Your Civic Voice in Halifax
Halifax is the heart of Atlantic Canada — a growing, vibrant city with a unique governance model. Your voice shapes the future of your community, your region, and your province.
Halifax Regional Municipality at a Glance
- Population: ~440,000 (HRM ~490,000)
- Mayor: Mike Savage
- Councillors: 10 councillors (one per ward)
- Council Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
- City Hall: 1800 Argyle Street
- Website: halifax.ca
- Service line: 311
Who Handles What?
Understanding the layers of government in Halifax helps you know who to contact for different issues.
Municipal (HRM)
- Transit (Halifax Transit)
- Waste collection and recycling
- Parks and recreation centres
- Public libraries
- Zoning and development
- Road maintenance (local roads)
- Fire services
- Animal control
Provincial (Nova Scotia)
- Healthcare (hospitals, NS Health)
- Education (schools, UCN, Dalhousie)
- Highways and major transit corridors
- Environmental regulation
- Criminal justice
- Land use planning framework
Federal (Canada)
- Immigration and citizenship
- Defence and military (CFB Halifax)
- Foreign affairs
- Banking and currency
- Postal service
- Coast guard and fisheries
Find Your Councillor
Halifax Regional Municipality is divided into 10 wards, each represented by one city councillor. Your councillor is your direct link to HRM council and can help you with local issues.
To find your councillor:
- Visit halifax.ca/city-hall/districts-councillors
- Enter your address or browse by ward
- View your councillor's contact information, office hours, and recent council votes
Tip: Councillors hold community office hours. Check their website for drop-in times in your neighbourhood.
City Council
Halifax Regional Municipality Council is where decisions about your city are made. Here's how to participate:
Meeting Schedule
Regular council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 PM at Halifax City Hall, 1800 Argyle Street. Meetings are also streamed live on halifax.ca.
How to Attend
- In-person: Enter through the main entrance at 1800 Argyle Street. Security screening may be required.
- Online: Watch live streaming at halifax.ca/council
- Hybrid: Some meetings offer both in-person and virtual attendance options
Public Comment
Residents can speak to council during the public comment period:
- Register online through halifax.ca/council or in person at the beginning of the meeting
- You typically get 3 minutes per speaker
- Topics must be within municipal jurisdiction
- Written submissions are accepted at any time
Key City Services
- Halifax Transit: Halifax's public transit system, including bus routes and ferry services. Visit halifax.ca/transit for routes and schedules.
- Halifax Public Libraries: 13 branches offering books, digital resources, community programmes, and meeting spaces. Visit halifax.ca/libraries for more.
- Waste & Recycling: Regular garbage, recycling, and organics collection. Schedule varies by neighbourhood. Report missed pickups via 311 or at halifax.ca/home/311.
- Parks & Recreation: Over 300 parks, extensive trail systems, and recreation programmes for all ages. Find your local park at halifax.ca/parks.
- Zoning & Development: Building permits, zoning bylaws, and development applications. Check your property's zoning at halifax.ca/zoning.
- Water & Sewer: Municipal water supply, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. Report leaks or issues via 311.