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. 27. Regular collection services will be provided 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. 3. 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 may 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. 27 and Jan. 3. 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 on Dec. 24 and 31 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; and open on Dec. 27 and Jan. 3 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Materials Recovery Facility will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Holiday hours of operation for the Otter Lake Waste Facility and Materials Recovery Facility can be found on our website.
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 operate on holiday schedules on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
Ferries will not operate on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. While the Alderney Ferry will run on a holiday schedule on Dec. 26, there will be no Woodside Ferry service that day. For detailed holiday schedules by route, visit: halifax.ca/transit
On Dec. 31, in support of the Halifax Regional chapter of M.A.D.D. Canada, Halifax Transit will offer free fares for all passengers beginning at 6 p.m., with extended conventional bus service. Donations to M.A.D.D. Canada will be accepted at the Halifax ferry terminal. More information about extended service is available on our website.
Recreation facilities, programs and services
Many recreation facilities will be operating on irregular schedules between Dec. 22 and Jan. 2. Residents are advised to contact their local recreation centre for operating hours and program information.
The Sackville Sports Stadium will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1 and will close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31. There may be some regularly scheduled services that experience disruptions. Please visit thestadium.ca for more information or contact the front desk.
The Emera Oval is now open for the 2025/26 winter season. Be sure to visit the Youth Worx Canteen at the Emera Oval for snacks and hot drinks. Find updated skate times at: halifax.ca/emera-oval
The municipality will host a Skate with Santa event on Dec. 20 from 1 to 2 p.m. Residents are invited to attend and skate to holiday music. Candy canes and pictures with Santa and the Grinch will also be available.
Parking Municipal on-street parking will be free on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Parking enforcement will continue outside of those dates, with regular operations resuming Jan. 2.
Residents are reminded to abide by all safety signage including accessible parking and no stopping.
During declared winter weather events, residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date on the status of winter overnight parking ban enforcement. Learn more and sign up for winter overnight parking ban updates at: halifax.ca/snow
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.
In-person Customer Service Centres will close at noon on Dec. 24, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31, and will be closed all day on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
New Year’s celebrations
On Dec. 31, the Emera Oval will host a free, family-friendly public skate from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with a countdown at midnight, as well as an earlier countdown at 8 p.m. for younger skaters.
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. The event will feature performances by local artists Skratch Bastid, Lane Hall and JupiterReign.
There will be a fireworks display at midnight. The event will also be broadcast on Eastlink Community TV. For more information, visit our website.
Mayor Andy Fillmore and members of Regional Council are inviting residents to join them at the 2026 New Year’s Levee. It will take place on Jan. 1, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Halifax City Hall.
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
