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 26 May, 2020
Regional Council approves Rapid Transit Strategy and Electric Bus Proposal
Regional Council has approved two significant Transit projects that will provide valuable, long-term benefits to the municipality by helping to achieve the objectives outlined in the Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) and broader climate change goals.
The first initiative, the Rapid Transit Strategy (RTS), includes four Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, which will have less frequent stops than traditional routes; will run at a high-frequency; and will incorporate a network of transit priority lanes that allow buses to avoid traffic congestion.
Additionally, the RTS recommends three new fast ferry routes providing direct connections between downtown Halifax and new terminals at Mill Cove, Larry Uteck and Shannon Park.
The second initiative, the Electric Bus Proposal, recommends converting the Transit bus fleet to a low-carbon or zero-emission fleet. The goal is to electrify 50 per cent of the fleet by 2028.
To proceed with next steps, Regional Council has:
- directed the CAO to submit both the Rapid Transit Strategy and Electric Bus Proposal for funding through the Federal Government’s Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Green Infrastructure Fund, as well as any additional stimulus funding streams that may become available; and
- authorized the mayor to send a letter of support for both the Rapid Transit Strategy and Electric Bus Proposal to the Province of Nova Scotia.
For details, read the report and the presentation to Council.
Bedford Highway Functional Plan gets green light
As part of the Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP), the Bedford Highway was identified as a proposed Transit Priority Corridor. IMP Action 121 calls on the Municipality to identify ‘Strategic Corridors’ – existing road corridors that are key to regional traffic flow, transit, goods movement and active transportation – and develop plans that will guide their development over time.
The Bedford Highway Functional Plan was the first Strategic Corridor Plan to be initiated after the passing of the IMP. Regional Council has endorsed the ‘Balanced Modes’ option in principle and has directed the CAO to initiate efforts to establish a formal right of way and to widen sections of the Bedford Highway right of way for transit priority improvements.
The ‘Balanced Modes’ option includes a continuous active transportation facility and targeted transit priority improvements, while minimizing impacts to existing traffic capacity.
For more information, read the staff report.
Regional Council adopts amendments to forgive sidewalk café fees
Regional Council has adopted amendments to Administrative Order 15, the License, Permits and Processing fees Order.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented environment of economic uncertainty that has impacted residents and businesses across the municipality. Although it is unknown when Public Health orders will allow restaurants to provide dine-in service, it is expected that physical distancing will be in place when they do. The resulting reduced seating capacity can be offset through the accommodation of sidewalk cafés. To assist restaurant and café proprietors with economic recovery from COVID-19, the municipality will provide support to assist proprietors with economic recovery by providing relief of the sidewalk café fee.
Details can be found in the report.
Moving forward with virtual public hearings
As COVID-19 continues to impact how the municipality operates, Regional Council has approved amendments to Administrative Order 2020-009-ADM, allowing public hearings to proceed virtually.
Regional Council and Community Council meetings with public hearings will be broadcast live using Microsoft Teams. Residents who wish to speak must sign-up via email ahead of the meeting, and residents will be invited to speak by phone as part of the meeting. All correspondence can be sent to clerks@halifax.ca
Notices of virtual public hearings will be provided three weeks in advance. The first virtual public hearing is anticipated to be scheduled for the end of June.
For more information, read the report.
Regional Council has approved the naming of six new private lanes; retirement of a private lane name; and renaming of a portion of Symonds Road
Regional Council has adopted the proposed amendments to Administrative Order 29, Respecting Civic Addressing Policies in order to approve:
- the naming of six new private lanes (Bloom Lane in Bedford, Coral Heights in Queensland, Friendship Lane in Porters Lake, Mineswood Lane in East Chezzetcook, Mitch Lane in Fall River and Romana Court in Dartmouth);
- the retiring of the private lane name, Dogwood Drive, Cow Bay; and
- the renaming of a portion of Symonds Road, Bedford to Science Park Drive, Bedford.
For details, read the report.
Increase of polling locations for the advance poll in upcoming 2020 Municipal and CSAP Elections
Regional Council will increase the number of polling locations for the advance poll in the following districts for the 2020 Municipal and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) elections:
District 1 – Waverley, Fall River, Musquodoboit Valley (increased to three)
District 2 – Preston, Chezzetcook, Eastern Shore (increased to three)
District 3 – Dartmouth South, Eastern Passage (increased to two)
District 11 – Spryfield, Sambro Loop, Prospect Road (increased to two)
District 12 – Timberlea, Beechville, Clayton Park West (increased to two)
Traditionally, there have been one or two polling locations available on advance polling days for electors to cast their ballots. Increasing the number of physical polling locations for the advance poll will address concerns around accessibility.
Details can be found in the report (please note: the original report has since been amended).
Previous highlights of recent Council decisions
Funding for the Sheet Harbour Lions Club – Eastern Shore Lifestyles Centre
After roof and structural issues were identified in the Sheet Harbour Lions Community Centre, staff identified that it was going to consider a scope of work for the repair or replacement of the community facility. Additionally, a new facility could include a consolidation of the neighbouring municipal recreation centre and the Sheet Harbour Public Library. The Eastern Shore Lifestyles Centre Society (ESLCS), a local community group, then developed a plan for a more substantial community facility that would be cost-neutral.
Regarding the proposed Eastern Shore Lifestyles Centre, Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to:
- amend the Municipality’s proposed Capital Budget to allocate funds for acquisition of land, consulting fees, and construction of a facility to house a recreation centre, library and fire station in Sheet Harbour as outlined in this report, to include:
a) $600,000 in 2020/21 for land acquisition, due diligence and consulting fees; and
b) Remaining $2,400,000 for the facility in 2021/22.
- apply for Canada Infrastructure Program funding for the recreation centre and library; and
- approve the acquisition of the subject lands identified in the report and negotiate and execute an Agreement of Purchase and Sale on behalf of the Municipality, in accordance with AO 2018- 004-ADM and the terms and conditions outlined in Table 1 of this report.
Details can be found in the report.
Regional Council approves proposed Social Policy Administrative Order 2020-002-GOV
Regional Council has approved the Social Policy Administrative Order 2020-002-GOV. In recent years, Regional Council has expressed a desire to have a Social Policy developed for the municipality. A Social Policy formalizes a way of thinking about and responding to the social impact of changes in a community. It will guide decision-making, set future direction, identify important connections, and support the alignment of policies and practices both inside and outside of an organization.
Details can be found in the report.
Guidelines for boulevard gardening
Regarding establishing guidelines for boulevard gardening, Regional Council has:
1. suspended the rules of procedure under Schedule 7, the Transportation Standing Committee Terms of Reference, of Administrative Order One, the Procedures of the Council Administrative Order; and
2. directed the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare the necessary By-Law and Administrative Order amendments to permit the placement of boulevard gardens in the municipal public Right of Way, based on the guidelines outlined in this report.
A boulevard is defined as the area between the curb and the sidewalk, typically planted with grass. Regional Council’s discussion leading to the request of the staff report highlights the potential benefits of boulevard gardens and noted that guidelines need to consider existing street uses, safety concerns, responsibilities of homeowners and what could be placed in these gardens.
For full details, read the report.
Beechville Lakeside Timberlea Community Centre funding application
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to apply to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), a federal funding opportunity, in support of the Beechville, Lakeside, Timberlea Recreation Centre project.
The current Lakeside Community Centre is an aging facility that is nearing the end of its useful life. It is not fully accessible, has high operating cost and requires capital improvements to continue operations. Preliminary conversations with the Province of Nova Scotia regarding the ICIP indicate that the project is likely eligible for consideration.
For full details, please read the report.