Big news! Due to the hard work of the Friends of Dartmouth Cove, the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship, community leaders and many of YOU we finally have positive progress to report on Dartmouth Cove.
HRM Council voted this week on a motion by Councillor Sam Austin to start the process of creating a bylaw to regulate infill in the harbour like they did in the Northwest Arm earlier. We also found out that Transport Canada will rescind their approval to allow infilling in Dartmouth Cove, which resets the clock and allows the HRM bylaw process to hopefully prevent the dumping altogether. These are significant and important wins for the community.
There is still more work to do and I will continue to fight to protect the waterfront, the trails and the economic opportunities threatened by this project. To ensure that it doesn’t go ahead, and to create a plan for future infill from construction and infrastructure work, we have to continue to push the Provincial government to take a stand.
Summer has officially begun and with it comes fun, sun and high temperatures! With this week’s heat wave be on the lookout for sightings of blue green algae. Oathill Lake has recently confirmed the presence of toxin-producing blue-green algae, a problem that is becoming more common due to our changing climate. This algae can pose serious health risks so please stay informed and avoid contact with contaminated water. We all have to work together to protect our environment and ensure the safety of our lakes and rivers. If you think you see blue-green algae, please report it to Department of Environment and Climate Change office or call 1-877-936-8476.
I’m back on the road, traveling across the province talking to Nova Scotians about what is important to them. Accessing primary care is top of the list. Over 156,000 people in Nova Scotia are on the waitlist for a family doctor and are having to visit the ER just to access care. Many of you have reached out to my office seeking a family doctor. We do try to keep track when new clinics open, but the first step is always to call 811 and register for the need a family practice list. We’re pleased that Nova Scotia Health has opened a collaborative Primary Care Clinic on Portland St. Unfortunately they are not taking patients but they are taking referrals from virtual care for unattached patients. If you are without a doctor and virtual care cannot resolve your issue without an in-person visit there is now a clinic in the community you will be referred to for an in-person visit. While this is needed progress, it shouldn’t be like this. You and your family should be able to access the healthcare you need, when you need it. If you have a story to tell, please share it with us.
As we move into the heat of summer, there are so many exciting events happening in Dartmouth South. I will be walking in the Pride and Natal Day parades so keep an eye out for the sign-up link if you’d like to join us!
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
