News release

Amendments to Halifax Regional Municipality Charter Introduced

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

Amendments to the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter will give HRM increased authority to protect trees in serviced areas and forested areas surrounding bodies of water.

The amendments tabled today, May 5, by Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, exclude land for forestry and agriculture.

In addition, the amendments allow HRM to require a water supply evaluation for proposed larger subdivisions outside the water-service area.

The changes will also incorporate conservation properties amendments to the Municipal Government Act into the charter as well as minor housekeeping items.

"These changes continue to ensure that HRM has the appropriate legislative framework in place to better serve its citizens," said Ms. Jennex. "This reflects our commitment to make life better for Nova Scotia families."

Halifax Regional Municipality was granted its own charter in 2009, to better respond to its unique needs as the largest municipality in Atlantic Canada.

The conservation property section will be retroactive to Feb. 17, 2009.