As November rain settles in and the temperatures drop, many of us are finding ways to stay warm and cozy while the days grow shorter. This season can be a challenging one for many in our community, and our office is here to help where we can. We’re once again a drop-off spot for winter gear donations headed to the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission’s Navigator drop-in program. If you have coats, hats, mittens, or other warm clothing to share, please stop by. And if you or someone you know needs support navigating provincial programs or community resources, please reach out, we’re here to help connect you with what you need.
Dartmouth South has plenty of ways to stay connected and engaged this season. Make sure to mark your calendars for our annual Holiday social at Alderney landing on December 5. This year we’ll be offering community and commuters a hot drink and some holiday cheer and collecting donations for community partners just outside Port City from 7:30-9am. The Dartmouth Community Fridge is hosting their second annual Trivia Night at the Royal Canadian Legion, a fun way to support an important community resource. On Saturday, November 15th, don’t miss the Kris Kringle Craft Show and Pancake Breakfast, complete with baked goods and handmade gifts. And later in the month, we’re looking forward to visiting the Christkindl Market before heading to the Christmas Tree Lighting on November 29th - a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season together.
I know Dartmouth Cove remains top of mind for many we’ve been hearing from. HRM passed a bylaw restricting infill, but the Houston Government is now threatening to overturn it—the deadline for that decision is November 28. I urge you to make your voice heard by reaching out to the Minister of Municipal Affairs while he is considering this important decision. Meanwhile we await a decision from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans regarding federal regulation of infilling. I want to thank the community for all of the hard work and advocacy so far—the fight is not over!
Many have also reached out about the Dartmouth Curling Club. Unfortunately they will remain closed this season but we are working with them, the Province and our counterparts in other orders of government to find a solution for next season. I hope to be able to share more soon.
This week, I took on a new role as Housing Critic, with a focus on ensuring accountability and action on the housing issues I hear about from so many of you. There’s so much work to be done to make sure everyone has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing. As the weather gets colder, the urgency of these challenges becomes even clearer.
I’ve also been visiting neighbourhoods across Dartmouth South to talk with residents about Nova Scotia Power rates and security as well as recent changes to the Home Heating Rebate Program (HARP). I have raised concerns about the government’s decision to remove 46,000 people from HARP and reduce support for many others. At a time when families are already paying hundreds of dollars more each year for power and when housing costs continue to climb, these cuts make it even harder for people to make ends meet. I’ve called on the government to reverse these changes and to take real action to make energy and housing more affordable.
As always, I want to thank everyone who has reached out to share their experiences and ideas. Your stories shape the work I do every day, and your advocacy makes our community stronger. Please don’t hesitate to connect with my office, whether you’re looking for support, want to share a concern, or simply want to know more about what’s happening at Province House, please reach out to my office at 902-406-2301 or claudiachendermla@gmail.com.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Claudia
