As an update to the March 2007 - Issue #112, Regional Council conducted a Public Hearing on July 3rd about the 10% Parkland Dedication Fee that is charged by HRM for any subdivision of land. After some debate, it was decided that the Regional Plan be amended whereby the 10% Fee be reduced to 5% for any subdivision of property that creates 3 lots of land or less. This will be applied equally, everywhere across HRM in all of its urban, suburban and rural areas. This amendment will not take effect until it has been reviewed by the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and a notice has been placed in the local newspaper stating that it has been approved. The Minister has 30 days to acknowledge receipt and 60 days to review it pursuant to the Municipal Government Act. For any subdivision application receiving final approval during this time period, the park dedication requirement will remain at 10%. Applications receiving approval after the publication of the notice of approval will be subject to the new 5% requirements. Applicants ought to wait until the effective date to take advantage of the 5% reduction. However, if an applicant insists on receiving approval prior to the effective date, then the 10% rate applies and no rebate is possible after the fact. It is recommended that any residents considering to make any subdivision applications should contact HRM Planning & Development Services staff in the Eastern Region Office at 490-4435 to discuss these matters and how this change will impact their subdivision plans.

SE Funding is a means of enhancing the public school education through augmenting existing programs and/or provide new programs and services ( primarily arts & music ) that is not funded by the Provincial Government. Now it will be more equitable.

HRM is conducting a series of “Take a Hike“ walking tours that will highlight various trails throughout our region. These hikes are coordinated by community trail groups in partnership with HRM. The Crowbar Trail System between Porter’s Lake & Lake Echo will have its tour on Saturday, August 18th from 9:00 AM - 12 Noon : rain or shine. This 18-km trail system offers a variety of loop trails with spectacular, high view-points; and frontage along several rivers in the Waverley - Salmon River - Long Lake Wilderness Area. Expect bouldery and challenging trail conditions and some hills. Bring good hiking boots, lunch, water, sun-screen, and proper clothing. The Trail Head Parking Lot is located on the upper end of the Myra Road. For more information please contact John Blumsum at 827-3428 or 443-8419 or by e-mail: crowbartrail@yahoo.ca . For other Trail Hikes see: www.halifax.ca/recreation/walking