Post by : Meena Ariff

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore has shared that his relationship with the city council and the chief administrative officer’s office has seen significant improvement, following a tumultuous inaugural year characterized by disagreements and internal strife.

In 2025, several councillors publicly opposed Fillmore on key issues such as the expansion of bike lanes, budgetary allocations, and the redevelopment of the Windsor Street exchange. The situation escalated in January when the council halted the exchange project due to concerns regarding transit lanes. Subsequently, Fillmore voiced his critiques of this decision and encouraged constituents to communicate with their councillors. The decision was overturned in February after staff confirmed the inclusion of two-way transit lanes.

Tension between the mayor and the council became increasingly apparent during the summer when Fillmore advocated for enhanced powers for a strong mayor, suggesting that the current municipal framework hindered his ability to tackle significant challenges like traffic congestion and housing costs. His comments regarding the chief administrative officer’s significant authority were met with backlash from councillors and the administration, who deemed the remarks misleading.

To address the escalating discord, the city engaged a professional facilitator for an off-site workshop this fall aimed at fostering collaboration and dialogue among council members and the mayor. Fillmore remarked that the sessions were instrumental in aiding all parties to comprehend how to improve their collaborative efforts.

The workshops, conducted both online and in person, incurred a cost of $22,500 for the municipality. Fillmore noted that the provincial government’s choice to delay the introduction of strong mayor powers also contributed to a reduction in uncertainty among council members.

Fillmore recognized that the October 2024 municipal election ushered in considerable changes, with numerous new councillors entering the chamber following a period of stability under former mayor Mike Savage. He acknowledged that this transition inevitably led to initial difficulties as the council adapted to new governance styles and ideas.

Reflecting on the challenges of his early administration, Fillmore admitted to feeling restricted by the administrative apparatus, citing delays in establishing his office. However, the former chief administrative officer contended that the administration did not obstruct the mayor’s work and proposed structural adjustments to minimize future conflicts.

An independent review later determined that Fillmore did not breach the municipal code of conduct with his statements. The former chief administrative officer has since resigned, and the city is currently seeking a permanent replacement.

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