The municipality is committed to taking important steps in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
For all health-related updates on COVID-19, visit novascotia.ca/coronavirus
The municipality’s Emergency Management Division is working very closely with provincial partners at Health and Wellness and NS Emergency Management Office to respond to, and mitigate, the impacts of COVID-19.
Exercising protective measures, such as regular proper hand washing, will help defend against, and reduce the risk of, spreading COVID-19.
Information regarding municipal programs and services, as well as provincial health messages, will be shared via Twitter @hfxgov, public service announcements and our website.
Provincial state of emergency
The Halifax Regional Municipality supports the province’s decision to declare a state of emergency.
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.
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.
Phase 5 update
As per the province's Sept. 14, 2021 announcement, phase 5 of Nova Scotia's reopening plan has been delayed until Oct. 4. Read the full phase 5 reopening plan here.
The municipality continues its practice of following the direction of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. The province has confirmed that proof of vaccination will not be required under the provincewide policy for employees of businesses and organizations that offer certain events and activities.
With this in mind, the municipality will not mandate vaccines for municipal employees at this time. This decision will be reassessed as necessary, and in alignment with public health.
More information about phase 5 impacts on municipal services, processes and protocols, including any changes to our municipal COVID-19 signage, will be shared as they become available.
Municipal updates
- General
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An important reminder to residents: Do not call 911 for non-emergency purposes. For non-emergencies, please call 311 and/ or police non-emergency lines.
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 current provincial public health order states that non-medical masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces. Details can be found here. Note: As of Monday, Oct. 4 — phase 5 of Nova Scotia’s reopening plan — masks will no longer be required (including in indoor public places and on public transportation).
The September 28 and October 5 meetings of Regional Council are expected to be held virtually. More information, including how to watch online, can be found on our agenda page. Note: More information about phase 5 impacts on meetings will be shared as they become available.
The municipality continues its practice of following the direction of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. The province has confirmed that proof of vaccination will not be required under the provincewide policy for employees of businesses and organizations that offer certain events and activities.
With this in mind, the municipality will not mandate vaccines for municipal employees at this time. This decision will be reassessed as necessary, and in alignment with public health. - Customer Service
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The in-person customer service centres at Alderney Gate and Bayers Road are open to the public with regular hours.
A number of services offered by 311 and the customer service centres remain available online, including the payment of parking tickets, zoning confirmation applications and applications for all permit and subdivision applications.
As part of the 2020/21 recast budget discussion, the customer service centres and drop-boxes at Acadia Centre (Sackville) and Scotia Square will remain permanently closed.
- Halifax Public Libraries
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For the latest information on library services, visit their website.
- Halifax Transit
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In keeping with the public health order, masks are currently mandatory on all Halifax Transit buses, ferries and terminals (children under two and those with a medical reason for not wearing a mask are exempt). The two-metre physical distancing and physical gathering limits do not apply to Halifax Transit, as stated in the provincial order.
Note: As of Monday, Oct. 4 — phase 5 of Nova Scotia’s reopening plan — masks will no longer be required in indoor public places and on public transportation (including buses, ferries and terminals). Municipal staff will continue to regularly sanitize high-touch surfaces on buses, ferries and in terminals.
Those who are feeling ill are reminded not use any transit service until their health returns to normal.
Follow @hfxtransit on Twitter for the most up-to-date information regarding service disruptions.
For full schedules, visit halifax.ca/transportation/halifax-transit/coronavirus. Based on current staff availability, Halifax Transit anticipates that conventional bus service may be impacted.
- Parks & Recreation
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Recreation services
As of Monday, Oct. 4 — phase 5 of Nova Scotia’s reopening plan — masks will no longer be required in indoor public places, gathering limits will no longer be in place, and residents 12 and over will need proof of full vaccination to participate in discretionary, recreational and non-essential activities.
Further information can be found on the provincial website.
More information about phase 5 impacts on municipal services, processes and protocols will be shared as they become available.
- Halifax Water
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Halifax Water will maintain critical services.
- Planning & Development
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A new online solution has been implemented for permit applications.
An online form has been created for sub-division and variance 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, at purvisc@halifax.ca.
Revised drawings and/ or any amended planning application information for current files can also be submitted via email, directly to the planner assigned to your file. - Solid Waste
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Waste collection is continuing as scheduled. To learn more, click here.
- Employee Information
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For employee updates regarding COVID-19, please visit: https://www.hrmmatters.ca/coronavirus.
What you can do
- For all information on COVID-19 testing, self-assessments and prevention, visit novascotia.ca/coronavirus.
- Access 211 to find non-municipal community and social services available in your area at this time. This service is available 24/7 in 140 languages.
- Residents can call 311 for updated information on municipal services.