HRM Support for FireSmart Cleanups

On May 27, 2025, I presented a motion:

THAT Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to develop a staff report exploring options to support vegetative yard waste and debris disposal pursuant to HRM sanctioned community FireSmart events, and include a recommended option, with costing, for consideration. 

That staff report returned to council on October 28, with a recommendation of allocating an additional $20,000 towards FireSmart Cleanups.

Options for yard waste include:

• Curbside collection: For eligible premises, with no additional cost to the municipality. This option allows property owners to gradually clear their properties over time.
• Mobile chipping services: HRM has limited capacity to provide this service. Private sector contracts may be an option.
• Drop-off sites: Temporary drop-off sites could be established on HRM property for large debris volumes. Establishing a site would require coordination, advertising, security, and signage.
• On-site processing at drop-off sites: Options include mobile air curtain burners (e.g., Bioburn Pros Inc.) or tub grinders to reduce debris for transport.
• Hauling & re-use/recycling: Processed and unprocessed materials can be transported to local construction and demolition (C&D) recycling facilities or mulch manufacturers. 

This is very exciting news for District 13, and an important step for FireSmart and the communities that engage with the program. If you haven't already, book your FireSmart home assessment, and get your community engaged! I look forward to the community clean ups in 2026, and I'm so pleased that HRM will be playing a meaningful role in creating safer communities.