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 Oct. 2, 2024
Remembrance Day Fly-past
Regional Council has given permission for a fly-past by Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft from 12 Wing Shearwater to mark this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony at Grand Parade.
The event will also include a 21-gun salute from the 1st Field Artillery Regiment from Citadel Hill.
The participation of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, along with residents, allows us to reflect on and remember the sacrifices of those who have served and still serve. On Remembrance Day and every day, we stand together in gratitude for their service.
For more information, read the motion.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Connecting our cycling network
The Regional Council has approved the installation of bicycle lanes in Halifax’s south end to enhance the region’s active transportation network and support new cyclists by providing preferred infrastructure.
The University Avenue and Morris Street corridors represent a crucial link in the Regional Centre All-Ages and Abilities (AAA) Bikeway Network. The proposed route would connect Dalhousie University’s Studley, Carleton, and Sexton campuses, the QEII and IWK hospital sites, as well as downtown Halifax and the waterfront. Additionally, it would link to existing protected bikeways in Halifax’s downtown.
The new active transportation infrastructure will offer safer and more convenient options for current cyclists, while also inspiring more people to consider cycling and other sustainable modes of transportation.
For more information, read the motion.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Previous meeting highlights
Cogswell District project continues to transform downtown, budget increase
Construction in the Cogswell District continues to transform the downtown area, with the project hitting several key milestones recently:
- On June 17, Barrington Street between Cogswell and Duke Streets closed and a new four-lane connection between Cogswell Street and Detour Road 1/Barrington Street was opened to traffic.
- The Scotia Square Transit Hub has been temporarily relocated to Granville, Barrington and Albemarle streets until December.
- Permanent construction on Cogswell Street is complete.
- Underground infrastructure at the future roundabout site is now fully installed, with curbs, sidewalks, and asphalt scheduled for installation this fall.
- Installation of storm, water, and gas lines is ongoing from Barrington Street to Upper Water Street, and the work at Purdy’s Parkade has been completed.
With 15 months left to complete construction, the $14.3M contingency budget is nearly depleted as result of uncertainties related to unsuitable materials management, increased professional services, extra works performed on behalf of third parties and base program changes. Depletion of the contingency for these additional scope items has meant there are insufficient funds to cover the cost of the interactive fountain/ cooling station and temporary washrooms in Granville Square, which have also increased in cost.
A gross budget increase of $15.5M has been approved to address these unknown site conditions and additional scopes of work. Offsetting this increase is an expected $25.2M in cost recoveries from third party work and utilities cost sharing, resulting in an expected net project budget decrease of $9.7M.
The updated cost of the project is estimated to be $138.1, and construction is expected to be complete in December 2025.
For detailed financial information, read the staff report.
Active Transportation Infrastructure on Burnside Expressway
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to proceed with planning, site investigation, preliminary design and stakeholder engagement for Trunk 7, Magazine Hill. This would include assessing options for how the corridor could be reconfigured to serve municipal needs, including transit priority and active transportation infrastructure.
The provincial government is currently constructing an extension of Highway 107, between Highway 118, near the Burnside Industrial Park and Highway 102 in the Bedford/Sackville area, a long-planned project commonly referred to as the ‘Burnside Expressway.’
Though the Burnside Expressway project is not a municipal project, the municipality recognizes the large impact it has on the regional transportation network. Planning for Trunk 7, Magazine Hill would include assessing options for how the corridor could be reconfigured to serve municipal needs, including transit priority and active transportation infrastructure.
For more information, read the staff report.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Supporting transit growth and improved accessibility in the region
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to submit an expression of interest to the Canada Public Transit Fund Baseline Funding Stream, which will support the continued growth and improved accessibility for transit across the region.
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada announced the launch of the Canada Public Transit Fund, a new $30 million investment over 10 years to expand public transit and make transit more accessible across the country.
Council has also requested the Chief Administrative Officer to submit an application to the Zero Emission Transit Fund to support the municipality’s own emission reduction objectives.
For more information, read the staff report.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.