**** HRM Media Release
Municipality prepares for impacts of Hurricane Fiona
The Halifax Regional Municipality is closely monitoring Hurricane Fiona as it approaches the region Friday, September 23 into Saturday, September 24.
Municipal service adjustments will continue to be made accordingly. For the latest information on the municipal response, visit our website.
Be prepared
Residents are asked to move umbrellas and patio furniture inside – and remove anything that high winds could pick up such as garbage containers/bags, flowerpots, toys, temporary signage, sports equipment, and any other objects located near the right of way.
To reduce the likelihood of flooding, residents are asked to clear debris from catch basins located near their property prior to the storm if they are able to do so safely.
As high storm surges are expected all residents should stay away from the coast and any low-lying areas. Be ready to move inland or to higher ground in the event of a significant storm.
Evacuation Centres
Evacuation Centres are being opened at the following locations:
- Canada Games Centre, 26 Thomas Raddall Drive, Halifax
- Acadia Centre, 636 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville
- St Margaret’s Centre, 12 Westwood Boulevard, Upper Tantallon
- Musquodoboit Harbour Community Centre, 7900 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour
These locations will be open starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 23. They will remain open until the storm passes, or as needed. Further locations may be opened if necessary. Residents can self-evacuate to these centres anytime during the storm however, they are advised to travel only when it is safe to do so. If residents experience damage to their homes during the storm and cannot safely evacuate, they should call 911.
Solid Waste collection
Curbside collection will continue as scheduled on Friday, September 23. Residents are asked to place materials curbside prior to 7 a.m. on collection day to guarantee pickup, ensuring items are contained and secured from wildlife.
Due to the forecasted weather event, the Mobile Household Special Waste event planned for Saturday, September 24 at the Horizon Community School in Eastern Passage is cancelled. This event is rescheduled for Saturday, October 29 at the same location.
The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility and the Household Special Waste Depot located at 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive, as well as the Musquodoboit and Sheet Harbour refuse depots will be closed on Saturday, September 24.
For more information on visit halifax.ca/recycle.
Halifax Transit
All conventional bus, ferry and Access-A-Bus trips for Friday, September 23 are expected to continue as scheduled. An update will be provided should there be any service impacts or cancellations as the storm progresses into the weekend.
Parks, Halifax Public Gardens and Recreation Centres
All ball diamonds, sport fields and all-weather fields will be closed starting Friday, September 23, until end of the day on Sunday, September 25. Staff will be assessing field conditions as soon as it is safe to do so and determine if further closures are required. All recreation centers will be closed on Saturday, September 24. Due to safety concerns, residents are strongly advised to avoid visiting municipal parks until the storm has passed and potential damage, including downed trees, has been addressed, which may take several days.
The Halifax Public Gardens will close Friday, September 23 at its regular time and will remain closed over the weekend. An announcement on reopening will be made once an assessment has occurred.
Residents are advised to check for updates at www.halifax.ca and to call ahead to your respective facility for updates. Contact information for municipally-operated facilities is available online.
Helping address homelessness
In partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia, the East Dartmouth Community Centre is being opened as an emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 23. Staffing is being provided by 902 Man Up.
Another emergency shelter will be opened in Sackville, located at the St. Elizabeth Seton Church, with Beacon House as the service provider. Staffing and food costs at both locations will be funded by the province.
Street Outreach Navigators and outreach workers will be visiting encampment sites to advise people on the sheltering options are available. This work is already underway. Transportation to these shelters is being organized through the municipality in coordination with the province.
The Halifax Ground Search and Rescue team will be doing wellness checks during the hurricane to check on the safety of anyone who chooses not to leave an encampment or outdoor sheltering location.
Halifax Public Libraries
For the latest information on the status of all Halifax Public Library locations and services, please visit their website.
For all updates, visit the severe weather impacts webpage.
