Halifax Mayor Seeks to Streamline Halloween Street Closures for Pedestrian Safety
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore has asked municipal staff to simplify the process for residents to close neighbourhood streets during Halloween. Under current rules, closures are handled as block party permits requiring signatures from every homeowner on the street and at least two weeks' notice.
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore has requested that Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) staff explore a public education campaign and streamline the process for residents seeking to close neighbourhood streets during Halloween to improve pedestrian safety for children trick-or-treating.
Under the municipality's permitting system, Halloween street closures are processed as block parties. There is no cost for a block party permit, and HRM provides barricades free of charge for approved closures, though quantities are limited. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before the closure date, although the municipality recommends starting the process six weeks ahead.
Currently, applications require signatures from every homeowner on the street being closed. Council may consider changing this rule to require only a majority of signatures. Before approving any closure, HRM consults emergency services, and emergency vehicle access must be maintained at all times. Closures are restricted to local residential streets that primarily provide neighbourhood access; higher-volume roads are not suitable.
HRM typically receives three requests a year for Halloween street closures. This year, the municipality received and approved three temporary street closures specifically for Saturday night Halloween activities. In contrast, HRM has received 49 block party applications for various events in 2026 so far.
Dartmouth resident Christina MacDonald said she gave out 178 treat bags over the weekend before Halloween and expects around 200 kids on Halloween itself.