Podcasts about halifax regional municipality

A rally on Tuesday was held in support of 12 janitors who are going to their jobs at Alderney Gate on March 1st. This happened after the HRM council selected a new, non-union contractor, Imperial Cleaners. Service Employees International Union Local 2 that represents 20,000 workers around Canada were calling on HRM mayor, council and CAO to require Imperial to hire these janitors. Tina Oh, an organizer and coordinator with the union, spoke with our colleague Meig Campbell. A statement from the city to CBC says: On Feb. 28, 2025, the Halifax Regional Municipality received notice that a judicial review has been filed by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 2 on the matter of janitorial services for Alderney Gate. As this matter is now before the courts, no additional information or comment is available at this time.

On the phone-in: James Rendle, director of WattsUp Solar in NS, answers listeners' questions about the installation of solar panels and the rebates that are available. And off the top. we speak with Mayor Andy Fillmore in Halifax Regional Municipality about yesterday's vote on the Windsor Street Exchange. A plan to redevelop the site was turned down.

Akintunde Abimbola is a seasoned Real Estate professional with years of experience and knowledge of the Nova Scotia real estate market.Akin has helped numerous families find their dream homes and high turnover investment properties in the Halifax Regional Municipality by leveraging on technology and excellent collaboration with prospective home buyers and sellers.Akin is licensed with Air Realty Limited, a Bronze Award recipient for Innovative Business of the Year by the 2020 Halifax Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.Find out more @akinzogeee

Tenille Goodspeed is just under nine months into her new role as Executive Director of Halifax Jazz Fest, one of Halifax's most prominent cultural celebrations. With a strong background in marketing, music, and community building, Tenille brings a wealth of expertise to this multi-day festival. In our conversation, she shared her passion for bringing people together, the initial spark that drew her to the role, and the importance of showcasing Halifax's unique identity—a core value of the festival's mandate. Halifax Jazz Fest, the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada, draws up to 65,000 visitors each year, with the support of 400 volunteers and over 350 local musicians. Designated a Hallmark Event by the Halifax Regional Municipality, it's an experience like no other, and Tenille encourages holiday shoppers to consider festival passes as gifts. Funny, articulate, and a natural leader, Tenille left a lasting impression on us, and we're excited to highlight one of our city's inspiring industry trailblazers. Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com  Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo Intro song: "The Walk" Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike's band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com Halifax Jazz Fest's website: https://www.halifaxjazzfestival.ca/ Halifax Jazz Fest's IG: https://www.instagram.com/hfxjazzfest/

RE/MAX Canada has released its 2024 RE/MAX Canada Condominium Report. In this video interview, Samantha Villiard, Regional Vice President, RE/MAX Canada, discusses the key findings from the report. PRESS RELEASE TORONTO, Oct. 9, 2024 /CNW/ — Despite fears of leaving money on the table, sellers have returned to housing markets across the country in large numbers as the promise of future interest rate cuts draw skittish buyers back into the fray, according to a report released today by RE/MAX Canada. The 2024 RE/MAX Canada Condominium Report examined condominium activity between January – August 2024 in seven major markets across the country including Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, City of Calgary, Edmonton, Greater Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax Regional Municipality, and found that condo listings have soared in anticipation of increased demand in the fourth quarter of 2024 and early 2025. Growth in inventory levels was highest in the Fraser Valley (58.7 per cent), followed by Greater Toronto (52.8 per cent), City of Calgary (52.4 per cent), Ottawa (44.5 per cent), Edmonton (17.7 per cent), Halifax Regional Municipality (8.1 per cent) and Vancouver (7.3 per cent). Values have held up surprisingly well given the influx of listings, with gains posted in Calgary (15 per cent), Edmonton (four per cent), Ottawa (2.3 per cent), Vancouver (1.9 per cent), Fraser Valley (1.9 per cent), and Halifax (1.2 per cent). Meanwhile in Greater Toronto, the average price fell two per cent short of year-ago. While sales were robust in Alberta thanks to in-migration from other parts of the country, Edmonton led the way in terms of percentage increase in the number of condos sold, up just close to 37 per cent from year-ago levels, marking the region's best performance in the previous five-year period. This is followed by a more tempered Calgary market, which was up 2.6 per cent over 2023. Remaining markets saw home-buying activity soften in the condominium sector. “High interest rates and stringent lending policies pummeled first-time buyers in recent years, preventing many from reaching their home-ownership goal, despite having to pay record high rental costs that mirrored mortgage payments,” says RE/MAX Canada President Christopher Alexander. “The current lull is the calm before the storm. Come spring of 2025, pent-up demand is expected to fuel stronger market activity, particularly at entry-level price points, as both first-time buyers and investors once again vie for affordable condominium product.” SOURCE: Greater Vancouver REALTORS, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, Calgary Real Estate Board, REALTORS Association of Edmonton, Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, Ottawa Real Estate Board, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS. *Apartments Only **Estimated average price for Greater Vancouver Edmonton and Calgary remain firmly entrenched in seller's market territory, while conditions are more balanced in Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Ottawa and Halifax. These markets will likely transition in 2025. Toronto may be the last to emerge from more sluggish conditions, however, Alexander notes that it's a market that has been known to turn quickly. Absorption rates will be a key indicator. Certainly, the market forces of supply and demand always prevail, so some neighbourhoods will fare better than others. Of note in Toronto, prices have likely bottomed out and that's usually evidence that a turnaround is in sight. The current uptick in inventory levels is drawing more traffic to listings, yet buyers remain somewhat skittish across the country. The first two Bank of Canada interest rate cuts did little to entice prospective homebuyers to engage in the market, given the degree of rate increases that took place. However, with further rate reductions expected and policy adjustments to address affordability and ease entry into the market, activity will likely start to climb, particularly among end users. “Even in softer markets, hot pockets tend to emerge,” says Alexander. “In the condominium segment we're seeing a diverse mix among the most in-demand areas, ranging from traditional blue-chip communities to gentrifying up-and-comers, as well as suburban hot spots. Condominiums in choice recreational areas were among the markets posting stronger sales activity—a trend that was also reflected in our single-detached housing report issued earlier this year.” In each market, there are condominium pockets that defied overall trends. In the Greater Toronto Area, condominium sales were up by double digits in the first eight months of 2024 in midtown communities such as Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB)'s Yonge-Eglinton, Humewood-Cedarvale, Forest Hill South (C03) where activity increased 25.3 per cent (114 condo sales in 2024 compared to 91 sales in 2023) and Bedford-Park-Nortown, Lawrence Park, and Forest Hill North (C04) rose 13.3 per cent (128/113). The west end's High Park, South Parkdale, Swansea and Roncesvalles (W01) communities experienced a 15.7-per-cent upswing in units sold (206/178) while neighbouring W02 including High Park North, Junction, Lambton Baby Point, and Runnymede-Bloor West Village climbed 25.2 per cent (189/151). In the east end, the Beaches (E03) reported a 20.3-per-cent increase in sales activity. In Greater Vancouver, an uptick in apartment sales was noted in suburban markets including Port Coquitlam where the number of units sold was up 11 per cent (263 in 2024 compared to 237 in 2023) while more moderate increases were posted in New Westminster (up 0.4 per cent) and recreational communities such as Whistler/Pemberton (up 3.3 per cent). In Fraser Valley, Mission was the sole market to experience an increase in apartment sales, according to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, up just over 74 per cent year-over-year (68 in 2024 compared to 39 in 2023). Strong sales were also reported in Calgary neighbourhoods such as Eau Claire (up 59.1 per cent) and Downtown East Village (up 17.3 per cent). Meanwhile, RE/MAX found that investor activity has stalled in most markets. The slowdown has been most notable in Greater Toronto, where up to 30 per cent of investors have experienced negative cashflow on rental properties as mortgage carrying costs climbed, according to analytics by Urbanation and CIBC Economics. Investor confidence is expected to recover in the months ahead, as interest rates fall and return on investment (ROI) improves. Edmonton bucked the trend in investor pullback. With supply outpacing demand in Canada's most affordable condominium market, savvy investors in Edmonton have been actively revitalizing tired condominium stock and subsequently renting it out for top dollar. Affordability has been a significant draw for out-of-province investors, particularly those from Ontario and British Columbia who are seeking opportunities further afield to bulk up their portfolios. Out-of-province developers and builders have been similarly motivated by Edmonton's lower development costs and lack of red tape. Halifax to a lesser extent has drawn investor interest, with affordability, low vacancy rates and upward pressure on rents being the primary factor behind the city's appeal. “In many markets, end users are in the driver's seat right now,” explains Alexander. “While investors are an important part of the purchaser pool, this point in time is a unique opportunity for aspiring condominium buyers who, for a short window of time, will likely see less competition from investors and a better supply of product. This is especially true in Toronto and Vancouver, where the impact of monetary policy has hit investor profit margins to a greater extent despite high rent and low vacancy rates. With values set to rise, this is arguably the most favourable climate condominiums buyers have seen in recent years.” In the longer term, immigration to Canada and in-migration/out-migration from one province or region to another will continue to prop up demand for condominiums in the years to come, as condominiums now represent both a first step to home ownership, and increasingly—in Canada's most expensive markets—the middle step as well. Although population numbers are forecast to contract in the short-term, overall growth will resume, with Statistics Canada's projections falling just short of 44 million to as high as 49 million by 2035. Increasing density and urbanization, along with continued population growth is expected to support the long-term outlook for condominium activity nationally. Canada's urban population has been climbing consistently since the post-WWII period with an estimated 80 per cent of Canadians residing in urban centres. Downtowns are growing fast, and more rapidly than ever before. “The housing mix is evolving very quickly as a result of densification and urbanization. Condominiums now represent the heart of our largest cities, and it is inevitable that further development will see condos become the driving force accounting for the lion's share of sales in years to come,” says Alexander. “It's a physical and cultural shift that Canadians are not only adjusting to but are embracing, as younger generations redefine urban neighbourhoods, sparking demand for vibrant and robust amenities, infusing new life in Canada's urban cores in the process.” Market by market overview Greater Vancouver Area and Fraser Valley Softer market conditions prevailed throughout much of the year in the Greater Vancouver Area and the Fraser Valley, with fewer sales of condominium apartments occurring across the board in 2024. In Greater Vancouver, year-to-date apartment sales between January and August were well off year-ago levels at 9,248, according to Greater Vancouver Realtors, down just over eight per cent from the same period in 2023. Neighbouring Fraser Valley reported just 3,130 apartments changing hands between January and August of this year, down 8.5 per cent from year-ago levels. Values continue to climb in the Fraser Valley, where the overall average price year-to-date for apartment units is up two per cent year-over year ($559,215/$548,658) according to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, while Vancouver has edged up two per cent to $823,550 in 2024, compared to $807,085 in 2023. Home-buying activity started with a bang in both Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley this year as the anticipation of interest rate cuts in April fuelled momentum. When it became evident that interest rates would hold steady until June or July, the wind was sucked from the market sails. Several areas in Greater Vancouver have reported an increase in year-to-date sales, including Port Coquitlam (263 sales in 2024 compared to 237 sales in 2023), New Westminster (546/544) and Whistler/Pemberton (186/180). Despite several interest rate cuts to date, however, buyers are still skittish, holding off on purchasing their home until rates decline further, while sellers are reluctant to list their homes for fear of leaving money on the table. The catch-22 situation has been frustrating for buyers and sellers alike, but buyers who pull the trigger now on a purchase, may ultimately find themselves in a better position come spring. Selection is good with more than 2,100 apartments currently listed for sale in Greater Vancouver and another 2,080 available in the Fraser Valley, and buyers have the luxury of time to make thoughtful decisions. Come spring, the number of purchasers in the market is expected to increase, placing upward pressure on values. Some of the most popular areas for condominium sales in Greater Vancouver in recent years are in East Vancouver. Its culturally diverse and artsy neighbourhoods, top-shelf restaurants and cafés, including Michelin Star Published on Main, as well as craft breweries and entertainment, have served to draw a younger demographic. False Creek, Mt. Pleasant, Kits Point, Fairview, Pt. Grey and Dunbar offer condo buyers a spectacular view of North Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet and easy access to the Skytrain, bike and walking paths, parks and recreational facilities. A one-bedroom apartment in an established building in Mt. Pleasant can be purchased for approximately $650,000, while newer product can be picked up for as low as $490,000 to a high of $928,000. Prices in nearby Kits trend higher with a one-bedroom hovering at $715,000 on average. The lion's share of apartment sales in both Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley are occurring under the $800,000 price point for a one-bedroom apartment, while a two-bedroom priced below $1 million will generate solid interest. The Valley tends to offer greater selection under the $800,000 price point, and typically has more appeal with first-time buyers. As demand rises in tandem with the Bank of Canada's interest rate cuts, absorption levels should increase. Spring of 2025 is expected to be characterized by strong demand and dwindling supply, with modest increases in average price. Strong economic fundamentals going into the new year will support an increase in home-buying activity, with lower interest rates and longer amortization periods helping to draw first time buyers into the market once again. City of Calgary While interprovincial migration has slowed from year-ago levels, overall net migration to Alberta continues to climb, sparking demand in the province's affordable real estate market. In Calgary, the sale of condominium apartments experienced a modest increase of almost three per cent in the first eight months of the year, with 5,722 units changing hands compared to 5,577 sales during the same period in 2023. Year-to-date average price has climbed 15 per cent year-over-year to just over $347,000, up from $301,868 in 2023, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board. Growth has been noted in virtually all areas of the city, with the greatest percentage increases in sales occurring in Eau Claire (59.1 per cent), Killarney/Glengary (46.7 per cent), Garrison Woods (64.7 per cent) Garrison Green (23.5 per cent) and Currie Barracks (18.2 per cent). Most condominium apartment sales are occurring in the downtown district, where walkability plays a major role. Younger buyers tend to gravitate toward the core area, which allows residents to walk to work and amenities. Not surprisingly, the highest number of sales occurred in the Downtown East Village, where 129 units have been sold year to date, up from 110 sales one year ago. Significant gains have also been posted in average price, with Saddle Ridge experiencing an increase in values close to 36 per cent, rising to $317,997 in 2024, followed by Hillhurst, which increased 21.4 per cent to $423,873. Out of the 12 key Calgary markets analyzed by RE/MAX, seven posted double-digit gains in values. Seller's market conditions prevailed in the city throughout much of the year, with strong demand characterizing home-buying activity. Luxury apartment sales are on the upswing, with 49 apartments selling over $1 million so far this year compared to 41 during the same period in 2023, an increase of 19.5 per cent. Empty nesters, retirees and oil executives are behind the push for high-end units, most of which are in the downtown core offering spectacular views of both the Bow River and the mountains. First-time buyers are most active in the suburbs, where they can get the best bang for their buck in communities such as McKenzie Town, Panorama Hills and Saddle Ridge. Apartment values in these areas average around $300,000, making them an attractive first step to home ownership, but also an affordable entry point for small investors. After a heated spring market, inventory levels have improved substantially, with a relatively good selection of condominiums available for sale. Inventory levels hover at close to 1,500, up substantially from year-ago levels, with the sales-to-new listings ratio now sitting at 60 per cent. With interest rates trending lower, more buyers and a greater number of investors are expected to enter the market in the year ahead. Rather than waiting for next spring, when rates are lower but prices are higher, buyers may want to consider making a purchase today when supply is healthy and market conditions are less heated. Buying with a two-month closing could also capture the expected Bank of Canada rate cuts in October and December. Edmonton Home-buying activity in the Edmonton's apartment segment exploded in 2024, with year-to-date sales almost 37 per cent ahead of year-ago levels. Affordability continues to be the catalyst for activity, with 3,351 units changing hands, up from 2,452 sales one year ago, making 2024 the best year for apartment sales in the past five years (for the January to August period). The average price of an apartment in Edmonton year-to-date is $200,951, up four per cent over year-ago levels, according to the Realtors Association of Edmonton, making Edmonton the lowest-priced major market in the country. Immigration and in-migration have seriously contributed to the uptick in sales, with Edmonton reporting record population growth in 2023. Statistics Canada data for Alberta in the second quarter of 2024 show net interprovincial migration continues unabated, up almost 11 per cent, with 9,654 new residents coming from other Canadian centres – the majority hailing from Ontario and British Columbia. During the same period, immigration numbers remained relatively constant at 32,000. The sales-to-new-listings ratio now sits at 65 per cent—clear seller's territory. Many condominiums are now moving in multiple offers. The influx of newcomers has buoyed the city, with growth evident in neighbourhoods from the downtown core to the suburbs. Most are buying up properties, as opposed to renting, as they may have done in years past. Home ownership is more-easily attainable in Edmonton relative to other major cities, with the cost of a condominium apartment as low as $100,000. Newer condominiums are available for less than $300,000. Condominiums vary in shape and size in Edmonton, with row house condominiums featuring a backyard and a garage being a major attraction. Investors have also entered the picture, buying up older, tired condo units, fixing them up and renting them out for top dollar. Lower development costs have also prompted an influx of out-of-province builders and developers who can quickly construct 20- and 30-floor high-rise towers or townhouse developments that fill the missing middle. Well-known builders in Ontario and British Columbia are moving into the Alberta market because of the lack of red tape. Several condominium buildings are currently underway, with many more in various stages of planning. With demand currently outpacing supply, the quicker these units come on stream, the better. By 2027, more balance market conditions are expected. First-time buyers are also exceptionally active in the condo segment. Affordable price points and a notable lack of provincial and municipal land transfer taxes allow younger buyers to easily enter the market. Purchasers who are coming from other provinces quickly realize how far their dollar stretches in Edmonton, as the low cost of housing allows for more disposable income. Homeowners can pay their mortgage, go out for weekly dinners, and have an annual vacation, without too much stress. Amenity-rich Oliver remains one of the most coveted hubs in Edmonton. West of 109th St. and the downtown core, the diverse neighbourhood offers a mix of new condominium development including walk ups, mid- and high-rise buildings, and peripheral spin off including retail shops, restaurants and entertainment, all within a short walk to the River Valley. Demand is especially high thanks to the walkability of the area and close proximity to the ICE District. Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue are also sought-after. The trendy arts and cultural area boasts a mix of funky, bohemian-style and historic buildings, galleries, boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafes and a vibrant nightlife. Edmonton's housing market continues to be driven from the bottom up. Renters move into condo apartments, who move into condo row housing, who move into townhomes and eventually make their way to single-detached homes. The cycle is expected to be supported by a strong local and provincial economy heading into 2025 as monetary policy continues to ease, households and businesses increase spending, and oil prices climb. Greater Toronto Area Demand for condominium apartments and townhomes in the Greater Toronto Area has softened year-over-year, with sales off 2023 levels by eight per cent. Close to 16,800 condo apartments and townhomes changed hands between January and August 2024, down from 18,263 sales during the same period in 2023. Overall condominium values fell almost two per cent, with average price now sitting at $732,648 for apartments and townhomes, down from $747,039 during the same period in 2023, according to data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB). Two buyer pools are impacting the condominium market at present—investors and end users. The investment segment has stalled, as a growing number of condominium investors find themselves unable to cover their carrying costs when closing, despite a relatively strong rental market. In a July 2024 report, Urbanation and CIBC Economics examined the distribution of cash flow by dollar amount and found that 30 per cent of investors of new condos completed in 2023 were cash flow negative by $1,000 or more. End users, especially those seeking larger one-bedroom-plus-den or two-bedroom units, are active in the condo market, particularly in the Forest Hill South, Yonge-Eglinton, Humewood-Cedarvale (C03) and Bedford-Nortown, Lawrence Park and Forest Hill North (C04). Several new buildings in these areas have prompted a 25.3- and 13.3-per-cent uptick in sales activity respectively, while average price has edged slightly higher in Forest Hill South, Yonge-Eglinton, Humewood-Cedarvale ($871,839 in 2024 compared to $863,681 in 2023). Double-digit increases in year-to-date condominium sales in the 416 were also reported in west end communities such as High Park, South Parkdale, Swansea and Roncesvalles (up 15.7 per cent), High Park North, Junction, Lambton- Baby Point, and Runnymede-Bloor West Village (up 25.2 per cent); and in the east, the Beaches area (up 20.3 per cent). In the 905-area code, an uptick in condo activity was noted in Halton Hills (up 21.6 per cent) and Milton (up 13.3 per cent); and in Newmarket (up 30.6 per cent). Close to 43 per cent of TRREB districts in the 416-area code reported modest gains in average price between January and August of 2024, led by the Annex, Yonge-St. Clair (C02), with a close to 14-per-cent increase in values. One in four markets in the 905-area code have posted gains in condominium values year-over-year. Inventory levels continued to climb throughout much of the year as available resale units were joined by an influx of new completions on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Selection has vastly improved over year-ago levels, with over 8,300 apartment units actively listed for sale at the end of August, compared to 5,455 units during the same period in 2023. Almost 1,700 active listings were reported in the condo townhouse segment, up 53 per cent from the 1,110 posted in 2023. Pre-construction condominium assignments are still occurring as investors look to sell their units before registration, but the pace has subsided since 2023. New completions have slowed in the second quarter of this year in Greater Toronto–Hamilton in large part due to the lack of investor interest, with starts off last year's level by 67 per cent, according to Urbanation. Repercussions in the short-term will be negligible but the longer-term impact is expected to be substantial. Twenty-thousand new condominium units are planned for the GTA in 2025; 30,000 in 2026; and 40,000 in 2027. In 2028, the figure falls to 5,000 units. At that point, construction will heat up, but not fast enough to meet demand. With a six-month supply of condominiums currently available for sale, the GTA market is heading into clear buyers' territory. With values at or near bottom and Bank of Canada overnight rates trending lower, the fall market may represent the perfect storm for first-time buyers. As rates drop, more buyers are expected to enter the market in the months ahead. As absorption rates increase, the current oversupply will be diminished and demand will take flight, placing upward pressure on average prices once again. Ottawa Although downsizing empty nesters, retirees and first-time homebuyers fuelled steady demand for condominium apartments and walk-ups in Ottawa in 2024, the number of units sold between January and August fell short of year-ago levels. The Ottawa Real Estate Board reported just over 1,400 condominium apartments changed hands year to date, down less than one per cent from 2023. Meanwhile, values rose 2.3 per cent over last year, with average price rising to $447,042. Affordability remains a major concern in Ottawa, despite changes to monetary policy in recent months. First-time buyers find themselves locked out of the freehold market, given high interest rates and stringent lending policies. Fixed mortgage rates have dropped in recent weeks and are expected to continue to decline for the remainder of the year and into 2025, but potential buyers are still wary. Inventory levels have increased year over year as a result, with active listings in August hovering at 636, approximately 44.5 per cent ahead of 2023. First-time buyers who choose to move forward with a purchase are typically looking for condominiums with low monthly maintenance fees and a parking spot priced from $500,000 to $550,000. The downtown core to Centretown and Dows Lake are popular destinations, given the proximity to the workplace, shops and restaurants. Those seeking to spend less could find a lower-priced unit in an older building for $350,000 but monthly condominium fees would be significantly higher. Suburban condominiums in areas such as Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans are also an option, priced from $375,000 to $400,000. Tighter inventory levels exist in the luxury segment, where fewer condominium apartments are available over the $850,000 price point. Empty nesters and retirees are responsible for the lion's share of activity in the top end of Ottawa's condominium market. Westboro, the Golden Triangle, and Centretown, as well as neighbourhoods undergoing gentrification including The Glebe, Lansdowne, and Old Ottawa East, are most sought-after by buyers, many of whom are downsizing. Walkability is a major factor in these communities, with condominium apartments within walking distance to top restaurants and cafes, unique shops and picturesque walking paths. As consumer confidence grows with each interest rate cut, more and more buyers should return to the market. Fourth-quarter sales are expected to be comparable to year-ago levels, but the outlook for spring of 2025 appears to be bright. Pent-up demand is building and those first into the market will reap the rewards. Halifax Regional Municipality After three consecutive interest rate cuts and the prospect of two more by year end, optimism is finally building in the Halifax Regional Municipality housing market. Average condominium values have edged ahead of year-ago levels in the first eight months of the year, now sitting at $484,491, up one per cent over the $479,558 reported during the same period in 2023. Condominium sales, however, declined year over year, with 510 properties changing hands between January and August, down close to seven per cent from last year's levels, according to data compiled by the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors. The trepidation that existed earlier in the year is subsiding and confidence is starting to grow as inflation is curtailed. The most competitive segment of the overall housing market remains under $600,000 in the Halifax area, with first-time buyers most active at this price point. Entry-level condominiums priced between $300,000 and $400,000 are most sought after, while semi-detached and townhomes tend to be the preferred choice over $400,000. At the top end of the market, condominium sales over $750,000 have experienced a modest uptick, with 35 properties sold so far this year, compared to 34 during the same period one year ago. Year-to-date average price in the top end of the market has softened from year-ago levels, sitting at almost $940,000, down from $957,300 during the same timeframe in 2023. Young professionals and retirees are largely behind the push for higher-end condominiums, with most sales occurring within the city's downtown core. Downward pressure on interest rates has prompted more sellers to list their condos in recent weeks, but there are no liquidation sales occurring. Inventory levels are up just over eight per cent from 2023. The vast majority of condominium apartments are found on the peninsula's northeast quadrant, central and downtown cores. Some developments are situated on the waterfront in Dartmouth (near the ferry) and in Bedford, but supply is less plentiful in these areas. Investors are also active in Halifax's condominium market with an eye toward rental properties. Multi-unit housing remains exceptionally popular, with most investors interested in buildings with eight to 10 units. Four-plexes and duplexes are also an option, given the city's low vacancy rates and upward pressure on rent. In-migration and immigration have continued to play a role in the city's growth, although the influx of newcomers has abated somewhat from peak levels. Positive international immigration, coupled with interprovincial migration, contributed to a net increase of 6,000 people in the second quarter of 2024. Major improvements are planned for the Dartmouth waterfront that will make it more pedestrian friendly in the coming years, including public spaces and cruise ships. The redevelopment hopes to mirror the success of Halifax's vibrant waterfront area that continues to attract both visitors and residents to the area's restaurants and cafes, outdoor kiosks, retail shops, playgrounds, museums, and the ferry terminal.  With continuous investment and a bold new vision for the municipality, Halifax is expected to thrive in the years ahead, given the city's affordable real estate and spectacular topography. About the RE/MAX Network  As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 140,000 agents in almost 9,000 offices with a presence in more than 110 countries and territories. RE/MAX Canada refers to RE/MAX of Western Canada (1998), LLC and RE/MAX Ontario–Atlantic Canada, Inc., and RE/MAX Promotions, Inc., each of which are affiliates of RE/MAX, LLC. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® and other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit remax.ca. For the latest news from RE/MAX Canada, please visit blog.remax.ca. Mario Toneguzzi Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada's Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024. About Us Canada's Podcast is the number one podcast in Canada for entrepreneurs and business owners. Established in 2016, the podcast network has interviewed over 600 Canadian entrepreneurs from coast-to-coast. With hosts in each province, entrepreneurs have a local and national format to tell their stories, talk about their journey and provide inspiration for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey and well- established founders. 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Last week, Halifax Regional Municipality announced that it's developing a so-called "code of conduct" for residents at designated encampments in the city. Nobody from the city has since elaborated on what kind of rules they're considering, or how they would be enforced. We spoke to a professor who has looked into similar enforcement at other encampments across North America. 

On Episode 51, we update you on Jordan Peterson's fight for freedom of expression; we tell you why the new commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission stepped down; and we walk you through a decision on when phones & laptops can be searched at the border.*Are you a regular listener? Give us feedback by filling out this short survey!*Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode:Peterson v. College of Psychologists of Ontario, 2023 ONSC 4685 (CanLII)Jordan Peterson v. College of Psychologists of Ontario, 2024 CanLII 74731 (SCC)Jordan Peterson: I will see this contemptible 're-education' process through to its absurd endAnnapolis Group Inc. v. Halifax Regional Municipality, 2022 SCC 36 R v Pike, 2024 ONCA 608 B.C. Civil Liberties Association leader resigns after controversial social media post'THE NEW SWASTIKA:' Calls grow to ban red triangle as hate symbolNew human rights commissioner resigns before starting roleNot Reserving Judgment is a podcast about Canadian constitutional law hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn.The show is brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms. To support our work, visit theccf.ca/donate.

Halifax Pride has secured hosting rights for Canada Pride in 2027. It will run concurrently with Halifax Pride from July 15-25 and will include both long-running signature festival events and introduce 20+ new events across the Halifax Regional Municipality. Host Jeff Douglas spoke with Adam Reid, the board chair of Halifax Pride, about what he hopes the legacy of the event will be for Nova Scotia.

Last August, the Halifax Regional Municipality installed four new receptacles for cigarette butts. The twist? They like ballot boxes with the intention of encouraging people to dispose of their cigarette butts properly, rather than throwing them on the ground. Guest host Preston Mulligan is joined by Ally Chant, the waste resource education officer for HRM, to talk about this effort to reduce litter.

Some people in Nova Scotia, including Premier Tim Houston, are not happy with some of the public spaces chosen to be designated encampment sites. Max Chauvin, director of housing and homelessness for the Halifax Regional Municipality, weighs in on the decision and reaction.

Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard joins host Jeff Douglas to talk about Emancipation Day and the opportunity it offers for reflection and action on anti-Black racism. Senator Bernard will be holding a workshop for staff with the Halifax Regional Municipality later this month.

With the rapid rate of growth in the Halifax Regional Municipality, many might be wondering how the city will accommodate even more vehicles. Cycling advocates David Trueman and Brtittney McLean join host Jeff Douglas to talk about they think our best best is prioritizing active transportation infrastructure.

Halifax Regional Municipality, working with the province, has installed three cameras that use artificial intelligence to identify wildfire smoke. The cameras are mounted on towers in Musquodoboit Harbour, Middle Sackville, and Hammonds Plains. We find out more.

The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) appointed its new Chief Executive Officer, Blanche Israël, a Moroccan French Canadian cultural strategist and professional musician who has called Dartmouth, Nova Scotia home since 2019. She began her new role on Friday, March 1, 2024. Join East Coast DNA host Darcy Walsh for a chat with Blanche Israël as we approach ECMA 2024. Israël has had various roles in the arts sector and brings a unique blend of experience to the position. As a consultant for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, she developed a comprehensive Cultural Export Analysis, and for the Halifax Regional Municipality, she consulted on the Performing and Visual Arts Venues Needs Assessment. In addition, her work with Music Nova Scotia as a Board Member and her touring and recording experience with JUNO Award-winning artist Jeremy Dutcher, has provided Israël with a broad perspective and understanding of the music industry. Israël's skills in strategic finance, partnerships, and understanding of legal requirements in arts organizations are further highlighted by her successful operation of proScenium Services. Through this venture, she generated over $10 million in public and private revenue and supported a wide range of artists and organizations. Israël is a graduate of the University of Toronto's Arts Management program, holding an Honours Bachelor of Arts. She has been recognized with numerous awards and bursaries, including the CultureNEXT Bursary from the Canadian Arts Summit and the Orpheus Prize in Humanities from the University of Toronto. “We are thrilled to welcome Blanche to the East Coast Music Association. Her diverse background and deep understanding of the Atlantic Canadian cultural landscape makes her an ideal leader for our organization,” says Debbie Mullins, Chair of the ECMA Board and elected representative from Cape Breton. “We are confident that Blanche's innovative approach and passion for music will greatly contribute to the growth and success of our music community.” “I am deeply honored to lead the East Coast Music Association as its new CEO. This role combines my love for music and my commitment to cultural strategy in a region that has been my home and inspiration,” says Israël. “I look forward to working with our amazing artists and stakeholders to elevate Atlantic Canadian music and showcase our rich cultural tapestry to the world.” Under Israël's leadership, the East Coast Music Association is set to embark on a journey of renewed growth and innovation, strengthening its position as a key player in the Atlantic Canadian music scene. www.ecma.com Opening music "Empire" by Michael S. Ryan accompanied by Blanche Israël on cello Closing music "Physios and Love" by The Public Service (George Woodhouse) accompanied by Blanche Israël on cello Subscribe to @eastcoastdna for more music + arts coverage throughout the year. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/east-coast-dna/message

Halifax Regional Municipality is planning to open new designated sites for people experiencing homelessness. Staff say the four current encampment sites are overcrowded and people have been setting up tents in other spaces. Portia speaks with Max Chauvin, HRM's Director of Housing and Homelessness.

This week, the Halifax Regional Municipality announced its new poet laureate. Anna Quon is a poet and novelist. Her books include "Where The Silver River Ends", "Low", and "Migration Songs".

Globally 48% of public sector professionals agree that talent attraction and retention is their top challenge. While government can rarely compete with private sector peers monetarily, government offers its own unique value proposition - namely by appealing to talent seeking a greater sense of purpose and belonging. By harnessing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives and by fostering environments that prioritising well-being, government stands to attract a new generation of talent eager to contribute meaningfully. Achieving DE&I though can't be done in isolation and is definitely not a 'HR Initiative.' Tracy Jones-Grant, Managing Director, Diversity & Inclusion at Halifax Regional Municipality chats to us about how to make equity, diversity and inclusion a part of your organisational transformation. Tracy Jones-Grant, Managing Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Halifax Regional Municipality For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

Community safety is the cornerstone of social cohesion, fostering trust and unity among residents. When people feel secure in their environment, they are more likely to engage positively with one another, leading to stronger bonds and collaborative efforts that enhance overall well-being, resilience, and shared prosperity within the community. In this week's epsidoe of the Public Sector Podcast Mayor Mike Savage discusses the importance of developing specific community safety units - outside of emergency service units - and the outcomes of incorporating a Municipality-wide public safety strategy on crime rates. Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax Regional Municipality.  

In this video interview, Chris Alexander, President of RE/MAX Canada, discusses the real estate company's latest 2024 Tax Report and the impact of taxes and other rising costs on housing affordability in the country.   FULL PRESS RELEASE  TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /CNW/ — While land transfer taxes and new property assessments in key markets appear to have little effect on the surface, eroding affordability levels are slowly shifting migration patterns and changing the landscape in major Canadian centres, according to a new report released today by RE/MAX Canada. RE/MAX Canada's 2024 Tax Report examined key markets in six Canadian provinces, including Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, and found governments at all levels are collecting billions from Canadian homebuyers through levies and development fees on new construction, as well as land transfer and property taxes on residential properties. Tax rate increases, in tandem with record-high housing values and mortgage rates, have sparked a post-pandemic exodus from the country's most expensive markets, contributing to a significant uptick in interprovincial migration numbers in Alberta and Atlantic Canada in 2023. While some homebuyers were content to move outside of core markets within their province, close to 60,000 Canadians found their answer to the current housing crisis in Alberta and, to a lesser extent, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. According to Statistics Canada's Quarterly Demographic Estimates, Provinces and Territories Interactive Map, interprovincial migration doubled over already-strong year-ago levels in the first three quarters of 2023 in Alberta, with the province welcoming 45,194 people, compared to 22,278 during the same period in 2022. Alberta gained the most interprovincial migrants in the third quarter of 2023, with the highest influx coming from Ontario (6,262), followed by BC (5,269), Saskatchewan (1,579) and Manitoba (1,316). Nova Scotia also saw more than 5,000 new residents in the first three quarters of 2023, following an influx of close to 10,000 interprovincial migrants during the same period in 2022. New Brunswick's net interprovincial total was almost 4,500 in the first three quarters of 2023, while Prince Edward Island posted a net interprovincial increase of just over 1,000. All other provinces noted negative net interprovincial numbers, with more people leaving than arriving.                                                         Source: Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), Quebec Professional  Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB). Local boards provided  by RE/MAX brokers.  *Benchmark Price for all properties in December  **Non-residents pay five per cent deed transfer tax in Nova Scotia ***First-time Home Buyer exemption/rebate applied to Vancouver and Toronto/GTA “Given today's housing market realities, it comes as no surprise that buyers are willing to travel across the country to achieve home ownership,” says RE/MAX Canada President Christopher Alexander. “In addition to affordable housing values and extensive job opportunities, Alberta is well known for its position on taxation, with no provincial sales tax and zero land transfer tax on residential real estate. Cash-rich buyers from provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia are aware that the sale of their property in Toronto or Vancouver will stretch that much further in Alberta or Atlantic Canada's major centres. And for first-time buyers, it's an opportunity to get into the market at an affordable price point and gain equity, as opposed to paying down someone else's mortgage by renting.” According to the Fraser Institute's 24 Facts for 2024 Report, the average Canadian family pays 45.3 per cent of its income to taxes – more than the 35.6 per cent spent on necessities of life. Regressive tax policies are also to blame for the changing migration patterns. Land transfer taxes were introduced across Canada in the 1970s as a method of generating revenue for municipalities, regardless of income. The highest land transfer taxes are found in Toronto, where buyers pay a municipal land transfer tax as well as a provincial tax. On January 1, 2024, Toronto upped the ante, introducing a luxury tax on home sales over $3 million. While the existing municipal land transfer tax (MLTT) essentially remains the same under $3 million, homebuyers that cross the threshold will find a sliding scale of taxes that range from 3.5 per cent on sales over $3 million to 7.5 per cent on sales over $20 million. On an average-priced home in the city, buyers can expect to pay close to $40,000 in taxes. “When you think about what a $40,000 tax bill payable upon closing could do if it was applied to a down payment, it's clearly time to incentivize the first domino,” says Alexander. “The first order of business should be revisiting the first-time buyer rebate/exemption in Toronto and Vancouver, because at $400,000 and $500,000–$525,000 respectively, they're woefully inadequate given the average or benchmark price of properties in those cities.” A survey conducted by Leger on behalf of RE/MAX in mid-2023 found that more than one in four Canadians (28 per cent) agreed the land transfer tax has impacted their decision to participate in the housing market. The home-buying decisions of young Canadians were particularly impacted, with 40 per cent of Gen Z and 35 per cent of Millennials agreeing that the land transfer tax has played a role in their pursuit of home ownership, compared to 26 per cent of Gen X and 21 per cent of Baby Boomers.* As a result, there is a growing wave of younger people who are choosing to leave major centres and provinces to attain home ownership. Not surprisingly, some of the fastest-growing municipalities are inside or close to urban areas, according to Statistics Canada 2021 Census. For example, East Gwillimbury in the Greater Toronto Area experienced the greatest increase in population between 2016 and 2021 with a 44.4-per-cent uptick; Langford, outside of Victoria, BC, and Southern Gulf Islands just outside Vancouver, were up 31.8 and 28.9 per cent respectively; Niverville, on the outskirts of Winnipeg was up 29 per cent; Carignan just outside Montreal was up 24.1 per cent; while Wolfville, Nova Scotia was up 20.5 per cent. New and proposed property tax reassessments are also creating confusion in markets across the country, including Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, with some properties assessed above recent sale prices. The Province of Ontario has yet again postponed its reassessment. With the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) still operating at levels assessed in 2016, new assessments in the province for the years 2023 and 2024 will likely be significantly higher when distributed. The burden is even higher on new home construction within Canada's most expensive markets. In Toronto, for example, taxes, levies and development fees on new condominiums – the first step to home ownership for many Canadians – is estimated to account for approximately 25 to 30 per cent of the overall purchase price. On a unit priced at $717,000, the average price for a condominium in Toronto at year-end, that accounts for roughly $180,000 to $215,000 paid by the purchaser. New low-rise housing is no exception. Based on a study by Altus Group, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) found that government fees, taxes and charges added $222,000 to the cost of an average, new single-family home in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in 2019 – three times higher than in major U.S. markets such as San Francisco, Miami, Boston, New York City, Chicago, and Houston. “The goal should be to make home ownership more accessible, not less,” says Alexander. “Taxation is contributing to the demise of the Canadian dream, with home ownership across the country falling from peak levels reported in 2011, and it will continue to decline unless there is some intervention. A greater supply of affordable housing in major centres will have a sizeable impact on keeping the dream alive. However, if we don't heed the call, we risk continued out-migration of our youth.” Rising tax levels and quality of life have become a growing concern in cities throughout North America as well. Driven by domestic out-migration, more than 600,000 people left New York State for Florida, Texas, and other low-tax states in 2020 and 2023, according to US Census Data. Internal Revenue Services (IRS) data show the state lost an estimated $45 billion in taxable income between 2020 and 2023. Florida, on the other hand, welcomed more than 700,000 people during the same period, as the state's favourable tax structure proved irresistible to buyers. “Clearly, public policy is contributing to a myriad of issues – with affordability front and centre – and there's no relief in sight,” says Alexander. “Shelter is a basic human need, yet accessibility is becoming increasingly problematic as government reliance on the housing sector as a means of funding creates a greater divide. Affordability and opportunity are key to healthy and sustainable real estate market activity and a vibrant economy. As such, the potential economic impact of ongoing out-migration on the future of individual provinces should raise alarm bells.” Market by Market Overview** Greater Vancouver The tax burden weighs most heavily on buyers in markets such as the Greater Vancouver Area where housing values are amongst the highest in the country. Yet first time, move up, and downsizing buyers remain determined to move forward, regardless of tax implications. In fact, home-buying activity in the Greater Vancouver Area is off to a strong start in 2024, as buyers who've sat on the sidelines throughout 2023 re-enter the market en masse. The imbalance between supply and demand has prompted a flurry of multiple offers on properties at affordable price points. While land transfer taxes are the cost of doing business in Vancouver and purchasers have come to begrudgingly accept that reality, property taxes are amongst the lowest in the country. High interest rates were the greatest impediment to home-buying activity in Vancouver throughout 2023, with the threat of ever-rising mortgage rates creating havoc in the market. With the expectation of an end to quantitative tightening, homebuyers are hoping to get into the market before values climb once again. Evidence of the trending has been apparent over the past two months, as fixed rates have now come down about one half of a per cent. Inflation appears to be heading in the right direction, although slower than originally anticipated. The first-time buyer's rebate has proven inadequate in a market that had an average benchmark price of $1,168,700. Few first-time buyers qualify at the current $525,000 threshold. Properties up to $499,999 are eligible for a full tax exemption while properties priced from $500,000 to $524,999 are eligible for partial repayment. There are currently 43 properties listed for sale under $525,000 in the City of Vancouver. The full land transfer tax is obligatory on property priced at more than $525,000. Surprisingly, the first-time buyer's exemption on new construction is considerably higher, with exemption available on homes priced up to $750,000. While buyers are faced with the additional cost of a government sales tax (GST) on their new home, there's really no reason the threshold of $750,000 shouldn't be applied equitably. Unfortunately, the higher cost of living in the province is driving movement out of the province, with many young families and retirees heading for neighbouring Alberta where BC dollars go a lot further.  Data compiled for the first nine months of 2023 by the Statistics Canada Quarterly Demographic Estimates: Provinces and Territories Interactive Map showed a decline in net interprovincial migration numbers, with British Columbia registering close to 6,000 people leaving BC. Years ago, the trend had been to move to the Okanagan to take advantage of lower prices, but in recent years, strong migration levels have accelerated housing values in cities such as Kelowna, Kamloops and Penticton. Net international migration numbers for the same period show more than 150,000 immigrants, net emigration and net non-permanent residents entering the province in the first three-quarters of 2023. Methodology for Residential Property Transfer Tax First $200,000 – taxed at 1 per cent $200,000 – $2,000,000 – taxed at 2 per cent $2 million to $3 million – taxed at 3 per cent Over $3 million – taxed at 5 per cent Calgary Home-buying activity continues at a frenzied pace in the Calgary area as affordable housing values and lower tax rates incentivize an increasing number of out-of-province buyers to move to Alberta. In the first three quarters of 2023, the province welcomed just over 45,000 interprovincial residents, according to the Statistics Canada Quarterly Demographic Estimates: Provinces and Territories Interactive Dashboard. During the same period, net international migration rose by almost 100,000 people, including new immigrants, net emigration, and net non-permanent residents. Buyers from Ontario and BC remain most active in the province, with the vast majority settling in the City of Calgary where the average price at year end 2023 hovered at $539,313, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board. Home ownership in the city can be attained for as low as $350,000, with the condominium apartment category seeing the highest year-over-year increase in sales in 2023. Younger buyers as well as retirees and investors are behind the push for housing. Tight market conditions persist throughout the city, however, with local buyers vying for prime properties with cash-rich purchasers from Ontario and British Columbia. As a result, many seasoned local buyers have moved to the sidelines in the latter half of 2023, choosing not to participate in the frothy market. Entry-level buyers, representing approximately 20 to 30 per cent of the market, are driving activity between $350,000 to $650,000. Those first-time buyers that have scrimped and saved for a down payment are largely targeting two-bedroom, one bath condominium apartment properties priced between $350,000 to $400,000. First-time buyers are fortunate enough to have some help from the bank of mom and dad are typically seeking single detached starter homes in the $500,000 to $650,000 price range. Land transfer taxes are non-existent in Alberta, although most buyers pay a registration fee around $300. There are no provincial sales taxes. The combination of lower taxes, affordable housing, and greater job opportunities are expected to continue to draw purchasers from out-of-province, many of whom have been priced out by rapidly rising housing values and taxes in their own provinces. Zero Residential Property Transfer Tax – All properties, all price points Winnipeg A significant uptick in housing sales and values in the last six weeks of 2023 has set the stage for home-buying activity in Winnipeg in 2024. Listings that had lingered on the market were quickly snapped up, some in multiple-offer situations, between mid-November and mid-December. The same momentum has been noted in the first two weeks of January as the potential for an end to the Bank of Canada's stance on quantitative tightening grows increasingly likely after four rate pauses in a row. There has been a considerable increase in the number of renters getting into the market, in large part due to rental rates that look more like mortgage payments at present. First time buyers, many of whom are new to the country, would rather own their homes than paying off someone else's mortgage. As such, the land transfer and property taxes are just part of the process, despite property rate taxes that are amongst the highest in the country. The vast majority of first-time purchasers are coming to the table with at least two percent of the property's value set aside for land transfer taxes and closing costs. For move up buyers, they've generally factored the land transfer tax into the equation. However, at higher price points, from $750,000 to $1 million, buyers may put their decision to move on pause, opting to renovate instead. Seniors, particularly those who have lost partners and live alone, may choose to age in place rather than undertaking the additional costs, not to mention the stress of a move. The greatest activity remains at lower price points, where inventory levels are particularly low. Winnipeg is one of the most affordable housing markets in the country with an average price in 2023 hovering at just over $400,000 (approximately $5,700 in land transfer tax). Most first-time buyers are looking at properties priced between $350,000 and $450,000. Trade-up buyers are typically active between $500,000 and $750,000. Like other parts of the country, overall housing stock in the city remains low. Yet, net international migration, comprised of immigrants, net emigration, and net non-permanent residents, added an estimated 36,000 to Manitoba's population in the first three quarters of 2023, according to Statistics Canada Quarterly Demographic Estimates: Provinces and Territories Interactive Dashboard. Population growth is expected to contribute to housing market activity in Winnipeg in the year ahead, bolstered by an anticipated fall in interest rates in the second or third quarters. Methodology for Residential Land Transfer Tax 0 – $30,000 – No Tax $30,001 to $90,000 – 0.5 per cent $90,001 to $150,000 – 1 per cent $150,001 to $200,000 – 1.5 per cent $200,000 and above – 2 per cent Greater Toronto Area After a flurry of home-buying activity at luxury price points in the final quarter of 2023 in Toronto Proper due to upcoming changes to the city's 2024 land transfer taxes, the housing market has slowed in the Greater Toronto Area. Sales are currently trending on par or slightly ahead of year-ago levels, with economic concerns and high interest rates leaving many buyers sitting on the sidelines. While the Bank of Canada (BOC) held firm on rates in January for the fourth consecutive time since its July 2023 rate hike, inflation remains high, placing the BOC in a challenging position. That said, there are signs that quantitative tightening is drawing to a close and some economists predict rates will start coming down by mid-year. With the promise of lower rates on the horizon, the spring market is expected to be active, with trade-up buyers leading the charge, cashing in on equity gains realized over the past decade. Unlike years prior, this spring market will be characterized by a greater selection of homes available for sale and less competition in the marketplace. Sales in the spring will ideally position seasoned buyers with a three-month closing to potentially dovetail with interest rate cuts. First-time buyers, however, will continue to struggle to achieve home ownership, given a continuation of tight inventory levels at entry-level price points from $500,000 to $1,000,000.  That, combined with the government stress test that adds an additional two percentage points to existing rates is hurting those who've been able to accumulate a down payment and transfer taxes but are unable to qualify at today's rates plus two per cent. The unfortunate fact is that many potential homebuyers are already paying rates similar to a mortgage on their rental units while inflation continues to eat away at their savings. The 416 area-code remains popular with younger buyers who want to be close to shops, restaurants and transportation. The additional municipal land transfer tax fails to deter this segment of the market. However, for those starting a family, the 905 area-code generally offers greater affordability and one less transfer tax. Hybrid workplaces have also made moving north, east, and west of the city an easier transition, requiring only one or two days a week travelling on the GTA's busy highways. For existing homeowners located in the city core, the expense of a move with its associated municipal and provincial land transfer taxes and closing costs have prompted some to consider renovation. By upgrading their home, making cosmetic changes to kitchen, bathrooms and flooring, homeowners are adding value to their properties down the road. While renovation can have its own challenges, it is an option that many are taking given the high cost of moving. Ongoing conversations regarding a 10 to 16 per cent increase in property taxes are another issue that stems from a city that is burdened by rising costs and a stagnating downtown core. Fundamentally regressive taxing punishes the city's most vulnerable homeowners – its seniors – many who are on fixed incomes. Taxes are based on the value of the property but have nothing to do with income. While the only certainties in life are death and taxes, there needs to be better solution to the current structure. Taxation is not actually deterring most buyers from getting into the market, but it is somewhat hampering, especially at entry-level price points. The current structure allows for a full rebate of municipal and provincial land transfer taxes of up to $400,000 for first-time buyers. There are currently close to 250 “properties” listed for sale under the $400,000 price point, the vast majority of which are parking spaces, lockers and vacant land. Although buyers are still active in the Toronto market, there are those that are moving to areas outside of the GTA where housing values are lower.  And, in the first three quarter of 2023, there were more people leaving the province than arriving, with net interprovincial migration numbers down by just over 32,500, according to Statistics Canada Quarterly Demographic Estimates: Provinces and Territories Interactive Dashboard. While interprovincial migration has been offset by close to half a million immigrants, net emigration, and net non-permanent residents, it's clear the cost of living in Ontario – with its high housing values and tax base – is resulting in migration to other areas of the country. Methodology for Municipal Land Transfer Tax on Residential Properties Up to $55,000: 0.5 per cent Up to $250,000: 1 per cent Up to $400,000: 1.5 per cent Up to $2 million: 2 per cent $2 million Up to $2.999 million: 2.5 per cent $3 million to $3.999 million: 3.5 per cent $4 million to $4.999 million: 4.5 per cent $5 million to $9.999 million: 5.5 per cent $10 million to $19.999 million: 6.5 per cent $20 million plus: 7.5 per cent Methodology for Provincial Land Transfer Tax on Residential Properties Up to $55,000: 0.5 per cent Up to $250,000: 1 per cent Up to $400,000: 1.5 per cent Up to $2 million: 2 per cent More than $2 million: 2.5 per cent Montreal While higher interest rates and the threat of a possible recession seriously hampered home-buying activity in Montreal over the past year, housing taxes –in the form of a welcome tax and property tax—proved to be a negligible part of the equation in 2023. The sentiment is largely due to Montreal's affordable housing market, where average price at year-end 2023 ($574,845) remains well below other large Canadian markets such as Toronto and Vancouver. Buyers can expect to pay a welcome tax of close to $8,000, payable upon closing, based on the 2023 year-end average. First-time buyers, defined as those who have never owned a home, are not eligible for a rebate but can receive the Quebec Home Buyers Tax Credit on their tax return. Set by the city, property tax rates currently run at approximately 0.63000 per cent in Montreal, adding another $3,183 to the annual cost of home ownership, based the average price. A recent update to property assessments have made headlines in Quebec as the province moves to bring assessments in line with today's housing values. The new assessments have, however, caused confusion in the market, particularly given that some homes have been assessed above recent sale prices. After a dismal 2023, renewed momentum is expected to characterize home-buying activity in Montreal in 2024. Properties appear to be moving at a faster pace than year-ago levels while showings and open houses are growing busier. First-time buyers are cautiously optimistic, entering the market at price points ranging between $450,000 and $750,000. While condominiums are the first step to home ownership at lower price points in the city, first-time buyers willing to move farther afield may find small, detached homes priced around $750,000. The trade-up market has been impacted by an abundance of offers conditional on the sale of the buyers' home within 30 days in recent months. Many of these offers are falling through as buyers fail to sell their homes and new buyers lie waiting in the wings. As a result, existing homeowners are choosing to sit tight, hesitant to sell first for fear that they won't find another suitable home. Yet, they are also hesitant to buy first and go through the motions, only for the deal to die after 30-days. As a result, some buyers will choose to renovate their property, instead of embarking on a move. The promise of lower interest rates down the road is bringing some comfort to buyers and sellers. Once rates start to decline, which could potentially happen as early as April, home buying activity is expected to gain traction. The market at present, however, remains tenuous, with any unexpected development having the potential to disrupt the whole market. Methodology for residential land transfer tax in Montreal 0.5 per cent on the first $58,000 1.0 percent between $58,900 and $294,600 1.5 per cent between $294,600 to $552,300 2.0 per cent between $552,300 to $1,104,700 2.5 per cent between $1,104,700 to $2,136,500 3.5 per cent between $2,136,500 to $3,113,000 4.0 per cent on homes priced over $4,113,000 Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) With housing market uncertainty seeping into January 2024, homebuyers in Halifax are banking of the prospect of lower interest rates down the road to revitalize home-buying activity. Demand remains relatively healthy in hot pocket areas, where well-priced properties are selling in short order, but in areas where greater selection exists, turnover is slow. Given the current high interest rate environment, many buyers are choosing to stay in place until the first interest rate cut is announced. Once that occurs, it's expected that buyers will enter the market in full force, hoping to get in before prices increase. Immigration and in-migration have factored into the housing equation, with both ramping up significantly since 2020. According to Statistics Canada, Nova Scotia's population rose five per cent between 2016 to 2021, settling in at just under 970,000, with the provincial government committed to doubling the population to two million by 2060. In 2023, more than 5,300 interprovincial migrants and over 20,000 immigrants moved to Nova Scotia in the first three quarters of the year – the vast majority settling in Halifax – according to Statistics Canada Quarterly Demographic Estimates, Provinces and Territories Interactive Dashboard. The increase came as a surprise, driving upward momentum in housing values, as buyers from other provinces and countries arrive flush with cash, outspending the average Halifax buyer in large part due to stronger buying power. Inventory levels have improved significantly over one year ago, but less than 1,000 homes are currently listed for sale. First-time buyers in the Halifax housing market are finding it particularly stressful as of late to compete for homes in the sweet spot – priced from $350,000 to $500,000. Some are moving between one and two hours outside of Halifax to take advantage lower house prices. With remote work increasingly accepted, the necessity to be located in Halifax has waned. Halifax urbanization and development in recent years is also a factor, with traffic, construction, and increased congestion prompting buyers to look at areas outside the Halifax Regional Municipality. Taxation has played a greater role in the market this year, as new reassessments mailed out in January reflected strong growth in housing values over the Covid years. Residential assessments are up about 20 per cent over last year, one of the largest increases in the history of the province. Numbers vary by community or municipality, with Halifax up 21.1 per cent. In addition, the new reassessments will not be capped after the sale of a home, which could see property taxes increase further for the next buyer. Deed transfer tax at 1.5 per cent on the purchase of a home in Halifax is an on-going hardship for first—time buyers, although there has been a first-time buyer plan in place that allows first-time buyers to repay the debt over a longer period. This is woefully inadequate at a time when it's important to incentivize the first domino. However, unlike other major areas of the country, housing values are still relatively affordable here. First-time buyers are laser focused on home ownership as rental rates rise. Many spend years saving 10 to 20 per cent down payments, only to be told they owe another 1.5 per cent upon closing, in addition to all other closing costs. The combination of reassessment and the deed transfer tax have also prompted some buyers to stay in place, especially at higher price points. Many are choosing to renovate rather than move. For non-residents, Nova Scotia charges a five per cent Provincial Deed Transfer Tax. Prices were up over 2022 at year-end 2023, sitting at $552,700 (up from $536,700 one year prior). Supply issues, like other parts of the country, exist and while development fees and approvals are slow and far between, there are more condominiums and freehold properties being added the city's housing stock. However, its estimated that the Halifax market is still 30,000 to 35,000 units short of what the city needs, given the governments vision for growth. Under the present conditions, there's no question that prices will continue to rise in the year ahead, with sales rising in tandem with falling interest rates. Methodology for Deed Transfer Tax in Nova Scotia Deed Transfer Tax in the Halifax Regional Municipality for residents is 1.5 per cent on purchase price. Deed Transfer Tax in Nova Scotia for out of province/country buyers is 5 per cent on purchase price. Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada's Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list About Us Canada's Podcast is the number one podcast in Canada for entrepreneurs and business owners. Established in 2016, the podcast network has interviewed over 600 Canadian entrepreneurs from coast-to-coast. With hosts in each province, entrepreneurs have a local and national format to tell their stories, talk about their journey and provide inspiration for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey and well- established founders. The commitment to a grass roots approach has built a loyal audience on all our social channels and YouTube – 500,000+ lifetime YouTube views, 200,000 + audio downloads, 35,000 + average monthly social impressions, 10,000 + engaged social followers and 35,000 newsletter subscribers. Canada's Podcast is proud to provide a local, national and international presence for Canadian entrepreneurs to build their brand and tell their story. #business #CanadasNumberOnePodcastforEntrepreneurs #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #Homes #Housing #RealEstate #smallbusiness #Taxes

This week, Halifax Regional Municipality posted eviction notices at five designated tent encampment sites. Residents have until Feb. 26 to pack up and leave...news to which there's been a lot of reaction, including from community and social service organizations that provide support for people who live rough. The CBC's Carsten Knox reached the Brunswick Street Mission's outreach coordinator, Patrick Maubert.

The Halifax Regional Municipality says people living in five tent encampments need to leave by Feb. 26. Parks Canada lends a hand to clear snow from around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park after record snowfall in Nova Scotia. And on the phone-in: Black history in the Maritimes.

A study published in the journal Canadian Public Policy finds there is "no consistent correlation" between police spending and crime rates in this country. Although the Halifax Regional Municipality is not one of the cities examined in the study, there have been recent proposals to increase police budgets. Host Jeff Douglas is joined by El Jones, an author of Defunding the Police: Defining the way forward in the HRM, to talk about the study and how the city compares.

Six years ago, the Halifax Regional Municipality and the United Way released a report called Building Poverty Solutions. On Wednesday, a follow-up report was released that takes into account some of the upheaval that has happened since then, including the high cost of living and housing crisis. Host Jeff Douglas is joined by Sue LaPierre, the director of Social Impact Strategy with United Way Halifax.

Who says law and property rights can't be riveting? Brace for a legal deep dive unravelling the complexities of the Short Term Rental Accommodations Act in British Columbia. It's not every day you get to compare it to governmental property seizure, but we dare to tread those intriguing waters. We pick apart the legal precedents for compensation in cases where the government appropriates property and delve into the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling in the Annapolis Grouping v. Halifax Regional Municipality case. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! We also discuss building permits, how court decisions are interpreted, and even explore the Canlii website for a dose of free case law knowledge. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen on property rights and the intricacies of the law!Follow this link for a transcript of the case and links to the cases discussed. 

On September 1, new regulations on short-term rentals will come into effect in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Some advocates say it's a step in the right direction, others think the rules go too far.

On a mild summer's evening, Pat Wiggin met for Shared Ground to give us a window into the world of forestry on private lands in Nova Scotia (within Mi'kma'ki). Discussed in this episode are some of the programs that exist to support people and forest ecosystems, and the exciting emerging option of working forest easements (through the Nova Scotia Working Woodlands Trust). Also, hear thoughts on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification and related questions: If there was more transparency about where forest products came from, what would people choose to purchase? And in Pat's words, "What if wood had more of a story to tell?"The conversation also touches on the local energy market, including important considerations on the use of biomass for heating.Pat Wiggin was raised in the Halifax Regional Municipality and first became interested in Natural Resource Management while studying Environmental Science at Mount Allison University. He funded his education by tree planting in the wilds of northern British Columbia and eventually decided to go back to school where he obtained a Forestry Technology diploma at the Maritime College of Forest Technology in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and has since held positions within various organizations, providing forest management, support, and advocacy to Nova Scotia's small, private woodland owners.EPISODE RESOURCESNova Scotia Working Woodlands TrustFederation of Nova Scotia Woodland OwnersForest Innovation ProgramThe Lahey report pdf (An Independent Review of Forestry Practices in Nova Scotia)Forest Innovation Voucher through NSCCWestern Woodland Cooperative ServiceForest Steward Certification (FSC)Maritime College of Forest TechnologyNatural Resources Environmental Technology program at NSCCSave Our Old Forests campaign: website on FacebookSOOFStock music festival 2023

The 2022 Whitecap Cup co-winner for equity inclusion and diversity goes to the Broader Reach Program (broaderreach.ca) a learn to sail program based out of the Armdale Yacht Club in Halifax, NS. In this special edition, we talk to Anthony Rosborough founder of the program. Their goal is to expand access to sailing to the broader community in the Halifax Regional Municipality and other communities in Nova Scotia.  The program creates impact by teaching sailing knowledge and skills to wider audiences while building connections between people and communities based on shared experiences. It unites people by a love of being on the water.   We had a good chat and as an added bonus some talk about shipbuilding in Halifax in the Early 20th century and a discussion of the biggest one design keelboat class in Nova Scotia: the Bluenose One design   Broader Reach's 2023 programs are supported by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and the Government of Canada.

June is Pride month and that means there are many events happening around the Halifax Regional Municipality. Dan MacKay, the publisher of the Halifax Rainbow Encyclopedia, joins host Jeff Douglas to give a rundown of pride events happening in the city this month.

Join us in this episode of The Solar PVcast as we explore the groundbreaking Solar City Program initiated by the regional municipality of Halifax. This program provides property owners in the municipality with unprecedented access to innovative solar energy solutions. Through a dedicated solar collector account managed by the Halifax Regional Municipality, property owners can finance their solar installations and contribute to a greener future. Our special guest, Kevin Boutilier, the Manager of Community Energy for the HRM, joins us to discuss the municipality's overarching climate goals, their strategic approach, and the key details of the Solar City Program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halifax Regional Municipality has contracted about fifty volunteers to help sift through the rubble from homes damaged or destroyed in the Tantallon wildfire. Team Rubicon Canada's Chief Operating Officer Steve MacBeth describes the wildfire recovery efforts.

Pam Lovelace is the municipal councillor for Hammonds Plains/St. Margaret's in the Halifax Regional Municipality, where a wildfire destroyed homes and businesses. She joins host Jeff Douglas in Studio A to talk about how her constituents are doing.

Two years ago, he asked for a review of policing services in Halifax Regional Municipality. It was a system that evolved out of the amalgamation in 1996. And by 2021, there were a lot of questions about the future of policing, and not just in Halifax or Nova Scotia. Dartmouth Councillor Tony Mancini says they wanted to know if they had the right model in place for what residents wanted and were paying for. And the report that was tabled this week is calling for one of two things to happen. Either pick either Halifax Regional Police or the RCMP. Or fully integrate the two. And the answer still isn't clear about what the future of policing will look like in HRM.

There have been lots of changes to help move buses around Halifax Regional Municipality more efficiently in the past few years. But in spite of the dedicated lanes and turning signals, Halifax Transit has been reducing services because of labour issues. They are about 100 operators short of meeting their optimal numbers and the union has some thoughts. Shane O'Leary is the President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 508. He says members have gone two years without a contract and keeping workers has been a real struggle for the utility. He says it comes down to safety and remuneration.

Avery Birch is BACK on the Halifax Real Estate Podcast to discuss the new short term rental bylaws that passed in Halifax at the end of February 2023. Avery is the founder & CEO of Experience 365inc, which operates over 100 Airbnbs in Halifax Regional Municipality. Avery's here to discuss and breakdown the impacts these new bylaws will have on those operating short term rentals in the Halifax area. Jason Paul902-220-7357jason@infinityrealestategroup.cajasonpaulhalifaxrealtorAvery Birch902-266-8682avery.birch@gmail.comquestions@365x.ca

Part A of a project that has been years in the making was given the go-ahead by Halifax Regional Municipality this week. It's an initiative to address the fact that HRM has a household food insecurity index that is higher than the provincial and national average at 18.6 percent. This Action Plan for Food is about helping producers and consumers come together in a time where there are supply chain and geographical access issues. More Vail is the Community Food coordinator with the Ecology Action Centre, the agency that was a co-chair in the development of the plan from the beginning.

On one hand, it's a very appealing offer in challenging economic times. Who wouldn't want to earn some extra money renting out space in their own home if they could? But when it impacts your neighbours, that's when it becomes a much bigger issue. This week, Halifax Regional Municipality introduced new rules around short-term rentals that go into effect in September. Bill Stewart is involved with a group called Neighbours Speak Up. He describes why they've been fighting for these rules since 2019 and how it impacts quality of life and the affordability crisis.

Accessibility advocate Paul Vienneau sees a lot of drivers in downtown Halifax parking in spots reserved for people with disabilities. Sometimes they admit to him that they are fully able bodied. We hear from him and Victoria Horne, director of parking services with the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Shane Rayman of Rayman Harris LLP in Toronto, Ontario joins the show to discuss a recent case out of the Supreme Court of Canada, Annapolis Group, Inc. v. Halifax Regional Municipality. Shane served as counsel for the Canadian Home Builders' Association, an intervenor in the case. The case deals with regulatory takings, and we discuss Canadian law around such takings. Shane makes a compelling case for why someone who is not impacted by a regulatory taking should care about someone else who is, and this leads to a discussion about Canada's non-constitutional protections of property rights in contrast to the constitutional protections of the United States.   Text of the decision Factum (written submission) of the Canadian Home Builders' Association   Please share your thoughts on the show or this episode with me. I'm on Twitter @J_Clint. If you have thoughts about future show guests or ideas for episodes, please let me know.

Food inflation in Canada dropped in October, the first drop since October of 2021. But at 10.1%, it's still going to cost you more to fill the cupboard and fridge. And during waste reduction week, Halifax Regional Municipality is trying to educate us on food waste. According to Statistics Canada, 63% of the food Canadians throw away could have been eaten. That's about 140 kilograms of food worth around $1,300. And processing and dealing with 53,000 tonnes of green bin materials, costs tax payers a lot of money. Kirk Symonds is the Team Lead for HRM's solid waste department and is chatting about the awareness campaign, "Food Isn't Garbage".

The Kearney Lake Masjid hosted a community conversation in October to help build safe spaces for Muslim women and Girls. The conversation was the first in a series planned in collaboration with the Halifax Regional Municipality to help address Islamophobia. Muna Saadi, a volunteer with the Nova Scotia Islamic Community Centre spoke to Jeff about the initiative.

Proposed legislation to amend the Halifax Regional Municipality charter — giving the minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the power to unilaterally nullify bylaws created by HRM Council — has one Beachville resident concerned. Carolann Wright spoke with host Jeff Douglas about how Bill 225 could affect development plans for the area.

CBC's Erin MacInnis speaks with the executive director of the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, about the increase in people experiencing homelessness in HRM. Plus we hear from a Dalhousie Legal Aid worker about how the organization is currently handling a historic number of housing concerns.

The Halifax Regional Municipality is providing food and water for residents, as well as trying to offer help in other ways to people who are displaced or still don't have power. There's also a massive cleanup underway across the municipality. We hear from HRM mayor Mike Savage.

There's a new option for people with physical or intellectual disabilities looking to get around Halifax Regional Municipality. HRM has entered into a three year contract to provide accessible taxi services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In March, council unanimously approved a staff recommendation to fund Extra Care Taxi to help support higher costs of offering the service that has been lacking in recent years. The service has been running for a few weeks and is about to expand to a fleet of ten accessible vans in HRM. The budget is for around $1.8 million for the service over the next three years. There will be an event in front of city hall in early October to celebrate the launch of the service. Alex Wilson is the Manager of Business Development and Communications for Extra Care Taxi. She explains how the company will be filling the needs of HRM residents who can't use a regular taxi.

Laura McNutt's post secondary education prepared her for a lifetime of creative pursuits: Laura studied Fine Arts, Environmental Design, then earned a Masters of Architecture at Technical University of Nova Scotia. Following 15 years in the architecture industry, she taught I.B. Fine Art, and engaged in the film industry. Laura's professional design career crossed film, architecture, fine art, and design fields, throughout Canada, Bermuda, Switzerland, USA, and Finland. She currently operates a design/build business, designed in the film industry, and taught prep school Fine Art. Laura was an inaugural member of the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership, awarded a number of RFP artwork installations in Halifax Regional Municipality, and recently chaired the Awards Committee of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia. AS Laura the entrepreneur, also operates a boutique vintage shop, KingsPIER Curated Collections, which is the entrepreneurial culmination of decades of passion for heritage, craftsmanship, fashion, and sustainability. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada's economy. To support Canada's businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter

The Mass Casualty Commission heard today from Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella today. Chief Kinsella was brought in to discuss the HRP role in the events of April 18-19, 2020, as well as the structure of policing in Nova Scotia. HRP and the RCMP each cover different areas of Halifax Regional Municipality, and so confront issues of interoperability on a regular basis. There are two things I would like to note before getting to the substance of Chief Kinsella's testimony. First, it appears that I was far from the only person curious as to why Commissioner Brenda Lucki and the other RCMP officers who have testified at the MCC have not been wearing their uniforms. The reason the officers are testifying in civilian clothing is as a result of a request from the MCC to do so, so as to avoid triggering anyone watching the proceedings who might be sensitive to the uniform as a result of the killer's employment of it in his rampage. Chief Kinsella was also not wearing a police uniform, presumably for the same reason. The second issue is the point I raised yesterday about Commissioner Michael MacDonald's comment to Commissioner Lucki at the end of her testimony where he urged her to be a champion of the MCC's forthcoming recommendations. I said that this seemed to be a sign that the MCC was not going to recommend the removal of the RCMP as a police force in Nova Scotia in favour of another model. It has been pointed out to me, and I agree, that it could also be interpreted as a call for her to support a transition to another model of policing if that were to be recommended. In either case, Commissioner Lucki has committed to supporting and acting on the recommendations. Chief Kinsella testified that the HRP was ready to assist the RCMP as events unfolded, and gave evidence about the relationship between HRP and the RCMP more generally. On the events of the mass casualty, Chief Kinsella noted that HRP did everything that was asked of them, and was ready for Wortman had he made it to their jurisdiction.

Halifax Regional Municipality is offering drinking water at six locations for people living on wells that have gone dry. One of the locations is the firehall at the Head of Chezzetcook. That's near where our Community Contact Tegan Rowlings lives on a well. We hear from her.

It was called to help let people in Halifax Regional Municipality know what was happening with the homeless encampments in HRM -- specifically in Meagher Park. People living there have been given notice to vacate, but so far about five have refused. The reaction to some of the information has been critical of the plan to include police to once again step in to enforce municipal bylaws. Councillors openly discussed some of the concerns that have followed the involvement of so-called advocacy groups, particularly the Nova Scotians United political party and the Freedom Convoy. That led to District 14 Councillor Lisa Blackburn saying "I do fear that we have come to the end of the line. Involvement by activist groups who certainly don't give a hoot about our unhoused neighbours has changed the water on the beans for me.” The representative for Middle/Upper Sackville – Beaver Bank – Lucasville feels the people in Meagher Park (a.k.a. People's Park) are being manipulated and the efforts by HRM staff are being undermined. That's what she felt was one of the reasons to hold the information meeting on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022.

Road safety may be a shared responsibility, but the level of responsibility is different for the different road users. That's the message one safe street advocate is trying to get out to the public on social media. Martyn Williams recently wrote a piece for the Chronicle Herald asking "How many more people have to be injured or killed on Halifax Streets?" This was in response to a well-known cyclist who was injured on the Herring Cove Road. That prompted a rally by other riders who wanted to send a message about "critical mass" and appropriate infrastructure. Williams says one challenge in HRM is the 1950's mentality of "focusing on vehicular traffic flow and minimizing delay for drivers even if that threatens the safety of our most vulnerable road users." As he points out about there have been 54 fatalities on roads within Halifax Regional Municipality from 2018 to 2021, including 13 pedestrian fatalities.

Halifax Regional Municipality is asking people to vote on their choice of a name to replace the one named in honour of Edward Cornwallis. And I think there are a few great choices in Nova Scotia's official first language.

Shannon Miedema is Director of the Environment and Climate Change team with the Halifax Regional Municipality and one of the chief architects of the city's climate plan, the subtitle of which is “Acting on Climate Together.” In this conversation she defines what that means in terms of what is increasingly referred to as a “just transition,” or a transition that, as she says, isn't interested in “leaving anyone behind,” one that rejects the idea that we can simply embrace mitigation of climate change or adaptation to climate change without “putting equity first.” This means devising material solutions with and for the disadvantaged communities in our city: racialized and underserved communities, the poor, the uniquely vulnerable. She wants us, on this Earth Day 2022, to recognize the unprecedented momentum the climate justice movement now has, in a context where we no longer talk about just “climate change” or a “climate crisis,” but a “climate emergency” and even a coming “climate catastrophe.” What we need are plans like the one that Regional Council just adopted in HRM: HalifACT (https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/energy-environment/halifact-2050-acting-climate-together) acts on the knowledge that the climate emergency is going to take everyone, it's going to require an “army” of people capable of “deepening” and “increasing” engagement across the board. Shannon talks about the risk that was inherent in even bringing their plan and projections to Council originally. The choice was made to initiate the plan, despite the knowledge that, as she acknowledges, the COVID-19 pandemic had and has municipalities very worried about their “financial future.” But the future is, of course, what's at stake in climate change, both immediate and long-term. So they moved forward, pushing seven core areas of actionable, conceivable counter-action, mitigation and adaptation. And the goal is to inspire confidence that there are so many things that can be done: against a dangerous attachment to business as usual and a deadly conviction that it is already too late. One of the big themes of our conversation is this idea that–in spite of the globe-spanning scale of the climate emergency, and the desperate need for a still-unrealized form of “multi-level climate governance”--cities are a crucial space where mobilization can materially happen. Especially in Canada. Cities need to be consulted, Shannon tells us, because large-scale plans to act against climate catastrophe which don't attend to cities will not have “policies and funding programs” that actually meet the needs of people in cities. Cities are important, as well, because places like Halifax, with a high GDP and a lamentably very “dirty grid,” where the majority of our power comes from coal, can and should do more to decarbonize. Another major theme is this unresolved problem of communication: how do we craft messages and create engagement that causes people to care and feel capable of action, rather than encouraging them to turn away or tune out because it's too late or because they're too wracked with doubt? What does it mean to inspire stakeholders at every level to not just understand, but commit to the preservation of the local environment, out of love for the land and a knowledge that we can't go on the way we're going?

Nova Scotia's budget included two new measures the government says will help with the housing challenges in the province. One is to include a five percent deed transfer tax for non-residents who don't move in within six months of closing. The other is a two-dollars per $100 assessment tax for non resident property owners. Meantime, Liberal MLA Lorelei Nicholl has proposed a change to the Municipal Government Act that would exempt first time home buyers in Nova Scotia from paying a deed transfer tax subject to certain conditions. Halifax Regional Municipality issued a statement about their concerns with this measure, saying there were no consultations with municipalities before this potential change came to the House of Assembly. Emily Lutz is a past president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities. And she discusses her concerns over the lack of dialogue with the Province over issues that effect them. She also weighs in on assessment caps, provincial transfers and the potential of an 11 percent increase in RCMP costs next year.

Following from our last GDP podcast on the challenges of online learning, we're pleased to welcome the President of Neontrain, Rob Belliveau to the podcast to talk about how profs can work to overcome real challenges and presumed stereotypes of online education. In this episode Rob & Dr. Bob make the case that online learning can, in some ways, be more connected, more personal and more attentive to students needs than the traditional classroom setting. Check it out: Leading NeonTrain down the track is Founder and NeonTrain President Rob Belliveau. With a background in human resources, Rob has experience working on all aspects of business and process improvement with a specialty in training and communications. Rob is a former Training Officer with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, where he led the project to bring online learning to the Halifax Regional Municipality. Rob understands the challenges with large organizational change and put those lessons to work when he was able to quickly upscale Halifax's learning management system and provide COVID workplace training to over 4000 employees. He is now using these years of experience to help organizations just like yours implement online learning solutions. Follow Dr. Bob on Twitter: @ProfessorHuish

Ryan Delehanty describes a new day hospital coming to Halifax that specializes in mental health. He also shares an update on a new accessible taxi service by Halifax Regional Municipality. From the March 14, 2022 episode.

Halifax Regional Municipality is starting a program to give away seed kits to neighbours who want to start veggie gardens together. Lead project manager Kate Moon shares the details.

On the weekend, Halifax Regional Municipality released a statement about a structure removed from what's known as People's Park on Chebucto Road — citing safety reasons. Laura Patterson, a volunteer at the park, tells host Jeff Douglas about the conditions for residents living there, and what kind of help they need.

Annapolis Group Inc. seeks to develop lands that it owns. The lands lie within the boundary of Halifax Regional Municipality. Council of Halifax Regional Municipality declined to commence a planning process and to amend a by-law, both of which are required to permit development of the lands. Annapolis Group Inc. alleges Halifax Regional Municipality encourages members of the public to use the lands as a public park. It commenced an action seeking damages for alleged de facto expropriation, abuse of public office and unjust enrichment. Halifax Regional Municipality filed a motion for summary judgment dismissing the claim of de facto expropriation. The motions judge dismissed the motion. The Court of Appeal allowed an appeal and dismissed the claim of de facto expropriation. Argued Date 2022-02-16 Keywords Expropriation - Municipal law - Expropriation - Municipal law - Municipal council declines to initiate planning process required by developer to develop lands - Public uses lands as a park - Whether exercise of a zoning power which deprives a landowner of the reasonable uses of its land in favour of creating a public park carries an implied obligation to pay compensation - Whether test for de facto expropriation should be revisited - Whether motive of government authority is a relevant consideration in considering whether a de facto taking occurred?. Notes (Nova Scotia) (Civil) (By Leave) Disclaimers This podcast is created as a public service to promote public access and awareness of the workings of Canada's highest court. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Court. The original version of this hearing may be found on the Supreme Court of Canada's website. The above case summary was prepared by the Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada (Law Branch).

Paul Shaffelburg is in charge of the GIS and geospatial services at Halifax Regional Municipality. Hear how he spearheads new processes and solutions in a complex municipality. https://resources.esri.ca/geographical-thinking-podcast/season-2-episode-11-management-perspectives-with-matt-lewin?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=%23ref!&utm_campaign=podcasts-2022

Hello and welcome to rabble radio. It's Friday, January 28, 2022. I'm Breanne Doyle, the host of rabble radio. Thanks for tuning in. rabble's got its finger on the beat of the stories that matter to you. If you're curious about the latest in Canadian politics, labour, environment, or health – you've come to the right place to find the stories that matter to you. Free of corporate influence.  This week we'll cover two stories on the growing tension between Russia and Ukraine. We ask the question that's on everyone's mind: how likely is it that this situation becomes a war? Plus - our national reporters cover Quebec's Law 21 and the Halifax police force looking to define “defunding the police.” We'll check in all that and more, a bit later on in our show.  First, rabble contributor Libby Davies joins political scientist Dr. Jeanette Ashe again this week. It's part two of their special two-part series. Dr. Ashe and Davies discuss what responsibility political parties have in upholding gender equality in Parliament. They ask what success might look like when we implement equity mandates.  Dr. Ashe is the Chair of the Political Science Department at Douglas College. She's also a Visiting Faculty at the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, King's College, London. She also advises legislators on drafting legislation on gender equity and democratic reform. Libby Davies is the author of Outside In: a Political Memoir. She served as the MP for Vancouver East from 1997-2015, and is former NDP Deputy Leader and House Leader. Libby's also a recipient of the Order of Canada.  Here are Libby and Jeanette in conversation, in part two of our two part special.  Take a listen: (interview – 22 mins) That was Dr. Jeanette Ashe in conversation with Libby Davies. You can hear part one of their conversation from last week's episode. Thanks for that, Dr. Ashe and Libby, it's always great to hear from the both of you.    Now, it's time for a segment we call, In Case You Missed It. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT. This week rabble.ca delves into the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.  Guest writer Fred Weir has been living in Russia and writing about the former Soviet Union since 1998. In his article, he asks: how likely is Russia to invade  Ukraine? He implores readers to consider, despite the widespread media expectations of a blitzkrieg-like invasion, an all-out Russian assault on Ukraine is less likely than they might think.  Rather than going to war, Weir writes, “Russian foreign policy experts suggest that an acceptable outcome for the Kremlin would be to create a system of neutral states between NATO and Russia, perhaps something like Finland or Austria during the Cold War.”  Weir also notes that the idea of war is largely unpopular for Russian citizens. He points to a survey by the Levada Center in Moscow, which found 54 percent of Russians felt positive toward Ukraine, compared to 31 percent who did not.  As tensions mount as a result of speculation about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, columnist Bill Blaikie reflects on how things might have been different. Blaikie highlights key moments in Russia's recent history, from the Cold War until now, pondering the question: What role did the West have in creating the situation at hand?  In Canadian Politics, senior national politics reporter Karl Nerenberg reports on the declining support for Law 21, which the Quebec government enacted back in 2019.  In December, a school board in western Quebec transferred a teacher from her Grade 3 classroom to a behind-the-scenes role because she wore a hijab. In January, the firm Leger Marketing conducted a poll on attitudes toward Law 21 for the Montreal-based Association for Canadian Studies that found support for the law in Quebec has dropped from 64 per cent to 55 per cent. More importantly, the poll found a huge generation gap in attitudes toward Law 21. While older Quebecers still support it strongly, over 70 per cent of young people in the 18-to-24 age group do not support it.  Meanwhile, Stephen Wenzell looks to the Halifax Regional Municipality which is set to become the first jurisdiction in Canada to define the phrase “defunding the police”. The move comes as the result of a report that features 36 recommendations to reallocate resources away from the police to more appropriate service providers.  Also on the site this week, columnist Rachel Snow criticizes the National Post for publishing a piece she deemed a “racist, historical slant that counters the lived experiences of thousands of First Nation peoples.” The piece, written by National Post columnist Barbara Kay, keeps colonial narratives alive implying that residential schools were somehow beneficial for Indigenous children and that the unmarked graves found of hundreds of Indigenous children simply can't be true.  Snow writes: “These narratives state that the kidnapping and forced labour of First Nation children in residential schools did not happen."  rabble contributor David Climenhaga was among the first to report on far-fight influence in the online campaign for rolling truck blockades to protest vaccine mandates.  Climenhaga argues the campaign raises questions about the potential use of the GoFundMe site to get around election financial reporting laws for what are clearly intended to be political campaigns attacking one party.   That was, in case you missed it. You can find all those stories and much more, on rabble.ca rabble.ca is proud to announce the return of our Off the Hill political panel series in February. The theme of the upcoming show is: Who's budget is it, anyway? A new federal budget is about to be announced that will affect us all in big and small ways. Our panelists will focu s on deconstructing and understanding what a federal budget is all about: why is it important and what power does the government really have in designing a federal budget?  We will also zero in on what a federal budget could look like for ordinary people to benefit.  You can register to attend the entire panel on Thursday, February 10 in the link in our bio or catch a highlight of this event on our February 11th rabble radio episode. The last thing I'd like to leave you with today is this: rabble's annual fundraiser is on the go and we are looking for indie media heroes! Is that you? Please consider making a donation at rabble.ca/donate. The generous support from our readers is what makes it possible for quality journalism to support transformative political action. And that's it for rabble radio this week. Thanks as always for tuning in. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or whatever podcast app you use. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends -- it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca.  If you have feedback for the show – ideas, stories, opinions you'd like us to cover – I'd love to hear about. Get in touch with me anytime at editor@rabble.ca.  Thank you to Libby Davies and Dr. Jeanette Ashe for their interview this week. Thanks also to Stephen Wentzell and Karl Nerenberg for their reporting - and Karl, too, for supplying the music. Thank you to all the journalists and writers who contributed to this week's content on rabble.ca. And lastly, thank you to you for tuning into rabble radio.  I'm Breanne Doyle, and I'll talk to you next week.  Credit for photo: Roya Ann Miller / Unsplash  https://unsplash.com/photos/nlmq5jC9Slo

This is Joy Stephen from IRCC news coming to you from the Polinsys Studios in Cambridge, Ontario. Today is January 01, 2022Why are younger people moving to Nova Scotia? The population of Nova Scotia has seen an increase in population over the years not only from Immigration but also cross provincial migration within Canada as well. The government targets to hit two million residents by 2060. The year 2021 has also seen a record number of younger people moving to Nova Scotia, the highest in recent memory. Statistics Canada's figures indicate that Nova Scotia had seen the second highest population growth in the Country during the 2nd Quarter of 2021. It also showed that people between the age group of 20 to 34 contributed to 41% of the people who moved.Figures also show that the number of people who moved from Ontario to Nova Scotia was especially high with  9,970 people between the fourth quarter of 2020 and 2021 moving to Nova Scotia from Ontario. The Nova Scotian city of Halifax is growing rapidly. It is seeing the largest growth in its 272-year-old history. Data shows that between July 2020 and July 2021, the Halifax Regional Municipality was up 11,394 residents, bringing the total population to just under 460,000 residents.Immigration and foreign move to the province was very slow during the Pandemic and is likely to increase after the Pandemic. This is further going to increase population and is likely to force the province to look at improving public transportation, and other infrastructure projects. The province's population growth forecast has included immigration as one of the factors to achieve the 2060 goals!More population also means strain on health care, education, and housing. All these sectors are already facing challenges already. 

The full name of the 218 page report is Defunding the Police - Defining the Way Forward for HRP. And one of the many authors of this document calls it his love letter to Halifax Regional Municipality. Tari Ajadi is a PhD candidate in Political Science at Dalhousie University, an activist & a public scholar. His dissertation research compares how Black activists in mid-sized cities in Nova Scotia and Ontario strategize to prompt change in policing and in health policy. He and others are hoping to see action on their 36 recommendations and the definition of defunding police based on four pillars. He describes the work that prompted this document and the hopes for a safer community without it being based on the use of force.

Littering and illegal dumping are still huge issues in Nova Scotia. Halifax Regional Municipality is stepping up enforcement and have more teams in place to track down the people responsible. Fines can range from $500-$10-thousand for illegal dumping and $200-$10-thousand for litter violations. Recently, HRM introduced a campaign to educate people about the issue with a call to action of "Be responsible for your waste". Kirk Symonds is a part of the municipalities solid waste education team. And he says most times, the items people are dumping would have been accepted curb side.

One of the housing crisis solutions adopted by Halifax Regional Municipality was to allow secondary and backyard suites. And for a Dartmouth-based social enterprise, there's an opportunity to help on several levels. LakeCity Works has been supporting clients living with mental illness by giving them jobs to create skills and income. And their micro-home project is still moving through the approval process to give an affordable option for housing. Lisa Barkhouse is the Director of Operations for LakeCity Works. She talks about their Urban Cabin fundraiser and the bright future for the 40-year old enterprise.

Halifax Mutual Aid (HMA) describes itself as a group of people committed to taking action against homelessness by building small crisis shelters for those who need them. They also acknowledge these shelters are not a solution to the housing crisis. And recently, they've launched a fundraising initiative called a Gingerbread Story Kit. It's a way to build your family's understanding of the housing crisis with a kid-friendly baking kit. Campbell McClintock is spokesperson with HMA and he discusses the fundraiser, the booklet and the efforts of Halifax Regional Municipality and the Catholic Church to help the homeless.

A former Liberal Cabinet Minister is now working with the Progressive Conservative Government in Nova Scotia. Geoff MacLellan was named as the person who will chair the Halifax Regional Municipality planning task force. Liberal Iain Rankin is concerned with the lack of clarity from Premier Tim Houston on what the intent and duties will be. Rankin also gives his comments on the way the government is handling the vaccine rol out to children, the end of the Owl's Head golf course plan and his thoughts on the pending retirement of CTV Anchor Steve Murphy.

When scientists (and journalists) talk about the projected impacts of our greenhouse gas emissions on the planet they often reference the year 2100 — but is it far enough? Mainstreet's Alex Guye asked Christopher Lyon, a postdoctoral researcher at McGill University, and Ellen Smith, chair of Halifax Regional Municipality's youth advisory committee.

Many of us first learned of Halifax Mutual Aid (HMA) last winter when they built and placed temporary shelters for the homeless on Municipal Property. They were also vocal about how they felt all levels of government, including Halifax Regional Municipality, failed to act to help people in a desparate situation. Last Wednesday, August 18th, a confrontation happened between supporters of the people living in tents and shelters and Halifax Regional Police. I sat down with a HMA spokesperson to find out more about the group and their role in the Spring Garden Road protest.

For several hours on Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of protesters and Halifax Regional Police officers faced off in a downtown street. Citizens were rallying in support of people who are living in tents and other temporary shelters on park properties. Halifax Regional Municipality started evicting people and removing their tents early in the morning. By late afternoon people were being arrested and taken to jail as the situation escalated. SaltWire Journalist Nicole Munro was there to report on the situation. And she and I sat down to discuss the mixed messages and the way this was handled.

It would be an understatement to say there have been mixed messages over how Halifax Regional Municipality has been dealing with people who have no permanent home. And I'm sure as much as the communications team would like us to listen to the flowery language about dignity, human rights and compassion, the actions of police send a different message.

In this meetup I sit down with guest speakers Andrew Stephens from The Stephens Team at EXIT Metro Realty, and Andrew Murray from the Leaman Murray Group at Keller Williams Select Realty in Halifax to break down all things MULTI UNITS!What you'll learn in this episode. 1.) The criteria a real estate investor may use to determine whether or not a multi unit is a good purchase. This criteria can range from location, number of units, number of bedrooms, utilities included, and or cashflow. 2.) How the Halifax real estate market has changed for cash flowing units inside and outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality. 3.) Different investment strategies involved with multi units, whether that's a B.R.R.R.R., buy and hold, flip, whole sale, etc. and so much more!Jason Paul902-220-7357jason.paul@kw.com@jasonpaulhalifaxrealtor (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, & YouTube)Andrew Stephens902-471-0795andrew@exitmetro.ca@andrew.teamstephens (Instagram)Andrew Murray 902-880-1490andrew@leamanmurray.ca

Saying it was always part of the dream, Souls Harbour Rescue is opening their 5th location in Nova Scotia. The home to benefit women and single moms with their children is in rural Halifax Regional Municipality. The exact location is confidential. In the 10 years since opening a shelter for homeless men in Halifax, they've expanded to cover Bridgewater and Truro and now along the Eastern Shore. CEO Michelle Porter discusses how this latest endeavour got started, who they want to help and how they pay for it all through their retail operation called Mission Mart.

Halifax Regional Municipality issued a statement today on the plan to remove temporary shelters from Municipal property in a weeks time. These crisis shelters were erected by a group of volunteers known as Halifax Mutual Aid (HMA). When the first ones went up, the group said it was taking action because the municipality was taking too long. First I spoke with spokesperson Campbell McClintock, a volunteer with HMA. I then spoke with HRM spokesperson Laura Wright about why they are taking this action now.

Mike Savage was first elected Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality in 2012, with a mandate to make Halifax the most livable, entrepreneurial, and inclusive city in Canada. He’s going to talk to us about what it’s been like to run a municipality during the pandemic. He will also be joined by Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission. Paul will update us on provincial advocacy efforts by 12 business improvement districts, including Downtown Halifax Business Commission. On Biz Buzz, we have a few business milestones to share, we’ll talk about what’s open in Downtown Halifax and how you can continue to support our local businesses during this lockdown. We’ll also talk about Asian Heritage Month, Open City 2021, the Patio Lanterns Festival, and our special giveaway for our 50th Downtown Lowdown episode. Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) 104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7 (902) 423-6658 Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission https://downtownhalifax.ca/ HRM Mayor Mike Savage @MikeSavageHFX Bizz Buzz: Lauren Andrews, Marketing and Communications Coordinator Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

After months of debate and deliberation, Halifax Regional Municipality has passed its 1-Billion-dollar budget. What does Mayor Mike Savage have to say about the second pandemic spending plan, the money collected on behalf of the province, and who he would most like to have on his own podcast, Mike Drop?

Vincent interviews Mike Savage, a president of the World Energy Cities Partnership, Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership member, and mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality. In this conversation: Leadership through collaboration, influencing sustainable development with policy and incentives, and the ongoing effort to make Halifax the most inclusive, entrepreneurial, and livable city it can be. Transcript and show notes: breakhouse.ca/podcast/5 Learn more about Mayor Mike Savage at halifax.ca/mayor Get in touch: podcast@breakhouse.ca Host: Vincent Van den Brink, Architect + Partner, Breakhouse, Inc. Guest: Mike Savage, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality Announcer: Danielle Pottier, Senior Architect, Breakhouse, Inc. Producer: Brenden Sommerhalder, Director, Analytics + Integration, Breakhouse, Inc. Production Assistant: Jamie White, Manager, Social Media, Breakhouse, Inc. Theme music: Ghettosocks

An independent report on the integrated policing model in Halifax Regional Municipality is now in the works after a motion from Councillor Tony Mancini. The District 6 representative says it's been 25 years since the model was implemented because of amalgamation. He also discusses the issues of police checks, the Portapique Massacre, Black Lives Matter and the "defund" movement.

It will take months, if not years before council gets a report on an independent review of the integrated policing model in Halifax Regional Municipality. Let's give them credit for keeping this conversation going.

Saint John council has approved the creation of a policy to guide the city through the naming and renaming of streets and public spaces. It's something Halifax has also started working on. Tracey Jones-Grant is the Managing Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Halifax Regional Municipality she speaks with host Julia Wright.

Due to COVID-19, Halifax Regional Municipality has limited the number of skaters the Emera Oval and people have to register in advance. But the spots have been filling up so quickly that some have said that getting in a skate is akin to winning the lottery. The municipality has just changed registration to make it a little easier.

Gloria McCluskey. Gloria is a biological mother to four children and a proud grandmother of 8. But when it comes to maternal affection she his a mother to a whole community. She’s spent a lifetime serving the community of Dartmouth, including over two decades as a municipal politician. Prior to the amalgamation of Dartmouth into the Halifax Regional Municipality, Gloria served a term as the city’s mayor. Although she retired from her official role on Halifax Regional Council in 2016, at the age of 85, she continues to fulfill an important role in our city as a member on 2 boards and multiple committes.. It was great to connect with Gloria and talk about her experience with the people that put on a uniform and fulfill the roles of first responders in our community.

Cole Harbour resident Colin MacEachern tells host Portia Clark about his love of the Trailer Park Boys and why he's urging the Halifax Regional Municipality to commemorate the show.

There's a call for volunteers to help fill vacant positions on municipal boards, committees and commissions in Halifax Regional Municipality, with two current members hoping more people will now apply because of the new make up of Halifax regional council.

Students are introduced to the course and to the Halifax Regional Municipality's demographics, geography and history. As some students did not wish to be identified or have their voices represented on this recording, there are some slightly choppy edits in this and future episodes.

This program was adapted from the audio from a Public Art Piece called ‘Meantime in Greenwich’ produced by David Clark in 2012. The installation consisted of twenty-four sundials installed throughout Sir Sandford Fleming Park in Halifax, accompanied by twenty-four stories about the mysterious nature of time (that could be played on your phone or mp3 player), and twenty-four AR virtual sculptures that could be accessed through a free iPhone app. The work celebrated the ‘Father of Standard Time’; Sir Sandford Fleming, in the park that had been his retirement home and is where he died. This work was commissioned by the Halifax Regional Municipality as part of celebration of the 100th anniversary of ‘The Dingle’, a tower that Sir Sandford Fleming built in 1912 as a commemoration of 150 years of representational government in Nova Scotia. Narrated by Neil Thompson Written by David Clark Sound Design & Mixing by David Clark

A Transgender business owner from Sackville is running for a council seat in the Halifax Regional Municipality. He's hoping to win and help change the face of City Hall.

We have a great episode today. Ivy talks to Tanya Davis, Manager of the Strategic Transportation Planning Program for Halifax Regional Municipality. Today’s discussion will focus on the Halifax Mobility Response: Streets and Spaces program that was initiated during COVID-19. Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission, will also join that conversation to give his thoughts from a business improvement district point-of-view. On Biz Buzz, we’ll talk about what’s new in business, places to get breakfast and lunch in Downtown Halifax, where to get reusable face masks, and more. Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission, will give us an update on the Mayoral Candidates Forum, out-of-town students and office workers coming back to Downtown, and a new version of Tunes at Noon. Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) 104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7 (902) 423-6658 Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission · https://downtownhalifax.ca/ Tanya Davis, Manager of the Strategic Transportation Planning Program for Halifax Regional Municipality. Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

Featured interview. Ivy talks to Victoria Horne, Manager of Parking Services with Halifax Regional Municipality. HRM’s Parking Services is responsible for supporting Regional Council priorities through the administration and implementation of policies, by-laws, and regulations related to parking and curbside management. Plus, on Biz Buzz, we’ll talk about what’s new in business, the current DHBC campaign, where to get reusable face masks, and things to do in Downtown Halifax. Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission, will give us an update on government economic relief programs and join us for a discussion on parking. Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) 104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7 (902) 423-6658 Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission · https://downtownhalifax.ca/ Victoria Horne, Manager of Parking Services with Halifax Regional Municipality. https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/parking Bizz Buzz: Raf Peligro, Marketing and Communications Coordinator Special thanks to: Podstarter –Founders Jonathan Burns and Rhys Waters https://www.podstarter.io/ Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, provides an #COVID19NS update. Today, April 22, Nova Scotia is reporting two more deaths related to COVID-19, for a total of 12. The deaths were at the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax Regional Municipality. As of today, Nova Scotia has confirmed 772 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Thirty-five new cases were identified Tuesday, April 21. There were 10 licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors' facilities in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19, involving 148 residents and 65 staff. The QEII lab completed 849 NS tests Tuesday and is operating 24-hours. Nova Scotia has conducted more COVID-19 tests per capita than any other province. NS has 22,993 negative test results, 772 positive and 12 deaths. Ten people are in hospital, three in ICU. 330 have now recovered from COVID-19. https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data.

Dr. Strang provides a #COVID19NS update, including information on one death and 16 new cases. Nova Scotia is reporting another death related to COVID-19, bringing the total to 10. The death occurred at the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax Regional Municipality. As of today, Nova Scotia has confirmed 737 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Sixteen new cases were identified Monday, April 20, when the lab completed 516 tests. As of April 20, there were 10 licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors' facilities in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19, involving 128 residents and 62 staff. Nova Scotia has 22,190 negative test results, 737 positives and 10 deaths. Eleven people are currently in hospital, three in ICU and 286 have recovered from COVID-19. For up-to-date data, visit: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data.

Dr. Strang provides a #COVID19NS update, including information on two more deaths and 26 new cases. Nova Scotia is reporting two more deaths related to #COVID19, bringing the total to nine. The deaths occurred at the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax Regional Municipality. As of today, Nova Scotia has 675 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Twenty-six new cases were identified Saturday, April 18. The lab completed 856 tests yesterday. As of April 18, there were eight licensed long-term care homes in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19, involving 93 residents and 54 staff. Nova Scotia has 21,120 negative test results, 675 positives and nine deaths. Eleven individuals are currently in hospital, four of those in ICU. Two hundred individuals have now recovered. Stay up-to-date at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data.

Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) 104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7 (902) 423-6658 Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho Guests: · Erica Pellerin, Vice President, Marketing & Visitor Experience, Discover Halifax https://discoverhalifaxns.com/ · Chloe Kennedy, Waste Resource Education Officer, Solid Waste Resources, Transportation & Public Works, Halifax Regional Municipality https://www.halifax.ca/business/garbage-recycling-businesses Bizz Buzz: Luke MacLaren, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Downtown Halifax Business Commission The Coast Top Five Events: Morgan Mullin, Arts and Entertainment Editor, The Coast https://www.thecoast.ca/ Special thanks to: Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

“I have to let go of a lot of things I think in order to be genuine, because that’s what being an artist is. Being genuine.” - Mirrors In this episode I sit down with Halifax based musician Mirrors, also known as Kurt Heinrich Collinet. I have known of Kurt for a little while through the digital landscapes of the Halifax Regional Municipality, but only met him in person late in the fall of 2018. I have memories of seeing him stalking up and down Gottingen Street on his way to performances while wearing these gorgeous white thigh-high boots. When we finally met, it was for a mini-photoshoot in the North End of Halifax. It was a quick shoot, but I loved the images and I enjoyed hanging out with him. We sat down and for an interview in February 2019 and talked about his musical process, his experiences of otherness, his upbringing, and where he sees himself in the queer spaces of Halifax. This year he will be recording and releasing 12 new songs, one for each month, and in this episode you get to hear two of his songs, Chanel No. 5 & Ran Cold. Take a listen!

In the past, TURNING A NEW LEAF has explored the topic of legalization from both a national and provincial level, but on this very fascinating episode, we tackle how legalization might impact Canadian cities & municipalities. Shawn's esteemed guests Ben Sivak, Principal Planner for Halifax Regional Municipality, and Shawn Cleary, Halifax Councillor, District 9 discuss how Halifax is navigating these uncharted waters and reveal some of the initiatives that the city is adopting to prepare for the upcoming legalization. This is a must-listen episode! TURNING A NEW LEAF twitter: @ANewLeafPod FB: www.facebook.com/TurningANewLeafPodcast

HFX Wanderers FC have tons of supporters. As we learn in part 4 of our podcast series on the club; you can count Mayor Mike Savage of the Halifax Regional Municipality as one of them.

EPIC Podcast presents a very special commemorative episode remembering the Halifax disaster of 100 years ago, and asking the sometimes worrying question: What, if anything, have we learned? We are very proud to feature interviews from Dan Bedell from the Canadian Red Cross, Barry Manuel who is the Emergency Management Coordinator for Halifax Regional Municipality, Dale Bodnarchuk our explosives expert, and prominent Halifax historian David Sutherland. We also count ourselves very lucky to be able to feature, with permission, music from Natalie MacMaster's album 'Cape Breton Girl', as well as a very Canadian work commemorating the Halifax Explosion: Halifax Camerata Singers Jeff Joudrey, Artistic Director with Rhapsody Quintet (Jennifer Jones, Violin; Shimon Walt, Cello; David Langstroth, Double Bass; Diana Torbert, Piano; Eileen Walsh, Clarinet) performing Halifax, December 6, 1917 - D.M. Matheson (poem), music by Christopher Palmer Recorded live at the inaugural Edmonton International Choral Festival, June 2, 2017, All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Edmonton. www.halifaxcamerata.org www.rhapsodyquintet.com All this and more on this episode of EPIC Podcast. Current, Relevant, Canadian.

In episode #186 of Talking Radical Radio (September 21, 2016), Scott Neigh speaks with Rebecca Thomas. She is a Mi'kmaq woman, an activist, and a poet, and she is also the first Indigenous person to be the poet laureate of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Thomas speaks about poetry, activism, and the relationship between them, and performs her poems "Pennies" and "Redface." For a more detailed description of this episode, go here: http://talkingradical.ca/2016/09/21/trr-rebecca_thomas/

Episode 7 looks at two examples of what it takes to get communities to come together to feed their people. First, Bryan heads to the Dixie Gurdwara to understand how an amorphous group of volunteers ensure that a hot meal is available to anyone- Sikh or non-Sikh- 24/7. And then we peek inside the process involved in getting six communities in the Halifax Regional Municipality a Mobile Food Market. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ THANKS! Big thanks this week to Jaswant Singh, volunteer for the Ontario Khalsa Darbar (http://dixiegurdwara.com/). And thanks to Heather Monahan and Ali Shaver from Nova Scotia Public Health and Josh Bates from the Mayor's Office for talking with Jess about the proposed Mobile Market for Halifax. We will keep everyone posted on the initiative's progress come Spring. Thanks always to Erik Betlem, Ken Stowar and Sam Petite and CIUT for the use of their recording facilities. If you would like to donate to the CIUT Funding Drive, you can do so here (http://ciut.fm). And thanks very much to Chris Foster (www.chrisfoster.ca) for our Foodstuffs logo. Cheers! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Halloween is a time where we can, with good friends around, face some of our fears. In this episode we will hear some scary stuff. Don't worry though, we haven't forgotten the treat. We start with the terrifying world of water. Maude Barlow is the national chairperson of the Council of Canadians, and activist and an author.  Recently she launched the final installment of her trilogy on water, the book Blue Future. She spoke to a packed house in Ottawa earlier this month and this is some of what she had to say. Get the whole thing here. On July 1, 1958 the St Lawrence Seaway flooded out 6,500 people and inundated 10 communities, some over 200 years old. Hear the stories of people that were there and reflections from Louis Helbig who interviewed them. You can hear the whole show at the rpn here.  Cancer is frightening. Yet when women get breast cancer there is, it seems, a cultural pressure to emphasize optimism and delegitimize anger. Emilia Nielsen is a sessional faculty member and ph.d candidate at UBC candidate whose research focuses on breast cancer narratives and feminism. Listen to Caity Goerke from the F-Word in conversation with Emilia Nielsen. Hear the whole interview here.  And now for our treat. El Jones is an activist and a poet. In fact she is the poet poet laureate of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Recently Jones spoke to Scott Neigh about poetry, activism and the politics of poetry. She also shared a beautiful spoken word poem.  Lend us your ear. Hear the whole thing here.  This weekend ends our rabble fundraising drive in support of Karl Nerenberg.  Karl has been busy reporting on the almost always frightening politics that come out of Parliament.  With support from the community we can have him reporting for the rest of the year.  Please donate at rabble.ca/donate if you can.  The good news is you can win great prizes that, unlike that Halloween candy, your dentist won't hate.