Media Room

News Release

(Wednesday, October 1/2003-- 6 p.m.)-- The following is a list of topics that were discussed at the media update and briefing this afternoon at City Hall on Day #3 of the recovery and clean-up in the aftermath of Hurricane Juan.

Fallen Trees, Storm Debris Collection-- Work crews are beginning a "continuous collection" program day-and-night for at least the next three days to collect as much storm debris as possible from residential neighbourhoods throughout the HRM.

Residents are asked to gather trees, limbs and other storm debris from their property and place it at curb side for collection. Public works, military and other crews (not regular solid waste collection crews) will be passing through neighbourhoods and collecting these materials as they go.

Tree trunks placed out for collection should be cut into four-foot lengths and tree branches, limbs, etc should be no longer than eight feet in length.

HRM is hoping to partner with the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works in offering a similar collection program in areas outside the service core

Burning of Debris-- The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources has order a "No Burn" order, effectively immediately, in all areas throughout the HRM.

Solid Waste Collection- There will be regular refuse and green cart collection tomorrow (Thursday.)

Spoiled, Unfrozen foodstuffs-- Residents of HRM who have a large amount of spoiled food waste are advised that the material will be accepted at the Miller Composting Facility -McCluskey Avenue-Burnside, or New Era Farms- Evergreen Place- off Prospect Road.

All packaging, ie: plastic wrap, must be removed from the spoiled food waste by the resident in their home, otherwise the material will not be accepted. Miller Composting and New Era Farms are open weekdays between 8am and 6pm and on Saturday, October 4th.

School Closures-- Halifax Regional School Board advises that all classes are cancelled until at least next Monday, October 6th.

Traffic Congestion-- Halifax Regional Police and RCMP are urging as many motorists as possible to remain off the streets and roads, unless absolutely necessary, to help ease traffic congestion due to the number of traffic signals that are not functioning because of the power outages. Greater use of public transit, car pooling is being encouraged.

Pedestrian Safety-- Because many areas remain in darkness at night due to the power outages, police services are advising pedestrian to wear bright-coloured clothing when walking to maximize their viability to motorists.

Public Transit-- Metro Transit bus and ferry service resumed normal operation on Tuesday, with the exception of a few temporary routes changes, due to fallen trees and debris. For further info, please contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.

Public Mischief-- A number of incidents regarding public mischief ( e.g. setting fires, obstructing recovery crews) as a result of fallen debris and power outages have been reported in a number of areas. Parents are advised to ensure their teenagers are properly supervised. The state of local emergency remains in effect and this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

Fire Prevention-- Due to the number of power outages, residents are urged to be extremely careful when using candles or lanterns in their homes.

Gasoline Line-Ups-- Work crews and contractors are experiencing long line-ups at gasoline stations open for service. As a result, this deprives the recovery effort of valuable time and effort that is not be directed at clean-up and recovery.

-30--

John O'Brien
HRM Corporate Communications Officer

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