Participatory Budgeting 2026 is Here!
I am excited to invite District 7 residents once again to provide their input on how to spend $70,000 in the community, using the Participatory Budgeting (PB) model. This tradition was started in 2013 by Waye Mason. The benefits of this process are that it encourages great ideas to come forward from local groups, builds community support and collaboration, and gives local residents a direct say in how they want the District 7 capital funds spent.
On PB vote night, everyone is encouraged to come and help choose projects that will help build a stronger community — including children! This is an engaging way to make decisions about how public money is spent in our community.
People like YOU will propose projects and/or make recommendations on how to spend this money.
Do you live in District 7 Halifax South Downtown? District 7 | Halifax South Downtown | Halifax
Does your community:
• Need funding for a project to support, enhance, or build community?
• Want to see more public art, bike racks, benches, or community gardens?
• Want to improve a park or playground?
Capital projects that provide a public benefit are eligible for funding.
You are encouraged to contact my office and speak to Andrea Rowan, Council Constituency Coordinator.
Andrea can be reached by:
• Email: andrea.rowan@halifax.ca
• Phone: 902 490 7184
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
All HRM policies and guidelines must be met.
Read the HRM District Capital Policy here: Administrative Order 2017-009-ADM, Respecting District Funds.
Dates and Deadlines
Proposal Submission Deadline:
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Proposals can be submitted by either email or mail.
Email submissions should be sent to:
Andrea Rowan – andrea.rowan@halifax.ca
If sending by mail, applications can be sent to:
Council Support Office
c/o Andrea Rowan
PO Box 1749 Halifax, NS B3J 3A5
District 7 Participatory Budget Community Vote Night
Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lindsay Children’s Room
Halifax Central Library
5440 Spring Garden Road
Any District 7 resident in attendance can vote — even kids!
ID is not required to vote; however, voters will be asked to complete a sign in sheet affirming they are residents of District 7.
Not sure if you live in District 7? Click here to look up your address.
The boundary changed on 19 October 2024. Generally, if you live south of Cogswell or Jubilee, you live in District 7.
How Do I Know if My Group Is Eligible for Capital Funding?
To be eligible:
• You must be a not-for-profit organization or community group (or partnered with one)
• You have not received funds from an HRM Grant Program this fiscal year
• Your project meets the criteria outlined in
Administrative Order 2017 009 ADM, Respecting District Funds | Halifax.ca
If you are unsure whether your group or project qualifies, please reach out to Andrea Rowan (andrea.rowan@halifax.ca) — Andrea would be happy to help.
How Do I Apply for Participatory Budget Funding?
1. Complete the Funding Request Form District Capital Request Form.pdf
2. Include a Letter of Request from your not-for-profit or community group outlining:
o The project
o The benefit to the community
3. Submit your application by email or mail to Andrea Rowan
4. All paperwork must be completed, signed, and submitted prior to voting
Additional Information:
• The maximum funding per project is $10,000
• Organizations must show that any previously funded projects are complete
• Proof of registration with the Registry of Joint Stocks (society or NFP co-op) is required