Since returning as your Councillor, I have been advocating for some municipal aid to assist with the operational costs of our local facilities. As reported back in Nov. 2004 (Issue # 84) and Feb. 2005 (Issue # 87), it has been my belief that HRM should be contributing something more than occasional capital repair and upgrade grants to our local municipally owned but community volunteer operated facilities. Again during this year's budget debates, this point was emphasized and finally I can report some success in this endeavour.

On October 3rd and 24th municipal staff filed its reports with Regional Council on how a HRM Contributions Plan will be initiated. The aim is to provide financial support to community partners who provide recreation and leisure opportunities to the general public under contract to HRM through a facility management or lease agreement. The objective during this initial year of the program is to help stabilize operations of 24 neighbourhood and community facilities throughout HRM.

Taxation Reform has been discussed by Regional Council on a number of occasions. A motion was passed back on April 16th, 2004 to look at alternatives to the current property tax system. Council discussed tax reform on March 8th and Sept. 6th, 2005 and again on Jan. 25th, 2006. On Sept. 26th, 2006 Council created a Tax Reform Committee (TRC) to study this issue more in depth. Tax reform can be described as encompassing five key issues: 1. Rapidly rising and uneven market values, unrelated to services or income levels; 2. Resources being shifted to fund mandatory education ( which is a Provincial responsibility); 3. Issues surrounding urban, suburban and rural taxation and services and its boundary areas; 4. The need to encourage growth and development with stronger connections between the tax system and the Regional Plan; and 5. Unclear philosophy for long term objectives with the current tax system as it relates to the limited sensitivity to one's ability to pay, weak connections between taxes and services; and a desire for a competitive taxation regime.

Community involvement, understanding and interaction is critical to the success of any tax reform. Tax discussions can be both complex and emotional and can be difficult to communicate. The TRC will provide an important communication and public participation link between Council and the broader community and stakeholders. This steering committee will be the "eyes and ears" of HRM residents and business people throughout the tax reform process. This will help ensure that different community issues and values are identified and appropriately considered. For more information and details; go on-line to