Events & Motivation

2026 Events & Motivation
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So much has been happening this winter in Dartmouth. From the Ice Festival to ice skating on our lakes to shovelling..ice, it’s been a busy season.

February is African Heritage Month. This year the theme is “Strength in Unity” and I’ve been lucky to attend many events across the province.

We know that for many in our community winter can also be difficult. Shorter days, rising costs, and the weight of uncertainty can feel especially heavy right now. If you or someone you know needs extra support, there are caring organizations ready to help. DDBC and their Community Navigator, Welcome Housing, the Dartmouth Community Fridge, and Margaret’s House all provide vital services. And if you need help navigating provincial programs or systems, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office, we are here to help.

If you’re in a position to give back, consider supporting one of these incredible organizations. Acts of generosity, no matter the size, strengthen the fabric of our community. Sometimes, helping others truly is the best medicine.

There’s also so much creativity and connection happening right here in Dartmouth South. Join me for free admission day at the Back to the Sea Centre on February 16th (Heritage Day)! And there is so much more going on, the Dartmouth Seniors Service Centre continues to host a variety of engaging events. The Trainyard is offering workshops all winter, registration available in-store or here. The Craig Gallery has upcoming art workshops, and on April 4th, 2026, Someplace Believing: The Musical premieres at the Sanctuary Arts Theatre, performed by a talented local cast and creative team. Supporting local arts and community events is a powerful way to stay connected and celebrate the spirit of Dartmouth South.

The upcoming legislative session begins on February 23rd. You work hard, and our team will be working hard on your behalf advocating for accountability from Nova Scotia Power and pushing for real progress on affordability, housing, and healthcare.

Dartmouth South is home to people from every walk of life, representing a wide range of Nova Scotian realities. Your perspective matters. Your ideas matter. When you reach out and share what’s important to you, you help shape the work I bring to the Legislature.

Please contact my office - whether you’re facing a challenge, have a story to share, or want to talk about the changes you want to see. I am committed to ensuring our community’s voice is heard clearly and consistently. Our community is strong because of the people in it. I look forward to hearing from you.

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

In the Community

Ice Festival


Ice Fest 2026! It gets better every year

Truly beautiful art and an incredible way to bring the community together.

Thank you to the Downtown Dartmouth Business Comission for all of the incredible ways that you build community and showcase talent in Dartmouth!

Africville Exhibit Opening Mixer

It was an honour to attend the Africville Exhibit Opening Mixer at IKEA.


Hearing stories from elders about the joy they felt living in Africville and how they continue to keep their community strong and vibrant. Stories of injustice, stroies of strength and resilience. We are so unbelieably lucky to have the Africville Museum in Nova Scotia.


Juanita Peters said “Change does not take time. Change takes will.” Huge thank you to Juanita for all the things that she does for the Africville community and the impact her reach has on so many Nova Scotians.

Visit to the SPCA

The SPCA veterinary clinic in Dartmouth prioritizes accessible care for families. You can call for clarification on pricing.

Provincial

Mental Health Supports


Support for addictions and mental health is available across the province. You never have to struggle alone. If you need help finding supports near you, call 211, visit YourHealthNS.ca or download the YourHealthNS app.

Access Wellness https://accesswellness.lifeworks.com/nova-scotia-en

Free one-hour counselling sessions with mental health professionals are offered to adults and families through the Access Wellness service. Your session can be delivered in-person, online, or by phone at 1‑833‑691‑2282.

Provincial Intake Service https://mha.nshealth.ca/en

If you need support with a mental health or addiction concern, Nova Scotia’s Mental Health and Addictions Intake team is here to help at 1-855-922-1122.

Crisis Supports https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/services/provincial-mental-health-and-addictions-crisis-line

If you are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis or concerned about someone else, call the Provincial Crisis Line toll free at 1-888-429-8167 to speak to a trained clinician or visit your nearest emergency department.

Suicide Prevention Line https://988.ca/

If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 for judgement-free support.

Community Events

Get Involved

Dartmouth Community Fridge

Volunteer for Claudia

Nature Nova Scotia



Nature Nova Scotia is seeking dedicated waterbird volunteers for the 2026 surveying season at the following popular birding sites:
Hartlen’s Point
MacCormacks Beach
Dartmouth Cove
Africville Park

Resources/Supports


CARE Team - Crisis Assistance and Response Team


The Crisis Assistance and Response Team (CARE Team), is a community-based, trauma-informed alternative response team for residents experiencing distress related to substance use, mental health and well-being as well as conducting wellness checks.  The team helps broaden the spectrum of supports for non-emergency crisis and is delivered in partnership with 211 Nova Scotia and Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.

Housing Support Clinics

Who Does What

February Food Calendar

Follow Claudia

Claudia Chender MLA