Advocacy Update: Development Charges & Housing Affordability

CHBA NS continues to advocate on issues that directly affect the cost and feasibility of building new housing in Nova Scotia. One of our immediate priorities is the upcoming expiration of the development approval cost freeze in Halifax Regional Municipality.

Development Charge Freeze

The provincial development approval cost freeze is currently scheduled to expire on November 9, 2026.

CHBA NS has been advocating for the Province to maintain the freeze and provide industry with clarity well before the November deadline.

Why This Matters

Housing affordability remains one of the industry's biggest challenges. Significant increases in development-related costs can affect project feasibility and ultimately the cost of delivering new homes.

Our message remains that decisions affecting development costs need to be considered through an affordability and housing-delivery lens.

Industry also needs predictability. Builders and developers make investment and project decisions well in advance, and uncertainty around future fees makes planning increasingly difficult.

Infrastructure and Growth

CHBA NS recognizes that significant infrastructure investment is required to support Nova Scotia's growth. Water, wastewater, stormwater, and other infrastructure are fundamental to building more housing.

For CHBA NS, the conversation must include not only how infrastructure is funded, but how those costs affect the affordability and delivery of new housing.

CHBA NS Advocacy

CHBA NS has formally raised these concerns with the Province and requested that the development charge freeze be maintained.

We have also emphasized the importance of providing industry with advance notice and certainty regarding the Province's plans before the current freeze expires.

Response from the Minister

CHBA NS has received a response from the Minister of Municipal Affairs regarding our advocacy.

CHBA NS will continue to engage with government and our industry partners as the November 9 deadline approaches and will keep members informed of any developments through the Hub.

Our focus remains clear: housing affordability, predictability, and creating the conditions necessary to build more homes in Nova Scotia.