Latest news with #HalifaxWater
CTV News
7 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Halifax CAO stepping down after 2 years at the job
Two years after she became chief administrative officer (CAO) for the Halifax Regional Municipality, Cathie O'Toole has announced her retirement. O'Toole, who stepped on as CAO in January 2023, announced her intentions to retire on Wednesday. She will continue in her role until October and help develop a transition plan for the municipality. O'Toole, who has more than 25 years experience in public service, also served with Halifax Water. 'It has been an honour to serve both the municipality and Halifax Water, and I take pride in the projects and initiatives I have had the privilege of working on and leading,' O'Toole said in a news release. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Unknown odor at DeWolf Park in Bedford, N.S. deters visitors
People flock to the paths lining the Bedford Basin. A walk around the water is good for the soul but there's something in the air that is ruining the experience. 'It's absolutely putrid,' says Donald Kerr. 'As soon as we start to smell it, we want to leave,' Pat Steele adds. Many are pointing a finger at the nearby Mill Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant. 'The wind is the indicator depending on which way it's blowing. Some days you won't notice it at all other days. It's fairly strong,' resident Ken Strang says. Calls are coming into Halifax Water to complain. Officials with the utility say they are looking into the cause. 'We can't pinpoint an exact reason. There's several reasons it could be, a timing in the treatment process as well as external factors such as the weather, wind, humidity,' says Senior Communications Advisor for Halifax Water, Brittany Smith. The plant services over 105,000 people in Sackville, Beaver Bank and Bedford. When the facility was built there wasn't much in the area but today there are apartments on either side and it's adjacent to Admiral Harry DeWolf Park where people picnic, walk or sit and relax. Residents say the smell is driving them away. 'I have certainly seen the impact of it. It's very popular park and it's become even more popular in recent years. Our population is increasing in Bedford, so it has become a prime gathering place,' says Bedford-Wentworth Coun. Jean St-Amand. On certain days, the stench forces Kerr to change the route for his walk. 'We who walk here enjoy walking here and when we get something like that, it puts you off walking or you cut your walk down to make sure you're out of the range of the smell,' he said. Halifax Water is asking anyone to call when they notice a smell and staff will see if that coincides with operations at the plant - an attempt to find out why the air is so foul. The Mill Cove plant is approaching 60 years of age. There was some work done on it in the 1990's. Another round of upgrades to increase capacity are planned for 2031. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Most of mainland N.S. to see heavy rain Tuesday, special weather statements still in effect
Rainy conditions are pictured along the Dartmouth, N.S., waterfront on July 8, 2025. (Carl Pomeroy/CTV Atlantic) A special weather statement remains in effect for most of mainland Nova Scotia Tuesday, warning of wet conditions. Environment Canada says showers, at times heavy, are expected in the morning. Rainfall rates in excess of 25 mm per hour may be possible. 'Heavy showers and scattered thundershowers associated with the remnants of Post-Tropical Cyclone Chantal will continue to impact some counties this morning giving locally high rainfall totals in a short period of time,' the statement reads. Localized flooding possible Halifax Water says the heavy rain will create surface-level run-off, which increases the risk of localized flooding. The utility recommends residents clear their storm drains and catch basins if they are blocked by debris. More information on the location of storm drains and catch basins can be found on the Halifax Water website. Residents can also report blockages by calling 902-420-9287. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CBC
02-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Halifax completes maintenance work after diverting wastewater into harbour
Social Sharing After diverting millions of cubic metres of wastewater into Halifax harbour and the Bedford Basin, Halifax Water's treatment facilities have returned to normal operations. The utility announced in late April that it needed to replace UV lighting equipment at its facilities in Halifax and Dartmouth, which caused them to be shut down for different periods of time. It said the way the system is set up, it could not divert wastewater to other locations. Halifax Water said the maintenance work at the Halifax treatment facility was completed on May 1 and on May 31 at the Dartmouth facility. The utility previously said the project would result in approximately two million cubic metres of wastewater to be released into the harbour from 14 approved relief points between the Fairview neighbourhood and downtown Halifax. It was asking residents in certain areas to reduce their use of running water, including flushing toilets less often and limiting use of washing machines. "Halifax Water appreciates the public's support in reducing their water consumption and minimizing recreational activities during the maintenance window," a news release said. The utility said it will provide a final report to Environment and Climate Change Canada and anticipates it will share the sampling results on its website.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Project that caused wastewater to be pumped into the harbour to end on time: Halifax Water
People hike along the rocky coastline at Herring Cove Provincial Park as the mouth of Halifax harbour is seen in the background in Halifax, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese The project that caused Halifax Water to pump wastewater into the harbour and Bedford Basin for the last month will be wrapping up on time. Whether or not it's on budget is still to be determined. 'We will not have any budget information until after all the contracts have been completed, and the work has been completed,' says senior communications advisor Brittany Smith. The utility needed to replace UV lighting equipment at its facilities in Halifax and Dartmouth which forced them to be shut down. Five-million cubic metres of untreated but screened wastewater, including human waste, food-scrap, oils and chemicals entered the water Despite the recent warm weather, Smith says they have not received any complaints about smell. 'Usually, a couple times a year we will get smell complaints, typically during the dry season, but we have not received any related to this project,' says Brittany Smith. Halifax Water also advised people against coming into contact with the harbour water during this time. No reports of health issues have come in. The work on the treatment plants is scheduled to end on June 2. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
