News Release
Public Input Sought on New Infrastructure Cost Policy
(Friday, December 14/2001)-- Halifax Regional Municipality is looking for public input regarding its proposed Capital Cost Contribution policy. It will require land developers-not the municipality-- to pay infrastructure charges associated with new development.
Citizens interested in participating in the public opinion survey may obtain a copy at any HRM Customer Service Center, or may visit our website at www.halifax.ca.
The new charges will cover costs stemming from new or expanded water systems, wastewater facilities, storm water systems and streets/roads, as well as upgrading of intersections, traffic signals and bus bays.
Currently, land developers pay only for construction of local streets and sewer systems within subdivisions. A variety of approaches have been used to fund the main line infrastructure, to which new subdivisions connect their local systems.
Federal and provincial government funding for municipal infrastructure has diminished. HRM now carries a larger share of the cost, and its source of funds for this is debt financing. Repayment of the debt is then carried on the municipal tax base. Alternative sources of funding had to be considered in order to support future growth.
HRM has experienced sustained growth for several decades in both the urban and suburban areas. As a result, many of the main line infrastructure systems are approaching their design capacities.
The new policy establishes charges to be applied to land developers, as well as the share of expenditures which form a "regional benefit" and accrue to existing taxpayers. Where direct costs to the municipality arising from the subdivision of land are minimal, there will be no charge applied. HRM would identify infrastructure investment and cost- sharing through its annual Capital Budgeting process.
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Peter Duncan
Project Manager, CCC
(902) 490-6252
John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531
