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, Sept. 9, 2025
Drought Monitoring and Water Delivery
Regional Council has directed the CAO to continue the municipal water distribution program and approve reserve funding to support costs related to drought relief.
This summer, Nova Scotia, including the municipality, has faced severe drought conditions, leaving many rural wells dry. In response, the municipality established water distribution centres at volunteer fire stations, supported by firefighters, Joint Emergency Management teams, and municipal staff.
The municipality is providing four litres of drinking water per person per day, consistent with Canadian Red Cross guidelines. This ensures that families are provided the water they need’s Since early August, the municipality has distributed more than $59,000 worth of water through six distribution locations.
To maintain service, Council approved a withdrawal of up to $200,000 from the Risk Resilience Reserve. Any provincial or federal reimbursement received will be reallocated back to the reserve.
The municipality recognizes the environmental impacts of bottled water and strives to reduce waste by distributing 4-litre jugs rather than individual bottles.
This action ensures that residents without access to well water continue to receive safe drinking water during the current drought.
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Parks Stewardship Program
Regional Council has directed the CAO to develop a Park Stewardship Program.
The proposed program will expand opportunities for residents and community groups to take part in the care and enhancement of municipal parks. It builds on existing initiatives such as community gardens and naturalization projects, while adding new components like Adopt-a-Park and more flexible cleanup opportunities.
Halifax has more than 900 parks, ranging from neighbourhood green spaces to wilderness areas. While day-to-day maintenance is performed by municipal staff or contractors, there is strong community interest in contributing to stewardship activities. The Park Stewardship Program will provide a consistent, coordinated framework for this involvement.
The program is expected to launch using existing resources, with future program growth to be assessed and reported back to Council as required.
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
Potential New Active Transportation Crossing
Regional Council has directed the CAO to consider a new active transportation crossing over the CN rail corridor between Scot Street and Chisholm Avenue in future planning.
The CN rail cut is a barrier between the Halifax peninsula and mainland Halifax. Many residents use informal paths in this area to connect to higher-density residential areas on the peninsula side and shopping, services, and employment destinations on the mainland side.
A bridge at this location could:
- Improve safety by eliminating informal rail crossings
- Connect to future bikeways and sidewalks at the north end of the peninsula
- Provide an alternative to the Windsor Street Exchange for some walking and cycling trips
Preliminary estimates suggest the project could cost between 2 to 4 million, plus costs for property acquisition or easements. It will be considered during the update of the Integrated Mobility Plan and the successor to the Active Transportation Priorities Plan.
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
People, Planet, Prosperity: Halifax’s Inclusive Economic Strategy Update
Regional Council has received an update on People, Planet, Prosperity: Halifax’s Inclusive Economic Strategy, which guides economic growth in the municipality from 2022 to 2027.
The strategy focuses on ensuring all residents can contribute to – and benefit from – Halifax’s prosperity. It has three overarching goals:
- Promote and maximize inclusive and sustainable growth
- Attract, retain and develop talent
- Make Halifax a better place to live, work and visit
Highlights from April 2024 to March 2025 include:
- GDP growth of 2.6 per cent, outpacing national and provincial averages
- Progress on the Housing Accelerator Fund, with 39 per cent of the three-year housing target achieved in the first year
- Support for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous economic development initiatives
- Expansion of the Student Transit Pass Pilot Program and adoption of the renewed Accessibility Strategy (2025–2028)
- Ongoing major projects including the Cogswell District Redevelopment and Windsor Street Exchange redesign
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.