Halifax City Council Approves Zoning Changes to Address Housing Crisis

Halifax is addressing its housing crisis head-on with substantial zoning changes approved by city council. Supported by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, these measures promise to reshape the city’s zoning guidelines and provide much-needed relief to the ongoing housing criss. Read on to discover the details of this transformative initiative.

Downtown Halifax and Peninsula

In alignment with the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), Halifax Regional Council has unanimously approved comprehensive zoning changes aimed at tackling the city’s housing crisis. These changes will significantly boost housing supply by enabling the construction of thousands of new units across the municipality.

In downtown Halifax and the peninsula, the new zoning laws will facilitate higher density housing developments, particularly near transit corridors and educational institutions. Formerly zoned for single-family homes, these areas can now accommodate multi-unit dwellings of up to eight units per lot. This strategic move is intended to increase housing options for students and young professionals, leveraging existing infrastructure and amenities to support a higher population density. The increased height and density allowances will encourage the development of taller buildings, optimizing space and housing more residents in a compact urban environment.

Dartmouth

Dartmouth will experience targeted changes to accommodate growth while preserving its unique character. New and expanded heritage conservation districts, including the Ropeworks and Flower Streets, aim to balance increased density with historical preservation. This approach allows for the integration of modern housing needs with the area’s rich heritage, potentially supporting multi-unit residential buildings and mixed-use developments in downtown Dartmouth.

Furthermore, Dartmouth will see the creation of new growth nodes, such as in North Woodside along Pleasant Street near the ferry terminal and Circumferential Highway. These areas are designated for significant future development, with detailed planning required to minimize potential conflicts between residential and industrial uses. This strategic planning will ensure that growth is managed effectively and sustainably.

Suburban Areas

Suburban neighborhoods will also benefit from the zoning changes, albeit with a more moderated impact compared to downtown. The amendments allow for up to four units per lot in suburban areas, adhering to existing setback and lot control standards to maintain the suburban character. These changes aim to increase housing availability while ensuring neighborhoods retain their community feel. Additionally, the elimination of minimum parking requirements will facilitate more efficient land use and reduce development costs, promoting sustainable urban growth.

Housing Accelerator Fund

These zoning changes are part of a broader initiative supported by the Housing Accelerator Fund, which will provide over $79.3 million to Halifax. This funding aims to eliminate barriers to housing construction, expedite permitting processes, reduce upfront costs, and incentivize the use of pre-approved building plans. It also includes provisions for converting commercial properties to residential use and expanding affordable housing grants. The federal and local authorities expect these combined efforts to facilitate the construction of more than 8,800 new homes over the next decade, significantly boosting the city’s housing stock.

Conclusion

Overall, the approved zoning changes represent a comprehensive strategy to address Halifax’s housing crisis. By enabling diverse housing developments across various neighborhoods, the city aims to create 15,000 new units annually over the next three years, setting the foundation for sustainable and inclusive urban growth.

Zoning Map

All areas affected by these new zoning changes can be seen on the map at this link.

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