Unpacking Halifax’s Zoning Overhaul: What the New Proposals Mean for the City
Halifax is on the brink of a major transformation. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, with a population surge of 14% over the past five years, the pressing need for housing has driven the city to propose significant zoning changes. These changes, aimed at rapidly increasing housing density, recently passed their first major hurdle and are poised to reshape the urban and suburban landscapes of Halifax.
A Closer Look at the Proposed Changes
The core of the proposed changes allows for the construction of over 200,000 new housing units across Halifax, with around 135,000 slated for suburban areas and 70,700 for urban centers. This ambitious plan stems from Halifax winning a $79-million grant from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, designed to fast-track housing development in response to the city’s dire shortage of approximately 20,000 units.
Zoning for Growth and Accessibility
In nearly all residential areas through the urban service area—where city water and wastewater infrastructure already exists—the proposal would permit at least four units per lot. More dramatically, in the urban cores of Dartmouth and Halifax, up to eight units could be built on a single lot. This densification effort is complemented by proposed increases in building height and density along current and planned transit routes, enhancing accessibility and encouraging use of public transportation.
Specific Developments and Reactions
The proposal also includes approvals for nearly 100 specific developments within the regional center and suburban areas. Notably, the areas around Dartmouth’s Ropeworks, near Victoria Park and the so-called flower streets, as well as Jubilee Road and the Young-Woodill divisions in Halifax, are slated for new zoning that could transform these neighbourhoods significantly.
Public reaction has been mixed, with over 700 emails and five petitions received during the consultation phase. The proposal to allow nine-storey buildings around post-secondary schools on the peninsula met with considerable opposition, leading to its retraction. Instead, the focus shifted to permitting higher buildings directly on university campuses to facilitate new student housing projects.
Adjusting to Feedback
Further adjustments were made in response to public feedback, including the decision to only allow one backyard suite per lot and a reduction, but not a complete removal, of parking requirements for suburban developments. These tweaks reflect the municipality’s attempt to balance rapid development with maintaining the unique character and heritage of Halifax.
Conclusion: Balancing Growth with Character
As Halifax moves forward with these changes, the balancing act between urgent housing needs and preserving the historical and cultural significance of its neighbourhoods continues. The heritage committee has moved the changes to the regional council, which is expected to debate them further. A public hearing will be held before any final decision is made, providing a crucial platform for residents to voice their concerns or support.
This zoning overhaul could be a game-changer for Halifax, promising to address critical housing shortages while reshaping the city’s future. As these discussions progress, the outcomes will likely influence urban planning policies far beyond the borders of Halifax.
