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 Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025
Potential New Active Transportation Crossing
Regional Council has directed the CAO to consider a new active transportation crossing over the CN rail corridor between Scot Street and Chisholm Avenue in future planning.
The CN rail cut is a barrier between the Halifax peninsula and mainland Halifax. Many residents use informal paths in this area to connect to higher-density residential areas on the peninsula side and shopping, services, and employment destinations on the mainland side.
A bridge at this location could:
- Improve safety by eliminating informal rail crossings
- Connect to future bikeways and sidewalks at the north end of the peninsula
- Provide an alternative to the Windsor Street Exchange for some walking and cycling trips
Preliminary estimates suggest the project could cost between 2 to 4 million, plus costs for property acquisition or easements. It will be considered during the update of the Integrated Mobility Plan and the successor to the Active Transportation Priorities Plan.
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
People, Planet, Prosperity: Halifax’s Inclusive Economic Strategy Update
Regional Council has received an update on People, Planet, Prosperity: Halifax’s Inclusive Economic Strategy, which guides economic growth in the municipality from 2022 to 2027.
The strategy focuses on ensuring all residents can contribute to – and benefit from – Halifax’s prosperity. It has three overarching goals:
- Promote and maximize inclusive and sustainable growth
- Attract, retain and develop talent
- Make Halifax a better place to live, work and visit
Highlights from April 2024 to March 2025 include:
- GDP growth of 2.6 per cent, outpacing national and provincial averages
- Progress on the Housing Accelerator Fund, with 39 per cent of the three-year housing target achieved in the first year
- Support for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous economic development initiatives
- Expansion of the Student Transit Pass Pilot Program and adoption of the renewed Accessibility Strategy (2025–2028)
- Ongoing major projects including the Cogswell District Redevelopment and Windsor Street Exchange redesign
For more information, read the staff report.
Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Previous meeting highlights
Halifax Regional Council supports new community mediation pilot
Halifax Regional Council has approved funding and directed staff to collaborate with the United Way Maritimes to create and implement a Community Mediation pilot program. This initiative will provide voluntary, confidential, and impartial mediation services to residents experiencing interpersonal disputes across multiple neighbourhoods in the municipality.
The pilot program aims to improve community safety and cohesion by offering no-cost mediation and conflict coaching in accessible, neutral locations, including virtual options. The program will focus on common neighbourhood conflicts such as noise, parking, property boundaries, and nuisance issues, while excluding legal and certain sensitive matters.
This partnership leverages United Way Maritimes’ extensive community presence and expertise to deliver services in diverse urban and rural areas including Spryfield, Fairview, Dartmouth North, and East Preston. A project coordinator will be hired to oversee program design and delivery, with referral pathways established through municipal staff, community partners, and self-referrals.
This program supports safer, stronger communities by offering a helpful way to solve disputes without legal action.
For more information, read the staff report.