to: www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bccgrants/ResidentialPropertyTaxPrograms.html

. Or call HRM Call Centre 490-4000. Applications must be accompanied by a copy of your Revenue Canada Personal Income Tax Assessment Summary Sheet. If you can’t locate yours, call 1-800-959-8281 to have a copy sent to you. Applicants can now take advantage of applying for both the partial exemption (rebate) and deferral programs. In the past one could only apply for one or the other but not both of these programs. Therefore, one can now get a rebate to lower one's bill, then defer the balance until one has the means to pay the balance. Seniors should also check out the NS Property Tax Rebate Program. That Provincial program will provide each qualifying recipient with a 50% rebate of the property taxes paid to a maximum of $400. For more information; call 1-877-296-9338 or 424-4500 or go on-line to : www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rebates/programs/seniors.asp .Application deadline : December 31st.

www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/community_partnerships/seniors/index.shtml Apply by December 14th

There is a snow removal referral program available to seniors (65 years of age or older) and persons with disabilities in HRM. The program is NOT available to landlords. You must reside in a single dwelling home that you own or rent. Its mandate is to provide a resource to clients for the removal of snow for safe access. This could include: Front and back steps, walkways, driveways, access to fuel tanks, and abutting sidewalks. These contractors are selected and offer reliability and integrity. Clients will be referred to a contractor that services your area. It is then up to you to contact the contractor. At this time, you should inform the contractor of any special needs you may have (i.e pre-scheduled medical appointments, home care, etc.) The program does not pay for this contractor service. You must pay the contractor directly. The program does offer some financial assistance to help offset the cost of snow removal. To qualify for this subsidy, your total annual household income must not exceed $28, 000. If you meet this criteria and wish to register for this referral service and apply for this subsidy, please call: 1-902-558-1049 (toll free) or 864 - 2165 . Registration deadline is December 15th.

Just a reminder that “Transit Transfers” have been incorporated into our Community Transit Service (CTS) starting on Monday, December 3rd, whereby local CTS patrons can access other conventional urban Metro Transit routes. The new CTS Fares are set at $3.00 / Adult and $2.00 / Senior or Child respectively. Metro Transit Passes, Bus Tickets, University U-Pass, and Metro-Link Bus Passes will be honoured either at “face” value or with a slight “top-up” Transfer fare fee. Details will be distributed on the bus as well as PSA notices.

The RCMP are promoting the 'Vial of Life' program so that our seniors and others on medication will have a sense of security if an emergency should arise. Volunteers with the RCMP will make available small prescription vials and a one page medication sheet to place in your fridge for use by emergency personnel. Any questions in relation to this program can be directed to Cst. Tamu Bracken - Cole Harbour RCMP at 426-8703.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and safe Holiday Season. During this time of the year there are many types of spiritual and cultural celebrations: Season's Greetings, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Peace On Earth and Goodwill to one and all. Have yourself a blessed season. Happy New Year to everybody everywhere in 2008. My wish is for good health & happiness to all. I encourage everyone to strive for peace, tranquillity and harmony in your lives.