(Friday, September 14, 2001- 3:30 p.m.) Mayor Peter Kelly, on behalf of Halifax Regional Council, extended sincere thanks and appreciation to all of those involved in the effort to accommodate the nearly 8,000 air travelers diverted to Halifax earlier this week because of terrorist attacks in the United States.
Mayor Kelly said hundreds of H.R.M. employees and thousands of volunteers and local area residents responded overwhelmingly to the plight of these international travelers who were forced to land in Halifax because of the attacks in Washington and New York on Tuesday.
The Mayor said the municipality activated its Emergency Measures Organization operations team at noon on Tuesday "and many of these individuals have been virtually working around the clock to ensure that all of those air travelers who required food and shelter were accommodated. The members of this team are to be commended for their tremendous effort and dedication to service."
Mayor Kelly also paid special tribute to the many individuals and volunteer organizations who so freely offered their time and services at the 18 emergency shelters set-up by H.R.M. throughout the metro area and at other sites.
"I also want to extend our thanks to the thousands of residents who opened their homes to these visitors from all parts of the world. We can appreciate the extra demands this may have placed on some households, but the feedback we are getting from our visitors is very positive and complimentary, " he said.
The Mayor added "Our thoughts and our prayers go out to the people of the United States, particularly those who lost loved ones in the attacks and those who are still trying to locate family, friends or relatives in the crash areas."
"The people of Halifax Regional Municipality were both pleased and proud to extend our friendliness and hospitality to those who were diverted to our airport. We wish each and every one of them a safe journey home, " he concluded.
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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
