PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Storm Update Monday, January 24, 2005 11:30 a.m.

Please be advised the HRM offices will remain closed for the remainder of the day.

I understand that some person(s) have been making bogus calls to the media, advising that HRM offices would re-open at noon. Please disregard those calls and if in doubt about any info regarding HRM, please contact me or the HRM call centre to confirm.

thanks

John O'Brien

Metro Transit Service to be Restored

Metro Transit's bus service will return to the road, beginning at 2 PM this afternoon. The buses are expected to be back running on full schedule by approximately 4 PM.

However, Community Transit and the Accessible Low Floor (ALF) service will remain suspended; and Access-A-Bus will only serve dialysis patients, until further notice.

The Alderney and Woodside Ferry service are both operating on regular schedule.

As a result of the roads and bus stops not yet being fully cleared, and the snow still blowing around, Metro Transit passengers are requested to use extreme caution while waiting by the side of the road or embarking and disembarking from a bus.

For further updates, please check the HRM Website at www.halifax.ca/Metro Transit or call the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.

For further information contact: : Lori Patterson
Metro Transit Public Affairs
Tel: 476-5975 or 490-6609

 

Garbage, Recycling and/or Compost Collection

There will be no solid waste collection services today (Monday, January 24) in areas where regular collection takes place on Mondays.

Waste collection for these areas has been re-scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2005.

Also, HRM's Otter Lake facility and other collection facilities will remain closed today, January 24th, 2005.

Streets and Roads
HRM thanks residents for remaining off the roads, unless travel is necessary. Having streets free and clear of parked vehicles during snow storms makes for more efficient and cost-effective snow removal operations and facilitates better mobility by emergency response agencies. The cooperation of motorists in that regard is appreciated.

Reisidents are reminded that Section 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act provides that parked vehicles obstructing snow removal or winter maintenance operations may be removed at the owner's cost regardless of time or day.

Recreation Programs
All HRM recreation programs and facility rentals are cancelled for today (Monday January 24, 2005).

Halifax Regional Libraries
All Halifax Regional Libraries are closed today (Monday, January 24, 2005) and all library programs are cancelled.

Flight Information
The Halifax International Airport is reporting cancellations. See the Departure Information for details.

HRM Offices
Weather conditions have not improved as anticipated

Employees and Residents of HRM are advised that all HRM offices will remain closed today (Monday January 24, 2005).

Employees may also contact there immediate supervisor to learn of any new developments regarding municipal office operations.

- 30-

John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531
(902) 490-4044 (fax)