**** HRM Media Release
Holiday municipal service level adjustments
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following municipal program and service level adjustments in effect over the upcoming holidays.
Solid Waste Collection and Facility Hours
There will be no garbage, organics or recyclables collection services on Dec. 25. Curbside collection normally scheduled for Dec. 25 will occur on Dec. 28. Regular collection services will resume on Dec. 26.
There will be no garbage, organics or recyclables collection services on Jan. 1. Curbside collection normally scheduled for Jan. 1 will occur on Jan. 4. Regular collection services will resume on Jan. 2.
Residents are reminded that collection services can begin as early as 7 a.m. To ensure collection, materials should be placed curbside the evening prior to collection day.
The Household Special Waste (HSW) Depot at 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive will be closed on Dec. 28 and Jan 4. The HSW Depot will be open on Dec. 21 and Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the complete HSW program schedule, please visit our website.
The Otter Lake Waste Facility will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The Otter Lake Waste Facility will be open on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Materials Recovery Facility will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan.1. It will be open on Dec. 28. and Jan. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holiday hours of operation for the Otter Lake Waste Facility and Materials Recovery Facility can be found on the Service Updates page.
Sign up for weekly collection reminders and service alerts, or print a calendar customized for your address here.
Halifax Transit Bus and Ferry Services
Halifax Transit buses and Access-A-Bus will be operating on holiday service schedules on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
Halifax Transit ferries will not be operating on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Alderney Ferry will be operating on holiday service schedule on Dec. 26. There will be no Woodside Ferry service on Dec. 26. Detailed holiday service schedules can be viewed on our website.
On New Year’s Eve, in support of M.A.D.D. Halifax Regional Chapter, Halifax Transit will be offering free fares for all passengers beginning at 6 p.m., with extended conventional bus and Alderney ferry service. Donations to M.A.D.D. will be accepted at the Halifax ferry terminal. More information about extended service on New Year’s Eve can be found on our website.
Recreation Facilities, Programs and Services
Many recreation facilities will be operating on irregular schedules between Dec. 21 and Jan. 2. Please call ahead to your local facility in advance to confirm holiday operating hours. Recreation facility contact information can be found here.
The Emera Oval is now open for the 2024/25 winter season. Please check our website for updated skate times.
The municipality will host a Skate with Santa event on Dec. 21 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Residents are invited to come and skate to holiday music, enjoy complimentary candy canes and take a picture with Santa and the Grinch.
There will also be a “Countdown to 2025” New Year’s Eve skate from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. – as well as a countdown at 8 p.m. for younger skaters.
Parking
Municipal on-street parking will be free on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Parking Enforcement will resume regular operations on Dec. 27.
Residents are reminded to abide by all safety signage including accessible parking and no stopping.
During a weather event, it is important to check if the winter parking ban is in effect.
Customer Contact Centres
The 311 Contact Centre will be closed for general inquires on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan.1. Customers may still call 311 for urgent requests concerning transportation, municipal operations, facilities, animal services and illegally parked vehicles.
The three Customer Service Centres that provide in-person access to municipal services and payments will be closing at noon on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. The Customer Service Centres will also be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Residents are invited to attend the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations taking place at Grand Parade on Dec. 31 starting at 11 p.m. Featured performers will include Aquakultre, PINEO & LOEB ft. Ashley MacIsaac, JRDN, Jah’Mila and Andre Pettipas.
There will be a fireworks display at midnight. The event will also be broadcast on Eastlink Community TV.
For more information, visit our website.
