I’m Lindell Smith

About Me

I am a community leader, governance advisor, and former municipal councillor whose work sits at the intersection of equity, public safety reform, and community-led development in Nova Scotia. I believe that improving overall well-being for communities through data-driven understanding and genuine community engagement directly supports the core values of community development, well-being, and social equity. These principles have guided every stage of my career, and I bring them forward as a trusted partner to organizations seeking inclusive, evidence-based solutions.

Born and raised in North End Halifax with deep family roots in the Preston Township, I was elected at age 26 to represent Halifax Peninsula North (District 8) on Halifax Regional Council. From 2016 to 2024, I served more than 25,000 residents as the first African Nova Scotian councillor in roughly two decades and one of the youngest in the city’s history. During two terms, I championed affordable housing, social equity, and inclusive decision-making. I helped develop a social policy framework and social procurement approach for the municipality, advanced a living wage policy, and advocated for expanding the low-income transit pass program in partnership with the province. These initiatives demonstrate my ability to translate community priorities into tangible policy outcomes using strong data, transparent governance, and authentic engagement.

My leadership in public safety and justice has been equally impactful. As past Chair of the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners, I guided oversight during a critical period of scrutiny around systemic racism, street checks, and community–police relations. In 2023, I was appointed co-chair of Nova Scotia’s Policing Review Engagement Advisory Committee in response to the Mass Casualty Commission’s recommendations following the Portapique tragedy. These experiences have sharpened my expertise in institutional reform, stakeholder collaboration, and accountability mechanisms—skills that are directly transferable to organizations navigating complex social and governance challenges.

Outside formal politics, I remain deeply rooted in community development. I co-founded Center Line Studio, a non-profit recording studio in Uniacke Square that offers youth safe, creative access to music and arts-based programming. I am also a founding member of The One North End (ONE) Community Economic Development Society, which counters gentrification through community-led economic development and equitable hiring strategies. Currently, I serve as Executive Lead for the African Nova Scotian Housing Strategy at the Nova Scotia Black Community Housing Council. In every role, I have pushed institutions—including HRM—to invest meaningfully in engagement with African Nova Scotian, Mi’kmaw, and Newcomer communities, treating data and lived experience as equal drivers of policy.

Whether partnering with municipalities, non-profits, foundations, or private-sector organizations, I bring proven experience in strategic leadership, policy innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and measurable impact. I am ready to help forward-thinking teams build more equitable, safe, and thriving communities across Nova Scotia and beyond.