Release:

Saturday, July 22, 2023 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following updates and impacts to municipal services as a result of the storm system. The following information is current as of 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 22.

Flooding

Residents are advised to stay off the roads as there is significant damage to roads and infrastructure. Conditions are not safe for vehicles and pedestrians at this time.

Flash flooding has occurred in numerous areas of the municipality. Periods of heavy rain are expected to continue until Sunday, as well as the risk of thunder and lightning.

Numerous roads are washed out and remain closed due to flooding. There are abandoned cars on roads and highways causing dangerous conditions. There is a significant amount of damage and residents are advised to stay off the roads. See a map of blocked roads due to flooding. Crews continue to assess locations and the map will be updated as new areas are determined.

Emergency flooding calls are to be directed to Halifax Water at 902.420.9287; call volumes remain high, and residents are asked for their patience.

The Halifax Water system is safe to drink.

See the Province of Nova Scotia’s fact sheet on using well water after a flood.

Residents who notice damage to roads and infrastructure are asked to report it to 311 or email hrm_emo@halifax.ca.

Halifax Transit

Due to flooding throughout the municipality and extensive road damage, there are significant delays and detours throughout the Halifax Transit system. Updates will be shared on halifax.ca/transit, as well as @hfxtransit on Twitter. 

Evacuation Centres

The municipality has opened two evacuation centres for residents dealing with power outages and flooding:

• The East Dartmouth Community Centre (50 Caledonia Road, Dartmouth) will remain open until further notice. Red Cross will be on-site to provide support for those displaced by the floods.
• The Beaver Bank Community Centre (1583 Beaver Bank Road, Beaver Bank) will close at 4 p.m. today, Saturday, July 22, due to decreased demand.

There are currently approximately 150 residents displaced by the floods.

An evacuation centre is a type of emergency facility which is opened when residents have to be evacuated from their homes due to a specific emergency event and where evacuees are received, needs are identified, and food, water and overnight accommodations are provided.

Solid Waste

The mobile Household Special Waste (HSW) depot scheduled for today, Saturday, July 22 at the Horizon Community School (168 Redoubt Way, Eastern Passage) has been cancelled. This event will be rescheduled. The permanent HSW Depot at 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive will also be closed today.

The situation will continue to change, and additional rainfall is expected. For more information, follow @hfxgov on Twitter, or visit: halifax.ca/flood