Halifax Regional Council launched the suburban planning process for the Suburban Area (generally lands where transit, central water and sewer services are provided, located outside of the circumferential highway (Highway 111) and the Halifax Peninsula). This comprehensive planning process is an opportunity to shape the future of our suburban communities for years to come. For more information and updates click here.
About the Suburban Plan
Land use planning guides the sustainable growth and development of communities. It aims to use land efficiently and strategically, protect natural resources, and reduce conflicts and negative impacts from development. It also supports community goals, such as ensuring equitable access to housing, transit, recreation, and welcoming public spaces.
Guided by a vision for the future, planners work closely with residents, community organizations, property owners and other key groups to develop a plan and supporting regulations that will direct growth and change in the community. Any new plan or changes to a plan must be approved by Council.
Many of the planning documents that regulate land use and development in our suburban communities were created before the municipality’s amalgamation in 1996, leaving them outdated in addressing the needs of current residents as well as growth challenges. The suburban planning process will provide a fresh look at where new housing and services need to go, how people move and what amenities are needed to support both current and new residents.
The Suburban Plan will help to protect what makes each community unique—its history, character and culture—while addressing important issues like housing, climate change and aging infrastructure. It is an opportunity to modernize and simplify our planning documents to better meet the needs of today’s residents and future generations.
If approved by Regional Council, the Suburban Plan will largely replace eleven existing community plans with one plan and land use by-law that contain updated land use policies and regulations for properties within the Suburban Area.
This process will involve technical studies and significant community engagement with residents and key partners to develop an inclusive vision for the future. It will be informed by the key directions of the Regional Plan and will support goals set out in Priority Plans such as the Integrated Mobility Plan, HalifACT and the Green Network Plan.
Help us shape the future of suburban communities
Further details on the Suburban Plan can be found on our digital engagement hub, which provides answers to frequently asked questions as well as factsheets, questionnaires and more.
Contact us
To reach out to the Suburban Plan team, please send us an email at suburbanplan@halifax.ca and our team will follow up as soon as possible.
