Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) has initiated a 30-day public consultation period, encouraging residents to provide their feedback on proposed changes to the municipality's Minimum Planning Regulations. This consultation is part of a broader effort to address housing needs in the region.
In August 2024, the province of Nova Scotia announced new regulations aimed at reducing barriers to housing in HRM. These regulations, governed by the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, mandate that increasing housing supply becomes the primary focus in all land-use planning, regulations, decisions, and development approvals as part of the municipal planning strategy. The government's objective is to expedite the development process and promote housing availability in Nova Scotia's largest city.
Colton LeBlanc, the Minister of Growth and Development, emphasized the effectiveness of the measures implemented alongside HRM, noting that housing starts have surged by over 25%, with HRM having issued 6,057 building permits for new residential units in the past year. These figures highlight the significant strides made in facilitating residential development.
Key changes proposed to the charter's Minimum Planning Requirements Regulations include several notable adjustments designed to enhance housing accessibility. First, the regulations propose permitting residential uses in the majority of zones, where deemed appropriate. Second, the elimination of on-site parking requirements for developments within the urban service area aims to liberate developers from certain constraints.
Further changes seek to ensure that height restrictions do not negatively affect the density of mass timber residential developments. The proposed regulations also plan to remove unit-mix requirements and decrease the mandated percentage of ground-floor commercial space in residential buildings initiated prior to April 1, 2027. Additionally, the inclusion of manufactured housing, such as modified shipping containers, within all residential zones is a significant shift aimed at increasing housing supply.
Temporary housing provisions are also being introduced, allowing for accommodations for employees living on or near a work site during assignments in all zones. Furthermore, the regulations stipulate the adoption of a secondary municipal planning strategy for suburban areas, which is set to be completed by January 31, 2025.
The initial deadline for the implementation of these regulations was December 31, 2024. However, Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore highlighted the need for additional time for an effective rollout under the new council, leading to the extension of this deadline to June 30. Colton LeBlanc reiterated the importance of this timeline, declaring it the only extension that would be granted. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of HRM to ensure that planning and projects proceed swiftly, reflecting a strong commitment to address the urgent housing needs of Nova Scotians.
The public consultation period is open until February 24, 2025, during which community members can voice their opinions and suggestions regarding the proposed amendments. Additionally, any revisions to the regulations will be addressed as part of the Regional Plan Review scheduled for spring 2025.
