HALIFAX REGIONAL COUNCIL

MINUTES

Tuesday, January 14, 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
• Elizabeth Macdonald, Legislative Assistant
• Olawumi Odeyinka-Apantaku, 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 10:01 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. 

Councillor Gillis spoke to the house fire and loss of life that took place in Lower Sackville January 11, 2025. A moment of silence was held.

1.1

SPECIAL PRESENTATION - PROPERTY VALUATION SERVICES CORPORATION (PVSC) 2025 ASSESSMENT ROLL - 1:00 P.M.

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Presentation dated January 14, 2025
• Handouts dated January 14, 2025

Rebecca Vorstermans, Vice President, Stakeholder Relations and Communications, Jeff Caddell, Director of Valuation Standards, and Dion Regular, Assistant Director of Operations, Property Valuation Services Corporation gave a presentation and responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

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

2.

SPECIAL COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Councillors noted special community announcements and acknowledgements.

3.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - December 3 and 10, 2024

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Deagle Gammon

THAT the minutes of December 3 and 10, 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: 

•    Item 15.5.1 Councillor St-Amand - Potential Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act with Respect to Responding Volunteer Firefighters

As provided for in section 12 (5) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, Deputy Mayor Mancini requested that Information Item 21.3 – Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated December 31, 2024 re: Strategic Performance Report 2023/24 be brought forward at the next Regional Council Meeting.

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:

•    Item 15.2.1 Modem Purchases for Public Works and Halifax Transit was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Deputy Mayor Mancini

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Austin

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve recommendations in the following items: 

• 15.1.2 – Standing Committee Nominations to Boards, Committees and Commissions;
• 15.3.2 – Addressing Castle Hill Pickleball Court Noise; and
• 15.4.1 – Case HRTG-2024-00433: Request to Include 6 First Avenue, Bedford in the Registry of Heritage Properties for the Halifax Regional Municipality.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor 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

None

11.

NOTICES OF TABLED MATTERS

None

12.

HERITAGE HEARING

Mayor Fillmore stepped down from the Chair and Deputy Mayor Mancini assumed the Chair.

12.1

Case HRTG-2024-00687: Request to Include 1300 Oxford 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 October 8, 2024 with attached staff report dated September 18, 2024
• Staff presentation dated January 14, 2025

Shaoqiu Gong, Planner I, Regional & Priority Planning gave a presentation.

The hearing opened at 6:10 p.m.

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

David Dexter, First Baptist Church Halifax spoke to the benefits of a heritage designation and explained it would assist the church in achieving long-term financial sustainability. Dexter noted the building's history and the organization's growing membership and advocacy work.

MOVED by Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT the hearing be closed. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

The hearing closed at 6:14 p.m.

MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve the request to include 1300 Oxford Street, Halifax, in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as shown on Map 1 of the staff report dated September 18, 2024, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Austin, Cuttell

13.

CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

13.1

Correspondence

None

13.2

Petitions

None

14.

INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD

None

15.

REPORTS

15.1

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

15.1.1

ECDIS Intervention Association Less Than Market Value Lease

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated November 26, 2024

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve a less than market value lease with the ECDIS Intervention Association for the premises located at 45 Connolly Road, Middle Sackville and the lease is to contain terms and conditions that are similar to those set out in Table 1 and in the discussion section of the staff report dated November 26, 2024, and direct the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute the less than market value lease agreement.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Cleary

15.1.2

Standing Committee Nominations to Boards, Committees and Commissions*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated December 19, 2024

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

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Austin

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the nomination of the Transportation Standing Committee by appointing Councillor Morse to serve on the Canadian Urban Transit Association, for a term to November 2026;

2. Adopt the nominations of the Executive Standing Committee by appointing Councilor Purdy, Councillor White, and Councillor St-Amand to serve on the Accessibility Advisory Committee for a term to November 2026;

3. Adopt the nominations of the Executive Standing Committee by appointing Councillor Hinch and Councillor Young to serve on the African Descent Advisory Committee for a term to November 2026; and

4. Adopt of the nominations of the Executive Standing Committee by appointing Councillor Hinch and Councillor Hartling to serve on the Women and Gender Equity Advisory Committee for a term to November 2026.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Cleary

15.1.3

2024 Resident Survey

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated January 6, 2025
• Staff presentation dated January 14, 2025

Michael Pappas, Director, Corporate Planning & Performance gave a presentation. 

MOVED by Councillor Hinch, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the results of the 2024 Resident Survey in the preparation of the updated 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.

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

Jerry Blackwood, Executive Director of Finance and Asset Management/Chief Financial Officer 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, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Councillor Young

15.2

AUDIT AND FINANCE STANDING COMMITTEE

15.2.1

Modem Purchases for Public Works and Halifax Transit*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Audit & Finance Standing Committee report dated December 11, 2024 with attached staff report dated November 22, 2024

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve the following funding transfers: 

a. For the Public Works purchases: $56,000 from capital project CT200004 – Controller Cabinet & Detection and $225,670 from Q526 - Capital Fund Reserve to capital project CI200003 – IT Infrastructure Recap totalling $281,670 in transferred funds.

b. For the Halifax Transit purchases: $150,000 from capital project CM210013 – Fixed Route Planning, Scheduling & Operations and $619,000 from Q526 – Capital Fund Reserve to capital project CM210011 – Transit Fare Management totalling $769,000 in transferred funds.

Marc Santilli, Manager Technical Services responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.3

COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE

15.3.1

Park Lighting Strategy

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee report dated December 12, 2024 with attached staff report dated August 28, 2024
• Staff presentation dated January 14, 2025

Stephen Cushing, Landscape Architect, Policy & Planning gave a presentation. 

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Deputy Mayor Mancini

THAT Halifax Regional Council adopt the Park Lighting Strategy as set out in Attachment A of the staff report dated August 28, 2024, as a guiding document for the planning of pathway, facility, and placemaking lighting, and direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the identification and prioritization of the lighting of such features into future budgets and business plans.

Cushing, Maggie MacDonald, Executive Director Parks & Recreation and Richard Harvey, Director Strategic Planning & Design responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council regarding budget, capital funding & process, security, management and standardization of lighting in the park.

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Cuttell

THAT the motion be amended to request a supplemental report on implementation of the lighting strategy in existing parks, including criteria for prioritization, and budgeting.
 
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

The motion as amended now read: 
 
MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Cuttell
 
THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the Park Lighting Strategy as set out in Attachment A of the staff report dated August 28, 2024, as a guiding document for the planning of pathway, facility, and placemaking lighting, and direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the identification and prioritization of the lighting of such features into future budgets and business plans.

2. Request a supplemental report on implementation of the lighting strategy in existing parks, including criteria for prioritization, and budgeting.

MOTION AS AMENDED PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

15.3.2

Addressing Castle Hill Pickleball Court Noise*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee report dated December 12, 2024 with attached staff report dated September 20, 2024

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

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Austin

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

1. Remove the pickleball court markings and nets from the courts at Castle Hill Park; and

2. Review other sites as replacements to the Castle Hill Park Court, with measures that may include sound barriers, for the 2025/26 Budget year.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Cleary

15.4

HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

15.4.1

Case HRTG-2024-00433: Request to Include 6 First Avenue, Bedford in the Registry of Heritage Properties for the Halifax Regional Municipality*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated November 26, 2024

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

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Austin

That Halifax Regional Council set a date for a heritage hearing to consider the inclusion of 6 First Avenue, Bedford in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as shown on Map 1 of the staff report dated November 26, 2024, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Cleary

15.5

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

15.5.1

Councillor St-Amand - Potential Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act with Respect to Responding Volunteer Firefighters

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Councillor St- Amand

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

15.5.2

Councillor Purdy - Changes to the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Strategy

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Councillor Purdy

MOVED by Councillor Purdy, seconded by Councillor Hendsbee

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a staff report to review the land use policies and regulations of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Strategy to consider ways to better mitigate impacts on residential properties, such as appropriate locations for Construction and Demolition (C&D) facilities, provisions for buffering and screening and reducing impacts of truck traffic. The report should consider planning tools for regulating C&D facilities, and any necessary public or industry engagement.

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)

17.1

In Camera (In Private) Minutes - December 3 & 10, 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 December 3 and 10, 2024 be approved as circulated.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council convene to In Camera (In Private) to discuss Item 17.2 PROPERTY MATTER. 
 
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 October 1, 2025
• Private and confidential staff presentation dated January 14, 2025 

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

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

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated October 1, 2024 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

18.

ADDED ITEMS

None

19.

NOTICES OF MOTION

19.1 Deputy Mayor Mancini

TAKE NOTICE that, at a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council, I intend to propose amendments to Administrative Order 48, Respecting the Creation of Community Councils, the purpose of which is to bring additional proposed sites for the Suburban Housing Accelerator Plan in alignment with the existing framework of Regional Council meetings.

20.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.

21.

INFORMATION ITEMS

21.1

Proclamation - Alzheimer's Awareness Month - January 2025

21.2

Memorandum from the Chair of Audit and Finance Standing Committee dated December 11, 2024 re: Second Quarter 2024/25 Financial Report

21.3

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated December 31, 2024 re: Strategic Performance Report 2023/24

21.4

Memorandum from the Municipal Clerk dated January 6, 2025 re: Requests for Presentation to Council - None