It may be cold today, but it’s spring and there is a sunny weekend forecast. I look forward to seeing you out in the garden, on the waterfront, or at the market this weekend!
Housing
If you missed my previous bulletin, the Province did finally announce their plans for the DoubleTree Hotel on Wyse Road, which they have leased for the coming year. Now to be called “The Bridge,” it will be shelter with wraparound supports, as well as transitional facility for people who would otherwise have to remain in hospital because they have nowhere safe to go.
Currently, approximately 90 of the 200+ rooms are occupied as shelter beds through the Department of Community Services Shelter Diversion Program. Of the remaining rooms, 33 will be for those leaving hospital. The remainder of the rooms will be filled with people leaving other seasonal shelters and some who are sleeping rough. There will be a health clinic in the building to support residents, which is welcome news.
I am glad to see that some of the over 900 people without housing in HRM will be able to access this space, but I have heard many concerns from Dartmouth residents and I share some of them.
First, for this to be truly transitional housing (and it isn’t a long-term solution—these are hotel rooms, not apartments), we need somewhere affordable for people to transition to, and there is currently nowhere available.
Second, I share concerns about the lack of shelter spaces in communities across the HRM—I am not convinced that one large shelter with 200 rooms is the ideal model. I know that the lack of supports for houseless people has presented challenges for the downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods and have been in regular touch with downtown businesses, residents, the HRP, Councillor Sam Austin, the Province, and service providers about ensuring that people offered spaces are appropriately supported so that they can transition out of homelessness.
I will share more information as it becomes available. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
Education
The Halifax Regional Centre for Education announced this week that the grade 6 students from 3 schools in the Woodlawn Family, including Alderney Elementary in Dartmouth South, would be attending new modular classrooms at Ellenvale Junior High School in the fall. Similar changes were announced for families of schools in Spryfield and Clayton Park. My understanding is that anyone more than 1.6km away will be eligible for bussing.
This came as a huge surprise to parents and there have been sharply divided opinions about whether this is a positive move for students. The rationale for the change is that our schools are experiencing unprecedented growth, including an additional 1,000 new students just this year. This was not properly planned for so many of the changes taking place are reactive.
I have heard from many parents who are concerned about this change. HRCE has been clear that this change is final. The lack of information or consultation is disappointing to say the least, and is the latest evidence that the lack of school boards with transparent minutes and processes produces serious challenges.
Please continue to send me your thoughts and I will pass them along to HRCE. Alderney is an outlier of the three schools affected as it is not (yet) overcrowded. I have been told that these grade six students are being moved so that they don’t enter school at a different grade than the rest of their cohort, which makes some sense.
HRCE, and the entire Provincial Department of Education needs a much better approach to planning and building new schools, and this situation highlights the issue. I will continue to press for clear and appropriate planning to accommodate kids properly and with planning so that they can grow up in the best learning environments possible.
I encourage families to prepare their students for this cohort change, regardless of the process, since it is clear that this decision is final. Please let me know how my office can be supportive.
Primary Care Clinics
For the many in Dartmouth without a family doctor, one option is to visit a mobile primary care clinic. NSHA announces information about these clinics here. Be sure to bring your health card and a list of your medications. Care will be provided by nurse practitioners and family physicians. Upcoming in Central Zone are the following clinics:
Cobequid Community Health Centre, 40 Freer Lane, Lower Sackville*
Saturday, May 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
Sunday, May 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
This is a drop-in clinic. Please come to the site in person to be seen or receive an appointment time. Depending on wait times, you may be able to leave and return for your appointment. Please speak to clinic staff about this option. *This clinic will run each weekend until the end of June.
