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 May 7, 2024
Community Engagement Strategy 2024
Halifax Regional Council has approved a revised Community Engagement Strategy that will provide a framework for employees for the effective delivery of community engagement efforts.
The landscape in the municipality has changed since the previous Community Engagement Strategy was developed in 2008. The Halifax region has experienced unprecedented growth over the last 16 years, largely due to an increase in immigration, and is expected to reach a population of one million residents by 2050. A new approach to community engagement will allow the municipality to leverage technology and new methods to engage with residents to ensure programs and services meet the needs of our vibrant and diverse communities.
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
Regional Council approves 2024/25 municipal budget
Regional Council has approved the 2024/25 municipal budget.
The annual municipal budget funds all costs associated with servicing the growing region – including municipal operations, Regional Council-approved priority initiatives and investments to purchase, construct and rehabilitate municipal assets.
The 2024/25 municipal budget includes an operating budget of $1.04 billion and a capital budget of $306.5 million.
Below are select highlights from the 2024/25 municipal budget, grouped in Regional Council-approved priorities from the Strategic Priorities Plan 2021-25.
Communities
-
$2 million for a 24/7 fire station conversion in Hammonds Plains
-
Funding for 22 new Halifax Regional Police positions and six new Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers
-
$2.3 million in continued Community Safety programs and new positions
-
Funding for 10 new crossing guard positions
Prosperous Economy
-
$7.5 million in budgeted tax relief for non-profit and charitable organizations
Environment
-
$18.6 million for capital projects as part of HalifACT: Acting on Climate Together
Integrated Mobility
-
$271 million for the Mill Cove Ferry Terminal project
-
$2.4 million for funding of the Integrated Mobility Plan
The tax bill is the collection of all necessary levies – including the general property taxes, area charges and provincial contributions. For more information on how to read the tax bill, visit: halifax.ca/taxes.
Effective the 2024/25 fiscal year, the municipality will no longer be required to collect and remit taxes to the Province of Nova Scotia for Housing and Corrections. Previously, these charges were included in the “provincial rate” section of residents’ tax bill.
While this change has no effect on the municipality’s budget, it will lower the total tax bill – which includes the portion the municipality collects on the province’s behalf.
The average residential tax bill (including provincial contributions and mandatory tax) will increase by 6.3 per cent – or approximately $214. This is based on the average single family home assessment value of $323,300.
The municipal portion of the average residential tax bill is increasing by 8.2 per cent – or approximately $188. This is based on the average single family home assessment value of $323,300.
The residential tax rate will increase from 0.76 to 0.77.
For more information on the 2024/25 municipal budget, visit: halifax.ca/budget.