Nova Scotia Extends Halifax Development Cost Freeze Until 2029
The Nova Scotia provincial government has extended the freeze on development costs in the Halifax Regional Municipality for three years, until November 9, 2029, to align with federal infrastructure funding requirements.
The Province of Nova Scotia has extended the freeze on development costs in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) for three years, pushing the expiration date to November 9, 2029. The freeze had previously been set to end on November 9, 2025.
An amendment to the Development Approval Cost Freeze Expiration Date Regulations took effect on November 5, 2026. The change relates to regulations under Section 236A of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter. As a result of the extension, HRM will not need to approve new development costs during this period.
The freeze applies to development-related fees and charges imposed by both HRM and Halifax Water. It prevents new fees or increases from being introduced, though established consumer price index-based adjustments are permitted to continue. This flexibility was secured through negotiations with the federal government.
Minister of Municipal Affairs John A. MacDonald commented that the extension keeps Nova Scotia in line with federal investment requirements. Maintaining stable development charges supports continued access to federal infrastructure funding needed for housing and growth.