News release

Legislation Supports Development, Disaster Relief, Municipal Modernization

Municipal Affairs

Legislation introduced today, September 25, provides new tools to support development, reduce taxes when natural disasters destroy homes and modernize municipal elections.

“We work closely with our municipal partners to support development and help their communities grow,” said Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr. “These changes reflect that collaboration and help to ensure that municipal governance systems are modern, responsive and more aligned to help municipalities support their residents’ needs.”

The Municipal Modernization Act includes amendments to six pieces of existing legislation, providing:

  • new powers for municipalities to reduce taxes when homes are destroyed by natural disasters
  • the ability to accept electronic payments at tax sales
  • updates to the Municipal Elections Act allowing returning officers to vote, providing more options beyond newspapers for elections notices and providing language to improve the protection and privacy of voters
  • more tools to support housing, planning and infrastructure development in Halifax Regional Municipality and clarifying some details about special planning areas.

The proposed amendments will also provide the Minister with the authority to designate a child-care facility area as needed, remove planning barriers and speed up development of critical child-care spaces.

Also included is new legislation – the Transportation Corridor Control Act – which will allow the Province to protect priority transportation corridors by proactively designating land for these projects. The act will help prioritize the needs of major transportation projects and streamline co-ordination among government departments, landowners, municipalities, developers and utilities.

Proposed changes reflect feedback received from Nova Scotia’s 49 municipalities.

Quick Facts:

  • the legislation amends the Municipal Government Act, Halifax Regional Municipal Charter, Municipal Elections Act, Halifax Regional Water Commission Act, Municipal Grants Act and Housing in the Halifax Regional Municipality Act

Additional Resources:

Bills tabled in the legislature are available at: https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/bills/assembly-65-session-1

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