Municipal service level adjustments for Canada Day
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following municipal program and service level adjustments for Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1.
Solid Waste Collection and Facility Hours
There will be no garbage, organics or recycling collection services on Wednesday, July 1.
Curbside collection normally scheduled for Wednesday, July 1 will instead occur on Saturday, July 4. 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.
The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility and Materials Recovery Facility will be closed on Wednesday, July 1 but will be open on Thursday, July 2 for regular business hours.
The Household Special Waste Depot in Bayers Lake will be closed on Saturday, July 4 but will be open on Saturday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A mobile Household Special Waste Depot will be held on Saturday, July 4 at NSCC Akerley Campus (21 Woodlawn Road, Dartmouth) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents can find more information on solid waste facility holiday hours on our website. Residents can also sign up for weekly collection reminders and service alerts, as well as print a calendar customized to their address, on our website.
Halifax Transit Bus and Ferry Services
Halifax Transit buses will be operating on holiday schedules on Wednesday, July 1. The Woodside Ferry will not be operating on Wednesday, July 1.
Halifax Transit is pleased to offer free Alderney Ferry service on Wednesday, July 1. In lieu of fares, passengers are encouraged to make a monetary donation to the Parker Street Food Bank. Detailed holiday schedules by individual bus and ferry route can be found on our website.
For the most up-to-date information on Halifax Transit service disruptions, residents can visit: halifax.ca/htdisruptions
Recreation Facilities, Programs and Services
The Bedford and Cole Harbour outdoor pools, as well as supervised municipal beaches, will open for the season on Wednesday, July 1.
The Halifax Common Aquatics Facility is already open for the season. The Bayers-Westwood, George Dixon, Isleville Street, Cole Harbour, Shirley’s, Westmount and Sackville Splashpads are also already open for the 2026 season. Please check our website for up-to-date pool and swim schedules.
The Emera Oval will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and equipment lending will be available if weather and surface conditions permit.
Many municipal-operated recreation facilities will be closed on Wednesday, July 1. Please call your local recreation centre for further information.
Customer Contact Centres
The 311 Contact Centre will be closed on Wednesday, July 1, for full service. However, urgent calls can still be reported. Regular operations will resume on Thursday, July 2.
In-person Customer Service Centres will be closed on Wednesday, July 1. Customer Service Centres will reopen with regular hours on Thursday, July 2.
Residents may contact 311 by phone, or by email at: contactus@311.halifax.ca
Further information on Customer Contact Centres can be found on our website.
Parking
Paid on-street parking will be free on Wednesday, July 1. Residents are reminded to abide by all other posted signage and ensure they are not blocking intersections or sidewalks.
Civic Events
The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting residents to attend KANA’TA: Canada Day 2026 on Wednesday, July 1.
Events taking place throughout the municipality include the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Canada Day Parade, a Mawio’mi featuring cultural celebrations and traditional dance near the Emera Oval, the Halifax Common Family Day, the 10th Annual Canada Day Drumming Celebration, Desi Summer Music Fest: Season 3 and the Ansma Canada Day Concert.
All events are free to attend.
The annual fireworks display will take place at 10 p.m. over Halifax Harbour. The best viewing locations include the Halifax waterfront, Dartmouth waterfront and other public spaces along the harbour.
The status of fireworks for events is subject to change. Notification of changes will be shared on the municipality’s social media platforms.
For more information, visit hrmcanadaday.ca.
Fire Safety
This Canada Day, consider skipping backyard fireworks.
They’re unpredictable, pose a fire risk, cause distress to people and animals who are sensitive to loud noises.
Municipally organized shows are a safer, more predictable alternative. Scheduled public events make it easier for those who wish to avoid fireworks to plan ahead.
If you still plan to use consumer fireworks:
- No fireworks if there is a burn ban. Check for burning restrictions at beforeyouburn.halifax.ca
- Let neighbours know in advance
- Follow all manufacturers’ safety guidelines
Have a safe and enjoyable Canada Day!
