Media Room

MEDIA ADVISORY

(Tuesday, October 7, 2003 7:30 p.m.)

The following are issues still being dealt with by HRM in the Recovery Operations after Hurricane Juan.

Fallen Trees, Storm debris collection - HRM Works crews will continue to clear brush and debris from curbsides until Friday, October 10th, when it is anticipated the majority of sidewalks, as well as streets, should be restored to passable conditions. A final debris sweep will be made on October 14th and October 15th. Residents are urged to continue piling their brush by the side of the road or at the edge of their property, but not obstructing the sidewalk, catch basins or fire hydrants if possible. Brush piled on sidewalks hampers the efficiency of the crews now out trying to repair them.

We regret public drop-off of debris cannot be accepted at the temporary sites set up to process debris being collected by HRM Works Crews.

In cooperation with HRM, the N.S. Department of Transportation will initiate a similar debris collection program in the rural areas beginning Tuesday, October 14, 2003.

NO Burning of Debris - The N.S. Department of Natural Resources "No Burn Order" is still in effect

. Temporary Overnight Parking Restrictions- As a result of the extensive damage to street trees and infrastructure caused by Hurricane Juan, certain areas of HRM require on-street parking prohibitions in order to expedite clean-up operations. The HRM Traffic Authority will impose a temporary overnight parking restriction, beginning Wednesday, October 8th at 11 p.m.

The restriction indicates that no person shall park an unattended vehicle on any street in Halifax bounded by Robie Street, Quinpool Road, Oxford Street and Coburg Road between the following hours:

11 p.m.- Wednesday, October 8, 2003 to 7 a.m. Thursday, October 9, 2003
11 p.m.- Thursday, October 9, 2003 to 7 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2003
11 p.m.- Friday, October 10, 2003 to 7 a.m Saturday, October 11, 2003

It shall be an offence for any person to fail to comply with these regulations. Motor vehicles left unattended will be subject to removal at the owner's cost.

HRM appreciates the public's cooperation in this matter to allow our works crews to remove the remaining debris and tree stumps as quickly as possible. The removal of tree stumps and the initial repair of sidewalks involves the use of heavy equipment which will require the full width of the roadway to operate.

Solid Waste Collection- For residents on green cart collection from September 29th through to October 10th, the Municipality will be collecting your green carts and bundles of branches as usual. Due to the current volumes, please HOLD clear and orange bags of leaf and yard waste until a later green cart collection week. Public drop-off of de-packaged food waste continues to be accepted at the two composting plants- Miller Composting on McCluskey Avenue in Burnside and the New Era Plant off the Herring Cove Road

. Unreported Damage to Municipal Infrastructure -Should members of the public notice any damage to municipal infrastructure which you suspect may not yet have been reported , such as damage to trails, fences, or HRM buildings, they are encouraged to contact the HRM Call Center at 490-4000 or 490-4000.

Tax Deadline Further Extended- As a result of some residents still being without power, HRM has again, further extended the deadline on payment of property taxes until Tuesday, October 14, 2003.

HRM Call Center- The HRM Call Center has now returned to its regular hours of operation, between 7:30 a.m.- 10 p.m., 7 days a week. Please contact 490-4000.

School Board- For specific details on school openings, please check the Halifax Regional School Board Web site at www.hrsb.ns.ca or call the School Board Information Line at 464-2000.

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Contact: Lori Patterson
Acting Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531

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