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 Feb. 11, 2025
Accessibility Strategy
Halifax Regional Council has approved the adoption of the 2025/2028 Accessibility Strategy, representing an important step in our continued commitment to a more accessible region.
The 2025-2028 Accessibility Strategy focuses on how we can improve accessibility throughout the municipality by identifying, removing and preventing barriers for persons with disabilities.
In line with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, the 2025/2028 Accessibility Strategy has 30 recommendations with five key focus areas:
- Transportation and Transportation Infrastructure
- Built Environment
- Information and Communications
- Goods and Services
- Employment
Through deliberate and conscious planning and with this strategy as our guide, the municipality will work diligently to make our municipality a more inclusive place.
For more information, read the staff report.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Community Mediation Project
Regional Council has approved funding for a Community Mediation Project to promote public safety, improve community wellbeing and further the civilian delivery of non-core policing functions.
Trained community mediators can help neighbors, relatives, and others resolve conflicts peacefully. Mediation can prevent the escalation of community disputes, reduce harm, and avoid time and cost of resolving conflicts through the legal system.
Staff propose a one-year community mediation pilot (with the possibility of year-by-year renewals).
Once approved in the 2025/2026 Operating Budget, Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to provide a contribution of $100,000 to the United Way of Halifax to create and implement this pilot 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
Update on Windsor Street Exchange project
At the Jan. 28 meeting, the following motion was presented to Regional Council regarding the Windsor Street Exchange project:
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. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to proceed with the Windsor Street Exchange project, as per the current funding agreement and Design Build contract, including future proofing new structures along the corridor where municipal lands permit, to accommodate future dedicated transit lanes and separated pedestrian and cycling facilities; and
3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a supplemental staff report and recommendation about accommodating future widening and BRT/AT infrastructure in the Windsor Street interchange area.
This motion was defeated by vote (8-6), meaning the project will not proceed at this time. Subsequent to this vote, a motion of recission was entered and will be included on the agenda at a future Regional Council meeting, meaning the same motion will be brought before Regional Council again at a later date (to be determined).
For background on the Windsor Street Exchange project, please visit our website.
Municipality awards $104,000 in grants to address systemic racism
Regional Council has approved funding for 13 projects under the 2024 Anti-Black Racism Grants Program.
The Halifax Regional Municipality’s Anti-Black Racism Grants Program offers project-specific funding to eligible registered non-profit organizations and charities within the municipality. Grants range from $500 to $10,000 and focus on five key categories:
- Racial segregation
- Historic omission
- Lack of recognition
- Systemic expropriation
- Negative portrayal in media and literature.
Out of 28 submissions, 13 projects were selected for their strong commitment to addressing systemic challenges faced by Black communities while aligning with the municipality’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
For more information, read the staff report.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.