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 21, 2024
SailGP Fly Past
Halifax Regional Council has approved a fly past from two helicopters to celebrate the Rockwool Canada Sail Grand Prix (SailGP). SailGP is international sail competition that will bring ten international teams, using high performance catamarans to Halifax Harbour for a world class racing event. Halifax was selected as the first ever Canadian city to host a SailGP competition.
For more information, read the motion.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Funding for more affordable housing
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administration Officer to allocate $6.1 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund to support affordable housing projects in the regional centre. Council has also directed the Chief Administrative Officer for additional funding for project grants in the suburban area of the municipality.
Grants would support renovations or repairs to shared housing and apartments rented at below market value and grants to support new construction. A grant would allow support the purchase of an existing building to be used for affordable housing.
This funding will allow the municipality to support the current and urgent need for affordable housing for its residents.
For more information, read the motion.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Promoting sustainable regional development
Regional Council has requested that Mayor Mike Savage write a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, urging for the adoption of the proposed Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations.
The Province of Nova Scotia had previously announced a delay to the adoption of the building code regulations that would guide the sector toward net-zero emissions. These regulations would mandate minimum standards for the construction of new buildings. A delay in these regulations will delay the municipality’s ability to accomplish our ambitious climate change objectives. These regulations represent a positive step towards decarbonizing Nova Scotia’s building section while keeping the municipality on track for its own emission reduction objectives through HalifACT.
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
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.