Lisa Blackburn HRM District 14

Hitting the ground running today! Up to do a hit with Global Halifax then back to budget deliberations for the rest of the day.

Great resource for parents navigating the school system!

Join us today (Jan. 12) for a Virtual Regional Council meeting, starting immediately following the Budget Committee. Agenda & to watch online.

Hello January! There's plenty going on and you can check it out here: https://www.halifax.ca//District%2014%20January%202021%20E

Back in the ring with meetings today that include a review of property valuation, agenda review for Community Planning committee and NorthWest Community Council tonight!

Today will find me meeting staff to discuss an upcoming development in the District plus a resident site visit! Oh...and a hockey game on TV tonight!

Heads up Beaver Bank folks!

That alarm this morning felt like a meat cleaver to the head....but back at the desk today! Following up on some pre-holiday projects and a meeting on mentoring are on the agenda. Plus emails and calls to clean up!

Out for two constituent coffee meetings today, check on a project and start studying the Council package for next week!

Seems like a good time to bring this up......https://www.halifax.ca/t/winter-operations/service-updates

Looks like a snow day at the home office. Predicting a blizzard of emails tapering off to a few flurries of phone calls.

Big day at the home office with Budget/Council meetings starting at 10am. Agenda can be found here: https://www.halifax.ca//december-15-2020-halifax-regional-

Today will find me at the Board of Police Commission meeting and also NorthWest Community Council tonight. In between will be prep work for Council tomorrow!

December 11, 2020 We are open tonight! Come in, out of the cold at the back door of 10 Beaver Bank Road. Our caring volunteers will greet you. We continue to re...cruit to our team. We hope to expand our hours. Please apply today.For the Microsoft Word Application: https://bit.ly/313rET1 PDF version: https://bit.ly/34VM9Cb Completed applications and any questions may be forwarded to [email protected]

Couple of meetings to wrap up the week, first to discuss accessibility issues with staff and then virtual coffee with my northwest Council colleagues! Plus listening in to the Premier/Dr. Strang at noon!

Starting the day with the Sackville Business Association board meeting, then an interview with a King’s journalist, recording a Remembrance Day video and a phone meeting to help with staff performance review.

Last day for early voting! Details here: https://www.halifax.ca//ne/general-election-day-saturday-0

Starting the day with my first Community Planning and Economic Development meeting, an update from staff on park projects, NorthWest Planning Advisory Committee meeting and squeezing in a haircut along the way!

Nova Scotia Heating Rebate Program 2021

Starting the day walking to school with the kids from the Beaver Bank Children’s Learning Centre, then a constituent site visit and some campaign work. Don’t forget to vote!

Heading to City Hall for a meeting then back to the home office for a bit of research and emails! After the wind last night, I suspect some campaign signs will need some love later today too!

Happy Tuesday! Today I’m popping in on the HRP/RCMP session for new Councillors and doing an interview with Halifax Magazine. Plus some afternoon office work and checking on projects.

Today I’ll be getting an update from staff on Winter Operations, then taking part in a study on leadership and a resident phone meeting!

Meeting today to discuss ATV issues in the District, then doing some campaign work and recording some election radio ads. Also dropping down to the Q-104 Thanksgiving fundraiser at the Downsview Sobeys!

It's December? Already? Here's an update on District 14: https://www.halifax.ca//District%2014%20December%202020%20

The second round for funds for communities groups to assist others during the COVID-19 crisis is now available! https://communityfoundations.ca//emergency-community-supp/

Back to regular shenanigans today including a meeting with MLA Ben Jessome , Councillor orientation on Library and resident calls!

Don’t tell the boss but I’m taking today off. This gal is getting her X ring from St. FX University and we will be celebrating and watching the ceremony from home.

Starting the day meeting with the team at the Cobequid Cultural Society then heading into City Hall to work on some projects! See ya on the road!

Today’s adventures include a resident meeting to talk traffic, the Chamber of Commerce web chat and look for this crew out later today!

No meetings on the agenda today but busy with constituent work and campaign prep. Heading out to Freedom Kitchen later today!

News release - Mayor Mike’s Local Stuff Challenge (Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020) Mayor Mike Savage today engaged local business districts in a friendly holiday shopping competition in aid of an important cause. Each of the participating districts will fill a stocking with products from shops in their area. The stockings will then be auctioned off in support of Shelter Nova Scotia.... The Local Stuff Challenge is an opportunity for all of us to think about our spending decisions this holiday season and throughout the year, said Mayor Savage. Local businesses put money back into our community, they provide employment and support neighbourhood causes and events. This year they need us more than ever. Once the stockings are filled, they will go up for live auction with all proceeds going to Shelter Nova Scotia’s efforts to help homeless and precariously housed people throughout HRM. The support of our community is critical in what we do at Shelter Nova Scotia. We provide support to over 1,300 people a year and operate six facilities 24/7. By supporting us, you are supporting the province’s most vulnerable populations, said Jayme Lynn Butt, Public Relations and Fundraising Manager for Shelter Nova Scotia. Tim Rissesco, Executive Director of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission and chair of a coalition of Halifax area business districts, underscored the importance of supporting local business and local causes at this time of year. This has been a difficult year for a lot of people. Buying local this holiday will make a big difference to our small businesses who are the cornerstones of our downtowns and communities and supporting causes like Shelter Nova Scotia will help us all get through this pandemic together, said Rissesco. Follow along with #stuffit2020 on Twitter and Instagram as the BIDs shop, taking advantage of curbside pick-ups, delivery options and COVID-cautious in-person alternatives as we build to the stocking reveals and auction dates in the days ahead. Contact: Shaune MacKinlay Chief of Staff Office of Mayor Mike Savage 902-233-6838 [email protected] See more

What a great day for a hike!

This'll take care of that little dip in the road near Bryanston........https://www.halifaxwater.ca/n/lucasville-road-patching-work

Busy day with a couple of sessions of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities AGM, an orientation session with the new Appeals Committee and NorthWest Planning Advisory Committee meeting tonight!

Heading out this morning for a hike to learn more about Sandy Lake. Also campaign work today and a resident site visit to discuss speeding issues!

Council day! First up is budget discussion and then regular Council. Agenda/web link here: https://www.halifax.ca//december-1-2020-halifax-regional-c

Back at Council today wrapping up what we didn’t finish yesterday. And wearing orange to honour residential school survivors!

Meeting with a neighbourhood group today to talk playgrounds and then taking the rest of the day to prep for Council tomorrow!

Council meeting day! Several heritage hearings and discussions about living wage, short term rentals, winter operations and tax relief! Details here: https://www.halifax.ca//september-29-2020-halifax-regional

There's been a lot of interest in what is going in behind Trinity Lane....here is the link to the application from Clayton Developments: https://www.halifax.ca//case-23213-beaver-bank-hammonds-pl Please drop me an email at [email protected] with any questions and I'll do my best to answer them!

Dedicating a good part of today to showing my inbox some love, meeting with some of the new Councillors and popping in to a virtual retirement celebration. Happy Friday!

Public Service Announcement Update on municipal seasonal events Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020 (Halifax, NS) Due to the impacts of COVID-19, there are a number of c...hanges for annual holiday celebrations and commemorations organized by the municipality. As with all aspects of COVID-19, these events may be subject to change depending on public health and group gathering regulations. Halifax Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting The in-person tree lighting ceremony at Grand Parade Square is cancelled for this year. The tree is in place and decorated, and a virtual Christmas tree lighting video will be shared on the municipality’s Youtube page on Saturday, Nov. 28, premiering at 8 a.m. Further, a holiday projection and light show at Grand Parade Square begins on Saturday, Nov. 28 until Friday, Jan 1. Residents who wish to view the lights show must abide by all public health protocols, including physical distancing of 6 feet (2 metres). For the full schedule and details, visit the website. The in-person Menorah lighting ceremony is cancelled for this year. The Menorah will be lit in Grade Parade from Friday, Dec. 11 until Friday, Dec. 18. Dartmouth Tree Lighting The in-person Dartmouth tree lighting event is also cancelled for this year. In its place a variety of holiday illuminations will be on display in downtown Dartmouth throughout the month of December. Residents must maintain a physical distance of 6 feet (2 metres). Full details will be available online by Tuesday, Dec. 1. Halifax Explosion Memorial Ceremony The 103rd in-person memorial ceremony of the Halifax Explosion is cancelled. Wreaths will be placed at Fort Needham Memorial Park commemorating the tragic loss of life on Dec. 6, 1917 and honoring the resiliency and recovery of those who survived the explosion. Mayor Mike Savage will address citizens virtually on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m. on the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Facebook page. New Year’s Eve A studio broadcast of the New Year’s Eve show will be held this year. There will be no in-person outdoor gathering due to current COVID-19 regulations. More information, as well as an artist announcement, will be made in December. For more information on all of these events, visit halifax.ca/events

A virtual day ahead with meetings including Halifax Partnership, a resident interested in lacrosse infrastructure and a Community Council meeting tonight!

Working on some correspondence and project updates today, plus a Board of Police Commission sub committee meeting. Stay safe!

Public Service Announcement Response to COVID-19: Update to facility bookings and recreation programming... Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020 (Halifax, NS) The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving effects of COVID-19. The following is an update on municipal services. As directed by the province, new public health guidelines will take effect in the Halifax Regional Municipality inside the boundaries of Hubbards, Mount Uniacke, Elmsdale and Porters Lake. HRCE school bookings The municipality coordinates facility bookings for all Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) schools for community and extracurricular school use. Following the province’s announcement today, bookings at all HRCE sites within the affected area are cancelled as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26 until at least Thursday, Dec. 10. There are no changes to school bookings within the municipality that are outside the affected area. There remains a number of COVID-19 regulations in-place for community bookings for participants. Full details of these regulations and HRCE facility bookings can be found online. Facility bookings, rentals Rentals at municipally-owned recreation facilities, community centres, arenas and sports fields in the affected area will be cancelled as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26, and all bookings will be suspended until at least Thursday, Dec. 10. For residents who have a booking that has been canceled, staff will be in touch in the coming days regarding the status of your account. We ask residents to wait to contact staff as they continue to help support ongoing service adjustments related to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Recreation programming, partner facilities, gyms & pools With the closure of municipal recreation centres, pools and gymnasiums in the affected area, all recreation programming is cancelled for the rest of the fall season in those facilities. A further announcement on winter programming will be made in consultation with public health. Municipal staff will begin contacting fall registrants on next steps. Your patience is appreciated during this time. The following recreation centres will remain open: Musquodoboit Harbour Recreation Centre Rentals, fitness centre and programs Musquodoboit Valley Recreation Office Programs only Sheet Harbour Recreation Office Programs only Several recreation facilities within the municipality are operated by community boards. All partner facilities located within the affected area will close. Those located outside the affected area may remain open. Residents are encouraged to contact partner recreation facilities directly for an update on operations. While facilities are closed, residents are reminded to use REC at Home which offers a variety of activities that you can enjoy with your family - from arts and crafts, to at-home workouts. For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Halifax.ca/coronavirus.

The newest restrictions:

Starting early with a visit to Global Halifax then Council starts at 1pm where a new Deputy Mayor will be elected. The last year as DM has been an amazing experience and thankful to have it. Appreciate the support you’ve given me!

Tomorrow night, Tuesday Nov 24th, is the first night to start filling our Port-a-Tank. We will be set up in our parking lot at 7pm. Every little bit helps!

Working on Council prep for the meeting tomorrow. Also rebooking all in-person meetings for the next few weeks in an effort to limit my contacts! Stay safe!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=827203978115041&id=213414596160652

Working from the office this morning to catch up after Council then shooting a video for the Sackville Tree Lighting and meeting with the Lucasville Greenway Society later tonight!

Council day! Meeting today will include discussions on street names, a public hearing tonight and assigning committees. Full agenda here: https://www.halifax.ca//november-17-2020-halifax-regional-

Spending today on reports to get ready for Council tomorrow, also a Board of Police Commission meeting and Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting later in the afternoon.

Wrapping up the week with a morning of training sessions on media/social media with the new Councillors, then out for a staff meeting with the volunteers to talk about the Cobequid community arts Centre.

On this Monday 2.0 I’ll be visiting a paving project in the district with a resident, sitting in on the new Councillor orientation, constituent coffee meeting and Sackville Heights Community Centre meeting tonight!

Council day! So excited to see my new colleagues around the virtual council table. Follow the meeting here:

Taking part in more Councillor orientation today including a mock Council meeting. Then Agenda Review for the real meeting tomorrow and NorthWest Community Council meeting tonight!

Starting this fine Friday meeting with Eastlink to talk cell service in the district, meeting with Indigo Shores residents and my open office hours are back! At the Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre from 2-4pm. All Covid protocols apply. Bring your mask and let’s chat!

Constituent coffee meeting to start the day, then back to the office to join in some Councillor training sessions. Day wraps up with the Women’s Advisory Committee meeting!

Started the day walking to school with a local day care to see the traffic situation from their perspective. Then off to City Hall to join in on new Councillor training and NorthWest Planning Advisory meeting tonight!

Public Service Announcement Response to COVID-19: Update to HRCE school facility bookings Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 (Halifax, NS) The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving effects of COVID-19. ... The municipality coordinates facility bookings for all Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) schools for community and school use. Following the province’s announcement today on reopening these facilities for public use, the municipality is updating contracts with existing clients to reflect this change. With over 130 bookable locations, your patience is appreciated as staff work quickly to make these updates. Bookings at Auburn Drive High School, Dartmouth High School, Sir John A MacDonald High School, Halifax West High School, Sackville High School and Cunard Junior High School will begin on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020. All other bookings are expected to begin the week of Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. Once all previously booked groups have their contracts finalized, staff will consider adding potential new bookings. There are a number of COVID-19 regulations in-place for community bookings for participants. Full details of these regulations and HRCE facility bookings can be found online. For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Halifax.ca/coronavirus.

Coffee meeting with colleagues to start today, then sitting in on a session with the new Councillors. After that, you’ll find me in the corner hyperventilating into a paper bag.

Time to tackle Monday! Starting the day on the Rick Howe Show for Councillors on the Hotseat. Then a couple of resident meetings and Agenda Review as we prep for the first meeting of the new Council!

What's going on around District 14? Thought you'd never ask! https://www.halifax.ca//District%2014%20November%202020%20

Doing some office work this morning followed by a meeting to talk about accessibility. Then getting ready for the swearing in ceremony! Starts at 6pm and live streaming at Halifax.ca!

Heading into City Hall this morning for a technology upgrade, then a Library board audit/finance committee meeting and a constituent site visit this afternoon!

Road trip to Hope for Wildlife this morning to make a donation, back to the city for a meeting to discuss area rates and a constituent coffee chat to talk about grant opportunities!

Taking this morning to catch up on correspondence. Heading to City Hall this afternoon to celebrate the retiring Councillors!

Off to a couple of events for the Mayor today! First is a ceremony for HMCS Kootenay at Point Pleasant Park, then speaking at the opening of the new South End Container Terminal. A resident site visit rounds out the day!

Back in the saddle today at the Thrive Business Awards, visiting the Big Burger at Grand Parade, tour of Woodlawn Library and if there’s time popping in for a drink with some colleagues!

Happy Monday! Back at ‘er with a couple of media interviews, on the Rick Howe Show, CAO review meeting and closing up the campaign office!

A little bit of everything today including a resident site visit and final push on the campaign trail. Look for these fine folks at an intersection near you this afternoon!