Here's to a great New Year!
I hope you’ll join me for a look ahead at what 2012 is likely to have in store for our community. Let’s start with two citizen-driven initiatives from last year which will have positive results going forward this year:
• There was the overhaul of our agenda process, done to reflect residents’ wish for more open, transparent and accountable local government. As a result, the public’s business is no longer discussed behind closed doors, except by a motion of Council made during an open meeting - something that should only happen under special circumstances like union negotiations;
• The other initiative was the Emera Oval. Council got the message loud and clear that this was a recreational asset that many residents wanted to keep and so it was made permanent. I know that its popularity will soar in 2012, especially with the possibility of it becoming a fixture that can be used year-round;
• This is going to be an especially exciting year to be in HRM because some major international events will be taking place here. We’ll see commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic as well as the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. In addition, we’ll host the Tall Ships again and also the FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch Junior World Championships;
• I am confident that 2012 will see us surpass last year’s record construction activity when permits issued in HRM were closing in on $800 million. This year, I believe we will see us hit the $1,000,000,000 mark. (That’s correct: one billion dollars!)
• Speaking of development, I’m optimistic that an announcement will soon be forthcoming about a start date for the $500,000,000 Nova Centre/Convention Centre. This key project is expected to generate 1,700 jobs and should – together with the new Central Library – re-energize the downtown;
• One aspect of 2012 that I am eagerly anticipating is the opportunity for more citizen input in terms of how our municipality is run. For one thing, with the downsizing of Council coming into effect this year, it’s likely that Community Councils will take on even more importance and responsibility then they already have. Then there’s the overhaul of Council’s in-camera process that I mentioned earlier. I believe that the resulting openness, transparency and accountability should result in greater public interest and participation in municipal government;
• I look forward to working with Council and HRM staff to produce a balanced budget with no increase in taxes or decrease in services or even, if possible, a slight decrease in the tax rate;
• I am hoping that Council will achieve the necessary partnerships in order to give the green light for a new stadium before spring. It’s a recreational facility whose time has come with polls showing 70% public support;
• I’m also looking forward to my Council colleagues approving a proposal for HRM residents aged 65 and older to be allowed free Metro Transit rides one day a week during off-peak hours. This worthwhile initiative was started by Dartmouth resident Lorne Perry, 83, and is endorsed by myself together with District 11 Councillor Jerry Blumenthal and District 5 Councillor Gloria McCluskey. I believe that our seniors have contributed more than enough to our community and our country during their lifetimes to have earned this privilege and, if you agree, I respectfully invite you to sign the petition circulating at www.seniortransit.ca or at www.peterkelly.ca.
• I have every reason to believe that, this year, HRM’s overall crime rate will continue the downward trend it was showing at the end of last year. I base that on a number of reasons, three in particular, namely: more police officers have been hired; 87% of the recommendations proposed by the Mayor’s Round Table on Public Safety are either complete or ongoing; and there is growing public involvement in crime prevention;
• And finally, I am still celebrating – as I’m sure you are – the $25-billion warship contract won by Halifax Shipyard. This 20-year agreement adds thousands of new jobs which means a more secure future here at home for many of our young people who would otherwise be forced to move elsewhere. Not only that, but the expertise that the contract will generate will enhance HRM’s reputation as an industrial/technological centre of excellence.

So there you have it; my look-ahead for HRM in the New Year. It’s not a complete list by any stretch of the imagination and I’m sure you have quite a few of your own suggestions to add, which I hope you will do because I’d welcome your input. I have a feeling that, together, we can make this the best year ever for our community!

Reach me here at City Hall (about anything) at kellyp[at]halifax.ca or by phoning 490-4010. I also invite you to join me at www.peterkelly.ca or on Twitter or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayor-Peter-Kelly/134341733295393.