Date:
Time: 10:00 a.m., Reconvene 6:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 8, 2021
3. APPROVAL OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS
4. CONSENT AGENDA*
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the following items: 11.1.2, 11.1.6, 11.1.8, 11.2.1, 11.2.2, 11.3.1, 11.5.1, 11.6.1, 11.6.2, 11.6.3, and 11.7.1
5. CALL FOR DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
6. MOTIONS OF RESCISSION – NONE
7. CONSIDERATION OF DEFERRED BUSINESS – December 1, 2020
7.1 Special Grant Request – Greater Burnside Business Association (GBBA) – Supplementary Report [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council defer consideration of a BID (Business Improvement District) - Formation Grant Policy pending Council providing direction regarding the corporate grants review project’s recommendations.
8. HERITAGE HEARINGS– 1:00 p.m.
8.1 Case H00495 - Request to Include 2381 Moran Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality [PDF]
Staff Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the request to include 2381 Moran Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as shown on Map 1 of the staff report dated March 17, 2021, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.
8.2 Case H00496 - Request to Include 2224 Maitland Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality [PDF]
Staff Presentation ][PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the request to include 2224 Maitland 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, 2021, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.
PUBLIC HEARING – 6:00 p.m.
8.3 By-law N-200, Respecting Noise – Exemption Request - Birch and Anchor, Bedford [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the Birch and Anchor’s application for an exemption from the provisions of the Noise By-law pursuant to the discussion section of the staff report dated April 21, 2021 and any matters raised at the public hearing.
9. CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
9.1 Correspondence
9.2 Petitions
9.3 Presentations
10. INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD – June 8, 2021
10.1 Councillor Blackburn – Proclamation - World Press Freedom Day [PDF]
11. REPORTS
11.1 CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
11.1.1 Second Reading Proposed By-law S-315, Amending By-law S-300, Respecting Streets and Proposed Administrative Order 2020-006-OP, Respecting Roadside Memorials - Policy for Roadside Memorials [PDF]
This item will be addressed after 1pm due to the noon deadline for the public to submit correspondence for Second Readings of By-laws.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt By-law S-315, amending By-law S-300, Respecting Streets, as set out in Attachment B of the staff report dated May 11, 2021.
2. Adopt Administrative Order 2020-006-OP Policy for Roadside Memorials as set out in Revised Attachment C of the staff report dated May 11, 2021.
11.1.2 2021-22 Budgets and Business Plans for Area-rated Services* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve the attached Resolution to Approve Area Rates and Uniform Charges for fiscal 2021/2022 (Appendix A of the staff report dated May 28, 2021), Schedule of Area Tax Rates (Appendix B of the staff report dated May 28, 2021), including:
a. reinstating the Uniform Charge for the Westwood Hills Residents Association in the amount of $50 per taxable assessment account;
b. increasing the Uniform Charge collected for Jenna Lane Homeowner’s Association from $500 per taxable property assessment to $625 per taxable property assessment;
c. decreasing the Private Road Area Rate Fee collected for Kelly Point Lot Owner’s Association from $700 per taxable property assessment to $600 taxable property assessment;
d. increase the Uniform Charge collected for Three Brooks Homeowners from $400 per taxable property assessment to replace the previous rate of $400 to $450;
2. Approve the attached Budgeted Revenues (Appendix C of the staff report dated May 28, 2021).
11.1.3 Case 23307 – Municipal Planning Strategy Amendments for Bedford West, Sub-areas 12 and 1, Bedford [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:
1. Initiate a process to consider amendments to the Bedford Municipal Planning Strategy and any applicable planning documents and Land Use By-laws to enable a mixed-use subdivision in Bedford West Sub-Areas 12 and 1, subject to the process creating planning policies and land use regulations consistent with relevant direction set out in the Regional Plan and the Integrated Mobility Plan, including:
a. adhering to walkable, complete community principles, as discussed in the staff report dated April 29, 2021;
b. providing a large central park parcel with significant street frontage;
c. providing numerous direct street and pedestrian connections within the area and to Larry Uteck Boulevard and Hammonds Plains Road; and
d. providing a central collector road, suitable for transit operations.
2. Follow the public participation program outlined in the staff report dated April 29, 2021.
11.1.4 Case CA0132 - Proposed Amendments to Administrative Order 29, Respecting HRM Civic Addressing Policies - Street Naming and Renaming from October 16, 2020 to February 28, 2021 [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council adopt the amendments to Administrative Order 29, Respecting HRM Civic Addressing Policies, as set out in Attachment A to the staff report dated May 11, 2021.
11.1.5 Alternative Approaches to Public Intoxication - Feasibility of Sobering Centres and Managed Alcohol Programs [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (or designate) to work with:
1. Provincial government staff and other key stakeholders to examine potential changes to existing alcohol policies and regulations at the municipal and provincial levels to reduce harmful patterns of alcohol consumption;
2. Partners to develop options for Regional Council’s consideration for establishment of a sobering centre in HRM.
11.1.6 Silent Fireworks for Municipal Events* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administration Officer (CAO) to:
1. Use close-proximity pyrotechnic grade fireworks at municipally organized festivals and events where the audience is less than 90 meters away;
2. Use commercial grade for large scale fireworks displays in Halifax Harbour and Bedford Basin where the audience is more than 150 meters away;
3. Continue use of the municipality’s official notification process through all media platforms indicating potential noise impacts and the timing of events with firework displays; and
4. Request proof of community notification from events with fireworks displays as a condition of funding in the Regional Special Events and Marketing Levy Special Events grant agreement process.
11.1.7 Effectiveness of the Front End Processor and Waste Stabilization Facility [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer:
1. To work with Mirror Nova Scotia Limited to submit a joint application to Nova Scotia Environment to deactivate the operation of the Front End Processor (FEP) and Waste Stabilization Facility (WSF) at the Otter Lake Waste Processing and Disposal Facility (Otter Lake) on the condition that:
a. The FEP/WSF be maintained in standby mode (i.e., operable state);
b. Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) waste continue to not be landfilled at Otter Lake and continue to be processed through the transfer station and exported to other licensed landfills; and
c. The Community Monitoring Committee be consulted on any further proposed changes to the operations at Otter Lake.
2. To negotiate an extension to contract timelines with Mirror Nova Scotia Limited as outlined in the Discussion Section (Next Steps) of the staff report dated June 18, 2021 and return to Council with a recommendation.
11.1.8 Submission of Parks and Recreation Projects for Potential Stimulus Funding* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to:
1. Submit an application to the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Fund for the following projects, as outlined in the staff report dated June 9, 2021; and
2. Return to Regional Council with proposed capital budget adjustments for any projects which are approved for funding.
11.1.9 French Services Strategy [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the attached French-Language Services Strategy as set out in Attachment 1 of the staff report dated May 3, 2021; and
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to carry out the actions contained in the French-Language Services Strategy as part of the annual budgeting process.
11.1.10 Award – 21-1114, Alternative Procurement – Broad Street South Roundabout [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council award the design and construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Larry Uteck Boulevard and Broad Street (South) through an Alternative Procurement to West Bedford Holdings Limited at a maximum value of $3,900,000 (net HST included) with funding from Account No. CTU01006 – Bedford West Road Oversizing, as outlined in the Financial Implications section of the staff report dated June 20, 2021.
11.1.11 Proposed Administrative Order 2021-003-OP, Respecting Amendments to Municipal Design Guidelines - Municipal Design Guidelines (Red Book) Update [Large 15 MB PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give first reading and schedule a public hearing to consider the proposed amendments to the Regional Subdivision By-law as set out in Attachment B of the staff report dated June 16, 2021.
11.2 AUDIT AND FINANCE STANDING COMMITTEE
11.2.1 Funding Request – Neptune Theatre* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a contribution agreement with Neptune Theatre for a contribution of up to $100,000, subject to Neptune Theatre providing certain informational requirements as set forth in the May 5, 2021 staff report.
11.2.2 Budget Changes – Composting Facilities Recapitalization* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve a budget increase to the 2021/22 approved gross capital budget, to increase Project Account No. CW190005 Burnside Composting Facility Repairs in the amount of $539,000; and
2. Approve an unbudgeted reserve withdrawal of $539,000 from Q556, Solid Waste Facilities Reserve to fund this increase, as outlined in the Financial Implications section of the June 1, 2021 staff report.
11.3 COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE
11.3.1 First Reading Proposed By-law N-206, Amending By-Law N-200, Respecting Noise – Noise Management and Mitigation in Downtown Areas - Argyle Street Entertainment District* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to By-law N-206, amending By-law N-200, Respecting Noise, as set out in Attachment B of the March 22, 2021 report.
11.4 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY STANDING COMMITTEE
11.4.1 Water Quality Monitoring Policy and Program Development [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to adopt and implement a detailed water quality monitoring program based on Framework 1 as outlined by AECOM in their Water Quality Monitoring Policy and Program Development Report, as outlined in the Discussion section of the staff report dated May 6, 2021.
11.5 NORTH WEST COMMUNITY COUNCIL
11.5.1 Case 21996 - Municipal Planning Strategy Amendments for 18 Scotia Drive, Bedford* [Large 13 MB PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to consider the proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for Bedford, as set out in Attachments A and B of the staff report dated May 14, 2021, to designate the former Sunnyside Elementary School (Waverley Road Site), 18 Scotia Drive, Bedford, as R (Residential) and apply the RTU (Two Dwelling Unit) Zone, and schedule a public hearing.
11.6 GRANTS COMMITTEE
11.6.1 Less than Market Value Lease - The Royal Life Saving Society Canada, Nova Scotia Branch, 1014 Purcells Cove Road, Halifax* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council authorize the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to enter into the Municipality’s standard less than market value lease agreement with The Royal Life Saving Society Canada, Nova Scotia Branch for the premises located at 1014 Purcells Cove Road.
11.6.2 Less than Market Value Lease Agreement - Spencer House Seniors Centre, 5596 Morris Street, Halifax, NS* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council authorize the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to enter into the Municipality’s standard less than market value lease agreement with the Spencer House Seniors Centre for the premises located at 5596 Morris Street, Halifax.
11.6.3 Regional Special Events Grant Report 2021/2022* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve 41 Event Grants for a total of $188,225 as identified in Table 1 of the staff report dated May 18, 2021 (Attachment 1) from the approved 2021/2022 Operating Budget – C760 Community/Civic Events; and
2. Approve 15 Event Grants for a total of $200,000 as identified in Table 2 of the staff report dated May 18, 2021 (Attachment 1) from the approved 2021/22 Operating Budget – C764 Cultural Development funded from the 2021/2022 Community and Events Reserve Q621.
11.6.4 2021/22 Rural Transit Funding Program [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve grants pursuant to the Rural Transit Grants Administrative Order, for the 2021/22 fiscal year, to a maximum of $470,000, as such grants are set forth in Table 2 of the staff report dated April 29, 2021 (Attachment 1).
11.6.5 Interim Community Museums Grant Program – Recommended Awards 2021 [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve five (5) Project Grants as set out in Table 1 of the Discussion section of the staff report dated March 26, 2021 (Attachment 1) at a combined cost of $58,500.00 in fiscal year 2021-22 from Operating Account M310-8004; and
2. Approve a two-year extension to the Service Agreement with the Association of Nova Scotia Museums at a total cost of $24,000.00 from Operating Account M310-8001; and
3. Authorize the Executive Director of Finance and Asset Management to negotiate and execute an Amending Agreement for a two-year extension to the Service Agreement with the Association of Nova Scotia Museums.
11.6.6 HRM Community Grants Program Fiscal Year 2021 – Recommended Awards [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve sixty-one (61) awards as detailed in Attachment 2 of the staff report dated May 20, 2021 (Attachment 1) for a combined total of $479,646 from Operating Account M311-8004 Community Grants.
11.7 HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
11.7.1 Case H00486 – Request to Include 5943 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, 1538 and 1540 Carlton Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Deny the request to include 1538 and 1540 Carlton Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as the dwellings have been demolished;
2. Set a date for a heritage hearing to consider the inclusion of 5943 Spring Garden Road, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as shown on Map 1 of the May 10, 2021 report, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.
11.8 MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
11.8.1 Councillor Mancini - Halifax Search and Rescue [PDF]
Motion:
That Regional Council request a staff report examining the feasibility of bringing Halifax Search and Rescue under the municipality as a part of the Halifax Fire business unit. This report would be written in consultation with stakeholders such as Halifax Search and Rescue.
11.8.2 Councillor Mancini - Mobile Shower Pilot Program [PDF]
Motion:
That Regional Council request a staff report examining the possibility of a pilot program providing shower facilities for people experiencing homelessness either through retrofitted transit buses, or partnering with a community organization to provide mobile shower trailers or working with recreation facilities.
11.8.3 Councillor Mason - Development of Friendship Accords [PDF]
Motion:
That Regional Council request a staff report that outlines a process and timeline for exploration of the development of Friendship Accord(s) with the Mi'kmaw Grand Council, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs, band councils with current and anticipated service agreements with HRM, and any other group staff may identify, per the recently completed engagements regarding the Culture and Heritage Priorities Plan Update, and to consider including First Nations relationships in the terms of reference for the Executive Standing Committee.
11.8.4 Councillor Lovelace – Proposed Provincial Highway 113 [PDF]
Motion:
That Regional Council request the Mayor send a letter to the Province of Nova Scotia, asking for consideration to strike the proposed provincial Highway 113 from the potential projects list and transfer the corridor lands to protected wilderness status, so as not to interfere with the prospect of Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area becoming a National Urban Park under the federal government’s expanding national urban park program.
11.8.5 Councillor Cuttell - Funding for Field Enhancement [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report in response to the request from the Province for funding for an enhanced grassed field at the new JL Ilsley High School in Spryfield, as per the attached letter from Transportation and Active Transit dated June 3, 2021.
11.8.6 Deputy Mayor Outhit - Rezoning – Fort Sackville School Property (Case 22267) [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council: Direct the CAO to consider amendments to the Bedford MPS and LUB for the Fort Sackville School property and the adjacent parkland to enable townhouses or two-unit dwellings and to prohibit mid-rise and multi-unit buildings; and
That the CAO consider these amendments through the ongoing MPS amendment process and public participation program for Case 22267 as initiated by Regional Council on November 12, 2019.
11.8.7 Deputy Mayor Outhit – Heritage Conservation District [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the CAO to provide a staff report to:
i) provide recommendations on identifying and prioritizing future potential heritage conservation districts outside the Regional Centre as part of Sharing Our Stories – The Culture and Heritage Priorities Plan, and subsequently through the review of the Regional Plan; and
ii) consider the historic area of Shore Drive and the Fort Sackville area of Bedford as a potential future Heritage Conservation District.
11.8.8 Councillor Austin – Administrative Order 53, Joe Howe Park, Dartmouth [PDF]
Motion:
That, in accordance with section 7 of the Administrative Order 53, Halifax Regional Council grant permission to Celtic Corner (69 Alderney Drive) for serving Alcohol in a section of Joe Howe Park, inside of regular park hours until October 31, 2021. Location to be determined by staff.
12. MOTIONS
12.1 Councillor Russell
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report on the current status and recommend options for potential revitalization of the Sackville Sports Stadium. The report should review the existing assets to consider:
a. Current accessible, structural and design challenges of the facility;
b. Creation of Emergency shelter space, including support systems;
c. Addition of Indoor track/court/gymnasium/field space;
d. Addition of a water or pool feature;
e. Programming opportunities on First Lake;
f. Improvements to inclusive/accessible spaces and services; and
g. Creation of an accessible/centralized entrance to the facility.
12.2 Councilor Cleary
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report on developing an evidence-based formal policy for polygraph testing for the purposes of human resource management, especially during the selection process for any or all employees of the municipality, that provides a jurisdictional scan and includes peer-reviewed academic literature on the efficacy of polygraph testing for employment. The report will include recommendations for the use (or not) of polygraph testing in all departments and business units of the Halifax Regional Municipality, as well as with contracted services.
13. 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:
13.1 In Camera (In Private) Minutes – May 4, 2021
Motion:
That the In Camera (In Private) minutes of May 4, 2021 be approved as circulated.
Private and Confidential Information Items
1. Private and Confidential In Camera (In Private) Information Report - re: Property Matter
14. ADDED ITEMS
14.1 Proposed Amendments to Administrative Order 12, Respecting the Appointment of the Traffic Authority - Appointment of Traffic Authority and Deputy Traffic Authorities – Supplementary Report – Deferred from September 1, 2020 [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council adopt the amendments to Administrative Order 12, Respecting the Appointment of the Traffic Authority as set out in Attachment 2 of the supplementary staff report dated May 17, 2021 to appoint Brad Anguish, P.Eng., as the Traffic Authority.
14.2 Councillor Blackburn - Boat Etiquette / Safety Signage at HRM Owned Public Boat Launches [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report on installing boating etiquette / safety signage at all HRM owned and maintained public boat launches similar to the one at the Africville Park Boat Launch. The signage is to include contact information for reporting unsafe boating behaviour, reminders of speed limits near shoreline, requirement for Personal Floatation Devices, reminder that no drinking is permitted while vessel is in motion, reminder to be attentive, respectful of swimmers and any other etiquette and safety reminders staff deem should be included to ensure safe enjoyment of our waterways for all.
14.3 Councillor Lovelace – Use of Term ‘Indian’ on Municipal Streets, Place Names, Assets [PDF]
Motion:
That Regional Council request a staff report regarding the end of use and removal of the word Indian from all municipal street and place names, and recommendations on potential new names, including possible use of Mi’kmaq placenames.
14.4 Councillor Cleary – Permission under Administrative Order 53 to Give Permission to Armview Restaurant and Lounge to Serve Alcohol in a Section of Rotary Park [PDF]
Motion:
That, in accordance with section 7 of Administrative Order 53, Halifax Regional Council grant permission to the Armview Restaurant and Lounge for serving Alcohol in a section of Rotary Park, inside of regular park hours, until October 31, 2021. Location to be determined by parks staff.
15. NOTICES OF MOTION
16. ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION ITEMS
June 29, 2021
________________________________________
2. Memorandum from the Municipal Clerk dated June 21, 2021 re: Request for Presentation to Council [PDF]