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Congratulations to all students graduating this spring/summer season. Whether from elementary to high school to GED programs to doctorates, I commend everyone transitioning to a new phase of life on your hard work and dedication to your education! And a huge thank you to the staff, caregivers, administrators, teachers, vice-principals, and principals who supported our kids and friends along the way!
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As well, I wish everyone a safe Canada Day and encourage you to check out the events happening in Dartmouth (and across the harbour) on HRM's website. This year HRM worked with Indigenous communities to reimagine the celebration as KANA’TA: Canada Day 2022. This year's programming that honours the traditions of the Mi’kmaw Nation and celebrates pan-Indigenous communities that call the municipality home.
New Job
Many of you may know that I was elected as leader of the Nova Scotia NDP last weekend. This newsletter is non-partisan, but I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge this change and how it might affect you, the constituents of Dartmouth South.
While I'll be spending more time outside of the constituency, my office remains ably staffed by my constituency assistant Grace and caseworker Morgan. They are still available to help you navigate resources and government programs as always. I remain committed to the constituents of Dartmouth South, and available as I always have been.
Nova Scotia Power
This week I met with Nova Scotia Power executives to discuss the need for power that is reliable, affordable, and green. While the proof will be in the delivery, we will continue to press for all of this while we prepare for the UARB hearing on the General Rate Application that will be heard in September.
Booster Doses
Starting next week, adults 50 to 69 years of age in Nova Scotia will be eligible to book a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Public health is recommending that people wait until fall because the ideal timing for a booster dose is closer to an anticipated increase in virus activity to best protect against infection. As well, new vaccines that may offer broader protection against the Omicron variant may become available. However, people age 50 to 69 can make the choice to get a second booster sooner.
People aged 50 to 69 can receive their second booster 168 days following their first booster dose. Either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines can be booked for the second booster dose. People who cannot receive those mRNA vaccines for medical reasons may opt to receive Novavax.
Starting Friday, July 8, people aged 50 to 69 can book a vaccine appointment online at: novascotia.ca/vaccination or by calling 1-833-797-7772. Vaccine scheduling by phone is available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm Vaccines administered at pharmacies must be booked online or by phone. Vaccines are also available at drop-in clinics, where appointments are not required.
Best,
Claudia
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Lifeguards Return
After this week's tragic drowning in Maynard Lake, I'm pleased to say that Dartmouth beaches will be supervised daily from 10 am to 6 pm beginning Friday July 1st until about August 28th. A list of supervised beaches and daily updates on conditions are available here. Always be careful when swimming and avoid unsupervised locations as much as possible.
Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service on Twitter
Natural Resources and Renewables on Twitter
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Down Payment Assistance Program Updated
The Down Payment Assistance Program provides eligible homebuyers with an interest-free repayable loan of up to 5% of the purchase price of their first home. The most significant change to the program is an eligibility increase to the total maximum market value as follows:
- Halifax Regional Municipality: $500,000 (up from $300,000)
- northern and eastern regions (Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough and Cape Breton) and Yarmouth region: $300,000 (up from $200,000)
- Annapolis Valley/South Shore: $375,000 (up from $200,000).
Other changes to the program include:
- increasing the total household income eligibility to $145,000 across the province, up from $75,000
- removing the sliding scale to provide 5% down payment to all applicants.
- Under these changes, the maximum down payment interest-free loan will be $25,000, repayable over 10 years. Repayment starts one month after the loan is issued.
Eligibility criteria and program details are available at: housing.novascotia.ca/downpayment
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Property Tax Rebate for Seniors
Property Tax Rebate for Seniors helps low-income seniors with the cost of municipal residential property taxes. Rebates are 50% of what you paid on last year’s property taxes, up to a maximum of $800. You can apply starting July 1st until December 31st, 2022.
The rebate amount is based on your municipal residential property taxes. The program provides eligible homeowners with a rebate of 50% of the municipal residential property taxes they paid for the 2021 tax year, up to a maximum of $800.
All of the amounts listed on your tax bill are eligible to be included in the rebate calculation, except amounts for:
- commercial property
- resource property (non-residential land or forest)
- municipal exemption or rebate
Get more information and apply at novascotia.ca/apply-property-tax-rebate-property-tax-rebate-seniors. Note that this link won’t be updated until tomorrow, July 1st.
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Nova Scotia Child Benefit Increase
The NS Child tax benefit will increase by a minimum of $350 depending on household income and the number of children under the age of 18. The Nova Scotia Child Benefit is combined with the federally funded Canada Child Benefit and received by mail or direct deposit as one monthly payment. The increase will take effect on the next payment received, in July.
People are not required to take any action, as both the federal and provincial benefits are based on personal income tax returns. However, people are encouraged to file their income tax returns for 2021 if they haven't already. To be eligible for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, families with children must have an annual adjusted family net income under $34,000.
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Tick Check Basics: Check your body and clothing for ticks after spending time outside. Ticks like warm places on the body.
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- In hair and hairline
- Back of neck
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Don’t forget to check your pets. A bath or shower within two hours of being outdoors makes it easier to spot ticks. For more information, including how to remove a tick safely, visit novascotia.ca/ticksafety
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The Senior Citizens Assistance Program
This program provides assistance to senior homeowners (age 65+) who would like to remain in their own homes, but cannot afford necessary repairs. The funding covers repairs that are a threat to health and safety, which includes repairs to roofing, plumbing and heating. Cosmetic repairs are not covered. A grant of up to $6,500 is available.
Eligibility requirements:
- You or your spouse must be at least 65 years old
- Your total household income is below the established income limit, which varies depending on household size and the area you live in
- You must own and have lived in your home for at least one year.
Call a caseworker to apply: 1-844-424-5110
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Touch Tank Hut Open
Back to the Sea's Touch Tank Hut is now open for the season! Located in the Alderney Landing parking lot beside the Marina. Visit from Wednesday to Sunday until Labour Day. All information can be found at backtothesea.org.
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Theatre Camps at Alderney Landing!
Session One: August 8-12 ($225) | Session Two: August 15-19 ($225)
Campers (ages 6-12) will start each day with group ice-breaker games, before splitting up into smaller groups by age. Each group will learn a variety of drama skills like movement, improv, singing, story-creation, vocal exploration and script work. Kids will be introduced to stage performance and will be guided towards the shared goal of a group performance on Friday afternoon. Come learn and grow your skills, explore, have fun and make new friends!
Camps run Monday to Friday from 9am - 4pm.
Extended care is available for a nominal fee.
Discount available for additional children registered from the same family.
Questions?
Email us: info@easternfronttheatre.com
Call us: 902-466-2769
More info here
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New Accessible Taxi Service
Extra Care Taxi is a locally owned taxi service based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The company was created out of a passion to provide a quality accessible taxi service to individuals in a safe, compassionate, and reliable manner while providing assistance for those who need or request it. We have a fleet of accessible vehicles with carefully selected, trained, and licensed staff that are ready to go above and beyond for our customers. Building positive relationships with our valued customers is just as important to us as getting to the destination on time and safely.
Call: 902-334-0334
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