The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that snow clearing operations have started and will continue through the day and into tomorrow morning.

Residents are reminded that the municipal overnight parking ban is being enforced (in both Zone 1 – Central and Zone 2 – Non-Central) from 1 to 6 a.m. on Feb. 12, to allow crews to properly clear snow. Visit halifax.ca/snow to find updates on snow clearing operations.

The following are storm updates on municipal services:

Municipal offices  

All municipal offices, including in-person Planning & Development permit offices and Customer Service Centres, are closing at 3 p.m. today, Feb. 11. If there are additional delays or closures on Feb. 12, the municipality will provide an update. 

Employees who can work from home are being asked to do so.  

All essential services, as well as 311, winter operations and Halifax Transit are maintaining operations.  

Safety is the municipality’s top priority. Closing offices early will help snow clearing efforts and facilitate a safer commute for our employees and residents.  

Halifax Transit

Snow routes for Halifax Transit buses are in effect on Feb. 11.

There are currently no impacts to ferry service, beyond the ongoing 30-minute service disruption for the Alderney ferry.

Service disruptions will be announced, as needed, via @hfxtransit.bsky.social on Bluesky and our website.

Solid Waste

Curbside collection of solid waste for today, Feb. 11 is proceeding as scheduled.

The Otter Lake Waste Facility, Materials Recycling Facility and Organics Management Facility is open today, Feb. 11.

For the latest updates on any service disruptions, visit our website.

Parks & Recreation

Most municipally owned and operated recreation facilities will be closing at 4 p.m. on Feb. 11. 

For the most up-to-date information, follow @hfxrec.bsky.social on Bluesky or call your local recreation centre. 

Halifax Public Libraries

All branches and departments of Halifax Public Libraries will be closing at 3 p.m. on Feb. 11. For the latest information on all Halifax Public Library locations and services visit the website.

Support for those experiencing homelessness  

The municipality’s Housing and Homelessness Coordinators and After-Hours Individualized Mobile Engagement team (AIM) have continued to engage with those experiencing homelessness throughout the region to inform them of available shelter options, and where possible, help them with transportation to these shelters. The AIM team also provides hot beverages, sheltering supplies and warm winter essentials, such as hats, gloves and blankets to those experiencing homelessness.

The Province of Nova Scotia funds the operation of emergency shelters in the municipality, which are run by various service providers. The province has temporarily increased capacity at shelters so that people have a warm and safe place to go, day and night. These include: 

• Halifax | 2029 North Park Street
• Halifax | Multi-Purpose Centre of the Halifax Forum | 6210 Young Street
• Halifax | St. Patrick’s Church | 2262 Brunswick Street
• Dartmouth | 197-199 Windmill Road
• Lower Sackville | Beacon House Shelter | 125 Metropolitan Avenue

Individuals experiencing homelessness who need emergency support, including overnight shelter beds or a warm place to stay during the day, can call 211 to be connected with local services. Emergency shelters do not require people to leave during the day when conditions are unsafe. During storms or other hazardous weather, shelters remain open to ensure people have a safe indoor option.

General safety and fire safety tips during winter storms

Residents are reminded of the following general safety and fire safety tips during winter weather:

General safety:

• Listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions 
• Dress in warm layers and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite
• Clear snow slowly and take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion
• Check on neighbours, especially those who are more vulnerable 
• Keep pets indoors
• Ensure you have an emergency kit with enough food, water and medication to last at least 72 hours
• Avoid non-essential travel during the storm

Fire safety during a winter storm:

• Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working
• Keep vents and chimneys free of ice and snow to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never use barbecues, camp stoves or generators indoors or in garages
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn
• Never leave candles or space heaters unattended
• Keep fire extinguishers on-hand and make sure your family knows how to use them

For tips on winter storm preparedness and staying safe, visit our website.

hfxALERT

Register for hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system to receive urgent and non-urgent (including overnight winter parking ban notifications) alerts by text, email or phone. 

Residents should continue to monitor local forecasts, follow guidance from emergency officials and stay informed through municipal channels, including halifax.ca and official social media accounts and RSS feeds.

For more information and the latest service updates, visit: halifax.ca/snow