Halifax Downtown Business Commission hosted the first, and possibly only, in-person mayoral debate as COVID-19 has changed the nature of the race.

Incumbent mayor Mike Savage released his platform on Tuesday at a press conference in Africville Park.

The 22-year-old joins incumbent Mayor Mike Savage and Hammonds Plains–St. Margarets Coun. Matt Whitman in the race. Nominations closed at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Political newcomer Max Taylor has joined the race for mayor in the upcoming Halifax municipal election. He is best known for the more than 600,000 fans he has on Tik Tok.

'We are on the right side of history, acknowledging the real history of this place and willing to make these changes.'

Coun. Lorelei Nicoll's decision means that at least a quarter of the municipality's districts will have a new councillor after this October's municipal election.

As a part of the celebration, Haligonians are also invited to nominate a 'Halifax hero' — someone who has made an effort to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coun. Shawn Cleary put forward the motion to cancel the purchase and redirect funds to the office of diversity and inclusion, special projects and toward anti-Black racism initiatives and efforts.

Trudeau announced $2.2 billion in expedited gas-tax payments for Canadian municipalities.

Parts of Spring Garden Road and Quinpool Road will be the first to receive expanded sidewalks.