News Release HRM and Nova Scotia Power Agree to Jointly Examine Issues
(Wednesday, August 22/2001)-- Mayor Peter Kelly said today that Nova Scotia Power Inc. has agreed to requests by the Halifax Regional Municipality to review its current tree pruning/cutting practices, review its right-of-way needs for its Vegetation Easement Policy and examine the potential for underground conduit (wiring) in new subdivisions.
Mayor Kelly said the agreement came following detailed discussions at a two-hour meeting this morning with senior officials of Nova Scotia Power and senior municipal staff.
The Mayor said Nova Scotia Power officials were advised that Halifax Regional Council is dissatisfied with the company's present methods of tree pruning/cutting. HRM has received telephone calls and e-mails from a number of residents who were concerned with the company's practices.
The company was advised that HRM does not accept its new pruning/cutting standards on trees within the municipality, but instead must adhere to the previous standards. However, the sides agreed today to work together to establish a mechanism for arbitration when municipal/Nova Scotia Power arborists disagree on pruning/cutting methods and plans.
"It was made perfectly clear that the people of HRM consider our trees public assets and if they are damaged or destroyed, we expect to be compensated, " the Mayor said.
Nova Scotia Power also agreed to a request by HRM to re-define its need for right-of-ways on private property in new subdivisions. Under its Vegetation Easement Policy, the company is requiring developers to deed over a 20-foot easement on both sides of new street in these subdivisions. In addition, the company is setting limits on the kind and height of trees that can be planted by property owners in those right-of-ways.
Mayor Kelly said "Council believes there is enough public land ( municipal right-of-ways) in these subdivisions to accommodate the needs of Nova Scotia Power, the developers and future property owners."
The Mayor, of behalf of Regional Council, also pressed Nova Scotia Power to examine the financial implications of installing underground conduit in new subdivisions.
"It may cost a little more, but in the long run Nova Scotia Power will save money on maintenance costs and the reliability of uninterrupted power supplies will be dramatically increased. It won't have to worry about power outages as much in severe ice storms," he said.
HRM has already advised Nova Scotia Power that it has applied for a hearing before the Utilities and Review Board to address these and others issues. However, both sides agreed to establish staff working groups to address these various issues in an attempt to resolve as many of them as possible before the hearing.
Mayor Kelly said he found the meeting with Nova Scotia Power officials very helpful and he thanked them for their efforts and spirit of cooperation in working with HRM and Regional Council on these matters of concern.
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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
