End of the Session, Dartmouth Cove, Housing

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Tomorrow marks Remembrance Day, and as we do each November 11th, many people in Dartmouth will gather at the cenotaph at Sullivan’s pond to pay tribute to the many Nova Scotians who have served our country. Usually there is a large ceremony at the cenotaph at City Hall in Halifax but this year these two ceremonies will be merged at Sullivan’s Pond. This will make things very busy so please plan accordingly!


Yesterday the Fall legislative session came to and end. Unfortunately we didn’t see legislation that is likely to move the needle on the issues around cost of living, housing, or healthcare, which are the issues you’ve been reaching out to me about.


Especially concerning was the bill that gave the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs the authority to override or approve any planning decision of HRM. Last spring we expressed concern about the legislation that enabled special planning area. This set up a task force that included HRM, but which could override any planning decisions. Our concerns were well founded, as not long after we saw massive destruction in the Eisner’s Cove wetland and pre-clearing of the site before the plan for housing had even been formalized. I spoke to this bill yesterday.


While I have always maintained that the Eisner’s Cove/Southdale-Mt. Hope area could support housing and wild space, this was not to be. The worst part is that we have yet to see any actual completed housing at any of the 10 special planning areas. Plus, as far as we know none will include deeply affordable housing which is so sorely needed.


Also top of mind for me is the question of developing on the land adjacent to Dartmouth Cove and the Harbourview Trail. (The request to infill the harbour at the foot of the Harbourview Trail parcel of land is still in the hands of the Federal government.) The Minister of Public Works told us development on this parcel has been sidelined due to the amount of work it would require to complete environmental remediation. She also explained that the land is at-risk due to rising sea levels. And yet, the Coastal Protection Act has not been proclaimed and can therefore not be enforced.


While private development is beginning around the Dartmouth Cove site, the Province is the best positioned to develop truly affordable housing, but so far they are not committing to build at all. I asked the Premier about this issue in the House.

Aerial view of the Dartmouth Cove site.

I am glad to see plans for some folks to shelter inside this winter. After much uncertainty, and very little communication with other willing service providers, Dartmouth will see an overnight shelter open for the winter. The former St. Paul Church on Windmill Road will have the capacity to shelter at least 50 regularly, up too 100 “based on community need and extreme weather events.” Given the there are nearly 1,000 homeless people in HRM, many of whom are seniors or have never been homeless before, and that temperatures are dropping, it’s difficult to conceive that there is not already community need.


Some other shelters, small pallet houses and other efforts, are trickling out across HRM and the rest of the province including a much needed supportive housing project by the YWCA for women and gender-diverse people experiencing homelessness in Halifax, but I remain very concerned about what this cold weather will mean for the many people sleeping rough.


It’s a difficult time for many here at home and around the world. As we approach the winter season, and the holidays, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help, and to be generous if you are in a position to do so. There are so many amazing organizations across Dartmouth helping people everyday.


As always, if you need assistance, please reach out to my office at 902-406-2301 or claudiachendermla@gmail.com.


Have a wonderful weekend,

Claudia

Resources

Affordability is hitting everyone extremely hard, especially as we move into the winter months where energy costs will rise dramatically in many homes. Below are just a selection of potential resources you or someone you know may be be eligible for. A more fulsome list is available on my website.


Heating Assistance Rebate Program: helps low-and moderate-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating. Rebates are $600 for each household. You can apply until 31 March 2024.


Seniors Care Grant: helps low-income seniors with the cost of household services (like lawn care, snow removal, grocery delivery, transportation, small home repairs and phone service), healthcare services (like physiotherapy and mental health support) and home heating. Grants are $750 for each household. You can apply until 31 March 2024. Many people in the community do not know about this program. Please share.


Your Energy Rebate Program: provides a 10% rebate on the before tax price of residential use energy. This is a provincial rebate equal to the provincial portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). You are eligible to receive the rebate if you buy energy for residential purposes. The rebate does not depend on your income level.

Community

N:OW for Net-Zero Funding

Funding for Canadian students and educators who want to implement projects that reduce GHG emissions and/or improve net-zero literacy in their communities.
 
Take part in experiential education that makes an impact. Student groups will be empowered to bring their ideas from conception, through planning, to execution, gaining practical skills and knowledge that will serve as life skills and career building blocks for the growing green economy.

More info and application here!

Light the Way: a concert in candlelight in support of The North Grove


Join us for a magical concert in a venue lit by candlelight; Light the Way is bringing pop music in a classical style to all generations at the beautiful Sanctuary Arts Centre (100 Ochterloney St.) in Downtown Dartmouth. Music performed by Rostova String Quartet. In support of the North Grove.


All proceeds will be donated to The North Grove – a dynamic community hub in the heart of Dartmouth North that offers programs, services and space for people to learn and connect through family support, food and friendship.


Sat, Nov 18, 2023 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM AST

Sun, Nov 19, 2023 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM AST

Dartmouth Makers


The Dartmouth Makers are proud to present the 2023 Winter Market! Snack on sweet treats while checking out some amazing local art at the Christ Church Parish Hall in lovely downtown Dartmouth. Admission is free, as always!


Friday, November 24th: 5pm - 9pm
Saturday, November 25th: 10am - 5pm


Christ Church Parish Hall, 61 Dundas St, downtown Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Resources

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Claudia Chender MLA