Municipal service level adjustments for the Natal Day long weekend
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following municipal program and service level adjustments for Natal Day on Monday, Aug. 3.
Civic Events
The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting residents to take part in the 129th annual Natal Day celebrations. Residents are encouraged to attend the many municipal and community-led events taking place throughout the weekend, featuring live music, cultural programming, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Featured municipal events include:
- Crescendo Concert on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal.
- Halifax-Dartmouth Harbour Natal Day Fireworks on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 10 p.m. on the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts.
- 21st Annual African Nova Scotian Music Association Freedom Festival on Sunday, Aug. 2 at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park, featuring live performances from 2 to 9:30 p.m., followed by fireworks.
- 120th Annual Dartmouth Natal Day Road Race on Monday, Aug. 3 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in downtown Dartmouth.
- 129th Pepsi Natal Day Parade on Monday, Aug. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in downtown Dartmouth.
- Natal Day Family Fun Day on Monday, Aug. 3 from noon to 4 p.m. at Sullivan's Pond.
- Lake Banook Natal Day Fireworks on Monday, Aug. 3 at 9:30 p.m.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit: natalday.org
The status of fireworks for events is subject to change. The Halifax-Dartmouth Harbour Natal Day fireworks have a rain date of Sunday, Aug. 2 at 10 p.m. Notification of changes will be shared on the municipality’s social media platforms.
Fire safety
This Natal Day, consider attending a municipally organized fireworks display instead of backyard fireworks. Public displays are a safer, more predictable option, with trained operators, safety controls and emergency response measures in place.
If you still plan to use fireworks:
- Check for burn bans and burning restrictions at beforeyouburn.halifax.ca before setting off fireworks. If a burn ban is in place, fireworks are not permitted.
- Let neighbours know in advance.
- Follow all manufacturers’ safety guidelines.
Residents are reminded to follow all municipal and provincial burning restrictions and celebrate responsibly throughout the long weekend.
Learn more at: halifax.ca/fireworks
Solid waste collection and facility hours
There will be no garbage, organics or recyclables collection services on Monday, Aug. 3.
Curbside collection normally scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3, will instead occur on Saturday, Aug. 1. 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 Monday, Aug. 3, but will be open on Saturday, Aug. 1 for regular hours of operation.
The Household Special Waste Depot in Bayers Lake will be closed on Saturday, Aug. 1, but will be open on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A mobile Household Special Waste Depot will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Musquodoboit Valley Education Centre (12046 Highway 224, Middle Musquodoboit) 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 Monday, Aug. 3.
Both Alderney Ferry service and Woodside Ferry service will be operating on 30-minute schedules on Monday, Aug. 3.
The first trip for Alderney Ferry service will depart Alderney Ferry Terminal at 7:30 a.m. and its last trip will depart Halifax Ferry Terminal at 11:45 p.m.
The first trip for Woodside Ferry service will depart Woodside Ferry Terminal at 7:37 a.m. and its last trip will depart Halifax Ferry Terminal at 8:52 p.m.
Additionally, Alderney Ferry service will operate on a 15-minute schedule on Saturday, Aug. 1 from noon until 10:30 p.m.
Halifax Transit is pleased to offer free Alderney Ferry service on Saturday, Aug. 1. Passengers are encouraged to make a donation to Parker Street Food Bank in lieu of fares.
Detailed holiday schedules by individual bus and ferry route can be found on our website.
For information on Halifax Transit service disruptions, residents can visit: halifax.ca/htdisruptions
Recreation facilities, programs and services
The Halifax Common Pool, Bedford and Cole Harbour outdoor pools, as well as supervised municipal beaches are open. Open swims at the Bedford and Cole Harbour outdoor pools are free on Natal Day. The Bayers-Westwood, George Dixon, Isleville Street, Cole Harbour, Shirley’s, Westmount, Sackville and BLT splash pads will also be open.
Please check our website for up-to-date information on the status of supervised municipal beaches, pools and swim schedules.
The Emera Oval will be open on Monday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Equipment lending will be available if weather and surface conditions permit. Please check our website for information.
The Sackville Sports Stadium will be open with reduced services on Monday, Aug. 3. Participants are encouraged to call ahead to confirm schedules.
Many municipally operated recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, Aug. 3. Please call your local recreation centre for further information.
Customer Contact Centres
The 311 Contact Centre will be closed to non-urgent requests on Monday, Aug. 3. However, urgent calls can still be reported. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
In-person Customer Service Centres will be closed on Monday, Aug. 3. Customer Service Centres will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
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 Monday, Aug. 3. Residents are reminded to abide by all other posted signage and ensure they are not blocking intersections or sidewalks.
Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
