EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK

2026 Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week will be from May 3^rd-9^th. This year, the theme is “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks”. You are encouraged to understand the risks in your area and learn what actions you can take to protect yourself and your household. Everyone should be prepared and able to take care of themselves for a 72-hour period from any potential harm caused by a significant weather event or incident. Our district is very fortunate to have two Joint Emergency Management (JEM) Teams: Eastern Shore JEM (Cole Harbour to Ship Harbour) and Sheet Harbour JEM (East Ship Harbour to Ecum Secum). All of our JEM Teams are looking for volunteers. For more details about them please go to: www.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/emergency-management/volunteer-during-emergency . The annual parade of EP Partners at the ‘JEM Jamboree’ will be on Saturday May 9^th from 10 AM-1PM at the Porters Lake Atlantic Superstore parking lot. Here are a few EP websites: 

www.getprepared.gc.ca

www.publicsafety.gc.ca

http://novascotia.ca/dma/emo

or on X @nsemo

www.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/emergency-management/emergency-preparedness-checklists 

HOUSEHOLD SPECIAL WASTE MOBILE DEPOT - MAY 9^th

The HRM mobile household special waste (HSW) drop-off depot accepts chemical waste generated in your home. It will be held on Saturday, May 9^th at the Porters Lake Transit Terminal, 21 Inspiration Drive, Porters Lake (by Hwy 107, Exit 20) The mobile depot is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. For more information on what can be taken to a HSW depot, please visit: www.halifax.ca/home-property/garbage-recycling-green-cart/household-special-waste

REGOGNIZED LOCAL VOLUNTEERS 

Each year HRM recognizes the extraordinary contributions of individuals and groups who volunteer their time and skills to provide services and programs in our communities. This year there were 94 nominees and 3 organizations that received recognition by the municipality. Here is the complete list of the local honourees from our district for 2026. These 8 individuals were honoured at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Reception on Wednesday, April 22^nd in Burnside. Congratulations & Many thanks to You All!

• Amanda Anthony 
• Angela Clarke
• Anne Jennings-Debaie
• Rhonda Frank
• Joy Josey
• Janet Macfie
• Jane Orton
• Jeff Quigley

CENSUS DAY 2026

Statistics Canada conducts a census every five years. The census provides a statistical portrait of the country and its people. In Canada, it is mandatory for all residents to participate in the census. The next Census Day will take place on Tuesday, May 12th. Starting in early May all households in Canada will receive a census package or you can complete the census questionnaire on-line at:  www.census.gc.ca  . It is an easy, secure and convenient option that can be used anywhere, anytime. No pre-registration or lengthy download processes are required. This website will be updated regularly, so check back often for information updates. Census staff are needed for a variety of supervisory and non- supervisory jobs for the 2026 Census. These jobs are ideal for: students, recently retired persons, stay-at-home parents, and those wanting to supplement their income. They offer flexible work hours; competitive wages; and work in both rural and urban areas. When you complete your census questionnaire you are providing important information that will be used in making decisions for your neighbourhood, your community, your province, and our country as a whole. Communities depend on census information when planning for new schools, roads, waterworks, public transit, and police and fire services. Municipal planners use census information on households and families to plan current and future housing needs, health care, and day-care centres. Population estimates obtained from the census are used to allocate transfer payments from the federal government to the provinces and territories and from the provinces to municipalities. So Be Sure to Count Yourself In!

HRM 2026-27 BUDGET APPROVED

After a long and at times difficult process, HRM Council approved the 2026/27 municipal budget which includes an operating budget of $1.45 billion and a capital budget of $316.7 million. The approved budget requires a 7.5% increase to the average residential and commercial property tax bill. This means the average residential tax bill will increase by $284 in 2026/27.  

Highlights from the 2026/27 municipal budget include:  

• Adding 10 articulated buses and 24 bus operators to fast-track Halifax Transit’s Core Service Plan; 
• Adding 10 firefighters and eight Emergency Response Communicators; 
• Improving road safety through implementation of the municipality’s Road Safety Program and public education campaign;
• demonstrating fiscal responsibility through saving for capital projects, lowering debt servicing costs and decreasing municipal pension contributions; 
• supporting and strengthening vulnerable communities through key partnerships, like the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity and tax relief to non-profit organizations; 
• reducing environmental impacts by eliminating paper voting ballots and printed Halifax Transit Riders’ Guides and Route Maps; 
• introducing revenue generating measures like paid parking on Saturdays, parking fee increases and a $0.25 transit fare increase.; and, 
• strengthening long-term fiscal sustainability by approving reserve funding in accordance with the municipality’s Reserve Funding Strategy and establishing debt guardrails to maintain debt servicing costs at or below 12% of municipal revenues. 

You can find out more about the final budget and the process at: www.halifax.ca/city-hall/budget-finances

HELLO, NEIGHBOUR!

The Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Community Health Board (ESMCHB) and its community partners launched its “Hello, Neighbour” Project, an initiative designed to help neighbours connect and strengthen relationships across the Eastern Shore and Musquodoboit Valley region. The project is more than just a series of activities—it’s about building a stronger, more connected community. By fostering simple, meaningful interactions between neighbours, the program helps reduce isolation, create new friendships, and strengthen the sense of belonging that makes our communities resilient and welcoming for everyone. It’s a small effort that can spark lasting positive change across the region. Residents can pick up a Hello, Neighbour Booklet at participating partner locations. Inside, you’ll find simple activities and ideas to spark conversations and build connections with those around you. Additional resources are also available on our https://esmchb.easternshorens.ca/

Many partner organizations are offering Neighbour Gifts—small activities you can use to inspire connection in your community. Examples include:

•             Cookie Sharing Gift – Includes a recipe and ingredients to bake and share cookies with a neighbour.

•             Lending Library Gift – A free book and instructions on starting a small lending library in your neighbourhood. Follow ESMCHB on Facebook to see stories of neighbours connecting and learn about the positive impact these relationships have on our communities. Keep an eye out for upcoming details on Neighbour Week, June 22–28, 2026, and find out how you can get involved.