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 25 Feb, 2020
Review of the Halifax Regional Municipal Planning Strategy
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to initiative the process to review the Halifax Regional Municipal Planning Strategy (Regional Plan), including developing a new planning document and amending existing planning documents as may be necessary. The Regional Plan is a strategic document built on a common vision and principles for the municipality to achieve balanced and sustainable growth. This will be the second five-year review of the plan, with Regional Council approval and adoption anticipated in 2022.
Read the report for more information.
Adoption of the Eastern Passage Common Planning Report
Regional Council has adopted the Eastern Passage Common Planning Report. This planning report has been developed with five defined program areas and will serve as a guiding document for future improvements to the Eastern Passage Common.
To learn more, please read the report.
Previous highlights of recent Council decisions
Municipality and province identify potential new location for QEII parkade and heating plant
The municipality and the province have been working together to identify alternate design options and locations for the QEII parkade and heating plant, while minimizing the impact to green spaces. Further to today’s decision by Regional Council, the municipality will work with the province to allow the QEII Redevelopment Project to locate the parkade and heating plant on the west side of Summer Street, adjacent to the new hospital expansion. Once more detailed site surveys and specifics of this approach have been finalized with the province, the municipality will look for public engagement regarding changes to Summer Street.
Public Transportation Assistance Program Contribution Agreement
Regional Council has authorized the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to sign a contribution agreement with the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, to receive $2,000,000 in funding under the Public Transportation Assistance Program for capital investments for Halifax Transit. The Transportation Assistance Program was developed as part of an action plan to expand and improve access to community transportation.
Read the report for more information.
District 4 Aquatic Report
Regional Council has authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to proceed with the following options for outdoor aquatic features or facilities in District 4:
1. Evaluate the following two options for public access to natural water bodies to determine their suitability for recreational opportunities:
(a) Morris Lake – owned by the Kiwanis Club of Cole Harbour
(b) Bissett Lake – owned by the municipality
2. Establish a new supervised beach if one of the sites is deemed suitable;
3. Investigate the feasibility of re-purposing the small wading pool at the Cole Harbour Outdoor Pool Complex to a splash pad; and
4. Continue evaluation of potential locations for a stand-alone splash pad in District 4, until prioritized in the Long-Term Aquatic Strategy.
To learn more about these features, please read the report.
Friends of the Dartmouth Splashpad and Park
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to proceed with the Dartmouth Splash Pad at the Dartmouth Commons site, pending the provision of full funding as outlined in the report. The CAO will continue to work with the Friends of the Dartmouth Splash Pad + Park community group to secure the funding for the project.
Read the report for more information.