UPDATE: The Operations presentations scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 20 have been updated. Please note that the public participation component both these presentations will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 19 only.

Public Service Announcement
Municipality announces key dates for the 2025/26 municipal budget process
Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 (Halifax, N.S.) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of key dates for the 2025/26 municipal budget process.

The municipal budget funds all costs associated with servicing a growing municipality. This includes day-to-day municipal operations, capital priority initiatives approved by Regional Council and capital projects and investments to purchase, construct, rehabilitate and replace municipal assets.

There are several milestones in the annual municipal budget process. Below are the key dates for the 2025/26 municipal budget process:

* Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 – 2023/24 Strategic Performance Report and Snapshot. Regional Council will receive the 2023/24 Strategic Performance Report, outlining progress on strategic key performance indicators intended to assess advancement on approved priorities from the Strategic Priorities Plan 2021-25. (https://www.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-hall/budget-finances/strategicprioritesplan_final_mar2024v2_1.pdf)
* Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 – Budget Introduction and Capital Plan Recommendation.
* Wednesday, Feb. 12 to Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 – Business Unit and Budget Presentations. Each municipal business unit will present their proposed budget and business plan. Below are the scheduled presentation dates for each business unit.
* Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Public Safety (including Community Safety; Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency; Halifax Regional Police; and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Halifax Regional Detachment)
* Wednesday, Feb. 19 – Operations (including Major Projects Office; Strategic Infrastructure & Transportation Planning; Public Works; and Parks & Recreation)
* Thursday, Feb. 20 – Operations (including Halifax Transit; Planning & Development; Property, Fleet & Environment).
* Wednesday, Feb. 26 – Corporate Services (including Chief Administrative Office; Finance & Asset Management; Human Resources; Information Technology; and Legal & Legislative Services).
* Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – Budget Adjustment List (BAL) Review. The BAL includes all additional items that business units have presented beyond their proposed budgets, including add-ons (“overs”) and subtractions (“unders”).
* Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – Budget Approval.
Please note these dates are subject to change. (https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/budget-finances/budget)
Residents will have the opportunity to speak directly to the Budget Committee during the budget process. During each meeting, time will be set aside for the public to provide insight and comments. Please note that the public participation component for both Operations presentations will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 19 only.