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, June 24, 2025
Rural Transit grants approved for 2025/26 fiscal year
Halifax Regional Council has approved funding through the Rural Transit Funding Program for the 2025/26 fiscal year, with grants totaling up to $503,851. The program provides financial support to non-profit organizations delivering transit services in rural areas of the municipality.
Grants will be awarded to four rural transit providers:
• BayRides;
• East Hants Community Rider;
• MusGo Rider Eastern Shore; and,
• MusGo Rider Valley-Sheet Harbour.
The Rural Transit Funding Program includes two types of financial assistance: an annual lump sum payment and a per-kilometre flat rate.
term sustainability of rural transit operations.
This ongoing commitment will ensure accessible and sustainable rural transit services.
For more information, read the staff report.
Community Grants Program supports 63 local projects across the municipality
Halifax Regional Council has approved 63 grant awards through the 2025/26 Community Grants Program, totaling $476,430 in funding to support a wide range of non-profit and community-led initiatives.
These awards reflect Council’s continued investment in strengthening communities through arts, heritage, environment, recreation, and social services. Adjustments were made to ensure fairness and accountability, while allowing for flexibility in cases where matching funding was confirmed or project costs were reduced.
This program continues to demonstrate Council’s commitment to building vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities across the Halifax region.
For more information, read the staff report.
Cogswell District project construction to reach substantial completion by end of year
The final phase of construction of the Cogswell District project marks a major milestone in transforming this key area of downtown Halifax into a vibrant, connected urban space. Over the next six months, the project will deliver significant infrastructure improvements, including the completion of Upper Water Street’s realignment, modernized underground services and new corridors such as Amalamek Way and Nora Bernard Street.
Active transportation infrastructure will be expanded with the completion of the multi-use path network. With new lots prepared for future development, green spaces like Granville Park nearing completion and major roadways reopened or reconnected, this phase will bring the project’s construction to substantial completion — creating a more accessible and well-connected downtown district.
For more information, read the staff report.
Previous meeting highlights
Student Transit Pass Program extended through the 2025/2026 school year
Halifax Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to work with the Province of Nova Scotia to extend the Student Transit Pass Pilot Program through the 2025-26 school year.
Students in grades seven to 12 who attend junior high and high schools within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) catchment areas will continue to have access to unlimited travel on Halifax Transit buses, Access-A-Buses and ferries.
Regional Council has also approved expansion of the program to include registered homeschooled students in grades seven to 12 who live in the Halifax region. Homeschooled students will also receive a free Halifax Transit pass by presenting proof of homeschool registration at municipal Customer Contact Centres.
First launched in 2021, the continuation of the program has been made possible through a funding agreement between the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Province of Nova Scotia. Two surveys, conducted in fall 2024 and winter 2025, highlighted the program’s positive impacts on student independence, confidence and increased transit usage, as reported by both students and parents.
For more information, read the staff report.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.