News:
Lake Banook and Lake Micmac Weed Harvesting: This year’s weed harvesting in Lake Banook and Lake Micmac is now underway. Work will likely conclude by August 10. Harvesting will be limited to selected areas and is part of a three year project to reduce the spread and height of weeds in the lakes. The goal is to minimize the impact of aquatic weeds on recreational and competitive boating in the lakes. Last year, HRM removed 15 metric tons over 15 days. HRM has been monitoring year-over-year results to inform the future of this program. The program has the approval of Nova Scotia Environment and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
You can find out more online at https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/energy-environment/lake-banook-lake-micmac-weed-harvesting-project.
You can also checkout the video from Planifax below
Banook’s Geese and Water Quality: Still with Lake Banook, I have been getting several complaints about the growing flock of Canada Geese that have decided to call Lake Banook home. Canada Geese numbers were decimated during the early 20th century due to hunting and habitat loss. More recent decades have been much kinder to them though and they’ve proven to be very adaptable to living in urban areas where there is lots of food and very few predators.
While seeing a return of this key species is positive, their love of urban areas, including Lake Banook, has caused conflict. The layer of droppings they leave on the dock and beach at Birch Cove doesn’t make for a great swimming beach! HRM is looking at options to deter the geese from hanging around Birch Cove and will be trying out a flashing light sold by Away With Geese. The intermittent light flashes around dusk are barely noticeable for most people, but for Canada Geese, with their superior eyesight, it’s very annoying when they’re trying to sleep. The light will be installed on the dock at Birch Cove and with any luck should encourage the flock to hang out elsewhere.
A number of people have drawn the connection between the increased numbers of Canada Geese and the recent increase in beach closures at Birch Cove. There may very well be a connection. We can’t say at this point. HRM is doing a study this summer on Lake Banook and Lake Mic Mac to look at bacteria levels. It’s possible through laboratory analysis to identify where a particular strain of e-coli has come from (bird, dog, human, etc) so when the study is complete we should have a better idea as to what’s going on in the lakes. Study results should be available this fall.
Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library: If you missed the announcement last week, the Alderney Library is now home to a really neat addition to the collection: a musical instrument lending library! Brought to us by the generous support of Sun Life and Halifax Libraries, the music library allows library patrons to borrow musical instruments for free. The collection has over 15o musical instruments, including keyboards, hand drums, bells,string instruments, violins, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, and guitars, including one donated by Dartmouth’s very own Joel Plaskett.
To learn more about the program, including how to borrow and care for an instrument, or how to donate gently used instruments to the library, visit: www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/beyond-books You can also browse the online collection here
Sullivan’s Pond Concert Series: The geese are honking and the bands are ready…yes the summer concerts are back at Sullivan’s Pond! Pack your lawn chairs, bring the kids, your in-laws, your neighbour, and even your dog for an afternoon of music at Sullivans Pond Park. Thanks to the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission for organizing the summer concert series and to Weldon MacInnes and the other sponsors for stepping forward so that we can once again enjoy this part of summer in Dartmouth. Music will be available in the pond at 2:00 every Sunday until September 16. Listing of bands below:
- July 22: Farm Team – a mixture of Folk, Country, Jazz, Celtic & Pop
- July 29: Alan Syliboy – Mi’kmaq Artist
- August 5: Jen Miller – Country
- August 12: Dartmouth Concert Band – Classical to Contemporary
- August 19: Donna & Alex – mixture of Pop, Classic Rock & Swing
- August 26: Ced Marty & Dave – Blues, Ballads and R&B
- September 2: Jazz Drive – Jazz
- September 9: Global Centric – Brass Band
- September 16: Marcell Symods as Slick & Slide – covers with style 70’s to modern day music
For more information, please call 902-466-2997
Weekly Green Cart Collection: For the months of July, August, and September, green cart and yard waste collection will occur every week in District 5. Collection services can begin as early as 7 a.m., so it’s best to place your cart at the curb the night before. For more information on green cart pick-up, and to find out what goes where, visit halifax.ca/recycle
New Parks and Rec Registration System: HRM has launched the first phase in its new online registration system for recreation memberships, programming, and facility bookings. This is an upgrade that has been badly needed for a while and is an essential building block for a potential one pass membership for all HRM facilities (a move that I strongly support).
To ease pressure on the system when fall registration opens on Tuesday August 14, HRM is encouraging residents to access the new, online recreation service and create an account in advance. Anyone who creates an account before August 12 will be entered into a draw for credits that can be used towards recreation programs. Fall registration opens on the following dates at 10 am:
- August 14 for preschool, child, and youth programs (excluding aquatics)
- August 16 for all aquatics programs
- August 21 for adult and skating programs
Please note, if you usually register for programs over the phone, you’ll still be able to, but an online profile will be required as old accounts will no longer be valid. For assistance, you can call (902) 490-6666. To explore the new system, learn about contest details and create a new account, visit www.halifax.ca/myREC.
Halifax Pride Festival The Halifax Pride Festival is a celebration that highlights the unique character of our diverse 2SLGBTQ+ community. This year’s Pride takes place July 19-29, with events going on all across the Municipality. The signature event, the Pride Parade, will take place on Saturday, July 21st at 1:00 pm. I’m very pleased that Halifax Transit has responded to the complaints from last year and the Alderney Ferry will be providing enhanced service. The ferry will be on a 15 minute schedule from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and again from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. A full schedule of Pride events is available online at halifaxpride.com/. The Downtown Dartmouth Pride Picnic will take place next weekend on Saturday, July 28 at the Park Avenue Community Oven from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Pride Crosswalks The rainbow flag is synonymous with the 2SLGBTQ+ community and as such the municipality is once again showing the colours of Pride with the rainbow crosswalk program. Here in District 5, the crosswalks at the intersections of Alderney Drive/Ochterloney Street, and Portland Street/King Street have been repainted. The paint used is a heavy-duty surface tolerant paint with an anti-slip additive has been added to increase durability, surface friction, and reflectivity. Thanks to the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission for covering the cost of Portland/King.
ShowMeTheGreen.ca It’s the season of renovations. ShowMeTheGreen.ca is a handy website focused on government grants, rebates, and tax credits for Canadian homeowners. They’ve recently published an article specific to Nova Scotia grants which can be found here: https://showmethegreen.ca/how-to-guides/finance-your-home-improvements/nova-scotia-grants-for-homeowners-2018/ If you’re planning any home improvements, or just dreaming of it, check out their website.
Dartmouth Heritage Museum – Tom Forrestall Art for Evergreen Fundraiser The Dartmouth Heritage Museum is excited to announce the Tom Forrestall Art for Evergreen Fundraiser! You could win an original work by local artist, Tom Forrestall. The museum will be raffling off two custom-framed, original pieces titled Cleaning Up and Distant Boat. Cleaning Up is an artist’s proof and Distant Boat is a 2018 watercolour painting done in one of Forrestall’s non-traditional shapes. Both pieces are available for viewing at Evergreen House.
Tickets are $5.00 each or five for $20.00 and are available for purchase at Evergreen House and Quaker House. Cash, credit and debit are accepted at Evergreen House, while cash only is accepted at Quaker House. Funds raised from this event will go towards the development of Evergreen House.
The winners will be drawn on December 15, 2018 during the annual Christmas Cheer and Song event. The first winner will have their choice of art and the second winner will receive the remaining piece. For more information, please contact the Museum at 902-464-2300 or info@dartmouthmuseum.ca
Summer Camps at MacPhee Centre The MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning is offering summer programs designed to give youth ages 12-19 an avenue to explore their passions in a safe, creative and inclusive environment. There are still spaces available in the Performing Arts Exposure ($120) and JA-AMP (FREE!) camps. Learn more about the details of these camps online at http://macpheecentre.ca/summer-programs/
Bursaries are available in order to provide programming that is as barrier-free as possible. Contact Quinn at 902-469-2851 or quinn@macpheecentre.ca with any questions.
Public Consultations
Substantive Change to Existing Development Agreement, Wyse Road/Pelzant
July 25, Alderney Gate Library
In September 2016, Harbour East Community Council approved a 1o storey development at the corner of Wyse Road and Pelzant Street (old Little Nashville site). The Little Nashville building has since been demolished, but the development hasn’t proceeded. The developer has since revised their design and proposes to reduce the height of the building from 10 storeys to six. The revised design will need the approval of Harbour East Community Council after a public information meeting (this wednesday) and later a public hearing. More information available here.
Council Updates:
Events:
Open Water Swim hosted by Dartmouth Crusaders
July 24, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Albro Lake
Come try open water swimming with the Dartmouth Crusaders. Learn some skills and build your fitness. A great free opportunity for youth and adults to try it out.
Rise & Grind – Free Coffee for People on Bikes
July 25, 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Entrance to the Macdonald Bridge bike lane
You’re invited to the Halifax Cycling Coalition’s Rise & Grind in Dartmouth! There will be free coffee and snacks for people riding their bikes. You can also find out more about the Halifax Cycling Coalition, sign up to become a member, and connect with other people who ride their bikes in HRM. An awesome bike mechanic from The Bike Pedaler will be there to provide basic bike tune-ups and we will be joined by a representative from Boyne Clarke, who is sponsoring the new collision card. The card features information for what to do if you are in a collision while riding your bike.
Dartmouth Senior Service Centre 42 Birthday
July 27, noon
45 Ochterloney Street
The Dartmouth Senior Service Centre will be celebrating it’s 42nd birthday on July 27 with a barbeque. Hamburgers, hotdogs, cake and games. Come celebrate this long-lived Dartmouth institution’s contribution to our community.
Nova Multifest
July 28, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Alderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney Street
A multicultural festival is back at Alderney Landing. Nova Multifest is an event to celebrate our Province’s rich tapestry of culture and diversity. This free festival includes representation from Nova Scotia’s many cultures in the form of music, art, displays and lots of delicacies native to each culture. Experience performances, demonstrations, and exhibits from the multicultural fabric that makes Nova Scotia unique. Taste international culinary delights and beverages. Kids can enjoy the bouncy castles.
This event is brought to you by Nova Multifest Society and Alderney Landing with the support from the Province of Nova Scotia.
For more information visit: http://multifestns.ca/
Downtown Dartmouth Pride Picnic
July 28, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Park Avenue Community Oven
Halifax Pride and Downtown Dartmouth are proud to once again bring you the annual Community Picnic! Come enjoy some games and a relaxing day in the park as we share local, freshly cooked pizza with family and friends at the Park Avenue Community Oven in the Dartmouth Commons. The folks from First Love Yourself (FLY) will also be on hand to provide a welcoming space for trans community members and friends.
Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day 2018
August 3rd – August 6th, 2018
Over twenty individual events including: family activities, live music, road races, entertainment showcase, comedy night, busker performances, the Mayor & Council Garden Party in both Halifax & Dartmouth and one of the oldest parades in Atlantic Canada. In addition, HRM will hold three spectacular fireworks shows throughout the weekend; from a barge in Halifax Harbour on August 4th, at the Halifax Common on August 5th, and at Lake Banook on August 6th.
Natal Day celebrations event listings will be made available soon – for more information and a complete list of events visit http://natalday.org/and follow the municipality’s Civic Events on Twitter via @hfxcivicevents, or Facebook at HFX Civic Events
Details regarding parking, transit and other municipal program and service level adjustments will be announced prior to Natal Day.
Introduction to Dragon Boat
Fridays at 5:45 pm, until August 24
Graham’s Grove Park
If you’ve seen the boats out on Lake Banook and thought it looked like fun, or if you’ve tried before and want more opportunities to paddle, or even if you’re just a fitness fan wanting to try something new – this event is for you! The Dartmouth Dragon Boat Association is hosting introductions to Dragon Boat on Friday evenings during the summer. Perfect for all fitness levels, dragon boat is a team sport where up to 20 paddlers work together to move the boat. Drop by Graham’s Grove Park at 5:45 to learn a new skill and kick off your weekend with some fun and fitness. This event is open to individuals 18 and over, and runs rain or shine. Cancellations will be posted on Facebook.
“The Take Action Society” – Outdoor Classroom & Community Garden
Monday to Wednesday from 6-8pm until August 29 **Weather Permitting**
Harbour View Elementary School, 25 Alfred Street
Come Enjoy “The Take Action Society” Community Garden! Port a Potty on site. The garden doesn’t have individual plots, it’s a community endeavour. All are welcome. Call 902-209-1900 with any questions.
Folkdancing
Thursdays, 7:30 – 10:00 pm
Ferry Terminal Park
The Folkdancers’ Association of Nova Scotia is moving their regular Thursday evening dance from the Christian Reformed Church on Robie to the plaza by the Ferry Terminal for the summer. A chance to experience traditional dance from Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Israel, Macedonia, Romania and Turkey. Dancing is weather permitting.
Dartmouth Heritage Museum
Summer Hours
Evergreen House (26 Newcastle) and Quaker House (57 Ochterloney)
At the beginning of June the Dartmouth Heritage Museum switched to its extended summer hours. Both Quaker House and Evergreen House are now open six days a week. The Museum is also offering two-for-one admission all summer long, allowing visitors entry into both locations on a single ticket. Admission is $5 for adults, and free for museum members and children under 12.
Tea at Evergreen House
Fridays through to August 31, 1:30 and 3:00 pm
Evergreen House, 26 Newcastle
The Dartmouth Heritage Museum is once again offering tea time for the summer on Fridays. Come experience a classic Victorian pastime at Evergreen House. The menu includes freshly baked cookies and scones complete with jam, cream cheese, and, of course, piping hot tea. Tea will be served in the Green Parlour at Evergreen overlooking Halifax Harbour. Two sittings – 1:30 and 3:00 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children. They can be purchased online or by calling 902-464-2300. Space is limited for each sitting so reservations are recommended. Visit www.dartmouthheritagemuseum.ns.ca for more information.