HRM · SECTION
Municipal, community, transportation, public service, and local-life news within Halifax Regional Municipality.
Hotel rates in Halifax, Nova Scotia, have risen by 20 to 40 percent over the past two years, driven by increased inbound travel from Europe and dynamic pricing during major events. Experts recommend early booking and considering accommodations outside the city center.
Moshe Lander, a sports economist at Concordia University, has endorsed the Halifax Wanderers' proposal for a permanent stadium at Wanderers Grounds, citing its central location and $100 million in private investment. While the plan faces opposition from community groups concerned about public land use and potential competition with existing venues, Lander views it as the best option presented to date.
Halifax Transit has introduced new features to the HFXGO mobile app, including a Tap & Ride barcode for automatic fare deduction and fare capping limits of $7.50 per day or $90 per month for adults.
Everett Laybolt, 41, faces multiple charges including attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a man in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The suspect was arrested on a Halifax Transit bus shortly after the incident.
Matthew Michael Jones, 21, faces multiple charges including hate-motivated threats and dangerous driving after allegedly attempting to pull a youth from a vehicle in Middle Sackville.
Kiara Marie Organ, 22, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the December 2024 death of Jeffrey Alexander Emmerson, 56, at a homeless encampment on Geary Street in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The charge follows a medical examiner's ruling that the death was a homicide.
In Halifax, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem stated that the Atlantic region is less exposed to U.S. tariffs than Quebec and Ontario. While Nova Scotia's unemployment rate remains low, rising oil costs continue to impact residents who heat homes with furnace oil. Macklem highlighted new investment opportunities in shipbuilding, defence, and energy, emphasizing the need for sustained multi-year commitments.
A group of seniors organized the first-ever 'climate caravan,' traveling from across Canada to Ottawa in mid-September. Led by notable environmentalists, the delegation aimed to deliver over 200 photos depicting climate impacts to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Members of Parliament, expressing concern over federal spending on fossil fuel pipelines.
Halifax Wanderers president Derek Martin has proposed a $30 million private investment to convert Maybank Field in Dartmouth into a community sports hub. The plan, which includes a domed turf pitch and flag football facilities, aims to address winter sports shortages but faces criticism over public consultation and timelines.
The temporary closure of the Robie Street ramp off the MacKay Bridge caused significant delays during Monday morning rush hour, extending commutes by 20 to 30 minutes. The closure is part of the Windsor Street Exchange redevelopment project and is scheduled to end on November 27.
The J&W Murphy Foundation has contributed $1 million to the new Wije'winen Centre in Halifax, funding a palliative care space and death doula training. This donation addresses cultural gaps in end-of-life care for Mi'kmaw individuals, though the project still requires $4 million to complete construction.
A two-alarm fire involving bales of paper and cardboard broke out at a recycling facility in the Bayer's Lake area of Halifax on Monday morning, leading to road closures and traffic diversions. No injuries were reported.
A new annual report reveals a significant increase in fatal collisions in the Halifax Regional Municipality, rising from 11 in 2024 to 20 in 2025. While serious injury collisions decreased slightly, micromobility crashes rose considerably. The data presents challenges for HRM's Vision Zero strategy.
Halifax Regional Police have issued a public warning after two sudden deaths occurred within a 24-hour period, with investigations suggesting links to potent illicit drugs. A third individual was hospitalized in serious condition.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting residents to provide feedback on design options for the Peninsula South Complete Streets project, which aims to create a safe cycling route between University Avenue and Lower Water Street.
The planned redevelopment of the Halifax Forum and Civic Arena threatens to exacerbate an existing ice shortage in the region, potentially removing over 100 weekly hours of youth sport time. Mayor Andy Fillmore has expressed concern, while officials explore mitigation strategies including reducing public skating.
The Nova Scotia government has terminated a $25 million partnership with Saint Mary's University aimed at transforming health care through data analytics. Officials cited unsatisfactory progress and fiscal constraints, leading to the non-renewal of approximately $11 million in unused funds.
Halifax Regional Police have issued a public safety alert following two sudden deaths and one case of serious medical distress within a single day. While autopsies are underway, authorities warn that illicit drugs may contain potent opioids like fentanyl and urge the public to call 911 if an overdose is suspected.
The Massachusetts Avenue ramp to Robie Street in Halifax will be closed from Monday at 6 a.m. through November 27 to support the construction of the Bayne Street ramp connection, part of the Windsor Street Exchange project.
Premier Tim Houston returned from the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, where a document outlined plans to replace the A. Murray MacKay Bridge at an estimated cost exceeding $3 billion. Opposition MLA Becky Druhan questioned how private investors would receive returns without tolls, suggesting taxpayers might bear the cost. Minister Fred Tilley stated investors could earn returns through various means, while Houston mentioned naming rights or commercial developments as potential funding sources.
Halifax police have issued a public safety warning following two sudden deaths and one person found in serious medical distress within the last 24 hours. Authorities are urging caution regarding illicit drugs as autopsies are conducted to determine if the incidents were drug-related.
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore faces scrutiny from the Halifax Forum Community Association over alleged collusion with a minor hockey group to pause a $126-million arena redevelopment. While the association cites emails suggesting a coordinated effort, both the mayor’s office and the Halifax Hawks deny any improper assistance in drafting motions or building support.
International human rights organization The Shift is launching a pilot project in Halifax and Dartmouth to identify vacant buildings for affordable housing conversion, while local reports highlight discrepancies in provincial housing targets and community debates over infrastructure redevelopment.
Haley Smith, a Halifax resident facing a potential four-to-five-year wait for gynecological care, has become the face of growing pressure on the Nova Scotia government to improve women's health access. Her testimony coincided with NDP-led legislative efforts and a march by the group WATCH, while officials cited new staffing and upcoming clinics as part of their response.
Halifax Wanderers FC president Derek Martin has proposed a $100 million plan to build a permanent modular stadium at the Wanderers Grounds and a community sports hub at Maybank Field in Dartmouth. The proposal involves a 99-year land-lease agreement with the Halifax Regional Municipality, where the club funds construction and operations in exchange for revenue rights. The stadium would seat 10,500 for sports and 17,500 for concerts, include a 650-vehicle underground parking lot for the QEII Health Sciences Centre, and feature turf fields for community use. Martin aims for completion by 2027 for the hub and 2028 for the stadium, warning that failure to secure approval will force the club to seek alternative locations within HRM.
A Dal Legal Aid analysis of 1,420 properties in the Halifax Regional Municipality shows that just 20 landlords control 56% of sampled units, with most major ownership groups based outside the city.
Halifax Water is seeking residential rate increases of up to 9% in both 2027 and 2028 to cover rising operational costs. While the utility projects a total potential hike of 14-18% over two years, CEO Kenda MacKenzie anticipates an approved range of 7-8% annually. The proposal faces scrutiny from Mayor Andy Fillmore, who warns of a compounded 40% increase when combined with recent hikes.
A new report by Dalhousie Legal Aid challenges the notion that most landlords are small proprietors, revealing that just 20 entities own more than 56% of sampled rental units in Halifax.
The Dartmouth Curling Club in Nova Scotia is reopening after being closed for the entire 2025-26 season due to mechanical failures. Repairs, funded by provincial grants and insurance, are complete, with registration returning strongly as the club marks its 90th anniversary.
The CARE service, a 24-hour mobile response program for non-emergency mental health and substance use crises, has expanded its coverage to the Halifax peninsula. Launched as a pilot in October 2025, the trauma-informed service is now available across Dartmouth, Woodlawn, and Cole Harbour, offering residents aged 16 and older an alternative to police or emergency services.
