**** HRM Media Release
Response to COVID-19: Update on municipal service level impacts
The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving effects of COVID-19.
The municipal service level adjustments below are as a result of the ongoing impacts of the pandemic as well as new public health guidelines that go into effect on Friday, Dec. 17:
Parks & Recreation
- Spectator capacity at arenas in the region will be reduced in compliance with the latest public health guidelines. Rental groups will continue to be responsible for confirming proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for participants and spectators.
- Rentals at recreation facilities, community centres and arenas will be limited to 60 individuals, and gathering limits of 50 per cent capacity (to a maximum of 150 individuals indoors) will apply.
- Physical distancing will resume in all municipally-run fitness centres. Some group fitness classes may experience reduced capacity due to these requirements. Residents are encouraged to pre-book their space either by phone or online through MyREC account.
- For information on recreation programming scheduled to take place between Dec. 18 and Dec. 31, residents are advised to contact their individual recreation centre.
Civic Events
- The annual New Year’s Day levee at City Hall will not take place this year.
- Municipal New Year’s Eve celebrations will take place virtually this year to allow residents to ring in the new year safely. More details will be available in the coming days.
Halifax Transit
- From Monday, Dec. 20 until Friday, Dec. 24, the Alderney Ferry will have 15-minute service between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., and 30-minute service between 2 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. On Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25, there will be no ferry service. On Boxing Day, Sunday, Dec. 26 the Alderney Ferry will provide holiday service. Woodside Ferry service is not expected to be impacted at this time. Pending availability of Operators and crew members, ferry service is expected to be impacted over the coming weeks.
- Conventional bus service may also be impacted due to Operator availability. Access-A-Bus service is expected to continue as usual.
- For the most up-to-date information on service disruptions, residents can visit Halifax.ca or follow @hfxtransit and @hfxtransitalert on Twitter.
No other municipal services are expected to be impacted at this time, however updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
