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 Oct.8, 2019
Hiring practices to become more inclusive
The municipality is committed to increasing the representation of women and other under-represented groups in the workforce by updating the current Hiring Policy, conducting self-identification surveys, developing the Employee Equity Program and more.
This work will help achieve greater clarity around fair hiring practices and will inform next steps for increasing inclusivity.
For more information, read the staff report.
Grant awarded for the Navigator Street Outreach Program
The Navigator Street Outreach program (NSOP) is a lifeline for individuals who struggle with securing and maintaining housing and employment due to addictions, mental health issues and homelessness. As opposed to working in the shelter system, NSOP works on the street.
Regional Council has approved a $20,000 grant to the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission and the North End Business Association to fund the work of the NSOP. This funding would also facilitate training and education for the business community and help connect public agencies and not-for-profit organizations with people on the street.
For more information, read the staff report.
Fly-past request for Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day ceremonies on Monday, November 11, 2019 will honour military personnel who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, in United Nations Peacekeeping missions and most recently in Afghanistan.
As part of the ceremonies, the first gun of the 21-gun salute on Citadel Hill will be fired at 11:02 a.m. Regional Council has approved the fly-past of a Cyclone helicopter at that time.
Read the request for more information.
Previous highlights of recent Council decisions
Possible amendments to Municipal Planning Strategy for 272 Auburn Drive
A process has been initiated to consider amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) for Cole Harbour/Westphal to remove commercial uses and enable residential uses at 272 Auburn Drive.
The current provisions of the MPS do not allow for residential use on this site. The applicant is looking to rezone to allow for a 6-unit residential dwelling.
Read the staff report for more information.
Four new custom rescue pumpers for HRFE
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) will be getting four new custom rescue pumpers.
Rescue pumpers can fight fires and respond to a variety of other emergencies throughout the municipality. They will also support the day to day operations of HRFE. These four new vehicles will replace existing vehicles that have reached the end of their life based on age and current condition.
For more information, read the staff report.
Fly-past request for HMCS Kootenay
Regional Council has moved to grant permission for the Canadian Armed Forces to fly over the HMCS Bonaventure memorial in Point Pleasant Park on Oct. 23, 2019 in remembrance of military personnel who served and gave their lives onboard HMCS Kootenay.
A CP-140 Aurora and CH-148 Cyclone will pass over the memorial during the event.
Read the request for more information.