YOUTH SERVICES PLAN 2026-2029

Every three years, HRM develops a Youth Services Plan to identify key issues affecting youth across the municipality. This plan helps guide future youth-focused programs and services, especially in recreation. Youth feedback and input will be essential components in shaping the plan. Community engagement will begin in early 2026 to support the plan’s development. HRM is inviting youth to participate in the Youth Services Plan Team. Eligible applicants must reside within the Halifax region and be between 13-24 years old. Applications are being accepted until Oct. 16th, 2025. To apply, please contact Olivia Davis, HRM Youth Community Developer at youth@halifax.ca, or call 902.233.8129 or on Instagram: @hfxnextgen For information on past HRM youth plans ( 2016-2020 & 2022-2024 ) go to: www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/halifax-youth/youth-services-plan 

HALIF’ACT’ LATEST UPDATE

HalifACT is one of the most ambitious climate action movements in Canada. It's our municipality response to the climate crisis that will build a more resilient and healthy future in Atlantic Canada while preparing for current and future climate impacts. The HalifACT newsletter highlights recent projects and initiatives supporting the municipality’s climate action plan, including environmental protection efforts and ongoing work to address climate change. Please see the seventh issue of the HalifACT Community Update, prepared by HRM Environment & Climate Change. The latest issue of this update, plus past editions are available at: www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/environment-climate-change/halifact-acting-climate-together/halifact-community-update .

OPEN-AIR BURNING SEASON AGAIN

As of October 16th, (weather permitting) and whether the NS Forest Weather Index (FWI) is at a low or moderate reading, the time of day burning restrictions may be lifted. www.novascotia.ca/BurnSafe. For more information about winter open-air burning and safe burning practices: www.halifax.ca/safety-security/fire-emergency/fire-prevention-safety/open-air-burning Please be careful whenever burning! Note : NOW EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 31st. 

HRM MOVED FROM X TO BLUESKY

The municipality made a change on how it shares information and connects with residents on social media. It has transitioned its social media accounts from X (formerly Twitter) to Bluesky. This move was informed by public feedback, trends in other jurisdictions and input from provincial and partner organizations. Here are the official Bluesky accounts for the following HRM departments:

HRM Main Account • @hfxgov.bsky.social

HRM Transit • @hfxtransit.bsky.social

HRM Fire & Emergency Services • @hfx-fire.bsky.social

HRM Civic Events • @hfxevents.bsky.social

HRM Parks & Recreation • @hfxrec.bsky.social

HRM Planning & Development • @hfxplanning.bsky.social

Halifax Water, HRM Police and Halifax Public Libraries were not part of this transition to Bluesky. While these organizations are related to the municipality, they each have unique governance structures, oversight boards and their own communication teams. As a result, they manage their social media strategies and platforms separately. I decided to maintain and use the X format as well as Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook platforms.

For a full listing of HRM social media accounts, please go to:

www.halifax.ca/home/stay-informed/social-media 

NEW HRM ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM 

HRM has migrated to a new online community engagement platform as part of improving the online engagement experience for its residents. In spring 2025, a request for proposals was issued for an online community engagement platform as the existing contract for Shape Your City Halifax (SYC) was scheduled to expire on September 30th, 2025. As a result of that procurement process, “Social Pinpoint” was the successful bidder, prompting the need to migrate current and archived projects into the new platform. All existing and archived projects have been transferred to the new site and the platform website domain will be changing to www.engagehalifax.ca 

If you happen to use the old domain www.shapeyourcityhalifax.ca you will be automatically redirected to the new site.

However, the next time you log in, you will be prompted to reset your password. On your first login attempt, simply follow the prompts to set your new password. HRM looks forward to welcoming you to the new platform. If you have any questions about the migration to the new online engagement platform please contact Michaelyn Thompson, HRM Manager of Marketing, Corporate Communications at thompsom@halifax.ca 

Thank you for your continued support for community engagement.

PROPERTY TAXES DUE - OCT. 31st

HRM invoices property tax bills to all property owners twice each year. The tax year covers the fiscal period of April 1st – March 31st. The first tax bill was sent out (either by mail or e-post) in March and was due on the last working day of April. The second and final bill will be sent out (either by mail or e-post) in September and is due on the last working day of October (Friday, October 31st). The first (or interim) invoice is based on 50 per cent of the current year’s estimated taxes but based on last year’s rates. The final invoice is calculated using the current assessment with the current year’s tax rates, less the amount you already paid from the first invoice. The total amounts billed must be paid by the due date to avoid interest charges. Interest is applied daily to all outstanding taxes at a rate of 10% per annum. HRM will continue to work with residential and commercial customers experiencing financial difficulty to set up suitable payment arrangements.

For more information, please call 311, or 902-490-4000. Our HRM Customer Service Center staff are ready for any customer inquires or visit HRM web-site: www.halifax.ca/home-property/municipal-payments/making-a-payment 

MI’KMAW HISTORY MONTH

October is Mi’kmaw History Month, a time to commemorate the rich history, proud culture and important contributions of the Mi’kmaq people. HRM is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people. The municipality acknowledges the Peace and Friendship Treaties signed in this Territory and recognizes that we are all Treaty People.