The Nova Scotia government has introduced a new legislation allowing proactive designation of land for future priority transportation corridors. This move necessitates individuals owning property adjacent to these areas to obtain a permit from the province before conducting specific activities.
Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr introduced the Transportation Corridor Control Act as part of an omnibus bill presented at Province House. The aim is to enhance the timely and cost-effective delivery of significant transportation infrastructure projects by reducing delays and enhancing coordination among landowners, municipalities, and utilities.
Once an area is designated as a corridor, the legislation prohibits any construction, alteration, or development within 30 meters of the property without a permit issued by the minister. Utility companies are also required to obtain permission from the minister before conducting any work that involves grading or excavation on or near corridor land.
Moreover, the province reserves the right to access private property within 30 meters of transportation corridor land for site preparation purposes. The minister may also mandate the removal of structures, parts of buildings, or vegetation within the buffer zone if necessary.
Peter Hackett, the deputy minister of Link Nova Scotia overseeing transportation in the province, explained that the permit requirement from the province before municipal development permits are issued within a buffer zone aims to prevent conflicts.
The legislation does not impact the province’s existing processes for expropriations or land negotiations deemed necessary by the government. Matt Neville, a planner at Link Nova Scotia, described the legislation as an essential coordination tool for activities within challenging transportation corridors.
While specific corridors are yet to be determined, a recent transportation study provides insights into potential future projects, including widening Highway 102, implementing a commuter rail service, and rapid bus transit in Halifax Regional Municipality.
In addition to the transportation corridor legislation, the Municipal Modernization Act includes amendments to six other pieces of legislation. Notably, municipalities will now have the authority to reduce property taxes for homeowners rebuilding their homes after natural disasters.
This change addresses a situation that arose in 2023 when residents in Upper Tantallon faced property tax increases following a wildfire that destroyed their homes. The new legislation empowers all municipalities to establish their policies in such circumstances.
Given the ongoing threat of extreme weather events like wildfires in the Annapolis Valley, Minister Lohr emphasized the importance of being prepared for potential disasters.
Further modifications in the bill include exempting child-care centers from land-use regulations in Halifax Regional Municipality to facilitate their development. The legislation also introduces provisions for electronic tax sale payments, enables municipal returning officers to vote in elections, and expands options for public notices and advertisements during municipal elections.
Moreover, individuals can now request their names to be removed or obscured from publicly shared voter lists during elections. The bill also allows broader participation in the Cogswell Energy District beyond its designated boundaries.
