New Legislation to Clarify Rights-of-Way

Amendments introduced today, May 5, will modernize the Private Ways Act, and help it balance the rights and needs of the owners of land-locked properties and their neighbours.

The amendments will clarify that rights-of-way granted under the Private Ways Act are not an expropriation.

They will also allow municipalities to create by-laws that set out how costs will be collected when a right-of-way is granted.

Most of the Private Ways Act dates back to the 1920s, and has not been significantly changed since then.

"Modern life requires access to a public street for important services we take for granted, like waste collection or power and phone repair," said Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations John MacDonell.

"Not having road access can be a real headache. These amendments will clarify the legislation and help the right-of-way process run more smoothly."