Draft Pro Halifax

[Mara Ermogemous]

TheHalifax Regional Municipal Planning Strategy (also called the 'Regional Plan') sets out a common vision, principles, and long-range, region-wide planning policies outlining where, when and how future growth and development should take place. The existing plan can be found at this link. This website is the place where you can access content, materials and supporting research for the Regional Plan Review. You can also find out about the project process, including public engagement activities.

The Regional Plan is regularly reviewed and the current review was initiated in 2020. The review is organized into phases - the timeline on this page (found on the right on browser or at the bottom of the page on mobile) explains more about each phase. We are in Phase 4, and the latest updates on the Phase 4 process are posted below.

Staff presented the Draft Regional Plan 'What We Heard Report' to Regional Council on December 12, 2023. You can view the Council agenda and staff presentation at this link and download the full report here. To download specific sections of the report, please see the 'What We Heard Report' category in the sidebar (found on the right on browser or at the bottom of the page on mobile).

Themes and Directions is a key document created during Phase 2 of the Regional Plan Review. Feedback on Themes and Directions closed July 2021. The feedback we received helped provide focus and direction for future work during the project and the 2023 Draft Regional Plan.

The Themes introduce the main overall topic areas. There are 11 themes in total. In the table, each theme is briefly described and explained. If you would like to read the entire theme, there is a link to read the theme in more detail. You may also dive deeper into issue papers that relate to the theme or read further into the background materials that helped to develop the theme. You may still access the recorded webinars and FAQ pages.

The Regional Plan Review team and content contributors hosted live virtual Q&A sessions on key topics including housing, social policy, climate change, the environment, mobility and long-range planning. These events were recorded and topics included the following:

The Halifax Regional Municipality is the economic hub of Atlantic Canada. The Regional Plan highlights important components of regional economic development, including protection for industrial lands, business parks, the Halifax Harbour and other coastal areas, as well as support for the rural economy. A full description of Theme Area 3 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:

The Regional Plan supports safe, sustainable and accessible travel options to move conveniently throughout the region. A regional transportation system links people and communities with each other and with goods, services and opportunities in an environmentally and fiscally sustainable way. The municipality recognizes that transportation and land-use planning are inseparable and the decision-making process for both must be integrated. A full description of Theme Area 4 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:

The Halifax Regional Municipality is home to diverse cultures and histories that are expressed in many ways. Tangible assets, such as heritage buildings and sites, speak to the evolution of the community over time, while intangible assets, such as events, provide an opportunity to preserve and foster living traditions. Sharing Our Stories will provide a regional approach to the preservation of these heritage and cultural resources, which will be reflected in the Regional Plan review. A full description of Theme Area 6 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:

Parks and community facilities are an essential component of complete communities that support healthy lifestyles for all residents. Currently in the Halifax region there are more than 900 municipal parks, including playgrounds, sport courts, playing fields and other specialized amenities, as well as over 65 indoor community facilities, ranging from small community centres to large complexes with pools, arena and gymnasiums. Facilities provided by other organizations, such as schools and emergency facilities, also play an important role in the livability of our communities and should be considered when planning for development.

Open spaces and waterbodies are vital to maintaining a healthy, sustainable and desirable region. They provide important habitats and ecosystems, support economic activity, shape communities, provide opportunities for recreation, and reflect local culture and history. Momentum is building for work taking place in approved priority plans:

As 2020 has taught us, society can change dramatically over a short time. However, with long-range planning, the municipality can be better prepared to handle an uncertain future, and to some extent, even direct what the future can look like based on a shared vision. Now that this plan is nearing the end of its lifespan (2031), it is time to begin thinking about what we want the Halifax region to look like further into the future. A full description of Theme Area 10 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global public health crisis that has significant implications for the social and economic well-being of our region. The municipality is facing great uncertainty, and the Regional Plan can help to guide the recovery and response. A full description of Theme Area 11 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:

The Themes and Directions Report is published. Community engagement includes virtual meetings, webinars, surveys, maps, forums, and online resources. Community feedback is captured and addressed in the "Themes and Directions - What We Heard" report. The contents of this report, approved by Council on December 14, 2021, set the direction for an updated Regional Plan policy framework.

In response to feedback and to address Council priorities, 'Quick Adjustments' are made to policy and approved by Council on July 12, 2022. These include updated projected population scenarios, site-specific development approvals, and minor policy changes.

A new draft Regional Plan was published and presented to Council on June 20, 2023. Community engagement took place from June until October 2023. Staff presented the Draft Plan 'What We Heard Report' to Regional Council on December 12, 2023. Based on internal and public feedback, staff will make revisions to the draft Regional Plan and return to Council in early 2024.

Halifax drafted goalkeeper Daniel Clarke from Cape Breton University with the 5th overall pick (first round) and defender Max Bodurtha from Saint Francis Xavier University with the 13th pick (second round). This is the second consecutive season where both Wanderers draft picks were selected from AUS schools.

Clarke, 20, played a crucial role in Cape Breton University capturing the 2023 U SPORTS National Championship in November. He made a penalty shootout-winning save in the quarterfinals before posting back-to-back clean sheets in the semi-finals and finals. Clarke made six saves to guide CBU to a 1-0 victory over the University of Montreal in the championship match and was named to the end-of-tournament All-Star Team.

Born in Milton Keynes, England, Clarke began his playing career at nearby Northampton Town before moving to Ontario with his family. He has played in League1 Ontario for three clubs, most recently with Woodbridge Strikers in 2023. In the summer of 2022, Clarke was a member of the Wanderers U23 team that played an exhibition series against opposition from League1 Quebec.

Bodurtha, 20, is a Halifax product selected by his hometown team after a standout third season at StFX in Antigonish, NS. Capable of playing as a central defender or a defensive midfielder, He was named an AUS First Team All-Star in 2023 as StFX conceded a league-low 11 goals en route to a conference championship. Over the past two seasons, Bodurtha has started in every game for the X-men.

The Halifax Mooseheads vastly reshaped their roster during the annual QMJHL Entry Draft session in Moncton, NB over the weekend. The team dealt away veteran players Mathieu Cataford, Markus Vidicek and Dylan MacKinnon and promptly made 15 selections during the 14 round draft. The Herd added nine forwards, four defencemen and two goalies during the draft which saw the team move up into the first round to pick Halifax, NS native Danny Walters 11th overall.

You can apply to increase or reduce your arranged overdraft limit, as well as remove your arranged overdraft at any time via your Online Banking or Mobile Banking app in just a few simple steps. If you would like to talk to someone about amending your arranged overdraft you can do this in branch or over the phone. We do not record a credit search for this application, but using an arranged overdraft increases your overall level of borrowing and may affect your credit score.

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