Making a difference in our region

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 Nov. 12, 2024

Body of water under a clear, blue sky.

LakeWatchers Water Quality Monitoring Program

Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to initiate a review of the municipality’s current Saltwater Management Plan and to explore policy options for setbacks for new stormwater discharge locations.

These recommendations stem from the LakeWatchers Water Quality Monitoring Program Report. The LakeWatchers Program, launched in 2022, conducts water quality monitoring in 73 lakes. Water quality monitoring is a critical component of effective water resource management. This responsibility is shared across all levels of government, the private sector and the general community.

Given that many municipal programs, services and responsibilities directly affect lake health and water quality, the municipality is uniquely positioned to monitor water quality and address emerging issues, as well as ongoing concerns.

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

Helicopter flying over a cloudy blue sky.

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.

Two bikes travelling on a bike lane.

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.