2025 Participatory Budgeting 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. The 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 (including children!) to come and help choose projects that will help build a stronger community. This is an engaging way to make decisions about how to spend public money 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? View Map
Does your community:
- Need funding for a project to either support, enhance, or build community?
- Want to see more public art, bike racks, benches, 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 Kate Richardson, my Council Constituency Coordinator. Kate can be contacted by email at richark@halifax.ca or by phone 902-490-4090 if you have any questions or concerns.
Capital projects that provide a public benefit can be funded. All HRM policies and guidelines must be met. Read the HRM District Capital Policy here.
Dates and Deadlines
Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday April 23rd, 2025
Proposals can be submitted by either email or mail. All email submissions should be sent to Kate Richardson (richark@halifax.ca). If sending by mail applications can be sent to:
Council Support Office
c/o Kate Richardson
PO Box 1749
Halifax, NS
B3J 3A5
District 7 Participatory Budget Community Vote Night
Voting will take place on Monday 5 May 2025 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Lindsay Children’s Room in the Halifax Public Library- Central Library (5440 Spring Garden Road).
Any District 7 resident in attendance can vote, even kids! ID is not required to vote, but voters will be asked to fill out 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 D7.
How do I know if my group is eligible for Capital Funding?
- To be eligible for this program you must be a not-for-profit organization or a community group. You can also be partnered with one.
- You have not received funds from an HRM Grant Program this fiscal year
- Complete guidelines on who qualifies for capital funds and what types of projects can be funded are outlined in Administrative Order 2017-009-ADM, Respecting District Funds | Halifax.ca
- If you are not sure if your group or project qualifies for funding, please reach out to Kate Richardson (richark@halifax.ca.) Kate would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
How do I apply for Participatory Budget Funding?
- Complete the Funding Request Form – it can be downloaded here
- Include a Letter of Request from your not-for-profit or community group including a description of the project and the benefits to the community
- Submit the application to Kate Richardson (richark@halifax.ca) via email or by mail to the Council Sport Office, c/o Kate Richardson, PO Box 1749 Halifax, NS B3J 3A5
- All projects must have all paperwork ready, signed, and submitted prior to the voting taking place
Additional Information
- There is a limit of $10,000 that any one project can receive
- We must have evidence that a previous project is complete before an organization can apply for more funds
- Please provide proof that your organization is registered with the Registry of Joint Stocks as a society or NFP Coop