In April 2007, the Greater Halifax Partnership (GHP) & Halifax Regional Development Agency (RDA) will no longer operate as two, separate economic development organizations. In their place will be one New Entity, with one board of directors will have one mission; to deliver economic growth throughout HRM. The primary directive will be to implement HRM’s Economic Strategy. Details of that plan can be found on-line at: http://www.halifax.ca/economicstrategy/index.html . As part of the effort to ensure a smooth transition to this New Entity, there has been a series of local roundtable discussions. The purpose is to draw upon the experience and perspective of those who are making things happen in their communities of HRM; those whose ideas and views can help drive economic and community development. It is important to consult with people and organizations who have a vested interest in how our regional economy will grow. What is discussed will be captured and used towards the formulation of future projects. The RDA staff have moved in with the GHP personnel to create one centralized office location and the new Board of Directors will be announced shortly. Councillors Stephen Streatch, Reg Rankin and myself were members of the Interim Implementation Team that overseen the merger process of these two agencies. I am looking forward to seeing more economic advances for our communities and our region.

The Capital District Health Authority, through its Community Health Boards (CHB), has funding available for local groups and organizations working to improve the health of their communities. The purpose of the Community Development Fund is to promote healthy activities and/or reduce unhealthy activities by supporting groups in addressing local health issues, creating local solutions, building partnerships, and building healthier communities. There are 2 CHB’s that serve the District 3 area. The Eastern Shore - Musquodoboit CHB that serves the communities of Lake Echo, Porters Lake, Three Fathom Harbour, Seaforth, the Chezzetcooks, Conrod Settlement, Gaetz Brook and beyond. And the Southeastern CHB that serves the communities Cole Harbour, Westphal, Lake Loon, Cherry Brook, East Preston, North Preston, Lawrencetown, and Mineville. The ES-M CHB application deadline is February 9th; whereas, the SE CHB application deadline is February 19th. Before applying for project funding, all applicants are asked to contact their respective CHB Coordinator to discuss their project idea and receive an application form. Please contact Cathy Leslie for the ES-M CHB at 889-4118 or cathy.leslie@cdha.nshealth.ca or Anna Jacobs for the SE CMB at 460-6888 or anna.jacobs@cdha.nshealth.ca .

Now there will an opportunity for residents who live on private roads to ensure that all property owners on that road pay towards the yearly maintenance of their roadway. HRM Regional Council recently approved policy and given the directive to staff to formalize a process that will give property owners on a private road to organize themselves into a Private Road Owners Association (PROA). Once they are registered and recognized with the NS Registry of Joint Stock in accordance to the Society’s Act, then the PROA will have the ability to request HRM to establish and apply a localized area rate on those specific properties affected. There will be an $200 one-time set-up administration fee to establish these Private Road Maintenance Rates. For more details on this subject, please refer to the report on-line at: http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/070116cow4.pdf .