THE STOP THE PROPERTY TAX HIKE CAMPAIGN IS MAKING AN IMPACT AT CITY HALL
The Stop the Property Tax Hike campaign is clearly resonating — and it is being felt at the Halifax Regional Municipality Budget Committee.
A tense exchange unfolded as Kevin Russell, Executive Director of Rental Housing Providers Nova Scotia (RHPNS), responded to pointed questioning from councillors regarding the campaign and its growing support.
With the proposed 2026/27 municipal tax increase currently projected at 10.9% — before additional spending through the Balance Adjustment List — RHPNS continues to highlight the cumulative impact of sustained municipal cost growth.
Property taxes are one of the largest fixed operating expenses in rental housing. They cannot be deferred, reduced, or negotiated. When layered on top of rising Nova Scotia Power rates, Halifax Water increases, insurance premiums, and regulatory compliance costs, they create sustained upward pressure on rents.
During the committee discussion, councillors scrutinized the structure of the campaign and pressed for detailed suggestions on budget reductions. RHPNS reiterated that residents support maintaining core services while expecting council to identify inefficiencies and restrain non-essential spending before imposing further tax increases.
The exchange made one thing clear: affordability is now front and centre in the municipal budget debate.
Municipal spending decisions do not occur in isolation — they directly affect housing costs, tenants, homeowners, and small businesses across HRM.
To continue read the full report of what occurred at City Hall, click here.