News
Communities Take Action During Access Awareness Week NS
- Published: May 22, 2024
Communities Take Action During Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia
From May 26 to June 1, communities across the province will commemorate 2024’s Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia (AAWNS) through silent discos, education sessions, scholarship presentations, film screenings and more under the theme “Communities For All: Taking Action on Access Awareness.”
For 37 years, Nova Scotians have come together during Access Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of removing barriers for people with disabilities. Through public awareness, community partnerships, education and dialogue, Access Awareness Week aims to foster an environment of equitable participation for persons with disabilities.
AAWNS is coordinated annually by the Partnership for Access Awareness Nova Scotia (PAANS) committee with representatives from community organizations, and municipal and provincial governments. PAANS is chaired by Sherry Costa Lorenz, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities (NSLEO) and engages partners in the planning of events and raising awareness, culminating with the annual week-long celebration of inclusion.
“Access Awareness Week demonstrates the power of collaboration and engagement as communities from around the province and representatives from across sectors come together with a single focus for the week, to raise awareness on accessibility and inclusion”, states Sherry Costa-Lorenz.
Among the events taking place during AAWNS this year are:
- Flag-raising and Provincial Proclamation at Province House
- Halifax Regional Municipality Proclamation and the Mel Hebb Hourglass Action Awards Presentation
- ‘Stumbling into Advocacy: Stories from Accidental Activist’ online panel
- Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Presentation and Luncheon
- Human Rights on Screen Online Film Screening and Panel: Our Hearts Aren’t Disabled
- Both in person and province-wide virtual Silent Disco Dance Party
Under Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act municipalities are among those public bodies required to enact accessibility plans that guide commitments to inclusion and accessibility within their own organizations. Collaboration and coordination has been instrumental in raising awareness, knowledge and capacity among municipal accessibility leads. The last few years have seen greater numbers of municipalities celebrating AAWNS with proclamations, flag-raisings, and increasingly creative and fun public events.
The Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia (AMANS), through their Municipal Accessibility Support Program is partnering with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate to co-host a pan-provincial Access Awareness Week Silent Disco to be experienced live and virtually. Silent Discos are popular worldwide as an inclusive, accessible event through music and movement, while building community through a shared playlist.
Municipalities applied to be hosts for this hybrid event with options to join in-person sites (headsets provided) and invitations for anyone to join through Zoom. Richmond County was selected to host the live DJ Silent Disco, with a pitch that included extensive outreach to community partners serving the disability community. The live DJ Silent Disco is to be held at an accessible, newly renovated venue of the Louisdale Lion’s Club with capacity for up to 100 participants for this event
"Our guiding hope for this event is to foster a welcoming, accessible space for all,” said Danielle Martell, Community Development & Special Project Officer for the Municipality of the County of Richmond. “Where music and technology unite to break barriers, raise awareness, celebrate, and create inclusive fun! By hosting this Silent Disco in a rural community, we foresee greater opportunities for other rural communities to host future accessibility events.”
Adding to the excitement, the Municipality of West Hants will be hosting a simultaneous dance party with live DJ in front of their newly acquired giant video screen. The Silent Disco will take place in-person and virtually Saturday, June 1 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For details of these events and more information about how you or your community can get involved in Access Awareness Week you can visit https://nsleo.com/access-awareness-week-nova-scotia/ or by searching “Access Awareness Nova Scotia” online.
Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of Municipal Property
- Published: May 21, 2024
Town of Oxford Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of Municipal Property
pdf Notice of Public Hearing OSC June 12, 2024 (95 KB)
TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Oxford will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 beginning at 6:00 pm in the Town Hall Council Chambers, 105 Lower Main Street, Oxford, NS, during a Special Town Council Meeting.
AND TAKE NOTICE that the Public Hearing will be regarding a transfer of municipal properties associated with 31 Ellis Street to the Oxford Seniors Club. The estimated value of the property has been appraised in the $90,000 to $95,000 range.
AND TAKE NOTICE A condition will be applied to this transfer of municipal property that the Town of Oxford has the first right of refusal to buy the building back at the original purchased price and that the Oxford Seniors Club pays for all expenses involved with this transfer.
AND TAKE NOTICE the reason for this transfer is so the Oxford Seniors Club can continue using this building for their activities and to be able to seek funding to assist in making the necessary repairs and upgrades to meet the needs of their membership and to adhere to health and safety standards.
Council will hear submissions in support or opposition to the applications. Written submissions may be provided to the Chief Administrative Officer at 105 Lower Main Street, or by email to lcloney@oxfordns.ca no later than Friday, June 7. 2024 at 4:00 pm.
For additional information please contact Linda Cloney, CAO at 902-447-2624 or by email at lcloney@oxfordns.ca.
DATED at Oxford, Nova Scotia, this May 21, 2024
Linda Cloney, CAO
Oxford Transfer Station Summer Hours Start May 23, 2024
- Published: May 21, 2024
**TRANSFER STATION SUMMER HOURS STARTING May 23, 2024!! **
Summer hours at the Oxford Transfer Station will start
Thursday, May 23, 2024. Hours will be:
Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday, May 24, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday, May 25, 2023, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Autonomous School Board - Public Talk by Dick Henley
- Published: May 21, 2024
The Autonomous School Board - Nova Scotia's Contribution to Public Education in Canada
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Oxford Senior's Centre
31 Ellis Street., Oxford.
Doors Open at 6:00 PM.
Plugged sewer line - Crescent Avenue May 21, 2024
- Published: May 21, 2024
May 17, 2024 Int. Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia
- Published: May 17, 2024
RESOLUTION OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
OF Oxford, NS
May 17, 2024
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
WHEREAS the Town of Oxford recognizes that no one can be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression;
WHEREAS the Town of Oxford is a municipality open to everyone, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people (LGBTQ+) and to all other people who identify with sexual diversity and the multiplicity of gender identities and expressions;
WHEREAS, despite recent efforts towards greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, homophobia and transphobia are still present in society.
WHEREAS May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, is celebrated as such in many countries and is the result of a Quebec-based initiative promoted by Fondation Emergence starting in 2003.
WHEREAS there is reason to support the efforts of Fondation Emergence in holding this day;
It is resolved to proclaim May 17 as INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA and to recognize this day as such.
Dated at Oxford, Nova Scotia
This 17th day of May 2024
Greg Henley,
Mayor, Town of Oxford
Increase in Fines - Illegal Burning During Wildfire Season
- Published: May 16, 2024
The Province has increased the fine for violating the daily burn restrictions to $25,000, effective today, May 16, 2024.
The fine amounts are set in the Summary Offence Ticket Regulations. The $25,000 fine also includes HST and a victim surcharge, bringing the total to $28,872.50.
Conservation officers, police, and other law enforcement officers can issue the fine on the spot in the form of a summary offense ticket.
From March 15 to October 15, daily burn restrictions are in place to help prevent wildfires. Burning is not permitted anywhere in the province between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. because that is often when the risk of wildfires is greatest. The BurnSafe map remains red during those hours every day.
Each day at 2 p.m., the BurnSafe map is updated to show the daily restrictions. People can also call 1-855-564-2876 (BURN) for this information.
CAMPGROUNDS
The Province also announced that the daily burn restrictions apply to provincial, municipal, and private campgrounds this wildfire season.
That means open fires (like campfires) are not allowed from 8 am to 2 pm and people need to check the BurnSafe map to see restrictions for the rest of the day.
Devices like gas stoves and charcoal briquette barbeques can be used anytime, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
National parks are under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada. Questions about any burning in national parks should be directed to Parks Canada.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
These changes are in effect via a proclamation under the Forests Act: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/fire-proclamation_2024-05-15.pdf
You can see the news release here: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/05/16/large-increase-fine-illegal-burning-during-wildfire-season
Town of Oxford Summer Recreation Student Position.
- Published: May 14, 2024
Town of Oxford
Summer Recreation Student Position
The Town of Oxford has received 50% funding for one (1) summer student through the Canada Summer Jobs funding program. Directly reporting to the Municipal Physical Activity Leader (MPAL), the successful candidate will have the following requirements:
Job Description:
- Assist with the creation and development of Summer Programs provided by the MPAL.
- Implement Summer programs: including special activities, summer soccer, pickleball, tennis, wild blueberry events and healthy living activities.
- Supervise and provide leadership for children participating in summer programs to ensure a safe and caring environment that promotes positive child development.
- Assist with set up and cleanup of all activities.
- Assist with planning and implementation of special town events throughout the summer.
- Administrative and other duties as required.
- Follow any Occupational Health and Safety regulations and practices as determined by the Province of Nova Scotia and/or the Town of Oxford.
Qualifications:
- Highly positive and enthusiastic style: capable of motivating others.
- Excellent written and verbal skills.
- Good conflict management abilities.
- Works well independently and within a team environment.
- Standard First Aid and CPR are an asset.
- Enrolled in school (secondary or post-secondary) for Fall 2024.
- Candidates will be required to work up to 35 hours a week and will be required to work some evenings and weekends.
The deadline for applications is Tuesday, May 28th at 4:00 PM. Funding covers up to 8 weeks of employment with wages of $15.60/hour.
You can send your resume and cover letter by email to info@oxfordns.ca or drop it off at the Oxford Town Hall - 105 Lower Main Street, Oxford, Nova Scotia, B0M 1P0. Be sure to include in the subject line “Summer Student Recreation Job”.
