News Release

Regional Council unanimously approves 2014-15 budgets

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 (Halifax, NS) – Regional Council unanimously approved Halifax Regional Municipality’s 2014-15 operating and project budgets today.

The $845-million gross operating and $144-million gross project budgets include a residential tax rate decrease of one cent while the urban commercial tax rate drops by 11.5 cents. The transit tax rate remains unchanged.

The general rates of taxation (per $100 of Assessed Value) on residential property will be set at:

• $0.658 for the urban area (Last year: $0.668)
• $0.625 for the suburban area (Last year: $0.635)
• $0.619 for the rural area (Last year: 0.629)

The general rates of taxation on commercial property (per $100 of Assessed Value) will be set at:

• $2.939 for the urban area (Last year: $3.054)
• $2.939 for the suburban area (Last year: $3.054)
• $2.590 for the rural area (Last year: $2.691)

Tax rates associated with Transit (per $100 of Assessed Value) will be set at:

• $0.051 for the Regional Transportation tax rate (Same as last year)
• $0.105 for the Local Transit tax rate (Same as last year)

Regional Council is approving a budget that will ensure 88 per cent of homes and 57 per cent of commercial properties will have a tax bill this year that will be the same or lower than last year.

“This council is committed to governing with a mandate to keep taxes in line while improving on the services important to our citizens,” said Mayor Mike Savage. “And I believe the 2014-15 budget achieves both goals in a balanced, responsible way.”

The new budget reflects an ongoing commitment to achieve Regional Council priorities – with investment in initiatives ranging from planning for the future transit network and enhancing Metro Transit’s current technology ($8.8-million), to maintaining and improving the road network throughout the region ($24.5-million).

Over the next year, citizens will also see completion of the new Central Library, a major streetscaping project on Queen Street, significant progress on the Parking Strategy, and analysis of the potential redevelopment for the Cogswell Interchange.

Regional Council also takes quite seriously the safety and security of its citizens. This year Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency will present details from major reviews it has undertaken that will lead to operational plans as HRFE mobilizes and restructures to meet the changing demands of the region while Halifax Regional Police will be implementing its strategic plan that will guide its operations, leadership, and management to 2024.

For more information on the approved 2014-15 budgets visit www.halifax.ca/budget

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Media Contact:

Shaune MacKinlay
Principal Advisor
Mayor’s Office
490-6531

Brendan Elliott
Senior Communications Advisor
490-2377