As the days grow cooler and the leaves shift into their autumn colours, our Dartmouth South community takes on a fresh, vibrant energy. With Thanksgiving just behind us, many of us take this time to reflect on what we are grateful for, but it is also an important reminder of the ongoing needs in our community. For those of you looking to lend a helping hand this fall, Margaret’s House continues to support many individuals and families in need. If you're able to contribute, I encourage you to visit their website for a look at their fall/winter wish-list—every bit helps as the weather cools.
The Nowadays Festival was a huge success this weekend. I recommend following Sanctuary Arts for updates on future events—our local arts scene is thriving, and it’s wonderful to see how it's enriching our community.
The municipal election is just around the corner, and I want to encourage everyone to get out and vote. It’s quick, accessible, and your voice matters—municipal policies affect so many aspects of our daily lives, from housing and public transit to local infrastructure and services. Congratulations and best of luck to all the candidates running this year. If you need any information on where or how to vote, be sure to check out this link.
Housing and healthcare remain the top issues that residents reach out to my office about, and I share your concerns. The need for affordable housing continues to grow, and while we have seen some success through innovative partnerships, there’s still so much work to be done. One example of what can be achieved when private and non-market sectors come together is the project at Mount Hope in Dartmouth. Initially, the government offered $22 million to a private developer, who declined the offer. However, a collaboration between the YWCA and a private developer (Shaw Group) resulted in a solution that required only $2.9 million in funding. Now, 32 families are thriving in their new homes and I’m hopeful more are coming. This is a prime example of creative thinking that balances development with the community’s needs. It's disheartening to see the government prioritize developers without enough focus on creating robust and genuinely affordable housing. We need more projects like Mount Hope if we are to meet the demand.
I’ve been making an effort to visit neighbourhoods across Dartmouth South, and I hope to chat with as many of you as possible. However, if we don’t cross paths, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any concerns or provincial matters on your mind. Your feedback and insights are invaluable, and I’m always here to listen and advocate on your behalf.
Thank you for your continued engagement. As we move through the fall season, I look forward to hearing from more of you and continuing the important work that lies ahead. Wishing you all a safe and cozy October!
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
