HALIFAX REGIONAL COUNCIL

MINUTES

Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 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 Patty Cuttell
• Councillor Cathy Deagle Gammon
• Councillor David Hendsbee
• Councillor Becky Kent
• Councillor Trish Purdy
• Councillor Sam Austin
• Councillor Tony Mancini
• Councillor Laura White
• Councillor Virginia Hinch
• Councillor Shawn Cleary
• Councillor Kathryn Morse
• Councillor Janet Steele
• Councillor Nancy Hartling
• Councillor John Young
• Councillor Jean St-Amand

Regrets:

• Councillor Billy Gillis

Staff:

• Brad Anguish, Acting Chief Administrative Officer
• John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer
• Simon Ross-Siegel, Legislative Assistant
• Krista Vining, Team Lead, Legislative Assistants
• Olawumi Odeyinka-Apantaku, Legislative Assistant
• Elizabeth Macdonald, 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 - January 13, 2026 

MOVED by Councillor Steele, seconded by Deputy Mayor Cuttell

THAT the minutes of January 13, 2026 be approved as circulated. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

4.

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

Additions: 

•    Item 18.1 - Councillor Deagle Gammon - Establishment of HRM Comfort Centre Policy
•    Item 18.2 - Councillor White - Residents vs Citizens in HRM Mission Statement
•    Item 17.6 - PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report
•    Item 17.7 - PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report
•    Item 17.8 - PERSONNEL MATTER - Private and Confidential Report

Deletions:

•    Item 17.4 - PROPERTY MATTER - Private and Confidential Report

Deferred to a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council:

•    15.2.1 Halifax International Airport Authority Update

MOVED by Councillor Mancini seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT the agenda be approved as amended. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

5.

CONSENT AGENDA

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve recommendations in the following items: 
•    15.1.1 – HRM One Membership for Parks and Recreation Facilities;
•    15.1.2 – Application for Encroachment Agreement – Downtown Halifax Business Commission Sign;
•    15.1.3 – Housing Trust of Nova Scotia: Contribution Agreement Amendment;
•    15.1.4 – Police Extraordinary Investigation Reserve Access Criteria; and
•    15.3.1 – HRM Anti-Black Racism Grants Program: Fiscal 2025 – Recommended Awards

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Hendsbee, Gillis

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 - January 13, 2026

10.1

LakeWatchers 2022-24 Update

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Audit and Finance Standing Committee report dated December 4, 2025 revised on January 7, 2025 with attached staff report dated September 9, 2025 
• Presentation dated December 4, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor St-Amand

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

1. Direct staff to add the supervised beaches at Kidston Lake, Long Pond, Penhorn Lake, Albro Lake, Birch Cove (Lake Banook), Lake Echo, Springfield Lake, and Kearney Lake to the Naturalization Program.

2. Direct staff to explore shoreline and in-lake green infrastructure options for addressing stormwater discharge locations within 100 m of supervised beaches.

Chris Kennedy, Water Quality Monitoring Program Coordinator gave a presentation.

Kennedy and Emma Wattie, Manager Environment responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

10.2

First Reading Proposed By-law T-1008, Respecting the Regulation of Taxis, Accessible Taxis, Limousines and Transportation Network Companies

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Transportation Standing Committee report dated December 8, 2025 with attached staff report dated November 25, 2025
• Supplementary staff report dated January 23, 2026
• Correspondence from Ross Haynes, Brian Herman, Agne Butkute, Canadian Taxi Association

The following motion was on the floor from the January 13, 2026 meeting:

MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to By-law T-1008, Amending By-law T-1000, the Halifax Regional Municipality Taxi, Limousine and Transportation Network Companies By-law, as set out in Attachment 2 to the staff report dated November 25, 2025.

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

Steve Berkman, Community Safety Program Manager responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council regarding the audit of driver's documentation & management, staff capacity, and jurisdiction scan.

MOTION PUT AND DEFEATED. (5 in favour, 11 against)

In favour: Councillors Hendsbee, Austin, White, Cleary, Morse

Against: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Cuttell, Councillors Deagle Gammon, Kent, Purdy, Mancini, Hinch, Steele, Hartling, Young, St-Amand

Not present: Councillor Gillis

MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor St-Amand

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Give First Reading to Amending By-law T-1008, Amending By-law T-1000, the Halifax Regional Municipality Taxi, Limousine and Transportation Network Companies By-law, as set out in Attachment 2 to the supplemental staff report dated January 23, 2026; and
2.  Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a staff report with input from a temporary working committee composed of representatives from the Halifax Regional Municipality TNC Operators, and Taxi industry to review the Municipality's public policy objectives against the best practices from across Canada, with a particular focus on training, audit, approaches to licensure, and compliance models used by municipal and provincial regulators.

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

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

Against: Councillors  Austin, Morse

Not present: Councillor Gillis

Mayor Fillmore resumed the Chair.

11.

NOTICES OF TABLED MATTERS

None

12.

HEARINGS

12.1

HERITAGE HEARING

12.1.1

Case HRTG-2025-02222: Request to Include 1530 Oxford Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Properties for the Halifax Regional Municipality

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Heritage Advisory Committee dated November 26, 2025 with attached staff report dated November 5, 2025
• Presentation dated January 27, 2026

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

The hearing opened at 1:14 p.m.

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

Elizabeth Ryan spoke to the history of the construction and residents of the structure.

MOVED by Councillor Hartling, seconded by Councillor St-Amand

THAT the hearing be closed. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

The hearing closed at 1:20 p.m.

MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve the request to include 1530 Oxford Street, Halifax, in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as shown on Map 1 of the staff report dated November 5, 2025, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

12.2

PUBLIC HEARING

12.2.1

Noise Exemption Request – Dalhousie Sno-Fest 2026

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated January 20, 2026

Vicki Aguinaga, Supervisor Support Services explained the application was submitted by the Dalhousie Student Union and the applicant was seeking an exemption from By-law N-200, Respecting Noise for Dalhousie Sno-Fest 2026. Aguinaga noted the event was scheduled to take place February 5, 2026 and the exemption would be required from 9:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Aguinaga responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

The hearing opened at 6:05 p.m.

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

William Jones, Applicant spoke to Dalhousie Sno-Fest 2026. Jones noted the noise exemption was being sought as part of a broader harm reduction strategy and Dalhousie University was working in coordination with relevant stakeholders. Jones explained the music was scheduled to end at 11:00 p.m. but the exemption was being requested until 12:00 a.m. to allow for disassembly and crowds to leave the area.

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 Hartling, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT the hearing be closed. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

The hearing closed at 6:10 p.m.

MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve the Dalhousie Student Union’s Sno-Fest 2026 application for an exemption from the provisions of the Noise By-law pursuant to the contents of the staff report dated January 20, 2026, and any matters raised at the public hearing.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

13.

CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

13.1

Correspondence

Correspondence was received and circulated for items: 10.2, 15.1.7, 15.4.1 and 18.1. 

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

13.2

Petitions

None

14.

INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD

None

15.

REPORTS

15.1

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

15.1.1

HRM One Membership for Parks and Recreation Facilities*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated December 11, 2025

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

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

1. initiate a pilot project to implement a 75% discount on all day passes and single use passes to holders of an active facility membership at any facilities owned and operated by HRM or any facilities classified as a Multi-District Facility, and 

2. return to Regional Council with an update on the pilot project including usage data, additional member consultation, and future recommendations following the Multi-District Facility Governance review.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Hendsbee, Gillis

15.1.2

Application for Encroachment Agreement – Downtown Halifax Business Commission Sign*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated December 15, 2025

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

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve the attached Encroachment Agreement between Halifax Regional Municipality and the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, the purpose of which is to grant an encroachment license for a sign within the public right of way in the sodded boulevard along Barrington Street beside the Halifax Water Treatment Plant and the roundabout. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Hendsbee, Gillis

15.1.3

Housing Trust of Nova Scotia: Contribution Agreement Amendment*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report December 9, 2025

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

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve an amendment to Appendix 3 - Section 7 of the Contribution Agreement dated June 14, 2022, as shown in Attachment 2 of the staff report dated December 9, 2025.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Hendsbee, Gillis

15.1.4

Police Extraordinary Investigation Reserve Access Criteria*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated January 20, 2026

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

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve the definitions, access criteria, approval processes, and reporting requirements, outlined in the Discussion section of the staff report dated January 20, 2026, as the governing framework for the access to, and use of, the funds in the Police Extraordinary Investigation Reserve.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Hendsbee, Gillis

15.1.5

Proposed Amendments to Administrative Order 2025-001-ADM, Respecting Grants for Second Units

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated December 15, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT Halifax Regional Council adopt the amendments to Administrative Order 2025-001-ADM, the Second Unit Administrative Order, as set out in Attachment 2 of the staff report dated December 15, 2025.

Erin MacIntyre, Executive Director, Planning & Development and Aaron Murnaghan, Manager, Housing Accelerator Fund responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

15.1.6

Proposed Amendments to Administrative Order 1, Respecting the Procedures of the Council - Fixed Interval Auditor General Recommendations Reporting

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated January 21, 2025

MOVED by Councillor Purdy, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT Halifax Regional Council adopt the amendments to Administrative Order One, the Procedures of the Council Administrative Order, as set out in Attachment 2 of the staff report dated January 21, 2025.

Jacqueline Pepper, Manager, Corporate Performance responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

15.1.7

AAA Bicycle Network Capital Projects: 2026/27 & 2027/28 Planned Construction - REVISED

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Staff report dated October 31, 2025, revised January 23, 2026
• Presentation dated January 27, 2026
• Correspondence from Geoffrey Caven, David Trueman 

Mike Connors, Manager, Strategic Transportation Planning gave a presentation.

Connors and Mark Nener, Supervisor, Active Transportation Planning responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.
 
MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Deagle Gammon

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

1. Initiate functional planning for the three alternatives to the All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bikeway network capital projects as described in the Discussion section of the revised staff report dated October 31, 2025 and subject to approval of the associated costs in the 2026/27 capital budget, return to Regional Council with a recommended approach to implementation of these three alternatives; and,

2. Pursue federal and provincial funding opportunities for Council-approved AAA bikeway network projects whenever application intakes are announced.

MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Cleary

THAT Halifax Regional Council waive the rules of order section 83 (1) and (3) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, to permit Committee of the Whole speaking rules.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED.

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

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

Mayor Fillmore resumed the Chair.

As provided for in section 90 of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the motion was separated for voting purposes to list the 3 alternative projects.

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Mancini

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

1. Initiate functional planning for the listed alternatives to the All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bikeway network capital projects as described in the Discussion section of this report subject to approval of the associated costs in the 2026/27 capital budget, return to Regional Council with a recommended approach to implementation of the listed alternatives:

a. Novalea Drive Multi-Use Pathway (MUP)

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. (10 in favour, 6 against) 

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

Against: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Hendsbee, Purdy, Cleary, Hartling, Young

Not present: Councillor Gillis

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Mancini

That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

1. Initiate functional planning for the listed alternatives to the All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bikeway network capital projects as described in the Discussion section of this report subject to approval of the associated costs in the 2026/27 capital budget, return to Regional Council with a recommended approach to implementation of the listed alternatives:

b. Victoria Road & Highfield Park Drive Bikeways

MOTION PUT AND DEFEATED. (5 in favour, 11 against) 

In favour: Deputy Mayor Cuttell, Councillors Deagle Gammon, Hendsbee, Mancini, Steele

Against: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Hartling, Young, St-Amand

Not present: Councillor Gillis

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Mancini

That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

1. Initiate functional planning for the listed alternatives to the All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bikeway network capital projects as described in the Discussion section of this report subject to approval of the associated costs in the 2026/27 capital budget, return to Regional Council with a recommended approach to implementation of the listed alternatives:

c. Welsford Street Bikeway

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

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

Against: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Purdy, Cleary, Young

Not present: Councillor Gillis

MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Mancini

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:

2. Pursue federal and provincial funding opportunities for Council-approved AAA bikeway network projects whenever application intakes are announced.

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

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

Against: Councillor Young

Not present: Councillor Gillis

15.2

COMMUNITY PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE

15.2.1

Halifax International Airport Authority Update - 10:00 a.m.

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Community Planning & Economic Development Standing Committee report dated November 20, 2025 with attached presentation dated November 20, 2025

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

15.3

GRANTS COMMITTEE

15.3.1

HRM Anti-Black Racism Grants Program: Fiscal 2025 – Recommended Awards*

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Grants Committee report dated January 20, 2026 with attached staff report dated January 8, 2026.

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

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT Halifax Regional Council approve sixteen (16) awards as detailed in Attachment 2 of the staff report dated January 8, 2026 for a combined total of $100,000 from Operating Account E401-8004 Anti-Black Racism Grants.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillors Hendsbee, Gillis

15.4

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

15.4.1

Councillor Purdy and Councillor Deagle Gammon - Request for Provincial Action on Strengthening Dog Policies

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration from Councillors Purdy and Deagle Gammon
• Correspondence from Adam Lowry
• Image dated January 27, 2026

MOVED by Councillor Purdy, seconded by Councillor Deagle Gammon

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide a staff report to request the Mayor write a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs John A. MacDonald by end of day on February 24 urging consideration of strengthened policies regarding dangerous animals, including:

1. Transferring dangerous dog legislation to the provincial level or mandating inter-jurisdictional communication on animal control to prevent relocation of dangerous dogs between municipalities.

2. Providing authority for immediate seizure of animals following a serious attack to ensure public safety during investigations.

3. Implementing stronger preventative measures, including higher penalties for owners who fail to control their dogs.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

15.4.2

Councillor Steele - African Nova Scotian Affirmation

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Councillor Steele

MOVED by Councillor Steele, seconded by Councillor White

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Waive Section 17 of Administrative Order One, requiring a staff report from the Chief Administrative Officer, to include an African Nova Scotia affirmation at Regional Council and Committee meetings during African Nova Scotia Month in February 2026; and

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to prepare a staff report regarding amending Administrative Order One to include an affirmation of the contributions of African Nova Scotians to Mi’kma’ki at Regional Council and Committee meetings.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

15.4.3

Councillor Hartling - Community Integration Fund - Goodwood Beautification Initiative

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request from Consideration form from Councillor Hartling

MOVED by Councillor Hartling, seconded by Councillor Hendsbee

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to prepare a staff report for the allocation of a portion of the former District 11 Community Integration Fund (now District 13) for a community beautification program in Goodwood.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Not present: Councillor Gillis

15.4.4

Councillor Hartling - Review of Blasting and Grading By-Laws

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Councillor Hartling

MOVED by Councillor Hartling, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to prepare a staff report after a review of by-laws B-600 and G-200 that includes:

• An evaluation of the overall effectiveness of both by-laws in achieving their intended policy goals;
• A summary of the number and nature of resident complaints received in relation to these by-laws over a reasonable timeframe;
• A comparison of enforcement outcomes versus the volume of complaints; and
• Recommendations for potential amendments, repeals, or enhancements to improve the efficiency and clarity of said by-laws.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

16.

MOTIONS

17.

IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE)

MOVED by Councillor Purdy, seconded by Councillor Deagle Gammon

THAT Halifax Regional Council convene to In Camera (In Private) to discuss Item 17.2 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, Item 17.6 PERSONNEL MATTER, Item 17.7 PERSONNEL MATTER, and Item 17.8 PERSONNEL MATTER

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. 

17.1

In Camera (In Private) Minutes - January 13, 2026

This matter was dealt with in public.

MOVED by Councillor  Mancini, seconded by Councillor Hendsbee

That the In Camera (In Private) minutes of January 13, 2026 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 January 20, 2026

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent

That Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated January 20, 2026; and

2. Release the private and confidential report dated January 20, 2026 to the public once the conditions as outlined in the report have been met. 

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

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

Against: Councillors Hinch, Cleary

Not present: Councillor Gillis

17.3

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS - Private and Confidential Report

This matter was dealt with in public.

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Private and Confidential staff report dated January 15, 2026

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor White

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated January 15, 2026; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated January 15, 2026 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

17.4

PROPERTY MATTER - Private and Confidential Report

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Private and Confidential staff report dated January 20, 2026

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

17.5

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 January 21, 2026

MOVED by Councillor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Deagle Gammon

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated January 21, 2026; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated January 21, 2026 be maintained private and confidential. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

17.6

PERSONNEL 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 January 26, 2026

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated January 26, 2026; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated January 26, 2026 be maintained private and confidential.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

17.7

PERSONNEL 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 January 26, 2026

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 January 26, 2026; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated January 26, 2026 be maintained private and confidential.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

17.8

PERSONNEL 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 January 23, 2026

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated January 23, 2026; and

2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated January 23, 2026 be maintained private and confidential.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

18.

ADDED ITEMS

18.1

Councillor Deagle Gammon - Establishment of HRM Comfort Centre Policy

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Councillor Deagle Gammon
• Correspondence from Kelly Trout, Lara C. Skwarek, Jordan Xidos 

MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor St-Amand

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide a staff report to develop a municipal Comfort Centre Policy to support consistent, cost‑effective, and efficient identification, administration, and activation of comfort centres throughout the municipality.

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

18.2

Councillor White - Residents vs Citizens in HRM Mission Statement

The following was before Halifax Regional Council:

• Request for Consideration form from Councillor White

MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Waive Section 17 of Administrative Order One, requiring a staff report from the Chief Administrative Officer; and

2. direct the CAO to modify the wording of the HRM Mission statement in the 2026 – 2030 Strategic Plan to replace “our citizens” with “residents”:

Currently: “We take pride in providing high-quality public service to benefit our citizens.”

Revised: “We take pride in providing high-quality public service to benefit residents.”

MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Councillor Gillis

19.

NOTICES OF MOTION

19.1 Councillor Mancini

TAKE NOTICE that at a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council, I intend move a motion to rescind Item 15.3.2 part 1 and 2, from the November 12, 2024 Regional Council meeting which requested a staff report as follows:

“THAT Halifax Regional Council:

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to initiate a review of the Municipality’s current Salt Management Plan guided by the Syntheses of Best Practices Road Salt Management.

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate policy options for setbacks for new stormwater discharge locations into natural waterbodies and consider options for naturalization and/or Low Impact Development (LID) features at existing stormwater discharge locations around priority lakes.”

19.2 Mayor Fillmore

TAKE NOTICE that at a future meeting of Halifax Regional Council, I intend to move the following motion:

"THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to prepare a staff report and return to Council in June 2026 with recommendations on how the municipality can implement and deliver a pilot project of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes in current bus only lanes to be prioritized based on impacts to transit, effectiveness, and feasibility on congested corridors in HRM."

20.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

21.

INFORMATION ITEMS

21.1

Memorandum from the Municipal Clerk dated January 19, 2026 re: Requests for Presentation to Council - Joshua Stilling

21.2

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated January 6, 2026 re: Cogswell District Project Update Report #8

21.3

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated January 27, 2026 re: Award of Contracts – Quarterly Report October 2025 to December 2025

21.4

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated November 21, 2025 re: Mill Cove Ferry Service – Project Update #01

21.5

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated January 2, 2026 re: Transit Fare Exemptions for Seniors

21.6

Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer dated January 5, 2026 re: Windsor Street Exchange Project Update Report #1

22.

IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE) INFORMATION ITEMS

None