FHC members actively keep themselves, city officials, and the public informed about issues facing the Common. Over the years, hospitals, universities, and public institutions have expanded into Common space. We oppose the quiet transfer of citizen-owned Common lands for these developments.

We're pushing back to protect access by demanding that public services never come at the expense of community green space. All changes to the Common should involve transparency and public consultation so we petition the government when necessary. Ultimately, we want legal protection of the remaining Common lands for future generations. 

FHC members present our concerns at committee meetings and at public hearings of HRM Council. One of our most important activities is to promote and organize letter-writing campaigns to members of Council to not only inform them but to have an influence on their decision-making.

We write and distribute the FHC newsletter on a monthly basis to anyone who wishes to subscribe. [needs another link because newsletter is a popup]
 
Each year, on the first weekend in May, we participate in Jane’s Walks, (an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs) and our walk usually highlights another area of the Common lost to development. In 2025 we revisited Camp Hill Cemetery. Jane’s Walks are a fun and interesting way to learn more about our city and the Common.

Read our News blog and check out these 6 ways to connect with us with us.

Our issues must be covered in the media. To that end, we issue press releases (posted on our website) so that our members will be asked to speak to the media. 
 
For example, we sought press coverage when we protested the destruction of trees (along Robie St at Bell Rd) to accommodate the construction of a new hospital. (In our estimation, destroying trees was a decision made without truly considering the value of these trees.) We subsequently received significant media coverage of an FHC public meeting to prevent the negative effects of further damages of Robie St near North St for street widening.

The street widening proposal included cutting down 80 trees and demolishing 20 affordable properties in use by low-income families and community groups. Our efforts garnered news reports from multiple media contacts who followed-up by covering our following street protest of the continuing destruction.
 
Writing letters to the editor has also been an important tool to reach a larger audience. Some of our members are regular contributors to the ‘Letters to the Editor’ column in Halifax printed news media.

Everyone is welcome to come to our Annual General Meeting - AGM - held each October which is announced on our website and in our newsletter. At the AGM we typically review the past year, host a guest speaker and use this opportunity to meet new members as well as discuss the status of our campaigns, actions and projects. Connect with us to join FHC, donate, or otherwise support our campaigns.