Non-Residents to Pay More

A bill introduced in the provincial legislature today fulfils a government commitment to allow municipalities to charge additional taxes on non-commercial properties owned by non-residents. It also removes the tax exemption for farm and small forest properties owned by non-residents.

The measures are part of the Municipal Law Amendment (2000) Act, which makes a number of changes to the Municipal Government Act, the Municipal Elections Act and the Assessment Act.

"Nova Scotia property owners and municipalities have told us they're concerned about large areas of land being bought up by people from outside the province, driving up prices and tax assessments," said Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Angus MacIsaac. "We promised that we'd address the issue and we're doing so with this bill."

Under the proposed Municipal Government Act amendment, municipalities could pass a bylaw which would enable them to charge an additional levy on residential and resource property owned by people who do not live in Nova Scotia. Resource properties include forest lands under 50,000 acres and farms.

Proposed changes to the Municipal Elections Act would let civic employees run for council if they take a leave of absence. This extends political activity rights enjoyed by provincial employees to municipal workers. The bill also makes it easier and less expensive for municipalities to use the federal voters list.

Under the proposed changes to the Assessment Act, aquaculture operations will be assessed as resource properties rather than commercial properties.

"This change will mean lower taxes for aquaculture operators," said Mr. MacIsaac. "And that will be good for the growth of the industry."

Other changes to the Assessment Act make it possible for errors to be corrected throughout the year, rather than waiting for the next assessment period, as is required under existing law. It allows more flexibility in choosing a location for assessment appeals, and the minister could streamline the appeal by establishing an alternative dispute resolution process.

Another change will see assessments for pipelines go to pipeline owners, not the person who owns the property over which the pipeline runs.

Today's bill makes other small changes to the Municipal Government Act, the Municipal Elections Act and the Assessment Act.