November 23, 2021 Halifax Regional Council

Date:

Time: Immediately following Budget Committee, Reconvene 6:00 p.m.

Location: Council Chamber, 3rd Floor City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax

Agenda

1. CALL TO ORDER

SELECTION OF DEPUTY MAYOR

2. SPECIAL COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Committee of the Whole September 14, 2021 and Regional Council November 9, 2021

4. APPROVAL OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS AND APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS

5. CONSENT AGENDA*
Motion:

That Halifax Regional Council approve recommendations in the following items: 15.1.1, 15.1.2, 15.3.1, 15.5.1 and 15.6.1

6. BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
7. CALL FOR DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
8. MOTIONS OF RECONSIDERATION – NONE
9. MOTIONS OF RESCISSION – NONE

10. CONSIDERATION OF DEFERRED BUSINESS – November 9, 2021
10.1 Options for Increased Municipal Support and Partnerships for Provincial Housing Program Delivery
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:

1. Support a comprehensive update of the HRM housing needs assessment to be undertaken every 5 years, as further outlined in the staff report dated November 1, 2021. 

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to develop an Affordable Housing Strategy that will include:

a. a review of the effectiveness of existing programs; and 

b. an implementation framework to broaden municipal support for affordable housing including identifying specific actions, monitoring tools and additional resources or amendments to the HRM Charter if required.

3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a report exploring municipal housing organization models, as further outlined in the staff report dated November 1, 2021, including an overview of financial implications, legal authorities, best practices and the scope for implementation.

4. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into discussions with the Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding actions outlined in the Ministerial Mandate Letter dated September 14, 2021. 
 

11. NOTICES OF TABLED MATTERS – NONE
 

12. HEARINGS

HERITAGE HEARING – 1:00 p.m.

12.1 Case H00509 - Request to Include 173 Crichton Avenue, Dartmouth in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the request to include 173 Crichton Avenue, Dartmouth in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality as shown on Map 1 of the July 20, 2021 staff report, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.

PUBLIC HEARING – 6:00 p.m.

12.2 Administrative Order 50 - Disposal of Surplus Real Property 5802 Highway 357, Elderbank
- Report [PDF]
- Staff Presentation [PDF]
- Applicant Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the sale of 5802 Highway 357, Elderbank and authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to direct the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute on behalf of the Municipality an agreement of purchase and sale and the deed for the subject property to the Musquodoboit Valley Ground Search and Rescue Team as per the terms and conditions outlined in Table 1 of the staff report dated September 22, 2021. 

13. CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
13.1 Correspondence 
13.2 Petitions
13.3 Presentations

14. INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD – NONE
 

15. REPORTS
15.1 CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

15.1.1 Award – Request for Quotation (RFQ) 21-405, Janitorial Services - Sackville Sports Stadium* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council award RFQ 21-405, Janitorial Services – Sackville Sports Stadium to Imperial Cleaners Ltd. for a five-year total cost of $1,714,337, net HST included.  

15.1.2 Municipal Insurance or Operating Grants for Community Outdoor Rinks* [PDF]
Motion: 
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to:

1. Return to Regional Council with an Administrative Order for its consideration to establish a grant program to assist groups in covering insurance costs associated with the operation of outdoor community rinks on HRM-owned property; and

2. Include funding in the 2022/23 budget for implementation of the Administrative Order.
 
15.1.3 Proposed Amendments to the Terms of Reference of the Regional Watersheds Advisory Board - Composition – Supplementary Report  [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:

1. Maintain the current member composition of the Regional Watersheds Advisory Board; and

2. Adopt the proposed housekeeping amendments to the Regional Watersheds Advisory Board Terms of Reference as set out in Attachment 3 of the staff report dated September 1, 2021.

15.1.4 Case 23028 – Municipal Planning Strategy Amendments for 110 Waterfront Drive, Bedford [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

1. Initiate a process to consider amendments to the Bedford Municipal Planning Strategy and Bedford Land Use By-law to redesignate 110 Waterfront Drive, Bedford, from Waterfront Comprehensive Development District to Residential, and rezone it from Waterfront Comprehensive Development District to Residential Single Unit; and

2. Follow the public participation program as outlined in the Community Engagement section of the staff report dated October 28, 2021.

15.1.5 Case 22009 – Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Amendments for Aerotech Business Park [PDF]
Motion: 
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to initiate a process to:

1. Consider amendments to the Planning Districts 14 and 17 (Shubenacadie Lakes) Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law to update the range of permissible industrial and commercial land uses in Aerotech Business Park; 

2. Consider amendments to the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy and Regional Subdivision By-Law to apply a service boundary around existing serviced properties and establish a policy for amending this boundary to accommodate any future expansion of Aerotech Business Park; and 

3. Follow the public participation program as outlined in the Community Engagement section of the staff report dated October 8, 2021.

15.1.6 Public Participation Program - Interim Incentive or Bonus Zoning Program [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to follow the public participation program, as set out in the discussion section of the staff report dated November 2, 2021, for the consideration of amendments to the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy, and the applicable Land Use By-laws, to establish an Interim Density Bonusing Program for lands outside of the Regional Centre. 

15.1.7 Musquodoboit Harbour Community Development Plan
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion: 
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to: 

1. Initiate a process to consider amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for Eastern Shore West to ensure development provisions for commercial, industrial, institutional, open space and recreational uses are compatible with the village core and support carrying out the Musquodoboit Harbour Community Vision and Community Development Plan;

2. Follow the public participation program for municipal planning strategy amendments as approved by Regional Council on February 25, 1997; 

3. Include $100,000 in the upcoming 2022/23 operating budget to study servicing options for a Wastewater Management District in Musquodoboit Harbour; and

4. Explore funding options from other levels of government for the capital cost of sidewalk infrastructure. 
 

 

15.2 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY STANDING COMMITTEE
15.2.1 Proposed Administrative Order 2021-002-OP, Respecting Net-Zero Construction of New Municipal Facilities within the Halifax Regional Municipality [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council adopt Administrative Order 2021-002-OP, Respecting Net-Zero Construction of New Municipal Facilities within the Halifax Regional Municipality, as set out in Attachment A of the staff report dated August 5, 2021.

15.2.2 Municipal Electric Vehicle Strategy
- Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the Halifax Regional Municipality Electric Vehicle Strategy as set out in Attachment 1 of the staff report dated August 10, 2021; 

2. Recommend that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing prescribe additional standards by regulation of the Building Code Act to require “EV Ready” parking stalls for the construction of new buildings within the Halifax Regional Municipality and request the Mayor write a letter to the Minister requesting these regulations; and 

3. Request the Mayor write a letter to the Premier of Nova Scotia requesting that the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, introduced in the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, be strengthened to better align with HalifACT.
 

15.3 TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
15.3.1 First Reading Proposed By-law U-110, Amending By-law U-100, Respecting User Charges - Discounted Bulk Transit Fares* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to proposed By-law U-110, amending Schedule 1 of By-law U-100, the User Charges By-law, as set out in Attachment 3 of the Transportation Standing Committee report dated October 28, 2021.
 

15.4 HALIFAX AND WEST COMMUNITY COUNCIL AND NORTH WEST COMMUNITY COUNCIL
15.4.1
Case 20401 - Updating the Planning Documents for Bedford West Sub Area 10, Kearney Lake Road, Bedford and Halifax
i) Halifax and West Community Council report dated November 16, 2021  [PDF]
ii) North West Community Council report dated November 17, 2021 [PDF]
iii) Staff recommendation report dated October 25, 2021 [Large 10 Mb PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to consider the proposed amendments to the:

1.    Halifax Municipal Planning Strategy and Halifax Mainland Land Use By-law as set out in Attachments A and B of the staff report dated October 25, 2021; and 

2.    Municipal Planning Strategy for Bedford as set out in Attachment C of the staff report dated October 25, 2021, 

to enable development of Bedford West Sub Area 10, Kearney Lake Road, and schedule a public hearing.
 

15.5 HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
15.5.1 Case H00498 – First Reading Proposed By-law H-204, Amending By-law H-200, Respecting the Establishment of a Heritage Advisory Committee and a Civic Registry of Heritage Property - Revise Heritage Impact Statement Requirements* [PDF]
Motion: 
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to proposed By-law H-204, amending By-law H-200, the Heritage Property By-law, as set out in Attachment B of the August 24, 2021 staff report.


15.6 SPECIAL EVENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
15.6.1 Major Hosting Funding Request - 2022 Archery Youth and Masters Pan American Championships* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve an event grant in the amount of $45,000 from the 2022/2023 Community and Events Reserve, Q621 to fund the 2022 Archery Youth and Masters Pan American Championships contingent on the in-person event taking place.
 

15.7 MEMBERS OF COUNCIL 
15.7.1 Councillor Mancini – Neighbour Mediation Program [PDF]
Motion: 
That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report outlining the possibility of implementing a Neighbour Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. This would be in partnership with an outside community group or stakeholder.

15.7.2 Councillor Deagle Gammon – Fall River Water Extension [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report on the cost and feasibility of extending the Water Service Boundary along NS Trunk Highway 2 to Howe Avenue, and including all the land between Highway 2 and Highway 102, commonly referred to as Scwartzwald Subdivision.
 

16. MOTIONS
16.1. Councillor Cuttell
Motion:

That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to provide a staff report examining the potential for including PID 00307462 also known as Kidston Lake Park in the registry of heritage properties for Halifax Regional Municipality. The report should be referred to the Heritage Advisory Committee for evaluation.

16.2 Councillor Mason
Motion:

That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report regarding the options for removal or replacement of the definition of “adult bookstore” from the Downtown LUB, pending the incorporation of the Heritage Conservation District bylaws into the Regional Centre LUB.

16.3 Councillor Mason
Motion:

That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report on the adoption of a general application by-law to limit the hours of operation for commercial businesses situated within the Regional Centre’s Established Residential District. 

16.4 Councillor Russell
Motion:

That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report to:

1. Define service standards and maintenance guidelines for grass cutting and tree trimming for all HRM assets, including parks, playgrounds, roadsides and sidewalks, facilities, and HRM right of way areas, and;

2. Have these service standards and maintenance guidelines published and accessible on the HRM website. This should be in a format similar to the snow clearing standards that we already have. 
 

17. IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE)
Council may rise and go into a private In Camera session, in accordance with Section 19  of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, for the purpose of dealing with the following: 
 
17.1 In Camera (In Private) Minutes – October 5, 2021
Motion: 
That the In Camera (In Private) minutes of October 5, 2021 be approved as circulated.

17.2 PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report – Information Item Brought Forward from November 9, 2021
A matter pertaining to an identifiable individual or group.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council convene to in camera (in private) to discuss the matter. 

17.3 PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report 
A matter pertaining to an identifiable individual or group.
Motion: 
That Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated November 23, 2021; and 

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated November 23, 2021 be maintained private and confidential.
 

18. ADDED ITEMS

19. NOTICES OF MOTION

20. ADJOURNMENT

________________________________________

INFORMATION ITEMS
November 23, 2021

1. Memorandum from the Municipal Clerk dated November 15, 2021 re: Requests for Presentation to Council - None [PDF]

2. Memorandum from the CFO/Executive Director of Finance and Asset Management dated October 20, 2021 re: Minimum Reserve Bid Tax Sale – October 12, 2021  [PDF]

3. Proclamation – National Housing Day – November 22, 2021 [PDF]

4. Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated October 26, 2021 re: Tax Relief for Non-Profit Organizations 2021: Pro-Rated Awards – Supplementary Information Report [PDF]

5. Memorandum from the Executive Director of Finance and Asset Management dated November 10, 2021 re: 2021 Resident Survey [PDF]

6. Proclamation – International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3, 2021 [PDF]

7. Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated November 16, 2021 re: Emergency Supportive Housing and Shelter Accommodation Update – November 2021  [PDF]