By Councillor Iona Stoddard, District 12
February is African Heritage Month and this year’s theme is: Seas of Struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore. I hope to see lots of familiar Clayton Park, Wedgewood, Timberlea, Lakeside, and Beechville faces at the variety of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) events.
As the first African Nova Scotian woman to serve as a municipal Councillor in the history of HRM, I am so proud of the more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities whose deep and complex history, dating back 400 years, have helped shape the vibrancy and diversity of our region. In my district, I celebrate the historic community of Beechville, formally called Beech Hill, which was founded in 1816. Join me as I celebrate the legacy, achievements, and contributions of people of African descent as part of our collective Nova Scotia heritage.
Recently, HRM Council designated Dr. Clement Ligoure’s home at 5812-14 North Street as Heritage Property. Dr. Ligoure was Nova Scotia’s first Black doctor.
If in Halifax, look out for the commemorative panel painted by Artist Charlie Marvin and the revamped plaza where the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church once stood, on the corner of Gottingen and Falkland. Also find the Delightful Downtown light show on the former Halifax Memorial Library Building at Grafton Park sponsored by the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, the Pan-African flag displayed on the Viola Desmond Ferry, and the lighting of City Hall in Pan-African Colours (February 18- 21 and 23-28), all in honor and celebration of African Heritage Month.
District 12 Updates
In 2022, through HRM CouncilI, I was able to assist the development of the new Beechville/ Lakeside Community Recreation Centre by altering parking requirements to work with the existing Lakeside Community Centre location.
Now in 2023, I am sharing a report with Regional Council regarding the Park West School location, scheduled for February 7, 2023. Following the Province of Nova Scotia’s request to allow construction of a new public school, Council will consider the closure of the Park West School Park. Please direct any questions to Mike Cowper, Corporate Real Estate at 902- 490-6025 or via email cowperm@halifax. ca.
Also, Washmill Road, in front of Walmart is under construction for a Toronto Dominion Bank.
Follow me on Facebook and Twitter where I share regular updates. You can also read my e-newsletters at Halifax.ca. However, if you have questions, contact me directly at 902-240-7926 or via email iona.stoddard@ halifax.ca.
