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 Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Halifax Transit Hydrogen Bus Demonstration project
Halifax Regional Council has approved funding to support the dual-fuel (hydrogen/diesel) bus demonstration project.
The Halifax Transit Hydrogen Bus Demonstration project is a forward-thinking initiative that aims to evaluate the potential of hydrogen in decarbonizing our transit fleet. It entails converting four of Halifax Transit’s diesel buses to dual-fuel (hydrogen/diesel) systems to operate on regular Halifax routes, providing valuable real-world data on performance, efficiency and operational considerations. This project, scheduled for completion in 2026, aligns with both the municipality and the Province of Nova Scotia’s clean energy adoption and emissions reduction goals.
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 2025-26 Events East Business Plan
Regional Council has approved the 2025/26 Events East Business Plan.
Events East manages and operates the Halifax Convention Centre, Scotiabank Centre and Ticket Atlantic. The Halifax Convention Centre Act outlines that Event East’s activities be maintained and managed in a manner that will promote economic development, tourism and industry in the province generally, and the municipality in particular.
For more information, read the staff report here.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Municipality sets 2026-2030 strategic planning process
The municipality’s administration has started creating the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and Regional Council has approved the proposed approach in finalizing the Plan.
The Strategic Plan reflects the municipality’s vision, mission and values – and establishes key areas of focus now and into the future. The four-year plan outlines priorities and goals, which guide how the municipality tracks progress and aligns business plans and budgets. The plan also helps municipal employees understand how their work fits into the long-term goals of the organization, and how they can work together to make a difference in the region.
The draft Plan content has been informed by the results of the 2024 Resident Survey and workshops with Regional Council and the administration's senior leadership.
Beginning in May, Regional Council will review the draft plan. This feedback will then inform a subsequent round of working group meetings and plan development in advance of the final Plan being presented to Regional Council in summer 2025.
For more information, read the staff report here.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.