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, Feb. 23, 2021
On Demand Private Accessible Transportation Service Contract
As part of the Halifax Transit 2021-22 Budget and Business Plan, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will include the procurement of an on demand accessible transportation service for consideration.
There are currently two main types of accessible transportation services available to the public in Halifax for trips within the urban area, including Halifax Transit’s Conventional Transit and Access-A-Bus (AAB) Service, and Private Accessible Transportation.
As of 2016, 100 per cent of Halifax Transit’s fleet is low floor accessible, providing improved access to transportation for many residents with mobility issues. For those unable to make use of the conventional transit network, Halifax Transit also operates Access-A-Bus service, which provides door to door, shared ride public transit service to approved clients. The service is heavily subsidized by the municipality in order to offer it to the client at the same fare as the conventional transit service, and the Access-a-Bus service typically needs to be booked in advance. The client application process can also be restrictive to those who require temporary accessible transportation service.
Private Accessible Transportation is offered by privately owned taxi operators and bus service vehicles who provide door-to-door, on-demand service.
To learn more, read the report.
Halifax Regional Integrated Tourism Master Plan endorsed
The Halifax Regional Integrated Tourism Master Plan, presented by Discover Halifax, will be endorsed by the municipality. Additionally, a new Services Agreement will be negotiated with Discover Halifax to reflect an expanded role for Discover Halifax, that includes destination development, with the scale and scope of activity contingent on funding levels from all sources, including operational funding from the municipality.
The Mayor will also write to the Province of Nova Scotia requesting amendments to the Halifax Regional Municipality Marketing Levy Act to remove the cap on the marketing levy. A memorandum of understanding will be negotiated with the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia in advance of any changes to the Marketing Levy.
To learn more, read the report.
Development of Heritage Properties within South End Secondary Plan Area of Halifax Peninsula
Additional heritage conservation district study areas will be identified within the South End Secondary Plan Area, for potential inclusion in the Regional Centre Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy.
On Oct. 8, 2019, Regional Council requested that staff review development policies affecting heritage properties in the South End Secondary Plan Area of Halifax Peninsula. Several developers operating in that area have enquired about Policy 6.8 of the Halifax Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy, which enables development agreements on registered heritage properties to encourage their adaptive reuse. Heritage development agreements have been a useful tool in encouraging the retention of heritage buildings and in some cases have encouraged property owners to register their historic homes and buildings rather than demolishing them.
Staff have requested to examine the existing land-use incentives available to owners of historic buildings within the south end area, with the aim of providing options for improving opportunities for conservation and integrated development on such properties.
To learn more, read the report.
Navigator program receives multi-year funding
The municipality will enter into a Contribution Agreement with the Downtown Halifax Business Commission and Spring Garden Area Business Commission, to provide a contribution of $45,000 toward the Navigator Street Outreach Program for 2020-21.
Subject to annual budget approval, the municipality will also enter into one or more Contribution Agreements with the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, Spring Garden Area Business Commission, Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission and North End Business Association, to provide a collective annual contribution of $140,000 per year toward the Navigator Street Outreach Program for the years of 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24.
The Navigator Street Outreach program (NSO) is a proactive, positive lifeline for individuals who struggle with securing and maintaining housing and employment due to addictions, mental health issues and homelessness. NSO works on the street, as opposed to within the shelter system, and supports unsheltered, street involved and homeless individuals who are unwilling or unable to access support persons that work out of Halifax’s shelters.
Since 2011, the municipality has supported the outreach component of Halifax’s homeless-serving system by funding the Navigator Street Outreach program.
To learn more, read the report.
Dahlia-Oak-Crichton Active Transportation connections approved
The permanent implementation of 680 metres of enhanced walking, rolling, and cycling facilities connecting the Dartmouth Common to the Shubenacadie Canal Greenway via Dahlia Street and Sullivan’s Pond Park has been approved.
The Dahlia Street corridor represents a key connection in the Regional Centre ‘All Ages and Abilities’ (AAA) Bikeway Network with both local and regional importance. The east-west route will connect the Dartmouth Common to the Shubenacadie Canal Greenway and beyond. Nearby destinations include the Macdonald Bridge, Halifax Transit Terminal, Zatzman Sportsplex, Dartmouth High, and numerous paddling clubs.
This project aligns with the municipality’s Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP), as well as the Making Connections: 2014-19 Halifax Active Transportation Priorities Plan (AT Plan).
To learn more, read the report.
Highlights of recent Regional Council decisions
2021/2022 Mobility Response Plan
An implementation plan will be developed for continuing the Mobility Response Plan (MRP) in 2021/2022, as outlined in this report.
In spring 2020, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) directed staff to develop a MRP Task Force to determine the municipality’s response to the impact of COVID-19 on mobility networks and public spaces. The MRP provides for space within our mobility network to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to support businesses in their operation needs, in alignment with Public Health directives.
The 2020 MRP initiatives included a Slow Streets program, expanded patios and outdoor dining spaces, accelerated tactical bicycle lanes, and temporary expanded sidewalks. These measures also highlighted what is needed to continue to deliver the Mobility Response in a more sustainable way.
To learn about the 2021/2022 program, read the report.
Respecting Tax Relief to Non-Profit Organizations – Registered Municipal Heritage Property
Regional Council will continue to support the preservation of registered heritage properties through the provision of project-specific cash grants.
In accordance with the municipal Charter, Council may provide full or partial tax relief to non-profit and charitable organizations. Presently, the municipality delivers this discretionary program under Administrative Order 2014-001-ADM. The level of tax relief awarded under this program has been largely determined by precedence and a re-design of the program is currently underway.
The redesign will streamline the application process, determine eligibility criteria, enhance predictability and reduce inconsistencies.
To learn more, read the report.
Councillor appointments to Executive Standing Committees
Recommendations for various Councillor appointments to Executive Standing Committees have been approved.
Each Committee has the mandate to be the nominating and appointing body to Regional Council for the members of a number of Boards and Committees. The Executive Standing Committee of Council met in January 2021 to review the expressions of interest put forward by members of Council to serve on the Women’s Advisory Committee and the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Based on the decision of the Executive Standing Committee, the recommendation to appoint Councillor Iona Stoddard to serve on the Women’s Advisory Committee, and to appoint Councillors Paul Russell and Cathy Deagle-Gammon to serve on the Accessibility Advisory Committee, have been approved.
To learn more, read the report.