Dear Residents,

January and its 31 days has been unofficially christened as the longest month of the calendar year. From the post-holiday letdown, colder sunless days, holiday debt, the return to routine, the new year with new pressures and short daylight hours – all contribute to our well-being and state of mind.

A wise person once told me that I would notice as I grew older the days would go faster. So in that respect, January is moving along as any other month.

It really is about perspective and one’s day-to-day activities can improve our overall well-being.

I am thankful to the Southeastern and Dartmouth Health Boards for engaging citizens on their current health planning process. The information gathered will help guide what community members feel is needed for a healthier community. Please check out the Health Boards’ link in this eNewsletter to provide your thoughts on this subject. You have until January 31st to do so.

I am also thankful for the daily social media postings on ‘Perspective’ from Jarvis of Cole Harbour-Dartmouth who posted on January 26th - ‘The light is coming back. Winter started 35 days ago. Spring is 54 days away. Today we will have 9:34:05 hours of light, today we gained 0:45:12 of light or three-fourths of an hour. The light is coming back. Wela’lin Jarvis!

Stay well and stay safe,

Salvation Army HEAT Fund

As the winter chill sets in, I want share information about the Salvation Army HEAT Fund. The Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund is a program that has been supporting individuals and families struggling to heat their homes for over 20 years.

The HEAT Fund is designed to assist Nova Scotians facing challenges with their home heating costs. If you are a resident of Nova Scotia, have an outstanding electric bill, or require a heat source delivery, you may be eligible to apply. To qualify, applicants must not have received HEAT Fund assistance in the past 24 months and must meet specific income thresholds.

  • $29,000 for single-person households
  • $47,703 for 2-4 person households
  • $67,937 for households of 5 or more individuals

Required documents for the application include your heating source receipt or bill, proof of income (including child tax benefits), and information about your heating supplier (name and account number).

The HEAT Fund is currently open for applications and will continue until funds are depleted.

Learn More

Public Engagement 

📝 The Southeastern Community Health Board is looking for your help to engage citizens in our upcoming health planning process. They are currently seeking input into the identification of the top four community health priorities for the Community Health Plan. This plan will guide the work and decisions of the Community Health Boards for the next five years. Learn more...

🗣️ Councillor Trish Purdy has provided my office with new planning areas around HRM that are being rezoned to allow As-of-right development and will come to Regional Council in the next few months for the next step of being voted on. Residents are encouraged to share their questions/concerns. Learn more...

Access to Healthcare

📱 If you are in need of mental health support, there is online support available. HealthyMindsNS is a suite of online mental health resources, available free to post-secondary students, to complement the mental health supports and services available on campuses. Learn more...

☎️ Nova Scotians thinking about attempting suicide or worried about someone else who may be thinking about suicide now have another place to turn to for help.
The new 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline provides urgent, live, trauma-informed support by phone and text 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Learn more...

Accessing Grants and Rebates

🏠 Eligible Nova Scotians have until March 31st to apply for the Heating Assistance Rebate. Qualifying homes will receive $600 this year. Learn more...

⚕️ Seniors can apply for the increased Seniors Care Grant, which helps cover the costs of a range of healthcare and household services. Learn more...

📎 The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage has opened its Community Infrastructure and Access-ability grants for the fiscal year 2024-25. Learn more...

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Community Spotlight

The Medicine Shoppe – Baker Drive

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy located at 105-133 Baker Drive offers a dedicated focus on health care products and services coupled with a warm, welcoming environment. Independently owned and operated by Diane and Matthew Harpell.

The Medicine Shoppe distinguishes itself with a cozy setting that fosters a personal connection between pharmacists and patients. Going beyond prescriptions, the pharmacy takes a comprehensive approach to health, proactively addressing overall health needs for better outcomes. Every interaction is seen as an opportunity to educate patients, forming a partnership for improved health.

The Medicine Shoppe ensures dependable care by knowledgeable pharmacists who invest time in understanding individual health needs. Offering convenient services such as online prescription refills, complimentary delivery, and prescribing for minor ailments, the pharmacy aims to make patients' lives more manageable.

Learn More

What's On in Cole Harbour-Dartmouth?

⚖️ Do you have a legal question? The Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia is proud to be able to provide legal information to Nova Scotians through their Legal Information Line. Learn more...

📖 Take part in the Dartmouth Book Exchange by joining other community members at their Locally Authored Book Club Exchange, meeting on the third Wednesday of the month from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Learn more...

🍭 Join Parents and Children Together for a 3-week sweet adventure as they dive into the world of tiny chefs creating delectable treats! From giggles to sticky fingers, each session promises joy and learning. Learn more...

📌 Mark your calendars! Spring and Summer Camp Registration will begin at the Cole Harbour Place in March. Their Spring brochure will be available on March 4th. Learn more...

🚗 I want to remind everyone that the Halifax Regional Municipal overnight winter parking ban is in effect annually from December 15th to March 31st. Learn more...