Input Sought on Non-Resident Land Ownership

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS -Input Sought on Non-Resident Land Ownership

Nova Scotians will soon have a better picture of how much of the province is owned by non-residents.

A provincewide series of open houses in April and May will provide a first-hand opportunity to view the information and discuss issues regarding non-resident land ownership.

"This is an issue with many different sides and strongly held feelings," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We now have an opportunity to get this information in front of people and ask for their input on issues like coastal access and property values. Non-resident ownership has been a topic of discussion for a number of years now and we need to get a full understanding of what the issues are."

Voluntary Planning --an independent, non-partisan, volunteer- based advisory group to government -- has been asked to lead the consultation on the province's behalf.

A discussion paper will be published in conjunction with the open houses, and maps showing the extent of non-resident ownership will be available. The discussion paper and the maps will be available on the Internet within the next few weeks.

A final report will be available in November.

Last fall, amendments to the Municipal Government Act giving municipalities the option of levying a property-tax surcharge on land owned by non-Nova Scotians were passed in the Legislature, but not proclaimed.

"This is not an issue that can be addressed with one provincewide solution," said Mr. MacIsaac, explaining why last year's Bill 42 gave each municipality the ability to take appropriate action. "Until all Nova Scotians have their say on this issue, it would be premature to proclaim these legislative amendments."

Details and dates on the consultation will be available shortly.