THE BEDFORD BASIN REPORT

The Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Dear Friends,

Did you know that Nova Scotia has the highest number of enlisted military personnel in the country? About 10,000 Nova Scotians are enlisted in the services, including many right here in Bedford. Our military personnel are significant contributors to our community in other ways as well, pitching in as volunteers, coaches and good neighbours.

Nova Scotia is also home to more than 40 per cent of Canada’s military assets. This past Thursday, I was on hand to witness the latest addition to the fleet – HMCS William Hall. This ship is the fourth of six new Arctic and Offshore Patrol vessels being built in Halifax.

The new ship is the namesake of sailor and Victoria Cross recipient William Hall, who was born in Nova Scotia in 1827. Mr. Hall was the first Black person, the first Nova Scotian and the third Canadian to receive the British Empire’s highest award for bravery, the Victoria Cross. (You may recall he was also celebrated this year on Nova Scotia Heritage Day.)

I want to commend all our military personnel for the contribution they make to our country and to our community.

Thank you!

Bedford Community Flooding Update

My office is hearing from some homeowners and business owners who have applied for the Disaster Financial Assistance program announced by the provincial government following the severe flooding we experienced in July of last year.

Some have seen their assistance applications denied, or have received amounts well below the actual damage.

If this has happened to you, there is an appeal process. Please reach out to my office so we are aware of your situation. I have written to the Minister responsible to find out more about this process, and my staff and I will do our best to assist you as you go through this process. 

While the spring House sitting was very short – only 27 days – I was able to question Ministers about the response to the flooding. You can see the video from Question Period here.

I have not heard anything further from the Minister of Environment about this issue, although the Minister responsible for EMO and his staff have responded quickly to questions we have been sending them about the continued response to last year’s flooding.

The Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. As numerous communities across the province experienced over the past year, it's important to be ready. With a little preparation, you can respond quickly to help yourself and others.

Understanding the risks in our area, creating a household emergency plan, and building an emergency kit are some of the steps you can take to be prepared.

Earlier this month was Emergency Preparedness Week, a national event supported by Public Safety Canada who works closely with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations to encourage Canadians to understand the risks in their area and learn what actions they can take to protect themselves and their families.

I’ve gathered some tips for everyone to use as a guide for information on what to do in the different situations we could face across our province.

Learn more

Spring Tips And Resources

🔥 During wildfire risk season, March 15th to October 15th, no domestic brush burning or campfires are allowed between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm except industrial permits. The fine for violating the daily burn restrictions has recently increased. Learn more...

⚠️ It’s that time of year when many of us venture outside to enjoy the sunshine. Black-legged ticks – which can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses – are now endemic to Nova Scotia, so it’s important to make sure you enjoy the outdoors safely. Learn more...

🛴 As the days get longer, more people will find themselves out enjoying the trails and views of our province. One of the popular ways to get around now is using an e-scooter. The operation of e-scooters (also known as electric kick scooters) is guided by By-law M-300. Learn more...

🏞️ The Provincial Parks reservation website is open for campsite bookings for the upcoming camping season. Learn more...

🕳️ Road operations crews identify and log potholes all year, but the city relies heavily on residents to report any problematic potholes they see. Learn more...

🚮 Have you thought about organizing a neighbourhood litter cleanup? The Great Nova Scotia Pick Me Up is coordinated by the Nova Scotia Adopt-A-Highway program and supported in part by the municipality. The Great NS Pick Me Up is a community based, volunteer driven litter clean-up program. Learn more...

Healthcare Updates and Resources

🛑 The Need a Family Practice Waitlist numbers were released for May this week. The number of Nova Scotians waiting for a family doctor/nurse practitioner has once again reached a new high and broken the previous record for the number of people waiting for a family practitioner. Read more...

👩‍⚕️ Nova Scotia is offering a spring dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for people who are at higher risk for serious illness. It’s available only until May 31st. Read more...

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Community Spotlight

What's on in Bedford Basin?

♻️ Rid yourself of clutter and find some great FREE items of your own! Put out your unwanted household items during Curbside Give Away Weekend - June 1 and 2. Read more...

💰 Under the B, it’s Bingo! Our local Legion holds its regular Bingo Nights every Tuesday night: June 4, 11, 18 and 25. And don’t forget Chase the Ace on Friday nights. Read more...

🎭 Bedford’s local community theatre, The Bedford Players, will present Welcome to Paradise by Julie Marino June 6 to 22 at the theatre at All Saints Anglican Church. Read more...

🧘 The Bedford Public Library will launch a four- week series on Self-Compassion starting Friday June 7. Being self-compassionate can help provide us comfort, improved health and increase our sense of satisfaction in our roles. Read more...

🌱 Scott Manor House has a full schedule of terrific events coming up! Starting with June 1st, the Bedford Horticultural Society will hold its annual plant sale starting at 9 a.m. Read more...

🎇 Bedford Days are happening from June 22 to July 1! Get all the details on the Halifax website. Read more...

🗳️ Municipal elections are coming up this fall on Oct 19! Have you considered running for office? The Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women has a timely virtual series to help you decide whether you want to jump in. Read more...

Community Quinklinks

• Virtual Care Nova Scotia
• Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics Program
• Bedford Public Library
• Bedford Lions Community Food Pantry
• Opportunity Place - Nova Scotia Works