Halifax mayor commends new housing measures

But Mike Savage says he still has some concerns

CITYnews\ Chris Halef

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Halifax’s mayor is applauding the provincial government’s new housing measures. Mike Savage says there’s much to commend, but he still has some concerns.

On Wednesday, Premier Tim Houston and Housing Minister John Lohr announced plans to tackle the housing crisis, which includes an investment of $35 million to build over 1,100 affordable housing units and making 425 new rent supplements available immediately.

The province said it would also be adding inclusionary zoning to the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter and the Municipal Government Act this House session.

Speaking to reporters, Savage says he supports this move.

“While we obviously await details on that, I believe this measure, first requested by HRM formally in December of 2016, will mean many more affordable units are included in new builds,” he said.

Savage believes extending the rent cap to December 2023 is a good temporary measure.

“Most of our landlords are awesome but we have seen some who have done outrageous things and have tried to take advantage of people and that’s not right, ” he said.

The province plans to introduce legislation which would create a planning task force aimed at focusing on faster planning and development approvals for large residential projects in the municipality.

But Savage said he still wants more information.

“Our concern is what is this panel exactly going to do?” said Savage. “I’m open-minded about what it might do but I will say this, we’re not going to compromise on the environment, we’re not going to compromise on good planning.”

He adds he looks forward to working with the province and other officials to accomplish their shared goals.