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 Sept. 29-30, 2020
Fair Wage/Living Wage and Social Value Framework adopted
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to approve the adoption of a Supplier Code of Conduct (including living wage requirements) and approve the adoption of a Social Value Framework, both with effective dates of April 1, 2021.
The CAO has also been directed to investigate possibilities for the adoption of a Green Market incubation program as a part of HalifACT, as well as adopt the amendments to the Procurement Administrative Order.
Staff propose a more robust living wage requirement embedded within a comprehensive Supplier Code of Conduct addressing a variety of social matters. In addition to ethical, environmental, employment standards and workplace health and safety requirements that would apply to all contracts, staff recommend inclusion of a living wage requirement in the Supplier Code of Conduct for certain municipal contracts, including Solid Waste Services, Custodial and Janitorial Services, Snow and Ice Management and Security Services.
The proposed Social Value Framework is consistent with approaches taken in several Canadian and International jurisdictions, and the considerations therein have been validated by social and academic communities.
In reflection of the ambitions of the Social Value Framework, staff also recommend the investigation of a “no cost” Green Market support program.
To learn more, read the report.
Winter Operations Service Standard Review
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to adopt the proposed Winter Operations service standards as detailed in this report.
The CAO has also been directed to bring forward funding options to improve the service standard for transit stops, from 48 to 24 hours as part of the 2021-22 budget deliberation process. Additionally, the CAO has been directed to provide a supplementary report that evaluates the business case for in-house
towing operations to support the proposed winter operations service standards. The CAO has been directed to request a supplementary report on changing the sidewalk snow clearing standard for residential streets and walkways from 36 to 18 hours.
Finally, the CAO has been directed to undertake another review of Winter Operations Service Standards within five years’ time, to ensure continued alignment with Council priorities, best practices, stakeholder
expectations and funding levels.
These updated service standards take active transportation into consideration, as well as the universal accessibility targets outlined in Provincial legislation and the municipality’s Integrated Mobility Plan. In response to the motion from Transportation Standing Committee, staff sought third party support to undertake an impartial and comprehensive review of the municipality’s winter operations and service standards, including a jurisdictional scan. RFP 19-071 was awarded to KPMG, the highest scoring proponent, in September 2019.
To learn more, read the report.
Providing tax relief for non-profit organizations
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to adopt the amendments to Administrative Order 2014-001-ADM, the Tax Relief for Non-Profit Organizations Administrative Order, as set out in the staff report dated August 10, 2020, to provide a form of multi-year tax relief for eligible applicants.
In the context of this report, multi-year tax relief constitutes property tax relief that extends over multiple tax collection years. Multi-year tax relief provides advantages when non-profit or charitable housing providers apply for financing with organizations such as Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, as well as providing greater certainty in terms of annual operating costs. These benefits can help to maintain the viability of existing non-profit or charitable housing and supports the construction of new affordable housing units.
In 2018, in support of the affordable housing targets, Regional Council directed staff to proceed with the initiatives contained in the Affordable Housing Work Plan – one of the six initiatives includes exploring municipal funding incentives to support affordable housing. Developing a streamlined and predictable program for tax relief for registered non-profit or charitable housing groups would be an important step in supporting this initiative.
To learn more, read the report.
Beechville Planning Strategy Review and Community Benefit Action Plan
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to continue with the Beechville Planning Strategy Review and undertake a Beechville Community Benefit Action Plan.
This plan ensures that the matters identified by the Beechville Community Development Association, as outlined in this staff report are investigated, and resolved wherever possible, through the Beechville Planning Strategy Review or through a Beechville Community Benefit Action Plan.
As part of the Beechville Planning Strategy Review, and the Beechville Community Benefit Action Plan, this plan ensures the actions outlined in this staff report are undertaken.
This plan also implements a revised public participation program for the Beechville Planning Strategy Review, as outlined in this staff report.
Finally, this plan will take no further action in relation to Armco’s request for site-specific Municipal Planning Strategy amendments.
In November 2017, Regional Council approved a public participation program for the Beechville Planning Strategy Review Process, which included five phases. In Phase 1 of the process, the Beechville African Nova Scotian Community Liaison Group was established, and a general public meeting was held in April of 2018 to introduce the process and Armco’s proposal.
To learn more, read the report.
Pollution Control at Lake Banook and Lake Micmac
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to implement actions to mitigate phosphorous and bacteria loading into Lake Banook and Lake Micmac, as well as to prepare cost estimates for future actions to mitigate loading of phosphorous, bacteria, and other pollutants to be considered in the 2021-2022 budget cycle.
The CAO has also been directed to review the feasibility through the 2021-22 capital budget process to implement a pilot project to install stormwater best management practice infrastructure at Rixdale Drive as part of the 2021 Prince Albert Road capital tender.
Birch Cove Beach is a popular municipally-owned and operated beach, located in Lake Banook, Dartmouth. During recent summer seasons, there have been many closures to the beach due to high fecal coliform (E. coli) bacteria counts. In 2018 and 2020, the beach closed for extended periods of time due to the combined effects of elevated E. coli counts and harmful algae bloom risk advisories.
Lake Banook provides opportunities for swimming in the urban core and serving as a major hub for the canoe, kayak, rowing, dragon boat, and paddleboard communities, among other users. The race course installed at Lake Banook supports the lake’s use for training and competitions for local clubs through to international boating events. The unknown origin of elevated bacteria counts prompted concerns about the potential for degrading environmental conditions in Lake Banook and Lake Micmac and the viability of their future value as recreational spaces.
Although a municipal weed harvesting project initiated in 2015 has limited the impact of weeds, it has not addressed the cause of the weed growth. More recently, research published by Dalhousie University, on behalf of Halifax Water, has indicated that local lakes appear to be recovering from sulfate deposition. It was concluded that lake recovery processes are widely occurring in Nova Scotia Lakes and that overall, lakes are expected to yield greater productivity (of plants, algae, or both). Consequently, the project, as awarded, extended the original project scope to include phosphorus loading analysis and recommendations to manage phosphorus to enable the safe ongoing use of lakes.
To learn more, read the report.
Support for Community Associations for Active Transportation and Recreational Trails
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to adopt Administrative Order Number 2020-011-ADM, Respecting HRM’s Grant Programs for Active Transportation and Recreational Trails, to provide grants to eligible trails and community organizations to support the municipality’s Active Transportation objectives, and to support the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of multi-use pathways and recreational trails within the municipality.
The CAO has also been directed to endorse updates and approaches to the municipality’s ongoing development and promotion of active transportation facilities and recreational trails in the municipality, including the collaboration with community associations and other key stakeholders.
Non-profit community associations, mostly including members of the Halifax Regional Trails Association, have planned, built, and operated public facilities for walking and bicycling in the municipality since 1998. These facilities and trails are key to the quality of residents’ lives as they provide free, outdoor space for people to exercise, transport themselves, appreciate nature, socialize and access communities and destinations.
As outlined in the January 2019 report, the municipality is part of a broader collaboration model with the province, the Halifax Regional Trails Association, volunteer community trail associations and others working, together to meet our Active Transportation objectives. The recommendations in this report serve to update the municipality’s roles within this collaboration model and help align with the current roles and policies of the other partners.
To learn more, read the report.
Providing Assistance for the Beirut Explosion
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide a donation of $100,000 toward Beirut explosion assistance. Funds will be provided through the Lebanese Consulate to the Canadian Red Cross, which is currently supporting humanitarian efforts in Beirut as a result of the explosion.
The CAO has also been directed to provide in-kind support by allowing registered Canadian charitable organizations currently collecting donations for Beirut, such as the Canadian Red Cross, to set up donation collection sites at municipally-owned and operated facilities and use municipal social media channels to promote donation collection sites.
Additionally, the CAO has been directed to establish a fair and transparent program to assess and evaluate future financial requests that support national and/or international disaster relief efforts. This program would outline a maximum funding limit, eligibility criteria and a detailed assessment of the proposal submitted, evaluation of the proposal based on linkage to municipal objectives, mandate and priorities, and an exploration of potential funding options.
To learn more, read the report.
Regulation of Short-Term Rentals
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to initiate a process to amend the Regional Plan and all applicable secondary municipality planning strategies and land use by-laws to establish consistent region-wide policies, definitions and regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) in residential areas, consistent with this staff report.
The CAO has also been directed to develop STR registration requirements, and to follow the public participation program for municipal planning strategy amendments, as set out in this staff report.
Additionally, the Mayor will be requested to write a letter to the Province to request the required amendments to the Halifax Regional Municipality Marketing Levy Act to enable the municipality to apply the marketing levy to operations consisting of less than 20 rooms or rental units.
STRs are temporary overnight accommodations rented out by property owners or tenants, typically for a few nights or weeks. Over the past few years, the prevalence of STRs have grown through the popularity of online rental platforms. In May 2019, the Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee (CPED) requested a staff report that considers the creation of a By-law to regulate STRs.
To learn more, read the report.
Parks Washrooms and Drinking Fountains Strategy approved
To support the recreational use of parks, Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to approve the Halifax Regional Municipality Washrooms & Drinking Fountains Strategy and associated Addendum as a framework for municipal decision-making regarding washrooms and drinking fountains.
The CAO has also been directed to prepare annual business plans for washrooms and drinking fountain projects for consideration in the annual capital budgets based on the Alternative Budget as identified in the Halifax Regional Municipality Washrooms & Drinking Fountains Strategy.
Parks are a very important part of any modern municipality – they enhance physical and mental wellbeing and overall quality of life and help define the character of a community. Access to washroom facilities is particularly important for populations who must use them at a greater frequency.
Park washroom facilities play a critical role in bolstering the municipality’s overall network of public washrooms. This network comprises an essential part of the ongoing work of building a more inclusive public sphere, supporting more equitable access to all of the municipality’s public and open spaces.
The municipality’s 2016-17 Parks & Recreation Business Plan outlined the need to develop a washroom and drinking fountain strategy to guide decision making in the recapitalization and installation of new facilities in municipal parks and open spaces.
To learn more, read the report.
Incentive or Bonus Zoning Public Benefits and Grants for Affordable Housing
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to approve the creation of the Incentive or Bonus Zoning Reserve based on the business case, to adopt Administrative Order 2020-007-ADM, Respecting Incentive or Bonus Zoning Public Benefits, and to adopt Administrative Order 2020-008-ADM, Respecting Grants for Affordable Housing.
On September 18, 2019, Regional Council approved the Regional Centre Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy (SMPS) and the Regional Centre Land Use By-law (LUB), which will regulate land use and development for lands within the “Package A” area of the Regional Centre – this includes enabling policies and regulations for incentive or bonus zoning, including provisions for money-in-lieu.
Incentive or bonus zoning is a planning tool enabled by the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter that allows the municipality to require developments to provide public benefits in exchange for greater development rights. The intent of this tool is to supplement other municipal investments so that the density enabled under the Centre Plan is accompanied by the amenities and public benefits that support complete and inclusive communities.
To learn more, read the report.
Funding Request Approved for Develop Nova Scotia Public Art Proposal
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to include the Public Art funding request from Develop Nova Scotia for consideration as part of the municipality’s 2021-22 budget planning process.
To implement the objectives of the municipality’s Public Art Policy, the municipality supports the installation of public art at appropriate locations in downtown Halifax through its capital investment programs and through the bonus zoning provisions of the Land Use By-law.
The artwork as proposed is one of a collection of public art installations already planned for the areas in and around the Queen’s Marque development, all of which have been selected based on their shared connection with the sea.
To learn more, read the report.
Previous highlights of recent Council decisions
Proposal Approved for Homes for Heroes Foundation and Tiny Homes
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to consider developing planning policies to enable Homes for Heroes in the municipality. The CAO has also been directed to explore potential approaches to leveraging surplus municipal land for affordable housing.
The Homes for Heroes Foundation is a registered charity that strives to ensure a successful transition to civilian life for Canadian veterans by providing housing, a community of peers, and a support structure that creates a sense of place and belonging. The Foundation is proposing a community development of clustered of “tiny homes” in the municipality that would accommodate veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. In response to Homes for Heroes interest in the municipality, Council has requested information on the steps required to accommodate a project by the Foundation in the municipality.
To learn more, read the report.
Please note: this was passed with an amendment to Administrative Order 50, Respecting the Disposal of Surplus Real Property (AO-50), to establish a specific category for affordable housing.
Providing Tax Relief to Non-Profit Organizations
Under recommendation from the Grants Committee, Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to make amendments to the Non-Profit Tax Relief Program – Administrative Order 2014-001-ADM – for the fiscal year of 2020-21.
The amendments for the Non-Profit Tax Relief Program include approving renewal of tax relief for 763 properties, approving an increase of tax relief for two properties, approving the addition of 46 properties, and approving a grant for three properties equivalent to the award previously received under the tax relief program.
Under the Non-Profit Tax Relief Program, eligible non-profits and charities can apply for tax relief and be placed on one of five schedules for tax relief. The five schedules provide tax reductions at various levels.
To learn more, read the report.
Changes to the Taxi and Limousine By-law T-1004
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to adopt By-law T-1004 to amend By-law T-1000 – the Halifax Regional Municipality Taxi and Limousine By-law.
In March 2020, Regional Council directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to draft amendments to By-Law T-1000, which empowers the Licensing Authority to make licensing decisions at its discretion, including the power to issue, renew, suspend, cancel and revoke licenses. The amendments outlined in By-law 1004 will enable appeals to be heard by an arm’s length committee.
The CAO has also been directed to adopt the amending Administrative Order, to amend Administrative Order Number 15 – Respecting License, Permit and Processing Fees. In January 2020, Regional Council directed the CAO to prepare amendments to By-law-1000 and the respective administrative orders to include the regulation and licensing of taxi brokers, independent taxi brokers, and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). For the licensing of brokers, the amendments include an annual fee, reporting capabilities and the responsibility for ensuring the taxis that operate under their company name are licensed by the Halifax Regional Municipality Licensing Authority. Independent owners and operators that are not currently affiliated with a broker will be required to become a licensed broker if they wish to remain independent.
Additionally, the CAO has been directed to establish a staff board, consisting of the Manager of Buildings and Compliance, the Municipal Solicitor, the Deputy Municipal Clerk, and the CAO – or designates – to review applications to the Taxi License Appeal Committee and bring forward recommendations to Regional Council.
To learn more, read the report.
Updates to the Respecting Grade Alteration and Stormwater Management By-law
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to adopt By-law G-200 –
Respecting Grade Alteration and Stormwater Management Associated with Land Development –
to set grade alteration standards for the municipality, as well as replace pre-existing By-laws.
Based on the feedback from the public and industry stakeholders, staff made changes to the proposed stormwater management standards. Feedback received from the public was in favour of implementing stormwater management strategies that focus on green infrastructure and Stormwater Best Management Practices.
To learn more, read the report.
African Nova Scotian Economic Action Plan Road to Economic Prosperity endorsed
In alignment with the Halifax Economic Growth Plan, Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) endorse the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan.
The Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan is a collaborative plan developed and owned by the African Nova Scotian community to advance economic development and community priorities. A number of consultations have been held with African Nova Scotian (ANS) communities in Halifax Regional Municipality to identify key issues and solutions to address historic and present-day economic challenges and opportunities. The Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan identifies strategic priorities, objectives, and actions to drive growth and prosperity in ANS communities in alignment with actions identified within the Halifax Growth Plan 2016-21.
The CAO has also been directed to include $175,000 for each of years one and two of the African Nova Scotian Road to Prosperity Economic Action Plan in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Budget process. Additionally, the CAO has been directed to have the Halifax Partnership and the Halifax Regional Municipality’s African Nova Scotian Affairs and Integration Office to return to Council on a triannual basis to report on the progress of plan’s implementation.
To learn more, read the report.
Kingswood North Viscount Run Park Plan Adopted
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to adopt the Kingswood North – Viscount Run Park Planning Report as a guiding document for future improvements to Viscount Run Park.
Kingswood North is a subdivision located in Hammonds Plains. Viscount Run Park was intended to be a community-level park with multiple recreation amenities, including a sports field. Presently, the 3.66-hectare park parcel remains in an undeveloped state and has experienced many years of natural forest regeneration.
Regional Council directed that a park plan be prepared through the adoption of the 2019-20 Parks and Recreation Business Plan. Park plans, prepared by municipal staff with community engagement, have been developed in situations where a plan is needed to guide the implementation of park features and establish a sense of place in the parks.
A recreation needs assessment was completed to determine the best use of the existing park with a full evaluation of physical site conditions, park service delivery, community demographics, and municipal guiding documents. Staff consulted with the community to confirm assumptions about the park and to gather community park values.
To learn more, read the report.
Regional Council adopts amendments to the Vending on Municipal Lands By-law
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to adopt By-law C-503, amending By-law C-501 – the Vending on Municipal Lands By-law – to add new artisan and craftsperson vending sites and a new Food Service Vehicle site, as well as expand the flyer box program.
In September of 2019, Regional Council requested a staff report on amending By-law C-501 to add artisan and craftsperson sites to Ferry Terminal Park. Today, nine artisan sites located at Ferry Terminal Park have been approved, which will contribute to placemaking on the Dartmouth waterfront.
In July of 2019, municipal staff received a request for a new Food Service Vehicle location on Agricola Street, Halifax. Agricola Street has now been approved as a new Food Service Vehicle site.
In 2018, an 18-month pilot project launched for flyer boxes to replace “end of driveway” delivery, with five boxes placed on municipal lands. The project was determined to be effective as an enhancement to delivery in rural areas and reduce waste. The pilot now moves to permanent programming and will expand to 13 new flyer box sites, in addition to the initial five sites.
To learn more, read the report.
Updates to the Public Art Policy
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to accept recommendations to update the existing municipal Public Art Policy.
The updates include the use of more relevant definitions and terminology, realignment of public art funding models within current and emerging corporate planning processes (specifically with respect to public art as a component of private development), and greater clarification regarding decision-making and governance to remove administrative barriers to program delivery.
Public art is defined as being any artworks that are created by a professional artist(s) in any medium, material or media. Public art must be sited on, staged in or projected onto publicly accessible space.
To learn more, read the report.
Infrastructure upgrades for the 2022 ICF World Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe Championships
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to approve a $700,000 grant for the Canoe ’22 Society/Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada towards infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the 2022 International Canoe Federation (ICF) World Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe Championships.
In 2018, Lake Banook was selected as the venue for the ICF World Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe Championships (Canoe ’22) which will be held in August of 2022. The event will feature five days of formal competition with athletes and families from 70 countries along with thousands of anticipated spectators.
This funding will go towards upgrades to the Judge’s Tower, return lane and accessible docks. These facilities are essential to the success of the Canoe ’22 event and provide benefits to the public.
Lake Banook is an important recreation hub and world class paddling event venue, recognized for hosting local, national and international and paddling events.
To learn more, read the report.
Public Transportation Assistance Program funding for Halifax Transit
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to approve and sign a Contribution Agreement with the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, to receive $2 million in funding under the Public Transportation Assistance Program (PTAP) for Capital Investments for Halifax Transit.
The PTAP is a provincial grants program designed to expand and improve access to community transportation across the province. Under the program, eligible municipalities and community organizations can apply to receive funding for capital investments that support the long-term sustainability of public transit services through enhancing existing community transit programs and assisting with new community transit initiatives.
Since 2014, the municipality has submitted applications annually to receive PTAP funding for various capital projects undertaken by Halifax Transit. These applications have been approved on each occasion, with the municipality receiving $2 million each year. Historically, these funds have been used for capital expenditures, often fleet asset purchases to ensure improved service delivery for residents.
For 2019-20, the PTAP funding was used for the purchase of 12 additional buses as part of the Moving Forward Together Plan (MFTP). In 2020-21, as part of year five of the MFTP, an additional five buses will be added to the transit fleet utilizing the PTAP funding.
To learn more, read the report.
Potential changes to Gottingen Street bus lane hours of operation
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to request that the Traffic Authority consider modifying the operational period for the northbound bus lane on Gottingen Street, limiting its enforcement to only the weekday afternoon peak period.
Data indicate that the bus lane is most beneficial during weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and that it provides less benefit to transit operation during weekday morning peak periods from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Removing the weekday morning peak will reduce the impact to on-street parking, simplify parking restrictions and reduce the enforcement burden for the bus lane.
The CAO has also been directed to continue to monitor the metrics included in the Gottingen Street Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and present the results to the Transportation Standing Committee one year after implementation of the proposed limited 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. bus lane enforcement.
To learn more, read the report.