HALIFAX REGIONAL COUNCIL

MINUTES

Tuesday, September 09, 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:

• Brad Anguish, Acting Chief Administrative Officer
• John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer
• Iain MacLean, Municipal Clerk
• Olawumi Odeyinka-Apantaku, 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 - August 19, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Gillis, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT the minutes of August 19, 2025 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 

As provided for in section 37 (1) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, Iain MacLean, Municipal Clerk requested that Item 15.1.2 PLPROJ-2024-01075: Dartmouth Cove Water Lots be considered at 1:00 p.m.

MOVED by Councillor Gillis, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT the agenda be approved as amended.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

Later in the meeting, the following was deleted:

• 15.5.4 Councillor Cuttell - Request for Exemption from District Capital Fund Policy – Jost Mission Daycare Society

 

5.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

• 15.1.3 Drought Monitoring and Water Delivery was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Councillor Hendsbee
• 15.2.4 Ice Rink Availability, Allocation and Rate Fee Considerations was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Councillor Hendsbee
• 15.2.2 Lighting Strategy in Existing Parks was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Councillor Steele
• 15.2.3 Proposal for an Air-supported Dome for Tennis Courts at Gorsebrook Field was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Councillor Purdy
• 15.2.1 Park Steward Program was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Councillor Austin
• 15.3.2 Municipal Letter for the St Barbara and Natural Forces’ Closed-Loop Hydro Renewable Energy Project removed from the consent agenda at the request of Councillor Morse

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor White

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve recommendations in the following items: 

• 15.3.1 – Community Based Stewardship Program for Wilderness Parks; and
• 15.4.1 – First Reading Proposed By-law C-1103, Amendments to By-law C-1100, the Campaign Finance By-law.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

6.

BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

None

7.

CALL FOR DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

Councillor Hartling declared a conflict of interest for Item 17.2 PROPERTY MATTER.

8.

MOTIONS OF RECONSIDERATION

None

9.

MOTIONS OF RESCISSION

None

10.

CONSIDERATION OF DEFERRED BUSINESS

None

11.

NOTICES OF TABLED MATTERS

None

12.

PUBLIC HEARING

12.1

Case MPSA-2024-00975: Amendments to the Regional Centre MPS and LUB and associated DA for 2764-2778 Robie Street, Halifax (PID 00005181) (Joint Meeting with Halifax and West Community Council)

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated July 29, 2025
• Presentation dated September 9, 2025
• Applicant presentation dated September 9, 2025

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

The hearing opened at 6:14 p.m.

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

Susan Fitzgerald and James Coons, Applicant gave a presentation and responded to questions from Halifax Regional Council.

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.

Danny Chedrawe, Richmond Yard Community spoke about the need for the Council to consider increasing the sidewalk dimensions in the design to accommodate the increased population in Richmond Yard and to support the sustainability of the city's development. Chedrawe noted that the design would hinder the smooth flow of bike and rapid transit lanes. AB said there was a need to reopen the Centre Plan to allow for wider sidewalks. Chedrawe responded to questions raised from Regional Council regarding the current density of the plan and if approved, there would not be enough space to provide proper sidewalks, which could lead to congestion.

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Hinch

THAT the hearing be closed. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

The hearing closed at 6:34 p.m.

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

MOVED by Councillor Hinch, seconded by Councillor White

THAT Halifax Regional Council adopt the proposed amendments to the Regional Centre Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy and Regional Centre Land Use By-law, as set out in Attachments A and B of the staff report dated July 29, 2025, to enable a 12-storey building in a tall mid-rise form at 2764-2778 Robie Street, Halifax (PID 00005181).

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Deagle Gammon

MOVED by Councillor Cuttell, seconded by Councillor Hinch

That the Halifax and West Community Council:

1. Provisionally approve the proposed development agreement for 2764-2778 Robie Street, Halifax, which shall be substantially of the same form as contained in Attachment C of the staff report dated July 29, 2025; and

2. Require the 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 item 15.1.2. 

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

13.2

Petitions

None

14.

INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD - August 19, 2025

14.1

Councillor Austin - Tax Relief for Non-Profit Organizations: Market Leasing

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff information report dated July 10, 2025

Peta-Jane Temple, Team Lead Grants and Contributions, and Jerry Blackwood, Chief Financial Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Hinch

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a conceptual framework, eligibility criteria, and funding formula for a new grant program, including an analysis of the means to fund such a program without increasing the general tax rate through, for example, rationalization of existing municipal programs and practices.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. (12 in favour, 5 against) 

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

Against: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Purdy, Hartling, Young, Gillis

15.

REPORTS

15.1

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

15.1.1

Second Reading By-law C-703, Respecting Municipal Cemeteries, and Proposed Amendments to Administrative Order 20, Respecting Fees for Cemetery Services

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated August 5, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Steele, seconded by Councillor White

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to adopt the proposed amendments to Administrative Order Number 20, Respecting Fees for Cemetery Services, and Cemetery By-law C-700, as outlined in Attachments C and E of the staff report dated August 5, 2025.

Adam Cornick, Superintendent Parks West responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.1.2

PLPROJ-2024-01075: Dartmouth Cove Water Lots

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated August 12, 2025
• Staff presentation dated September 9, 2025
• Correspondence from Colin Dunphy, Mila Cox, Taya Poworoznyk, David Jones, Anya Kazimierski, Stephanie Jackson, Brendan Smith, Gwen North, Ben Coleman, Deborah Fraser, Shannon McNeil, Javon Parris, Allison Chubbs, Shawn Knowles, Robin Thomson, Marilyn More, Tom and Brad Hickey, Molly Trecker, Angela Knowles, and Stephanie Hébert

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council defer consideration of any amendments to the Regional Centre Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy and Regional Centre Land Use By-law concerning the Dartmouth Cove water lots until such time that the Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront Revitalization (DDWR) Project has returned to Regional Council for consideration.

Dali Salih, Planner III gave a presentation and responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer, Stephanie Salloum, Principal Planner, and Brad Anguish, Acting Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

As provided for in section 103 of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, a motion was made to convene In Camera to discuss item 15.1.2 PLPROJ-2024-01075: Dartmouth Cove Water Lots.

MOVED by Councillor Morse, seconded by Councillor Purdy

THAT Halifax Regional Council convene to In Camera (In Private) to discuss Item 15.1.2 PLPROJ-2024-01075: Dartmouth Cove Water Lots.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Hinch

THAT Halifax Regional Council defer the recommendation regarding PLPROJ-2024-01075: Dartmouth Cove Water Lots pending receipt of a set of amendments to enable Council to proceed with Alternative 2 to direct changes to restrict water lot development and infilling in Dartmouth Cove and return to Regional Council at the next regularly scheduled Regional Council meeting.

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

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

Against: Mayor Fillmore, Councillor Hendsbee

15.1.3

Drought Monitoring and Water Delivery*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated August 25, 2025 

MOVED by Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to distribute drinking water to HRM residents who do not have well water available at a volume of 4L per day per person;

2. Approve an unbudgeted reserve withdrawal to be funded from the Risk Resilience Reserve (Q416) to a maximum of $200,000; and

3. Direct that any funding that is received from external resources, such as the provincial or federal government, be reallocated to the Risk Resilience Reserve (Q416).

Deputy Chief Roy Hollett, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Hendsbee

THAT the motion to be amended to add an additional section which reads “4. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to establish more water distribution centres so that the maximum driving time for a resident from their home to the distribution centre is reduced."

Hollet, John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer, Brad Anguish, Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Bill Moore, Commissioner of Public Safety responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (16 in favour, 1 against) 

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

Against: Councillor White

Jerry Blackwood, Chief Financial Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

The question was called on the main motion:

MOVED by Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to distribute drinking water to HRM residents who do not have well water available at a volume of 4L per day per person;

2. Approve an unbudgeted reserve withdrawal to be funded from the Risk Resilience Reserve (Q416) to a maximum of $200,000; and

3. Direct that any funding that is received from external resources, such as the provincial or federal government, be reallocated to the Risk Resilience Reserve (Q416).

4. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to establish more water distribution centres so that the maximum driving time for a resident from their home to the distribution centre is reduced.

MOTION AS AMENDED PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Cleary

15.1.4

Nomination to Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities Board

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated August 28, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Cuttell

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Suspend the rules of procedures under Schedule 6 of Administrative Order One, Executive Standing Committee Terms of Reference, requiring the Executive Standing Committee to review the nomination outlined in the staff report dated August 28, 2025 and make a recommendation to Regional Council; and

2. Nominate Councillor Austin as the Halifax Regional Municipality Representative to sit on the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities Board for a two-year term.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Cleary

15.2

COMMUNITY PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE

15.2.1

Park Steward Program*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee report dated August 21, 2025 with attached staff report dated June 10, 2025.

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Hinch

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop the Park Stewardship Program as outlined in the discussion section of the staff report dated June 10, 2025.

Richard Harvey, Manager, Strategic Planning and Design responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Hinch

THAT the motion to be amended to add an additional section which reads “2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to return to Council with a staff report assessing the results of the Park Stewardship program prior to the 2028-2029 budget cycle. The report should reassess the need for dedicated staff support."

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

The question was called on the main motion:

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Hinch

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop the Park Stewardship Program as outlined in the discussion section of the staff report dated June 10, 2025; and

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to return to Council with a staff report assessing the results of the Park Stewardship program prior to the 2028-2029 budget cycle. The report should reassess the need for dedicated staff support.

MOTION AS AMENDED PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.2.2

Lighting Strategy in Existing Parks*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee report dated August 21, 2025 with attached staff report dated May 29, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Steele, seconded by Councillor Morse

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to include the park pathway and court lighting as identified in the staff report dated May 29, 2025, in the 2026/27 capital plan, within current funding levels and with implementation occurring over 5 years, subject to the annual capital project prioritization process.

Maggie MacDonald, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation, Stephen Cushing, Landscape Architect and Brad Anguish, Acting Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOVED by Councillor Steele, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT Halifax Regional Council defer the recommendation regarding the Lighting Strategy in existing parks and that Regional Council direct staff to prepare a supplemental staff report that identifies a prioritization approach for the lighting of existing active transportation pathways in HRM Parks that is based on criteria such as volume of use and proximity to services and destinations such as transit, schools, libraries, recreation, employment and other destinations. The report should identify prospective capital costs and a proposed implementation approach.

MacDonald and Anguish responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

Councillor Steele proposed that the request for a deferral be removed from the motion and the request for a supplemental report seek information on the Mainland Linear Trail. 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:

THAT the motion to be amended to add an additional section which reads "2. direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a supplemental staff report to that identifies a prioritization approach for the lighting of existing active transportation pathways, with respect to the Mainland Linear Trail, that is based on criteria such as volume of use and proximity to services and destinations such as transit, schools, libraries, recreation, employment and other destinations. The report should identify prospective capital costs and a proposed implementation approach."

John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer, MacDonald and Anguish responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

Councillor Hartling proposed that the request for a supplemental report speak to HRM active transportation trails broadly. 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:

THAT the motion to be amended to add an additional section which reads "2. direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a supplemental staff report that identifies a prioritization approach for the lighting of existing active transportation pathways that is based on criteria such as volume of use and proximity to services and destinations such as transit, schools, libraries, recreation, employment and other destinations.  The report should identify prospective capital costs and a proposed implementation approach."

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

The motion before Halifax Regional Council now read:

MOVED by Councillor Steele, seconded by Councillor Morse

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to include the park pathway and court lighting as identified in the staff report dated May 29, 2025, in the 2026/27 capital plan, within current funding levels and with implementation occurring over 5 years, subject to the annual capital project prioritization process; and

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a supplemental staff report that identifies a prioritization approach for the lighting of existing active transportation pathways that is based on criteria such as volume of use and proximity to services and destinations such as transit, schools, libraries, recreation, employment and other destinations.  The report should identify prospective capital costs and a proposed implementation approach.

MOTION AS AMENDED PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.2.3

Proposal for an Air-supported Dome for Tennis Courts at Gorsebrook Field*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee report dated August 21, 2025  

MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Cuttell

THAT direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a staff report responding to the request of Headstart Tennis to install an air-supported dome over the four planned tennis courts at Gorsebrook Park per the park plan, including recommendations for public consultation and engagement with this organization as a stakeholder when the existing courts are at end of life.

Maggie MacDonald, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. (16 in favour, 1 against) 

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

Against: Councillor Cleary

15.2.4

Ice Rink Availability, Allocation and Rate Fee Considerations*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee report dated August 21, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor St-Amand

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a staff report with:

1. An update on the Long-Term Arena Strategy and the approach to future facilities planning for arenas;

2. A review of the impacts of the single, flat rate as set by the HRM Rate Fee By-law for Spring and Summer and the dates for those seasons on Provincial Sport Organizations; and

3. Information on the implementation of the current ice allocation policy, challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Maggie MacDonald, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.3

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY STANDING COMMITTEE

15.3.1

Community Based Stewardship Program for Wilderness Parks*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Environment and Sustainability Standing Committee report dated August 6, 2025

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

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor White

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Office to prepare a staff report that assesses and makes recommendations on the development of a community-based stewardship program for wilderness parks, that includes the identification of possible staff resources for a coordinator and other financial implications including consultation with relevant community groups.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

15.3.2

Municipal Letter for the St Barbara and Natural Forces’ Closed-Loop Hydro Renewable Energy Project*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Environment and Sustainability Standing Committee report dated June 5, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Morse, seconded by Councillor Deagle Gammon

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to provide a staff report to consider a Municipal letter of support to the Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy and the Premier of the Province of Nova Scotia for the St Barbara and Natural Forces’ Closed-Loop Hydro renewable energy project proposed for the site of the former Touquoy Gold Mine in Moose River, Nova Scotia.

John MacPherson, Executive Director Property, Fleet & Environment responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

15.4

EXECUTIVE STANDING COMMITTEE

15.4.1

First Reading Proposed By-law C-1103, Amendments to By-law C-1100, the Campaign Finance By-law*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Executive Standing Committee report dated August 18, 2025 with attached staff report dated July 10, 2025

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

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor White

THAT Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to By-law C-1103, amending By-law C-1100, the Campaign Financing By-law, as set out in Attachment 2 of the staff report dated July 10, 2025.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.5

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

15.5.1

Councillor Austin - Sunshine List

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Councillor Austin

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide a staff report on potentially amending Administrative Order 2015-006-ADM Respecting Disclosure of Employee Salaries to increase the $100,000 disclosure threshold.

Brad Anguish, Acting Chief Administrative Officer and John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. (15 in favour, 1 against) 

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

Against: Councillor Hendsbee

Not present: Councillor Deagle Gammon

15.5.2

Deputy Mayor Mancini - Halifax Mooseheads Proposal

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Deputy Mayor Mancini

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor St-Amand

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to prepare staff report to return to Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee (CPED), including analysis of the costs and benefits to the municipality and a recommendation on the proposal from the Halifax Mooseheads.

Brad Anguish, Acting Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. (12 in favour, 4 against) 

In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Austin, White, Cleary, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Councillors Purdy, Hinch, Cuttell, Young

Not present: Councillor Deagle Gammon

15.5.3

Councillor Austin - Deed Transfer Tax

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Councillor Austin

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council directs the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide a staff report on increasing the deed transfer tax rate in order to help fund HRM capital projects. The report should include a jurisdictional scan of deed transfer tax rate in other Canadian municipalities and how a tiered approach to deed transfer tax rates might mitigate the impact of any increase on more affordable, lower value properties.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. (13 in favour, 3 against) 

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

Against: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Purdy, Young

Not present: Councillor Deagle Gammon

15.5.4

Councillor Cuttell - Request for Exemption from District Capital Fund Policy – Jost Mission Daycare Society

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Councillor Cuttell

Later in the meeting, this matter was deleted.

16.

MOTIONS

17.

IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE)

MOVED by Councillor Purdy, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council convene to In Camera (In Private) to discuss Item 17.2 PROPERTY MATTER, Item 17.3 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS, Item 17.4 LEGAL ADVICE, Item 17.5 PROPERTY MATTER, and Item 17.6 PROPERTY MATTER

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

17.1

In Camera (In Private) Minutes - August 5 & 19, 2025

This matter was dealt with in public.

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT the In Camera (In Private) minutes of August 5, 2025 and August 19, 2025 be approved as circulated. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

17.2

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 July 22, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor St-Amand

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated July 22, 2025; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated July 22, 2025 be maintained private and confidential.

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

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

Against: Councillors Austin, Morse

Not present: Councillor Deagle Gammon, Hartling

17.3

INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS - 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 August 15, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor St-Amand

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated August 15, 2025; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated August 15, 2025 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Deagle Gammon

17.4

LEGAL ADVICE - 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 August 28, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated August 28, 2025; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated August 28, 2025 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Deagle Gammon

17.5

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 July 8, 2025

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated July 8, 2025; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated July 8, 2025 be maintained private and confidential. 

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

In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Councillors Purdy, Young

Not present: Councillor Deagle Gammon

17.6

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 report dated September 9, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor St-Amand

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated September 9, 2025; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated September 9, 2025 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Deagle Gammon

18.

ADDED ITEMS

None

19.

NOTICES OF MOTION

19.1. Councillor St-Amand

TAKE NOTICE that at a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council, I intend to propose First Reading of By-law B-403, an amendment to By-law B-400, Respecting Burglary, Robbery and Fire Alarm Systems; the purpose of which is to implement a flat fee per false alarm rather than the current tiered structure for false alarms.

19.2. Councillor Purdy

TAKE NOTICE that at a future meeting of the Halifax Regional Council I intend to move a motion to amend Administrative Order 2021-005-OP, Respecting Traffic Calming. The purpose of the amendments is to allow traffic calming measures to be removed or replaced without the need to integrate with a capital road works project, and other housekeeping amendments.

 

20.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

21.

INFORMATION ITEMS

21.1

Memorandum from the Chair of the Audit and Finance Standing Committee dated August 20, 2025 re: Investment Activities – Quarter ending March 31, 2025

21.2

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated July 23, 2025 re: Strong Mayor Powers

21.3

Memorandum from the Municipal Clerk dated September 2, 2025 re: Requests for Presentation to Council - Shalom Mandaville

21.4

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated May 26, 2025 re: Sulphide-bearing Material Management Issues and Alternatives – Final Report

22.

IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE) INFORMATION ITEMS

22.1

Private and Confidential In Camera (In Private) Information Report re: Personnel Matter

22.2

Private and Confidential In Camera (In Private) Information Report re: Personnel Matter