NATAL DAY & BUSKERFEST EVENTS

There are plenty events and activities planned for the municipal civic holiday – Natal Day from August 1^st – 3^rd. https://natalday.org/events.php This year the Buskerfest will also be occurring during this same timeframe from July 29^th – August 3^rd. www.buskers.ca Lots of fun for all!

NATIONAL EMANCIPATION DAY- AUG.1

This day marks the anniversary date when the British Parliament abolished slavery in the British Empire back on August 1^st,1834 and to recognize the heritage and contributions of Canada’s people of African descent have made and continue to make. The NS Black Cultural Centre, in partnership with the Government of Canada, Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, and HRM, will be promoting events on the Halifax Waterfront to commemorate Emancipation Day. Details at: www.bccns.com or on their Facebook & Instagram Pages. 

SHEET HARBOUR 51^st SEASIDE FESTIVAL

The 51^st annual Sheet Harbour Lions Seaside Festival will be held from August 7^th – 16^th with various events and activities throughout this timeframe. To check on their schedule of events, please refer to their Facebook page: Sheet Harbour Lions Seaside Festival for more details.

LAKE AND SHORE DAYS: AUG 15-17

Lake and Shore Days in Porters Lake will be occurring from August 15^th - 17^th. There will be Scavenger Hunt, Bingo, Street Parade, Adult Masquerade Dance / Beer Garden, Princess High Tea, Kids Carnival, Car Show, and a flotilla of lit-up boats to watch the fireworks over the lake. More details can be found on their Lake and Shore Days Facebook Page and www.PLCSA.ca website. It’s great to see some new volunteers and sponsors stepping up to help out in with this community celebration.

EASTERN SHORE PRIDE WEEK

Eastern Shore Pride is a community group dedicated to growing 2SLGBTQIA+ pride on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. Over the last few years these volunteers have planned, hosted and organized various events and activities to the point of now having a full Pride Week Festival from August 15^th – 23^rd. For more details, please refer to their Facebook Page: Eastern Shore Pride – Nova Scotia or their website: www.easternshorepride.ca

NATIONAL ACADIAN DAY– AUG. 15

Everywhere in the world, August 15^th is recognized as National Acadian Day. This is a time of celebration for the Acadian community which is also the religious feast day “The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – the patron Saint of the Acadian people. Be sure to drop by L’Acadie de Chezzetcook Museum and Information Centre at 79 Hill Road in West Chezzetcook. They will be hosting a Kitchen Party and other celebrations on Saturday, August 15^th. from 12 Noon – 4 PM. Check out their Facebook Page and/or their web-site: www.acadiedechezzetcook.ca for more details.

CHEZZETCOOK INLET ACADIAN CENTRE

The L’Acadie de Chezzetcook Society is converting the old St. Anselm’s Church in West Chezzetcook to become the Chezzetcook Inlet Acadian Centre (CIAC) to preserve and promote the local Acadian and Mi’kmaq culture and heritage. The CIAC Heritage Committee has launched a Capital Sponsorship Campaign to raise funds for this worthy project. You can play a key role in supporting the construction of this unique cultural and performing arts centre located on the Eastern Shore. You can help by supporting the final phase of construction of the CIAC in order for them to meet their goal of opening this year. Please make a pledge today! Pay by cheque, make it out to: L’Acadie de Chezzetcook and mention in the memo: CIAC and mail it to them at 77 Hill Road, West Chezzetcook, NS, B0J 2L0. Or by e-transfer, to: info@acadiedechezzetcook.ca Or contact them to arrange a payment plan by calling them at: 902-989-3066 or at the same e-mail address above. More information can be found on their website:https://acadiedechezzetcook.ca/pages/chezzetcook-inlet-acadian-centre-ciac or check their Facebook page for more details.

MUSHABOOM AREA RATE MEETING
The Mushaboom Community Centre Association will be having a public meeting Monday, August 10^th at 6:30 PM to discuss once again the topic of a local are rate to help offset the operational costs of their facility. Information will be provided on the options being proposed. Afterwards there will be a vote by a mail-in ballot later on after the meeting has been held. More information can be found on their Facebook page.

EV TEST DRIVE EVENT – AUG. 12

HRM and Next Ride are once again partnering to bring you Test Drive events for you to try out an electric vehicle (EV) and learn more about local charging options. There will be a test drive event at the Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library at 7900 Hwy#7 in Musquodoboit Harbour, on Wednesday, August 12, 10 AM – 2 PM. Pre-registration is encouraged. Register on the Next Ride website: https://nextridens.com/ev-test-drive-nova-scotia/ Learn more about other Test Drive events at: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/environment-climate-change/electric-vehicle-strategy 

45^th SANDCASTLE DAY – AUG. 23

The 2026 Annual Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle & Sand Sculpture Competition will be on Sunday August 23^rd. Park gates open at 9 AM. Judging starts at 3 PM. Remember to be safe & stay well! This event is rain or shine. Bring sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, water, snacks and appropriate beach attire. Various food vendors will be on-site. Internet is intermittent so bring cash to be sure. www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/events/clam-harbour-beach-sandcastle-competition

2026 COMMUNITY GRANTS AWARDS

The 2026 HRM Community Grants Program received a total of 145 applications of which 59 were ineligible for consideration. From the 86  remaining submissions, a total of 53 awards were recommended at a total cost of $ 368,006. Here is a list of local area organizations that were successful with their applications:

NS Nature Trust – Eastern Shore –

$900 for the purchase of a computer tablet and collection trays and packaging of native species seeds for land remediation projects.

Lawrencetown Sew-ciety Guild –

$1,400 to purchase of small sewing equipment.

Surfing Association of Nova Scotia –

$1,500 for the purchase of swimwear to encourage participation of under-represented communities in the sport of surfing.

Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Valley Well-Being HUB Association –

$1,800 towards professional fees and marketing.

Alliance Francaise d’ Halifax- Dartmouth –

$2,000 to purchase a large screen TV to support French language cultural programming.

Federation des Parents Acadiens de la Nouvelle Ecosse –

$3,700 to upgrade French language website with accessibility / navigation features.

Sheet Harbour Marina Association -

$3,900 to repair their boat moorings.

Sheet Harbour Pickle Ball Enthusiasts Society -

$4,000 for the acquisition of sports equipment and related accessories.

Nova Scotia Mass Choir Society –

$5,000 for a series of community concerts featuring Black Gospel Music & Black Heritage.

The Deanery Project Co-operative Ltd. –

$6,000 to upgrade their woodworking outbuilding

St. John of the Cross Parish –

$11,500 for the purchase of sound equipment for the Neri Arts Centre in Musquodoboit Harbour.

Musquodoboit Harbour Heritage Society –

$12,000 towards the repairs and safety upgrades to the railway museum outdoor stage.

Musquodoboit Harbour Lions Club –

$12,500 for the purchase and installation of two emergency exit doors for their hall.

Harbour Lites New Horizons Senior Club –

$20.000 for the replacement of their clubhouse roof in Musquodoboit Harbour.

PERMITS FOR SHEDS & GARAGES

Residents wanting to locate an accessory building (shed or garage) on their property are required to obtain a permit. In obtaining a permit, details of locating the accessory building must be identified on a plot plan showing setbacks from property lines. A “Building Permit” is  required to construct an accessory building that is larger than 215 square feet. If the building is less than 215 square feet, the requirements of the local Land Use By-Laws governing location on the property and the height of the building are still applicable and a “Development Permit” is required. The size, location on the property and height of an accessory building are also governed by the local Land Use By-Laws. Please check these requirements with a Development Technician by calling 311 or look it up on the HRM Community Plan Areas website: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/regional-community-planning/community-plan-areas