The Halifax Regional Municipality does not know the condition of many of its buildings, according to a new report from the auditor general. The performance audit, which looked at municipal-owned facilities from April 2023 to March 2025, found the conditions of 96 buildings have never been assessed, 43 of which are more than 25 years old. Management noted the last major building assessment was conducted in 2013. “In the absence of detailed building condition assessments, significant building deficiencies may not be detected, which may result in increased reactive maintenance, unexpected replacement costs and safety concerns,” the audit reads. Management told the auditor general they planned to fast-track an eight-year plan to assess all Halifax-owned facilities. The audit also found 25 per cent of tested building equipment missed preventative maintenance. No plan The audit also found Halifax’s property fleet and environment management does not have a facility management plan or documented processes, instead relying on “informal practices.” The report noted a management plan helps provide direction to employees and ensures facilities are financially sustainable. “Without a structured plan, facilities are at a greater risk of unexpected disruptions that may result in costly repairs,” the report reads. “However, management said having a plan for facility maintenance has not been possible due to resource constraints.” The report said Halifax developed a facility asset management policy in 2024 and started implementing it after the audit period. It includes methodology for periodic building condition assessments and prioritization criteria for equipment replacement “The policy lacks clear objectives and does not cover all relevant aspects of facility asset management,” the audit reads. “The facility condition index is the only performance target in the policy. Having other targets like the annual change in deferred maintenance backlog and the percentage of high risk deferred projects addressed annually would add value.” Recommendations The audit made 12 recommendations, including: For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
