News Release

Halifax Regional Municipality Tables the 2011/2012 Budget

(Tuesday, April 19, 2011) - Today, Chief Administrative Officer Richard Butts and Acting Chief Financial Officer, Bruce Fisher, tabled the proposed 2011/2012 budget for the Halifax Regional Municipality. The proposed budget is balanced, recommends no tax rate increase and focuses resources on Council’s key priorities including infrastructure and transit.

A $758 million gross Operating Budget (4.3% increase over 2010/11) and a gross Capital Budget of $145 million (7.6 % decrease over 2010/11) is being proposed.

In presenting the draft budget, Mr. Butts noted several new services citizens can expect to see. Progress is being made on major capital projects such as the Halifax Central Library and the skating oval on the Halifax Common. Metro Transit’s focus includes the new Dartmouth bridge terminal, the addition of urban express routes and the new route 90 Larry Uteck, which will serve the growing high-density development along Larry Uteck Boulevard. HRM’s Youth Advocacy Program will continue and an African Nova Scotian Affairs function will be added.

“These projects encourage economic growth and are significant community investments that benefit the entire region,” said Mr. Butts. “Continued support for these priorities will require increased attention to controlling expenditure growth through process improvements and service reviews.”

As per Council’s direction, HRM will continue to make a significant investment in transit. Over the last couple of years there has been a growing focus on transit throughout the region to support the regional plan. With 17,000 new hours of service, it is expected that initially an increase in ridership will be 110,000 annual boardings and will grow.

As a result of assessment growth and operating efficiencies, citizens will see enhanced services without any increase in the tax rate.

“This budget is very much a balancing act,” said Bruce Fisher, HRM’s Acting Chief Financial Officer. “We’ve tried to limit the amount of taxes we take from citizens while providing as many services as we can.”

HRM will continue to enhance the services we deliver as effectively as possible to meet the needs and wants of citizens.

"The proposed budget balances the need to focus on efficiency and accountability without compromising service to our citizens.” said Mr. Butts.

Halifax Regional Council is scheduled to debate the proposed budget starting on May 9, 2011.

For more information on the proposed 2011/12 budget please visit: www.halifax.ca/budget

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Contact:

Richard Butts, Chief Administrative Officer
Halifax Regional Municipality
490-6430

Bruce Fisher, Acting Chief Financial Officer
Halifax Regional Municipality
490-6308