As a winter storm approaches, the Halifax Regional Municipality is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of its residents. Starting tonight, municipal crews will be on alert and ready to clear streets and sidewalks as soon as the snow begins to accumulate.
Residents should be aware that an overnight parking ban will be enforced in both Central (Zone 1) and Non-Central (Zone 2) areas from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. on January 26. This measure allows crews to effectively manage snow removal efforts. For real-time updates regarding snow clearing operations, please visit halifax.ca/snow.
Here's a detailed look at how various municipal services will be affected by the anticipated weather:
Municipal Offices:
All municipal offices, including in-person Planning & Development permit offices and 311 Customer Service Centres, will delay their opening until noon on January 26. If there are additional delays or closures, the municipality will keep the public informed with timely updates. Employees who are able to work remotely have been encouraged to do so during this time.
Essential services, including 311, winter operations, and Halifax Transit, will continue to function normally. The decision to delay the opening of municipal offices is aimed at assisting snow clearance efforts and ensuring a safer commute for both employees and residents.
Executive Standing Committee Meeting:
The Executive Standing Committee meeting scheduled for January 26 has been cancelled.
Halifax Transit:
For those relying on public transport, special snow routes for Halifax Transit buses will be operational on January 26. Any service disruptions will be communicated through @hfxtransit.bsky.social on Bluesky and our official website.
Solid Waste Management:
Curbside collection for solid waste originally scheduled for January 26 will now take place on January 31. Residents are requested to hold off on placing their waste curbside for collection on January 27 until that morning, allowing crews to focus on snow clearing first. Additionally, the Otter Lake Waste Facility, Materials Recycling Facility, and Organics Management Facility will be closed on January 26. To stay updated on service disruptions, please check our website.
Parks & Recreation Services:
Recreation facilities operated by the municipality will be closed on January 26. A decision regarding the status of rentals, facilities, and programming activities for January 27 will be made later in the day. Furthermore, the ice surfaces at the Halifax Forum, including the Forum Arena and Civic Centre, will also be closed during the morning of January 26 due to concerns about potential snow accumulation on the building’s roof. Staff will assess the situation and provide an update by noon on whether afternoon and evening programs can proceed as planned. The Halifax Public Gardens will remain closed on January 26.
Support for the Homeless:
In light of the extreme weather, the municipality’s After-Hours Individualized Mobile Engagement (AIM) team has reached out to individuals experiencing homelessness over the weekend. They have provided information about available shelter options and assisted with transportation when possible. This outreach will continue in the following days to ensure that those in need receive support. Emergency shelters funded by the Province of Nova Scotia are available throughout the municipality, including:
- Halifax: 2029 North Park Street
- Halifax: Multi-Purpose Centre of the Halifax Forum, 6210 Young Street
- Halifax: St. Patrick’s Church, 2262 Brunswick Street
- Dartmouth: 197-199 Windmill Road
- Lower Sackville: Beacon House Shelter, 125 Metropolitan Avenue
Individuals in need of emergency assistance, including overnight shelter beds, can reach out to 211 for local resources.
Winter Safety Tips:
During winter storms, it’s crucial for residents to prioritize safety. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:
General Safety:
- Stay informed by listening to local news and weather updates.
- Dress warmly in layers and protect exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
- When shoveling snow, do so slowly and take regular breaks to prevent overexertion.
- Check on neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
- Keep pets indoors during severe weather.
- Prepare an emergency kit with supplies, food, water, and medication for at least 72 hours.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
Fire Safety During Winter Storms:
- Ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functional.
- Clear vents and chimneys of ice and snow to mitigate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use outdoor cooking equipment or generators inside your home or garage.
- Maintain a safe distance (at least three feet) between space heaters and flammable materials.
- Never leave candles or space heaters unattended.
- Have fire extinguishers readily available and ensure that all family members know how to operate them.
For further advice on preparing for winter storms and staying safe, visit our website. Additionally, residents can register for hfxALERT, the municipality's mass notification system, to receive urgent and non-urgent alerts via text, email, or phone.
