Dear Bedford Residents,

This is my fourth newsletter/bulletin since being elected as your representative on Halifax Regional Council approximately 18 months ago.

The objective of this newsletter is to update you on what has been going on in Bedford and HRM and deliver on my promise of Leadership, Action, more Transparency, and better Communication.

I have received a great deal of positive feedback on my previous Straight Talk & FAQ approach, so it will be included again in this edition.

Bedford fared well during the HRM budget process this year. This is evident by the tremendous number of paving, patching, painting, lighting, signage, and other projects undertaken this year throughout our community.

I want to acknowledge the terrific support that I have received over the past 18 months from my Regional Council colleagues, especially for their unanimous support of the 4 pad arena, my Northwest Community Council colleagues, Mayor Kelly, our Executive Management Team, HRM staff, and Bedford residents.

As always, I welcome and encourage your questions and ideas.

Happy Holidays to all!

Tim Outhit’s fourth newsletter will be distributed to every household via mail.

DID YOU KNOW?

On June 16, Ali Sarrah, Bedford Junior High and Leah Khoury, Bedford South School, were presented with the 2009 Citizenship Award during a televised meeting of Regional Council.

Each year the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Citizenship Award is awarded to outstanding Grade 9 students in HRM. Recpients are chosen based on qualities of leadership and service in school and in the community, with commendable performance in the courses in which they are enrolled.

Congratulations to Ali and Leah!

More Volunteers Recognized

A special thank you goes out to CPA student, David Jackson, for the great job done this summer. David volunteered to re-paint the floor of the bandstand in Fish Hatchery Park.

I would like to recognize and thank Bedford residents George Grant and Brian Carreau. For the past 3 years these gentlemen have been picking up garbage on our waterfront. This incredible commitment is much appreciated and has had a tremendous impact.

Thank you on behalf of all residents especially those who enjoy walking on our waterfront!

You’re On Our Radar!

Please be warned that HRM Police are increasing speed radar monitoring throughout many areas of Bedford.

This includes: the Dartmouth Rd, Ridgevale Dr, Rocky Lake Dr, Oceanview Dr, Hammonds Plains Rd, Southgate Dr, Meadowbrook Dr, and Moirs Mill Rd.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

HRP and Nova Scotia Transportation Department personnel are also monitoring non-local truck traffic on Rocky Lake Dr. Police are also regularly monitoring construction work that begins prior to 7:00 a.m. in Bedford West.

Since students returned to school in September, police have been responding to numerous complaints of motorists passing school buses which are stopped with their lights flashing.

While a number of different areas have been identified, one location on the Hammonds Plains Road, just west of Hwy. 102, has resulted in a number of tickets being issued. The initial fine for this offence is $394.50 and you acquire six points against your license.

Halifax Regional Police reminds motorists that it is illegal to pass a school bus from either direction when its lights are flashing regardless of the number of lanes of traffic.

Police will be stepping up enforcement in relation to these complaints and motorists are asked to do their part by obeying these laws. This will help ensure it is safe for children going to and coming from school.

Anyone who witnesses an infraction is encouraged to report it to police at 490-5016.

Leadership

I define leadership as the strategic management of big picture issues and policies that are undertaken by me and by my Council colleagues.

In this regard, I am pleased to have been an active participant and supporter of the following significant accomplishments:

-I worked with Mayor Kelly, the Executive Management Team, and HRM staff to achieve unanimous support for the 4-Pad Arena undertaken in HRM and to be located in Bedford.

-The passing of a balanced budget in which the HRM tax rate was not increased.

-The passing of HRM by Design, including some last-minute additional protection for heritage buildings and districts.

-I participated on the committee that selected HRM’s first Auditor General.

-I helped secure funding for the Bedford Waterfront Development Plan.

-I helped lead the effort to ensure that Council and boundary reform was one of the 5 focus areas for Council in 2009/10. I was pleased and honoured to be appointed to the Governance and Boundaries Review committee, and subsequently elected vice-chair.

Action Taken In Bedford By HRM

I define action as the many small things that have a huge impact on a neighbourhood or community.

-Paving projects – Shoreview Dr, Central St, High St, Orchard St, Meadowbrook Dr, Giles Dr., Barrens Hill, and several areas on the Bedford Hwy (i.e. Moirs Mill Rd to Glenmount Dr).

-Road patching projects – Bedford Hwy, Rocky Lake Dr, Oakmount Dr, Riverview Cr, Summit Dr, Douglas Dr, North St, Lister St, Brockwell St, Nelsons Landing, Smith Rd, and Union St/Meadowview.

-Bike lane on the Bedford Hwy.

-Repair basketball court at Lions Park.

-Painting the bridge above Fish Hatchery Park.

-Additional lighting improvements in several parks, paths, and playgrounds.

-New and replace traffic, community, neighbourhood, and playground signs throughout Bedford.

-Repairs to sidewalks at several intersections to make them wheelchair and scooter accessible.

-Filling dozens of potholes, and repairs including dozens of lawns (as a result of plow damage during our harsh winter).

-Progress on several old flooding issues in Eaglewood and older areas of Bedford.

-Expression of Interest requests issued for the Old Fire Hall and The Teachery.

What’s Next?
Leadership Objectives

-Tax Reform for HRM.

-District Boundary Reform (including the size of Regional Council, and the idea of members-at-large) Governance Reform (including the empowering of our existing Community Councils with some spending authority).

-Finalization and approval of the Bedford Waterfront Development Plan, incorporating a balance of commercial, residential, and recreational use.

-Bedford Hwy traffic study.

-A final decision and action on better public transportation options for Bedford. Evaluated in the process will be the proposed fast ferry service, proposed hovercraft private sector service, better bus service, and the proposed Park & Ride facility at the new 4-Pad Arena.

Action Objectives For The Next Three Years

-The proposed sale of the Old Fire Hall to a non-profit organization that will restore the facility and make a portion of it available for use by residents. This building has been an eyesore in our community for far too long!

-Tree planting in Moirs Mill or Oceanview.

-A sidewalk and bike lane to be added to the Moirs Mill bridge on the Bedford Hwy (next spring).

-There is a long waiting list (over 250 proposed locations) for sidewalks in HRM and we undertake only 8 – 10 per year. I am presently pursuing 3 locations for Bedford. Convoy Run to the Lawton’s Pharmacy, Douglas Dr, and Oakmount Dr.

-A permanent washroom facility in DeWolfe Park.

-Repair and expand the outdoor Lions Pool and its amenities.

-Paving of streets that are in bad shape. Some examples are: the Bedford Hwy at First St, First St, Douglas Dr, Wimbledon, Union/Meadowview, Smith Rd, and the top portion of Meadow Brook.

-My pet project is to try to pave more dirt roads in Bedford. This year, HRM did Barrens Hill and Giles Dr. Barrens was done as a pilot project, and if this project stands up well, we hope to expand it to others such as Main, Frederick, Emerson, and Borden over the next few years. This is subject to budget approval and the consent of the majority of residents on the street.

-Work with all levels of government, the Halifax Regional School Board, and an independent resident’s fund-raising association to ensure that the new high school being built in Bedford contains a performing arts theatre/auditorium, an artificial turf multi-purpose sports field, and a gymnasium that will meet Bedford’s cultural and recreational needs for today and tomorrow!

A Double-Double for Bedford!

Halifax Regional Council has approved the building of a 4-pad arena facility as their top priority. As the owner of 16 of the existing 21 ice surfaces in the Municipality, HRM has identified, through careful and lengthy community, sport, and partner consultation, that there is an immediate need for 25 ice surfaces in order to fill the void of existing user demand, new sport development, and existing gender deficiencies.

4-PAD QUICK FACTS:

-HRM has commenced construction of this facility.

-Total project cost is $39 million which includes land purchase, design, construction and pre-opening expenses.

-HRM will own the facility.

-The facility will be located at 61 Gary Martin Drive in Bedford.

-The HRM facility will open in Fall 2010.

-HRM has signed a Design Build contract with Ellis Don Ltd.

-HRM has signed an Operating Agreement with Nustadia Recreation Inc.

-Staff and Nustadia will begin to work on the completion of a Community Access Plan immediately (this plan will ensure fair access–scheduling to the facility including sport, gender, etc.) and will be working with stakeholders to complete this prior to the opening of the facility.

Project Background

In response to a capacity issue for prime-time ice availability in HRM and a risk assessment of the age and condition of all ice surfaces in HRM, HRM has developed a short-term strategy solution and a longer-term strategy solution.

Short Term Strategy-History

Although there is non-prime time capacity, there is a prime time deficit which could grow larger. The short term goal is to deal with immediate deficits, as well as impending risks associated with the condition of Devonshire and the replacement plans in the next couple years for the SMU and Shearwater Arenas.

The short term strategy approved by Regional Council was to seek a partner to design, build, operate and possibly finance a new 4-pad ice arena complex. An Expression of Interest earlier this year demonstrated interest from potential partners with HRM receiving nine replies. The top four Proponents were short-listed.

In early August 2008, the Halifax Regional Municipality issued a Request For Proposals from the four short-listed pre-qualified proponents to develop new ice surfaces. The objective of this Request For Proposals (RFP) was to select a single proponent based on the submission of detailed technical and financial proposals for the development. The site location was determined as part of the outcome results of the RFP process.

HRM 4 Pad Arena Invites Participants

Nustadia Recreation Inc. operating partner with HRM for the 4 Pad Arena Complex at 61 Gary Martin Drive off the Hammonds Plains Road, is preparing for facility user groups. In the next few weeks and months, Nustadia Recreation wants to hear from you directly regarding sport, recreation and leisure opportunities at this new facility, and will be advertising in local media.

Teams, individuals, and groups who have experienced difficulty in accessing existing arenas are of particular interest. All inquiries should be directed to Nustadia Recreation through: Warren Frizzell at osprey1@nbnet.nb.ca.

Sewage Treatment Facility Update

One of the frustrations for me (and most Councillors) over the past several months was the initial lack of communication from HRM to residents after the failure of the sewage treatment plant last January.

Our communication has improved since May, and I support Council’s decision to focus on repairing the plant versus playing the blame game. I am taking an unusual step to try to clear up any questions or myths regarding the failure.

On January 14, 2009 the Halifax wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) flooded as the result of a local area power outage. A report, prepared by consulting firm CH2M Hill, which focused on cause, provided further details about the chain of events that happened following the power outage at 2:25 a.m.

Immediately following the outage two back-up generators came on, power to the plant was restored and the system brought on line. After the process was stabilized, one of the generators providing power to three wastewater pumps overloaded, causing the wastewater pumps to shut down.

This shutdown inhibited the electrical controls within the facility, including a panel that provided control power to the five pump system. As a result the wastewater pumps could not be restarted. As a fail safe, the inlet (sluice) gate should have closed fully when the generator shutdown.

The gate failed to close completely leaving the inlet (sluice) gate stuck open approximately five inches. With the gate open and the wastewater pumps not operating, the plant began to quickly fill with wastewater. Within roughly 20 minutes the wastewater was approximately 60 feet deep. The CH2M Hill findings show that there was nothing the operator present at the plant could have done to alter that sequence of events.

So where are we now?

The first phase of the two phase process to re-commission the Halifax wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) by Halifax Water, on behalf of HRM, is complete.

The first phase was an initiative to divert dry weather flow through the Halifax WWTF. Beginning in late September, flows were gradually introduced from gravity-fed systems on the peninsula, followed by flows from the Pier A pumping station (located at the intersection of Barrington & Inglis Streets), the Duffus Street pumping station and finally the Balmoral and Atlantic School of Theology pumping stations on the Northwest Arm.

This plan has dry weather flows being diverted through the Halifax WWTF, floatables screened out by the coarse and fine screening system, then discharged via the plant’s existing outfall pipe which extends approximately one kilometre into Halifax Harbour.

This measure has also eliminated odours noted in the Cogswell St. interchange area. When wastewater flows are high due to extreme rainfall run-off, the flows will be directed through the combined sewer overflows directly into the harbour as originally intended.

This work is being carried out in conjunction with the full Halifax WWTF restoration effort, and is work that would have to be undertaken as part of the restoration plan.

The second phase will see the final recovery of all processes and systems in the WWTF with the expectation that the plant will  be fully functional in the spring of 2010. All damaged equipment will be repaired or replaced with funding for the recovery effort provided primarily by the project’s Builder’s Risk Insurance.

Looking for more information?

In depth information about the Halifax WWTF along with other aspects of the Harbour Solutions project are posted on the HRM website at http://halifax.ca/HWWTF/index.html and the Halifax Water website at halifaxwater.ca where newsletters, diagrams, photos, background materials, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found.

Nova Scotia’s First Hospice to Open in Bedford!

A circa 1892 Bedford house that has been a family home, a residence for teachers, and a public meeting space, will soon be sold to become the first hospice in Nova Scotia.

Located at 9 Spring St., the sale of the registered heritage property for less than market value to the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax received unanimous Council approval following a public hearing.

The $5,000 purchase price will be re-directed into an outdoor interpretation panel, as recommended by HRM’s Heritage Advisory Committee. As a result, no money will be transferred to the municipality’s sale of land reserve.

Vacant for more than a year, the building will require significant renovations before it can be used as a hospice. Those costs will be assumed by the Society.

In the short term the house will be used for the Society’s office and outreach programming while additional funds are secured to convert it into a residential hospice.

The few remaining items of historic value and interest in the Teachery will be transferred to the Scott Manor House for display and safe-keeping. The building will maintain its current heritage designation and institutional zoning.

Continued public access to the adjacent tennis court, garden, and playground were included in the terms of sale.

Calling all Neighbourhood Associations!

Sign up your neighbourhood association and connect with other Great Neighbourhoods across HRM!
Visit myhrm.ca.
For more information email myhrm@halifax.ca.

Highway 102/Larry Uteck Blvd. Interchange Project Underway

The Highway 102 Larry Uteck Blvd. Interchange is a critical piece of infrastructure which is needed to ensure the successful development of the Bedford South and the Bedford West master plan areas and to meet outcomes of the HRM Regional Plan.

The Bedford West and South master plan areas are two targeted suburban growth areas under the HRM Regional Plan. The Plan promotes transit-friendly growth in serviced areas which minimizes future capital roadway investment required by HRM, and significantly lowers Municipal spending costs.

Located approximately halfway between Hammonds Plains Road and Kearney Lake Road on the Bicentennial Highway, this interchange will ease traffic congestion on Bedford Highway.

The interchange project will be funded by the three levels of government, Federal, Provincial & Municipal and the private developers in Bedford South and Bedford West.

Developers will be required to pay a Capital Cost Contribution (CCC) prior to developing their land. Capital Cost Contributions are collected from developers that cover their share of the capital cost infrastructure needed to provide municipal services.

The Bedford West CCC funding program was approved by Regional Council in June 2009. The project will also include a multi-use trail which will provide pedestrians and cyclists a safe and convenient crossing of the Bicentennial Highway. The crossing, which has been identified in HRM’s active transportation plan, will provide a vital link between the Bedford South and Bedford West communities.

The interchange design incorporates three roundabouts. A roundabout is an intersection designed to control traffic in a circular flow. Traffic moves in a counter-clockwise direction around a central island. Drivers yield at the entry to the circle, and drivers within the circle have the right-of-way. Drivers enter the circle when space is available. The modern roundabout is safe, economical and saves time. Roundabouts are proving to be the safest type of intersections around the world. Statistics show that roundabouts reduce fatal and injury collisions by as much as 76% in the United States, 75% in Australia, and 86% in Great Britain.

Transparency
Capital & Discretionary Funds Disclosure

Over the past 18 months I have donated or committed funds to the following organizations and projects. I continue to focus my support on safety, youth, culture & heritage, and active living.

Basinview School Home & School – playground
Bedford Basin Yacht Club
Bedford Beavers Swim Team
Bedford Lawn Bowls Club
Bedford Legion
Bedford Lions Club – kitchen renovations
Bedford /Nova Scotia Basketball – new scoreboard for Basinview School
Bedford Pee Wee Minor Hockey
Bedford Ringette Club
Bedford Skateboard Park Action Team
Bedford Skating Club
Bedford South Home & School – playground
Bedford Titans U12 Girls Tier 2 Soccer
Bedford Volunteer Awards Committee – new website and reception
Bedford Water Advisory Committee
Bella Rose Arts Ctr.
Canadian Occupational Therapists
Citadel High Auditorium campaign
Cobequid Comm. Health Ctr.
Cobequid Cultural Centre of the Arts
Dartmouth Ringette Assoc.
DeWolfe Park – lighting
“Do the Right Thing” anti-bullying program
Fall River Crime Prevention Assoc
First Bedford Scouts Group Committee
Fort Sackville Association/Scott Manor House
Girl Guides of Canada
International Children Games
Lighting on Minshull St
Light-up Bedford Parade
Lions Park – Basketball court
Maskwa Aquatic Club
Neptune Theatre
NS Debating Society
NS Midget Lacrosse Team
NS Pee Wee Provincial Lacrosse
NS Provincial U15 Girls Basketball
NS Yachting Assoc
Paving of pathway in Torrington Park
Permanent Christmas Tree in DeWolfe Park
Pick of the Litter Society
Pipes & Drums of Clan Farquharson
Radar Unit Funding
Range Park lighting
Sackville Rivers Assoc.
Scotia Soccer Club
Sunnyside Schools Home & School – playground
Tri County Rangers Bantam AAA- Baseball
U17 Women’s Canada Games Basketball Team
UN Millennium Youth Dev. Goals
Waverley Rd School – playground
Winter Lawn Bowling Team

Straight Talk & FAQ

Q – Do you enjoy being an HRM Councillor and if so, why?

A – Yes, I would not have missed the last 18 months for anything! I have met so many terrific people in Bedford and wonderful HRM staff. I particularly enjoy helping residents with the small issues in their neighbourhood, along with debating the big picture and strategic issues with my Council colleagues. I view my role as a combination of being a member of the Board of Directors of a $700M corporation, and an Ombudsman for residents in my district.

Q – Were there any surprises and what are your frustrations?

A – There were no real surprises, other than staff and Council colleagues being far more cooperative and supportive than I ever expected! Bedford residents are very good about saying thank you, as well as providing concerns and ideas! The frustrations revolve around how long it takes to resolve some issues, and the fact I / we cannot resolve all of the problems and ideas brought forward by residents. For example, some issues may be the responsibility of another level of government, or a separate entity such as Halifax Water, or the Halifax Regional School Board.

Q – Why didn’t the federal government support the 4-Pad Arena?

A – HRM staff were told originally that the project did not create enough economic spin-off, couldn’t be completed prior to March, 2011, and would potentially damage a small wetland. HRM Council and staff rebuked these reasons. The next reason given was that the project had already started. The reality is that HRM staff had been working on this project in cooperation with provincial and federal bureacrats for two years. How else could a project of this size be “shovel-ready” and be completed within 18 months? The most recent reason given for the decision is that the Mayor and I allegedly announced that the project would proceed with or without federal money. Neither Mayor Kelly nor any Councillor announced that the project was proceeding without federal or provincial funding, until 2 days after a firm and final “no” was received from the federal government. The final “no” was given on July 6, and the announcement that the project would proceed was made by us on July 8. Further, the original motion passed, clearly stated that final project approval by Regional Council was subject to HRM receiving provincial and federal government support. This decision was not revised until July 7.

Q – What are you going to do about the other facilities needed in Bedford, now that the ice surface issue is resolved?

A – In my opinion, Bedford is finally close to having its long-time facilities and infrastructure challenges resolved. The 4-Pad is being built, and it will contain some community meeting space with kitchen facilities, as well as outdoor basketball and beach volleyball facilities. The old Fire Hall will soon be able to host some community organizations and events. The new French high school will contain a gymnasium and includes a large sports field. I have also heard that a private sector indoor tennis facility is being built in the Bedford Commons area.

The next critical step is to ensure that the new English high school, set to open in Bedford in January, 2013 contains a gymnasium, performing arts auditorium/theatre, and an articial turf sports field. This incredible opportunity for Bedford residents will require all levels of government and the HRSB to work together with residents. Community fundraising must be started  as soon as possible. We must look to the great work being done by volunteers for the Citadel High auditorium and the Bella Rose Theatre for guidance and inspiration.

Another objective is for politicians from all levels of government to work together for a new Bedford library, with plenty of meeting space. It could be built either on the new Bedford waterfront or off the Hammonds Plains Road near the areas that have recently been selected for the new 4-Pad Arena and the new English high school.

Q – What are the most common questions or concerns that you receive from Bedford residents?

A – Well, it depends on the time of year! However, the most common inquiries are: plowing, mowing, vandalism and noise, speeding, potholes, development ideas and questions, property tax questions, support for teams and other groups, lighting, paving, and assistance with disputes or challenges with HRM policies.

Q – What were the signs on Giles Drive about?

A – Long-time residents of Giles Drive have experienced hardship in a reduction in the quality and quantity of their well water over the last few years. It is believed that blasting and construction work for the RIM facility and the Northwood facility contributed to the deterioration of their wells. Further, it is believed that this will be an ongoing problem in the area due to future construction in Bedford West. I am working with the residents, HRM staff, Halifax Water staff, a consultant, and the developer to try to get HRM’s waterservice boundary extended to Giles Drive.

Q – Why does HRM do so much patching of roads in Bedford, instead of just re-paving them?

A – As I have mentioned previously, HRM has 1700 kms of roads and 800 kms need re-paving or significant repairs. A tremendous amount of re-paving and patching was done in Bedford this year and last year. However, re-paving is expensive and a completely new road costs up to $1M per km. Therefore, there are several types of patching and paving undertaken by HRM to extend road life and reduce costs.

On your behalf, I encouraged staff, during several tours with them throughout Bedford, to patch the streets and roads that would not be re-paved this year. The exceptions were the patching of the Bedford Hwy at First, Rocky Lake Dr, and Smith Rd. The type of patching in these areas is designed to extend the life of the road for a season, until it is integrated with a re-surfacing project. This patching comes from a different budget, and it does not have to be torn-up when the road is re-paved during the following season.

Q – How and why did HRM choose the location, builder, and operator for the new 4 Pad Arena in Bedford? Did you select the best overall deal, and was there more than one respondent?

A – HRM was approached by a number of community groups and private organizations about partnering to build new arena facilities. To have an open and fair procurement process, HRM called for an Expression of Interest (EOI) in January 2008 from all interested parties wishing to partner with HRM. The EOI was to gauge the level of interest and the capabilities of potential partners. HRM received and evaluated 11 submissions against a set of criteria provided. From that stage, HRM short-listed the top 4 submissions and invited them to submit detailed proposals through a formal Request for Proposals. This RFP was issued in August 2008 and called for a turnkey package to design, build  and operate a new 4-pad arena complex. HRM is financing construction and will own the facility. The RFP document outlined a number of criteria each submission would be evaluated against. HRM also took an option to buy a parcel of land which it would make available to any Proponent who did not have a land site in mind. Alternatively, each Proponent was invited to submit their own preferred land site if they desired. The RFP also contained a number of facility design and operating criteria that each submission would be evaluated against. For example, all design submissions were required to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards to establish a minimum environmental and energy efficiency performance.

Three submissions were received in response to the RFP which included 3 different land site options. Some Proponents submitted on more than one site and all Proponents indicated they would build on any of the three. The cost difference between each of the three land site costs was even less than 1% of the total construction cost of a new facility including land purchase. When factoring in this cost over the life of the facility it became even less important. Land cost was only one factor and was an insignificant factor between locations for this RFP.

More important was the overall value for money of each of the complete submission packages. Although the submission from Nustadia Recreation and Ellis Don had the lowest overall project cost, it was not until a detailed review of their facility design and long term operating plan was completed that this submission was determined to provide the best overall value for money and, thus, unanimously approved by Regional Council. Their proposal was based on using part of the 14.2 acre Bedford West site. The new 4-pad will use just under 9 acres and the remainder is being held and under review for potential transit needs.

The conclusion of this process has resulted in an exciting new facility that will be available to meet many user needs. It will also have some unique design features allowing growth of sports such as sledge hockey. For more information on the facility, please go to the web site: www.halifax.ca/facilities/Multi-PadArena.html.

Permanent Christmas Tree DeWolfe Park

On November 22 Councillor Tim Outhit and Buddy the Elf conducted a brief dedication ceremony for Bedford’s recently planted permanent Christmas Tree.

The tree is dedicated to the late Councillor Gary Martin, who suggested the idea of a permanent tree, and was one of the biggest fans of Christmas in Bedford.

Business Improvements District Notice
Written by: Grant Walker
HRM Economic Strategy:

In order to stay ahead of other regions, HRM needs a comprehensive economic development strategy that lays out a vision, which can differentiate Greater Halifax in the global economy. The strategy will serve to identify key growth opportunities, and develop ways for the region to properly utilize its economic development resources.

With our excellent location and unique economic foundation (human resources, research and development, business climate, and quality of life), our economy is positioned to compete with other regions nationally and internationally if we make decisions that allow business growth to accelerate. Attention will be paid to retaining all the elements residents’ value in their creative community such as history, culture, diversity, civility, quality of place, and rich quality of life.

Bedford is a key part of a significant whole, and as such we need to focus on our unique business strengths and challenges. With that thought in mind, I was recently approached by a number of local business people, seeking a way to implement such a focus. An already existing vehicle is the Business Improvement District concept. Many of our neighbouring communities have already implemented their organizations and include:

Spryfield, Dartmouth, Dartmouth Main Street, Quinpool Road Mainstreet District, Halifax, Spring Garden Road, Sackville.

It’s apparent that we have some catching up to do. I am pleased that Councillor Outhit will be supporting this group to get Bedford on the Improvement District map. All commercial, retail, and business outlets will be asked for their support. A meeting was held on November 26 and more are planned for the new year. For more information visit: http://www.shopbedford.biz/.

Bedford Business Improvement District Vision

An integrated community organization that identifies and pursues opportunities and partnerships which cultivate economic growth and business well being. To promote a vibrant business and complimentary residential environment, built on the strengths of the district and the benefits of shopping in Bedford.

What can be accomplished?

Market and promote the area (joint marketing initiatives, shared funds).
Beautification efforts (lamp pole banners, flower baskets, welcome signage).
Address concerns (including littering, graffiti, traffic flow, parking adequacy, sidewalks, bussing, plus, plus).
Represent the members views to various levels of government.
Access municipal grants and other funding for area improvements.

Bedford Waterfront Urban Design Study

The Municipality and Waterfront Development Corporation have engaged a consultant to prepare a design study for the Bedford Waterfront. A steering committee has been established with representatives from Bedford and the property owners to oversee the process. Earlier this year, a workshop was held and a public presentation made of three alternative design proposals. Early next year, the preferred design will be presented at a public meeting.

Further information on the process can be found at http://www.halifax.ca/VisionHRM/BedfordWaterfront/index.html.

Banners for Bedford

I am considering installing seasonal decorative banners on the light posts along the Bedford Hwy, between Convoy Run and Sunnyside Mall. I would appreciate your comments on this proposal.

HRM’s Winter Safety Operations

Safety of residents is HRM’s top priority. HRM crews and contractors will be working to keep the streets and sidewalks in our neighbourhoods as free as possible from snow and ice for the protection of all residents.

HRM encourages residents and business owners to support safety and service delivery standards by:
-planning ahead
-keeping your vehicles off the street in compliance with the winter parking ban (Section 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act provides that parked vehicles obstructing snow removal or winter maintenance operations may be removed at the owner’s cost, regardless of time or date).

When will your ROAD be cleared after a snow storm?

Please allow 12 hours after the end of the snowfall for crews to plow main roads and bus routes and allow 24 hours after the end of the snowfall for crews to plow residential and rural streets.

When will your SIDEWALK be cleared after a snow storm?

Please allow 12 hours after the end of the snowfall for crews to plow sidewalks on main arterials, allow 18 hours after the end of the snowfall for sidewalk crews to clear sidewalks on school routes and bus routes and 36 hours after the end of a snowfall for crews to plow sidewalks on residential and rural streets.

For information on service standards, driving tips, HRM’s Smart Trip Program, frequently asked questions and more, please visit the HRM website at halifax.ca or contact the call centre at 490-4000.

Traffic in Bedford

The opening of the new interchange at the top of Larry Uteck Blvd is designed to reduce traffic on the Bedford Hwy. Residents will also be able to access the interchange by Southgate Dr. and from Oceanview Dr. (via Nine Mile).

HRM and Metro Transit are investigating a number of ways to improve public transportation in Bedford. This includes the proposed fast ferry service, the proposed hovercraft service, and the proposed Park & Ride facility at the 4-Pad Arena. An updated traffic study has also been approved for the Bedford Hwy within Bedford.

While these proposed projects would somewhat reduce traffic congestion on the Bedford Hwy (if done properly by the use of shuttles), the project that will have the greatest impact on traffic in Bedford is the long-proposed 102 to 107 bypass (a.k.a the Bedford-Burnside Bypass). This provincial project is essential in order to reduce the truck traffic that we presently see on the Bedford Hwy and the Dartmouth Rd. Trucks and commuters presently use our community to access Burnside from the 103 and the 102.

Boards and Committees:

-Bedford Days Executive Committee
-Grant Committee
-Audit Committee
-CAO Review Committee
-Investment Policy Advisory Committee
-Graffiti Task Force Committee
-Neptune Theatre Foundation
-Solid Waste/Resource Advisory Committee

Contact Information

Councillor Tim Outhit

PO Box 1749
Halifax, NS
B3J 3A5

Phone: 490-5679
Cell: 229-6385
Fax: 490-5681
Email: outhitt@halifax.ca

Contact Numbers

HRM Call Centre-490-4000
HRM Call Centre TTY/TDD line (Hearing impaired)-490-6645
The Call Centre is open 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily (except Christmas and New Year’s day)
Councillors’ Office, City Hall-490-4050
Councillors’ Office Fax-490-4122
Mayor’s Office-490-4010
Police Non-emergency-490-5020
Fire Non-emergency-490-5020 LeBrun Centre – 490-4665
Bedford Library-490-5740
Water bill inquiries-490-4820