Did you know...?
• The current plan will not adequately meet the program and enrollment needs.
• The school is being designed for 1200 grade 9-12 students (current enrollment of CPA is 1215 in grades 10-12).
• There is a projected growth to 1362 grade 10-12 students in 2013, and 1408 in 2014. (CPA projections, Imagine our Schools Final Report, June 2009)
• The ramifications of over-crowding are long lasting, for example, labs will once again be used as classrooms compromising the science program.
January 20th, 2011 email to Government
This recent email I just received is further evidence that White Hills, Glen Arbour, and Maplewood will again be moved out of the new CPA since we seem to be the area that government moves back and forth from high school to high school depending on the enrollment in CPA. This bouncing back and forth does not help in our development of ownership of a particular school, our feeling of a community that matters to HRM, or our overall sense of our own community. Also, from a real estate point of view, when people move into a community they expect their children to go to certain schools. This uncertainty does not assist our community to attract families since we don't know where our children will attend school from year to year.
Why would government plan on building a school that is already too small for the population? Why would government not look into the future 5 years and plan for the influx of children that will happen with the development of Bedford South and Bedford West, plus the ongoing development of Hammonds Plains/Kingswood South & North. It doesn't make any sense to build something that is already too small. Again from a real estate point of view, if we are a 4 member family, we don't build a house with only 2 bedrooms. We build 3 plus a spare room for future developments or visitors. Why can't schools be built the same way?
The logic behind building a school that is already too small is missing.
Paulette
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
CPA Community Centre - Our Family's Opinion
I grew up very close to a community centre in Pasadena, Newfoundland and it was the centre of my life! I also grew up in a very politically-minded family so I'm aware of the pros and cons of having to make decisions for the masses. I also know that people need to express their opinions so that they are heard...
My husband and I moved into Maplewood in 2002 knowing this was a great area to raise a family. I now have two boys, ages 6 and 8 years who are extremely active in Taekwon-do, swimming, soccer, and baseball. I became involved in the Maplewood executive in 2005 once my boys were old enough for me to be out of the house more frequently - of these 5 years, 2 years have been as vice president/president of the executive. I work as a Realtor and Occupational Therapist and my husband works at the airport with Air Canada. We are your typical dual income family with two children that enjoy our community and what it offers our family.
I have attended the 2 meetings to date about this "proposed" community recreation facility by the new CPA high school. I believe that the location and the design of the centre and attached football field sounds amazing. It will surely provide a great number of people access to a building where they can participate in their desired activities. I also love the idea of saving money by joining the community centre to the CPA high school. Saving money with any venture is always worthwhile, especially when tax payers money is involved.
I'd like to note that the format in which the recent letter from HRM came out was misleading and very presumptuous. It was titled, "Notification of Area Property Tax Rate." Since this is only a PROPOSAL at this time, I believe that the title is way off. It gives the reader the opinion that this is already set in stone.
I am glad we are being informed about the "proposed area tax rate hike." I was unaware of a area tax rate for the St. Margaret's Bay Centre until I attended the meeting on January 5th, 2011. I'm unsure how that got pushed through without me as a resident knowing about that and having an opinion at that time. Anyways - that's water under the bridge.
However (here comes the BUT), it is my family's opinion that the burden of the $3.2 million should not come from the Maplewood, White Hills, or Glen Arbour subdivisions. There are many reasons for this:
1. We live 10.3 km and over 12 minutes to the centre. It actually takes about 15-20 minutes with lights & traffic
2. We presently pay an area tax rate up to the year 2018 for the St. Margaret's Bay Centre.
3. My children will likely not attend the CPA High School anyways since the school districts are always changing. With the influx of children anticipated in Bedford West, I'm sure we'll be shoved back up to Sir John A by that time.
4. We utilize the St. Margaret's Bay centre on a regular basis - 4 days a week for Taekwon-do.
5. We swim in Sackville. Soccer and Baseball are completed in Hammonds Plains.
6. There is rumour that the First Nations are planning on building some sort of community centre at HP/Pockwock. We would be utilizing this as our main community centre. I look forward to having input into that centre.
7. Our community is IN Hammonds Plains - not in Bedford. I would suggest that our money be used to repair and upgrade the HP firehall.
Here are some suggestions for solutions:
1. Do not include anything North/West of Lucasville in the Area Rate. Glen Arbour, White Hills, and Maplewood will continue to utilize the St. Margaret's Bay Centre and the HP Firehall.
2. Include Ridgevale, Eaglewood, and Shore Drive in your planned boundaries for the area rate tax. These area are only 5 to 6 km from the new CPA High School. Right now they are excluded from the proposed area rate tax for some unknown reason.
3. Include all of Kingswood North in the proposed area rate tax. The farthest point on Gatehouse Run is only 5.7km away from the new CPA High School. Again, right now they are excluded.
4. Include all of "The Parks of West Bedford" or West Bedford into the area tax rate. This should include developed and undeveloped land. These people will definitely be using this new community centre.
5. Increase the area rate tax so that those of North/west of Lucasville do not have to be included. Right now the tax amount is at $16/$100,000 of assessment. This is the lowest amount of the 4 noted on the HRM notification. I would think that Bedford and area can afford a little more.
6. Decrease the cost of the building to exclude those of us North/West of Lucasville.
I'm sure there are other options as well.
I look forward to attending on the 27th and hearing the resolution to this highly tumultuous matter.
Thank you from Glen Arbour Way, Maplewood on the Lakes, Hammonds Plains
Paulette, Des, Michael & Sean
My husband and I moved into Maplewood in 2002 knowing this was a great area to raise a family. I now have two boys, ages 6 and 8 years who are extremely active in Taekwon-do, swimming, soccer, and baseball. I became involved in the Maplewood executive in 2005 once my boys were old enough for me to be out of the house more frequently - of these 5 years, 2 years have been as vice president/president of the executive. I work as a Realtor and Occupational Therapist and my husband works at the airport with Air Canada. We are your typical dual income family with two children that enjoy our community and what it offers our family.
I have attended the 2 meetings to date about this "proposed" community recreation facility by the new CPA high school. I believe that the location and the design of the centre and attached football field sounds amazing. It will surely provide a great number of people access to a building where they can participate in their desired activities. I also love the idea of saving money by joining the community centre to the CPA high school. Saving money with any venture is always worthwhile, especially when tax payers money is involved.
I'd like to note that the format in which the recent letter from HRM came out was misleading and very presumptuous. It was titled, "Notification of Area Property Tax Rate." Since this is only a PROPOSAL at this time, I believe that the title is way off. It gives the reader the opinion that this is already set in stone.
I am glad we are being informed about the "proposed area tax rate hike." I was unaware of a area tax rate for the St. Margaret's Bay Centre until I attended the meeting on January 5th, 2011. I'm unsure how that got pushed through without me as a resident knowing about that and having an opinion at that time. Anyways - that's water under the bridge.
However (here comes the BUT), it is my family's opinion that the burden of the $3.2 million should not come from the Maplewood, White Hills, or Glen Arbour subdivisions. There are many reasons for this:
1. We live 10.3 km and over 12 minutes to the centre. It actually takes about 15-20 minutes with lights & traffic
2. We presently pay an area tax rate up to the year 2018 for the St. Margaret's Bay Centre.
3. My children will likely not attend the CPA High School anyways since the school districts are always changing. With the influx of children anticipated in Bedford West, I'm sure we'll be shoved back up to Sir John A by that time.
4. We utilize the St. Margaret's Bay centre on a regular basis - 4 days a week for Taekwon-do.
5. We swim in Sackville. Soccer and Baseball are completed in Hammonds Plains.
6. There is rumour that the First Nations are planning on building some sort of community centre at HP/Pockwock. We would be utilizing this as our main community centre. I look forward to having input into that centre.
7. Our community is IN Hammonds Plains - not in Bedford. I would suggest that our money be used to repair and upgrade the HP firehall.
Here are some suggestions for solutions:
1. Do not include anything North/West of Lucasville in the Area Rate. Glen Arbour, White Hills, and Maplewood will continue to utilize the St. Margaret's Bay Centre and the HP Firehall.
2. Include Ridgevale, Eaglewood, and Shore Drive in your planned boundaries for the area rate tax. These area are only 5 to 6 km from the new CPA High School. Right now they are excluded from the proposed area rate tax for some unknown reason.
3. Include all of Kingswood North in the proposed area rate tax. The farthest point on Gatehouse Run is only 5.7km away from the new CPA High School. Again, right now they are excluded.
4. Include all of "The Parks of West Bedford" or West Bedford into the area tax rate. This should include developed and undeveloped land. These people will definitely be using this new community centre.
5. Increase the area rate tax so that those of North/west of Lucasville do not have to be included. Right now the tax amount is at $16/$100,000 of assessment. This is the lowest amount of the 4 noted on the HRM notification. I would think that Bedford and area can afford a little more.
6. Decrease the cost of the building to exclude those of us North/West of Lucasville.
I'm sure there are other options as well.
I look forward to attending on the 27th and hearing the resolution to this highly tumultuous matter.
Thank you from Glen Arbour Way, Maplewood on the Lakes, Hammonds Plains
Paulette, Des, Michael & Sean
January 2011 TownHall Meeting - Hammonds Plains
Dear Maplewood Residents,
In case you haven't yet heard, HRM has been working on a development plan to provide an artificial turf and community centre amongst other things at the new CPA High School site in Bedford. Should this go ahead it may result in an area rate ($40 to 60/household for 10 years) for portions of Hammonds Plains residents who already pay an area rate for St. Margaret's Arena. Below are two informative links to get more information.
Please note that there will be a town hall meeting on Jan 17th at 7pm at the HP Fire Hall and also an opportunity to address any concerns at the upcoming NWCC on Jan 27th as well.
http://www.halifax.ca/facilities/documents/BedfordHammondsPlainsCommunityCentreProject.pdf and www.bedfordbeacon.com
If you have any further questions please contact Cllr Peter Lund at peter.lund@halifax.ca.
Please pass this along to neighbours and friends who might be interested in having this information.
Check out your new Greater Hammonds Plains Communities Association website to find out more about this recently formed association for frequent updates and news about civic events in your community. www.ghpca.ca
Please also vote daily for Maplewood at www.refresheverything.ca
In case you haven't yet heard, HRM has been working on a development plan to provide an artificial turf and community centre amongst other things at the new CPA High School site in Bedford. Should this go ahead it may result in an area rate ($40 to 60/household for 10 years) for portions of Hammonds Plains residents who already pay an area rate for St. Margaret's Arena. Below are two informative links to get more information.
Please note that there will be a town hall meeting on Jan 17th at 7pm at the HP Fire Hall and also an opportunity to address any concerns at the upcoming NWCC on Jan 27th as well.
http://www.halifax.ca/facilities/documents/BedfordHammondsPlainsCommunityCentreProject.pdf and www.bedfordbeacon.com
If you have any further questions please contact Cllr Peter Lund at peter.lund@halifax.ca.
Please pass this along to neighbours and friends who might be interested in having this information.
Check out your new Greater Hammonds Plains Communities Association website to find out more about this recently formed association for frequent updates and news about civic events in your community. www.ghpca.ca
Please also vote daily for Maplewood at www.refresheverything.ca
Maplewood - Pepsi Refresh Project 2011
In the search bar put in Maplewood and we should come up.....
The Pepsi Refresh Project team wishes you a Happy New Year! In 2011, we're continuing to give out Pepsi Refresh Grants to Canadians across the country. Who gets the grants? That depends on you! You can cast up to 10 votes each day - 1 vote per idea. Vote for ideas in your community to see change around you.The ideas with the most votes will receive grants, so use your votes to support your favourite causes.
VOTE NOW at http://refresheverything.ca/
Vote every day and spread the news to your family and friends.
There's no time to lose, voting for Round IV ends February 28th, 2011.
The Pepsi Refresh Project team wishes you a Happy New Year! In 2011, we're continuing to give out Pepsi Refresh Grants to Canadians across the country. Who gets the grants? That depends on you! You can cast up to 10 votes each day - 1 vote per idea. Vote for ideas in your community to see change around you.The ideas with the most votes will receive grants, so use your votes to support your favourite causes.
VOTE NOW at http://refresheverything.ca/
Vote every day and spread the news to your family and friends.
There's no time to lose, voting for Round IV ends February 28th, 2011.
Friday, January 7, 2011
January 6, 2011 - Townhall Mtg, Community Centre, Refresh Everything Grant, Communication
Hello Maplewood Residents
(As always, should you wish to be removed from this list, please email me your name and the email address concerned.)
Happy New Year neighbours!!
In addition to Maplewood's Communication Initiatives, there are two other very important items on this email - please read over carefully.
1. Maplewood Communication Initiatives
2. Town Hall Meeting Details for Jan 17th @ 7pm
3. Maplewood submission for Pepsi Refresh Grant Money of $100,000.
1. MAPLEWOOD COMMUNICATION INITIATIVE
There are 4 main ways that we communicate to the members of Maplewood on the lakes. Please access them as needed:
Email - please let me know if anyone else wishes to be added to this list.
Website - www.maplewoodonthelakes.ca
Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/Maplewood-on-the-Lakes-Hammonds-Plains/
Signage - Important messages are posted on the sign at the Micmac Park.
Print - Due to costs and environmental concerns, we are no longer delivering newsletters.
2. TOWN HALL MEETING Cllr Peter Lund will be holding a Town hall meeting on Monday, January 17, 2011 at 7pm at the Hammonds Plains Fire Hall. This will be an opportunity to express any concerns regarding the Hammonds Plains community. Although the floor will be open to comments and questions, Cllr Lund (and quite possibly Betty Lou Killam from the HRM Community Planning office) will be there to field questions concerning the proposed community development and football field as part of the new CPA high school near Innovation Drive in Bedford. At the public meeting concerning this development this last evening, HRM Staff proposed that there be an area for some parts of Hammonds Plains (White Hills, Maplewood, Glen Arbour, Kingswood, Bedford). This meeting would be a good opportunity for those who missed the presentation given last evening, to ask questions or have their comments heard regarding the potential area rate as well as to find out more information about the proposal.
Please note that by February 8th, 2011, municipal government will be voting to pass/not pass the proposed area rate tax! More information will follow about this in your mail in the next 2 weeks - please contact Cllr Peter Lund should you have questions or comments. But from the meeting last night, they are presently proposing $16/$100,000 home assessment per year for the next 10 years. For a home taxed at $250,000, this would equal approximately $40.00 per year for 10 years. In return, we will have an amazing community centre attached to the CPA High School that can be utilized by the members of our subdivision.
Cllr Outhit indicated in his recent newsletter, "This provides HRM with a once every 30-40 year opportunity to integrate community facilities into our new high school. Integrating a community centre, and upgrading the small, grass school field to a full sized athletic all weather turf facility, results in a significant capital cost saving for HRM versus planning for a stand-alone project at a much later date. However, due to the construction schedule, a quick decision must be made by HRM. The proposed Community Centre would contain amenities for indoor sports and activities such as basketball, badminton, gymnastics, martial arts, dance and more. In addition, there would be multi-purpose meeting, crafts, and preschool activity rooms. The sports field would be upgraded to artificial turf, lighted, and used for football, soccer (3 pitches), ultimate frisbee, and rugby. This integrated approach would see the Community Centre providing the facilities needed to supplement the All Weather Turf (i.e. washrooms and change rooms accessed separately from the school’s).My objective and belief is that the upgraded sports field will be paid out of the “general tax rate” by all HRM residents. Like the BMO Centre, it would be a “regional facility” available to all. The Community Centre is a different matter. Community Centres within the urban core historically have been paid out of the “general tax rate”. It is my goal that, if the project goes ahead, some general tax rate funds should be included. However, in recent practice many community centres now use a “local area rate” for at least part of their funding. To ensure this proposal goes ahead, I may be prepared to support a modest area rate, spread throughout Bedford and Hammonds Plains."
More information please visit our Facebook page since I'll be updating info there as it becomes available.
3. MAPLEWOOD SUBMISSION ACCEPTED TO PEPSI GRANT PROGRAM
The Pepsi Refresh Project team wishes you a Happy New Year! In 2011, we're continuing to give out Pepsi Refresh Grants to Canadians across the country. Who gets the grants? That depends on you! You can cast up to 10 votes each day - 1 vote per idea. Vote for ideas in your community to see change around you.The ideas with the most votes will receive grants, so use your votes to support your favourite causes.
I'm a little biased but I think we have a great proposal with the "Create ALL-AGES FITNESS TRAIL Maplewood, Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia." Submitted by the Maplewood on the Lakes Ratepayers Organization. For a full description of the submission, please CLICK HERE! VOTE NOW at http://refresheverything.ca/ In the search bar put in Maplewood and we should come up.....
Vote every day and spread the news to your family and friends. There's no time to lose, voting for Round IV ends February 28th, 2011. Right now we are in the 41st spot!! But with our contacts, I know we could win this $100,000 grant for our subdivision!!
Please remember our social media connections:
FACEBOOK: Maplewood on the Lakes, Hammonds Plains
WEBSITE: www.maplewoodonthelakes.ca
Paulette Upshall BScOT
President of Maplewood Residents Association
Direct Line: 902.877.8851 Fax: 902.422-9019
This e-mail message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error please immediately delete the e-mail and either notify the sender at the above e-mail address or by telephone at 902-877-8851.
(As always, should you wish to be removed from this list, please email me your name and the email address concerned.)
Happy New Year neighbours!!
In addition to Maplewood's Communication Initiatives, there are two other very important items on this email - please read over carefully.
1. Maplewood Communication Initiatives
2. Town Hall Meeting Details for Jan 17th @ 7pm
3. Maplewood submission for Pepsi Refresh Grant Money of $100,000.
1. MAPLEWOOD COMMUNICATION INITIATIVE
There are 4 main ways that we communicate to the members of Maplewood on the lakes. Please access them as needed:
Email - please let me know if anyone else wishes to be added to this list.
Website - www.maplewoodonthelakes.ca
Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/Maplewood-on-the-Lakes-Hammonds-Plains/
Signage - Important messages are posted on the sign at the Micmac Park.
Print - Due to costs and environmental concerns, we are no longer delivering newsletters.
2. TOWN HALL MEETING Cllr Peter Lund will be holding a Town hall meeting on Monday, January 17, 2011 at 7pm at the Hammonds Plains Fire Hall. This will be an opportunity to express any concerns regarding the Hammonds Plains community. Although the floor will be open to comments and questions, Cllr Lund (and quite possibly Betty Lou Killam from the HRM Community Planning office) will be there to field questions concerning the proposed community development and football field as part of the new CPA high school near Innovation Drive in Bedford. At the public meeting concerning this development this last evening, HRM Staff proposed that there be an area for some parts of Hammonds Plains (White Hills, Maplewood, Glen Arbour, Kingswood, Bedford). This meeting would be a good opportunity for those who missed the presentation given last evening, to ask questions or have their comments heard regarding the potential area rate as well as to find out more information about the proposal.
Please note that by February 8th, 2011, municipal government will be voting to pass/not pass the proposed area rate tax! More information will follow about this in your mail in the next 2 weeks - please contact Cllr Peter Lund should you have questions or comments. But from the meeting last night, they are presently proposing $16/$100,000 home assessment per year for the next 10 years. For a home taxed at $250,000, this would equal approximately $40.00 per year for 10 years. In return, we will have an amazing community centre attached to the CPA High School that can be utilized by the members of our subdivision.
Cllr Outhit indicated in his recent newsletter, "This provides HRM with a once every 30-40 year opportunity to integrate community facilities into our new high school. Integrating a community centre, and upgrading the small, grass school field to a full sized athletic all weather turf facility, results in a significant capital cost saving for HRM versus planning for a stand-alone project at a much later date. However, due to the construction schedule, a quick decision must be made by HRM. The proposed Community Centre would contain amenities for indoor sports and activities such as basketball, badminton, gymnastics, martial arts, dance and more. In addition, there would be multi-purpose meeting, crafts, and preschool activity rooms. The sports field would be upgraded to artificial turf, lighted, and used for football, soccer (3 pitches), ultimate frisbee, and rugby. This integrated approach would see the Community Centre providing the facilities needed to supplement the All Weather Turf (i.e. washrooms and change rooms accessed separately from the school’s).My objective and belief is that the upgraded sports field will be paid out of the “general tax rate” by all HRM residents. Like the BMO Centre, it would be a “regional facility” available to all. The Community Centre is a different matter. Community Centres within the urban core historically have been paid out of the “general tax rate”. It is my goal that, if the project goes ahead, some general tax rate funds should be included. However, in recent practice many community centres now use a “local area rate” for at least part of their funding. To ensure this proposal goes ahead, I may be prepared to support a modest area rate, spread throughout Bedford and Hammonds Plains."
More information please visit our Facebook page since I'll be updating info there as it becomes available.
3. MAPLEWOOD SUBMISSION ACCEPTED TO PEPSI GRANT PROGRAM
The Pepsi Refresh Project team wishes you a Happy New Year! In 2011, we're continuing to give out Pepsi Refresh Grants to Canadians across the country. Who gets the grants? That depends on you! You can cast up to 10 votes each day - 1 vote per idea. Vote for ideas in your community to see change around you.The ideas with the most votes will receive grants, so use your votes to support your favourite causes.
I'm a little biased but I think we have a great proposal with the "Create ALL-AGES FITNESS TRAIL Maplewood, Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia." Submitted by the Maplewood on the Lakes Ratepayers Organization. For a full description of the submission, please CLICK HERE! VOTE NOW at http://refresheverything.ca/ In the search bar put in Maplewood and we should come up.....
Vote every day and spread the news to your family and friends. There's no time to lose, voting for Round IV ends February 28th, 2011. Right now we are in the 41st spot!! But with our contacts, I know we could win this $100,000 grant for our subdivision!!
Please remember our social media connections:
FACEBOOK: Maplewood on the Lakes, Hammonds Plains
WEBSITE: www.maplewoodonthelakes.ca
Paulette Upshall BScOT
President of Maplewood Residents Association
Direct Line: 902.877.8851 Fax: 902.422-9019
This e-mail message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error please immediately delete the e-mail and either notify the sender at the above e-mail address or by telephone at 902-877-8851.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May 4th, 2010
Hammonds Plains in May is just a beautiful time of the year! The grass is almost entirely green, the leaves are budding, the hostas have started to grow upwards, and the dandelions have bloomed. As I sit working at my computer this morning, the warm air and fragrant spring-time air calls to me. I sit and watch the dandelion seeds dance with the winding wind. The old dead leaves blow randomly down the driveway. The birds chirp and every so often land on the yard for a quick bite to eat. I feel a strong urge to open the window and to feel the gentle breeze on the small hairs of my arms. The wind calls to me....do I give in and dance with it as well or do I keep working. There is still so much to do inside, but I'm sure there will be rainy and cold days yet to come when I will need inside activities!
I give in...spring calls...I listen!
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