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 Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Regional Council approves funding to support tourism events across the Halifax region
Regional Council has approved funding through the Marketing Levy Special Event Reserve to support major events in the 2026/27 fiscal year. The reserve is funded by a levy on overnight accommodations such as hotels and short-term rentals.
This includes $100,000 to support the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in August 2026 and support for the 2026 Lacrosse Canada Minor Box Nationals, which will see, for the first time in the event’s history, a First Nations team competing in each of the six national championships.
Funding decisions are based on recommendations from the Special Events Advisory Committee and are aligned with the municipality’s objectives to support tourism and economic development.
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be finalized when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Previous meeting highlights
Regional Council approves funding to support community museums across the region
Regional Council approved five project grants through the Community Museum Grants Program for the 2026 fiscal year. The decision provides a total of $60,500 to support upgrades, restorations and planning work at community museums in the Halifax region.
In addition to the project grants, the 14 museums included in the program will also receive a combined $157,890 in operating grants, for a combined total of $218,390 in 2026.
Council made this decision to help community museums protect local history and improve public access to their sites and programs. Many of these museums rely on volunteers and fundraising, and project grants help them address one-time needs that are not covered by regular operating funding. The approved projects include building repairs, exhibit improvements, artifact restoration and design work for new public spaces.
The funding supports museums in communities such as Goffs, Halifax, Lake Charlotte, Queensland and Cole Harbour. These projects will help preserve heritage buildings and collections, improve visitor experiences and support educational programs for residents and visitors. By investing in community museums, the municipality helps protect local stories and strengthen cultural life across the region.
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be finalized when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Regional Council receives annual update on the Public Safety Strategy
Regional Council received the Annual Public Safety Strategy Report, which provides an update on progress made under the municipality’s Public Safety Strategy since it was approved in 2023. The report outlines key actions completed or underway and highlights how the strategy continues to guide municipal work related to community safety and wellbeing.
Council directed that an annual report be provided to track progress and share results. This update shows that most actions in the strategy are complete or in progress, and that new services and partnerships are helping the municipality respond to safety concerns in more community-based and supportive ways.
This year, a significant milestone was achieved with the launch of the Crisis Assistance and Response (CARE) service, a community-based, trauma‑informed alternative response service for residents experiencing distress related to substance use, public intoxication, thoughts of suicide, mental health or overall wellbeing. Learn more about CARE here.
The Public Safety Strategy focuses on prevention, early support and alternatives to traditional emergency responses. This includes community-led safety initiatives, training for municipal employees, and services that better support people experiencing mental health challenges, substance use or housing insecurity. Together, these efforts help improve safety, build trust and support healthier communities across the Halifax region.
For more information, read the staff report.