Public schools in the municipality are closed on Friday, and Halifax Transit remain off the roads, as a winter storm arrived as advertised on Thursday evening and into Friday.
Nova Scotia and much of New Brunswick were forecast to see heavy snowfall, with “hazardous conditions” expected in some parts. As much as 30 centimetres of snow hit parts of the Halifax region, resulting in Halifax Regional Centre of Education closing schools for the day.
Environment Canada had issued snowfall warnings for the majority of mainland Nova Scotia, as well as southern and central New Brunswick.
In anticipation of the conditions on Thursday afternoon, Halifax Regional Municipality made the following service changes:
Halifax Transit
Halifax Transit ended service at 10 p.m. on Thursday, with no new trips starting after that time.
On Friday, service will have a delayed start, and resumption is anticipated to begin “ramping up” at 10 a.m.
The most up-to-date information on disruptions can be found at halifax.ca/transitalert.
Overnight winter parking ban
The overnight winter parking ban was enforced between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Friday in zones 1 and 2. The zones cover Halifax peninsula, downtown Dartmouth within Highway 111, as well as surrounding areas.
A map can be found online here.
HRM says the ban is to help crews properly clear streets and sidewalks. Vehicles parked on a street during those hours can be ticketed and/or towed.
Emergency shelters
Three emergency shelters, which are funded by the province, will be open in the Halifax region:
- Halifax (2029 North Park Street)
- Dartmouth (61 Dundas Street, Christ Church Parish Hall)
- Lower Sackville (125 Metropolitan Avenue, the former St. Elizabeth Seton Church)
HRM notes that street navigators and Halifax Ground Search & Rescue would be conducting wellness checks Thursday and Friday and “are working closely with people experiencing homelessness to ensure they know what supports are available.”
Municipal offices, parks and recreation
Municipal offices will delay opening on Friday until 10 a.m.
HRM says they are monitoring the weather, and will advise the public if that time changes.
“Employees who are able to work from home are being asked to do so,” HRM said in a news release.
“Safety is the municipality’s top priority. Delaying opening will facilitate clearing efforts by crews and ensure a safer commute for our employees and residents.”
Meanwhile, most recreational facilities closed early Thursday and a decision will be made by 8 a.m. Friday on whether rentals, facilities and programming will continue as scheduled.
The Public Gardens will be closed Friday morning.
Garbage, organics and recycling collection
Curbside collection for garbage, organics and recycling is cancelled for Friday. Residents who normally have collection on that day will have it rescheduled for Saturday.
The following facilities will also be closed Friday:
- Materials Recycling Facility at 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive in Bayers Lake;
- Composting facilities at 80 Gloria McCluskey Avenue in Burnside and 61 Evergreen Place in Goodwood;
- Rural refuse depots located at 249 Sibley Road in Middle Musquodoboit and 21611 Highway #7 in Sheet Harbour.