FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2026
Hundreds sign up in campaign to stop Halifax’s property tax hike
HALIFAX – More than 600 people have signed up to a campaign opposing Halifax’s proposed 10.9% property tax increase.
The Stop the Property Tax Hike campaign urges Halifax Regional Council to reject the 10.9% property tax increase recommended by Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) staff. According to forecasts by HRM staff, property taxes are expected to increase an average 10% per year over the next four years.
“People can’t absorb another tax hike right now and they certainly can’t afford 40% in property tax hikes over the next four years,” said Kevin Russell, Executive Director of Rental Housing Providers of Nova Scotia, the campaign’s sponsor. “If these hikes go through, housing costs will rise across the city, rents will be pushed higher, and small businesses will have a harder time keeping their doors open.”
Stop the Property Tax Hike is also calling on City Hall to start using an ‘affordability lens’ when they make budget decisions. That means considering each spending carefully, balancing the budget, reviewing the city’s headcount and finding operational efficiencies to reduce rising administrative costs.
“We love where we live, but HRM’s operating budget has grown by 53% over the last decade, far faster than inflation,” Russell stressed. “This overspending is pushing up taxes and is squeezing homeowners, renters and small businesses at a time their budgets are also being hit by rising costs of water, power, food and fuel.”
Residents and businesses can take action by:
- Visiting StopTheRateHikes.ca;
- Signing up for the campaign;
- Using the email tool to contact the Mayor and Halifax Regional Concillors and tell them to stop the disconnected spending and recognize that a 10.9% hike is unaffordable and unacceptable;
- Sharing the campaign on social media
“The only way we can force Halifax Regional Council to make better choices and back down from this 10.9% property tax hike is if enough people speak up – loud and clear – to stop the property tax hike,” added Russell.
A public opinion research survey released last week showed overwhelming public opposition to HRM’s property tax hikes.
Stop the Property Rate Hike Campaign: https://www.stoptheratehikes.ca/
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For media inquiries:
Kevin Russell
Executive Director, RHPNS
902.789.0946