Councillor’s Communiqué : April 2006 - Issue # 101

CENSUS DAY IN CANADA - 2006

Every five years Statistics Canada conducts a census. The next Census of Canada will take place on Tuesday, May 16^th, 2006 when just over 32.5 million people across the roughly 9.2 million square kilometres of Canadian territory will "count themselves in".

You will receive a Census Questionnaire in early May. Please fill it in and mail it by May 16^th or for this census, households across the country can choose the convenience of completing their census questionnaire online. It is an easy, secure and convenient option that can be used anywhere, anytime. The latest technologies have been used to ensure that Statistics Canada's strict security and confidentiality requirements are met without imposing any pre-registration or lengthy download processes for the Census Internet application. This new method places Canada at the forefront of census taking.

Beginning on May 2^nd, 2006, the on-line version of the census questionnaire will be available at the Statistics Canada web-site : http://www22.statcan.ca/ccr_r000_e.htm  The Census Help Line will be operating, starting May 1^st, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The number is 1-877-594-2006. Be sure to be Counted In !

2006 HRM INTERIM TAX BILLS

If any property owner do not receive their HRM  interim tax bill by March 31^st, then you are requested to call the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000. The due date is Friday, April 28^th  All HRM Customer Service Centres will have extended store hours until 5:30 PM on Thursday April 27^th and Friday April 28^th.

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

Each year, communities all across Canada celebrate International Volunteer Week. This year 2006, it will take place from April 23^rd to 29^th. The primary purpose of this specially designated week is to thank and honour people who donate their time to help others by supporting the causes in which they believe. Volunteer Week also serves to reinforce the human values that volunteering represents and increase awareness of the vital importance of volunteerism to our communities.

The theme for National Volunteer Week is "Volunteers Grow Community". Selected volunteers from throughout HRM have been chosen to represent the thousands of volunteers presently working throughout our municipality. These volunteers will be recognized by HRM during a Volunteer Awards & Appreciation Reception on Wednesday night, April 26^th at City Hall. The following District 3 citizens were nominated by their respective organizations:   

Dennis Robert Eisan - Westphal,

Sallie Murphy - Lawrencetown,

Florence Richardson - Lawrencetown,

Don Mosher  - Lake Echo ,

Geraldine Mannette - Porters Lake

Rolene Barrett  - Porter's Lake

Lisa MacDougall - West Porters Lake

The following web-sites on volunteering have event ideas, promotional tips and more:

http://www.volunteer.ca/volcan/eng/content/nvw/welcome.php

www.recreationns.ns.ca/volunteerawards

Many thanks to all the 2006 recipients !

SAFETY IN OUR COMMUNITIES

A safer community starts on your street and it can begins with you in your home ! Have you ever considered being a Block Parent, or a member of Citizens on Patrol, or partake in a Neighbourhood Watch program ? Well it is something you should seriously think about.

The primary goal of making our communities safer is to deter criminals and troublemakers.  A network of local volunteers are needed to keep a watchful eye on our neighbourhoods. For more details regarding the Block Parent Program, call 1-800-663-1134 or go to www.blockparent.ca or to the Nova Scotia Chapter call 1-800-665-4900 or go to : http://novascotiablockparent.com/ . Get to know more about Crime-stoppers at:  www.crimestoppers.ns.ca/ or other volunteer opportunities in community policing programs in our area with the local RCMP detachments: www.rcmp‑grc.gc.ca/ns/a_z/index_e.htm  such as Coastal/Airport Watch, Citizens on Patrol, Neighbourhood Watch, City Watch, Senior Safety, and Ground Search & Rescue, etc.

Your participation will be greatly appreciated!