Nova Scotia’s Utility and Review Board says it has no authority to waive Halifax Water’s fees for non-profits building affordable housing, and those fees are likely going up. In a decision released Thursday, the UARB approved Halifax Water’s request to increase its regional development charge, or RDC. The RDC is meant to pay for direct […]
Halifax council approves grant program for non-profit housing in regional centre
Halifax will provide grants to non-profit organizations building or renovating affordable housing using a new program approved by regional council on Wednesday. When council passed the first half of the Centre Plan — the land-use bylaw governing peninsular Halifax and Dartmouth within Highway 111 — last year, it agreed to a density bonusing policy where […]
Densely calculated density
In return for "public benefits" — affordable housing units, public art, and the like — the city trades "density bonuses" that allow developers to build higher and bigger than planning rules would otherwise allow. But a study shows that on just six big developments downtown, the city lost a potential $8 million in public benefits because it low-balled calculations.
If public meetings to discuss the municipality’s Centre Plan were episodes of Sesame Street, they would be “brought to you by the number 15.” The Centre Plan would chart development for the next 15 years. But that same number keeps getting raised in pointed questions from citizens who want to know why there’s a 15-year...
Dawn Sloane says her parking spot is worth $25,000: Morning File, Friday, November 10, 2017
News 1. Constructive dismissal The trial of Calvin Clarke’s suit against the Halifax Herald Ltd. continued in Supreme Court yesterday, with testimony from Nancy Cook, who holds the ridiculous title of “chief people officer” at Saltwire, the Herald’s parent company, followed by Alex Liot, the VP of Sales. Clarke is claiming “constructive dismissal,” which basically means […]
Groups may have to compromise on housing plans for St. Pat’s-Alexandra site
North end residents dreamed big about the future of St. Pat’s-Alexandra at a meeting last night, but heard they may have to compromise on their housing goals. About 70 people attended the consultation at the Halifax North Memorial Public Library to yet again speak their minds on the future of the former school site. It...