December 2024 - Issue #325 – Peace on Earth
HRM & NS PROPERTY TAX PROGRAMS
HRM has a variety of programs to aid homeowners with their property tax obligations. There are various options for payment plans, property tax rebates, or deferral of property taxes (payment is put off to a future later date). A homeowner with a LIC – (local improvement charge) can also apply for a deferral of these charges. It is important that you know what choices exist. Some of these programs are available to homeowners with a combined household income of $48,000 or less a year. The HRM application form can be found at: https://cdn.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/about-halifax/cc-affordableaccessprogrampdf-updated-2024.pdf
The deadline to apply is December 31st each year for an exemption applied to the interim (mid-year) tax bill the following year. And apply again by August 15th each year for an exemption on your final taxbill.
Furthermore, seniors should know that there is a NS Provincial Property Tax Rebate for Seniors Program: This program is 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 about this provincial program can be found by calling (902) 424-5200 or 211 or toll-free at 1-800-670-4357 or at any Access Nova Scotia Center.
https://novascotia.ca/sns/access/individuals/consumer-awareness/property-tax-rebate-for-seniors.asp Deadline to apply is also December 31st. Application form can be downloaded from:
RCMP & BODY WORN CAMERAS
Starting back in mid-November, the Nova Scotia RCMP have issued body-worn cameras (BWCs) to officers across the province. The cameras will be issued to 600 RCMP officers across the province in a phased approach over the next six to eight months. These BWCs can help build trust between the police and the community because the video evidence collected provides an independent, unbiased, and objective way to capture interactions. RCMP officers will typically wear their BWCs on their chests; members of the public will know they’re recording when a red light is visible and flashing below the lens of the camera. BWCs will be complemented by a digital evidence management system that will be used to store and manage video captured by the cameras. The use of BWCs will also improve evidence collection and help resolve public complaints more quickly with actual recordings of the interaction between officers and civilians.
2025 VOLUNTEER NOMINATIONS
HRM is advising residents that applications have opened for the 2025 Volunteer Awards. 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 30th. This coincides with National Volunteer Week. The application period closes on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 at 5 PM. More details can be found on our website: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/volunteering/volunteer-awards
If you have any questions, please reach out to volunteerhelp@halifax.ca
LAKEWATCHERS REPORT 2022-23
Regional Council was given a "State of the Lakes" Report back on November 12th that provided an in-depth analysis of the 2022-23 LakeWatchers program, which was initiated to monitor the water quality of 73 lakes in HRM. In District 2 the following lakes were part of this study: Lake Echo, Porters Lake (4 sections) Petpeswick Lake, Pine Lake, Scots Lake and Lake Charlotte. The report outlines the key findings of the LakeWatchers Program related to the current baseline conditions of the lakes, focusing on eutrophication, chloride enrichment, and bacterial contamination. The LakeWatchers Program actively engages and involves community groups and volunteers in water quality monitoring, setting it apart from a previous municipal water quality monitoring program (2006-2011) which relied solely on consultants. The LakeWatchers program was launched in the spring of 2022. The number of lakes in which community groups and volunteers have participated has grown to include 30 of 73 lakes as of August 2023. Residents can participate by collecting data for a local lake. If you live on or near one of the 73 lakes selected for the program, HRM encourages you to start a LakeWatchers Monitoring Team to collect water quality samples. Please contact the Program Coordinator Chris Kennedy, 902-476-1853 or by email at water@halifax.ca to find out more about roles and expectations of LakeWatcher Monitoring Teams and when the next round of training and sampling will take place. More info at:https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/environment-climate-change/lakes-rivers/lakewatchers
Here is a link to the 2022-23 report:
https://pub-halifax.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=441
Here is a link to the Council presentation:
https://pub-halifax.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=442
INT’L HUMAN RIGHTS DAY - DEC.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 76 years since the United Nations made the UN Declaration of Human Rights. www.standup4humanrights.org
CART COLLECTION FOR GARBAGE?
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve solid waste management and enhance community services, HRM is exploring a cart-based collection system for garbage, similar to the green cart program for the collection of residential organics. Cart-based collection of waste in black or brown carts is an emerging trend across Canada. Blue Carts for recycling is not in scope as part of this evaluation, as responsibility for blue bag material will shift from the municipality to producers in December 2025 under the provincial Extended Producer Responsibility program.
Factors for adopting a cart-based program are typically related to health and safety considerations, modernization of collection infrastructure, citizen satisfaction (e.g., ease of use, storage) and protection from animals/birds and associated litter. If implemented, each household would receive a wheeled cart specifically designed for garbage disposal. On collection days, residents would place their carts by the road, where trucks equipped with hydraulic arms will lift, empty, and return the carts. A survey to gauge public interest and support will be available until December 20th.
The results of the survey will be used to inform a ‘Garbage/Organics Automated Cart Based Collection Implementation Plan’ which staff will present to Halifax Regional Council in Spring 2025. There are a couple of options for residents to access the survey: Either Online at: https://www.shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/solid-waste-strategy-review Or get a Physical hardcopy of the survey that will be available in standard print and large font print for pick-up at each of the HRM municipal service counters at Alderney Gate, Bayers Road and Musquodoboit Harbour.
For questions about the cart-based collection survey please call 311 for more information.
GOODWILL & PEACE ON EARTH
My wife Susan and 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, tranquillity 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!
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