Policies

To address Halifax’s housing crisis, our members support a set of policies that remove barriers to development and ensure housing gets built for Haligonians in every income bracket.

These are:

Legalize Missing Middle and Infill Housing – Allowing duplexes, triplexes, and small-scale infill increases housing options for everyone. These should be allowed in all areas zoned residentially.

End Restrictive Zoning – By removing restrictions that limit housing types, more units like duplexes, triplexes, condos, and low and high-rise apartment buildings can be built in existing neighbourhoods, directly boosting the overall housing supply

End Lot Size Requirements – Removing lot size requirements makes it easier to buy land at an affordable price and encourages more efficient use of land. This helps preserve green space, gives Haligonians more freedom of choice over their housing options and will lower the overall cost of housing.

Remove Spacing Restrictions for New Builds – Reducing minimum lot spacing allows developers to build more efficiently, increasing urban density and protecting Halifax’s green space.

Remove Minimum Parking Requirements – Eliminating mandatory parking reduces construction costs and allows for denser, more transit-oriented development to get built.

Tax Land Instead of Property – Shifting taxes from property-based to land-based valuations discourages real estate speculation and encourages denser development, increasing supply and making housing more affordable for those who need it most.

Increase Government Investment in Public Housing – Direct investment ensures safer and more affordable homes for those who are most impacted by the housing crisis.

Expand Subsidies for Homeless Shelters and Aid – Targeted support helps vulnerable populations access housing quickly. No one in Halifax should have to go to sleep without a roof over their head.

Improve Investment in Transit and Civic Infrastructure – Better infrastructure is needed to support denser development and sustainable urban growth. We can’t have more homes without properly investing in the means to support them.