The new mayor of Halifax says after the first couple of months on the job he is extremely happy in his new role.
Andy Fillmore stepped into the position in October, after long-time mayor Mike Savage, did not re-offer in the municipal election.
He tells our newsroom it’s been really great being back at his “roots” as a municipal planner and heading into the New Year, there are three main priorities – transit, housing and homelessness, as well as affordability.
Fillmore says, many are ready for a bit of a shakeup.
“People are very interested in the municipality doing things a little bit differently around transit, around housing…clearly around affordability. So, these are the things I’ve begun to dig into and will continue to work with council on in the New Year.”
When it comes to affordability, he says what will be key is to make sure they can still deliver on important services, without raising the tax rate, something that was part of his campaign.
Bit of a set back
Phasing out encampments around HRM was another big campaign promise.
Fillmore put forward a motion to get rid of the list of nine possible tent sites at the first full council meeting last month.
The list, made in the summer, included popular tourist attractions like Point Pleasant Park and The Commons, drawing a lot of criticism.
The motion to get rid of the possible sites, was narrowly voted down 8-7 and was even described as ‘meaningless’ by one councillor.
Fillmore disagreed with that and instead says the move was intended to send a strong signal that we are heading in a new direction as vacancies pop up around the system.
“This was important for residents to know because they are people, first of all. They’re compassionate and very worried for people living in tents in the winter and wanting to make sure people are indoors and getting the care they deserve and need.”
However, he says, there is concern around tent sites restricting access to parks and getting rid of the list was a strategy to alleviate some of that anxiety.
Forging ahead
Despite the small snag of the nine possible sites sticking around, there are still things HRM can be doing when it comes to housing.
Fillmore says that includes picking up the pace for permits and reducing costs.
“Speedier approvals, lower cost land, and lower cost innovative construction techniques all have an incredible downward pressure on the rent or the mortgage of a new home. So, that’s squarely a municipal mandate for the subsidized housing…for the supportive housing for shelters.”
He adds, he intends to work closely with the Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, Scott Armstrong, on the matter.
Positive outlook
A handful of council meetings in and Fillmore says, each one keeps getting better.
“Smoother, more teamwork…everyone…all the new councillors, and me the new mayor, figuring out the processes. Not, dissimilar from the House of Commons. A little bit of a difference here and there. But yeah, it’s been great and [I am] super excited about the New Year.”
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