Finally, I have been successful in getting HRM to review and overhaul its priority list for ranking local "J" Class subdivision streets for upgrading. As reported back in August 2004 ( Issue # 81) and again in Feb. & June 2006 ( Issues # 99 & # 103 ) I have been stressing that the current priority ranking system based on petition seniority was antiquated and costly. The new ranking system should be far more objective, fair and cost-effective. Local improvements ought to be done where they will have the greatest impact in addressing problematic areas in order to improve local street services such as snow removal and ice control. As well to ensure safer access for emergency vehicles. Major subdivision feeder streets will be given higher consideration, followed by local connector roads and then by the shorter cul-de sacs. Other conditions such as the slope and grade of the road ought to dictate precedence over flatter straight roads. Furthermore, consideration will be given to bulk paving opportunities whereby a cluster of streets within a close geographically area can be done all at once. With these changes, we should anticipate getting more done now than ever before as long as the Provincial Aid to Municipality Cost-share program continues to exist. For more details please refer to :

Property Assessment Notices will be out in the mail a little later this year (Feb.7th). There will be a 21 day official Appeal Period (until Feb. 28th) whereby property owners can review and perhaps refute their appraisals. If you feel it is not assessed properly, then you should contact the NS Dept. of Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations and speak with an Assessment Services representative. The NS Central Region Assessment Office is located at 780 Windmill Road, Burnside Industrial Park, Dartmouth, NS, B3B 1T3. Telephone # 424-5225 or Toll-free # 1-800-667-5727. Fax # 424-0586.

Property owners are encouraged to call and talk to an Assessor at this office, prior to appealing an assessment. Perhaps this approach may answer and clear up some questions that you may have, hopefully avoiding the time and expense of an appeal. If not, you have the right to make a formal appeal, IN WRITING, either by letter or fax or hand-delivered, which must be received by the Assessment Office on time before the deadline (Feb.28th). Appeals by E-Mail are not yet acceptable by Legislation.

The NS Dept. of Transportation & Public Works does most of the snow removal and ice control road services in District 3. Our local NS Highway Depot in Chezzetcook is at 827-2544. But for North Preston, Westphal, and all of the subdivision streets in the West & Upper Lawrencetown area, please call HRM Snow and Ice Control at 490-6203 or the HRM Service Call Centre at 490-4000. Drivers can get up-to-date road conditions across Nova Scotia by calling the SNOW-line: 1-800-307-SNOW