Amendments to Municipal Legislation Give More Flexibility

Changes to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Charter and the Municipal Government Act will give HRM more flexibility and discretion to make decisions.

The six amendments were requested by the municipality to give it additional decision-making power, clarify provisions and correct inconsistencies in the legislation.

"These amendments ensure legislation is clear and consistent," said Municipal Affairs Minister Mark Furey. "The proposed changes to the HRM charter will ensure the municipality will have the flexibility it needs to govern and administer efficiently, effectively and it aligns with council's long-term planning."

The proposed amendments will:

• allow the municipal council to hold in-camera meetings for confidential intergovernmental matters
• clarify that council may make policies that require a special majority to decide a question during a council meeting
• allow infrastructure charges for new or expanded recreational, fire and library facilities in a subdivision by-law
• include a justice of the peace as an issuing authority for orders to enter a property
• make it optional for HRM to survey and prepare a description of property when considering to expropriate it
• harmonize provisions for regulating development near airports