Hi folks,
I hope that you had a good week and were able to enjoy some of the sunshine and warmth.
Regional Council did not meet this past week, but it will be meeting with a large agenda and a virtual Public Hearing this Tuesday. The Agenda can be accessed via the link below.
https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/regional-council/august-18-2020-halifax-regional-council-special-
Below are a few key announcements and updates from this past week.
Update from Halifax Transit:
The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving effects of COVID-19.
As the province moves through its recovery phases, Halifax Transit has increased service levels in a phased approach while continuing to follow public health guidelines.
Bus service increase – Monday, Aug. 31
Halifax Transit bus service will return to regular schedules as of Monday, Aug. 31.
Ferry service increase – Tuesday, Sept. 8
The following adjustments will go into effect on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Woodside service will increase to 15 minute frequency on weekdays at peak periods (6:37 a.m. – 9: 37 a.m. and 2:37 p.m. – 5:22 p.m.) 30 minute service will also be restored mid-day.
Alderney service will increase to 15 minute frequency on weekdays at peak periods (6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.).
Access-a-Bus service levels will continue to be adjusted to meet the demand.
Passengers are reminded that as per the public health order, masks are mandatory on all Halifax Transit buses and ferries. Children under two and those with a medical reason for not wearing a mask are exempt. Transit riders are responsible for bringing their own masks.
Halifax Transit staff will continue to hand out masks periodically, through pop-up events at select locations across the municipality. Times and locations will be announced in advance, via @hfxtransit on Twitter.
Fare collection on buses and ferries resumed on Saturday, August 1.
Those who are feeling ill are reminded not to use any transit service until their health returns to normal.
For specific Halifax Transit schedules and routes, visit halifax.ca/transportation/halifax-transit/routes-schedules.
DeWolf Park and the Emerald Ash Borer Update:
I have received a few inquiries recently regarding the status of the Emerald Ash Borer situation in our DeWolf Park. Below is the update I received this week from HRM’s Arborist.
“Last year, with the help of the Canadian Food inspection Agency and the Canadian Forest Service we conducted a characterization of the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer in Halifax, focusing on Bedford (ground zero). Unfortunately, our tests and samples indicated that the infestation was farther advanced than we had originally though, back when we began to remove some of the most heavily infested trees in an attempt to slow the spread. At this point, we are choosing to retain the trees as urban canopy until they completely succumb, giving us time to replant before having to loss the existing canopy entirely.
Emerald Ash Borer is unfortunately a pest, and no municipality on the continent successfully managing it. We are somewhat fortunate in Halifax in that we don’t have a particularly large population of Ash trees (whether planted or native) meaning the impact will not be as great. Further, our wet climate seems to permit the trees to live with an infestation much longer than in other parts of the county”.
Rodent and Animal Concerns:
I have received concerns from a number of residents regarding an increase in the number of animals and rodents in our District this summer. Our hot summer, mild last winter, and large number of construction projects have all likely contributed.
Folks have expressed concerns regarding what appears to be significantly more deer, raccoons, mice and rats. Wildlife such as deer and raccoons fall under provincial jurisdiction, and inquiries should be addressed to the Department of Natural Resources.
HRM and Halifax Water bait or trap rodents on their property only. Developers demolishing an existing structure, or building a new structure, are required to bait two weeks prior to commencing the project. Property owners are responsible for any rodents on private property. I encourage residents to be cautious when feeding birds, deer, squirrels, etc. In my experience this practice can often attract rodents. I also encourage residents to not stack brush or junk on their property.
I Hear Bells!!
HRM announced this week that it is reinstating the historic bells at City Hall. You can learn more about this project via the link below.
https://www.halifax.ca/recreation/arts-culture-heritage/city-hall-bells
District 16 Newsletter:
Hopefully you have received my Summer 2020 Newsletter in the mail. If not, it can be accessed via the link below.
Municipal Election 2020:
I announced this week that I will be seeking re-election as your representative on Halifax Regional Council. I have setup a Re-Elect Tim Outhit for Bedford – Wentworth Group on Facebook. Within the next week or so I will be launching my campaign website, and outlining my Bio, Accomplishments, Vision & Objectives, and my ongoing Commitment to you. We have come along way, but there are huge opportunities and significant challenges ahead. I respectfully request your support, and look forward to your ideas about how we can work together to accomplish great things.
Have a great weekend and I welcome your questions and ideas!
Tim