Ensuring all residents feel they are included in the growth we are seeing throughout our city is important to me. I will continue to support all voices by making sure input from residents remains a valuable part of our decision making process. By working directly with HRM staff and community partners, I have helped create more space for residents to contribute to conversations about growth and development in our city.
Ensuring that environmental issues continue to be at the forefront of decision making for HRM is also a priority of mine. We must continue to prioritize addressing climate change and championing environmental stewardship to protect our communities and spaces that make HRM a wonderful place to live. This also means we must prioritize green space within HRM. Our parks and wilderness areas are an important part of your city’s identity and protecting these spaces is crucial.
GROWTH IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS
DURING MY FIRST TERM
- I supported the implementation and approval of Centre Plan Package A which has moved outdated land-use bylaw into the future and will support progressive development.
- I supported the approval of our newly adopted landlord registry (By-law M-200). This mandatory registry for rental properties provides for the release of information about any code violations at these properties.
- I brought forward the motion that asked Regional Council to enact regulations related to short-term rentals to help ensure our residential neighbourhoods are protected.
- I supported further investment into protection of heritage properties around the city. More specifically, I supported the creation of Creighton’s Field Heritage Conservation District and a process to register prominent properties associated with African Nova Scotian history.
DURING THE NEXT FOUR YEARS
- I will help move forward the approval of Centre Plan Package B. This will further protect our established residential areas and create clear planning policies for our parks and commercial lands.
- I will always consider the well-being of residents and businesses when addressing challenges HRM faces due to COVID-19 and commit to safeguarding those most impacted by issues brought on by the pandemic.
- I will work hard to formalize the use of Community Development Agreements using our newly adopted Social Policy framework to help ensure development includes community enhancements agreed upon by all parties impacted by growth.
THE ENVIRONMENT AND GREEN SPACES
DURING MY FIRST TERM
- I was proud to be part of the unanimously passed HalifACT 2050: Acting on Climate Together Plan, the municipality’s long-term climate action plan to reduce emissions and help communities adapt to a changing climate.
- I supported the final stages of implementing Fort Needham Memorial Park’s Master Plan and the implementation of the Halifax Common Master Plan, both focused on rejuvenation use and long-term vision.
- I supported increased funding for our Solar City Program to allow for further planning and action to meet our climate objectives.
- I supported the purchase of land to protect areas within the Blue Mountain – Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area and to The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) with the creation of the Shaw Wilderness Park.
DURING THE NEXT FOUR YEARS
- I will follow through with my commitment to the implementation of HaliFact 2050, allocating resources needed to meet the objectives.
- I will continue to support the purchase of lands for the purpose of supporting our regional parks.
- I will continue to advocate for HRM to electrify our Halifax Transit bus fleet and become leaders in reducing emissions related to our transportation vehicles.
- I will support the implementation of the Common Master Plan which will serve as a blueprint for future improvement to activities and spaces that occur at the Halifax Common.