event takes place on Thursday May 16th from 6:00-8:30pm, at the Harbourfront Marriott
Hotel.
Community Placemaking Project – May 16
A community action project in the Duncan St area on May 16 from 6-8 pm at the Lutheran
Church, 2096 Windsor St. For more information on the project go to Placemaking HFX blog:
placemakinghalifax.wordpress.com or the facebook page facebook.com/PlaceMakingHFX.
These activities are leading up to the Placemaking and Neighbourhood Celebration on July 13th.
International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia – May 16
The 2013 event will be held on Thursday, May 16th at 6 p.m. at Halifax Grand Parade.
The theme for 2013′s rally: Our Bodies, Our Health, Our Rights There will be a number of
speakers to address a range of topics including the gay blood ban, bullying in schools, and more.
Sign language interpretation will be available.
Bluenose Marathon - May 18-19
The Bluenose Marathon will take place this weekend starting with the Doctors Nova Scotia
Youth Run on Saturday morning (one of the most inspiring events in HRM to watch in my
opinion). Sundays events will involve road closures in various parts of the downtown and north
end http://bluenosemarathon.com/community-information/ . For further information please go
to: http://bluenosemarathon.com/ Please come out and cheer participants on!

National Public Works Week 2013 – May 23
Halifax Regional Municipality celebrates National Public Works Week (May 19 to May 25,
2013) by raising awareness of our Transportation and Public Works services and activities. It
also recognizes the hard work and dedication of public works professionals in our community.
Several of our partners in service delivery join us at our events including Halifax Water and
Metro Transit. The 2013 NPWW Equipment Display is at the Emera Oval - May 23rd (May
24th rain date) from 10 am - 2 pm. This is a great event for kids to experience the big equipment
used by HRM. For further information go to:
http://www.halifax.ca/TPW/NationalPublicWorksWeek.html
Developer Open House 2559 Agricola (the NSLC property) – May 23
There is a proposal to develop the rear portion of the property at 2559 Agricola Street (the NSLC
property). The proposed location is currently zoned R-2 and is designated Medium Density
Residential. A Public Open House is being organized by the developer to share ideas with
community members about the initial design and to solicit ideas and feedback. The session will
begin with a site visit and tour at 6:30 and then at 7 pm an open house, presentation and
discussion at the Multipurpose Room, Bloomfield Centre, 2786 Agricola St. For further
information please contact Blaise.Morrison@GENIVAR.com
Clean Up My School Initiative: Joe Howe School – May 25
Four schools in the Halifax area were chosen to be the focus of a Spring Clean-up Project.
The lucky schools this year are: Harbour View, Hawthorne Elementary, Herring Cove Jr. High
and Joseph Howe. The Joseph Howe school clean-up will take place on Saturday May 25 from
10 am to 4 pm (light lunch provided). For further information on how to volunteer or contribute
please go to: http://cleanupmyschool.org/index.html or
https://www.facebook.com/events/302189569912482/
HRM Bike Week – May 31 to June 9
The amazing bike week is happening once again with more great events to attend including:
family rides, bike rodeos, art crawls, pancake breakfast, bike tune-ups, movies, yoga, and cycle
McNab’s Island. Check out the website for more details:
http://www.halifax.ca/bikeweek/index.html
Free Swimming Lessons at all HRM Beaches Registration – June 5
HRM is pleased to announce that all swimming lessons, and Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross,
and junior lifeguard programs running at HRM’s outdoor beaches and the Halifax Common
Outdoor pool, are free to the public for the upcoming summer session. Registration is still
required in order to take part in the classes. Registration will start at 10 A.M. on June 5, 2013
and will continue until classes are filled. Participants can register online at HRM’s Community
Recreation Services “Rec Connect” on line at:

https://eservices2.halifax.ca/recconnect/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp. Click on “Beach”
for more information. Or call 490-6666, or visit a HRM operated community recreation centre.
Doors Open Halifax – June 8-9
Doors Open is a free opportunity to visit buildings of architectural and historical significance in
Halifax. Many of these buildings are not normally open to the public and will be offering guided
tours, special exhibits, displays and performances. Please join the first Doors Open Halifax. For
further information please go to: https://www.facebook.com/DoorsOpenHFX
Curbside Giveaway Weekend – June 8-9
HRM is calling on residents to participate in Curbside Give Away Weekend. The aim of this
weekend event is to reduce the amount of garbage ending up in HRM’s landfill by diverting
unwanted items to be re-used. Reusing and Recycling household items instead of discarding
them reduces pressures on our municipal facilities, and is a great way to not only get rid of your
under-used items, but to find some great treasures of your own. For more information please
visit: http://www.halifax.ca/wrms/CGAW.html
Switch: Open Street Sundays – June 9
Switch: Open Street Sundays is a transformative event that opens the streets to cyclists, walkers
and families, demonstrating how streets can be used to support a more active, sustainable, and
fun city. Three Switch events are planned for this summer. The first one is planned for June 9,
2013 as one of the signature events for Bike Week and the second event is planned for
September 8, 2013. Both these events would follow a route on the peninsula. The third event is
planned for Dartmouth in August with details to be confirmed. We are proposing to close
Agricola to vehicle traffic from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Sunday June 9th and Sunday September
8th. You can learn more at our Facebook Page Switchhfx or at http://switchhfx.ca/ Switch is a
collaborative event, so if you are interested in volunteering please visit http://tinyurl.com/switchvolunteer-sign-up
to register. We are also planning a community open house for those interested
in learning more that will take place on May 2, 2013 please check our website for details of the
event. Please contact us by email switchopenstreetsundays@gmail.com or info@pdcentre.ca if
you have any other questions.
Halifax and West Community Council – June 10
The next meeting of community council will happen on Monday June 10 at 7 pm at City Hall,
Argyle St. Public hearings for developments at the corner of Connolly and Dudley St
http://www.halifax.ca/Commcoun/west/documents/Case18017RezoningConnollyatDudley.pdf
and 2347 Agricola
http://www.halifax.ca/Commcoun/west/documents/Case17885DevelopmentAgreementAgricolaS
t.pdf will talk place at this time. Please go to the website for the full agenda:
http://www.halifax.ca/Commcoun/west/index.html

A Call for Submissions of Poems: Celebrating the Halifax Common – June 30
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Common, and Friends of the Halifax
Common has teamed up with Gaspereau Press to produce an anthology of poems celebrating this
important milestone that will be published in the fall of 2013. It is intended to examine the
concept of the Common, promote the unique role that public space can play in an urban
community, and to highlight the particular influence of such spaces on our literary culture. The
book will be launched in conjunction with the 250th birthday celebrations being organized by
Friends of the Halifax Common. For details on the project please contact Gaspereau Press at
902-678-6002 www.gaspereau.com Send entries to: Halifax Common Poetry Anthology,
6032 Charles Street, Halifax, NS B3K 1L1
Update on the Oval in the Summer
The Oval will be the site of summer programming. Starting with the “Recreate with a Skate!”
Program free equipment (skates, helmets, and protective gear) for inline skating will be provided
similar to the winter season. In June, designated times would be set aside for schools to enjoy.
During the summer (July/August), times for Day Camps and the public would be provided. The
“First Gear!” program will introduce youth and adults to learn to ride a bike. Not only does this
tie into HRM’s many efforts around Active Transportation, it offers a unique opportunity for
young and old to learn to cycle in a safe, no cost, environment (there is no other opportunity like
this being offered in HRM). There will also be open access – opportunity to walk, run, bike,
skateboard, inline skate or roller-skate.
Community Health Board Survey
The Community Health Board (CHB) is a volunteer advisory board that is part of Capital Health
that works closely with Capital District Health Authority and other local community-based
organizations to support and promote health and wellbeing in our neighbourhoods. Altogether,
there are seven community health boards in Capital District. One of the most important jobs is to
submit a health plan to the CDHA. The health plan lets CDHA know about the health concerns
of the people and community groups in their District. Help tell Capital District Health Authority
about the health issues that matter to you. The health plan depends on hearing from as many
people as possible. Complete survey:
https://survey.nshealth.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=m4MM3p81
Roundabouts at North Park Intersections: Next Steps
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the North Park Street Roundabouts and Halifax North
Common Detail Design project (tender number 13-302) was issued on April 12, 2013 and will
close on April 30th, 2013. Once the RFP closes, a design consultant will be selected to carry out
the analysis and detailed design. There were many helpful comments (both positive and
negative) at the public consultation in February. Council has decided to proceed to the next
stage of design so that there is a clearer idea of what the actual proposals will be. Further public
consultation will take place in November 2013. For more information on the project, process

and timeline please go to:
http://www.halifax.ca/shapeyourcity/NorthParkIntersectionRedesign.html
Heritage Gas Update
Heritage Gas will be extending service in some areas of District 8 this summer. For further
information on how to sign up for gas and proposed locations please visit their website:
http://www.heritagegas.com/availability.html
Common Roots Urban Farm: Plots Available
Common Roots Urban Farm (located at corner of Robie and Bell Rd – former Queen Elizabeth
High School site) will have garden plots available to community organizations, groups, or any
other individuals who may be interested. Individuals and groups who apply for the plot program
are invited to sign up for as many as two plots at one time. Plots are 4’ x 12’ by 14” deep, and
the seasonal fee is $30.00 per plot. Plots are going fast, so hurry and sign up! Please contact the
urban farm at 902 441 4288 or http://partnersforcare.ca/urban_farm For notifications on all of
the latest news and events please email commonroots@partnersforcare.ca
Seniors’ Home Safety Program
The Seniors' Home Safety Program is a free home safety evaluation for seniors living in private
residences conducted by specially trained volunteers who are also seniors.
The program includes the following:
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) - simple tips to make your
home less inviting to criminals
• frauds and scams - tips to help protect your assets and identity
• Vial of Life - a tool to assist emergency personnel in obtaining
important medical information during a crisis
• elder abuse - information and options for help
• fall prevention - tips for fall- proofing your home
• insurance video - a valuable tool for insurance claims
• valuables etching - marking your property for identification
• fire safety - tips for preventing fires in your home
Seniors 55+ living in private residences in Halifax, Dartmouth and the communities extending
from Bedford to the Sambro Loop are eligible for the program.
Call 490-2554 or email seniorssafety@halifax.ca to set up an appointment or to learn more about
the program.
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 on the service please go to: http://www.halifax.ca/311/

Grand Parade: HRM’s Monthly Electronic Newsletter
HRM”s monthly electronic newsletter provides great information on events in the municipality.
To subscribe please go to: http://www.halifax.ca/grandparade/
Regional Council Reports and Agendas
If you want to read reports coming to Regional Council (posted late on Friday prior to the
Tuesday meeting) or to check the agenda please go to:
http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/cagenda.html
Jennifer Watts
Councillor District 8
Peninsula North
Halifax Regional Municipality
902-497-4748
Jennifer.watts@halifax.ca
@jenniferHalifax
Council Assistant
Lynn Matheson
490-7177
Lynn.matheson@halifax.ca
For assistance on municipal issues please call the HRM Call Centre at 311 (open 7 am to 11 pm
7 days/week). For information on services 311 covers please go to: http://www.halifax.ca/311/
Please sign up for District 8 email update by emailing me.