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- calendar_today November 8, 2026
Extension of Development Costs Freeze Announced
The province has announced an extension to the existing freeze on development costs in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). This measure, which was previously set to expire in 2025, will now continue until November 9, 2029. The change supports compliance with federal infrastructure funding requirements and aims to keep development charges stable in the region.
Background and Purpose of the Freeze
The freeze on development-related fees and charges was first put in place following announcements in 2023. The goal has been to ensure stability and predictability for developers and to help HRM maintain eligibility for federal infrastructure investments, which require stable development charges. The extension, which took effect with a regulatory amendment on November 5, 2026, prevents the introduction of new development fees and increases to existing charges during the freeze period.
Details of the Extension and Its Scope
John A. MacDonald, Minister of Municipal Affairs, stated that the extended freeze aligns Nova Scotia with federal requirements, “support[ing] continued access to federal investments needed to help drive housing and growth in our communities.” This extension follows negotiations with the federal government to maintain flexibility for specific adjustments.
The freeze applies to all development-related fees and charges that are imposed by both the Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Water. These include municipal development fees and Halifax Water fees that would otherwise be subject to increases or new introductions during the period covered by the freeze.
Allowance for Inflation-Linked Adjustments
Although the freeze prevents any new or increased development charges, the province secured an agreement allowing fees that are already indexed to the consumer price index (CPI) to continue adjusting with inflation. This ensures that eligible charges can keep pace with economic changes, while still adhering to the requirements for stability established by federal infrastructure funding agreements.
Regulatory Framework
The amendment updates regulations under Section 236A of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter. The updated regulations formalize the new expiration date and the terms of the freeze, ensuring ongoing compliance with both provincial regulations and federal funding conditions related to infrastructure investment and growth support.
Ongoing Impact
This extended freeze is expected to provide certainty for developers and support housing growth and infrastructure investment in the Halifax region, as the province continues to work in partnership with federal authorities.
Source: halifax.citynews.ca.
