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EsperantoJanuary 23, 2012
Parent n Tot - Programming for Families
Fairview Family Resource Centre offers a range of educational and supportive programs for our community including parent respite, first aid training, bowling, ESL (in partnership with ISIS), life skills programming (such as coping skills, resume writing, literacy, and personal development support), and an on-site public health nurse visits.
For further information, Parent n Tot's regular programs are on their website calendar at www.parentntot.com or phone them at 443-9569.
January 16, 2012
Halifax North West Trails Association - Update
I attended the Community Open House at Trinity Anglican Church for input into the Mainland North Linear Parkway Trail Extension. The church is the current end-point for the trail. The idea is to extend it to the Chain of Lakes Trail, and then eventually into Long Lake Provincial Park.
These days I'm also exploring the possibility of linking the Stoneridge subdivision safely with the Chain of Lakes Trail. There will be more on this possibility in the months to come.
Contact info@halifaxnorthwesttrails.ca for more information.
http://www.halifaxnorthwesttrails.ca/
January 15, 2012
Halifax North West Trails Association
You are invited to a Community Open House. Your input is requested for the Mainland North Linear Parkway Trail Extension.
Tomorrow:
Monday January 16, 2:30-7:30pm.
Trinity Anglican Church, 321 Main Ave.
Drop by any time. The walking/biking trail currently ends near Main Ave./Dunbrack St. - the first phase of construction will hopefully start this spring. Come learn about the proposed trail extension towards the Chain of Lakes trail, and give your input and feedback.
Door prizes and light refreshments.
Speakers at 3:00pm and 6:30pm.
Contact info@halifaxnorthwesttrails.ca for more information.
Hosted by Halifax North West Trails Association.
http://www.halifaxnorthwesttrails.ca/
January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!
Wishing you all the best in 2012!
December 22, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
Office Hours
The constituency office will be open until noon on Friday, December 23rd, and then closed through to Tuesday, January 3rd.
December 11, 2011
Fairview Tree Lighting
The Fairview Christmas tree lighting was lots of fun. Great crowd! We sang carols, shared some good food, lit the tree, had a visit from Santa Claus. Thanks to all the organizers, especially the Fairview Clayton Park CAN, and Freeman's Little New York.
House Hours
House hours today are are 4:00pm-12:00am. We will be sitting similarly late hours through the week.
As usual, the House is broadcast live, and you can also find the previously recorded sessions at the Legislature website and for download as podcasts.
http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/proceedings/legislative-tv/
November 25, 2011
Fairview Tree Lighting
Come join the community on Sunday, December 11th at 6pm, Freeman’s Restaurant andFairview/Clayton Park Community Action Network(CAN) at the 1st annual Fairview Christmas Tree Lighting at 3671 Dutch Village Road.
There will be free hot chocolate, finger food, a choir singing carols and a special visit by Santa Claus.
November 21, 2011
How would you Balance Nova Scotia's Budget?
Today I announced the creation of a website where you can tell us how you would balance Nova Scotia's budget. Show us your priorities by using the website to adjust the numbers.
To participate, go to backtobalance.ca and submit your input there using the online budget tool.
http://www.backtobalance.ca/
November 10, 2011
Lest We Forget
Today I was honoured to attended a Rememberance Day ceremony with the students of Fairview Elementary at their school.
Tomorrow, I will present a wreath during the Fairview Legion's ceremony at the Fairview Cenotaph on Hillcrest Drive. Ceremonies around Metro begin at 11am.
Here's a list of ceremonies all around Metro: http://www.news957.com/news/local/article/297825--remembrance-day-where-to-go-what-s-open-and-closed
November 7, 2011
Legislature
This Week's House Hours:
Monday, November 7th 7pm - 10pm
Tuesday, November 8th 2pm-6pm
Wednesday, November 9th 2pm-6pm
Thursday, November 10th 12pm-4pm
The House is broadcast live, and you can also find the previously recorded sessions at the Legislature website and for download as podcasts.
http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/proceedings/legislative-tv/
When the house isn't sitting, committees are also available through streaming media, and though podcasts.
http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/proceedings/audio/
November 3, 2011
Home Heating Rebates
Nova Scotians who are most in need will once again benefit from the province's home heating rebate.
The Heating Assistance Rebate Program , an application-based program, offers a rebate of up to $200 for eligible applicants who heat their home with oil, natural gas, wood, wood pellets. propane, electricity or coal.
Households with net annual incomes of less than $42,000 and single people making less than $27,000 and who purchase home heating fuels, qualify for the rebate.
Last year, more than 50,000 Nova Scotians received the rebate. Applications have been mailed to last year's recipients to encourage them to re-apply. They must meet all program requirements for this year to receive the rebate.
Applications are available at the constituency office, at Access Nova Scotia centres, Department of Community Services' offices, online at www.homeheatinghelp.ca , or by calling 1-800-670-4357.
October 28, 2011
Public Forum - Former Halifax West High School Site - Dutch Village Road
HRM is holding a public forum regarding the development of the former Halifax West High School Site, and the developer's application.
The meeting is Tuesday, November 15th @ 6pm at City Hall's Council Chambers. 1841 Argyle Street.
Here's a link to all the details, including maps of the proposed development, elevations, renderings, traffic impact study, servicing, and stormwater management plans:
http://halifax.ca/planning/Case01254Details.html
For more information, please contact HRM Planning - Paul Sampson (sampsop@halifax.ca), 490-6259.
October 31, 2011
Poppies
Yesterday, I was honoured to give time at the poppy table in Bayers Lake Wal-Mart to help our local veterans with their poppy sales. A number of residents were out braving the storm, and I was happy to chat and hear from them about issues in our community.
http://www.legion.ca/Poppy/cam paign_e.cfm
The Fairview Legion will hold its annual Remembrance Day ceremony in November 11 from 10:30am at the Fairview Cenotaph (50 Hillcrest Street). I will be attending and laying a wreath on behalf of Nova Scotia government in commemoration of our veterans.
October 28, 2011
The House
The Fall session of the Legislature begins on Monday.
House hours are:
Monday, October 31: 7pm-10pm
Tuesday, November 1: 2pm-6pm
Wednesday, November 2: 2pm-6pm
Thursday, November 3: 2pm-6pm
Friday, November 4: 9am-12pm
During the session, you can watch the session streaming live on LegTV:
http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/proceedings/legislative-tv/
Fairview/Clayton Park Community Action Network
On Wednesday the Fairview Clayton Park Community Action Network met at their regular meeting to discuss their priorities and possible projects for the next months. Engaging residents and busness owners, enhancing safety and preventing crime, as well as improving the streetscape along Dutch Village Road came up as top priorities.
You can help! Join in on the CAN Group by attending the meetings and getting involved. Contact Keith Wells at 719-0382 or email israel@eastlink.ca.
Development of the Former Halifax West Property
Development of the former Halifax West property is still before the Halifax Regional Council. Here are links to some news stories of the past week about the issue:
http://www.halifaxnewsnet.ca/News/2011-10-18/article-2780203/Redevelopment-of-old-Halifax-West-heading-to-public-hearing--/1
http://thechronicleherald.ca/hcw/26274-area-residents-ready-fight-development-proposed-former-halifax-west-site
October 21, 2011
Freeman's Little New York - Dutch Village Road
Freeman's Little New York on Dutch Village Road recently made application to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board for changes to its license. The application was a success, and can be read here. Best wishes to Freeman's for future success as a part of our Fairview Community.
October 20, 2011
Ships Will Start Here
Everyone is buzzing about our successful bid for the Federal Government ship building contract! It's wonderful news for all Nova Scotians and for the people in our community - many residents will be positively impacted for years to come.
Here's a great video of the reaction to the announcement.
October 14, 2011
Dad's Family Literacy
On Saturday, October 22, the Fairview Family Resource Centre is offering a free literacy program for male caregivers of children - dads, uncles, grandfathers and their children aged 6 and under are welcome.
Come join for healthy snacks, fun and interactive games, art, and book sharing and songs.
Contact Darlene to register and for more details. 443-9569.
October 6, 2011
Community Meeting - CAN
Tionight there will be an evening meeting of the Fairview-Clayton Park Community Action Network.
The meeting is open to anyone who wants to get involved in community events and activities - and who want to contribute their ideas and support to the enhancement of Fairview/Clayton Park.
28 Willett Street at the Alive Church, Tonight at 6pm, Thursday October 6th.
All in the community are invited to attend - children are welcome.
Please contact parentntot@eastlink.ca for further information.
September 27, 2011
Main Avenue Gets a Mural
Main Avenue is getting a historical mural celebrating our community. Painted by Curphey Forrester, it's located at the corner of Main and Hillcrest. http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1265362.html
September 26, 2011
Cheque Presentation at the Family Resource Centre
This morning I was at the Fairview Family Resource Centre, where Enterprise Rent-a-Car presented $2000 to the organization to support its programs.
Congratulations to the Fairview Family Resource Centre, and thank you Enterprise, for supporting such a valued organization in our community!
September 21, 2011
Fairview / Clayton Park Community Action Network
Today was the regular monthly meeting of the Fairview / Clayton Park Community Action Network - a group of agencies and residents dedicated to improving services to residents in our community.
If you are looking to be involved in the Network, contact Keith Wells, President. 719-0382. Your ideas and input are welcome!
September 9, 2011
Boys and Girls Club of Fairview
Today I met with Boys and Girls Club of Fairview representatives. They're working hard to get a sustainable facility and programs for the Fairview community. They need donations and outreach ideas for fundraising - would you like to help? Let me know.
September 8, 2011
HRM Bayers Road Widening Meeting
Councillors Jennifer Watts, and Jerry Blumenthal are holding a public meeting this Wednesday, September 14th at Saint Andrew's Centre on Bayers Road.
Staff will give an overview of the recommendation to accept the Road Network Functional Plan that includes the planned widening of Bayers Rd and the proposed establishment of a Transportation Reserve Corridor on Bayers Rd.
Though the widening of this section of Bayers Road is at the municipal level, it also affects residents who live along the area connected with the Joseph Howe Drive overpass, and community near Abbot Drive.
Concerned residents are invited to attend, or can contact Jennifer Watts 497-4748 jennifer.watts@halifax.ca or Jerry Blumenthal 431-7136 jerry.blumenthal@halifax.ca .
September 7, 2011
Back to School
Welcome back students!
Students in our area travel to many different schools across the municipality. Here is a list and links to schools within the Halifax Fairview community.
- Ecole Fairview Junior High (155 Rosedale Avenue)
- Fairview Heights School (210 Coronation Avenue)
- Ecole Burton Ettinger School (52 Alex Street)
- Springvale Elementary (92 Downs Avenue)
- Ecole Chebucto Heights Elementary (230 Cowie Hill Road)
- Halifax Christian Academy (114 Downs Avenue)
Best wishes to all for a successful year.
August 30, 2011
Celebrating Volunteers at the Fairview Family Resource Centre
Today I went to a volunteer appreciation event at the Fairview Family Resource Centre. The Centre honoured six super special volunteers. Thank you, and congratulations volunteers!
August 26, 2011
Step Up to Leadership Training - FAIRVIEW
HRM Volunteer Services offers a FREE 10 session course which was developed by volunteers for volunteers. The course covers a wide range of topics and is intended to help you develop leadership skills and build strong communities.
One of the sessions is being offered in Fairview:
Alive Church
28 Willet St, Fairview
Sept 14 to Nov 16
6:30 pm - 9:00pm
To for more information, or to register, please go to this link.
August 22, 2011
Jack Layton
Very sad to hear this morning of Jack Layton's passing. I met Jack several times over the years, including when he was running for the leadership in 2003, and was always impressed by his positive energy. He was a special person, and he will be missed.
Premier Dexter released this statement about Jack's passing.
August 21, 2011
Did you know you can Kayak in the Constituency?
Early this morning I went kayaking on Long Lake. Beautiful, serene. Long Lake Provincial Park is shared between three constituencies, but the most-travelled portion, and all of Long Lake itself, is in Halifax Fairview. I try to paddle on Long Lake at least once each year, usually more. This year I noticed a couple of active campsites, which I haven't seen before, and more than the usual number of firepits. One former beaver lodge had been burned out. As I returned to shore, I saw quite a few dogs out walking their humans. The park continues to be well-used.
The provincial government recently released its natural resources strategy, which includes a section on provincial parks.
July 21, 2011
Boys & Girls Club of Fairview - French Immersion Summer Day Camps
The Boys and girls Club of Fairview is holding French Immersion summer day camps for children aged 5-8, and 9-11. For more information call 477-9840.
July 19, 2011
Remember to Mark your calendar - 5th Annual Fairview Community BBQ & Fair
Mark your calendar for July 30th, 12pm-3pm.
The Fairview & Clayton Park Community Action Network will be hosting its annual community BBQ. This year it will be held at the Centennial Arena (27 Vimy Avenue).
All are welcome! If you wish to volunteer, please contact 443-9569.
June 29, 2011
Congratulations Graduates!
Today I attended the graduation ceremonies for Halifax West and for JL Ilsley High School.
Congratulations to Jacob Farmer of J.L. Ilsley High School and Katie O'Connell of Halifax West High School, who were this year's recipients of the Eileen O'Connell Memorial Bursary.
Best wishes and good luck to all graduates!
June 28, 2011
Grade 9 Graduation
Today I attended the Grade 9 Closing Ceremony at Fairview Junior High School. Congratulations to all Grade 9's, who will mostly be headed for Halifax West. I was pleased to present the HRM Citizenship Award to Cora-Lee Leblanc.
June 27, 2011
Will & Kate Look-Alike Contest
Canada Blood Services at the Bayers Road Centre is having a Will & Kate look-alike contest (and blood donation drive of course) on Thursday, June 30 at 11am.
All are welcome. Here is the poster.
June 17, 2011
Chain Lake Trails Grand Opening is this weekend
On June 18th, the Chain of Lakes Trail Association will be celebrating its Grand Opening.
The Chain of Lakes trail has evolved from a former CN Rail line into a recreational trail our community can enjoy. Click here for my page about its development and history.
The event will be held at the corner of Brook Street and Crown Drive, and will include a BBQ, ribbon cutting, music, face painting, and more.
June 13, 2011
Graduations
Graduation season is upon us! Here are the upcoming Halifax Fairview graduation ceremonies.
Fairview Heights Junior High School Grade 9 Graduation, June 28th.
Halifax West High School, June 29th.
JL Ilsley High School, June 29th.
As in previous years, I will be presenting a bursary to a Halifax West and a JL Ilsley High School graduate in memory of Eileen O'Connell, MLA.
June 1, 2011
Mark your calendar - 5th Annual Fairview Community BBQ & Fair
Mark your calendar for July 30th, 12pm-3pm.
The Fairview & Clayton Park Community Action Network will be hosting its annual community BBQ. This year it will be held at the Centennial Arena (27 Vimy Avenue).
All are welcome! If you wish to volunteer, please contact 443-9569.
May 22, 2011
Canadian Council for the Blind - Sports Weekend
Today I was happy to attend the Canadian Council for the Blind's Sports Weekend banquet at the Fairview Legion.
May 20, 2011
Mark your calendars - Chain Lake Trails Grand Opening
On June 18th, the Chain of Lakes Trail Association will be celebrating its Grand Opening.
The event will be held at the corner of Brook Street and Crown Drive, and will include a BBQ, ribbon cutting, music, face painting, and more.
May 16, 2011
Free Roast Beef Lunch
On Saturday, May 21 at 12pm, there will be a free roast beef dinner held by the Alive Christian Church and the Fairview Salvation Army Church. It will be held at 50 Gesner Drive, at the top of Fairview.
May 16, 2011
Notice of Public Hearing - 3671 Dutch Village Road (Freeman's Little New York / Old Dutchie's Pub location)
There will be a public hearing on June 7th regarding the request of Freeman's Little New York to remove some restrictions from its liquor license. The notice is here. You may object to the application by making a written submission to the UARB by June 1, or by appearing in person at the hearing on June 7, or by doing both.
This notice will be delivered by the UARB to neighbouring apartments to 3671 Dutch Village Road.
May 11, 2011
Joseph Howe Drive Overpass - Page Update
May 9, 2011
Canadian Blood Services
Today was the Grand Opening at the new Canada Blood Services branch at the Bayers Road Centre. I was happy to represent the Halifax Fairview community at the ribbon cutting. The facility is a great new addition to our area - to donate blood or get information on the new facility, drop in - or go to this page.
In the photo to the right, I am with Rob Manuel, heart transplant recipient, who spoke at the event about his experiences - and the benefits of giving blood to the success of medical procedures.
May 5, 2011
Mainland North Volunteer Recognition
Tonight was the Mainland north Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, celebrating our community's volunteers and recognizing their achievments.
This year's recipients are Brent MacDonald, David Wilson, Katie O'Connell, Michael Kabalen, Samantha Nielsen, Suzanne Morrison, and Tareq Yousef.
Congratulations and thanks to all volunteers!
May 4, 2011
Meloche Monnex
Today I attended a new jobs announcement in the constituency at Meloche Monex on Bayers Road. The release for the announcement is here.
May 2, 2011
The Federal Election
Today is the Federal Election.
Please remember to vote. If you don't know where to vote, and cannot find your voter information card, you can search for your polling station at Elections Canada.
April 22, 2011
House Hours
Happy Easter Weekend!
This week's house hours are:
Tuesday April 25, 2-10pm
Wednesday April 26, 2-6pm
Thursday April 27, 12pm-8pm
Friday April 28, 9am-9pm
As always, you may also watch the house proceedings online or on Legislative Television.
April 15, 2011
House Hours
You can watch the sitting of the Legislature live on your computer from the Legislature website.
The Legislature session will also be televised in part on channel 10.
EastLink Television
Tuesday, Noon - 4:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, Noon - 4:00 p.m.
April 5, 2011
The Budget
Today was the release ofNova Scotia's 2011 budget. You can get more information about it and what it contains on the Department of Finance Website.
March 18, 2011
House Goes Back
The Spring session of the legislature wil begin on Thursday, March 31st.
You can watch the sitting of the Legislature live on your computer from the Legislature website.
The Legislature session will also be televised in part on channel 10.
EastLink Television
Tuesday, Noon - 4:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, Noon - 4:00 p.m.
It is also televised live on LegTV (channel 95 on Eastlink digital cable) at each sitting.
Podcasts and an audio version of Question Period, the Public Accounts Committee, and the Budget are now available through the Legislature site and through iTunes. Click here for the iTunes and mp3 links.
March 17, 2011
Happy St Patrick's Day
February 28, 2011
ISIS Classroom Visit
Today I was happy to join in on an ESL class at the St. Andrew's Recreation Centre, where I gave an overview of our system of government - explaining the levels (municipal, provincial, federal), political parties, and the basic structures and responsibilities.
February 21, 2011
Pre-Budget Consultation Tour
This week marks the end of my pre-budget consultation tour. I was in Port Hawkesbury and Sydney last week, and this week I'm in East Hants (Monday), Amherst (Tuesday) and Shelburne (Friday). For more information on the budget process, please visit www.backtobalance.ca.
February 10, 2011
Bella Rose Arts Centre
Tonight starting at 6:45 pm is the grand opening of the Bella Rose Arts Centre, the performing arts space located within Halifax West High School.
February 6, 2011
Our Lady of Lebanon
Today I was very pleased to represent the Premier and the Province at Mass and special lunch in honour of Saint Maroun, patron saint of the Maronite Church, at Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Fairview.
January 26, 2011
Around the Province
I will be on the road quite a bit in January and February, as part of the pre-budget consultation tour (for more information, see www.backtobalance.ca). In January I was in Guysborough, Pictou, the Annapolis Valley (twice), Yarmouth, Liverpool and Bridgewater. Today I spoke to an early-morning gathering of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission. They were kind enough to make a donation in my name to the Fairview Family Resource Centre.
January 10, 2011
Celebrating Community Outreach
The community is invited to attend the Fairview United Church on Jan 16th, when a special service will be held celebrating the community outreach work Fairview Family Resource Centre does for the community. All are welcome to speak about their experiences with the centre. A representative from the board of directors will sign a new lease between the Family Resource Centre and the church.