HALIFAX REGIONAL COUNCIL

MINUTES

Tuesday, December 03, 2024, 10:00 a.m.; Reconvene 6:00 p.m. If Required

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

Present:

• Mayor Andy Fillmore
• Deputy Mayor 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 Janet Steele
• Councillor Nancy Hartling
• Councillor John Young
• Councillor Billy Gillis
• Councillor Jean St-Amand

Regrets:

• Councillor Tony Mancini
• Councillor Patty Cuttell

Staff:

• Cathie O’Toole, Chief Administrative Officer
• Karen Brown, Acting Municipal Solicitor
• Iain MacLean, Municipal Clerk
• Elizabeth MacDonald, Legislative Assistant
• Simon Ross-Siegel, Legislative Assistant

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 10:00 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 - November 12, 2024 and November 19, 2024

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Hendsbee

THAT the minutes of November 12, 2024 and November 19, 2024 be approved as circulated. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. 

4.

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

Additions: None 

Deletions: None 

Deferred to the December 10, 2024 meeting of Halifax Regional Council:
•    Item 16.1 Councillor Cuttell 

As provided for in section 37 (1) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, Iain MacLean, Municipal Clerk requested that Item 17. IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE) be considered prior to Item 10. CONSIDERATION OF DEFERRED BUSINESS - November 12, 2024.

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Steele

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:

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve recommendations in the following items: 
•    15.1.1 – Administrative Order 50: PID 40877581 - 4032 Mooseland Road, Mooseland; and
•    15.1.2 – Funding Envelope for Signature Events from Marketing Levy Special Events Reserve or other appropriate Funding Reserves.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Purdy, Mancini, Cuttell

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 - November 12, 2024

10.1

Motion of Rescission - Removal of the Nine Potential Designated Locations List

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated November 22, 2024, revised November 28, 2024
• Extract from the November 12, 2024 Regional Council Minutes draft minutes

The following motion was on the floor from the November 12, 2024 meeting:

MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Waive Notice of Motion, in accordance with section 49 (1) of Administrative Order One; and

2. Rescind Regional Council's July 9th, 2024 endorsement of the amended list of potential designated locations and direct the Chief Administrative Officer to cease designating locations for sheltering from this list.

Cathie O’Toole, Chief Administrative Officer and Bill Moore, Executive Director, Community Safety responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION PUT AND DEFEATED. (7 in favour, 8 against) 

In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Deagle Gammon, Councillors Purdy, White, Hinch, Hartling, Young

Against: Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Austin, Cleary, Morse, Steele, Gillis, St-Amand

Not present: Councillors Mancini, Cuttell

11.

NOTICES OF TABLED MATTERS

None

12.

HERITAGE HEARINGS

12.1

Case HRTG-2024-00810: Request to Include 6105 Willow Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Properties for the Halifax Regional Municipality

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Heritage Advisory Committee report dated August 28, 2024 with attached staff report dated June 25, 2024, revised September 10, 2024
• Staff presentation dated December 3, 2024

Shaoqiu Gong, Planner I, Heritage Property Program gave a presentation and responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

The hearing opened at 1:16 p.m.

Mayor Fillmore invited the property owner to come forward and address Halifax Regional Council. 

Bruce Bassett, property owner spoke to concerns regarding the loss of built heritage in Halifax Regional Municipality, the architectural importance of "Halifax box style" homes and responded to questions from Halifax Regional Council.

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT the hearing be closed. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

The hearing closed at 1:21 p.m.

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve the request to include 6105 Willow Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as shown on Map 1 of the revised staff report dated June 25, 2024, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Mancini, Cuttell

12.2

HRTG-2024-00692: Request to Include 5450 Russell Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Properties for the Halifax Regional Municipality

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Heritage Advisory Committee report dated September 12, 2024 with attached staff report dated August 22, 2024
• Staff presentation dated December 3, 2024

Elizabeth Cushing, Planner II, Heritage Property Program gave a presentation and responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

The hearing opened at 1:30 p.m.

Mayor Fillmore noted that the property owner was not present.

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Hinch

THAT the hearing be closed. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

The hearing closed at 1:32 p.m.

MOVED by Councillor Hinch, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve the request to include 5450 Russell Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality as shown on Map 1 of the staff report dated August 22, 2024 as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Mancini, Cuttell

13.

CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

13.1

Correspondence

None

13.2

Petitions

13.2.1 Councillor Hinch

Councillor Hinch submitted a petition from residents of District 8 regarding Cogswell Park's current designation as an encampment site with approximately 129 signatures requesting the park be de-designated as an encampment site.

14.

INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD

None

15.

REPORTS

15.1

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

15.1.1

Administrative Order 50: PID 40877581 - 4032 Mooseland Road, Mooseland*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated November 1, 2024

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

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve an additional 90-day extension to the submission deadline to December 31, 2024, for the Mooseland and Area Community Association’s proposal in support of their request for a less than market value sale of PID 40877581 civic address 4032 Mooseland Road, Mooseland.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Purdy, Mancini, Cuttell

15.1.2

Funding Envelope for Signature Events from Marketing Levy Special Events Reserve or other appropriate Funding Reserves*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated October 9, 2024 

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

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. approve the creation of a one-time sustainability fund of no more than $350,000 which may be applied to Signature Events that are successful in the evaluation process, to be funded from the Community and Options Reserve (Q621);

2. approve the reserve withdrawal to be part of the 2025/26 Budget for consideration; and,

3. subject to the approval of Recommendations 1 and 2, approve the terms and conditions of this stability fund, as such terms are set forth in the discussion section of the staff report dated October 9, 2024, including, 

a. the application process that would necessitate applicants submit a sustainability plan;

b. the eligible and ineligible expenses;

c. the criteria by which an application will be evaluated;

d. the dates that the fund will be opened and closed to applicants;

e. that applicants would not be eligible for the three-year sustainability MLSER program;

f. that the Executive Director of Parks and Recreation is responsible for the evaluation of applications and the subsequent negotiation of contribution agreements; and,

g. that the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), or the CAO’s delegate, is approved to execute contribution agreements for the disbursement of funds to successful applicants.  

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Purdy, Mancini, Cuttell

15.1.3

Review of Pending Motions - REVISED

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated November 22, 2024, revised November 29, 2024 and December 2, 2024
• Staff presentation dated December 3, 2024

Sally Christie, Chief of Staff, Chief Administrative Office gave a presentation and responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to proceed with the list of ongoing reports for Regional Council outlined in “Attachment 1,” as revised, of the staff report dated November 22, 2024.

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Hendsbee

THAT the motion be amended to add "Amending By-law N-300 - Exterior Lighting" to Attachment 1, Part 1 from Part 2.

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

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (12 in favour, 3 against) 

In favour: Deputy Mayor Deagle Gammon, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Steele, Hartling

Not present: Councillors Mancini, Cuttell

The motion as amended now read:

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to add "Amending By-Law N300 - Exterior Lighting" to Attachment 1, Part 1 from Part 2 and proceed with the list of ongoing reports for Regional Council outlined in “Attachment 1” of the staff report dated November 22, 2024.

Iain MacLean, Municipal Clerk and Ken Stuebing, Executive Director/Fire Chief responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOVED by Morse, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Item 15.1.3 - Review of Pending Motions be deferred to a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council.

Christie and O'Toole responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION TO DEFER PUT AND PASSED. (13 in favour, 2 against) 

In favour: Deputy Mayor Deagle Gammon, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Mayor Fillmore, Councillor Purdy

Not present: Councillors Mancini, Cuttell  

16.

MOTIONS

16.1

Councillor Cuttell

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

17.

IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE)

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council convene to In Camera (In Private) to discuss Items 17.2 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS and 17.3 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. 

17.1

In Camera (In Private) Minutes - November 12 & 19, 2024

This matter was dealt with in public as follows:

MOVED by Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT the In Camera (In Private) minutes of November 12, 2024 and November 19, 2024 be approved as circulated. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

17.2

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS - 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 November 19, 2024

MOVED by Councillor Steele, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council: 

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated November 19, 2024; and

2. Release the private and confidential report dated November 19, 2024 to the public once the conditions as outlined in the report have been met.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Kent, Mancini, Cuttell

17.3

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS - 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 November 2, 2024

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated November 2, 2024; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated November 2, 2024 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Mancini, Cuttell

17.4

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ITEMS

17.4.1

Private and Confidential In Camera (In Private) Information Report re: Intergovernmental Relations

18.

ADDED ITEMS

None

19.

NOTICES OF MOTION

19.1 Deputy Mayor Deagle Gammon

TAKE NOTICE that, at a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council, I intend to introduce a motion to propose amendments to Administrative Order 18, the Revenue and Collection Policy, the purpose of which is to allow for a notice of sale to be posted on the Municipality's website instead of in a newspaper and other housekeeping amendments.

19.2 Deputy Mayor Deagle Gammon

TAKE NOTICE that, at a future meeting of the Halifax Regional Council, I intend to introduce the repeal and replacement of Administrative Order 52, by adopting Administrative Order 2024-004-GOV Respecting the Code of Conduct for Elected Officials of the Halifax Regional Municipality, the purpose of which is to set out a new Code of Conduct for Elected Officials as required by the Provincial regulation 218/2024.

19.3 Deputy Mayor Deagle Gammon

TAKE NOTICE that, at a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council, I intend to propose amendments to Administrative Order 29, Respecting HRM Civic Addressing Policies, the purpose of which is to amend Administrative Order 29 with new and updated street names added from July 2024 to October 2024.

19.4 Councillor St-Amand

TAKE NOTICE that, at a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council, I intend to propose amendments to Administrative Order 2022-005-ADM, Respecting the Community Grants Program, the purpose of which is non-substantive changes to policy for clarification and to consolidate access to funding targeting a specific nonprofit sector or a defined type of program or service.

19.5 Councillor St-Amand

TAKE NOTICE that, at a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council, I intend to move amendments to Administrative Order 2024-001-ADM Respecting Tax Relief to Registered Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations including:

-The addition of thirty-one (31) properties;

-Six (6) grants by Resolution of the Council;

-Minor amendments to policy; and

-Adoption of Schedules A through G, Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.

These amendments are with respect to the fiscal 2024 Tax Relief Program.

20.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:51 p.m.

21.

INFORMATION ITEMS

21.1

Proclamation - Salvation Army Week - December 9 - 15, 2024

21.2

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated October 23, 2024 re: Procedures for Application to the Municipal Registry of Volunteer Emergency Services Providers: Administrative Order 2023-003-ADM

21.3

Memorandum from the Municipal Clerk dated November 25, 2024 re: Requests for Presentation to Council - Wendy Sampson, Canada Revenue Agency