Some days, there is so much negativity out there that, as mayor, I find myself shaking my head in amazement and dismay. To borrow a description from former U.S. vice-president Spiro Agnew, the “nattering nabobs of negativity,” (especially those in the business community), never seem happier than when they’re criticizing Council. Nothing we do is right, as far as some are concerned. To which I say, “We can’t be doing too badly because the rest of the world sees us in a different light. To illustrate my point, let me share with you what others have been saying lately about our community:
• Several major U.S. news outlets have named our part of the world as a must-see for tourists in 2012. CNN is flagging us as a top travel destination with this year marking the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. In addition, Lonely Planet and National Geographic Traveler are recommending us as top international destinations. (Pretty impressive testimonials, I’d say!)
• Then there was news that the HRM had placed fourth in the CIBC’s latest economic activity index, just behind Toronto, Edmonton and Kitchener. The rankings are based on indicators such as population growth, employment/unemployment and housing starts. (Looks like we’re doing something right…)

• This month, the national magazine MoneySense ranked us Number 4 out of 190 cities in Canada in terms of liveability. That’s a jump of 17 spots from last year, which is quite an achievement. The rankings are based on how well a community does in various categories, including culture, employment rates and pollution levels. HRM did so well because of, and I quote the magazine, “…an improved unemployment rate (5.5 per cent) following growth in the transportation, education and service sectors. The city also gets high marks for the number of people who bicycle or walk to work, its affordable housing, decent public transit system, high household income, culture, and the number of healthcare professionals and doctors.”
• Our community is tops in the happiness category in terms of social media. A survey done by an Ontario company found that Tweeters in the HRM use the word “happy” more than their counterparts anywhere else in Canada.(If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, nothing will!)
• Just the other day, respected busi¬ness consulting firm KPMG reported that our community ranks as the third most cost-competitive city in Canada in which to do business and fourth worldwide! The rankings were based on cost-of-doing-business elements such as labour, taxes, real estate and utilities.
• And finally, let’s remember those two megaprojects heading our way: the $25-billion shipbuilding program which will sustain thousands of jobs for the next 30-plus years; and Royal Dutch Shell’s billion-dollar commitment to seek oil and gas off our coast.
Obviously, those “nattering nabobs” I mentioned earlier should start listening to some of the positive stories out there which confirm HRM as a great place to live, work and do business. They just might learn something.

Reprinted from The Weekly News

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Reach me here at City Hall (about anything) at kellyp[at]halifax.ca or by phoning 490-4010.