NEWS RELEASE

Regional Council Votes To Initiate Planning Change Process

(Thursday, September 25, 2008) – Tuesday evening HRM Regional Council voted to initiate a process to consider amending the Planning Districts 14 & 17 Municipal Planning Strategy(MPS) and Land Use Bylaw to permit alternate housing forms other than single unit dwellings.

The initiative came as a result of the recent Fall River Vision process which outlines how the community sees the area developing in the coming years. A shortage of dwelling units, other than single unit dwellings, was identified as a priority.

The proposal would allow for alternate housing forms in new open space subdivisions over the entire plan area. Where the development is within the water service boundary and within the Fall River centre identified under the Regional Plan, increased density for alternate housing forms could be considered..

Councillor Krista Snow, District 2 - Waverley - Fall River - Beaver Bank said, " This proposed amendment will allow the area to develop and grow in a manner that reflects the changing demographics and needs of residents. I'm pleased we are moving ahead with this initiative".

The alternate housing forms that could be permitted under the proposed amendment of the MPS include single unit, semi-detached, townhouse or multi-unit.

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Contacts:

James Campbell - HRM Corporate Communications
902-490-4604

Councillor Krista Snow, District 2 - Waverley - Fall River - Beaver Bank
860-1206