Economy
New Housing Regulations in HRM: Removing Barriers and Expanding Opportunities
Tim Houston’s government is taking decisive action to address the pressing need for housing in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). On August 21, 2024, new regulations were introduced to eliminate barriers and create more opportunities for housing development in HRM, aiming to tackle the ongoing housing crisis.
Getting Homes Built in the HRM
The new regulations under the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter mandate that increasing the housing supply must be the central focus in all land-use planning, regulations, and development decisions within HRM. John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, emphasized the importance of this move: “Nova Scotians need more housing, and that need is especially great in HRM. These regulations will ensure that increasing supply is a key focus in the municipal planning process and the prime consideration in development decisions.”
Key Changes to Housing Regulations
The regulations introduce several significant changes designed to facilitate housing development:
- Residential Uses in Most Zones: Residential developments will now be permitted in most zones, where appropriate, to maximize housing opportunities across HRM.
- Removal of On-Site Parking Requirements: For developments in the urban service area, on-site parking requirements will no longer be mandatory, making it easier to develop new housing projects.
- Height Restrictions and Density: Height restrictions will be adjusted to ensure they do not negatively impact density, particularly for mass timber residential developments.
- Flexibility for Residential Buildings: New rules remove unit-mix requirements and reduce the percentage of ground-floor commercial space required for residential buildings started before April 1, 2027.
- Permitting Manufactured and Temporary Housing: The regulations allow for manufactured housing, including modified shipping containers, in all residential zones, and permit temporary housing in all zones for employees working on or near a job site.
- Suburban Planning Strategy: HRM must adopt a secondary municipal planning strategy for suburban areas by January 31, 2025, to better accommodate growth in these regions.
Trusted Partner Program for Developers
A notable addition is the introduction of Canada’s first trusted partner program for qualified developers. This program will streamline and expedite services for developers with a proven track record of quality developments. The municipality will be required to adopt a bylaw supporting this program, with the deadline to be determined by the Minister.
Simplifying Planning Appeals
To further expedite housing development, changes in building color, cladding material, and the arrangement of windows and doors will now be considered non-substantive in planning appeals for residential developments. This change aims to reduce unnecessary delays in the approval process.
Addressing Housing Barriers: A Collaborative Effort
These new regulations align with recommendations from the HRM Housing Development Barrier Review conducted by Deloitte, which identified obstacles to rapidly increasing housing supply. The regulations also complement ongoing municipal efforts related to the federal housing accelerator program, ensuring a coordinated approach to solving HRM’s housing challenges.
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage increased to $16.75 per hour on April 1, fulfilling a commitment made by the Progressive Conservatives during the 2024 election campaign.
The increase is part of a broader plan to raise wages in a predictable way. A second increase is already scheduled for October 1, 2026, when the minimum wage will rise to $17 per hour. Both adjustments follow a formula set out in provincial regulations, tying increases to the consumer price index plus one per cent.
The previous minimum wage was $16.50 per hour. Since April 2021, the PC government has raised the minimum wage eight times—from $12.95—reflecting a steady upward trend across the province.
The increases are based on the unanimous recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee, which includes representatives from both employees and employers.
In addition to raising the minimum wage, the provincial government points to a series of affordability measures aimed at supporting Nova Scotians and encouraging workforce participation.
These include cutting the HST and increasing the basic personal amount to $11,744 from $8,744—meaning every Nova Scotian can earn an additional $3,000 tax-free.
Other measures include making the Heating Assistance Rebate Program permanent at $400 annually, investing $1.7 billion through the government’s five-year housing plan, Our Homes, Action for Housing, increasing income assistance and indexing it to inflation, and expanding skills training and workforce development programs.
Nova Scotia’s small business community is showing renewed optimism, ranking second highest in the country for confidence, according to the latest Monthly Business Barometer released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
The March 2026 report highlights a notable shift in sentiment among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with Nova Scotia emerging as one of the strongest-performing provinces in Canada. The CFIB’s Business Barometer is a widely followed indicator that measures business owners’ expectations for their performance over the next 12 months, with scores above 50 indicating optimism.
Strong showing despite national dip
Nationally, small business confidence declined in March, with the long-term index falling to 55.8 and the short-term outlook also weakening.
However, Nova Scotia stood out as a bright spot, maintaining relatively strong confidence compared to most other provinces. Provincial trends showed that while many regions experienced declines, Nova Scotia saw stable or slightly improved sentiment, helping it secure a top-tier ranking nationwide.
Atlantic resilience
The Atlantic region continues to demonstrate resilience, with Nova Scotia’s performance reflecting a broader trend of cautious optimism among local entrepreneurs. Earlier in 2026, confidence levels in Nova Scotia were already among the stronger in Canada, with business sentiment climbing alongside provinces like Quebec and New Brunswick.
Outlook
While uncertainty remains in the broader economic environment, Nova Scotia’s strong ranking signals confidence in future growth and stability. As CFIB’s latest data shows, Nova Scotia’s entrepreneurs are not just weathering current challenges—they are positioning themselves as among the most optimistic in the country heading into the year ahead.
The landscape of affordable housing in Pictou is seeing a significant shift as construction begins on a new 27-unit development on Beeches Road, part of a broader provincial effort to increase long-term housing stability.
The announcement was made Friday by Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West, on behalf of Housing Minister John White. The Beeches Road project, a partnership between the Province, the federal government, and the Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative, aims to provide a mix of market-rate and permanently affordable homes.
More housing is on the way for Pictou, and more residents will soon have a place to call home.
— Tim Houston (@TimHoustonNS) March 21, 2026
Our government is proud to support the construction of a new 27-unit development on Beeches Road, including 11 homes that will remain affordable permanently, helping provide long-term… pic.twitter.com/cm7LH49X0w
Stability Through Affordability
Of the 27 units currently under construction, 11 are designated as permanently affordable. This unique structure ensures that these homes remain accessible for generations, rather than expiring after a set number of years.
“Each new home strengthens our community, and these 27 units are more than a construction project – they are future homes for people in Pictou,” said Pictou West MLA MacLeod. “By working with our partners, we’re helping to give people a home where they can build their lives, raise their families, and stay connected to the community they love.”
The financial breakdown for the Beeches Road development includes:
- Federal Government: $9.4 million via the Affordable Housing Fund.
- Province of Nova Scotia: $1.639 million via the Affordable Housing Development Program.
- Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative: $390,958.
Rent for the affordable units is set at $785 for one-bedroom, $912 for two-bedroom, and $1,140 for three-bedroom units. Notably, these rates are inclusive of electricity, heat, hot water, laundry, and parking.
Stonehouse Manor
The announcement also highlighted the completion of Stonehouse Manor, a 132-year-old historic municipal building in downtown Pictou that has been repurposed into 15 residential units.
The conversion, which is already fully occupied, provides 10 affordable units. This project was made possible through a $1 million provincial contribution, $1.3 million from the federal government, and $237,350 from the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council.
The dual announcements represent a multi-million dollar investment aimed at addressing the diverse housing needs of the North Shore, blending historic preservation with modern new builds.
