News Release

New Provincial Legislation Could Help HRM Residents Finance Solar Energy

(Monday, November 29, 2010) Legislation introduced last week by the Province will help HRM move forward with programs that increase sustainability in HRM.

Specifically, amendments to the HRM Charter would allow homeowners to finance solar hot water heating systems through their tax bills and allow clotheslines on all HRM properties, regardless of restrictive covenants. An amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act could require motorists to yield to transit vehicles.

Mayor Peter Kelly said he was encouraged by the proposed changes. “HRM has made sustainable choices a priority so we are pleased to be in a better position to help residents do the same and save money at the same time,” he said. “We thank the Province for its vision with respect to sustainability here and across Nova Scotia.”

In particular, the Province’s proposed amendment to the HRM Charter is well-timed for HRM staff to take next steps in moving forward a proposal for a pilot program that would help HRM homeowners install solar hot water heating panels on their property. Through the proposed community solar project, participants would finance the cost of the panels and installation through an adjustment on their tax bill.

Information sessions for the community solar project - Solar City - are as follows.

November 29th - Sackville 6-8 pm - Sackville Heights Community Centre
December 1st - Halifax 6-8 pm - Saint Mary’s Boat Club
December 8th - Dartmouth 6-8 pm - Alderney Library - Helen Creighton Room
December 13th - Spryfield 6-8 pm - Captain William Spry Community Centre

More information on this program can be found at halifax.ca/solarcity and information on other HRM sustainability initiatives can be found at halifax.ca/environment/semo.html. For provincial legislation, visit gov.ns.ca.

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Contact:

HRM Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010

Richard MacLellan
SEMO
490-6056

Julian Boyle
Infrastructure and Asset Management
476-8075