Date:
Time: 10:00 a.m. Reconvene 6:00 p.m. If Required
Location: Council Chamber, 3rd Floor City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax
Minutes: February 7, 2023 Halifax Regional Council Minutes (PDF)
Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
2. SPECIAL COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 24, 2023
4. APPROVAL OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS AND APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
5. CONSENT AGENDA*
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve recommendations in the following items: 15.1.3, 15.2.1, 15.3.1 and 15.4.1
6. BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
7. CALL FOR DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
8. MOTIONS OF RECONSIDERATION – NONE
9. MOTIONS OF RESCISSION – NONE
10. CONSIDERATION OF DEFERRED BUSINESS – NONE
11. NOTICES OF TABLED MATTERS – NONE
12. HERITAGE HEARING – 1:00 P.M.
12.1 Case H00526: Request to Include the church building and cemetery at 1608 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality
- Staff Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the request to include 1608 Hammonds Plains Road in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as shown on Map 1 of the November 23, 2022 report, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.
13. CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
13.1 Correspondence
13.2 Petitions
13.3 Presentations
13.3.1 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Update [PDF]
14. INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD – NONE
15. REPORTS
15.1 CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
15.1.1 Active Transportation Priorities Plan Amendments - Rural Active Transportation Infrastructure [Large 16Mb PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to include the list of 17 Candidate Rural Communities and the updated map of Candidate Rural Communities and Spines to the Active Transportation Priorities Plan, as described in the Discussion section of the staff report dated January 16, 2023.
15.1.2 Proposed Administrative Order 2022-008-ADM, Respecting the Implementation of Area Rates to Fund Sidewalks Outside of the Urban Tax Area in the Halifax Regional Municipality and Amendments to Administrative Order 2019-005-ADM, Respecting the Establishment and Use of Community Area Rates in the Halifax Regional Municipality – Rural Active Transportation [Large 17Mb PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt proposed Administrative Order Number 2022-008-ADM, Respecting the Implementation of Area Rates to Fund Sidewalks Outside of the Urban Tax Area in the Halifax Regional Municipality, as set out in Attachment 1 of the staff report dated January 27, 2023.
2. Adopt the amendments to Administrative Order Number 2019-005-ADM, Respecting the Establishment and Use of Community Area Rates in the Halifax Regional Municipality, as set out in Attachment 3 of the staff report dated January 27, 2023, to remove new sidewalks as an approved use of funds.
15.1.3 Terms of Reference for HRM’s Solid Waste Strategy Review* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the terms of reference for reviewing and updating the municipality’s Solid Waste Strategy in accordance with the Key Themes outlined in the staff report dated January 20, 2023.
15.1.4 Case 23961: Amendments to Dartmouth Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law, Greenbank Court and Cove Lane, Dartmouth [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:
1. Initiate a process to consider amendments to the Dartmouth Municipal Planning Strategy and the
Dartmouth Land Use By-law to permit the development of single unit dwellings on R-1 (Single Family
Residential) zoned properties along Greenbank Court and Cove Lane; and
2. Follow the public participation program outlined in the Community Engagement section of the staff report dated January 27, 2023.
15.1.5 First Reading Proposed By-Law T-800, Respecting Property Tax Billing for Tax Relief Recipients [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to By-law T-800 Respecting Property Tax Billing for Tax Relief Recipients, the purpose of which is to permit once per year property tax billing for organizations that have been accepted into the Municipality’s Tax Relief for Non-Profit Organizations Program, as set out in Attachment 1 of the staff report dated January 27, 2023.
15.1.6 Property Matter – Park West School Park
- Staff Report [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Determine that PIDs, 40724619, 40774077 and a portion of 40682411 as shown on Attachment “A” (the “Subject Lands”) of the staff report dated January 16, 2023 are no longer needed for parks, playgrounds or similar public purposes;
2. Declare PID’s 40724619, 40774077 and a portion of 40682441 as shown on Attachment “A” of the staff report dated January 16, 2023 surplus to municipal requirements and categorize as ‘Intergovernmental Transfer’, as per Administrative Order 50; and
3. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to negotiate and execute an Agreement of Purchase and Sale of PID’s 40724619, 40774077 and a portion of 40682441 with the Province, which agreement shall contain a revisionary interest for the Subject Lands back to HRM, on terms satisfactory to the Chief Administrative Officer.
15.1.7 Proposed Tax Relief for Non-Profit Organizations Program Redesign Concept
- Staff Report - Revised [PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to direct staff to:
1. draft a new Administrative Order as outlined in the Discussion Section and Attachment 1 of the staff report dated January 31, 2023 to repeal and replace the Tax Relief For Non-Profit Organizations Administrative Order,
2. report to Council through the Grants Committee for consideration of the resulting draft Administrative Order.
15.1.8 Penhorn Lake Park – Opalridge Drive – Partial Park to Street Conversion [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Declare the portion of the Penhorn Lake Park, Dartmouth, shown as Parcel OD-3 in Attachment “A” of the staff report dated February 2, 2023, surplus to municipal requirements, and categorize as ‘Economic Development’, as per Administrative Order 50 (2)(e).
2. Subject to the approval of the above recommendation:
a) approve the sale of Parcel OD-3 to Penhorn Residential Holdings GP Limited at market value and on terms and conditions to be negotiated by the Chief Administrative Officer; and,
b) authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to direct the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute a Warranty Deed, the agreement of purchase and sale, and such other agreements, pursuant to Administrative Order 2018-004-ADM Respecting Real Property Transactions, as may be necessary, including HRWC stormwater easements and temporary construction agreements with the Developer
15.2 BUDGET COMMITTEE
15.2.1 2023/24 Multi-Year Capital Plan* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve the Base Capital Budget for 2023/24, and approve in-principle the Schedule of 2024/25, 2025/26, 2026/27 Base Capital Plan set out in Attachment 1 of the staff report dated January 11, 2023;
2. Approve the Strategic Initiatives Capital Budget for 2023/24, and approve in-principle the Schedule of 2024/25, 2025/26, 26/27 Strategic Initiatives Capital Plan as per Attachment 2 of the staff report dated January 11, 2023;
3. Approve the schedule of 2023/24 Capital Reserves Withdrawals as per Attachment 4 of the staff report dated January 11, 2023;
4. Approve the schedule of 2023/24 Multi-year Capital Projects as per Attachment 5 of the staff report dated January 11, 2023;
5. Direct the Chief Administrative Office to prepare a staff report with options, funding sources and strategies for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Capital Budgets for the Bedford Library within Mill Cove and a Fire Station in the Larry Uteck West Bedford Area;
6. Request a briefing note with options to fund library Capital budget projects at their 2022/23 approved allocations for 2023/24 budget approvals within the proposed 2023/24 Multi-Year Capital Plan to the Budget Adjustment List;
7. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a briefing note to provide options to fund the West Bedford Fire Station on Science Park Drive within the proposed 2023/24 Multi-Year Capital Plan and refer the matter for discussion as part of the Budget Adjustment List;
8. Include a reduction of $755,000 for one-time reduction to CR21001: Urban Forestry Plan Implementation as outlined in the Briefing Note BN002 within the proposed 2023/24 Capital budget as amended;
9. Include an increase of $3,000,000 for new sidewalks, Active Transportation CR 200001, within the proposed 2023/24 Capital budget, including funding options, to the Budget Adjustment List as a capital over budget option for consideration, beginning in 2024/25;
10. Request a Briefing Note with an update on the 2014/15 approved project, “MacDonald Park Ball Field Lighting” (deferred due to land tenure) including:
a. Confirmation of the continuation of project planning in 2023/24;
b. Information on tenure arrangements, leasing, timing related to land tenure, design & construction, and operating implications; and
c. A recommendation for inclusion in the capital budget for design and construction to the Budget Adjustment List; and
11. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer prepare a briefing note to provide options to advance the funding of the Capital Projects for the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre (Sheet Harbour Fire Station - CB210018 & Sheet Harbour Recreation Centre - CB000080) to commence over 2024/25 & 2025/26 fiscal years instead of the current timeline in the Capital Budget Book.
15.3 COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE
15.3.1 Halifax Rugby Football Club* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:
1. Engage with Halifax Rugby on their planned consultation on the proposed project as presented at the January 19, 2023 Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting; and,
2. Prepare a staff report assessing the proposal for alignment with municipal plans and priorities including the January 2022 Gorsebrook Park Plan and identifying possible funding sources.
15.4 EXCUTIVE STANDING COMMITTEE
15.4.1 Councillor Appointments to Boards and Committees* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Appoint Councillor Lovelace to the Women’s Advisory Committee, for a term to the end of the Council term;
2. Appoint Councillor Stoddard to the African Descent Advisory Committee, for a term to the end of the Council term; and
3. It is further recommended that Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide a staff report to:
a. Consider amendments to the Women’s Advisory Committee Terms of Reference to remove the requirement that one of the members be a member from the Executive Standing Committee; and
b. Consider amendments to the African Descent Advisory Committee Terms of Reference to remove the requirement that one of the members of Council be a member from the Executive Standing Committee.
15.5 MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
15.5.1 Councillor Lovelace – Modernize Land Use By-laws with Zone for Park and Open Space Public Land [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to provide a staff report and return to Council with recommendations to modernize rural and suburban land use by-laws to rezone or establish a zone for municipal park and open space land specifically for park and community use.
16. MOTIONS
16.1 Councillor Smith
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to provide a staff report that provides options regarding potential future uses of 5812-14 North Street, Halifax that would recognize its historical importance, including but not limited to:
1. Collaborating with the property owner to preserve and commemorate the property’s history as part of a redevelopment;
2. Purchasing the property for preservation and redevelopment by the municipality; or
3. Purchasing the property with the goal of providing the space to non-profit healthcare or affordable housing service providers associated with the African Nova Scotian Community in North End Halifax.
17. IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE)
Council may rise and go into a private In Camera session, in accordance with Section 19 of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, for the purpose of dealing with the following:
17.1 LEGAL ADVICE - Private and Confidential Report – Information Item Brought Forward from January 24, 2023
A matter pertaining to legal advice eligible for solicitor-client privilege.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council to convene in camera (in private) to discuss the matter.
17.2 PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to an identifiable individual or group.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated January 23, 2023; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated January 23, 2023 be maintained private and confidential.
Private and Confidential Information Items
1. Private and Confidential In Camera (In Private) Information Report - re: Public Safety
2. Private and Confidential In Camera (In Private) Information Report - re: Legal Advice
18. ADDED ITEMS
Additions:
18.1 Councillor Morse – Information Item 8: Green Network Plan Coordination and Resourcing to be moved to Feb 7 Council Agenda for discussion, motion and vote [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Budget Committee to consider the inclusion of a full-time Green Network Coordinator staff position to lead implementation of the Green Network Plan through the Regional Plan and in alignment with Council’s other strategic priority plans including IMP and HalifACT as an option over budget as part of the Budget Adjustment Process (BAL) in the 2023/2024 Planning and Development budget and business plan.
Information Item 9 – Proclamation – Canadian School Counselling Week – February 6-10, 2023 [PDF]
Information Item 10 – Proclamation – Family Violence Prevention Week – February 12-18, 2023 [PDF]
19. NOTICES OF MOTION
20. ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION ITEMS
February 7, 2023
________________________________________
1. Proclamation – Wear Red Day – February 13, 2023 [PDF]
2. Proclamation – International Mother Language Day – February 21, 2023 [PDF]
7. Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated February 1, 2023 re: Cogswell District Project Update Report #2 [PDF]