The People Project: Halifax’s Community Mediation Program 

Community challenges need community-led solutions 

Introducing “The People Project”, Halifax’s pilot Community Mediation Program, delivered in partnership with HRM, United Way Maritimes, and five local community hub organizations in Dartmouth North, East Preston, Musquodoboit Harbour, Musquodoboit Valley, North End Halifax, and Spryfield.  

Strong communities start with safety and connection—and mediation gives everyone a voice and helps neighbours create a path forward together. This Program strives improve public safety, build connections in community, and grow understanding between neighbours. 

 

How it Works

Reach Out 

The first step is to provide some basic information about your issue in the form below. All information you share is confidential and will not be shared with the person or people you are in conflict with.  

Connect with a Mediator

A trained community mediator will be assigned to you and will contact you to discuss the process in more detail. If you decide to try mediation, we will reach out to the other people involved to see if they are willing to participate in mediation with you.  

Work Together

With guidance from the mediator, participants will work toward an agreeable solution that resolves the issue and builds understanding. By working together through mediation, residents can avoid costly legal fees, reduce the need to involve law enforcement, and resolve conflict respectfully.  

Intake Form

Is Community Mediation for You?

The People Project focuses on neighbour-to-neighbour issues— things like noise, parking, trees, fencing, snow removal, garbage, nuisance lighting, pets, and shared driveways. It does not include any legal and tenancy matters.  

Community Partners

The pilot of The People Project is running through six local community hub organizations. 

Dartmouth North – The North Grove
East Preston – East Preston Day Care & Family Resource Centre 
Musquodoboit Harbour – Old School Community Gathering Place
North End Halifax – Veith House
Spryfield – Chebucto Connections

More Information

See our FAQ below or get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long will the pilot run?

    We expect the community mediation pilot program to launch October 2025 and run until March 2026.  

  • Does the program cover tenancy or legal disputes?

    The program excludes all legal and tenancy matters. The scope of the program focuses on neighbour-to-neighbour issues—including things like noise, parking, trees, fencing, snow removal, garbage, nuisance lighting, pets, and shared driveways.  

  • How many community Hubs are there?

    Five Hub organizations participating in this program pilot. 

  • How are Hub organizations selected?

    United Way Maritimes works with 11 hub organizations throughout HRM on various programs and initiatives.  All hub organizations were provided information about the pilot program and opportunity to participate. Based on this information, Hubs self-identified. All Hubs will continue to be kept apprised of learnings through the pilot phase. Should United Way Maritimes receive future funding to continue the community mediation program, all Hubs will have the opportunity to participate.  

  • How can my community participate?

    Right now, the best way to participate is to become a trained volunteer mediator. Volunteers are essential to the success of this program—and comprehensive training is provided. Mediators help prevent conflicts from growing and keep relationships—and communities—strong.

  • How will the program be integrated into existing processes and systems for these issues?

    Referrals to mediation can come from 311, bylaw services, police, councillors, or directly from residents. The pilot program will inform how integrated the program should be with existing processes and systems to run effectively.  

  • How can community give feedback and help shape the process?

    During the pilot phase, we will collect feedback from Hubs, volunteer mediators, and neighbours who have agreed to participate in the mediation program. 

This program is generously funded and presented in partnership with the Halifax Regional Municipality.