COVID-19 Info: HRM closes customer service centres and Planning & Development counters

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March 19, 2020

Please see below an update from the HRM Planning and Development Leadership Team

March 19 – 9:24 AM

​Based on decisions made by the province of Nova Scotia on Tuesday, all customer service centres and Planning & Development counter services were closed to the public effective March 18, 2020. Staff at the centres will continue to work, focusing on administrative support that does not involve face-to-face customer service.

This decision was made with the health and safety of municipal employees, clients, and the general public in mind, as we work to slow the spread of the COVID19 Pandemic. An evaluation will take place during the next two weeks with an announcement to be made by April 3, 2020, on the future of in-person counter service during these unprecedented times.

An online service to receive construction permit applications and pay fees electronically is under development and will be operational early next week.


During the interim period between the closure and when an electronic solution is in place, Planning & Development staff will continue to process applications  currently in the queue and carry out regular inspections. The Municipality continues its commitment to process and issue permits in a timely manner, however, permit wait times may increase while we support social distancing and work from home protocols for our staff.

As always, Planning & Development staff are available for questions and guidance and can be reached by dialling 3-1-1.

For the latest updates regarding the status of municipal services, visit halifax.ca/coronavirusThank you for helping with the community effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.