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 July 9, 2024
Road Safety Strategy: The Way Forward
Regional Council has adopted the Road Safety Strategy 2024 to reduce fatalities and injuries on roadways in the municipality.
Operating on the principles of Vision Zero and Safe System Approach, this strategy seeks to address road design that has vulnerabilities and the potential for human error. The strategy identifies four priority areas: intersections, vulnerable road users, safe schools and data management.
Council has also directed staff to provide annual reports regarding the actions outlined in the program.
For more information, read the staff report.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Road Safety Action Plan
Regional Council has approved the road safety action plans to address ten intersections in the municipality with the highest number of fatal and injury collisions.
Current data shows that half of all collisions resulting in fatalities and injuries take place at intersections, with the majority taking place at collector or arterial roadways. As outlined in the Road Safety Strategy 2024, intersections have been identified as a priority to improve road safety and achieve Vision Zero for collisions resulting in fatalities and injuries. These projects will be a major focus of the road safety program.
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
Lockview High School All-Weather Field Track project
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to advance to the next stage of the Lockview High School Park All-Weather Field project, prior to receiving confirmation of the full amount for community contributions
The HRM Northern Suburban Area Community Turf Committee (Turf Committee) has developed a proposal for the municipality to undertake a redevelopment of the existing grass field to an all-weather turf field. The proposal included project cost estimates and a financial contribution commitment from the Turf Committee that would come from community and corporate fundraising.
Since Regional Council’s approval of the project, the Turf Committee has been actively fundraising, raising approximately $177,000 of the $213,000 required. Council has waived the expected contribution as they are confident the committee will fundraise the required amount and to maintain the project completion date of fall 2025.
For more information, read the motion.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Multi-use pathways and bridges in Sackville
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to approve a combination of multi-use pathways and bridges between the Sackville Manor Mobile Home Park across Highway 101.
There is currently no legal or safe way for residents to walk between Sackville Manor Mobile Home Park and the Sackville Transit Terminal. This has created a barrier for pedestrians and cyclists to safely access public transportation and other required services in their community. The installation of multi-use pathways and bridges would create safer options for residents while also aligning with municipal policies, such as the Strategic Road Safety Framework and the Integrated Mobility Plan.
Council has also requested that the mayor write a letter to the provincial government requesting financial support for the capital costs associated with the project.
For more information, read the motion.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.