Province extends Halifax development-charge freeze to 2029

Nova Scotia has extended by three years, to Nov. 9, 2029, a freeze on development-related fees and charges imposed by Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Water. The freeze, first announced in 2023, bars new development charges and increases to existing ones. The regulation change took effect Nov. 5. Through negotiations with Ottawa, the province kept established inflation-based adjustments, so eligible charges can still keep pace with consumer prices. Municipal Affairs Minister John A. MacDonald said federal infrastructure funding requires stable development charges, and the extension keeps the province eligible for federal money needed for housing and growth in its communities.