Hello All,
I hope you are able to take some time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends over the holidays. I know that is not a possibility for everyone in our community. I have shared the information on social media today about where folks experiencing homelessness can go for shelter during the storm tonight.
Councils, Committees and Boards:
These groups are great opportunities to learn about all that goes on in HRM and are helpful to prepare for Regional Council meetings as well, as we often see items first introduced at committees. The commitment is generally for two years.
As the District 7 Councillor, I am automatically a part of the following groups:
Regional Centre Community Council | Halifax
Halifax and West Community Council | Halifax
Point Pleasant Park Advisory Committee | Halifax
Here are the committees I am now a part of after the complicated process of assigning councillors to committees is complete: (I think!)
Environment and Sustainability Standing Committee | Halifax (Appointed by Council.)
Executive Standing Committee | Halifax (Appointed by ESSC.)
Accessibility Advisory Committee | Halifax (Nominated by ESC, to be appointed by Council soon.)
Special Events Advisory Committee | Halifax (Nominated by HWCC, to be appointed by the Audit & Finance Standing Committee soon.)
Halifax Regional Library Board | Halifax (Appointed by Council. I’m also on its Awards Committee.)
I’m also on this one that was outside of the process:
Port Community Liaison Committee | Port of Halifax (Invited.)
19 November 2024 Council Meeting District 7 Topics
The full meeting agenda, reports and video recording are linked here:
Halifax Regional Council – November 19, 2024
Nothing specific to D7 to discuss. Mostly committee appointments, meeting schedule approvals and in camera (confidential) items.
03 December 2024 Council Meeting District 7 Topics
The full meeting agenda, reports and video recording are linked here:
Halifax Regional Council – December 03, 2024
Agenda Item 10.1 Motion:
“That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Waive Notice of Motion, in accordance with section 49 (1) of Administrative Order One; and
2. Rescind Regional Council’s July 9th, 2024 endorsement of the amended list of potential designated locations and direct the Chief Administrative Officer to cease designating locations for sheltering from this list.”
This motion failed. I voted yes and explained why here.
10 December 2024 Council Meeting District 7 Topics
The full meeting agenda, reports and video recording are linked here:
Halifax Regional Council – December 10, 2024
Agenda Item 12.1 Motion:
Item 12.1 Public Hearing: Proposed Demolition of a Municipally Registered Heritage Property at 1259 South Park Street, Halifax (in Holy Cross Cemetary)
“Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve the application by the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth under the Heritage Property Act to demolish the registered heritage property at 1259 South Park Street, Halifax, subject to the following conditions:
a. The stone masonry wall on the northern boundary of the subject property must be retained in-situ;
b. The original 1846 stone foundations of the Cemetery Keeper’s House (1259 South Park Street) must be retained in-situ and daylighted (made visible to the public);
c. Interpretive signage explaining the heritage significance of the foundations must be installed by the applicant near the foundations;
d. Any columbaria or other structures to be erected on the property must be built within and/or around the foundations without removing or unduly obscuring the foundations; and
e. The applicant must comply with Schmidtville Heritage Conservation District By-law requirements for a Certificate of Appropriateness for any new buildings or structures, including columbaria; and,
2. Direct the Heritage Officer to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness in accordance with the Schmidtville Heritage Conservation District Plan and By-law for the demolition of the contributing heritage resource.”
Prior to this meeting, I felt that this was a pretty straight forward decision. The regular process had been followed. The request was initially denied by the Heritage Advisory Committee, then later granted when it was amended with conditions for “partial conservation and re-use of the property, including the conservation of the northern stone masonry wall and the conservation, daylighting, and interpretation of the 1846 stone foundations of the Cemetary Keeper’s House”.
When the topic was on the agenda for the 12 November Council meeting I only heard from 1 resident in opposition. So, I was a bit surprised to have four passionate speakers in attendance in opposition to the motion.
All concerns raised by the speakers were addressed by discussions between staff, Councillors, and the applicant. The house itself is not original to the site. It is not registered on its own, but as a part of a streetscape and Schmidtville.
This motion passed. I voted Yes.
Public Service Announcements
We get a lot of these coming through. I’m not able to communicate often enough in this format to let you know in advance about all of them, so please search for past PSAs here: News | Halifax
I know this is a dying social media platform, but “Municipal public service announcements and media releases are shared via (X) Twitter. Stay up to date on the latest news by following:
@hfxgov, @hfxRegPolice and @hfxfire“
HRM is also on Instagram @hfxmoments and on Facebook and LinkinIn as “Halifax Regional Municipality”.
I do share some of these posts via my own social medial platforms, but not all. I’ll post a few below that are still relevant (WINTER PARKING BAN TONIGHT!)
Public Service Announcement
Municipal overnight winter parking ban takes effect Dec. 15
Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that the municipal overnight winter parking ban is in effect from Dec. 15, 2024 through March 31, 2025. The overnight winter parking ban is enforced from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. during declared weather events and snow removal operations.
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead when snow is in the forecast and secure off-street parking when the overnight winter parking ban is enforced.
The municipality has two zones for the overnight winter parking ban: Zone 1 – Central and Zone 2 – Non-Central (see attached maps).
Zone 1 – Central refers to the Halifax peninsula and downtown Dartmouth within Highway 111 (the Circumferential Highway) and some surrounding areas. Zone 2 – Non-Central is a designated area outside of Zone 1 – Central. Residents are able to determine which zone they’re in by searching their address using the interactive tool available here, or by referring to the attached maps.
The following overnight winter parking ban scenarios may occur before, during or after a declared weather event:
- Municipal overnight winter parking ban is in effect/has been lifted
- Zone 1 – Central overnight winter parking ban is in effect/has been lifted
- Zone 2 – Non-Central overnight winter parking ban is in effect/has been lifted
- Zone 1 – Central overnight winter parking ban has been lifted, but will continue to be enforced in Zone 2 – Non-Central
- Zone 2 – Non-Central overnight winter parking ban has been lifted, but will continue to be enforced in Zone 1 – Central
Sometimes, targeted snow removal in certain downtown areas is required. Having two zones enhances service delivery by implementing overnight winter parking bans that accommodate targeted snow removal.
Overnight winter parking bans will continue to be communicated to residents via public service announcements, hfxALERT, halifax.ca, and @hfxgov on X. Residents who are signed up for hfxALERT will receive notifications for all overnight winter parking ban scenarios.
Compliance
When and where you park this winter can have a big impact on snow clearing. To help ensure the streets are cleared properly, the municipality has enhanced enforcement in areas around hospitals, schools, bus routes and challenging streets to ensure unobstructed access for snow equipment and emergency vehicles.
Officers will be ticketing vehicles obstructing sidewalk clearing. Vehicles hanging out of a driveway or parked on the sidewalk are prone to damage and become dangerous obstacles for crews. These obstacles prevent crews from clearing sidewalks properly, which can quickly become an accessibility issue.
Regardless of the status of the overnight winter parking ban, vehicles can be ticketed or towed at any time if their vehicle is interfering with snow clearing operations as outlined in Section 139 of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act.
To avoid a ticket and the costs of being towed, residents should ask themselves these questions when considering parking on the street this winter:
- Is the overnight winter parking ban currently being enforced?
- Is my vehicle making the road impassable?
- Is my vehicle impeding snow operations in the area?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, do not park on the street. The municipality does not want to ticket or tow — the objective is to keep vehicles off the streets to facilitate efficient and safe clearing. This, in turn, ensures emergency vehicles, buses and other vehicles have proper access.
Safety
Planters, lawn decorations and any other portable objects near the sidewalk should be removed before the winter. Any permanent structures or objects too big to move should be marked with a reflector that will be visible above the snow to help crews identify obstacles.
Safety is our top priority for residents and crews. We ask for residents’ continued co-operation and diligence during declared overnight winter parking bans.
Important reminders to all property owners
Never clear snow from your property onto the street or sidewalk. Property owners must ensure the snow they clear is piled on their own property. It is against By-Law S-300 to throw or pile snow in the street or on the sidewalk. This is a serious problem that can cause safety issues for pedestrians and other users as it complicates snow clearing.
Weather conditions and snow clearing operations will determine how long an overnight winter parking ban will be enforced, as it may be in place for more than one night. The easiest way to stay informed about the status of overnight winter parking bans is to register for automated notifications by signing up for hfxALERT. Subscribers will receive timely alerts by phone, email, and/or text message when the ban is in effect and again when it is lifted.
Think before you park this winter — it will help make the season a little easier on everyone.
For more information on municipal winter operations, please visit halifax.ca/snow.“
Public Service Announcement
Needham Community Centre pool temporarily closed Dec. 3 to Jan. 10
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 (Halifax, N.S.) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that the Needham Community Centre pool (3372 Devonshire Avenue, Halifax) will be closed from Tuesday, Dec. 3 to Tuesday, Jan. 10 for maintenance.
For a full list of alternative swimming facilities, visit our website.
Public Service Announcement
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency recruitment
Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 (Halifax, N.S.) – Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) is accepting applications for career firefighters from Jan. 2 to Jan. 16, 2025. Career firefighters serve their communities by protecting and preserving life, property and the environment through appropriate emergency management.
The recruitment process is multi-phased and will include an application, aptitude testing, physical abilities testing, a background screening and panel interview. The skills, abilities and competencies measured through each of these phases are in alignment with the requirements for firefighters. Becoming a firefighter is a serious commitment that requires unwavering dedication and extensive preparation at every stage of the recruitment process. Candidates will face rigorous evaluations designed to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared to tackle the challenges of this demanding profession.
HRFE is hosting several community sessions to help potential candidates learn more about the firefighting recruitment process. The community sessions will run from Dec. 10, 2024 to Jan. 15, 2025. For information about an information session near you, visit our website.
Firefighting is a rewarding and challenging career. Firefighters work long hours and often under highly physically demanding work. Careers with HRFE offer flexible work-life balance and competitive salaries.
For more information, visit our website.
Public Service Announcement
Fluoridation of Drinking Water resumes at J.Douglas Kline (Pockwock Lake)
(December 12, 2024) – Halifax Water is advising customers that fluoridation of drinking water has resumed at J.Douglas Kline (Pockwock Lake) water supply plant.
While the addition of fluoride is not a regulatory requirement, Halifax Water has reported this change in drinking water treatment to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSECC), as required by its Approval to Operate permit.
The Halifax Water Board of Commissioners endorsed fluoridation based on support from the IWK, the Nova Scotia Dental Association, and the Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry.
Halifax Water remains committed to continuing fluoridation as directed by our Board of Commissioners in consultation with Public Health.
To find out where your water comes from visit: Where Does My Water Come From?
For more information on Halifax Water, please visit www.halifaxwater.ca, follow us on YouTube or Twitter @HalifaxWater, or like us on Facebook. You can also call our Customer Care Centre at 902-420-9287.
Media Contact:
Communications Department, Halifax Water
(902) 233-1157 | communications@halifaxwater.ca“
Public Service Announcement
Municipality announces key dates for the 2025/26 municipal budget process
Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 (Halifax, N.S.) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of key dates for the 2025/26 municipal budget process.
The municipal budget funds all costs associated with servicing a growing municipality. This includes day-to-day municipal operations, capital priority initiatives approved by Regional Council and capital projects and investments to purchase, construct, rehabilitate and replace municipal assets.
There are several milestones in the annual municipal budget process. Below are the key dates for the 2025/26 municipal budget process:
- Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 – 2023/24 Strategic Performance Report and Snapshot. Regional Council will receive the 2023/24 Strategic Performance Report, outlining progress on strategic key performance indicators intended to assess advancement on approved priorities from the Strategic Priorities Plan 2021-25.
- Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 – Budget Introduction and Capital Plan Recommendation.
- Wednesday, Feb. 12 to Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 – Business Unit and Budget Presentations. Each municipal business unit will present their proposed budget and business plan. Below are the scheduled presentation dates for each business unit.
- Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Public Safety (including Community Safety; Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency; Halifax Regional Police; and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Halifax Regional Detachment)
- Wednesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 20 – Operations (including Halifax Transit; Parks & Recreation; Planning & Development; Property, Fleet & Environment; and Public Works).
- Wednesday, Feb. 26 – Corporate Services (including Chief Administrative Office; Finance & Asset Management; Human Resources; Information Technology; and Legal & Legislative Services.
- Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – Budget Adjustment List (BAL) Review. The BAL includes all additional items that business units have presented beyond their proposed budgets, including add-ons (“overs”) and subtractions (“unders”).
- Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – Budget Approval.
Please note these dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit halifax.ca/budget.
Residents will have the opportunity to speak directly to the Budget Committee during the budget process. During each meeting, time will be set aside for the public to provide insight and comments.
For more information on the 2025/26 municipal budget process, visit halifax.ca/budget.
Public Service Announcement
Holiday municipal service level adjustments
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 (Halifax, N.S.) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following municipal program and service level adjustments in effect over the upcoming holidays.
Solid Waste Collection and Facility Hours
There will be no garbage, organics or recyclables collection services on Dec. 25. Curbside collection normally scheduled for Dec. 25 will occur on Dec. 28. Regular collection services will resume on Dec. 26.
There will be no garbage, organics or recyclables collection services on Jan. 1. Curbside collection normally scheduled for Jan. 1 will occur on Jan. 4. Regular collection services will resume on Jan. 2.
Residents are reminded that collection services can begin as early as 7 a.m. To ensure collection, materials should be placed curbside the evening prior to collection day.
The Household Special Waste (HSW) Depot at 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive will be closed on Dec. 28 and Jan 4. The HSW Depot will be open on Dec. 21 and Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the complete HSW program schedule, please visit our website.
The Otter Lake Waste Facility will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The Otter Lake Waste Facility will be open on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Materials Recovery Facility will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan.1. It will be open on Dec. 28. and Jan. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holiday hours of operation for the Otter Lake Waste Facility and Materials Recovery Facility can be found on the Service Updates page.
Sign up for weekly collection reminders and service alerts, or print a calendar customized for your address here.
Halifax Transit Bus and Ferry Services
Halifax Transit buses and Access-A-Bus will be operating on holiday service schedules on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
Halifax Transit ferries will not be operating on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Alderney Ferry will be operating on holiday service schedule on Dec. 26. There will be no Woodside Ferry service on Dec. 26. Detailed holiday service schedules can be viewed on our website.
On New Year’s Eve, in support of M.A.D.D. Halifax Regional Chapter, Halifax Transit will be offering free fares for all passengers beginning at 6 p.m., with extended conventional bus and Alderney ferry service. Donations to M.A.D.D. will be accepted at the Halifax ferry terminal. More information about extended service on New Year’s Eve can be found on our website.
Recreation Facilities, Programs and Services
Many recreation facilities will be operating on irregular schedules between Dec. 21 and Jan. 2. Please call ahead to your local facility in advance to confirm holiday operating hours. Recreation facility contact information can be found here.
The Emera Oval is now open for the 2024/25 winter season. Please check our website for updated skate times.
The municipality will host a Skate with Santa event on Dec. 21 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Residents are invited to come and skate to holiday music, enjoy complimentary candy canes and take a picture with Santa and the Grinch.
There will also be a “Countdown to 2025” New Year’s Eve skate from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. – as well as a countdown at 8 p.m. for younger skaters.
Parking
Municipal on-street parking will be free on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Parking Enforcement will resume regular operations on Dec. 27.
Residents are reminded to abide by all safety signage including accessible parking and no stopping.
During a weather event, it is important to check if the winter parking ban is in effect.
Customer Contact Centres
The 311 Contact Centre will be closed for general inquires on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan.1. Customers may still call 311 for urgent requests concerning transportation, municipal operations, facilities, animal services and illegally parked vehicles.
The three Customer Service Centres that provide in-person access to municipal services and payments will be closing at noon on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. The Customer Service Centres will also be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
For more information, visit our website.”
Tree Pruning

Chestnut St – Walnut St – Henry St – Robie St – Inglis St – South St – Dalhousie St – Studley Ave – Cartaret St – Murray Pl – Waterloo St – Fraser St – Davis St – Jennings St – Payzant Ave – Watt St – Bliss St – Binney St – Larch St – Preston Rd – Lilac St – Lemarchant St – Seymour St – Robie St
Cyclical Street Tree Pruning program, which will take place between December 1, 2024 and March 21, 2025.
Proactive street tree pruning activities, as outlined in the Urban Forest Master Plan, improve the health of the urban canopy, ensuring longer lived trees and greater return on investment. Proactive pruning also ensures the safety of our residents, by reducing damage caused by street trees during severe weather events.
Work areas were selected based on priority level and budget. Please note that our reactive pruning program is ongoing, and residents are encouraged to report any tree maintenance requests through 311.
Contractors will complete the Cyclical Street Tree Pruning program according to best practices regarding tree health and infrastructure clearances (e.g. roads, sidewalks, power lines and signs). Trees are assessed for removal on an individual basis. If removal is deemed necessary, a new tree will eventually be planted in its place. There may be temporary street and sidewalk closures while work is underway.
This operational plan will be supported by communications measures through to contract completion. (Some communication has been lacking here, our apologies. Processes are being reviewed.)
For more information about the cyclical tree pruning program, please visit our cyclical pruning webpage.
Community Events:

Wrapped in Community Spirit at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
December 5, 2024
The Wrapped in Community Spirit holiday giving campaign is back at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. From Sunday, December 1 until Sunday, December 29, the Market will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, and warm accessories for those in need.
Donations will be collected in Noggins Corner Farm apple boxes at the entrance to the Market. Market goers are encouraged to help fill the boxes with donations for Adsum for Women and Children and Feed Nova Scotia. This is the Market’s sixth year supporting the Wrapped in Community Spirit initiative.
The popular Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is located within Pavilion 23, 961 Marginal Road, in the Halifax Seaport district at the Port of Halifax. The market has more than 100 vendors and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sundays.
Residents invited to municipal New Year’s Eve celebrations
Monday, Dec. 16, 2024 (Halifax, N.S.) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting residents to its free annual New Year’s Eve celebrations – taking place at Grand Parade on Tuesday, Dec. 31 starting at 11 p.m.
Featured performers will include Aquakultre, PINEO & LOEB ft. Ashley MacIsaac, JRDN, Jah’Mila and Andre Pettipas.
There will be a fireworks display at midnight. The event will also be broadcast on Eastlink Community TV.
History Project via Dr. Jonathan Fowler at SMU:
The Memory Maps main page:
The research page on Facebook, which provides additional material:
https://www.facebook.com/archaeologyacadie
Roadworks:
ARGYLE ST
DUKE ST to CARMICHAEL ST
Start Date: Monday, December 23, 2024 at 8:00AM
End Date: Monday, December 23, 2024 at 5:00PM
Reopening Evenings: Yes
Reopening Weekends: Yes
Comments:
Temporary street closure to use a crane to lift equipment to the roof of the building. Pedestrian access will be maintained on the east side of Argyle St. A signed detour will be in place for motorists.