Councillors give go-ahead to motions cutting red tape for HRM businesses
Posted May 13, 2026 04:56:13 AM.
Last Updated May 13, 2026 11:15:06 AM.
A pair of motions from Mayor Andy Fillmore got unanimous support at the Halifax Regional Council table on Tuesday.
Fillmore asked for two staff reports, one looking into creating a tool for businesses to provide feedback on red tape in the municipality. It mentioned that more businesses have been leaving the market since early 2024 and entering nationally instead.
“While broader economic challenges persist, municipal governments have a responsibility to examine
where they can ease burdens and remove barriers within their own systems,” the motion reads.
In 2021, the municipal government launched a business satisfaction and red tape survey, allowing people to identify the issues within the system. Nothing further has been done; Fillmore’s motion looks to change that.
Another motion asked for a report to review sidewalk patio permit fees, including potentially getting rid of them entirely. Businesses pay more than $1,000 for seasonal permits in addition to the cost of installing the patios and off-season storage.
Fillmore wants to limit the additional pressures on restaurants, after Restaurants Canada’s quarterly report revealed an industry “under growing financial strain” in early 2026. The report says nearly 50 per cent of restaurant operators reported lower sales in Q1, more than half reported fewer guests, and 71 per cent reported declining profitability.
“Sidewalk cafés are an important tool for the hospitality industry, allowing businesses to expand their
footprint during the summer months and better welcome both tourists and local residents,” the motion reads.
Both of those motions were approved at Tuesday’s meeting.
“Small businesses are under real pressure right now and City Hall needs to do our part to lower costs, cut red tape, and make it easier to operate,” says Mayor Fillmore in a statement. “While broader economic challenges remain, we have a responsibility to look at where we can ease the burden and remove barriers in our own systems.”
Both motions were unanimously approved by Regional Council.
With files from CityNews’ Natasha O’Neill.
