Attend a Sackville River Floodplain information session

THE BEDFORD BASIN REPORT

Sackville River Floodplain information sessions

Dear Friends,

It was just over one year ago that many of us experienced unexpected flooding the night of July 21st, 2023.

Some Bedford residents had several thousands of dollars in damage. Many experienced much, much more damage. In fact, some residents were forced to wade to safety through chest-high waters – we were so lucky there was no loss of life in Bedford.

One year later, some Bedford residents are still unable to live in their homes.

And earlier this month, flash flooding hit Nova Scotia once again, and we lost another young Nova Scotian. My condolences go out to the family and friends of 13-year-old Eli Young of Wolfville. My heart aches for them.

His death – and that of four Nova Scotians last year – remind us there is much we do not know about the effects of climate change on our province.

That’s why it’s so important that our provincial government works in tandem with municipalities — which often do not have large staffs — to ensure Nova Scotians are protected in times of environmental disasters. Just as the alerts and response were not adequate on the evening of July 21st last year, they were not adequate on July 11th and 12th of this year.

Simply put, we need our provincial Emergency Measures Office to work with our municipal emergency entities instead of blaming them.

It’s with all of this in mind that I want to ensure everyone knows that HRM is holding information sessions on the Sackville River Floodplain over two days in August. You can read more about them here.

I do wish that these meetings were not taking place in summertime only — these are too important for residents to miss. Please do plan to attend one of the four sessions if you are concerned about this issue.

Earlier this month, I wrote to Environment Minister Timothy Halman to enquire what -- if anything -- the province is doing to reduce the likelihood of this area of Bedford flooding again. You can see the letter here. I will share the Minister’s response once I receive it.

This is also why I am concerned about the decision of the provincial government not to proclaim the Coastal Protection Act, leaving municipalities to try to manage coastal protection on their own.

Thank you for taking the time to read this e-newsletter; I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer —

Coastal Protection Act

Earlier this year, the provincial government announced they would not proclaim the Coastal Protection Act, legislation that all three parties voted for.

If you’re concerned about what this means for Nova Scotia’s coastlines, you’re not alone.

Recently, some Coastal Protection Act NOW signs posted on public property around Bedford were removed. If you’d like to support coastal protection in this province – and not leave it to individual municipalities to try to deal with – you can find out more about the issue, get your own lawn sign, and help support the cause in other ways here.

Healthcare Crisis

🛑 As of July 26th, there was still no update on the need a family practice waitlist for July 1^st. In June, the list rose to 160,234 persons. Here in the Bedford – Hammonds Plains area, the waitlist has risen 426 per cent since the current government took office in September 2021. The government says they are culling the list. Last time they did this, about 10,000 people were culled from the list – some, in error. Read more...

Affordability Crisis

📉 As of June, 2024, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Halifax (including Bedford) is $2,371 per month. This is 19 % higher than the national average. And the median rent in Halifax is 16% higher than the same time last year. Read more...

Overcrowded Classrooms

🏫 Although the provincial government has indicated it plans to build four new schools in HRM, it has yet to indicate where those schools will be located. Even though two new schools in West Bedford (announced in 2018 and 2019) recently opened, there are already new modular classrooms onsite, and Rocky Lake Elementary remains open. (RLE was supposed to have been a temporary solution for a couple of years until the West Bedford schools opened). This school is very old and is not appropriately equipped for a modern school. Read more...

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Community Spotlight

Bedford Outdoor Pool

The Bedford Outdoor Pool is open – a great way to beat the heat in this hot weather!

If you haven't been to the Bedford Outdoor Pool, it is located on Shore Drive. This pool has two separate pool areas and a variety of play features including lane swimming, swimming lessons & open swims.

The Bedford Outdoor pool offers pool memberships for adults, seniors, youth, and households (family
of 5).

For seasonal memberships, you need to contact the Lebrun Recreation Centre (36 Holland Avenue,
Bedford) by calling (902) 490-4665. You can’t buy a seasonal membership online or via the registration line.

Swim Fees are $2 (tax included) per person per swim. Payment for open swims and lane swims is taken directly at the pool via cash, credit, or debit, and pre-booking swims is NOT required.