The People Project: Halifax’s Community Mediation Program 

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

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.  

Five Hub organizations participating in this program pilot. 

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.  

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.

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.  

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