Our Association is involved in many technically complex, politically sensitive and community based projects and initiatives, and has a proactive relationship with various levels of government on numerous issues. Below are three top issues we are currently addressing.
In these challenging time there are many resources available to our members to support them on the Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels. A link to some useful resources along with UDI updates can be found below:
UDI has long been concerned with providing affordable housing options to Nova Scotians. We closely watch government rules and regulations which may impact on affordability, and lobby for changes which will allow more first time home buyers into the market.
HRM have released Package B of their Centre Plan. Visit www.centreplan.ca for fact sheets, interactive map and draft planning documents. Public consultation has been delayed due to COVID-19, however HRM have created a series of surveys on key Centre Plan Package B themes, which will be open until August 31, 2020. Comments can also be forwarded to HRM until that time.
Package A was finalized and made law in late 2019.
HRM & consultant Turner Drake are in the process of reviewing all Infrastructure Charges (Capital Cost Contributions) which apply to developments within HRM. UDI supports fair and clearly outlined fee structures for all charges applied by HRM, however, we are concerned that unnecessarily high fees will increase the affordability of housing. UDI commissioned a report from Altus Group on costs in HRM and Moncton, our closest equivalent in the Canadian Maritimes, which is complete and will be released shortly.
