Each October, there are several community activities and events that showcase and share the history and heritage of the Mi’kmaw people. October is Mi’kmaw History Month because it coincides with the anniversary of English settlers signing the inaugural Peace and Friendship Treaty with the Mi’kmaw people. Treaty Day is October 1st and on this designated date the Mi’kmaw people received a promise of peace along with compensation for appropriated lands, resources and the impact of conflict on people and communities across Mi’kma’ki.  In an effort to assist all Nova Scotians in increasing their knowledge and awareness of Mi’kmaw culture, history and heritage, a Mi’kmaq History Month Committee was established to promote and encourage educational and cultural activities during October. For more information, go to:  http://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca

The Porters Lake Business Association (PLBA) has developed an Infrastructure Improvement Plan for Highway #7 from Porters Lake Station Road to Stella Drive. This document will be key to help guide the PLBA application for municipal, provincial and federal infrastructure funding. The overall vision and conceptual plan is for the re-development of Highway #7 with features such as sidewalks, extra turning lanes, bike lanes, crosswalks, storefront façade improvements, roadside amenities and wayfinding signage through the Business Village corridor. The PLBA will be presenting their plan to the HRM Transportation Standing Committee on Monday, October 3rd at 1PM at Halifax City Hall. This meeting will be available to watch online on the Halifax Regional Municipality YouTube channel. Here’s a link to the PLBA/WSP conceptual plan: https://www.porterslakebusiness.com/_files/ugd/ecbb5d_7adb9f37260144a49f079ba08a07b3b0.pdf

The Southeastern and Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Community Health Boards annually provides “Wellness Funds” grants to support projects addressing the social determinants of health such as poverty, food insecurity, healthy lifestyles, early childhood development, literacy, safe/affordable housing and social isolation. Deadline to apply is 5 PM on Friday, October 14th. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their respective CHB coordinator if they have any questions on the proposal guidelines. For more information, contact Monique Mullins-Roberts, SECHB Coordinator:  monique.mullins_roberts@nshealth.ca   / 902-460-6869 or Denise VanWychen, ESMCHB Coordinator:  denise.vanwychen@nshealth.ca    / 902-891-0372. For more program information, please visit:  www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca/wellness-funds    or check out their Facebook pages:  https://www.facebook.com/SoutheasternCHB/   and  https://www.facebook.com/ESMCHB/

Applications are now open for the Outdoor Community Rink Program that allows community groups to operate a community rink on municipalowned property. Applicants can also apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to cover insurance costs associated with operating the rink. For more information on the Outdoor Community Rink Program, including this year’s application form and eligibility criteria, please visit the HRM website:  www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-gardens/outdoor-rink-insurance-grant-program   Deadline: October 14th.

As of October 16th, weather permitting, and whether the NS Forest Weather Index (FWI) –  www.novascotia.ca/BurnSafe   – is at a low or moderate reading, the time of day burning restrictions will be lifted. For more information about winter open-air burning and safe burning practices:  www.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/burning-permits/burning-rules-regulations  .

Please be careful whenever burning!

The goal of NS Walks is to create social supports to increase opportunities for people who are currently less active to enjoy the benefits of walking. Walking is said to be the perfect activity with its tremendous physical, mental and social benefits and is the most popular activity for all Nova Scotians. However, the number one barrier Nova Scotians have cited as to why they aren’t more active is that they don’t have anyone to be active with. Walking groups can be a solution to this problem. NS Walks walking groups are inclusive and include those of all abilities. NS Walks works with partners to support the development of community walking groups, helps to build capacity (knowledge, skills, training, awareness) of partners and other stakeholders to support walking for the target groups, and connects Nova Scotians with walking groups in their communities. To learn more, contact them by email at:  walk@hikenovascotia.ca   or call 902-932- 6902. Their website:  www.nswalks.ca   or Facebook: @hikenovascotia . So, let’s get out and enjoy the splendor of the Autumn’s colourful foliage.

Back in February 2022, HRM Council established the District Boundary Resident Review Panel to advise on the boundaries of the districts for the 2024 Municipal Elections. The Panel has developed various maps that proposes 16 polling district boundaries that considers factors such as the current and projected population growth and development of the municipality. The Panel has approved a draft proposed district boundary map for use at the public consultation. They can be viewed at:  www.halifax.ca/city-hall/boards-committees-commissions/september-14-2022-district-boundary-resident-review-panel   . The next phase of the District Boundary Review is seeking feedback on the proposed changes to existing polling district boundaries. This campaign will feature an online survey, available from Tuesday, October 11th and closing on October 25th. The Online survey link and other information is available at:  www.halifax.ca/boundaryreview  . Plus, there will be various in-person public engagement sessions with a Zoom virtual participation option:

• Tuesday, October 11th 6-8PM Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library.

This meeting has a Zoom participation option.

• Thursday, October 13th 6-8PM North Preston Comm. Centre 44 Simmonds Rd.

This meeting has a Zoom participation option.

• Monday, October 24th 6-8PM Harbour East – Marine Drive Community Council Meeting Space,

60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth.

HRM invoices property tax bills to all property owners twice each year. The tax year covers the fiscal period of April 1st – March 31st. The first tax bill was sent in March. The second and final bill will be sent out in September and is due Monday, October 31st. The first (or interim) invoice is based on 50% of the current year’s estimated taxes but based on last year’s rates. The final invoice is calculated using the current assessment with the current year’s tax rates, less the amount you paid from the first invoice. The total amounts billed must be paid by the due date to avoid interest charges. For more information: please call 311, or 902-490-4000 or visit  www.halifax.ca/home-property/municipal-payments/making-a-payment   

This annual program supports initiatives encouraging neighbours to connect with one another through a community project. Recipients receive training, guidance, and up to $1,500 in funding for their neighbourhood project. Projects may include street paintings, neighbourhood benches, community film screenings, and more. For more information and to apply:  www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/arts-culture-heritage/community-arts/neighbourhood-placemaking