Date:
Time: 10:00 a.m., Reconvene 6:00 p.m.
Location: Council Chamber, 3rd Floor City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax
Minutes: July 11, 2023 Halifax Regional Council Minutes (PDF)
Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
SPECIAL PRESENTATION – YOUTH POET LAUREATES – 1:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
2. SPECIAL COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 20, 2023 Committee of the Whole and Regional Council
4. APPROVAL OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS AND APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
5. CONSENT AGENDA*
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve recommendations in the following items: 13.1.1, 15.1.4, 15.1.5, 15.1.7, 15.1.8, 15.1.9, 15.1.11, 15.1.13, 15.2.3, 15.3.1, and 15.4.1.
6. BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
7. CALL FOR DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
8. MOTIONS OF RECONSIDERATION – NONE
9. MOTIONS OF RESCISSION – NONE
10. CONSIDERATION OF DEFERRED BUSINESS – NONE
11. NOTICES OF TABLED MATTERS – NONE
12. HEARINGS
HERITAGE HEARING – 1:00 P.M.
12.1 Case H00551: Request to Include 1206 Robie Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Properties for the Halifax Regional Municipality
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the request to include 1206 Robie Street, Halifax, in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as shown on Map 1 of the staff report dated April 6, 2023, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – 6:00 P.M.
12.2 Case 24242: Amendments to the Planning Districts 14 and 17 Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for 195 Old Post Road, Enfield (Ledwidge Lumber)
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council adopt the proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for Planning Districts 14 and 17, as set out in Attachments A and B of the staff report dated May 15, 2023, to enable the expansion of Ledwidge Lumber at 195 Old Post Road, Enfield.
12.3 Case 24509: Beechville Community Planning Phase 1 - Amendments to the Timberlea/Lakeside/Beechville Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the proposed amendments to the Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy and the Land Use By-law for Timberlea/Lakeside/Beechville as set out in Attachments A and B of the staff report dated April 28, 2023.
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to work with African Nova Scotian communities throughout HRM to review zoning and consider developing a zone that acknowledges historic development patterns in African Nova Scotian communities, taking into consideration the lot fabric and unique circumstances in each community.
3. Adopt the amended Public Participation Program for Beechville Planning Strategy Review and Beechville Community Benefit Action Plan to allow for the consideration of site-specific Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law amendments as required as set out in Attachment D of the staff report dated April 28, 2023.
13. CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
13.1 Correspondence
13.1.1 Fly-past Request – Touchdown Atlantic Game at Huskies Stadium* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve a flyby by Canadian Armed Forces aircraft as low as 500 feet, for the planned Touchdown Atlantic Game being held at Huskies Stadium at Saint Mary’s University for transit, practice and shows on July 29, 2023.
13.2 Petitions
13.3 Presentations
13.3.1 Halifax's Inclusive Economic Strategy 2022-27 – People. Planet. Prosperity. [PDF]
14. INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD – May 23 & June 20, 2023
14.1 Councillor Cleary - Planning & Development Permitting and Development Approval Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) [PDF]
14.2 Councillor Cuttell - Restoration and Preservation of Fleming Cottage [Large 24 Mb PDF]
15. REPORTS
15.1 CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
15.1.1 Second Reading Proposed By-law U-114, an Amendment to By-law U-100, Respecting User Charges – Housekeeping Amendments to Transit Fares [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council adopt By-law U-114, amending Schedule 1 of By-law U-100, the User Charges By-law, as set out in Attachment B to the staff report dated May 25, 2023.
15.1.2 Second Reading Proposed By-law M-300, Respecting Micromobility, and Proposed Amendments to Administrative Order 15, Respecting License, Permit, and Processing Fees – Regulation of Electric Kick-scooters and Shared Micromobility Services [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Suspend the rules of procedure under Schedule 7, the Transportation Standing Committee Terms of Reference, of Administrative Order One, the Procedures of the Council Administrative Order;
2. Adopt By-law M-300, the Micromobility By-law, to enable the use of electric kick-scooters in the Halifax Regional Municipality, as set out in Attachment B to the staff report dated June 15, 2023;
3. Adopt the amendments to Administrative Order 15, the License, Permits and Processing Fees Administrative Order, as set out in Attachment C to the staff report dated June 15, 2023;
4. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to implement a shared micromobility pilot project as per the proposed implementation approach described in the Discussion section of the staff report dated June 15, 2023;
5. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare amendments to By-law M-300 (“Part B”) to develop new regulations and supporting implementation tools to regulate the shared micromobility pilot project and return to Council for approval; and
6. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to add up to four new staff positions to enforce the by-law and administer the shared micromobility pilot project.
15.1.3 Proposed Repeal of Administrative Order 2019-011-GOV, Respecting the Design Advisory Committee - Design Advisory Committee Dissolution [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Deem that the work of the Design Advisory Committee, as outlined in the Design Advisory Committee Administrative Order within Attachment A of the staff report dated June 23, 2023 is complete and that the Design Advisory Committee be dissolved; and,
2. Adopt the Amending Administrative Order to repeal Administrative Order 2019-011-GOV, The Design Advisory Committee, as set out in Attachment C of the staff report dated June 23, 2023.
15.1.4 Award – Request for Proposal (RFP) 23-044 Household Special Waste Services* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council award the Request for Proposal (RFP) 23-044 for Household Special Waste (HSW) Services to GFL Environmental Services Inc. as outlined in the staff report dated June 27, 2023.
15.1.5 First Reading Proposed By-law M-400, Respecting Marketing Levy* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. give First Reading to By-Law M-400, the Marketing Levy By-law, as set out in Attachment 1 of the staff report dated July 4, 2023, which includes the repeal of By-Law H-400, the Marketing Levy By-law; and
2. amend the Reserve Business Case for Community Events Reserve, Q621 to reflect a transfer of 35% of the Marketing Levy to the Community Events Reserve.
15.1.6 Proposed Amendments to Administrative Order 10, Respecting Partial Tax Exemption for Residential Taxation - Streamline Fire Exemption Application Process [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council adopt the amendments to Administrative Order 10, the Partial Tax Exemption Administrative Order, as set in Attachment B to the staff report dated June 9, 2023.
15.1.7 HRM Community Grants Program: Fiscal 2023 Referrals – Supplementary Report* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council decline the funding request from the Porters Lake Community Association in fiscal 2023.
15.1.8 First Reading Proposed By-law T-1007, an Amendment to By-law T-1000, Respecting Regulation of Taxis, Accessible Taxis, Limousines, and Transportation Network Companies – Taxi Broker Fee System* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to By-law T-1007 amending By-law T-1000 – Respecting the Regulation of Taxis, Accessible Taxis, Limousines and Transportation Network Companies, as set out in Attachment A of the staff report dated June 13, 2023.
15.1.9 Cost Sharing Agreement on the Paving of Subdivision (“J” Class) Streets 2023-012* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council authorize the Mayor and the Municipal Clerk to sign the Cost Sharing Agreement No. 2023-012 with the Province of Nova Scotia, attached to the staff report dated June 26, 2023, to cost share on the paving of certain village and subdivision streets under the jurisdiction of the Province and located within the Municipality.
15.1.10 2023-00680: Suburban Plan and Rapid Transit Corridors
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:
1. Initiate a process to develop a new comprehensive Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for suburban areas (the Suburban Plan) with a priority given to enabling transit-supportive, mixed-use development as outlined in the staff report dated June 23, 2023, including amending the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy, the Regional Subdivision By-law and amending or repealing any applicable secondary municipal planning strategies and land use by-laws to implement the new plan;
2. Use the Regional Plan Review engagement program, as presented to Regional Council on June 20, 2023, as the initial public participation program policy guiding the Suburban Plan;
3. Return to Council with a Suburban Plan What We Heard Report, Revised Suburban Plan Public Participation Program and Revised Suburban Plan Work Plan following the completion of Regional Plan Review Phase 4 engagement program;
4. Direct staff to bring forward requests for additional staff resources as outlined in the staff report dated June 23, 2023 as part of the 2024-2025 Budget and Business planning process;
5. Effective immediately direct any new requests for site-specific amendments to Municipal Planning Strategies in the Suburban Area to the suburban planning process, and direct staff to address current requests as generally outlined in Attachment A of the staff report dated June 23, 2023.
15.1.11 First Reading Proposed By-law T-1200, Respecting Halifax Transit*
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to By-law T-1200, the purpose of which is to promote the safety, well-being, and comfort of passengers and employees of Halifax Transit, as set out in Attachment 1 of the staff report dated July 11, 2023.
15.1.12 Halifax Forum Parking and Parkland Public Engagement
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to advance detailed site and facility planning and design for the Halifax Forum complex redevelopment project as generally outlined in the building and site program within the staff report dated May 29, 2023, including heritage approvals;
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to allocate strategic initiatives capital funds for the Halifax Forum complex redevelopment project, as outlined within the staff report dated May 29, 2023, within future municipal budgets and business plans; and
3. Declare the northern portion of the property as shown on Attachment B of the staff report dated May 29, 2023, surplus to municipal requirements and categorize the property as Economic Development pursuant to Administrative Order Number 50 Respecting the Disposal of Surplus Real Property.
15.1.13 First Reading Proposed By-law S-804, an Amendment to By-law S-801, Respecting Licensing of Temporary Signs*
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to By-law S-804, amending By-law S-801 – Respecting Licensing of Temporary Signs, as set out in Attachment A of the staff report dated May 17, 2023.
15.2 AUDIT & FINANCE STANDING COMMITTEE
15.2.1 Fire Station and Volunteer Firefighter Paging System Upgrades [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve a budget increase to Project Account No. CI210020 – HRFE Power & Backhaul Upgrades in the amount of $52,585 (net HST included) to fund upgrades to six paging transmission tower sites outlined in the staff report dated June 14, 2023;
2. Approve an unbudgeted withdrawal in the amount of $52,585 (net HST included) from the Capital Fund Reserve, Q526 to fund this budget increase; and
3. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to negotiate and enter into an amending agreement with Bell Mobility Inc. for $52,585 (net HST included) to complete upgrades to six paging transmission tower sites outlined in the staff report dated June 14, 2023.
15.2.2 Increase to Project No. CB210020 – Halifax Common Pool Reconstruction, and CA 21-164 for NRFP – Halifax Common Aquatic Project [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve a transfer of $2,000,000 (net HST included) from CI200002 Finance & HR Business Foundations; and
2. Increase Capital Project Number CB210020 – Halifax Common Pool Reconstruction by $2,000,000 (net HST included).
15.2.3 Award - 23-057 Supply and Delivery of Driver Protection System (DPS)* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve a transfer of $1,021,683 (net HST included) from Project Account No. CM200006 Conventional Bus Replacement;
2. Approve a budget increase of $1,021,683 (net HST included) to Project Account No. CV230001 Operator Safety Barriers.
15.3 EXECUTIVE STANDING COMMITTEE
15.3.1 Municipal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to implement an 18-month pilot program to offer sign language interpreter services, as well as to include more technology specifically designed for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing within recreation programs.
15.4 HARBOUR EAST – MARINE DRIVE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
15.4.1 Implementation of Area Rate to Fund Sidewalks Outside of the Urban Tax Area in East Preston* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council apply an area rate equal to the difference between the urban and rural general tax rates to all residential, resource, and commercial properties paying the rural general rate in the community of East Preston, as shown on Attachment A of the staff report dated May 26, 2023, consistent with the process outlined in Administrative Order Number 2022-008-ADM, the Rural Sidewalk Area Rates Administrative Order.
15.5 MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
15.5.1 Councillor Lovelace – The Montreal Pledge – Cities United in Action for Biodiversity [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a staff report on
Halifax Regional Municipality becoming a signatory of the Montreal Pledge – Cities United in Action for Biodiversity.
15.5.2 Councillor Purdy – Recreation Facility Upgrades – Cole Harbour Place [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a staff report on the current status of the building and recommended options for a potential capital revitalization for Cole Harbour Place following an assessment of the building and analysis of current and anticipated recreation needs.
16. MOTIONS
16.1 Councillor Purdy
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to provide a staff report to investigate the possibility of providing shuttle service to Rainbow Haven Beach as a pilot project in 2024, including considering whether amendments to the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy would be required.
17. IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE)
Council may rise and go into a private In Camera session, in accordance with Section 19 of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, for the purpose of dealing with the following:
17.1 PUBLIC SECURITY - Private and Confidential Report – Deferred from June 20, 2023
A matter pertaining to issues impacting public security.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated June 14, 2023; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated June 14, 2023 be maintained private and confidential.
17.2 PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to an identifiable individual or group.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated June 27, 2023; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated June 27, 2023 be maintained private and confidential.
17.3 PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to an identifiable individual or group.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated June 29, 2023; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated June 29, 2023 be maintained private and confidential.
17.4 LEGAL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to litigation or potential litigation in regard to an identifiable person and information whose disclosure could reasonably be expected to prejudice the interests of the Municipality.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated June 28, 2023; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated June 28, 2023 be maintained private and confidential.
17.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to any subject, the discussion of which could, violate the confidentiality of information obtained from another body of government, or a public body.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated June 29, 2023; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated June 29, 2023 be maintained private and confidential.
17.6 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to any subject, the discussion of which could, violate the confidentiality of information obtained from another body of government, or a public body.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated June 29, 2023; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated June 29, 2023 be maintained private and confidential.
17.7 LEGAL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to litigation or potential litigation in regard to an identifiable person and information whose disclosure could reasonably be expected to prejudice the interests of the Municipality.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated June 30, 2023; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated June 30, 2023 be maintained private and confidential.
17.8 PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to an identifiable individual or group.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated June 27, 2023; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated June 27, 2023 be maintained private and confidential.
18. ADDED ITEMS
19. NOTICES OF MOTION
20. ADJOURNMENT
________________________________________
INFORMATION ITEMS
July 11, 2023
1. Proclamation – Halifax Pride Festival – July 20-30, 2023 [PDF]
3. Proclamation – National Acadian Day / Fête nationale de l’Acadie– August 15, 2023 [PDF]