Province Will Not Extend Freeze on Halifax Development Charges
The Nova Scotia government has confirmed it will not extend the freeze on Halifax development charges, allowing municipal fees on new construction to resume. Development charges are levied to help fund infrastructure associated with growth, but they also add to upfront project costs. For multi-unit residential developers, higher development charges can materially affect project feasibility, financing requirements, and ultimately rental pricing.
As construction costs and borrowing rates remain elevated, the reinstatement of development charges represents an additional cost layer within the housing supply equation. Industry stakeholders continue to highlight the cumulative impact of municipal fees, taxes, and regulatory requirements on new rental development.
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