Halifax to Launch New Community Safety Patrol Program

A city-led initiative will see trained volunteers assisting first responders in public spaces, starting this fall.

July 04, 2025 at 07:51 | By Emma Walsh, Prairie Signal

The City of Halifax is set to launch a new community safety patrol initiative this fall aimed at increasing visibility in public spaces and supporting emergency services. The program, known as the Halifax Safety Link, will employ trained volunteers and part-time staff to conduct routine foot and bike patrols across several urban neighborhoods.

Mayor Samantha Langley announced the program during a press conference at City Hall, highlighting it as a proactive approach to community engagement and public reassurance. 'We want to ensure all residents feel safe and supported, especially in busy areas where people live, work, and gather,' she said. 'This is about building trust and connection, not just enforcing laws.'

Unlike traditional police patrols, Safety Link members will focus on low-level incidents, providing information to the public, reporting hazards, and offering assistance in cases such as lost individuals or minor disturbances. The patrols will be uniformed but unarmed, operating as an extension of municipal services rather than law enforcement.

Training for participants will include de-escalation techniques, mental health awareness, emergency communication procedures, and cultural sensitivity modules. City officials have partnered with local nonprofits, including the North End Community Clinic, to help shape the training curriculum and ensure it aligns with residents' real-world needs.

Pilot zones for the patrols include Spring Garden Road, the Halifax Waterfront, and sections of Gottingen Street — areas known for high pedestrian traffic and frequent public events. Organizers say the program could expand into suburban areas if initial feedback and outcomes are positive.

Funding for Halifax Safety Link comes from a combination of municipal budget allocations and provincial public safety grants. The first-year cost is projected at $1.1 million, which covers training, uniforms, equipment, and staffing. The city council approved the budget in June following months of community consultation and debate.

While some critics have raised concerns about potential overlaps with police responsibilities, most residents and business owners have welcomed the initiative. 'It’s nice to see a more approachable presence on the street,' said Jasmine Connors, who manages a coffee shop along the patrol route. 'People need help sometimes, not handcuffs.'