**** NS Gov Release
Freeze on Development Charges Extended in HRM
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The Province is extending the freeze on development approval costs in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) by three years to support federal infrastructure funding requirements.
“Federal infrastructure funding includes requirements to maintain stable development charges,” said John A. MacDonald, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “This extension keeps Nova Scotia in line with those requirements and will support continued access to federal investments needed to help drive housing and growth in our communities.”
The amendment to the Development Approval Cost Freeze Expiration Date Regulations takes effect today, November 5, with the expiry date changing to November 9, 2029.
The freeze applies to development-related fees and charges imposed by HRM and Halifax Water. It prevents new development fees and charges from being introduced and existing ones from being increased.
Through negotiations with the federal government, the Province secured flexibility for established consumer price index-based adjustments to continue during the extended freeze, allowing eligible charges to keep pace with inflation.
Quick Facts:
- the change relates to regulations under Section 236A of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter
- the freeze began in 2023 with a November 9, 2025, expiry date and was extended by one year under the federal Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund agreement
Additional Resources:
Regulations under the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regsbyact.htm#hrmcharter
Halifax Regional Municipality Charter: https://www.nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/halifax regional municipality charter.pdf
