HALIFAX REGIONAL COUNCIL

MINUTES

Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m.; Reconvene 6:00 p.m.

Council Chamber, 3rd Floor City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax

Present:

• Mayor Andy Fillmore
• Deputy Mayor Tony Mancini
• Councillor Cathy Deagle Gammon
• Councillor David Hendsbee
• Councillor Becky Kent
• Councillor Trish Purdy
• Councillor Sam Austin
• Councillor Laura White
• Councillor Virginia Hinch
• Councillor Shawn Cleary
• Councillor Kathryn Morse
• Councillor Patty Cuttell
• Councillor Janet Steele
• Councillor Nancy Hartling
• Councillor John Young
• Councillor Billy Gillis
• Councillor Jean St-Amand

Staff:

• Cathie O’Toole, Chief Administrative Officer
• John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer
• Iain MacLean, Municipal Clerk
• Dorothy Maponga, Legislative Assistant
• Elizabeth Macdonald, Legislative Assistant
• Krista Vining, Team Lead, Legislative Assistants

The following does not represent a verbatim record of the proceedings of this meeting. 

The agenda, reports, supporting documents information items circulated and video (if available) are online at halifax.ca. 

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1.

CALL TO ORDER AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Mayor Fillmore called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. and acknowledged that the meeting took place in the traditional and ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq people, and that we are all treaty people. 

2.

SPECIAL COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Councillors noted special community announcements and acknowledgements.

3.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4.

APPROVAL OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS AND APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS

Additions:

•    Item 17.4 - PERSONNEL MATTER
•    Item 18.1 - 2024-2025 Affordable Housing Grant Program Funding - Administrative Order 2020-008-ADM, Respecting Grants for Affordable Housing
•    Item 18.2 - Councillor Hendsbee - District 2 Area Rate for Paved Shoulders

Deletions:

•    Item 10.1 Request for Letter – Drop-In Centre

As provided for in section 37 (1) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, Iain MacLean, Municipal Clerk requested that Item 14.1 be considered prior to Item 6.

MOVED by Councillor Steele, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT the agenda be approved as amended. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

5.

CONSENT AGENDA

As provided for in section 41 (3) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council:

•      Items 13.1.1 Fly-past Request - Halifax Wanderers DND Appreciation Game and 15.1.5 Development Agreement Policy for Robie and Almon (ZURB MPSA-2024-00975) were removed from the consent agenda at the request of Councillor White 
•     Item 15.1.2 – Case 24505: Development Agreement for 10 Kirk Road, Halifax for a bare land condominium development and rehabilitation of a registered heritage property was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Councillor Cuttell 

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve recommendations in the following items: 

•    15.1.1 – Legislative Options for Houseboats and Floating Homes;
•    15.2.1 – Urban Forest Management Plan - Update; and
•    15.3.1 – H00582: 2025/2026 Heritage Incentive Program.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Kent, Cleary

6.

BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

None

7.

CALL FOR DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

None

8.

MOTIONS OF RECONSIDERATION

None

9.

MOTIONS OF RESCISSION

None

10.

CONSIDERATION OF DEFERRED BUSINESS - March 18, 2025

10.1

Request for Letter – Drop-In Centre

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated February 12, 2025

This matter was deleted during the approval of the Order of Business.

11.

NOTICES OF TABLED MATTERS

None

12.

PUBLIC HEARING

12.1

MPSA-2023-00304: Amendments to the Beaver Bank, Hammonds Plains, and Upper Sackville MPS and LUB and amendments to the existing DA - 1274 Hammonds Plains Rd (Joint Public Hearing with North West Community Council)  

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated December 11, 2025
• Staff presentation dated March 25, 2025
• Applicant presentation dated March 25, 2025

The Mayor advised that where this was a joint meeting with North West Community Council, section 1 of the motion must be considered prior to sections 1 and 2. Consideration of sections 1 and 2 would be done by North West Community Council members only and the vote would be done by show of hands.

Jess Harper, Principal Planner gave a presentation and responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

The hearing opened at 6:19 p.m.

Mayor Fillmore invited the applicant to come forward and address Council/Community Council.

Connor Wallace, Applicant gave a presentation. 

Mayor Fillmore reviewed the rules of procedure for public hearings. Mayor Fillmore noted there were no registered speakers and called three times for any other members of the public wishing to speak; there were none. 

MOVED by Councillor Purdy, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT the hearing be closed. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

The hearing closed at 6:28 p.m.

MOVED by Councillor Young, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for Beaver Bank, Hammonds Plains and Upper Sackville as set out in Attachments A and B of the staff report dated December 11, 2024, to allow for a two (2) storey commercial office building not exceeding a total area of 604 square metres (6,500 square feet) at 1274 Hammonds Plains Road (PID 00422279).

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Cuttell

MOVED by Councillor Young, seconded by Councillor Deagle Gammon

It is further recommended that North West Community Council:

1. Provisionally approve the proposed amending development agreement to permit a two-storey commercial office building at 1274 Hammonds Plains Road (PID 00422279), which shall be substantially of the same form as contained in Attachment C of the staff report dated December 11, 2024; and

2. Require the amending development agreement be signed by the property owner within 120 days, or any extension thereof granted by Council on request of the property owner, from the date of final approval by Council and any other bodies as necessary, including applicable appeal periods, whichever is later, otherwise this approval will be void and obligations arising hereunder shall be at an end.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. 

13.

CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

13.1

Correspondence

Correspondence was received and circulated for items: 13.1.1, 15.1.3 and 18.1. 

For a detailed list of correspondence received refer to the specific agenda item. 

13.1.1

Fly-past Request - Halifax Wanderers DND Appreciation Game*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Correspondence from Captain Annick Fortin

MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT the Halifax Regional Municipality grant permission to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to fly assets in formation over the Wanderers Grounds, as per the enclosed diagram in the letter dated March 10, 2025, routed from north northeast to south southwest, flying over the Commons/Citadel Hill), originating from over the harbour flying towards the playing field, at a height of 500 feet above the highest obstacles on June 21, 2025, at 4:04 p.m. 

John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer and Cathie O'Toole, Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. (14 in favour, 2 against) 

In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Deagle Gammon, Hendsbee, Purdy, Austin, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Councillors White, Hinch

Not present: Councillor Kent

13.2

Petitions

None

14.

INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD

14.1

Deputy Mayor Mancini - Options for Eliminating or Limiting US Goods and Services in HRM Supply Chain

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated February 18, 2025
• Staff presentation dated March 25, 2025 

Cathie O'Toole, Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

Jane Pryor, Director, Procurement and Stephen Terry, Strategic Portfolios & Policies Consultant gave a presentation and responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

Wendy Luther, Halifax Partnership and Ian Munro, Halifax Partnership spoke on the proposed US tariffs and their potential impacts on the Municipality's economy.

Luther, Munro and O'Toole responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

15.

REPORTS

15.1

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

15.1.1

Legislative Options for Houseboats and Floating Homes*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated January 21, 2025

The following motion was approved as part of the Consent Agenda:

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council request that the Mayor send letters to the Province of Nova Scotia and to the Government of Canada requesting that the provincial and federal governments collaborate with the Municipality to establish a clear and comprehensive framework for the regulation of liveaboard vessels and floating homes in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Kent, Cleary

15.1.2

Case 24505: Development Agreement for 10 Kirk Road, Halifax for a bare land condominium development and rehabilitation of a registered heritage property*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated January 20, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Cuttell, seconded by Councillor Morse

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to negotiate a 4m wide easement at 10 Kirk Road as identified by the applicant in Attachment B of the staff report dated January 20, 2025

Douglas Reid, Planning Coordinator and John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Kent

15.1.3

Westwood Hills Egress Supplementary Report

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated January 18, 2025
• Correspondence from Shawn Beaulieu

MOVED by Councillor Hartling, seconded by Councillor Young

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to:

1. Advance the planning, design, land acquisition, and construction required to develop an emergency-only roadway connection between the Westwood Hills subdivision and Highway 103 via PID 40742496 (Option 1 as described in the staff report dated January 18, 2025).

2. Continue to investigate connector road options between the Westwood Hills subdivision and nearby communities including Highland Park North and the historic African Nova Scotian Community of Upper Hammonds Plains. Ensure that engagement with potentially impacted communities is undertaken, including the Upper Hammonds Plains Community as part of its ongoing Planning Strategy Review and African Nova Scotian Community Action Plan.

3. Complete a Region-wide Subdivision Egress Review Study to identify areas that are vulnerable to access/egress challenges, and based on its findings, establish a multi-year implementation strategy that prioritizes subdivisions for remediation.

Mike Connors, Manager, Transportation Planning, Brad Anguish, Commissioner of Operations, Leah Perrin, Manager, Regional Planning and Peter Duncan, Director, Infrastructure Planning responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

Councillor Hartling proposed that part 2 of the motion be amended to include 'Westwood Hills and Highland Park' and further proposed that the word 'community' be struck out of the motion. As provided for in section 53 (2) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the amendment was accepted as friendly.

Councillor Hartling proposed that part 3 of the motion be amended to include 'consider leveraging new and emerging infrastructure from Melvin Lake Wind Project or other projects in the area.'  As provided for in section 53 (2) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the amendment was accepted as friendly.

The motion now read: 

MOVED by Councillor Hartling, seconded by Councillor Young

1. Advance the planning, design, land acquisition, and construction required to develop an emergency-only roadway connection between the Westwood Hills subdivision and Highway 103 via PID 40742496 (Option 1 as described in this report).

2. Continue to investigate connector road options between the Westwood Hills subdivision and nearby communities including Highland Park North and the historic African Nova Scotian Community of Upper Hammonds Plains. Ensure that engagement with potentially impacted communities is undertaken, including Westwood Hills, Highland Park, and Upper Hammonds Plains (as part of its ongoing Planning Strategy Review and African Nova Scotian Community Action Plan).

3. Complete a Region-wide Subdivision Egress Review Study to identify areas that are vulnerable to access/egress challenges, and based on its findings, establish a multi-year implementation strategy that prioritizes subdivisions for remediation, and consider leveraging new and emerging infrastructure from Melvin Lake Wind Project or other projects in the area.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Kent

15.1.4

Long-term Support for Mobile Food Market: Years 10-13 (2025-2029)

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated January 30, 2025

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Morse

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Direct funding in the amount of $175,700.00 for Year 10 (2025/26) of the Mobile Food Market (MFM), as identified in the financial implications section of the staff report dated January 30, 2025, to be funded with a one-time withdrawal from the Options Reserve Q421, subject to approval of an unbudgeted withdrawal from the reserve by the Audit and Finance Standing Committee.

2. Approve continued support for the Halifax Mobile Food Market for Years 11-13 (2026/27 to 2028/29), as outlined in Table 2 of the staff report dated January 30, 2025; and,

3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to: 

i) work with the MFM and other partners to develop a capital campaign for the purchase of a new hybrid or electric market vehicle and bring potential funding options to Regional Council for consideration;

ii) explore the feasibility of the MFM’s use of an HRM fleet vehicle in the interim period until a new vehicle is purchased; and, 
 
iii) explore funding options for the next iteration of long-term support for the MFM and report to Council in Year 13 (2028/29) with a recommendation for Regional Council’s consideration. 

Jerry Blackwood, Executive Director of Finance and Asset Management/Chief Financial Officer and Leticia Smillie, Food Policy Strategist responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.1.5

Development Agreement Policy for Robie and Almon (ZURB MPSA-2024-00975)*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated February 24, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Hinch, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

a) Initiate a process to consider amendments to the Regional Centre Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law to enable a development agreement for a 12-storey building in a tall mid-rise built form on lands at 2764 – 2778 Robie Street (PID 00005181) in Halifax as outlined in the staff report dated February 24, 2025; and

b) Follow Administrative Order 2023-002-ADM Respecting Public Participation for Planning Documents, Certain Planning Applications, and Engagement with Abutting Municipalities for the required public participation program and as outlined in the staff report dated February 24, 2025.

Kasia Tota, Manager, Community Planning responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.2

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY STANDING COMMITTEE

15.2.1

Urban Forest Management Plan - Update*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Environment and Sustainability Standing Committee report dated March 6, 2025 with attached staff report dated February 28, 2025

The following motion was approved as part of the Consent Agenda:

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council: 

1. Revoke the Urban Forest Master Plan (2013) and support the principles contained in the new Urban Forest Management Plan as set out in Attachment 1 of the staff report dated February 28, 2025; and 

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to carry out the actions contained in the Urban Forest Management Plan as part of the multi-year budgeting and business process.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Kent, Cleary

15.3

HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

15.3.1

H00582: 2025/2026 Heritage Incentive Program*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Heritage Advisory Committee report dated March 12, 2025 with attached staff report dated February 10, 2025

The following motion was approved as part of the Consent Agenda:

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Approve the proposed grants to the properties listed in Attachment A of the staff report dated February 10, 2025, conditional upon the applicants’ compliance with Sections 29 through 35 of Administrative Order Number 2014-002-ADM and subject to the approval of the proposed 2025/2026 budget.

2. Approve the reallocation of excess funds to the standby list properties in Attachment B of the staff report dated February 10, 2025 if an approved project in Attachment A does not proceed or incurs expenses below the estimated amount, conditional upon the applicants’ compliance with Sections 29 through 35 of Administrative Order Number 2014-002-ADM and subject to the approval of the proposed 2025/2026 budget.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Kent, Cleary

15.4

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

15.4.1

Councillor Austin - Green Municipal Fund (GMF) - Revised

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for consideration form from Councillor Austin

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Hinch

THAT Halifax Regional Council endorse the application of Councillor Sam Austin to the Federation of Canadian Municipality’s Green Municipal Fund.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.4.2

Councillor St-Amand - Comprehensive Review of All Communication Tools

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for consideration form from Councillor St-Amand

MOVED by Councillor St-Amand, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to conduct a comprehensive review of all communication tools currently utilized by the municipality and perform a jurisdictional scan of communication tools employed by similar cities across Canada to maximize reach and effectiveness of communications with the public, reflective of the Halifax Regional Municipality's strategic objectives and consistent with the values of the municipality.

Cathie O'Toole, Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

16.

MOTIONS

None

17.

IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE)

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Purdy

THAT Halifax Regional Council convene to In Camera (In Private) to discuss Item 17.3 PROPERTY MATTER.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

17.1

PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report

This matter was dealt with in public.

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Private and confidential staff report dated March 12, 2025

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated March 12, 2025; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated March 12, 2025 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

17.2

PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report

This matter was dealt with in public.

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Private and confidential staff report dated March 18, 2025

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated March 18, 2025; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated March 18, 2025 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

17.3

PROPERTY MATTER - Private and Confidential Report

This matter was dealt with In Camera (In Private) and ratified in public as follows: 

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Private and confidential staff report dated March 12, 2025 

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Hendsbee

THAT Halifax Regional Council: 

1.  Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated March 12, 2025; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated March 12, 2025 be maintained private and confidential.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

17.4

PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report

This matter was dealt with in public.

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Private and confidential staff report dated March 20, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor Hinch

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated March 20, 2025; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated March 20, 2025 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

18.

ADDED ITEMS

18.1

2024-2025 Affordable Housing Grant Program Funding - Administrative Order 2020-008-ADM, Respecting Grants for Affordable Housing

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Audit and Finance Standing Committee report dated March 24, 2025 with attached staff report dated February 27, 2025 
• Correspondence from Archbishop Brian Joseph Dunn 

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to allocate $4,652,318 from the Density Bonus Reserve Q640 to fund the Affordable Housing Grant Program; and

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to allocate $623,400 from the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to fund awards under the Affordable Housing Grant Program.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

18.2

Councillor Hendsbee - District 2 Area Rate for Paved Shoulders

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Revised request for consideration form from Councillor Hendsbee

MOVED by Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT Halifax Regional Council waive section 17 of Administrative Order One, requiring a staff report, and:

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into agreement with the Province of Nova Scotia (PNS) by March 28, 2025 to pave extended shoulders at a minimum width of 1.5 metres along Route 357, from Trunk 7 northerly for approximately 1.6 kilometres to Bayers Mill Road at an estimated cost of $264,000.
 
2. Levy a uniform charge, currently estimated at $40.00 per property, for a period of 10 years starting in 2026/27 in the community of Musquodoboit Harbour to recover the cost of paving extended shoulders along Route 357, with the final charge determined by the PNS invoice for the work.

Cathie O'Toole, Chief Administrative Officer, David MacIssac, Manager, Active Transportation and Brad Anguish, Commissioner of Operations responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. (15 in favour, 2 against) 

In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Deagle Gammon, Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, Hinch, Cleary, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Councillors White, Morse

19.

NOTICES OF MOTION

19.1 Councillor Deagle Gammon

TAKE NOTICE that, at a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council, I intend to propose amendments to Administrative Order 2018-003-ADM, Respecting Private Road Maintenance, the purpose of which is to approve area rates and uniform charges for fiscal year 2025-26 for Private Road Area Rates. 

20.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

21.

INFORMATION ITEMS

21.1

Memorandum from the Municipal Clerk dated March 17, 2025 re: Requests for Presentation to Council - None

21.2

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated March 25, 2025 re: Diversity & Inclusion Framework Update 2023-24

22.

IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE) INFORMATION ITEMS

None