LAKE ECHO BEACH PROJECT

The Build Back Better collaboration established between HRM's Environment and Climate Change team, the Parks Naturalization Program, and Urban Forestry alongside external partners TransCoastal Adaptations at Saint Mary's University, the Ecology Action Centre, and Sikue'k Farms & Consulting to create a project called Living Lakeshores. This project identifies lakeshores and waterbodies abutting municipal parks that are at risk of climate change induced flood risk in addition to experiencing poor water quality, low levels of biodiversity, and high instances of non-native species invasions, and aims to improve outcomes using Green Shores-informed restoration principles. The site plan for Lake Echo Beach is being developed alongside HRM Parks & Rec to ensure that the beach restoration aligns with redevelopment plans of the upper portion of the park as informed by the 2019 community engagement. 

The Living Lakeshore team and volunteers will be on site from October 6th – 8th between 9 AM - 4 PM each day. There will be a tree planting session with a group of Sparks on the evening of Monday, Oct.5th from 6:30-7:30PM. And there will be a family day event planned for the morning of Saturday, Oct.10th. Also, through a competitive process, HRM hired an artist named Carmahn McCalla, to paint a mural on the sea can container at the beach as a commemorative depiction of this project. If you like to participate, HRM has opened the registration page, and all the details which can be found here: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/environment-climate-change/nature-biodiversity/living-lakeshores-free-shoreline

OPEN-AIR BURNING SEASON AGAIN

As of October 16th, (weather permitting) and whether the NS Forest Weather Index (FWI) is at a low or moderate reading, the time of day burning restrictions may be lifted. www.novascotia.ca/BurnSafe For more information about winter open-air burning and safe burning practices: www.halifax.ca/safety-security/fire-emergency/fire-prevention-safety/open-air-burning Please be careful whenever burning! https://beforeyouburn.halifax.ca 

PROPERTY TAXES DUE - OCT. 30th

HRM invoices property tax bills to all property owners twice each year. The tax year covers the fiscal period of April 1st – March 31st. The first tax bill was sent out (either by mail or e-post) in March and was due on the last working day of April. The second and final bill will be sent out (either by mail or e-post) in September and is due on the last working day of October (Friday, October 30th). The first (or interim) invoice is based on 50 per cent of the current year’s estimated taxes but based on last year’s rates. The final invoice is calculated using the current assessment with the current year’s tax rates, less the amount you already paid from the first invoice. The total amounts billed must be paid by the due date to avoid interest charges. Interest is applied daily to all outstanding taxes at a rate of 15% per annum. HRM will continue to work with residential and commercial customers experiencing financial difficulty to set up suitable payment arrangements. For more information; please call 311, or 902-490-4000. Our HRM Customer Service Center staff are ready for any customer inquires or visit HRM web-site: www.halifax.ca/home-property/municipal-payments/making-a-payment 

AIRBOURNE GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY

NS Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR), Geoscience and Mines Branch, will be doing an airborne geophysical survey program over portions of the province. It appears that the Lawrencetown / Mineville areas will be included in this exercise. Residents in survey areas may observe low-flying aircraft travelling along systematic flight lines during daylight hours. All flights will be conducted in accordance with Transport Canada regulations and applicable aviation safety requirements. The survey will collect high-resolution magnetic gradient and gamma-ray spectrometric data along flight lines spaced approximately 250 metres apart. The data will improve understanding of Nova Scotia’s geology and be made publicly available through provincial geoscience databases to support mineral exploration and other geoscience applications. Sanders Geophysics Limited will be conducting the surveys on behalf of the Province. For additional information about this project, you can direct your questions to the NSDNR, Geoscience and Mines Branch at gmb@novascotia.ca

HWY #357 PAVED SHOULDERS AREA RATE

Back in May 2025, I reported that I had requested the Province to incorporate one mile (1.6 kms) of paved shoulders along the Meagher’s Grant Road ( Hwy #357 ) from Hwy #7 up to the Bayers Mill Road. This was an extraordinary opportunity for the Musquodoboit Harbour Community to improve some of its roadside infrastructure within the village core. This supported the local Chamber of Commerce Community Conceptual Masterplan by identifying the village core area as a place of activity that would connect the nucleus for the community; the Library & Recreation centre, the Rink and Peace Park, the Trans Canada Trail, the two baseball fields, the shopping centre, the RCMP Detachment, the New Horizons Seniors Clubhouse, and creates a safer walking and cycling loop with the Musquodoboit Trailway, Bayers Mill Road and Hwy #357. Since Hwy #7 will be getting paved shoulders eventually at no additional cost to the community, I made the decision that this same community should make a contribution towards this roadside enhancement and proposed a local area rate be established only for the community of Musquodoboit Harbour. The estimated cost was $264,000. That equates to a $40/year for 10 years. This was approved by Regional Council back at its March 25th, 2025 meeting. This amount will be appearing as an area rate on the property tax bills within the catchment area. Once HRM has received the final invoice for this paved shoulder enhancement, HRM can then calculate the payback period more accurately. At that point I will hold a Public Meeting about this at a future date. Please watch the local Facebook Pages for more information. 

CO-OP WEEK & MONTH

October is Co-op Month and Co-op Week (11th-17th) in Nova Scotia which is a time to highlight the impact of co-operatives and credit unions across the province. And to educate and promote co-ops in finance, housing, food, and community development. In District 2 we are fortunate to have a few co-ops operating in our area such as Mus-Go Rider, Musquodoboit Harbour Farmers Market, the Sea Spray Garden Initiative, the Old School Gathering Place, The Deanery Project, Eastern Shore Mental Health, and the East Coast Credit Union in Sheet Harbour. And of course the Eastern Shore Cooperator newspaper.

NEW FALSE ALARM FINES 

As of Sept.1st a new false alarm fee structure for security and fire alarm systems came into effect. False alarms occur regularly and can divert police officers and firefighters from actual emergencies, creating operational and financial impacts. Last year HRM had approximately 5,200 false alarm incidents. The new structure includes a $300 flat fee per false alarm for commercial properties and multi-unit residential buildings; and a flat fee of $50 per alarm for residential properties with fewer than three units. By-law B-400, Respecting Burglary, Robbery and Fire Alarm Systems, intends to impose accountability on owners of alarm systems that are activated and result in emergency services responding unnecessarily. Changes to the by-law attempt to recover some costs incurred by police and fire services when responding to false alarms. For more details: www.halifax.ca/home-property/building-development-permits/security-fire-alarms

MAYOR’S LISTENING TOUR 

HRM Mayor Andy Fillmore is launching a public engagement as a “Listening Tour” ahead of the 2027/28 municipal budget process. These will be informal, open-house style workshop sessions rather than traditional town halls. 

Saturday, Oct. 24th ( 11 a.m. to 12 noon) - Eastern Shore Community Centre - Rink - 67 Park Road, Musquodoboit Harbour 

Saturday, Oct 24th ( 1 to 2 p.m.) - Musquodoboit Valley Recreation Office - 12046 Hwy #224 Middle Musquodoboit 

Saturday, Oct. 24th ( 3 to 4 p.m.) - Sheet Harbour Lions Club - 183 Pool Road, Sheet Harbour.

Residents will be able to drop in, speak with the Mayor and members of his team, and participate in a series of exercises focused on three broad questions:

What should City Hall protect?

Where should HRM prioritize investment?

What could City Hall do differently?

There is an online survey option for residents who aren’t able to attend in person.
www.halifax.ca/city-hall/mayor-andy-fillmore/202728-budget-engagement