Coronavirus Disease | COVID-19

The municipality’s Emergency Management Office (EMO) is working very closely with provincial partners at Health and Wellness and NS EMO to respond to and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

The municipality is committed to taking important steps in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

As part of the collective effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, municipal staff who can work from home have been directed to do so. This is part of an overall public health strategy to help safeguard the health of others, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities, by reducing the number of our employees in the workplace where possible while still maintaining operations.

Exercising protective measures like regular, proper hand washing and maintaining physical distancing will help defend against illness - as well as reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Message from Mayor Mike Savage and CAO Jacques Dubé: Together, we’re facing a serious public health crisis. We need to listen and act on the direction of public health authorities. Simply put, by doing your part, you will help save lives. And while it is important that we remain physically apart from one another, we’ve never been stronger together than we are now, at this moment. Read more …

Information regarding municipal programs and services, as well as provincial health messages will be shared via Twitter @hfxgov,  public service announcements and our website.  

For all health related messages, please visit the Nova Scotia Health and Wellness website.

Video updates

Statements to residents 

Statements to municipal employees

Provincial state of emergency

The Halifax Regional Municipality supports the province’s decision to declare a state of emergency.

Municipal staff continue to work with the province to align with recommendations of health officials and the provincial order.

A provincial state of emergency does not impact public safety service levels or the need to maintain a level of core public services. All standard essential services of the municipality – including 311, fire and police – are operational and adhering to the most updated guidance and precautions from health officials.

Municipal staff continue to adjust service levels related to the provincial state of emergency. NOTE: The ten-person physical gathering limit and two-metre physical distancing limit does not apply to Halifax Transit as stated in the provincial order.

Residents and businesses are advised: Under provincial authority, individuals who are found in breach of the order will be subject to fines issued by provincial and local police enforcement.

Municipal updates

General

  • An important reminder to residents: DO NOT call 9-1-1 for non-emergency purposes. Residents can call 3-1-1 and police non-emergency lines.

  • All in-person public engagement and events hosted by the municipality are postponed until further notice. The municipality will provide online engagement options as much as possible.

  • To continue to practice safe physical distancing, there will be a virtual special meetings of Regional Council. The purpose of special meetings is to deal with matters as determined by the CAO and Mayor. More information can be found on our agenda page. 

  • Residents can click the video link on Halifax.ca to “watch on web” and enter the webcast by selecting ‘join anonymously.'  All of these meetings will have live captioning available. Viewers can access the webcast and live captioning links on the agenda pages.
  • Final deliberation and adoption of the 2020/21 budget took place on June 9. Given the impacts of COVID-19 on the municipality, all business units presented recast budget plans than those presented earlier in the year. More information can be found at halifax.ca/budget.
  • Cleaning staff in all municipal facilities have been instructed to increase the frequency of thoroughly cleaning public surfaces such as door knobs, elevators and counters.

  • The municipality’s Overnight Street Cleaning Program takes place on the Halifax Peninsula weekdays between 12:05 a.m. and 8 a.m. to minimize the impact on daytime traffic and parking. All other areas scheduled for street cleaning are completed during daytime hours.

  • As municipal parking enforcement has resumed with the lifting of some public health restrictions, overnight parking enforcement related to street cleaning is also in effect. Crews cycle through the neighbourhoods, so residents should refer to on street parking signage for their service day.
Burn Ban
Customer Service
  •  All customer service centres and Planning & Development counter services are closed to the public. Services continue to be available online. 

  • Legal documents and appeals will no longer be accepted in person at City Hall. Residents are asked to fax these documents to 902-490-4208 or send by email to clerks@halifax.ca.  

  • The Access & Privacy Office is advising potential applicants to expect delays in the processing of requests, as many municipal staff are working remotely and are not in a position to search for records responsive to requests. 

Finance

As a way to provide immediate relief to both residential and business customers, Regional Council has approved changes to the tax system, including: 

  • Deferral of the interim bill due date from April 30, 2020 to June 1, 2020;
  • The suspension of Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) fees; and
  • The reduction of the interest rate charged on arrears from 15% per annum to 10% per annum.
  • This is the first phase in adjusting tax streams for the municipality, and Regional Council will continue to explore other options as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.
  • It is critical that those who can pay their taxes continue to do so in a timely fashion. Tax revenue makes up 82% of the municipality’s revenue. Operating expenses total approximately $100 million per month and, while the municipality is financially sound, a significant amount of cashflow is required to provide services, pay vendors and suppliers and continue with capital projects that support the economy.
  • More information can be found on the property tax webpage. 
  • There are no changes to municipal employee payroll. Payments to vendors and suppliers will continue, as well as procurement tenders. 
Halifax Public Libraries
  • All branches of Halifax Public Libraries have opened again to offer in-person services specific to their location. Click here for branch hours and information.
Halifax Transit
  • Follow @hfxtransit on Twitter for the most up-to-date information regarding service disruptions.
  • As the province moves through its recovery phases, Halifax Transit will be increasing service levels in a phased approach while continuing to follow public health guidelines.

Ferries:

  • Effective June 18, Halifax Transit ferry capacity is 50 passengers per trip. Passengers are asked to monitor physical distancing and should avoid positioning themselves immediately next to other passengers.
  • The following services for the Alderney Ferry are in effect.
    • 30 minute service on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • 30 minute service on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • There are no changes to Woodside Ferry service at this time. Service will remain at a 30 minute frequency during peak period on weekdays.

Buses:

  • Beginning in early July, we will start installing temporary polycarbonate shields on conventional buses, to help reduce the spread of the virus. The shields will be installed next to the bus operators and will act as a physical barrier to promote safe physical distancing.
  • Additional trips may be added in the coming days to accommodate overloads in certain areas. Updates will be shared via @hfxtransit on twitter and at halifax.ca/transportation/halifax-transit/routes-schedules.
  • As of Monday, June 22, conventional bus service will be increased to 84 per cent of normal operating levels. 
    • The following routes will return to regular weekday service: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 14, 21, 28, 29, 39, 51, 53, 56, 58, 60, 61, 66, 68, 72, and 87
    • Regular service on routes 123 and 135 will be restored
    • Additional weekday trips will be added to routes 330 and 370
  • As of Saturday, May 30, Halifax Transit has increased capacity on conventional buses by allowing passengers to stand. A maximum of five passengers will be permitted to stand on conventional buses, at any given time. Standing passengers are asked to monitor physical distancing and should avoid positioning themselves immediately next to seated passengers or other standing passengers. Alternating seats will continue to be blocked off with appropriate signage.
  • Halifax Transit implemented the following measures to help reduce the spread of disease.:

    • Conventional Buses: Alternating seats are blocked off with appropriate signage. This measure will reduce capacity by approximately 50 per cent depending on the model of bus. 

    • Ferries: Capacity has been reduced to 50 passengers per trip and food and drink are prohibited.

    • Terminals: Alternating seats are blocked off, with signage, at some terminals.

  • Bus passengers are advised to use the rear doors for boarding and exiting. For those who require the use of the ramp for accessibility, the front door will continue to be used. Regular ferry boarding service remains in place.
  • Access-a-Bus will continue to operate on its regular schedule.
  • All fare collection is suspended on bus and ferry services to support the municipality’s commitment to safe physical distancing. 
  • In addition to these changes, several other measures have been taken to help reduce the spread of disease, including an increased frequency in wipe-downs of high-touch surfaces, the elimination of fares and having bus users enter and exit through the rear doors. All of these changes support the municipality’s commitment to safe physical distancing. 
  • For riders’ information, some Halifax Transit operators may be wearing masks and/or face shields. This is not a mandated requirement but a personal choice we support.
  • As service levels increase and the volume of passengers grows, we recognize there will be challenges to maintaining physical distancing on buses and ferries. In support of public health recommendations, we are strongly encouraging all Halifax Transit riders to wear masks when possible. Those who are feeling ill should not use any transit service until their health returns to normal.
  • The ten-person physical gathering limit and two-metre physical distancing limit does not apply to Halifax Transit as stated in the provincial order. 
  • Halifax Transit has been designated by the Province of Nova Scotia an essential service under the current provincial state of emergency. In light of this direction by the province, the municipality will continue delivering the highest level of service that can be reasonably provided – while also continuing to take steps that help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and make buses as safe an environment as possible in the circumstances.
  • Please note: Service levels will continue to be adjusted as public health directives change. Changes will be implemented as quickly as possible but often require substantial lead time. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.
Halifax Water 
Parking

The municipality had suspended the enforcement of paid and hourly parking across the municipality in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. As the province begins to ease restrictions and businesses resume operations, paid parking, hourly parking and enforcement is now in effect.

Below is an update on impacted services: 

  • Meters: All parking meters will be “on” and enforced effective June 1 in all areas across the municipality. HotSpot will be reactivated, and all meters will require payment. All bagged meters will continue to be enforced.
  • Permits: All parking permits expiring in March through to June will remain valid until customer service centres reopen. This includes monthly and residential parking permits. Parking Permit zones will be enforced. Once customer service centres reopen, next steps for parking permits purchasing and enforcement will be communicated on the website.  
  • Tow-away zones and transit priority lanes: Will continue to be enforced. 
  • Safety-related aspects of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act (e.g. no parking in crosswalks, parking distance from fire hydrants, signage indicating no stopping, etc.) will continue to be enforced. 
  • Tickets issued on or before March 19 at noon are still valid and can be paid online, cheque by mail or in person when customer service operations resume. 
  • Time-restricted parking and loading: All time-restricted (1 hr., 2 hr. etc.) parking and loading zones (temporary or permanent) will be timed and enforced effective June 1. New temporary 15-minute parking zones have been installed to facilitate the short- term pick up needs of restaurants and other business.
  • Accessible Parking: Will continue to be fully enforced.
Parks & Recreation

The following is an update on municipal services with respect to Parks & Recreation:

Parks, sports fields and courts

  • Group gathering public health restrictions outside of your group of 10 still apply to all sport fields, sport courts, ball diamonds and playgrounds. Physical distancing should continue to be maintained, and residents are reminded to follow all public health directives.
  • The municipality has opened grass sport fields for bookings consistent with our standard schedule and will also commence bookings of all-weather fields. All field users will need to follow their sport-specific ‘Return to Play’ activity plan which meets provincial health regulations in order to book a field. The standard municipal booking process will be followed and questions can be directed to facilityscheduling@halifax.ca 
  • Public washrooms in parks are now open. All washrooms receive daily cleaning.

Emera Oval

Public washrooms and first aid at the Emera Oval pavilion are now opened. The facility will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. on weekends. Rentals will not be available until further notice; however residents are welcome to use the Emera Oval for cycling and rollerblading with their own equipment.

Indoor Pools

Staff have reviewed the details of the new guidelines from the province and have established a plan for reopening indoor pools that meets all public health requirements.

The below indoor pools will reopen as follows:

  • Sackville Sports Stadium – Monday, July 27
  • Captain William Spry Community Centre – Saturday, August 8
  • Needham Community Centre – Tuesday, September 8

The indoor pools will open for lane swims and aquafit classes only. It will not be possible to offer open swims at this time. To ensure all restrictions on group gathering sizes and physical distancing are maintained, all activities in the pool will be booked online. More details will be provided closer to the opening dates. The municipality will continue to explore options for further recreation opportunities as restrictions are eased by the province.

Municipal partner recreation facilities (i.e. Canada Games Centre, Cole Harbour Place, Zatzman Sportsplex, etc.) have started the first phase of reopening. Please contact each facility directly for information about pool re-opening dates and protocols.

Outdoor Pools

Due to the time required to recruit and train lifeguards, the maintenance required to open pools and the restrictions of social distancing which drastically reduces the number of swimmers allowed in the pool at once, the Halifax Common, Bedford and Cole Harbour outdoor pools will not be opening for the 2020 season.

Splashpads, Beaches and Water Testing
The following splashpads are now open:

  • Halifax Common
  • George Dixon Centre
  • Isleville Street 
  • Westmount
  • Sackville (Kinsman)

Due to construction in the area, the Bayers-Westwood splashpad is anticipated to open in mid-July.

All municipal beaches are open and lifeguards will be onsite beginning today, July 6 to August 31. Malay Falls beach is open, but will be unsupervised for the summer.

Municipal staff regularly test the water quality for bacteria levels at all supervised municipal beaches, as well as one unsupervised beach, during the summer months—this year from July 6 to Aug. 31. To view the status of beach closures due to high bacteria levels, click here.

More information and updates on beaches, pools and splashpads can be found on halifax.ca/summeraquatics

Fitness Centres

Fitness Centres at the following municipal facilities will open on Monday, July 6, 2020:

  • Captain William Spry Community Centre
  • Sackville Sports Stadium
  • Musquodobit Harbour Recreation Centre 

These locations were approved to open as they are the largest municipally-operated fitness facilities. All other fitness centres will remain closed until further notice, and staff will share reopening plans with the public once they are confirmed.

To keep patrons and staff safe, and to optimize access for as many patrons as possible, access to the fitness centre or attendance to a fitness class will be available by appointment only. Appointments may be booked over the phone or online through halifax.ca/myREC

Clients who had an active membership in March (and did not cancel their membership) will be able to pre-select their appointment times up to seven days in advance. Clients who did not have an active membership will be able to pre-book their appointments up to three days in advance. Access times vary dependent on location and activity. Please visit halifax.ca/myREC or contact the centres directly for more details. 

More details regarding each facility and their respective access will be distributed via email to members with an email address on file. 

Recreation programming, recreation centres and summer camps

  • Staff are in consultation with public health on the possibility of offering modified summer programming and day camps. Updates will be communicated as decisions are confirmed.
  • At this time, recreation staff are sharing virtual activities on our Facebook page and are looking to expand on virtual offerings.

  • Provincial public health measures must be followed on all municipal properties. Residents are reminded that police are still authorized to issue tickets for violations under the Emergency Management Act and Health Protection Act. Parks are open for walking and exercise only. Organized sports and gatherings in violation of public health restrictions are not permitted. 

  • Residents are asked to stay within their own communities when visiting parks and greenspaces, and to continue practicing physical distancing. 

  • All municipal playgrounds are now open.

  • The 2020 Volunteer Awards are postponed until further notice.

  • The Youth Live Enviro Depot at 947 Mitchell Street is closed until further notice.
  • Natal Day celebrations and the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition are both cancelled for 2020. 
Planning & Development 
  • An online form has been created for all permit and sub-division application intakes.
  • Applications for Rezoning, Municipal Plan Amendments, Development Agreements, or Downtown Halifax Site Plan Approvals can be submitted via email to Carl Purvis – Planning Applications Program Manager purvisc@halifax.ca.
  • Revised drawings and/or any amended application information for current files can also be submitted via email, directly to the planner assigned to your file. 
Public Safety Office 
  • The municipal Public Safety Office is advising residents that help is available for those experiencing or at risk of domestic violence. Following public health direction to stay home is crucial, but we know, that home is not always safe for everyone.
  • Available help for women and their children takes many forms, from supportive connections and outreach over the phone, information about safety planning and resources, to provision of emergency shelter and second-stage housing. In Halifax, organizations serving women continue to offer a wide range of support, guidance, and shelter to women and their children during this time. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, know that you are not alone. There’s help available to you.
    • If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
    • If you need help or information, you can call Bryony House’s distress line at 902.422.7650.
    • To connect with community resources in Halifax, call 211 or visit their website.
Solid Waste
  • Waste collection is continuing as scheduled.
  • Curbside collection of garbage and green carts will remain on a biweekly schedule for the months of July, August, September.
  • The Household Special Waste Depot program is suspended until further notice.
  • Future events will be evaluated on a month-by-month basis. Every attempt will be made to reschedule the cancelled events, conditions permitting.

  • The collection of residential refrigerant gas removal (CFCs) service has been suspended until further notice. 

  • Otter Lake is not accepting cash as a payment method at this time.
Halifax Mobility Response – Streets and Spaces 

In anticipation of the further lifting of Public Health restrictions, the municipality is preparing to implement adjustments to the transportation network, as part of the collective effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The municipality will focus on the following key areas:

  • Necessary adjustments to the transportation systems that will allow for the safe movement of people and goods
  • Safety of front-line workers while supporting both operational and remote workforces
  • Delivery and pick-up needs for restaurants and other establishments 
  • Adjustments to crowded areas, such as narrow sidewalks, to support safe physical distancing
  • Create clear messaging related to transportation recovery efforts

To learn more, visit: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/regional-community-planning/transportation-planning/mobilityresponse

Employee Information

What you can do

  • Actively participate in the community effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Stay informed and follow the advice of your personal health care provider and governing bodies such as Public Health Agency of Canada regarding COVID-19.
  • Nova Scotia Health Authority has established COVID-19 assessment centres. If you need in-person assessment, 811 will refer you to a centre. Don't go to a COVID-19 assessment centre unless 811 referred you.
  • Exercise protective measures like regular, proper hand washing and staying home if you can. This is important to personal health and helps safeguard the health of others, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities. For more information on practising good hygiene visit novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
  • Maintain physical distancing. This means maintaining a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) apart from one another and avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings. Greet one another with a wave or elbow instead of a handshake or hug.
  • Residents are encouraged to have no more than two weeks of supplies in the event that they have to self-isolate.
  • Access 211 to find non-municipal community and social services available in your area at this time. This service is available 27/7 in 140 languages.
  • Residents can call 311 for updated information on municipal services.
  • Important reminder:  DO NOT call 9-1-1 for non-emergency purposes. Residents can call 3-1-1 and police non-emergency lines. 

Helpful health links 

Other resources

Halifax Partnership - COVID-19 Resources for your Business