Nova Scotia Mandates Zoning and Construction Changes in Halifax to Accelerate Housing
The Nova Scotia government has ordered Halifax to implement four zoning and construction amendments to speed up housing development, including allowing housing in all city zones and raising the mid-rise height threshold for mass timber. While Mayor Andy Fillmore welcomed the mandate as a helpful shortcut, some councillors criticized it as provincial overreach that bypasses local planning and poses safety risks.
The Nova Scotia government has mandated that Halifax implement specific zoning and construction changes designed to accelerate housing development across the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). The province requires the city to adopt four amendments, with deadlines set for Jan. 15 and June 30.
Under the new requirements, Halifax must allow housing in all city zones with few exceptions. The province also mandates removing restrictions that limit eligible conservation design developments and encouraging more emergency routes by connecting existing communities. Additionally, Halifax must make mass timber construction easier to build by changing the mid-rise height definition from 10 storeys to 12 storeys. Current Halifax rules classify buildings taller than 10 storeys as high-rises requiring a slimmer profile, so the adjustment is intended to incentivize mass timber construction over concrete towers.
Housing Minister John White stated the amendments are designed to remove ambiguity for developers and planners. The province claims city staff were aware of the changes since July.
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore described the provincial changes as a "shortcut" that helps achieve goals faster due to the province's greater authority.
However, the mandate has drawn criticism from members of the regional council. Councillor Kathryn Morse criticized the changes as provincial overreach that bypasses the city planning department and regional council, describing the announcement as a "bombshell." Morse expressed concern that the changes could lead to development in areas with increased wildfire and flood risk, potentially resulting in long-term negative consequences for residents.
Councillor Janet Steele noted that the timelines appear tight given legislative requirements for public engagement, adding pressure on municipal staff regarding those deadlines. The province set deadlines for Halifax to allow housing in all zones and enable mass timber construction by Jan. 15, with other changes finished by June 30.