As 2025 is now behind us, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, after my first full year as District 16’s representative on Halifax Regional Council. This past year has of course brought challenges, but also significant progress, and meaningful moments that strengthened our community and reaffirmed the importance of working together with purpose and care. Thank you for your support, your advocacy for our community needs, and for being part of my journey—here’s a month by month look at select highlights of 2025 in Bedford-Wentworth. Those of you that follow me on social media will notice this is quite far from a comprehensive list of the busy schedule I maintain as Councillor!
JANUARY 2025
- A day of levees – City Hall, Government House, The Bedford Lions Club and the Bedford Legion
- Several residents came with me on a tour of the Mill Cove Wastewater Treatment Facility to better understand its operations, the science behind water treatment, and longer-term plans to upgrade the facility
- The retro arcade theme was exceptionally cool for the Halifax Chamber Business Awards
- Public safety measures around West Bedford School were top of mind as I hosted several discussions with parents, school administration, HRM staff to identify short, medium and long-term priorities
- I participated in community discussions about intersection safety and speeding on Larry Uteck and surrounding areas
- I took part in my first Councillor’s on the Hot Seat segment following the election on the Todd Veinotte Show on News 95.7
- The Halifax Partnership New Year Investor Celebration was very well attended
- Council’s first in-depth budget meetings got rolling
- A boil water advisory was announced after power outage affecting Pockwock facility – I got information out to the community on this urgent matter as quickly as possible and made inquiries of Halifax Water on behalf of residents
FEBRUARY 2025
- I was delighted to be a judge for the Bedford Lions Speak Out competition between students of CPA and West Bedford High School – boy did the students put on a powerful demonstration
- Brain Candy Toys hosted another puzzle contest and once again the only cost of entry was a donation to the Bedford Lions Food Pantry – what a response from the puzzlers! I was happy to serve as honourary judge.
- The Chinese New Year celebration at Casino Nova Scotia was a vibrant event with music, dance and incredible food. I gave welcoming remarks on behalf of the Mayor and Council.
- I had an in-person visit to Windsor Street Exchange with planning staff and some fellow members of Council
- We had terrific representation from Council attending the African Heritage Month Gala at the Halifax Convention Centre
- I got a first look at updates planned for LeBrun playground
- I attended anti-black racism grant awards ceremony at City Hall
- I attended and spoke briefly at BLK Joy fundraiser (not in Bedford but an incredibly worthwhile event I was pleased to support)
- And of course throughout the month we had many more budget meetings
MARCH 2025
- I was the keynote speaker for the Sackville Lions charter night on behalf of Mayor Fillmore
- I passed my first motion at council to examine best practices in resident communications from the municipality – it’s currently on track to come back to Council in March of 2026
- In March I provided some funding from District Capital to support the Bedford United Church Community Meal program and as I commonly do, I helped serve the meals while I was there
- With a group of colleagues from Council, I toured Halifax Bengal Lancers barn
- My first order of 311 magnets arrived and started flying off the shelves
- A ceremonial puck drop was a new experience for me – as you could tell when I walked out onto the ice in dress shoes for the SEDMHA tournament
- I attended the HRFE Career Firefighter graduation ceremony
- Multiple representatives from all levels of government past and present were in attendance for the unveiling of the new Sackville Lions members memorial
- Even more budget meetings!
APRIL 2025
- Council passed the first budget of my term – many challenging discussions were had in the lengthy debate over the months leading up to the final approval of the 2025/2026 budget.
- I lent a hand in a community cleanup hosted by the Sackville Rivers Association with Councillors Billy Gillis and John Young
- The Friends of Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes held an open house at Maskwa Canoe Club that I attended with some of my council colleagues
- I guest-hosted trivia night fundraiser for Bedford Blizzards Volleyball at the Village Tap House in support of the team’s trip to Nationals
- I attended HRM’s Volunteer Awards night and was delighted to present to several recipients from District 16
- West Bedford High School’s fledgeling football program needed some help purchasing equipment, so I supported the organization with funding from District Capital
- Shrey of the Sharodia Society was kind enough to invite me to speak to her community as they celebrated their spring multicultural festival at LeBrun Centre
- I took my family and friends to attended my first Halifax Tides women’s professional soccer game
MAY 2025
- I attended the spring conference of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities to share and learn from colleagues from councils across the province
- A group of rookie councillors went for a tour of the 311 Call Centre that plays a critical role in delivering municipal services to residents
- We got quite a haul from the “Clean 16” community clean-up in DeWolf Park I hosted, especially considering I had already done some cleanups on my own in the park, as had a number of other residents
- As a member of the Board, I attended the Discover Halifax Annual General Meeting
- I started making my own “Slow Down” lawn signs available to residents – they quickly became popular on streets where speeding was a concern for residents
- I was among a group of members of council attending the formal launch of Halifax Transit’s new electric fleet of busses, touring the upgraded Ragged Lake transit facility and taking a ride on an electric bus
- Visiting Ottawa to take in my first Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference meant being able to participate in a number of workshops and discussions with municipal officials from across Canada, touring some remarkable facilities and infrastructure projects in the nation’s capital. And of course the obligatory visit to Parliament Hill and getting together for dinner with our local MP Braedon Clark in his new stomping ground.
JUNE 2025
- It was an honour to speak on behalf of the Mayor and council at the seasonal opening of HMCS Sackville – and learned the Sackville’s commanding officer served with my father 45 years earlier
- Rock and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy was an extremely well-attended event in Lower Sackville I was pleased to attend with my colleague Bill Gillis
- Rocky Lake Elementary needed some sports equipment for the coming year, so I provided a bit of assistance from the District Capital fund
- My wife and I attended our first Lieutenant Governor’s Garden Party at Government House downtown
- The Sabeel Centre invited me and some colleagues from all levels of government to attend the Eid Prayer at the BMO soccer facility in Clayton Park
- The Starboard Drive Park playground replacement was completed by HRM Parks and Recreation
- I attended the Halifax Police Graduation Ceremony
- Helping out with and attending a number of excellent Bedford Days celebrations felt pretty familiar as a former member of the community volunteer organizing committee – including Rouge et Blanc, Bedford Lions Seniors Dinner, Bedford Basin Yacht Club Open House, Scott Manor House Georgian Social
- I attended the Mayor’s fleet week breakfast at city hall
- CPA Football needed some new equipment – helmets have to be replaced frequently – so I provided some assistance from the District Capital fund. How is it that EVERY player they sent to the cheque presentation is bigger than me?
- I attended the HRFE Volunteer Firefighter graduation ceremony – Station 8 got two new volunteers!
- It was quite warm in the Forum for the CPA Graduation ceremony
- I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Halifax Partnership
- By attending the HRFE Career Firefighter graduation ceremony I got to see one of my former CrossFit coaches become a firefighter
- The month was a busy one overall for meetings with community groups
JULY 2025
- Canada Day celebrations were a huge success, with a flood of residents attending the always-popular pancake breakfast in the morning. And while the weather postponed the fireworks, spirits were high when they finally flew!
- I walked with many of my Council colleagues alongside the HRM float in the Halifax Pride Parade, which was exceptionally well attended
- I joined number of my council colleagues on a tour of EHS operations centre serving HRM
- I dropped in to deliver breakfast and answer questions for Camp Courage participants and attended their graduation ceremony (which even featured a dance number they had prepared, to the delight and surprise of their parents)
- Nova Horizons, a non-profit providing services for newcomers from conflict regions, particularly those from Ukraine, received some District Capital assistance for its program delivery
- A hosted a condominium corporation town hall, answering questions and sharing updates on key priorities from around the district
- I attended the Halifax Police Promotions Ceremony
- I participated in a DeWolf Park drop-in community cleanup organized by HRM’s solid waste team
- I attended the close and awards presentations for the Bedford Basin Yacht Club’s summer regatta
- I dropped in to watch some of the action at the Bedford Beavers Swim Club’s swim meet (I myself and my youngest daughter were Beavers swim team members growing up, so this was a fun treat)
AUGUST 2025
- After months of advocacy, discussions with staff and even a petition from residents, the signal system at Convoy Run passed the needed tests to enable the in-road-activated flashing green left from Bedford Highway onto Convoy Run for traffic and safety concerns to be addressed
- I walked with many of my Council colleagues alongside the HRM float in the Natal Day Parade, throughout downtown Dartmouth
- Organized and facilitated a Halifax Water meeting with waterfront condo owners about the Wastewater Treatment Plant at Mill Cove
- The Art of Disability market was a fun event to drop in to support – I had terrific conversations with so many people that put their skills to work to help overcome disabilities
- When a wildfire broke out behind Bayer’s Lake, my neighbour and owner of Montana’s BBQ was among many businesses forced to close. Rather than see food go to waste, she prepared and donated hundreds of meals for the emergency responders, so I helped with packing and delivery
- Organized and facilitated a Halifax Water Open House at Bedford Public Library about the Wastewater Treatment Plant at Mill Cove
- Gave the official proclamation in Grand Parade on behalf of the Mayor and Council marking Acadia Day
- It was an honour to represent the district at the International Peacekeeper’s Day memorial ceremony in Fish Hatchery Park
- A new flashing crosswalk was completed and enabled for crossing Hammonds Plains at Doyle Street – a hot spot of activity given its its use as a school bus drop-off location
- I met with Halifax Transit at their offices to review District 16 priorities and provide feedback on proposed route plans for the area
- The planned playground replacement for the LeBrun Recreation Center got underway with a 4-6 week timeline
- Nova Scotia Islamic Community Centre reached out to me for some assistance with its summer community garden program. I provided a bit of funding and connected them with HRM’s team for some advice on what to plant.
- I provided district capital for the installation of accessible outdoor musical equipment at Bedford South School with installation set to be completed before the start of the coming school year
SEPTEMBER 2025
- The playground replacement at the LeBrun Centre was completed, including a green space expansion and a number of accessible feature upgrades
- The new flashing crosswalk signal at Gary Martin at Capstone/Hazelton was completed and enabled just in time for the start of the school year
- I worked with the Crosswalk Safety Association of Nova Scotia on an extensive refurbishment of the crosswalk flags at crossings throughout the district
- I volunteered once again for the Bedford-Sackville Terry Fox Run and spoke to the crowd before the run/walk got underway
- The CPA Football home opener was a stunning success and I got to meet Bud Bremner!
- I supported and attended the Paws in the Park fundraiser in DeWolf Park
- I hopped on my bike and participated with many of my council colleagues in the HRM Community Bike Ride in Dartmouth – our midpoint on the ride was the Shubie Park Pump Track – which was exciting since I knew construction of the West Bedford pump track was due to begin in the fall
- I attended the open house at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center to mark Treaty Day
- I was honoured to be a guest at the Sharodia Society’s fall festival and shared the stage with several provincial and municipal colleagues
OCTOBER 2025
- I was delighted to be the keynote speaker for the Bedford Lions Charter Night, providing an update to attendees on major projects in Bedford’s future
- At the Charter Night, President Greg Baldwin presented me with the honour of becoming an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Bedford Lions Club – I was told it was the first time they had done this and I remain incredibly honoured and eager to serve
- Along with many of my council colleagues, I attended the annual Fallen Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
- I stopped by the Walk with Friends fundraiser and enjoyed a burger and pop in support of the Halifax Nova Scotia Down Syndrome Society and our friend and official HRM Town Crier Will Brewer
- I attended the ISANS immigrant entrepreneur awards ceremony at the Central Library – some impressive people not only picking Nova Scotia to call home, but then creating businesses and jobs in our communities
- I participated in a large peloton of riders in Bedford’s Kidical Mass Bike Ride from Fort Sackville School to DeWolf Park to raise awareness of bike safety and priority in municipal planning
- I attended the Sackville Rivers Association annual dinner and had the successful bid on a few silent auction items
- I attended and spoke to the huge gathering celebrating Diwali festival of lights
- I attended the ceremonial opening of the new Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity at Dalhousie University’s Ocean Sciences Centre
- I ran in costume (I dressed as a cop, much to the amusement of our on-site HRP officers providing traffic control) with with parents and kids in the Sunnyside Elementary Pumpkin Fun Run
- A co-op student from Charles P Allen High School (where I also went to school more than 30 years ago) started a 3-month long internship with me to learn about the business of the municipality and elected office
- My North West Community Council colleagues and I all contributed district capital to support a new high-capacity commercial over to support Bedford-Sackville Meals on Wheels program
NOVEMBER 2025
- I was a guest at the Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner hosted by the Bedford Legion
- I went with the Mayor and several members of council to visit Halifax Search and Rescue – we got a tour and spoke at length about the role they play complementing other Emergency services in HRM
- I hosted the opening of the long-awaited West Bedford Pump Track on Brookline Drive – the turnout and weather were spectacular!
- I participated in the Accessibility Advisory Committee Town Hall meeting at the Central Library (I’m a member of the committee)
- Joining forces with our local MLAs Tim Outhit, Damian Stoilov and Rick Burns, along with MP Braedon Clark, we walked together as three levels of government in the Light Up Bedford Parade
- I attended the Building Futures Auction Night fundraiser and got a tour of the new sensory room that was funded by all five members of North West Community Council
- I volunteered for a shift (with my CPA intern) at the Bedford Lions Christmas Tree Lot
- A large group of councillors went on a tour of Halifax Forum site
- I brought my mother to the Fall Bedford Lions Seniors Dinner and helped serve dinner and dessert to a packed house
- I attended all three Sandy Lake Special Planning Area community engagement sessions at Bedford United Church to hear from the community directly and speak with the developers
- I attended the evening session of the 102 West Corridor Special Planning Area community engagements (we had a council meeting that day, so I could only attend the one) to listen in on community discussions and concerns
- I attended another Halifax Police Promotions Ceremony at City Hall
- I dropped by the HRFE Toy Drive with Q104 and Midland Transport, had a long chat with serving members and got an operational demonstration of one of our ladder trucks
- I spoke on behalf of the Mayor at the YMCA Peace Awards dinner at Pier 21
DECEMBER 2025
- 2026/27 Budget deliberations began early this month – it was a matter of priority setting for staff to take away and actually start constructing the proposed budget for the coming year, with significant headwinds to try to overcome
- The signalling infrastructure upgrades at Hammonds Plains and Bedford Highway were completed, but not without a hiccup. After hearing from the community, and visiting the site myself to record a video of the specific identified issue, I worked with staff to have the timing of the now protected left turn from Bedford Highway onto Hammonds Plains corrected for better traffic flow
- We had our first snow fall of the year and fortunately not significant accumulation but still bringing some spots that were of concern to residents that I remedied with staff
- I joined the Deputy Mayor, MP Braedon Clark and representatives from the Province for a breakfast meeting with the High Commissioner of Ghana on her first trip to Nova Scotia. The meeting was hosted by the Halifax Partnership.
- I attended and spoke at the Cobequid Health Centre’s Tree Lighting
- I organized and facilitated a community meeting about Larry Uteck speeding with Halifax Regional Police and HRM traffic management leadership
- Along with Mayor Fillmore and MP Braedon Clark, I attended the ground breaking for the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance transition housing project on Rocky Lake Drive
- After hearing from a number of residents about their concerns with snow clearing on Hogan Court, I advocated to staff and they immediately responded by changing the priority level of Hogan Court to Priority 1 for both street clearing and sidewalk clearing
- I attended a wonderfully musical Bedford-Sackville Meals on Wheels Holiday Tea Party
- On Christmas Eve, I dropped off Izzy’s Bagel Holiday Boxes for Station 8 firefighters and West Division police officers on behalf of District 16 residents
- Also on Christmas Eve, I partnered with my District 14 colleague John Young to support the 7th Annual Walker Family Christmas Eve Community Skate for Feed Nova Scotia – which raised $2269.00!
- I hosted my own Community Skate on Dec 27th at the LeBrun Centre to bring in donations for the Bedford Lions Community Food Pantry – we brought in 5 full bags of items for the pantry and $50 in cash
- A water main break on New Year’s Eve night in Lower Sackville had a geographically broad impact, resulting in water service or pressure loss in several areas of Bedford. Residents were having trouble reaching Halifax Water so they reached out to me, and I worked some back channels to get some updated information before the water main break was isolated and service was restored. I was able to report back to residents that had reached out to me directly and announce updates more broadly on my Facebook page.
Over the past year, Council and staff worked alongside residents, partners, and local organizations to address priorities, respond to challenges, and invest in the long-term wellbeing of our municipality.
As I look ahead to the coming year, I remain committed to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to serve our community’s needs. The progress made in 2025 reflects the strength of our shared efforts and the dedication of residents, staff, volunteers, and partners who care deeply about this municipality and the community of Bedford-Wentworth. As many of you know, it’s a challenging role, and I am grateful for your continued engagement and trust. I look forward to building on this momentum together in the year ahead.