Few Thoughts o the URAB Decision

Thoughts on the NSUARB Decision

Well, the verdict has come down from the Utility and Review Board. Halifax Regional Council should be cut to 16. What does this mean and how will it affect you as a citizen?

Let’s first look at the issues that have arisen regarding good governance. Framework and structure may not be sexy, but they are the foundation on which any level of government exists. When the Halifax Regional Municipality was formed in 1996, it was done in a hasty manner with only one year to re-align what had taken almost two centuries of elected municipal governments to achieve. The new structure was written non- elected person. I’m sure he had good intentions, but with no regard for our existing communities, no insight to all the unique communities, how could he understand his civics of this proposed new municipality? Therefore, we, as a newly formed regional municipality were doomed to have a bureaucratically-favoured governance model.

There is a need for a better framework and policies to foster democracy – effective decision making on behalf of the residents and businesses. Right from the get-go, the Regional Council should have requested a better governance model that would give the six Community Councils more authority and jurisdiction over their areas. In doing so, the Councillors could work with the residents and staff to foster better relationships with business, development, municipal services and the quality of life for all involved (students, seniors, low income etc.) Instead, the Council was preoccupied with trying to maintain a level of governance they were so accustomed to prior to amalgamation. For 15 years this has been plaguing the municipality. There needs to be change, and those elected need to comprehend that it starts with them requesting changes to the Halifax Charter that will allow for dramatic changes that would in fact aid in better representation to their constituents.

Does the size of Council matter if it’s the structure that is currently in place is truly faltering? No. There could be 23, 20, 15, 5 elected individuals around the table and the same issues will bog down the Council meetings. The changes needed are in the Rules of Order, the Halifax Charter and the most important part that everyone is forgetting the STRUCTURE. I’ll use an analogy to describe the graveness of this: if a group decided to play football and the fans chose the captain, but didn’t give that person the ability to give directions and the coaches were from the opposing team were give more authority, how do you think the game would go? This is basically what is strangling the democracy of Halifax.

Now, let’s look at how Halifax Regional should setup their Community Councils for an effective governance framework. Toronto is a good example to adopt as they have 4 community councils. These Community Councils deal with all municipal issues within their jurisdictions but planning. This is the total opposite of Halifax Regional Council. The Toronto model seems to be more fitting for our regional municipality because it allows those areas that are alike to work together on like issues. Each Community Council decides on what projects or areas of concern should be advanced to Regional Council for the Annual Budget as well. Amendments to the Halifax Charter could achieve this, but only if the Provincial Government agrees with such changes as they oversee the municipal level of Government.

What really concerns me is the falsehood that a cut in the number of Councillors will be a monetary savings to the residents, better decision making will occur at Regional Council meetings. This is not so. The reduction of Councillors will not be a monetary savings, nor will it be a guarantee that there will be better decision making. Currently, Councillors share one support staff (typically 4 Councillors to 1 Councillor Support Person) which is challenging as not all Districts are equal with regards to the makeup of the district ( some have commercial areas which have unique demands as opposed to a more residential area). With the proposed 16 Councillors scenario, each Councillor may need their own assistant which would cost approximately 65k x 16= 1,040,000.

Some Councillors have suggested their desire for a District Office in their community. The cost at the present time for those with such amenities are supposedly absorbed by HRM, but let’s cost this out: (Being very conservative here) rent, furniture, phone, power, and office supplies = +<- 1500.00 a month. 1.5k x 16 x12 = 288,000. Factor in general expenses of 100.00 x 16 x12 = 28,800. So in total the cost maybe 1,356,800. Factor in the need to change literature, business stationary, web presence and other municipally related information and contact stock = approx. 50,000. Add in the changes required for Council Chambers = 50k. Approx. 2 million. (15% +/-contingency).

Furthermore there an increase in Councillor’s pay is hooked to the amount of citizens a Councillor would represent and that would increase the Councillors pay to 90k a year. 16 x 90k = 1,440,000, (not including the Mayor’s Salary or expenses like mileage) The cost is close to 2 million before work has even begun.

As for better decision making, that all depends on who are elected and their ability to understand their role as decision makers and policy makers for the whole municipality. The issues that many find mundane and trivial are part and parcel to the position. They may sound ridiculous and absurd, but that’s municipal grass roots politics!

Another concern is the ability for any Councillor to be accessible to all their residents, businesses. High demand areas like the urban areas may see a change in service which they have been told will not change. This is a demanding position and there is not a lot of downtime so whoever decides to run in the next election better be prepared for a different lifestyle!

Cheers
Dawn

Behind the Papered Windows of Barrington Street

I met the owner of Starfish Properties yesterday and took a tour of the old Sam the Record man, Carsand -Mosher and the Roy building as I have received many emails and queries to why all the windows are papered on Barrington Street. Believe me, I was concerned too. This is a wonderful street with such potential!

Looking up in the Old Sam's Store

Firstly, Sam the Record Man, Gingers and the Granite Brewery buildings, all are under extensive redesign, four buildings will be combined into one large building with a 2 storey addition. The exteriors will remain the same. The buildings are gutted and within the next 3 weeks, new steel beams will be arriving for the addition. Combining all these old buildings is a difficult job both in engineering and architecturally. The project should be complete early fall. I know it seems that nothing is being done on Barrington, hence the meeting with Mr. Reznick. He has spent 1/2 million dollars so far on Sam's and understands that people are concerned about the street. Mr. Reznick will be peeling the paper away soon so all can see the massive work being done.

Upstairs at Old Carsand - Mosher building

Carsand - Mosher building has all 4 parts rented: 1-dessert shop, 2-Argyle Fine Arts 3-an advertising company and 4- a brand name store that will fit into the sporting lifestyle hub which this area is becoming a destination for. Final touches will be complete by June.




Roy building is now under consideration by council for redevelopment and there will be a public hearing on May 10th, please checkout the design and attend the Public Hearing and have your say!





Furthermore, the Morse tea building will be home to new restaurant, Baton- Rouge, by May 20th. Not only will this give foodies a new place to dwell, but it will aid in the generation of new employment in the food industry in the Downtown.

It takes time for developments or redevelopment to be completed when you are preserving old building like those in the e-space development (Sam's Granite/Ginger's buildings).  Barrington Street is about to be reborn!

Starfish Properties web site: http://www.starfishproperties.ca/

Old Elevator Doors at Sam the Record Man
signed by bands

E-Space Plan

The Downtown Scoop: Skating Oval = Social Capital (it's a good thing!)

The Downtown Scoop: Skating Oval = Social Capital (it's a good thing!)

Skating Oval = Social Capital (it's a good thing!)

A void has been filled in the social fabric in Halifax. It consists of frozen water, hot beverages, deep fried dough, fire pits, and bleachers. The Canada Games Skating Oval is the talk of the town. It’s where every age can congregate; enjoy good old wholesome fun, exercise, and social interaction with people from all over our municipality, and beyond the municipal borders.

The venue has become the conversation on talk radio, newspapers, and social media because of our desperate need for more social capital. What defines social capital? On a Government of Canada website it explains it as:

“People and communities with good access to a diverse mix of social capital tend to be more ‘hired, housed, healthy and happy.' Although views about the precise definition of social capital differ, social capital is essentially about the ways in which one's social relationships provide access to needed information, resources and supports.


Public policy interest in social capital has grown worldwide in recent years. The concept has been linked to a broad range of issues including health, labour market outcomes, immigrant integration and diversity management, poverty and social exclusion, crime and safety, neighbourhood revitalization and civic renewal.”

In other words, citizens want the ability to be engaged in tangible social events so they may feel good about where they live. Nocturne is another great example of building social capital in our society. Positive interactions with others boost pride and restores faith in governments as well.

Moreover, this would allow for more family activities other than playing with a Wii.  Rinks are at a premium and this would allow for the rinks to be utilized more for organized hockey.

This is where Council needs to be leaders and listen to the desires of the residents. Yes, finances may try to dictate the results, but can we afford not to listen to the citizens? I have no doubt in my mind that some citizens/ Councillors/ staff will not be in favour of retaining this venue, but do they understand that with creative thinking, and the “user pay” concept that this can be self sustaining. Just think; your dollar investment could help make Halifax a more progressive and fun place to live, work, and play.

What do you think?  Email me at sloaned@halifax .ca

Money Making or Civilization Maker? The Need for the #3 Manor Bus is there

So back in the day, Council added a bus known as the Manor Bus - #3. The intent was to aid the seniors to be more mobile throughout the peninsular area as the malls and shopping areas began to develop in areas such as Mumford Road and Bayers Road away from the traditional shopping areas such as Downtown Halifax, North End ( Gottingen Street) and Quinpool Road.


Small grocery stores gave way to the big box like Superstores and Sobeys located outside of the traditional shopping areas as well. Other amenities started locating themselves to these untraditional areas as well; doctors, dentists, and government offices such as Access Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality Storefronts.

Seniors began to use the malls as gathering places to socialize or to exercise by “mall walking” instead of trying to navigate sidewalks in inclement weather.

Although the #3 Manor is not busting its seams daily, it does provide a service for which any urbanites understand. Affordable, mass, safe, alternative transportation. It was not designed to be profitable. It was designed to aid the aged and those unable to or do not drive. A public service which is affordable for those on fixed incomes, allows for transportation to the malls and medical offices we as a municipality helped establish, and fosters a good quality of life for our seniors by allowing socialization.

Socialization and independence are required for a good quality of life for our seniors. Otherwise mental and physical consequences may occur. Lack of motivation can cause depression.

Teresa Modnick and Monika White, Ph.D., (http://www.helpguide.org/elder_care.htm)

“Moderate to severe depression often accompanies physical decline and frailty. As many as 70% of institutionalized elderly experience significant depression, and the incidence in community settings is approximately 18% in the over 65 population (as opposed to 8% in the general population). Some estimates of frail elderly living in independent settings have found a 30% or higher incidence. Depression is a medical condition that affects not only quality of life, but also the way in which people take care of themselves. It is a condition that is usually easily resolved with new treatments, but untreated in the elderly, it can have dire consequences.” 

When the affordable housing for seniors was built, they were done so in the traditional areas of the peninsula. Close to all the amenities a resident would require. For example on Gottingen Street, near Sunrise Manor and Ahern Manor; there was a Dominion Grocery Store, shopping destinations like the Metropolitan, and a pharmacy. The only thing remaining is the pharmacy. Will the Province be building new seniors complexes in the near future out by these or the new commercial parks? I highly doubt it. The growth of these commercial complexes was fostered by the municipality for the sake of economic development and to keep Halifax competitive in the Atlantic Region. So it makes sense to have transit accommodating for the residents.


What is the value of this service and the municipality’s desire to repopulate the peninsular area and its need to retain citizens in the urban area? I say it’s priceless and needs to be examined without bias.  Quality of life is at stake here. If every bus route was analyzed on the basis of profit, a substantial amount of routes would be disbanded and the intent of mass transit would be threatened. I think the main issue here is the inability or lack of desire for Metro Transit to rebrand the “manor” bus as a “cross-town” transit service which services seniors, students, residents and commuters.


Rebranding and marketing of this route could make it more popular for those wanting to travel throughout the peninsula without transferring. Case and point: within HRM by Design a similar style bus/ shuttle was not only proposed but RECOMMEND BY COUNCIL, but was shot down by our past Transit Manager.


If Metro Transit and Council are not willing to reconsider this bus route, then I will be requesting that all bus routes be analyzed for their profitability and those who are not making a “profit” be axed as well.

How do you solve a problem like ours?

"Build it and they will come". "Save it and they will come". These are the two battle cries being heard currently in Halifax. Our Downtown is in transition with several developments pending and on the way. So what's the problem? HRM by Design has been adopted. This year's cruise ship visits are up to 130 with thousands of visitors roaming the streets, taking tours and excursions to Peggy's Cove.






The problem is our own citizens have given up. They have been snookered into the Western style of living. Big Box stores, driving from store to store in retail parks for bargains on white tube socks. Buying in bulk like the apocalypse is coming.






No parking, Parking Nazis, Winter Parking Bans, bad weather, too spread out, not my type of store, fear of swarming, violence, drugs, drunks, same ol same, Nothing new, too far from home, bus schedule. Sound familiar? These are the typical excuses I hear when I ask someone why they do not frequent our downtown. Very disheartening. Many of these comments are myths. Case and Point:






No Parking? Or perhaps too lazy to walk a ½ a block.






Parking Nazis? Perhaps you didn’t find a meter or parking spot geared for your needs.






Parking Bans. What are you doing Drinking and Driving? And have you ever checked out Park after Dark? 6 bucks will allow you to park from 6pm to 8am.






Too Spread out? You drive from store to store at the retail parks, perhaps you don’t realise you are wasting fuel.


I could go on, but then this blog would be 5000 pages long.


Whose fault is it that the Downtown isn’t what every one wants it to be? Well, several decades’ people vacating the peninsula, several bad planning decisions, several unfortunate mistakes that cannot be changed overnight.


How can we change this? Commercial tax reform is one solution. Making it fiscally viable for a company to be in the Downtown of Halifax or Dartmouth would be a start. We are relying on these areas to generate high taxes to subsidize other municipal infrastructure for an area as large as Prince Edward Island for God’s sake!


We need to stop the bleeding. We need to stop it now or we are in serious trouble. Taxes everywhere will rise as our downtowns decline. This will be disastrous to our economy and to your savings.


So what about the convention centre proposal? Will it be our “white knight” and save us from this tipping point? No, it probably won’t, but it will provide jobs, something new, parking, and replacements to those individuals who have given up on our downtown. Temporarily, but at least they will frequent the restaurants, hair salons, shops, destinations like the museums, hotels, and other amenities.


I’m stopping my rant here as it is time to go to sleep. Just think of what I have been saying, whether you agree with me or not. This is your downtown you need to be a part of the solution or wait for your taxes to rise.

How A Seed Can Change A Community

3 years ago, Jessie Jollymore, the nutritionist from the North End Community Clinic, told me of her idea to have a community garden for the Central Halifax area.  She wanted to teach the youth how to grow vegetables, and to change their eating habits. I thought it was a brilliant idea!  Why?

 As a child on my parents weekend farm.  I was taught the fundementals of organic gardening, crop rotation, how to weed and or thin a crop, to try eating vegtables and fruits that I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't grown them myself. I was and still am a picky eater, but I love fresh vegtables!

These skills not only gave me an education in gardening, but in patience, nurturing, and appreciation of what farmers do to make a living in our Nova Scotian climate.


There is nothing more fullfilling than growing your own food. 


Fresh vegtables taste better, have a snap!

27 youth, 15 families and many great volunteers like Mr. Loppie,Sean, Jill, Lisa and many others have grown local vegtables, herbs and fruit for their own consumption and for their neighbourhood this year.


In 2008, the gardeners made salsa and sold it to the community at special events like Go North.  It was a hit!  I personal bought a few bottles and they didn't last long! lol


In 2009, the gardeners sold their crops to the community for which I made my own salsa!  it was so delicious!


During this summer, the Black Business Initiative provided youth the opportunity to learn about being entrepreneurs by holding a week long business camp for the gardeners.  This allowed them the ability to prepare for the next step forward!  The plan was to produce a line of salad dressings from the garden's harvest.  Hope Blooms Salad Dressings.  The proceeds would go towards  local philthatropic projects, a scholorship fund for the youth who are members of the garden and a little pocket money for them as well.

The demand for the salad dressings has been incredible.  Last weekend at the Seaport Farmers Market, they sold out at 10:30am.  Jessie mentioned to me that the Wooden Monkey Restaurant, which serve local source food, wants to feature Hope Blooms dressings on the menu.  How do you produce salad dressings for the masses in Nova Scotia?  Solution: Greenhouse!

Fast forward to Today, October 6,2010 at approximately 11:00am I went down to Saint Patrick's Church and low and be hold members of our Canadian military were feverishly assembling the North End Community Garden's new endeavour!

A new chapter has been started for the North End Gardeners.  I am so proud of them all.

A seed of hope has been planted, has grown and is now blooming with success!