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.
Supporting business and economic recovery
As approved in the 2022/23 municipal budget, the municipality is investing in many initiatives to support economic recovery related to the impacts of COVID-19. These initiatives aim to foster economic growth and encourage residents and visitors to support local businesses in their pandemic recovery efforts.
As initiatives are announced they will be added to the list below.
- Grand Oasis Festival
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The Grand Oasis Festival is a 15-week celebration of music, art, and culture at Grand Parade in downtown Halifax. The festival will take place from June 21 to October 1, 2022.
For full details visit the halifax.ca/grandoasis.
- Free transit service
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Individuals are encouraged to take free transit service on Friday and free ferry service on Saturday throughout the summer.
From July 1 to August 31, transit service will be free of charge all day every Friday for the conventional bus, Access-A-Bus, regional express service and the ferry. Alderney ferry will be free every Saturday during this period.
For more information visit halifax.ca/freefares.
- Parking ticket forgiveness program
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Starting June 1 through September 30, residents may be eligible to have any pay station parking ticket waived with proof of purchase from a local business.
For more information visit halifax.ca/parking.
Municipal updates
Last updated: April 7, 2022
- 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.
- 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.
The Planning & Development Permit Office, located at 7071 Bayers Road (second floor), is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and then from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays (excluding holidays).
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.
- Halifax Public Libraries
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For the latest information on library services, visit their website.
- Halifax Transit
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Effective March 21, the municipality’s Mandatory Mask Policy will be lifted, however, wearing a mask indoors and while using Halifax Transit services is recommended.
The polycarbonate shields that were previously installed behind operators on conventional buses and Access-a-Buses will remain in place. Regular sanitization of high-traffic areas and will continue.
Those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are reminded not to use any transit service until their health returns to normal.
Follow @hfxtransitalert for all Halifax Transit service disruptions, including immediate service loss for routes.
- Parks & Recreation
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Effective March 21, the municipality’s Mandatory Mask Policy will be lifted, however, wearing a mask indoors and while using Halifax Transit services is recommended.
Proof of full vaccination is no longer required to participate in non-essential, discretionary events and activities. This includes recreation programming and visiting recreation and fitness centres.
- 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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Residents are encouraged to place materials curbside the evening before collection. Materials must be placed curbside no later than 7 a.m. to ensure collection.
For more information, please call 311 or visit halifax.ca/recycle. To receive notifications, including potential service disruptions, please download the Halifax Recycles app.
- Employee Information
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Effective Monday, February 28, the municipality’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which applied to municipal employees, students, work placements and volunteers, has been rescinded. The municipality’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for suppliers will also been rescinded.
- Regional Council Meetings
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Due to resourcing challenges as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 cases in the community, including employee exposures and provincially mandated self-isolation and testing requirements, municipal service standards are expected to be impacted. This includes the timing, location and staffing of municipal meetings, including Regional Council, standing committees, boards and commissions. Out of an abundance of caution, meetings will take place virtually when possible.
Residents check the agenda for each meeting, once available, to confirm whether the meeting will be virtual or in-person.
For public hearings, advertisements will include whether the hearing is virtual or in-person.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit halifax.ca/city-hall in advance of attending an in-person meeting for the latest information.
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.