News release

New Legislation Helps Families Live Greener

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)
Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)
Conserve Nova Scotia

Amendments to two acts and a new bill that will help families save money and reduce their carbon footprint were introduced today, Nov. 25.

"Nova Scotians want to do what they can to save money and contribute to a better environment," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks. "We want to make it easier for them to use clotheslines and take transit wherever possible."

Amendments to the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter will allow homeowners in HRM to finance solar hot water heating systems through their tax bills. This will be the first program of its kind in Canada.

"HRM is leading the way to greener living with this exciting new program, and the province is pleased to support it," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex.

An Act to Prevent Prohibitions on the Use of Clotheslines will allow all homeowners in the province to use clotheslines, regardless of restrictive covenants.

Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act will ensure transit vehicles have the right-of-way when re-entering traffic on streets and highways across Nova Scotia.

The bills are part of the government's Suburban Priorities Initiative.