Local updates and two events I am co-hosting!

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This weekend marks the beginning of the North American Indigenous Games, the largest multi-sport gathering ever in our province. Of course we couldn't be more proud that our world-class paddling course (and local swimming, skating, and strolling spot) is hosting the canoe-kayak competitions. Click here for a full list of events!


It’s truly summer. Ice cream is again available at Graham’s Grove (and many other locations popping up around Dartmouth South), and concerts and cultural events proliferate.


As people are spending more time outside, the number of homeless residents of HRM are also becoming more visible. While our community continues to step up in the form of food banks, Margaret’s House, the Community Fridge and other initiatives, it is simply not enough. People need housing, and I continue to press the government to rapidly create and support the creation of affordable housing.


I was glad to see the investment in 25 fully-furnished modular homes for families displaced by the Tantallon wildfires. The nearly 1,000 homeless residents in HRM, many of whom are living in Dartmouth, deserve stable permanent housing too. I am continuing to press the Provincial government for this.


Fuel Tax

We are two weeks into the new carbon levy. Are you feeling the pinch? Rebates will be coming out on the 15th of July, October, January, and April. If you don’t receive your rebate, check your eligibility here and reach out to our MP Darren Fisher’s office if you have further questions.


Blue Green Algae

If you didn’t make it out to the Oathill Lake Conservation Society meeting last week, the city made an excellent presentation to the group about cyanobacteria, the risks, and the knowledge gap around this area of science. It was a disappointment that, despite a commitment to attend, no Provincial representative from the Department of Environment and Climate Change made it to this meeting.


Urban lakes are a multi-jurisdictional responsibility and the Province has a major role to play. Beyond just the environmental impact of having healthy urban lakes, they are economic drivers, sites of recreation, and are deeply entwined in our community’s identity: we are “the city of lakes”. The Province has to step up and recognize their role in protecting urban lakes.

of which are types of cyanobacteria AKA blue-green algae. HRM also has an excellent page on their website that goes into more detail about cyanobacteria.

OLCS has compiled a list of what we can do as neighbours to help protect out urban lakes:

  1. Pick up after our pets at home or on a walk;

  2. Use phosphate-free soaps for washing the car or the house/deck or use commercial car washes instead of washing your car in the driveway. Car washes are equipped to handle dirt, soaps and contaminants. Run off from your driveway can wash into the storm sewer and contaminate lakes and rivers. Even biodegradable soaps can be harmful to aquatic life;

  3. Limit or do not use lawn/garden fertilizers, try alternatives such as compost;

  4. Use sediment and erosion control measures when doing projects that require excavation on our properties;

  5. Report any illegal dumping and sediment flow into stormwater catchbasins;

    Storm drains are for rain and snow melt only. Any dumping of toxic chemicals or process water, such as paints, oil, antifreeze and even soapy water into the storm drain is illegal, as provided by Halifax Water’s Schedule of Rules and Regulations for Stormwater Service. You can report pollution by calling the Pollution Prevention office at (902) 490-4000.

Scam Targeting Seniors

HRP continue to receive reports in relation to a scam intended to defraud seniors of their money. In each incident, the victim received a call from someone pretending to be a family member who indicated that they have been arrested and are in jail. Another person representing themselves to be from the legal system becomes involved in the call and informs the victim that they need to pay money to have their loved one released from custody. In one case, a suspect made arrangements to pick up the money in person.

If you receive a call like this, do not provide or confirm any personal or financial information and hang up the phone. In Canada, law enforcement and court officials will not attend a residence to collect money in relation to bail.


Call police at 902-490-5020 if you've lost money or your identity has been compromised as the result of a scam. You can report a scam where you haven’t been a victim to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or call 1-888-495-8501.


Settling Insurance Claims on Hurricane Fiona

If you suffered damage from Hurricane Fiona last year and have not settled your claim with your insurance company, there is free, independent, and impartial help available from the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO). GIO is an independent body set up to help Canadians find a fair resolution to disputes with insurance providers. GIO can provide advice on dealing with your insurance company as a first step. If you are not satisfied with the decision from your provider on your claim, GIO can help resolve your claim. 


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

Office Events:

My office is co-hosting two events in Dartmouth in the next few weeks!

This event is youth-focused but allies of all ages are welcome! Bring your picnic blanket, we'll provide snacks and activities!

Community Spotlight:

Common Roots Woodside Market Stand

Fresh, very local produce grown in Woodside!


Come to our market stand every Wednesday from 3:00pm-5:30pm on Pleasant St, across from the Dartmouth General Hospital. We also have a smaller lunchtime market every Thursday in front of the Hugh Bell Building (298 Pleasant St) from 12:00pm-1:00pm.


Our produce is grown without pesticides or herbicides and buying from us supports our mental health and community programming.

Community

Events:

WHEN: Wednesday, July 19 from 1:00-4:00pm

WHERE: Alderney Gate Public Library, 60 Alderney Dr., Dartmouth


Check your eligibility here or by, calling or visiting the library: 902-490-5745.

*New Food Bank*

  • Tuesday's 1-3pm; doors close at 3pm

  • First come, first served

  • Pick-up only, no deliveries (no exceptions)

  • Individuals may have someone pick up on their behalf

  • Households may visit a maximum of once every four weeks

  • New and returning clients are welcomed. We ask that new clients bring ID with them; a household application will be completed upon first visit

Seeking Donations:

Programs:

program is delivered through a 6-level progression, built around 4 pillars – Artistic Swimming Skills, Swimming Fundamentals, Athletic Abilities, and Flexibility. Check it out!

Grants:

To ensure you are eligible to apply for a grant please visit Rogers Eligibility requirements  before you begin.


This application form is currently open and will close on August 4, 2023.

The 2023 Peace Scholarship Award is open and will close on Sunday, August 6th 2023. 

Community Economic Development Fund

Non-profits, industry associations, sector organizations, social enterprises, municipalities, academic institutions and other organizations that benefit the public can apply for funding for projects that increase economic competitiveness and productivity. For-profit businesses are not eligible for funding. For the current application intake period, you need to apply by 31 August 2023.

Apply here!

Resources

Dartmouth Food Calendar

Every month Carla Foxe from the Halifax Public Libraries puts together the Dartmouth Food calendar. Please share this resource with anyone who could use it. Download PDF version.

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Claudia Chender MLA

We are located in Punamu'kwati'jk in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. We are all Treaty people.

360–33 Ochterloney Street,
Dartmouth, NS,
Canada
(902) 406-2301
Hours
Mon 9am to 4pm
Tue 9am to 4pm
Wed 9am to 4pm
Thu 9am to 4pm
Fri 9am to 4pm

© Claudia Chender