Halifax councillors criticize provincial planning override as a back-door fix to its earlier rejection, calling public consultation a “sham.”
Province imposes interim planning override
Last week, Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr designated the entire Halifax municipality as an interim planning area—a move that allows the province to unilaterally implement planning rules and housing changes immediately, even though those changes had previously been rejected. The measure effectively re-asserts provincial authority over municipal planning.
Councillors say this reverses earlier decision
Halifax council members responded sharply, arguing the province is “undoing their own mistake.” Councillor David Hendsbee framed it as the government correcting a self-inflicted error. Councillor Sam Austin added that the province’s earlier rejection of Halifax’s regional plan threw ongoing housing projects into disarray, making this override a rescue tactic.
Scope and timing of the changes
The planning alterations mostly consist of minimum rules the province had previously directed Halifax to adopt. They include eliminating bedroom-mix mandates in new buildings and allowing alternative housing types (such as shipping containers) across residential zones. The province also accelerated plans for nine suburban growth sites intended for major future development.
Next steps: municipal implementation and consultation
Halifax must now formalize the changes at the municipal level. On Tuesday, council instructed staff to proceed with the regular public consultation process, despite criticism from councillors who warned that the engagement may be tokenistic. Local residents may submit comments until October 24, and a public hearing is scheduled thereafter.
Industry workshops and stakeholder influence
Municipal staff confirmed the province required targeted workshops with industry groups, specifically the Urban Development Institute of Nova Scotia. The institute, comprising major developers, builders, engineers, and lawyers, had submitted seven pages of recommendations in mid-September. Those inputs are expected to influence how Halifax frames its official plan.
Authority, timing, and concerns
Although the interim designation is temporary—meant to end once Halifax finalizes its plan—Halifax’s planning director, Kate Greene, told council the minister retains broad flexibility to make further changes during the interim period. The province has directed Halifax to adopt the revisions by mid-December, raising concerns among councillors and observers over municipal autonomy and the meaningfulness of public input.
