NEWS RELEASE

HRM Draft Regional Plan to Focus on Community Participation

(Tuesday, April 26, 2005) - Mayor Peter Kelly and members of Halifax Regional Council were presented today with a draft of HRM’s first Regional Plan today which, when approved, will serve as the blueprint for development, transportation and growth for the next 25 years.

The draft Plan, which was more than two years in the making, was developed by the Regional Planning Committee and project team following a series of public consultations, where citizens were given the opportunity to put forward their thoughts, ideas and comments on a variety of issues, including development, the environment, the economy and HRM’s heritage.

“I am extremely pleased that HRM staff was able to produce a complete plan-- on-time, and on-budget,” says Hugh Millward, Chair of the Regional Planning Advisory Committee. “I believe that when citizens and Councillors examine these policies in detail, they will see that this Plan will have a significant impact on HRM over the next 25 years... and it will all be for the good. This is very much a plan to protect our environment, and it is our intention that our footprint on this land, be as light as possible.”

Aside from the public consultations, Councillors, community stakeholders and planning experts from across the country had input in to the draft Plan. It provides the strategy for HRM, as a community, can preserve its environment, while at the same time maintaining a strong, vibrant economy, promoting new development and growth, and ensuring all transportation needs are met.
Mayor Kelly emphasizes the importance of public participation. “The Regional Plan will seek to address the needs and views of all HRM communities, recognizing the diversity of our unique traditions and heritage, as well as different geographies. We encourage your thoughts, ideas, questions and comments as we work towards a municipality that promotes a healthy, vibrant, sustainable community.”

HRM Council will be reviewing the draft Regional Plan in its entirety over the next week. For more information, please visit us online at www.halifax.ca/regionalplanning.

Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010

Hugh Millward
Chair, Regional Planning Advisory Committee.
(902) 420-5739

Carol Macomber
Project Manager, HRM Regional Planning
(902) 490-5908