HRM release:

The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that snow clearing operations are underway and will continue through the night and tomorrow morning. Crews are focused on clearing main roads and sidewalks.

Residents are asked to avoid all non-essential travel while cleanup efforts are underway. Limiting travel helps crews work safely and efficiently.

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. 24, 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 the Planning & Development permit office and Customer Service Centres, are delaying opening until 10 a.m. on Feb. 24. If there are additional delays or closures, 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.

Budget Committee and Regional Council meeting

The in-person Budget Committee and Regional Council meeting will be delayed starting until 10 a.m. on Feb. 24.

If there is an additional delay or a change to a virtual meeting, the municipality will provide an update.

Halifax Transit

Snow routes for Halifax Transit buses will remain in effect on Feb. 24.

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 Feb. 24 is rescheduled for Feb. 28. Please ensure any material currently curbside is removed to allow for snow clearing operations and only returned to the curb on the rescheduled collection day.

The Otter Lake Waste Facility, Materials Recycling Facility and Organics Management Facility will be closed on Feb. 24.

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

Parks & Recreation

Most municipally owned and operated recreation facilities are delaying opening until 10 a.m. on Feb. 24.

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

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