Highlighted below are a few recent decisions by Regional Council that reflect steps being taken by the municipality to make a difference in the Halifax region. For more details regarding all matters deliberated by Council and the direction given to municipal staff, please see the action summaries which are posted to the online meeting agendas within one business day as well as the meeting minutes which are posted online once approved by Regional Council.
Highlights from Jan. 14, 2025
Park Lighting Strategy
Regional Council has approved a new Park Lighting Strategy to add lighting in parks to increase safety and accessibility at night and minimizes environmental impact.
Park lighting plays an important role in improving accessibility, visibility, safety and active living in municipal green spaces across the region. Regional Council identified the need for a strategy address nighttime safety, enhance the use of facilities like sport courts and installations of public art.
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administration Officer to incorporate the identification and prioritization of the lighting of parks and public spaces into future budgets and business plans.
For more information, read the staff report.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Previous meeting highlights
LakeWatchers Water Quality Monitoring Program
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to initiate a review of the municipality’s current Saltwater Management Plan and to explore policy options for setbacks for new stormwater discharge locations.
These recommendations stem from the LakeWatchers Water Quality Monitoring Program Report. The LakeWatchers Program, launched in 2022, conducts water quality monitoring in 73 lakes. Water quality monitoring is a critical component of effective water resource management. This responsibility is shared across all levels of government, the private sector and the general community.
Given that many municipal programs, services and responsibilities directly affect lake health and water quality, the municipality is uniquely positioned to monitor water quality and address emerging issues, as well as ongoing concerns.
For more information, read the staff report.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.