(LIC) Rate for the newly paved upgraded streets in the Lawrencetown area: Michelle Drive, Lisa Ann Drive, Shepherd's Lane, Mark Crescent, Megan Drive, Renee Drive, Trevor Drive, and Lester Drive. All of these gravelled streets were paved last Autumn. The LIC rate will be set at $24.54 / foot of assessable frontage. For copy of that HRM Council report, please refer to : www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/070612ca11115.pdf .

Secondly, either at the June 19th or 26th Meeting of Regional Council, HRM is expected to approve Construction Agreement 2007-010 that will see the second phase of paving to begin in the Keltic Gardens Subdivision area. The following gravelled streets are slated for upgrading: Osprey Way, Kerry Drive, Keltic Drive, Killarney Crescent, Kensington Court and Cambridge Drive. Unfortunately, at this time, there was not enough resources in the Provincial Budget to include Queen's Road, Joel Crescent, and the Parkcrest Drive extension. Once the Tenders are called and awarded, if the contract prices come in lower than anticipated, then there might be a chance to include some of these missed streets. Let it also be known that the right to re-petition has been waived in order for this to proceed. I want to thank and acknowledge the great efforts of Bill Dooks - Eastern Shore MLA - for his continuous cooperation and dedication in getting progress on our roads.

There will be the reinstatement of the Summer Saturday Community Transit Service during the months of July and August. It is expected to commence on July 7th and run until Sept 1st - Labour Day Weekend. HRM Metro Transit staff is also studying my proposal that should see other significant changes to our current Community Transit Service. A "Transfer" feature could be incorporated that will allow local patrons to utilize other urban Metro Transit routes without paying additional regular fares but there may be a partial reduced fare to pay for this transfer feature. It is expected that a pilot program / test run of this modified 'Transferable' Transit Service will begin in September 2007 and run until March 2008. There may be some changes to its route loop whereby its service run could finish and re-start at the Portland Hills Terminal. It would be no longer necessary for the bus to venture further into town to get into Penhorn Mall, Micmac Mall, or to the Tacoma Centre, because Community Transit Passengers can now access these places with other Metro Transit Buses. (Routes #'s 59, 61, 62, 65, 68, & 72). These service adjustments are in response to accommodate the demand for greater enhanced access to Metro. Further details will follow with pamphlets and a revised schedule will be distributed on the bus, as well as a local information sign blitz, e-mail notices, PSA's and other community announcements. The Community Transit Area Rate will also be adjusted to $0.034 / $100 assessment. This slight increase is attributed to a year-end operational deficit of $23,000 mainly due to higher fuel costs.

On Sunday, July 15th, from 1:30 - 4:30 PM, the Marine Drive / Musquodoboit Valley Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society will be conducting its annual 'Festival of Gardens'. Come along and take a self guided tour of some private gardens in the West Porters Lake and East Lawrencetown area. For ticket information, please call 827-4072, 829-2605, or 889-2365. Please don't pick any flowers !

2007 is the Year of the Military Family. Please show your support by wearing red on Fridays, encourage a Cadet, hire a Reservist, thank a Veteran, or make a contribution to the Military Family Resource Centre Family Fund ( Call MFRC at 427-7788 ). The Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Forces (CF) will be having a Public Open house at its CFB Halifax Dockyards and Stadacona Base facilities for all to see and explore on Saturday August 4th.