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, Sept. 15, 2026
Regional Council approves Emergency Management Strategic Plan 2026-29
Regional Council approved a new Emergency Management Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which will guide the municipality’s emergency management work over the next three years and set priorities for planning, preparedness, response and recovery. It also supports work on public alerts, emergency communications, training, community partnerships and evacuation planning.
The plan was developed after a review of the municipality’s emergency management program identified the need for a long-term strategy. Municipal business units, emergency services and key partners helped shape the plan through a collaborative planning process.
The plan will help the municipality strengthen its ability to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. It also supports better coordination across municipal emergency response teams and partner agencies, helping protect residents, property and the environment during emergencies.
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be finalized when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Regional Council approves heritage grants for 2026/2027
Regional Council approved grants for 20 heritage property projects through the 2026/2027 Heritage Incentives. The funding will support conservation work on residential, commercial and institutional heritage properties across the municipality. Council also approved a standby list so any unused funds can be redirected to other eligible projects.
The grants help property owners protect and restore heritage buildings that contribute to the municipality’s history and character. This year, 49 eligible applications were received, with requests far exceeding the available funding. Projects were reviewed and ranked based on criteria such as the type of conservation work proposed, visibility to the public and previous grant history.
The approved funding will help preserve historic buildings, support ongoing maintenance and encourage investment in heritage properties. It also includes support for institutional heritage properties owned by non-profit organizations during the transition to a new heritage grant program. By helping conserve these places, the program protects important community landmarks and helps maintain the unique character of neighbourhoods across Halifax.
For more information, read the staff report.
Previous meeting highlights
Regional Council endorses Affordable Housing Strategy
Regional Council has endorsed a new Affordable Housing Strategy that will guide how the Halifax Regional Municipality supports affordable housing over the next 10 years.
Council also directed the Chief Administrative Officer to bring forward future funding options for the strategy and to provide progress updates every two years. The strategy focuses on actions the municipality can take within its role, including planning, partnerships, data collection and support programs for non-profit housing providers.
The strategy was developed in response to growing housing need across the municipality and increasing pressure on residents who are having trouble finding affordable places to live. It builds on existing municipal programs that support affordable housing and helps clarify how the municipality will work with community organizations, the Province of Nova Scotia and federal partners to increase housing options.
The strategy supports complete communities by helping create more affordable and supportive housing. It also aims to reduce barriers to housing development, support housing for people facing the greatest housing challenges and improve access to housing data to help guide future decisions.
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be finalized when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Regional Council approves major events policy framework
Regional Council approved a new framework to guide how the municipality supports, attracts and grows major events. The framework sets shared values and clear expectations for municipal support. Council also endorsed the development of an event attraction strategy, led by Discover Halifax and the municipality, to help identify and advance future event opportunities.
The new framework complements the 10-year Halifax Regional Event Strategy 2035, which Regional Council approved earlier this year. Together, the two documents create a shared vision and roadmap for growing the municipality’s event sector, while aligning event funding, planning and decision-making with community priorities.
By creating a shared vision for event investment, the framework will help Halifax compete for major event opportunities while supporting local priorities. It promotes values such as inclusion, accessibility, sustainability and public accountability. The framework is designed to help events deliver lasting economic, cultural and community benefits for residents across the Halifax region.
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be finalized when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Regional Council approves Dismantling Racism and Hate Strategy
Regional Council has approved the Dismantling Racism and Hate Strategy and directed the Chief Administrative Officer to provide annual updates on its progress. The strategy sets out how the municipality will identify and address systemic racism, discrimination and hate in its policies, programs and services.
The decision responds to a provincial requirement for municipalities to create plans that address inequity and systemic barriers. The strategy builds on existing work in areas such as accessibility, diversity and inclusion and reconciliation. It also reflects ongoing input from communities and aims to improve accountability through regular reporting, clear goals and continued engagement.
This work will help create more inclusive municipal services and spaces. It focuses on improving access to programs, strengthening community safety and supporting fair and respectful treatment for all residents. The strategy is designed to evolve over time, with a full review planned in three years to ensure it remains effective and responsive to community needs.
For more information, read the staff report.