**** HRM Media Release
Municipality urges residents to put safety first
The Halifax Regional Municipality is currently seeing the first signs of Hurricane Dorian as it makes its way into our region.
Several services have been cancelled today as municipal officials place public safety as a priority for residents.
The municipality is again requesting residents living along the shoreline of the municipality to consider other accommodations until Hurricane Dorian exits our region.
The latest forecasts predict high winds, considerable rainfall, and significant storm surges. Waves are expected to reach heights of 15-metres (49-feet), which could create dangerous conditions for residents living near the water.
Citizens living in high-risk areas in the Sambro area, Peggys Cove, and along the Eastern Shore are asked to make plans immediately to self-evacuate. Citizens are encouraged to be in alternative locations prior to the arrival of the storm.
The Red Cross will be opening three evacuation shelters at noon today (Saturday, Sept. 7) to accommodate those who are unable to find other accommodations. These shelters will be located at the Dartmouth East Community Centre, Canada Games Centre, and St. Margarets Centre.
While this is a voluntary evacuation, the municipality is urging everyone in high-risk areas to find alternative shelter arrangements for the weekend.
Halifax Transit
Halifax Transit is ceasing all operations today at noon, with a tentative resumption date of no earlier than Sunday, Sept. 8 at noon. An update will be provided Sunday morning.
Recreation Programming:
Municipal splash pads and the Emera Oval will be closed today (Saturday, Sept. 7) and the Youth Live Enviro Depot originally scheduled for today has been cancelled.
The Centennial Pool will be closed both today and tomorrow. Staff will assess the situation on Sunday with regard to opening on Monday. The Sackville Sports Stadium will be closing at 1 p.m. today, with the exception of the arena which will close at 2 p.m. The stadium is tentatively planning to reopen at noon on Sunday.
The Saint Mary’s Boat Club will be closed today, as will the Lebrun Recreation Centre, Acadia Centre, and Gordon R. Snow Recreation Centre will close at 1 p.m.
Other recreation facilities may be closed over the weekend. Please call ahead to your individual facility before heading out.
Solid Waste:
The Household Special waste depot at the Bayer’s Lake facility and the mobile Household Special Waste event at Oyster Pond Academy scheduled for today will both be cancelled.
The municipal Refuse Depots located in Sheet Harbour and Middle Musquodoboit will be closed today.
The largest threat to homes and property is flying debris. Please move umbrellas and patio furniture inside and remove anything that high winds could pick up such as garbage containers/bags, flower pots, toys etc.
Safety is the municipality’s top priority. Please visit Halifax.ca or follow @hfxgov on Twitter for all storm-related updates.
