About the Regional Plan
The Halifax Regional Municipal Planning Strategy (also called the 'Regional Plan') sets out a common vision, principles, and long-range, region-wide planning policies outlining where, when and how future growth and development should take place. The Regional Plan is regularly reviewed and the current review was initiated in 2020.
What has happened?
Halifax Regional Council held a Public Hearing on the proposed Regional Plan and amendment package, including Minimum Planning Requirements on Thursday, June 19, 2025 and approved the documents. These were subsequently sent to the Provincial Planning Director for approval, as required under Section 223 of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.
On Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, the Halifax Regional Municipality received a letter from the Province of Nova Scotia's Minister of Municipal Affairs in response to the municipality's submission of the updated Regional Plan, refusing the approval of the documents. This means that the current 2014 Regional Plan remains in effect.
In October 2025, the Province issued an Interim Planning Order and worked with Municipal staff to bring planning documents (2014 Regional Plan, Secondary Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use Bylaws) into compliance with the Order. This interim approach amendment package was called Planning Changes to Support Housing Supply. These amendments were approved by Halifax Regional Council on December 11, 2025. On December 31, 2025, the planning documents were referred to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Per HRM Charter section 223(7), on January 31, 2026, the planning documents were deemed to be approved.
Next Steps
Staff anticipate returning to Regional Council with a work plan for the next step of the Regional Plan review, known as phase 5, in early 2026. Updates will be posted to this website as information comes available.
About the Review
 | The Regional Plan Review builds on the current 2014 Regional Plan and sets out the goals, objectives and direction for long-term growth and development across the municipality. It responds to increased population growth, housing demand, the need to act on climate and the actions set out in the Priority Plans. A proposed 2025 Regional Plan was informed by feedback received on the 2023 Draft Plan. In June 2025 Council approved the proposed 2025 Regional Plan, however it was later refused by the Minister of Municipal Affairs. At this time, the 2014 Regional Plan as amended (January 2026) to meet provincial interests including the Minimum Planning Requirements remains in effect. |
 | Site-Specific Requests are applications for changes to policy to allow specific development(s). These requests are located across the municipality. Staff review these applications and make a recommendation to Council on what to do. |
Phase 5
Phase 5 - Upcoming
Phase 5 will be looking at areas of future growth, including site specific requests. Additional details and next steps will be posted here as they become available.
Phase 4
Phase 4 included:
Phase 4 included:
- Draft Regional Plan
- Public Engagement, including engagement for the Minimum Planning Requirements
- Regional Council Approval Process
- Provincial Review
Regional Plan Review Staff Reports
June 2023 - Draft Regional Plan Documents
December 2023 - What We Heard Report
December 2023 - What We Heard Report
Phase 3
Phase 3 included:
- Quick Housing Adjustments
- Additional Policy Work
- Public Engagement
- Council Approval Process
Phase 2
Phase 2 included
- Themes & Direction Document
- Public Engagement
- Community Engagement
Phase 2: Themes and Directions
Phase 1
Phase 1 includes
- Initiation
- Research
- Early Engagement
