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DITCH TAX INFORMATION SESSIONS

In June 2022, the Province is transferring some

local roads over to the municipality. In this Service Exchange, HRM will take over the responsibility of local road maintenance for all streets in Boutilier’s Point, Ingramport, Head of Saint Margaret’s Bay, Lewis Lake, Hubley, Upper Tantallon, East Preston, Lake Echo, Mineville, and a portion of the Lawrencetown area that is west of the Mineville Road. There will be no disruption in services to residents throughout the transfer of road and service responsibilities. HRM Staff have commenced the necessary operations and budget planning to prepare for the transfer. This work will be brought forward for Regional Council’s consideration as part of the annual business plan and budget deliberations for 2022/23. Along with this road transfer, Halifax Water will be doing the stormwater management/ditch maintenance service for HRM. Hence this will bring about a Stormwater Management Service fee (Ditch Tax) to all those properties within these catchment areas. 

There will be Public Information Sessions held in our area:

• Tuesday, December 7th 4:00-7:30 PM

Lawrencetown Community Ctr. 3567 Hwy 207

• Wednesday, December 8th 4:00-7:30 PM

Lake Echo Fellowship Baptist Church, 17 Peter Court, Mineville

• Thursday, December 9th 4:00-7:30 PM

Lake Echo Community Centre – 3168 Hwy 7

• Friday, December 10th 2:00-6:00 PM

East Preston Recreation Centre – 24 Brooks Drive

For more information about this NS/HRM Road Service Exchange, please visit:  www.halifax.ca/transportation/streets-sidewalks/transfer-roads-province-nova-scotia-halifax-regional-municipality

HRM ELECTRIC VEHICLE STRATEGY

HRM’s long-term climate action plan, “HalifACT: Acting on Climate Together” is the municipality’s plan to reduce emissions and help communities adapt to a changing climate and to reduce carbon. HRM staff

was directed to prioritize efforts in seven core areas, one being to develop a municipal electric vehicle (EV) strategy that would guide a low carbon transportation transition with recommendations relating to public EV infrastructure, policy requirements, education needs and a municipal light duty fleet transition plan. 

The four key areas of focus in the final EV Strategy are:

•  Public Charging Infrastructure

a detailed plan for the number of chargers needed within the Halifax region, specific recommendations on geographical locations, and cost estimates.

•  Electric Vehicle Policies : recommendations on municipal and provincial policies that can help increase access to home charging.

•  Advocacy and Support : critical actions that are outside of the Municipality’s direct control but for which it can advocate for, as well as educational partnerships.

•  Light Duty Fleet Electrification

provides the Municipality with a roadmap for electrifying its light duty fleet to achieve its 100% EV target in the most cost effective and least disruptive way.

HRM & NS PROPERTY TAX PROGRAMS

HRM has programs to aid homeowners with property tax obligations. There are various options for payment plans, rebates, or deferral of property taxes. A homeowner with a LIC (local improvement charge) can apply for a deferral of these charges. Some of these programs are available to homeowners with a combined household income of $34,000

or less. 

Deadline to apply is December 31st. 

There is also a NS Provincial Property Tax Rebate for Seniors Program for those who have been receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement in January of the application year. Criteria requires you to have

paid your property taxes from the prior year in full. A receipt from HRM showing property taxes are paid in full is required. Applicants to this program can receive a rebate on half of their taxes paid to a maximum of $800. More details can be found by calling 902-424- 5200 or 211 or toll-free at 1-800-670-4357. 

Deadline to apply is also December 31st. 

NS HOUSING CAPACITY BUILDING

This provincial program provides funding to eligible housing providers for projects aimed primarily at supporting modernization and restructuring non-profit housing providers/co-operatives, enabling long-term sustainability. It encourages organizations to assess or reassess their operating practice and governance toward developing a plan that will achieve greater financial viability and optimize social outcomes. Organizations that demonstrate potential for growth can receive financial support to prepare development plans. Funding is also available for community groups or non-profit societies who want to establish a community land trust in their

area. 

Send your application with all attachments to:  communityhousinggrants@novascotia.ca  by 4:30 PM on December 10th.

RURAL PARKS & RECREATION INPUT

HRM Recreation staff from Musquodoboit Harbour and Sheet Harbour will be conducting Pop Up Engagement sessions that involve getting feedback from the public on the “What We’ve Heard” Report about its Rural Parks & Recreation Strategy from their work so far. This report was generated from the interviews, surveys and questionnaires completed over the last 6 months. 

The following dates have been designated for the Eastern Shore area:

• Saturday December 4th 6:30-8:30PM

Musquodoboit Harbour Parade of Lights by the Musquodoboit Harbour Library

• Sunday, December 5th 3:30-6:30PM

Christmas Time on Mainstreet by the Sheet Harbour Library

• Friday, December 10th 9AM to 12Noon

Musquodoboit Harbour Library

INT’L HUMAN RIGHTS DAY – DECEMBER 10th

We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. Human rights are inherent to all human beings, no matter our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. Learn what your human rights are, as well as your responsibilities. It has now been 73 years since the United Nations made the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Here are some global campaigns to promote our rights:  www.standup4humanrights.org/en/campaigns.html

GOODWILL & PEACE ON EARTH

I want to wish everyone the very best of this Holiday Season. During this joyful time of year there are many types of spiritual and cultural celebrations: Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Season’s Greetings, Happy Hanukkah, Al Hijra, and Kwanza. The message of ‘Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All’ is universal. Have yourself a blessed time with family, friends and neighbours. May we all strive to have peace, tranquility and harmony in our daily lives. Remember those who may be less fortunate or are experiencing hardship and despair. Please give to your local food bank. Or better yet, give the gift of life and donate blood. May we all be blessed with good health and happiness throughout the New Year ahead and hopefully be pandemic-free!

Councillor David Hendsbee

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