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 March 18, 2025
Regional Council approves two fly-past requests
Regional Council has approved two fly-past requests over the coming months. These occasions provide residents the opportunity to pay respect in remembrance of military personnel who have served.
The first fly-past, commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic, will occur on Sunday, May 4. The Canadian Armed Forces will fly Royal Canadian Air Force aircrafts in formation over Point Pleasant Park.
The second fly-past, as part of the Highway of Heroes Tribute, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16. Canadian Armed Forces aircraft will participate in transit, practice and shows as 12 Wing Shearwater Nova Scotia.
For more information, read the staff report here and here.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Halifax Water annual business plan and five-year strategy approved
Regional Council has approved the 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and five-year business strategy for Halifax Water.
Halifax Water has a mandate to own and operate water facilities and utilities for the purpose of providing water, wastewater and stormwater services to customers. The organization is governed by the Halifax Water Board of Commissioners, in compliance with the Halifax Regional Water Commission Act and Administrative Order 2018-001-ADM (Respecting the Halifax Regional Water Commission).
The five-year strategic plan establishes the organization’s objectives and strategic initiatives from 2025 to 2030. The 2025/26 Annual Business Plan outlines a number of goals that have been established to meet these objectives. An updated integrated resource plan is expected in 2027/28.
For more information, read the staff report here.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Wallace Lucas Community Centre Society to operate of Wallace Lucas Community Centre
Regional Council has approved a facility operating agreement with the Wallace Lucas Community Centre Society, a volunteer-run board, to transfer operations of the Wallace Lucas Community Centre (596 Lucasville Road, Lucasville).
The municipality’s recreation service delivery is provided through a hybrid model – with some facilities being operated directly by the municipality, but the majority of facilities operated by volunteer not-for-profit organizations and community partners. This model is designed to facilitate equal access to meaningful recreation experiences.
The Wallace Lucas Community Centre, which has been in operation since the early 1980s, is an approximately 4,100 square foot facility, located adjacent to a municipal playground and sport court. The Centre offers a variety of spaces – including a 1,300 square foot multi-purpose room, 700 square foot classroom and licenced kitchen. The municipality is currently planning renovations to the facility, including an emergency generator and other energy efficiency upgrades.
Regular users of the facility include the Lucasville Community Association, Lucasville Education Committee Society and the Lucasville Greenway Society.
For more information, read the staff report here.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.
Previous meeting highlights
Accessibility Strategy
Halifax Regional Council has approved the adoption of the 2025/2028 Accessibility Strategy, representing an important step in our continued commitment to a more accessible region.
The 2025-2028 Accessibility Strategy focuses on how we can improve accessibility throughout the municipality by identifying, removing and preventing barriers for persons with disabilities.
In line with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, the 2025/2028 Accessibility Strategy has 30 recommendations with five key focus areas:
- Transportation and Transportation Infrastructure
- Built Environment
- Information and Communications
- Goods and Services
- Employment
Through deliberate and conscious planning and with this strategy as our guide, the municipality will work diligently to make our municipality a more inclusive place.
For more information, read the staff report.
Community Mediation Project
Regional Council has approved funding for a Community Mediation Project to promote public safety, improve community wellbeing and further the civilian delivery of non-core policing functions.
Trained community mediators can help neighbors, relatives, and others resolve conflicts peacefully. Mediation can prevent the escalation of community disputes, reduce harm, and avoid time and cost of resolving conflicts through the legal system.
Staff propose a one-year community mediation pilot (with the possibility of year-by-year renewals).
Once approved in the 2025/2026 Operating Budget, Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to provide a contribution of $100,000 to the United Way of Halifax to create and implement this pilot program.
For more information, read the staff report.