Rachel Boehm

The council discussed various operational and policy matters, including the inclusion of supervised beaches in the Naturalization Program and a proposed by-law for the regulation of taxis and transportation network companies. Heritage status was granted to 1530 Oxford Street, and a noise exemption was approved for the Dalhousie Sno-Fest 2026. Financial items included the approval of an Anti-Black Racism Grants program, amendments to administrative orders, and the authorization of funding for infrastructure projects such as bikeway network planning. The council also addressed requests concerning dangerous dog policies, the establishment of a municipal comfort centre policy, and a mission statement revision. Additionally, private personnel and contract negotiation matters were deliberated, with several recommendations adopted.

The council held public hearings regarding development agreements for two properties located on Sackville Drive in Lower Sackville. Both development agreements were approved by the council. Additionally, the council heard from a member of the public regarding potential future meeting locations and community events.

The board received operational updates from the Halifax Regional Police and the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, including crime and traffic statistics and information on community safety initiatives. Presentations were provided regarding micromobility vehicle enforcement and participation in the RCMP H Division Sexual Assault Investigations Review Committee. The board formally adopted policies concerning the use of force and code of conduct complaints. Furthermore, the board requested the inclusion of a sexual assault case review policy in its upcoming workplan and discussed inquiries regarding the municipality's involvement in the federal gun buy-back program.

The Budget Committee addressed various community concerns and municipal projects. Public participation featured extensive discussion regarding urban renewal impacts and the displacement of residents, the request for a Community Land Trust for the Cogswell District, the need for improved cycling and pedestrian safety infrastructure, and labor concerns involving janitorial staff at the Alderney Gate facility. Additional topics included the proposed widening of Robie Street with significant opposition voiced by residents, funding requirements for climate change initiatives and the HalifACT program, support for local arts organizations, and concerns regarding rising property taxes and overall municipal fiscal responsibility.

This document provides an annual update on a public safety strategy, detailing the journey upstream and efforts to strengthen the public safety ecosystem across various spectrums. It outlines strategic action areas, monitoring and impact measurement, and highlights key initiatives such as the Crisis Assistance and Response (CARE) Team, the Child, Youth, and Family Response Table (CHART) focused on youth safety, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, and Project Upstream to counter social polarization and extremist violence. The strategy is looking ahead to renewal, with future focus areas including strengthening multisectoral collaboration for violence prevention, developing a coordinated approach to gender-based violence, and prioritizing senior and youth safety.