District 16 residents,
It is almost the weekend and therefore time for another update. Regional Council met this past Tuesday with a long Agenda and then a Virtual Public Hearing.
Below I will provide some highlights of the meeting, and also some of the Public Service Announcements from HRM that I shared by social media.
Transit – Please remember that masks are now required by Provincial Public Health Order on Halifax Transit.
Transit and Electronic Fares – Regional Passed the Halifax Transit Fare Management Phase 2 Strategy. You can read the report via accessing the link below.
https://www.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-hall/regional-council/200721rc1118.pdf
Park Land Purchase – Regional Council unanimously decided to partner with Nova Scotia Nature Trust and the province to purchase another parcel of land for the Birch Cove Blue Mountain Park. Staff originally advised against the purchase, as this land was outside of the previous park boundary set by Council. However, Council and many members of the public felt that this land and this partnership was too good of an opportunity to reject. You can access the report via the link below.
https://www.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-hall/regional-council/200721rc11111.pdf
Report from Task Force – Regional Council accepted in principal the recommendations in the Report from the Task Force on the Recognition of Edward Cornwallis and the Recognition and Commemoration of Indigenous History. The link below will take you to the PowerPoint presentation given to Council containing highlights of the Report.
A Call to Action!
Over the years I have received many, many calls and emails regarding the HRM Construction Noise Bylaw hours and also regarding Bedford Lot Grading Permits. Residents have expressed concerns regarding how early work can start in the morning, how late it can go at night, and whether work on significant projects should be permitted on Sundays.
So, below is your call to action and an official opportunity to contribute any concerns or suggestions regarding these HRM Bylaws.
Public Service Announcements
Public surveys on construction noise and grade alteration by-laws
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting residents to complete two online surveys seeking feedback on potential changes to existing municipal regulations relating to grading and construction noise in residential areas.
The Grade Alteration and Stormwater Management By-Law Online Survey proposes condensing three existing grade alteration regulations related to grading, excavation and topsoil removal—including the Topsoil By-Law 40, Bedford Grade Alteration By-Law and Pits Gravel Pits & Excavations By-Law 41—into one new Grade Alteration By-Law. New stormwater management standards are also proposed. Feedback will help simplify how land can be alternated, and how stormwater can be designed and managed on private property during construction. This will help property owners to better navigate and meet regulations. This survey should take approximately ten minutes to complete and can be found here.
The Construction Noise Survey seeks to determine whether changes should be made to the Noise By-Law (N-200), including construction hours of operation in residential areas. This survey provides an opportunity for residents to share their experiences with construction-related noise and provide recommendations for possible changes. This survey should take between five and 10 minutes to complete and can be found here.
The surveys are located on the Shape Your City website. Participant feedback will be used to inform recommendation reports to Regional Council.
The Grade Alteration and Stormwater Management By-Law Online Survey closes on August 18.
The Construction Noise Survey closes on August 31”.
Traffic Update – Larry Uteck Boulevard – Traffic Delays
Friday, July 24, 2020 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents to expect delays on Larry Uteck Boulevard, between Brookline Drive and Abbington Avenue, from Monday, July 27 to Monday, August 10.
Heritage Gas will be installing and restoring natural gas pipelines in the area. Crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
Two lanes of traffic will be maintained while work is underway.
Motorists should expect delays and are asked to use alternative routes whenever possible.
Your patience is appreciated while this work is completed.
Have a good weekend and I welcome your comments, questions, and ideas!
Tim