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 Jan. 28, 2025
Update on Windsor Street Exchange project
At the Jan. 28 meeting, the following motion was presented to Regional Council regarding the Windsor Street Exchange project:
THAT Halifax Regional Council:
1. Suspend the rules of procedure under Schedule 7, the Transportation Standing Committee Terms of Reference, of Administrative Order One, the Procedures of the Council Administrative Order;
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to proceed with the Windsor Street Exchange project, as per the current funding agreement and Design Build contract, including future proofing new structures along the corridor where municipal lands permit, to accommodate future dedicated transit lanes and separated pedestrian and cycling facilities; and
3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a supplemental staff report and recommendation about accommodating future widening and BRT/AT infrastructure in the Windsor Street interchange area.
This motion was defeated by vote (8-6), meaning the project will not proceed at this time. Subsequent to this vote, a motion of recission was entered and will be included on the agenda at a future Regional Council meeting, meaning the same motion will be brought before Regional Council again at a later date (to be determined).
For background on the Windsor Street Exchange project, please visit our website.
Municipality awards $104,000 in grants to address systemic racism
Regional Council has approved funding for 13 projects under the 2024 Anti-Black Racism Grants Program.
The Halifax Regional Municipality’s Anti-Black Racism Grants Program offers project-specific funding to eligible registered non-profit organizations and charities within the municipality. Grants range from $500 to $10,000 and focus on five key categories:
- Racial segregation
- Historic omission
- Lack of recognition
- Systemic expropriation
- Negative portrayal in media and literature.
Out of 28 submissions, 13 projects were selected for their strong commitment to addressing systemic challenges faced by Black communities while aligning with the municipality’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
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
Park Lighting Strategy
Regional Council has approved a new Park Lighting Strategy to add lighting in parks to increase safety and accessibility at night and minimizes environmental impact.
Park lighting plays an important role in improving accessibility, visibility, safety and active living in municipal green spaces across the region. Regional Council identified the need for a strategy address nighttime safety, enhance the use of facilities like sport courts and installations of public art.
Regional Council has directed the Chief Administration Officer to incorporate the identification and prioritization of the lighting of parks and public spaces into future budgets and business plans.
For more information, read the staff report.
*Note: this motion will be final when the meeting minutes are approved by Regional Council.