TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 4

THE H&R MFRC: 5

THE MILITARY COMMUNITY 7

THE HALIFAX REGION 8

CHILD CARE RESOURCES 9

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES 10

EDUCATION & SCHOOL RESOURCES 11

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES 12

HOME PURCHASE & RENTAL RESOURCES 14

RECREATION RESOURCES 15

TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES 16

UTILITIES 17

ESSENTIAL LINKS & MUNICIPAL INFORMATION 18

NEWCOMER’S WELCOME GUIDE | 902-427-7788 3 WELCOME FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of the Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre (H&R MFRC), welcome to ! With open arms we extend a warm maritime welcome to you and your family.

We understand that relocation due to postings is a unique challenge of living the military lifestyle, but not to worry! We have resources and professional staff to help ease your journey and transition into your new community.

The H&R MFRC is the largest MFRC in the country, with three sites to serve you in Halifax, Shearwater and Sydney. Our programs and services are varied and diverse to best meet the needs of military families living in this region. To us, family means: the people in your life who are important to you and those you care about. So singles, couples, children, youth, and parents of the serving member, you’ll find something for everyone in the family at the H&R MFRC.

Our welcome packages offer easy access to community information through listings and links to many useful community, municipal and provincial resources, including real estate, healthcare, tourism, education and employment.

We invite you to just drop in to one of our sites for a tour, attend a program or register for several great programs and services that will give you an opportunity to meet new people in your new community. If you sign up for our eNews it will be easier still to stay connected to MFRC events and activities. You can always check out our website, Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information and news.

No matter where you may have come from, you’re a Maritimer now! Enjoy the hospitality this province and our MFRC have to offer! Our caring team of professionals are happy to assist. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information, offer us feedback and suggestions and get connected.

Sincerely, SHELLEY HOPKINS Executive Director

4 HALIFAX & REGION MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE | WWW.HALIFAXMFRC.CA THE H&R MFRC:

The H&R MFRC has a fabulous Welcome/Information Services program that is dedicated to assisting military members and their families settle into the community. The H&R MFRC is dedicated to working with you to help make your move to the Halifax region a little bit easier, from receiving your posting message and making plans, to your house hunting trip, your arrival, and settling in.

Be sure to check out the Newcomers Welcome section on our website for useful information and drop by one of our MFRC sites to check our programs and services, and experience our renowned Maritime hospitality!

MISSION The mission of the H&R MFRC is to strengthen the well-being of all those who share the unique experience of military life.

VISION Strong, connected, resilient military families.

VALUES (CARE) Collaboration: We work in partnership with families, the community, military leadership and the .

Accountability: We demonstrate integrity, fiscal responsibility and performance measurement.

Respect: We respect the uniqueness and diversity of the military community.

Excellence: Our programs and services are flexible, responsive, strength- based, diverse, inclusive and relevant to those we serve. LOCATIONS

HALIFAX SHEARWATER CAPE BRETON PIERS MILITARY COMMUNITY CENTRE HAMPTON GRAY MEMORIAL, VICTORIA PARK (WINDSOR PARK) (12 WING) (SYDNEY) 6393 Homefire Cres, Halifax 30 Provider Rd, Shearwater 1 Desbarres Street, Sydney

NEWCOMER’S WELCOME GUIDE | 902-427-7788 5 REGISTERED CHARITY The H&R MFRC is an independent, registered charity which relies on community support to provide many programs and services. Corporate and individual donations provide resources so Canadian Forces members and their families can stay strong.

The H&R MFRC’s official charitable number is 870705829 RR0001

HALIFAX & REGION MFRC PROGRAMMING & SERVICES H&R MFRC programs support the three unique characteristics that shape the CAF lifestyle; mobility, separation and risk.

Mobility: Provide resources and programs to assist with relocation stressors and support families in successfully integrating into local communities.

Separation: Provide programs and services to help families manage the challenge and frequent deployments.

Risk (Social and Mental Wellness): Provide programs and services that support social and mental wellness and focus on resilience.

Programs & Services include: • Adult Programs • Child, Youth and Parenting Programs • Deployment & Outreach Services • Employment & Education Services • Francophone Programs & Second Language Services • Social Work Services • Volunteer Services • Welcome/Information Services

CONNECT WITH US The Family Information Referral Services Team (FIRST) serves as an entry point for military families, who need information about, or connection to, military and civilian community services. The FIRST is staffed by trained professionals who are able to respond to family requests quickly. FIRST services are offered confidentially, with strict adherence to the privacy code. After hours, the FIRST can distribute emergency resources including housing, food vouchers, funds and child care services as well as connect military families to the Duty Padre. The FIRST also handles registration

6 HALIFAX & REGION MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE | WWW.HALIFAXMFRC.CA and payments (during regular business hours) for all MFRC programs and services. Call 1-888-753-8827 or 902-427-7788 for general inquiries (6am- 7pm ADT) and 24/7 for urgent needs.

You can also visit our website: www.halifaxmfrc.ca and check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HalifaxRegionMFRC.

Another helpful site is Family Navigator, www.familynavigator.ca. It connects CF families with local resources, tools and information.

THE MILITARY COMMUNITY

MARITIME FORCES ATLANTIC (MARLANT) is home to Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard, the hub of the ’s Atlantic Fleet. In its simplest form, the navy on the Atlantic Coast is comprised of the Maritime Forces Atlantic Headquarters; Halifax, including Canadian Fleet Atlantic; and, Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott. Enabling the readiness of the navy’s surface and submarine forces are the approximately 10 700 trained and experienced military and civilian personnel who form the Maritime Forces Atlantic defence team.

CANADIAN FORCES BASE HALIFAX CFB Halifax has come a long way since the founding of the Naval Yard in 1759 and continues to provide outstanding support to the Fleet and the Department of National Defence team. CFB Halifax provides materiel, administrative, logistical and operational support to Joint Task Force Atlantic, Maritime Forces Atlantic and lodger units; construction engineering, logistics, administration, safety and environmental management and base operations (including Military Police and security). CFB Halifax aims to be the most progressive and modern Defence Team in the country, essential to operational success and integral to the community.

12 WING SHEARWATER 12 Wing Shearwater is the centre of naval aviation in . It is home to the Maritime Helicopter community and home to both the CH-148 Cyclone and CH-124 Seaking Helicopters.

NEWCOMER’S WELCOME GUIDE | 902-427-7788 7 12 Wing personnel and aircraft are deployed around the world primarily as part of Helicopter Air Detachments (HELAIRDETS), which deploy with Navy ships on the East and West coast.

CANADIAN FLEET ATLANTIC Canadian Fleet Atlantic is responsible for generating naval forces to respond to Canada’s needs domestically and abroad, oftentimes at a moment’s notice. When serving in the Fleet, Canadian sailors spend on average 200 days a year at sea.

• The Canadian Fleet Atlantic consists mainly of the following units: • A Fleet of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships • Fifth Maritime Operations Group • Sea Training Atlantic • Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic

THE HALIFAX REGION

THE HALIFAX REGION COMMUNITIES Welcome to the Halifax region! Officially known as HALIFAX, the Halifax region is an amalgamation of the original Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and Halifax County, which totals over 200 communities and neighborhoods.

It is not only the capital of Nova Scotia’s largest city, but the largest city located east of City. It covers a very large area and has a population of 414,400 (2014 Statistics Canada).

Be sure to check out the following websites for awesome maps, information, and things to do in the Halifax region, your specific community, and the province! www.destinationhalifax.ca www.halifax.ca www.novascotia.com

8 HALIFAX & REGION MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE | WWW.HALIFAXMFRC.CA CHILD CARE RESOURCES

Child Care Options: Today’s military families have different needs when it comes to child care. MFRCs recognize the unique challenges that go along with the CAF lifestyle and recognize that solo parenting due to deployments, courses and training coupled with being away from extended family means the military families may require a variety of options. Ask for a copy of our Child Care Options book or check it out on our website.

H&R MFRC LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTRES The H&R MFRC has two licensed child care centres. One is located in Windsor Park (Halifax) and the other in Shearwater (Dartmouth). Our Centres offer quality, affordable child care programs for Canadian Armed Forces families. Our staff are trained in Early Childhood Education and both centres have inclusive programming and support for children with special needs.

Many child care facilities in the area have waitlists and we recommend you put your name on waitlists of other centres in your area. Separate waitlists are maintained for each of our locations, therefore please contact Halifax (902-722-4664) and Shearwater (902-720-2004) directly should you wish to be placed on both lists.

For H&R MFRC child care, emergency child care, casual child care, and respite child care please refer to www.halifaxmfrc.ca or request a copy of Child Care Options book.

CHILD CARE REGISTRY We offer a child care resource and registry for military families who may be new to the area or are looking for child care providers. The H&R MFRC collects names of interested child care providers that provide child care in their homes. These people live in different areas throughout the Halifax region. We do not screen or endorse any of the child care providers on this list as we believe only a parent is capable of finding the right fit for their family. Parents or guardians are responsible to interview and screen all potential child care providers and check their references.

NEWCOMER’S WELCOME GUIDE | 902-427-7788 9 Options for Accessing Services for Children with Special Needs For more information please contact our Inclusion Coordinator at 902-720-4092 or the Family Navigator website: www.familynavigator.ca.

Local options include: • Licensed and unlicensed child care centres. • Autism NS Respite Database Services: www.autismnovascotia.ca. • Private child care centres. • Halifax Rec Programs: www.halifax.ca/rec.

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES

Fulfilling your own employment goals when you are part of a military family can be challenging. The H&R MFRC’s Employment & Education Supervisor’s role is to assist families with entering or re-entering the local workforce. The program focuses on with the following: • Individual consultation to explore career, education and self- employment options. • Referrals provided to local Employment agencies, community support services, potential employers, and local colleges and universities. • Assistance with resume writing and cover letter preparation. • Interview preparation. • Access to up-to-date information and referrals to community based employment workshops and training. • Computer based courses in partnership with local educational providers – coming soon (skills online). • Information on local employment initiatives including career fairs and government initiatives. • Self-employment support – H&R MFRC Entrepreneur’s Club.

This is a service that is available to military spouses, immediate family, and youth. Whether you are looking for tips on where to find employment, how to improve your resume, information on training programs or developing a realistic career plan – we can assist.

Call 902-427-7788 and ask for employment services.

For more information on Halifax region, check out the newcomers guide by clicking on the Newcomers link at: www.halifaxmfrc.ca.

10 HALIFAX & REGION MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE | WWW.HALIFAXMFRC.CA EDUCATION & SCHOOL RESOURCES

The following is helpful contact information for schools in the Halifax Regional School Board as well as schools in Nova Scotia.

PRIMARY/SECONDARY EDUCATION (PRIMARY TO GRADE 12)

English Public Schools Halifax Regional School Board www.hrsb.ca 902-464-2000

All school boards in NS (NS Department of Education) www.ednet.ns.ca/contact-us 902-424-5168 or 1-888-825-7770

French Immersion Public Schools 2 entry points, Early – grade primary; Late – Grade 7 www.hrsb.ca/about-hrsb/school-administration/student-registration

French Schools Conseil scolaire francophone Acadien (French School Board) csap.ednet.ns.ca 902-433-7044

Private/Catholic Schools For information on private schools, contact our Welcome/Information Services at 902-720-2239.

Special needs Education and resources www.familynavigator.ca/resources/

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

Colleges pcc.ednet.ns.ca/colleges

Universities careers.novascotia.ca/university

NEWCOMER’S WELCOME GUIDE | 902-427-7788 11 Apprenticeship Programs careers.novascotia.ca/apprenticeship

Continuing Education, Adult Learning, Skill Upgrades, GED careers.novascotia.ca/continuing-education-skills-upgrades www.gonssal.ca/Adult-Learner/index.shtml

Student loans, scholarships, bursaries novascotia.ca/studentassistance 902-424-8420 or 1-800-565-8420 www.cfmws.com/en/SupportOurTroops (click Scholarships & Bursaries) www.novascotiascholarships.ca ns.legion.ca/bursaries.html

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

One of the most important factors families take into consideration when being posted is finding a new physician. As soon as your family receives your posting notification we highly encourage you to begin your search.

Healthcare cards (MSI) do not require in person service, and are easily arranged by calling 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (mention your military status to waive the 90 day waiting period). The cards will be mailed to your home. If you are become ill before receiving a NS healthcare card, your previous province will be direct billed as long as it is within 3 months of your arrival. However if your previous healthcare coverage was from Quebec, you may be required to pay for the care you incur, and then apply for reimbursement from RAMQ.

FAMILY DOCTORS Once you have an MSI card, visit needafamilypractice.ca or call 811, Monday to Friday, 11 am – 7 pm, to be added to the waiting list. When 811 is contacted by a family practice that is accepting new patients in your area, a list of names will be provided to that practice in the order in which they have been received. The practice will contact people directly.

12 HALIFAX & REGION MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE | WWW.HALIFAXMFRC.CA PROVINCIAL PHYSICIAN LISTINGS You can also search for a family physician through a provincial service using www.novascotia.ca. For the Halifax region visit: www.cdha.nshealth.ca.

Walk-in clinics are a convenient option for newly posted families. Often, walk-in clinics are preferred facilities over wait times in emergency rooms. For a list of walk-in clinics by community, visit: ns.skipthewaitingroom.com or www.walkinhealth.ca.

TELECARE Dialing 811 in Nova Scotia connects you with a 24 hour, 7 day per week telecare service that provides confidential health advice and information to concerned callers, serviced in English or French, by experienced registered nurses. There is no cost to the caller and a Nova Scotia health card is not required.

HOSPITALS For a list and map of all adult hospitals in the Halifax region, visit: www. cdha.nshealth.ca. For the complete list of hospitals in Nova Scotia, visit www.novascotia.ca. Please note that each hospital can have varying Emergency Room services and hours of operation.

Children’s and Maternity Hospital IWK Health Centre 5980 University Avenue, Halifax www.iwk.nshealth.ca 902-470-8888

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (MHMCT) MHMCT is a partnered crisis support service of Capital Health, IWK Health Centre, Halifax Regional Police and Nova Scotia Department of Health. The crisis team includes mental health professionals and dedicated police officers.

This is a 24/7 phone service to help you or your loved one cope with mental health and addiction challenges in the moment. Its mobile service serves the Halifax region and the surrounding areas from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am. www.cdha.nshealth.ca 902-429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167

NEWCOMER’S WELCOME GUIDE | 902-427-7788 13 HOME PURCHASE & RENTAL RESOURCES

Whether you are interested in renting or purchasing a home in the Halifax region, there are a variety of housing options at a range of prices. With the help from online tools, finding housing has become much easier, allowing you to research prior to your house hunting trip. With over 200 communities in the general Halifax region alone, be sure to enlist the help of a local real estate agent or rental agency to help tailor your search based on your priorities and needs.

CANADIAN FORCES HOUSING AUTHORITY The Canadian Forces Housing Authority (CFHA) is the managing authority for DND housing. The Housing Services Centre (HSC) in Halifax is responsible for housing at Newport Corner (55 km outside Halifax), Shearwater (Dartmouth) and Windsor Park (Halifax). Please note that Halifax units are apartments. For more information on CFHA housing in the Halifax region, call 902-527-7003 or visit www.forces.gc.ca and click on the CAF Community Support Services Housing.

INTEGRATED RELOCATION PROGRAM (IRP) AND BROOKFIELD SERVICES The IRP aims to make relocation easy and efficient, centralizing the administration of relocation with a single contractor, Brookfield GRS. Their website feature a variety of tools and resources that families can access to assist with the posting process, before, during and after your move. Visit: www.irp-pri.com for more information.

HOME PURCHASE RESOURCES www.viewpoint.ca is a useful site for you to begin researching the Nova Scotia housing market, including maps, prices, previous sales history, property taxes, schools and more.

14 HALIFAX & REGION MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE | WWW.HALIFAXMFRC.CA RENTAL RESOURCES In addition to the CFHA and IRP, there are many online sites which can use in advance to research the various areas, prices and options for renting and owning.

Below are a few helpful websites: www.letsrent.ca www.homefindershfx.com www.halifaxrentals.com www.rentdonkey.ca www.thepadpicker.com www.prop2go.com

RECREATION RESOURCES

Here in the Halifax region, you can have as much fun inside as you do outside! Here are some helpful links to the fun times started!

HALIFAX RECREATION www.halifax.ca/rec 902-490-6666

RECREATION NOVA SCOTIA www.recreationns.ns.ca 902-425-1128

PSP HALIFAX (Community recreation programs, Base gyms, arenas, pools, etc.) www.cg.cfpsa.ca/cg-pc/Halifax/ 902-721-1201 or 902-720-1071

HALIFAX REGIONAL LIBRARIES www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca 902-490-5744

Nova Scotia Library Listings www.library.ns.ca 902-424-2457

NEWCOMER’S WELCOME GUIDE | 902-427-7788 15 RETAIL

Halifax Shopping Centre 7001 Mumford Road. Halifax, NS www.halifaxshoppingcentre.com

Bayers Lake Business Park Chain Lake Drive. Halifax, NS www.bayerslake.ca

Mic Mac Mall 21 Mic Mac Boulevard. Dartmouth, NS www.micmacmall.com

Dartmouth Crossing Dartmouth, NS. Off the 118 Hwy www.dartmouthcrossing.com TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES

VEHICLE REGISTRATION & LICENSING, INSPECTIONS & INSURANCE For vehicle registration and licensing, you must visit one of the Access Nova Scotia offices throughout the province, with three offices inthe Halifax region.

Motor Vehicle Inspections (MVI) and private insurance are required prior to registering your vehicles. In most cases, MVIs must be done every 2 years.

For more information on related inquiries, please visit: www.accessns.ca or call 1-800-898-7668.

HALIFAX REGION PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION More information on Halifax Transit (this includes bus and ferry services) can be found by visiting www.halifax.ca/transit or by calling 311.

HALIFAX REGION MACPASS Two toll bridges connect Halifax and Dartmouth. Order a reloadable transponder for your vehicle to make traveling across the bridges much easier and cheaper. You can order the transponders online and have them mailed to your home. Call 902-463-3100 or visit www.macpass.com for more information.

CFB HALIFAX PARKING ACCESS Most CFB Halifax parking areas are limited and are paid areas. The parking office is located at D4T in the South end of the dockyard.

16 HALIFAX & REGION MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE | WWW.HALIFAXMFRC.CA UTILITIES

GARBAGE, RECYCLING, AND GREEN CARTS The Halifax region has an extensive program. Be sure to try out this App for help sorting and reminders of when and what to put out each week! www.halifax.ca/whatgoeswhere.

For general information, call 902-490-7370 or visit www.halifax.ca/recycle

ENVIRO DEPOTS These centres can help you with everything from reimbursement for refundable beverage containers to disposing of hazard waste like oil or paint. Visit www.putwasteinitsplace.ca for more information.

UTILITIES

Halifax Regional Water Commission www.halifax.ca 902-490-4820

Nova Scotia Power (Electricity) www.nspower.ca 902-428-6230 or 1-800-428-6230

TELEPHONE/TELEVISION/INTERNET

Bell Aliant www.bellaliant.ca 1-888-214-7896

EastLink www.eastlink.ca 1-888-345-1111

Rogers www.rogers.com 1-866-210-4059

NEWCOMER’S WELCOME GUIDE | 902-427-7788 17 ESSENTIAL LINKS & MUNICIPAL INFORMATION

211 Human, social and health-related Information and referral services

311 Halifax region municipal services and information (non-emergency)

411 Local telephone directory assistance

511 Road conditions information service

611 Telephone repair service

711 Message relay service (MRS) for the hearing and/or speech impaired

811 Non-urgent health care telephone triage service

911 Emergency services, Police, Fire, Ambulance

ACCESS NS 902-490-1234 www.accessns.ca

HALIFAX FIRE (non-emergency) 902-490-5530 www.halifax.ca/fire

HALIFAX GARBAGE & RECYCLING 311 or 902-490-4000 www.halifax.ca/whatgoeswhere

HALIFAX MACPASS 902-463-3100 www.macpass.com

HALIFAX PUBLIC LIBRARIES 902-490-5744 www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca

HALIFAX POLICE (non-emergency) 902-490-5016 www.halifax.ca/police

HALIFAX RECREATION 902-490-6666 www.halifax.ca/rec

HALIFAX WATER 902-490-4820 www.halifax.ca

NS POWER 902-428-6230 www.nspower.ca

18 HALIFAX & REGION MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE | WWW.HALIFAXMFRC.CA