Snow-clearing operations commenced early Tuesday morning as Nova Scotia faced another heavy round of snow mixed with precipitation. The Halifax Regional Municipality reported that crews were prioritizing the clearing of main roads and sidewalks, urging residents to refrain from non-essential travel to facilitate these efforts.
On Monday, Environment Canada had issued a yellow-level winter storm warning for Nova Scotia, predicting hazardous winds and snowfall accumulation of up to 25 cm in the Halifax area from Monday through early Tuesday morning. Some areas in the southwestern part of the province were under an orange-level warning, with potential snow accumulations reaching as much as 50 cm in the heaviest bands.
As observed at 5:50 a.m., Nova Scotia Power reported approximately 4,760 outages across the province, predominantly affecting the southwestern regions. The winter storm has led to a number of cancellations and delays within various communities, including Halifax.
SCHOOLS
All schools within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education were closed on Tuesday due to adverse road conditions and the need for cleanup operations following the storm. Additionally, classes were cancelled in the Annapolis Valley, Chignecto-Central, Strait Regional, Tri-County, and South Shore Regional Centre for Education schools.
HALIFAX TRANSIT
Snow routes for Halifax Transit buses remained in effect, although there were no impacts reported for ferry services, save for an ongoing 30-minute service disruption affecting the Alderney ferry.
HALIFAX STANFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The storm has resulted in multiple flight cancellations and delays at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Travelers are encouraged to verify their flight status with their respective airlines or visit www.halifaxstanfield.ca before heading to the airport.
SOLID WASTE
Curbside collection for solid waste scheduled for Tuesday has been postponement until February 28. Residents are requested to remove any items currently placed at the curb to allow for snow-clearing operations, and only return them on the rescheduled collection day. The Otter Lake Waste Facility, Materials Recycling Facility, and Organics Management Facility will also remain closed on Tuesday.
MUNICIPAL OFFICES
All municipal offices, including the in-person Planning & Development permit office and Customer Service Centres, are set to open later, at 10 a.m. Further updates will be provided by the municipality if additional delays or closures are necessary. Employees capable of working from home have been advised to do so. Meanwhile, essential services including 311, winter operations, and Halifax Transit continue unaffected. The in-person Budget Committee and Regional Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday will now commence at 10 a.m.
PARKS & RECREATION
Most recreation facilities under municipal operation will also experience a delayed opening until 10 a.m. as a result of the winter storm.
SUPPORT FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
The municipality’s Housing and Homelessness Coordinators, along with the After-Hours Individualized Mobile Engagement team (AIM), continued their engagement efforts with the homeless population throughout the region. They aimed to inform individuals about available shelter options and, where feasible, assist with transportation to these shelters. The AIM team also provided essential items such as hot beverages, sheltering supplies, and winter necessities including hats, gloves, and blankets.
The Province of Nova Scotia funds emergency shelters across the municipality, operated by various service providers. Temporary increases in shelter capacity have been implemented to ensure those in need have a safe place to stay, both day and night. Key shelter locations 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
