|
 September is usually a beautiful month here in Halifax Regional Municipality. Summer in all its glory lingers a while longer before starting to give hints of fall ahead.
This year, we’ve enjoyed remarkably fine weather with residents and visitors alike making the most of all our outdoor recreation and entertainment facilities.
Speaking of visitors, I’m pleased to report that the Port of Halifax is on track to welcoming up to 250,000 passengers before the cruise season ends in October. Numbers like that represent a tremendous economic boost to our community but receiving visitors is much more than a money thing; it’s about welcoming new friends and making them feel at home, which is something the people of HRM are really good at.
Visitors often send messages telling me what an enjoyable time they’ve had here and I’d like to quote you from a recent one. It’s from a woman in California and she wrote:
“My husband and I visited your beautiful city last week by cruise ship, the Caribbean Princess, and found it to be the highlight of all of our cruise ports. We were delighted with the friendliness of the people, as well as how clean and well-landscaped the city was. We never saw litter anywhere, nor did we see even a hint of graffiti, which unfortunately is so commonplace here in California... We will definitely return to Halifax for more in-depth explorations. You and your fellow Haligonians have much to be proud of!”
That was such a nice message, one of a number I have on my desk.
Take a bow, residents of HRM.
[][][][]
As I write these words, we’re still waiting to learn whether Hurricane Earl will strike us or, hopefully, decide to give us a miss. Whatever the outcome, this is yet another reminder that we live in a region where weather extremes like this can, and do, occur.
Because of that, I would encourage you to take all precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your family until whatever weather threat might be out there has passed.
You will find all kinds of useful information on HRM’s Emergency Management Organization web site at http://www.halifax.ca/emo/index.html and also on http://emo.gov.ns.ca/content/individuals, which is the province’s Emergency Management Office website.
Be prepared, my fellow residents, because a little foresight and planning can make all the difference at times like these.
[][][][]
As you’re no doubt aware by now, I fulfilled my public promise to swim in Halifax Harbour, once our sewage treatment system was running smoothly once again. It was my way of expressing confidence in the quality of our water.
Actually, that was my second swim. I took a dip for the cameras back in August, 2008, when the Halifax component of our new treatment system came on line. Unfortunately, a power failure and flood knocked the plant off-line early last year and it took more than a year to repair.
I’m pleased to say that not only is everything working normally again but new treatment lants have been activated in Dartmouth and Herring Cove.
As a result, tests show the water in Halifax Harbour is cleaner now than it has been in decades and, having seen the bottom during my recent swim at Black Rock Beach, I can confirm it.
[][][][]
As a motorist, I find myself making an extra-special effort to be alert at this time of year because thousands of school and university students are back in class.
Vehicular traffic is heavier and so is activity on sidewalks and crossings - and let’s not forget there are many students out there cycling to their lessons.
Please, everyone, remain observant and slow down where the law dictates. Police officers hroughout HRM will be paying particular attention to student safety this next little while.
Hopefully, if we all drive using caution and common sense, each and every one of our students will have a safe semester.
Reach me here at City Hall (about anything) at kellyp@halifax.ca or by phoning 490-4010. I also invite you to join me on Facebook or Twitter http://twitter.com/mayorpeterkelly pages, or on my blog at http://mayorpeterkelly.wordpress.com/.
Respectfully, I remain
Peter Kelly
|
