Overhaul Suggested for Old System
Nova Scotia's 250-year-old land registration system is in a need of a major overhaul and the province is recommending improvements in a discussion paper released today.
Titled Registry 2000, Land Records Reform, the document recommends that the current paper-based system -- virtually unchanged since 1749 -- be made electronically available.
The paper also proposes changes that would make it easier and less time-consuming to register properties in Nova Scotia. As well, it wants to guarantee ownership to people who are buying properties -- something the existing system doesn't do.
"Registry 2000 could benefit all Nova Scotian land owners," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "We're creating a system that's more efficient, easier to use and that guarantees ownership of property. It also paves the way for electronic access, so Nova Scotians will eventually be able to plug into the system from anywhere in the province."
The provincial government has been working with the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, the Association of Nova Scotia Land Surveyors and other key groups on the Registry 2000 initiative.
The discussion paper, which contains draft legislation, was released at a workshop involving a cross-section of land surveyors, real estate lawyers, title searchers, financial services professionals, and Realtors.
"Nova Scotia's Land Registry is long overdue for reform," said Estelle M. Theriault, president of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. "The proposals in the Registry 2000 discussion paper will make the transfer of land easier and more efficient."
Property owners and the professionals who use the land registry system have been calling for improvements for several years. Registry 2000 was launched in response to those requests.
"There's no question that the land registration system in Nova Scotia is in need of revision," said Fred Hutchinson, executive director of the Association of Nova Scotia Land Surveyors, "Through Registry 2000 we envision a system that provides users with full electronic access to all land-related information."
Provincewide consultation sessions are being planned with various groups which use the land registration system. The province is encouraging public comments by April 30, 2000.
The discussion paper and draft legislation is available on the Registry 2000 website at www.gov.ns.ca/homa/r2000 or by contacting the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs at 902-424-5619.