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 August 13, 2019
First reading complete, bringing changes to the existing fare structure for Halifax Transit
On July 25, 2019 the Transportation Standing Committee received a presentation from staff regarding changes to the existing fare structure for Halifax Transit. These changes include the fare increase that was originally proposed and approved by Regional Council as part of Halifax Transit’s 2019/2020 operating budget.
Regional Council has approved first reading of By-Law U-105, amending By-law U-100, the User Charges By-law, establishing changes to the existing fare structure and fares, including retaining the senior fare category and increasing the senior’s fare proportionate to the proposed increases to the general fare.
Further, Regional Council has directed the CAO to begin planning a Student Transit Pass pilot program, to request a supplementary report to study income levels of seniors who are regular bus users and the costs of increases the fare while adopting an enhanced seniors low income, and identify funding for the youth free transit program pilot.
The third recommendation, which was to direct the CAO to prepare a report investigating the feasibility of implementing a fee for access to Halifax Transit Park and Rides, had been deferred to a future meeting.
Read the staff report for more information.
Station 2 could soon be considered heritage property
Halifax Regional Council has requested a staff report examining the potential for including 5988 University Avenue in Halifax to the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality.
The building, home to the Station 2 fire station is an example of one of Halifax’s earliest fully concrete buildings. It was also designed by the same architect of the Bengal Lancers building.
Read the report for more information.
Halifax Green Network Plan to inform Regional Plan and Secondary Planning Strategies
On August 14, 2018 Regional Council approved the Halifax Green Network Plan (HGNP) and provided direction to use the HGNP as a framework for amending the existing Regional Plan and Secondary Planning Strategies.
The HGNP, which was informed by extensive public engagement across the municipality defines an interconnected open space system, highlighting ecosystem functions and benefits, and outlining strategies to manage open space.
Most of the recommended planning policy/regulatory changes will be implemented at a later date, through the next Regional Plan review and the Plan and By-law Simplification Program. In the meantime, to address potential short-term conflicts, Regional Council has approved the first reading of the proposed amendment to add a reference to the HGNP within the conservation design development agreement policy criteria, which is included in the staff report. The conservation design approach is a creative form of subdivision designed to conserve open space and significant environmental features, such as wetlands, while clustering development in suitable areas.
For more information, read the staff report.
New Business Improvement District coming to Porters Lake area
After extensive review by the Harbour East Marine Drive Community Council and through public consultation, Regional Council has approved the establishment of a new Business Improvement District (BID) for the Porters Lake area.
With this approval, new boundaries, area rates, minimum and maximum levies will be set.
Some of the benefits that this new BID will offer the area include giving a voice to businesses, integrated marketing and promotion and producing economic growth in the community.
For more information, read the staff report.
Previous highlights of recent Council decisions
North American Indigenous Games receives funding from the municipality
Halifax (K’jipuktuk) has been selected to be the host of the 2020 North American Indigenous Games. This marks the first time the games have been hosted in Atlantic Canada and will include more than 5,000 Indigenous sport and cultural youth participants from over 756 nations in 17 sporting disciplines.
Today, Regional Council approved a $500,000 Event Grant from the 2019/20 Community and Events Reserve, as well as directing the CAO to execute a contribution agreement of up to $1,000,000 for Value-In-Kind support for the games.
Read the staff report for more information.
By-law T-1003 passes first reading, one step closer to Taxi and Limousine By-law changes
By-law T-1003 passes first reading and is now one step closer to implementing changes to the Halifax Regional Municipality Taxi and Limousine By-law.
These amendments are under the headings of safety, taxi zones, supply versus demand, gender diversity, and appeals and code of conduct. Amendments include mandatory training on sensitivity, accessibility, and winter driving, the elimination of zones, increasing the number of taxi licences, and a requirement for working GPS systems.
For more information, read the staff report.
Industrial park in Beechville gets a new name
In October 2007, Regional Council approved the current boundaries for the communities of Beechville, Lakeside and Timberlea. There is no municipal policy that specifies the naming of Industrial Parks in the municipality, but they are typically named for the community or geographic features, such as lakes.
The first usage of the name ‘Lakeside Industrial Park’, which is located in Beechville was on May 25, 1964. Since that time, there has been confusion around the location of the industrial park, especially for businesses making deliveries.
Today, Regional Council has approved the renaming of the Lakeside Industrial Park to the Beechville Industrial Park.
Read the staff report for more information.
Further exploration on backyard chickens and fowl
Due to concerns surrounding food security in communities and the impact of mass-produced and far-travelling food on our environment, there has been a rising interest among residents in having chickens and other fowl for personal use.
On March 27, 2018, Regional Council requested a staff report that considers region wide amendments regarding the keeping and raising of egg-laying fowl in all residential zones for personal household food supply.
Today, Regional Council has directed the CAO to consider amendments to the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy and all applicable Secondary Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-laws to permit the keeping and raising of fowl.
This process will include audits of other Canadian municipalities. Alignment with current municipal strategies (such as the Halifax Green Network Plan) and public engagement with residents.
For more information, read the staff report.
Phase 2 of Tallahassee Community Recreation Centre renovations moving forward to budget consideration
During Phase 1 of renovations at the Tallahassee Community Recreation Centre, additional improvements were identified to keep the centre in a state of good repair and improve accessible access.
Regional Council has directed the CAO to include Phase 2 renovations as part of the 2020/21 Capital Budget process. Improvements will include new flooring, washroom upgrades, and parking lot repairs.
Read the staff report for more information.
Improvements coming to Beazley Field ahead of North American Indigenous Games
As part of hosting the 2020 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), Regional Council has awarded the tender for improvements to Beazley Field, which was selected as the site for the game’s track and field events.
The Beazley Fieldhouse & Grandstands project includes the addition of a fieldhouse consisting of washrooms, change/locker rooms, equipment storage and new bleachers designed to accommodate 600 spectators.
These improvements to the facility will also provide enhanced opportunities for local municipal sport groups including baseball, soccer and track & field events.
For more information, read the staff report.