Regional Plan Review
AN IN-PERSON PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS FOR PHASE 3 OF THE REGIONAL PLAN REVIEW WILL BE HELD BY HRM REGIONAL COUNCIL ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, AT 6:00 PM IN REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS (CITY HALL) - 1841 ARGYLE STREET, HALIFAX. Advanced registration is NOT required. View the staff report.
All oral and written submissions will be considered at that time. Written submissions may be forwarded to the Municipal Clerk by mail, P.O. Box 1749, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3A5; by fax, 902-490-4208; or by e-mail. Written submissions should be received by the Municipal Clerk’s office as early as possible and not later than 3:00 p.m. on September 13, 2022.
Information on how to sign up to speak in advance is available on-line.
If you have questions about the public hearing process or how to access the staff report, please email or call 902.490.4210 the Office of the Municipal Clerk.
Should you have questions about the nature of the application itself or if the internet is unavailable to you, a paper copy of application materials can be sent to you by mail, contact Regional Planning by email or by phone at 902.943.9158.
This notice was posted to this site on August 12, 2022 in accordance with the requirements of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.
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Phase 3: Quick Adjustments – Proposed Amendments (Synopsis):
For Phase 3, staff focused on amendments that could be done quickly because they are aligned with existing Council policy and priorities. The detailed amendments can be found within Attachments A, B, C, and D of the staff report.
The proposed amendments include:
- Policy requiring Council to consider the policies and objectives of the priority plans (the Integrated Mobility Plan, Halifax Green Network Plan, HalifACT) as part of discretionary planning applications
- Policy requiring Council to consider environmental and cultural values, relationship to wilderness areas, mobility planning, and climate action as part of secondary planning;
- Policy and regulations to support housing diversity, that remove regulatory barriers in land use by-laws for tiny homes and converted shipping container dwellings.
- For tiny homes, this involves removing minimum dwelling size requirements and amending the definition of single unit dwelling to include mobile homes.
- For shipping container dwellings, the proposed amendments adjust the broad prohibition on shipping containers to allow shipping containers to be used as dwelling units or backyard suites.
- Policy to allow the adaptive reuse of municipally registered heritage properties by development agreement
- Policy to support ongoing work on community action plans for historical African Nova Scotian communities. This is a specific goal of the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity and Halifax’s Inclusive Economic Strategy.
- Revised Conservation Design Development policy to improve its interpretation and implementation.
- Minor housekeeping amendments, including:
- Correction to the watercourse setbacks for Cow Bay Lake, and accessory buildings in Eastern Passage/ Cow Bay
- Corrections to the Service Requirements Map to ensure that lands that are currently serviced with water and/or wastewater are accurately represented
- Minor text amendments and several policy reference corrections
- Amendments to support site specific requests for development, including:
- First Lake Drive, Lower Sackville (C060)
- Atholea Drive, Cole Harbour (C009, C047, C077, and C326)
- Lake Loon Golf Centre Lands (C003)
- Lands on the east side of Morris Lake, Cole Harbour (C070-E)
- Birch Hill Mobile Home Park, Eastern Passage (C079)
- Bedford Commons, Bedford (C001)
- Exhibition Park, Halifax (C086)
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General Project Information:
The Halifax Regional Municipal Planning Strategy (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 between now and 2031.
The second five-year review is underway and work will continue into 2022.
This website is the place where you can access content, materials and supporting research for the Halifax Regional Municipal Planning Strategy Plan Review. You can also find out about the project process, including public engagement activities. We welcome your input and participation in the process.
NEXT STEPS
New and updated policy is being considered through three phases - Phase 3: Quick Adjustments, Phase 4: Draft Regional Plan, and Phase 5: Future Growth Planning as described below.
Comments on Phase 4, Phase 5, and New Request Site Specific Requests will continue to be accepted on an ongoing basis. To provide feedback, please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference the case number for Phase 4, Phase 5, and New Requests.
To find out where development requests are being considered, click the map below. Detailed information on the site specific requests can be found in the Updates Tab or the Site Specific Requests Sidebar for Phase 3, Phase 4, and Phase 5.
Phase 4: Draft Regional Plan (Anticipated March 2023)
This phase will complete the new policy framework for the Regional Plan. Work completed through this phase will include:
- Completing Analysis as identified in the Work Plan
- Advancing work on additional site-specific requests (see Phase 4 Site Specific Requests table)
- Public engagement following release of the draft plan
Phase 5: Future Growth Planning (2023/24)
This phase will create a work plan and begin analysis of additional lands to be considered for expansion in anticipation of continued growth. Work completed through this phase will include:
- Advancing work on assessing remaining urban reserves
- Hosting Regional workshops and engagement to identify growth nodes
- Identifying new areas for expansion and growth
- Advancing work on additional site-specific requests (see Phase 5 Site Specific Requests table)
- Additional public engagement
AN IN-PERSON PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS FOR PHASE 3 OF THE REGIONAL PLAN REVIEW WILL BE HELD BY HRM REGIONAL COUNCIL ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, AT 6:00 PM IN REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS (CITY HALL) - 1841 ARGYLE STREET, HALIFAX. Advanced registration is NOT required. View the staff report.
All oral and written submissions will be considered at that time. Written submissions may be forwarded to the Municipal Clerk by mail, P.O. Box 1749, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3A5; by fax, 902-490-4208; or by e-mail. Written submissions should be received by the Municipal Clerk’s office as early as possible and not later than 3:00 p.m. on September 13, 2022.
Information on how to sign up to speak in advance is available on-line.
If you have questions about the public hearing process or how to access the staff report, please email or call 902.490.4210 the Office of the Municipal Clerk.
Should you have questions about the nature of the application itself or if the internet is unavailable to you, a paper copy of application materials can be sent to you by mail, contact Regional Planning by email or by phone at 902.943.9158.
This notice was posted to this site on August 12, 2022 in accordance with the requirements of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.
==========================================================================
Phase 3: Quick Adjustments – Proposed Amendments (Synopsis):
For Phase 3, staff focused on amendments that could be done quickly because they are aligned with existing Council policy and priorities. The detailed amendments can be found within Attachments A, B, C, and D of the staff report.
The proposed amendments include:
- Policy requiring Council to consider the policies and objectives of the priority plans (the Integrated Mobility Plan, Halifax Green Network Plan, HalifACT) as part of discretionary planning applications
- Policy requiring Council to consider environmental and cultural values, relationship to wilderness areas, mobility planning, and climate action as part of secondary planning;
- Policy and regulations to support housing diversity, that remove regulatory barriers in land use by-laws for tiny homes and converted shipping container dwellings.
- For tiny homes, this involves removing minimum dwelling size requirements and amending the definition of single unit dwelling to include mobile homes.
- For shipping container dwellings, the proposed amendments adjust the broad prohibition on shipping containers to allow shipping containers to be used as dwelling units or backyard suites.
- Policy to allow the adaptive reuse of municipally registered heritage properties by development agreement
- Policy to support ongoing work on community action plans for historical African Nova Scotian communities. This is a specific goal of the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity and Halifax’s Inclusive Economic Strategy.
- Revised Conservation Design Development policy to improve its interpretation and implementation.
- Minor housekeeping amendments, including:
- Correction to the watercourse setbacks for Cow Bay Lake, and accessory buildings in Eastern Passage/ Cow Bay
- Corrections to the Service Requirements Map to ensure that lands that are currently serviced with water and/or wastewater are accurately represented
- Minor text amendments and several policy reference corrections
- Amendments to support site specific requests for development, including:
- First Lake Drive, Lower Sackville (C060)
- Atholea Drive, Cole Harbour (C009, C047, C077, and C326)
- Lake Loon Golf Centre Lands (C003)
- Lands on the east side of Morris Lake, Cole Harbour (C070-E)
- Birch Hill Mobile Home Park, Eastern Passage (C079)
- Bedford Commons, Bedford (C001)
- Exhibition Park, Halifax (C086)
==========================================================================
General Project Information:
The Halifax Regional Municipal Planning Strategy (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 between now and 2031.
The second five-year review is underway and work will continue into 2022.
This website is the place where you can access content, materials and supporting research for the Halifax Regional Municipal Planning Strategy Plan Review. You can also find out about the project process, including public engagement activities. We welcome your input and participation in the process.
NEXT STEPS
New and updated policy is being considered through three phases - Phase 3: Quick Adjustments, Phase 4: Draft Regional Plan, and Phase 5: Future Growth Planning as described below.
Comments on Phase 4, Phase 5, and New Request Site Specific Requests will continue to be accepted on an ongoing basis. To provide feedback, please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference the case number for Phase 4, Phase 5, and New Requests.
To find out where development requests are being considered, click the map below. Detailed information on the site specific requests can be found in the Updates Tab or the Site Specific Requests Sidebar for Phase 3, Phase 4, and Phase 5.
Phase 4: Draft Regional Plan (Anticipated March 2023)
This phase will complete the new policy framework for the Regional Plan. Work completed through this phase will include:
- Completing Analysis as identified in the Work Plan
- Advancing work on additional site-specific requests (see Phase 4 Site Specific Requests table)
- Public engagement following release of the draft plan
Phase 5: Future Growth Planning (2023/24)
This phase will create a work plan and begin analysis of additional lands to be considered for expansion in anticipation of continued growth. Work completed through this phase will include:
- Advancing work on assessing remaining urban reserves
- Hosting Regional workshops and engagement to identify growth nodes
- Identifying new areas for expansion and growth
- Advancing work on additional site-specific requests (see Phase 5 Site Specific Requests table)
- Additional public engagement
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Phase 4 -Site Specific Requests
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkUpdated August 12, 2022
Phase 4: Draft Regional Plan (Anticipated March, 2023)
This phase will complete the new policy framework for the Regional Plan. Work completed through this phase will include advancing work on additional site-specific requests. See the table below for details on site specific requests being considered under Phase 4.
To provide feedback on Phase 4 Site Specific Requests, please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference the case number.
Revised June 9, 2022.
PHASE 4 Table Based on the July 5th Phase 3 Quick Adjustments staff report, Site Specific Requests Table for Phase 4 & 5 (Attachment G)
Posted: February 28, 2022
Purcell’s Cove Backlands, Purcell’s Cove
Case 22257
HRM initiated request to review all lands in the Urban Reserve Designation in the Purcell’s Cove area, as a result of HRM’s acquisition of Shaw Wilderness Park.
For additional information regarding Case 22257, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case 22257.
Lands on Purcell’s Cove Road
C025 (Re-phased from Phase 3 to Phase 4)
Request Revised February 14, 2022.
Revised Request: Request from ZZap Consulting, on behalf of Tony Maskine, to redesignate the property to permit an unserviced subdivision.
Original Request: Request from ZZap Consulting, on behalf of Tony Maskine, to include lands currently designated Urban Reserve in the Urban Service Area, to permit a serviced subdivision.
For additional information regarding C025, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case
Purcell’s Cove Road, Ketch Harbour
C027 / Case 22212
Request from KWR Approvals Inc., on behalf of Tim Garrison and Patrick Henneberry, to enable a new 60-unit residential development and the adaptive reuse of the existing building for commercial and residential uses.
Revised June 9th. For additional information regarding C027/Case 22212, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C027 / Case 22212.
Paper Mill Lake, Bedford
C061-B
(Rephrased from Phase 3 to Phase 4)
Request from Sunrose Land Use Consulting, on behalf of United Gulf, to consider new planning policy to enable a 1,047 unit, mixed-use development on the subject lands.
For additional information regarding C06-1B, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C061-B.
Lindforest Court, Middle Sackville
C070-B
(Rephrased from Phase 3 to Phase 4)
Request from Armco to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a 274 unit serviced development.
For additional information regarding C070-B, please click here
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C070-B.
Lands at the corner of Rosemary Drive and Marigold Drive
C070-C
Request from Armco to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a six unit serviced development.
For additional information regarding C070-C, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C070-C.
Lands near Little Lake
C070-D
Request from Armco to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a 1,011 unit serviced development.
For additional information regarding C070-D , please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C070-D.
Smiths Road, Bedford
C089
Request from Chris Marchand, Ramar Construction, to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area and redesignate them to permit the creation of five new lots.
For additional information regarding C089, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C089.
Lands north of Highway 101, east of Springfield Lake
C102
Request from Ramar Developments Ltd., to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a 293 unit serviced development.
For additional information regarding C102, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C102.
Bayers Lake, Halifax
C104
Request from Fathom Studio, on behalf of BANC Group, to allow residential development in a private business park, together with commercial and institutional uses (Community Outpatient Centre and supporting uses).
For additional information regarding C104, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C104.
Lands southeast of Springfield Lake
C310
Request from Brycon Construction to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to enable a 87 unit serviced development.
For additional information regarding C310, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C310.
Lands north of Webber Lake West of Lucasville Road
C311
Request by Marchand Developments Ltd to re-designate the subject lands to the Urban Settlement and include them in the Urban Service Area to permit a serviced 87-unit residential building.
For additional information regarding C311, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C311.
Lands north of Springfield Lake
C312
Request by Marchand Developments Ltd to re-designate the subject lands to the Urban Settlement and include them in the Urban Service Area to permit a serviced 1,596-unit residential building.
For additional information regarding C312, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C312.
Lands with frontage on Orchard Drive and Bambrick Road
C314
Request from Sunrose Land Use Consulting, on behalf of Shoreham Development Limited, to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a 347 unit serviced development.
For additional information regarding C314, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C314.
Highway 101 Interchange Lands / Margeson Drive
C319
Request from Armco to extend the Urban Service Area and allow for master planning for Highway 101 Interchange Lands for 662 units.
For additional information regarding C319, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C319.
Berry Hills
C320
Request from Armco to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a 204 unit serviced residential development.
For additional information regarding C320, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C320.
Springfield Estates, Middle Sackville
C329
Received: January 4, 2022
Request from Springfield Estates Mobile Home Park to extend services and enable water and sewer services to be provided to 169 mobile homes.
For additional information regarding C329, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C329.
Park West Centre Lacewood & Dunbrack
C339
Received: February 23, 2022
Request from ZZap Consulting Limited, on behalf of Crombie REIT, to request amendments to the Halifax Municipal Planning Strategy and Halifax Mainland Land Use Bylaw to enable the consideration of a high-density transit-oriented development at the Park West Centre Site.
To view the proposal, please click here.
Updated March 15, 2022 to include maps.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C339.
Mayor Ave & Layton Road
C405
Received April 26, 2022
Request from West Cove Holdings Ltd to redevelop property for a 5 to 7 storey multi-unit development for approximately 50 to 60 units.To view the proposal, please click here.
Updated May 26, 2022 to include maps, July 19 for revised proposal, and July 25 for updated maps.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C405.
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Phase 5 - Site Specific Requests
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkUpdated August 12, 2022
Phase 5: Future Growth Planning (2023/24)
This phase will create a work plan and begin analysis of additional lands to be considered for expansion in anticipation of continued growth. Work completed through this phase will include advancing work on additional site-specific requests (see Phase 5 Site Specific Requests table below)
To provide feedback on Phase 5 Site Specific Requests, please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference the case number.
PHASE 5
Table Based on the July 5, 2022 Phase 3 Quick Adjustments Staff Report - Site Specific Requests Table (Attachment G).
Posted: February 28, 2022
Last Updated: August 12, 2022
Bedford Waterfront
Case 23084 and C061-C
Requests:
- Case 23084 - HRM initiated request to consider appropriate planning policy to enable transit-oriented development in support of a potential Mill Cove ferry terminal, as identified in the Rapid Transit Strategy.
- C061-C - Request from Sunrose Land Use Consulting, on behalf of United Gulf, to enable a 3,135 unit redevelopment of the Esquire Motel site and lands adjacent to the Bedford Basin.
For additional information regarding Case 23084/C061-C, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case 23084 and C061-C.
Lands west of Sandy and Marsh Lakes
C017
Request from Sunrose Land Use Consulting, on behalf of United Gulf, to consider secondary planning to permit a 342 unit development on the subject lands, in conjunction with adjacent Sandy Lake Future Serviced Community.
For additional information regarding C017, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C017.
Birch Cove, Bedford Highway
C061-A
Request from Sunrose Land Use Consulting, on behalf of United Gulf, to consider new planning policy to allow for a 54 unit mixed use residential/commercial development.
For additional information regarding C061-A, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C061-A.
Herring Cove Holding Zone, Spryfield
C070-A (Clifton Heights)
C071 (near Kidston Lake)
C074 (lands southwest of Herring Cove Rd)
C333 (Herring Cove/Spryfield)
(Rephrased from Phase 3 to Phase 5)
Requests:
- C070-A Request from Armco to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a 1,047 lot serviced development.
- C071 - Request from Kevin Riles, on behalf of North American Real Estate, to consider a 4,189 unit serviced development on the subject lands.
- C074 - Request from Stephen Adams, on behalf of the property owners, to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a 2,974 unit serviced development.
- C333 - Request from Stephen Adams, on behalf of several property owners to rezone properties to R-2.
For additional information regarding C070-A or C074 , please click:
C071 (updated proposal June 23, 2022)
To view the Holding Zone requests map, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C070-A, C071, C074 and/or C333.
Lands east of Beaver Bank Rd
C103
Request from Chris Marchand, Ramar Construction, to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a 30 unit development.
For additional information regarding C103, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case 103.
Lands north of Hammonds Plains Rd
C109
Request from Brighter Community Planning & Design to remove these lands from Schedule J to enable a 190 unit residential subdivision.
For additional information regarding C109, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C109.
Lands near Kinsac Lake
C117
Request from Kevin Marchand, Marchand Homes, to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to enable a 275 unit serviced subdivision.
For additional information regarding C117, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C117.
Lands near Barrett Lake, Beaver Bank
C299
Request from Kevin Marchand, Marchand Homes, to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to enable a 73 unit serviced subdivision.
For additional information regarding C299, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C299.
Monarch Drive, Beaver Bank
C300
Request from Kevin Marchand, Marchand Homes, to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to enable a serviced subdivision with 10 units and 10 auxiliary units.
For additional information regarding C300, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C300.
Hammonds Plains Rd & Lucasville Rd
C317
Request from Stonehouse Golf Group to extend the Water Service Area to allow for a 168 unit serviced development in this area. A portion of the properties are within the Water Service Area.
For additional information regarding C317, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C317.
Montague Golf Course
C325
Received: December 18, 2021
Request from Fathom Studio, on behalf of Archie Hattie, to extend services and enable the amendment of a Development Agreement for a 120 unit, 6-storey seniors development at Montague Golf Course and Academy (PID 00624668 – 13.26 acres).
To view the proposal, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C325.
Cow Bay
C328
Received: January 5, 2021
Request from Fathom Studio, on behalf of the landowner, to extend the water services area to enable the development a 72 acre property in Cow Bay.
To view the proposal, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C328.
Fraser Lake, St Margaret’s Bay Road, Timberlea
C337
Received: February 23, 2022
Request from ZZap Consulting Limited, on behalf of Crombie REIT, to request amendments to the Halifax Municipal Planning Strategy and Halifax Mainland Land Use Bylaw to enable the consideration of a high-density transit-oriented development at the Park West Centre Site.
To view the proposal, please click here.
Updated March 15, 2022 to include maps.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C339.
Beaver Bank Road
C343
Received: March 14, 2022
Revised Description: March 28, 2022
Request from Beaver Bank Investments to extend the service boundary to allow for sewer and water services and enable development of R1 dwellings, R2, dwellings and seniors housing.
To view the proposal, please click here.
Updated March 15, 2022 to include proposal and maps.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C343.
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Phase 3 - Site Specific Requests (Now Closed)
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkUpdated August 12, 2022
Phase 3: Quick Adjustments (July, 2022)
This phase considers amendments to the Regional Plan that align with policy direction and are relatively straightforward to initiate. See the table below for details on site specific requests being considered under Phase 3:
Please Note: The deadline to submit comments for Phase 3 Site Specific Requests is now closed.
PHASE 3 Table Based on the July 5th, Phase 3 "Quick Adjustments" Report - Site Specific Requests Table (Attachment F).
Posted: February 28, 2022
Updated: March 31, 2022
Updated: August 12, 2022
Atholea Drive Area
C009
C047
C077
C326 (New Request)
Requests:
- C009 - HRM initiated request to include identified lots currently in the Water Service Area in the Urban Service Area.
- C047 - Request from ZZap Consulting Inc. on behalf of the property owner to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area and permit a serviced, 635-unit residential subdivision.
- C077 - Request from Tony Lajo, Dora Construction, to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area and permit a 5-lot subdivision.
- C326 (NEW REQUEST - received on January 5, 2022) - Request to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area and enable development of the property.
For additional information regarding C009, C047, C077, please click here.
To view the C326 proposal please click here.
Bedford Commons
C001
Request from Fathom Studio on behalf of BANC Group to permit a mixed-use development in a private business park. The concept plan includes the expansion of a national tennis centre, parkland and a range of low, medium and high-rise multi-unit dwellings with a total of approximately 1700 units.
For additional information regarding C001, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C001.
Lake Loon Golf Course
C003
Request from Lake Loon Golf Centre Ltd. to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area and redesignate/rezone the property to enable a 191 unit development.
For additional information regarding C003, please click here.
Purcell's Cove Road
C005*
*Please note, on August 9, 2022 Regional Council directed that staff discontinue consideration of this request. No further action on this request will be takenRequest Letter Revised March 31, 2022.
Request from Gina Stick to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area, to allow for water services to be extended to service an existing residential dwelling.
For additional information regarding C005, please click here.
First Lake Drive
C060
This request originated from a December 11, 2018 motion of Regional Council “to consider amendments to the Water Service Area, as identified on Map 1 of the supplementary staff report dated November 14, 2018, as part of the next review of the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy.”
For additional information regarding C060, please click here.
Lindforest Court, Middle Sackville
C070-B
Request from Armco to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit a 274 unit serviced development.
For additional information regarding C070-B, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C070-B.
Morris Lake
C070-E
Request from Armco to update the Regional Plan with Integrated Mobility Plan principles to support a 805 unit development on the subject lands.
For additional information regarding C070-E, please click here.
Birch Hill Mobile Home Park
C079
Request from Killam Developments to include the subject lands in the Urban Service Area to permit an expansion of the Birch Hill Mobile Home Park for an additional 125–150 units (estimated at 7-9 units per acre).
For additional information regarding C079, please click here.
To provide feedback on this application please email regionalplan@halifax.ca and reference Case C079.
Exhibition Park
C086
Request by Fathom Studio, on behalf of BANC Developments, to consider a 1,016 residential unit development.
For additional information regarding C086, please click here.
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Themes and Directions
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThemes and Directions
The Themes introduce the main overall topic areas. There are 11 themes in total. In the table, each theme is briefly described and explained. If you would like to read the entire theme, there is a link to read the theme in more detail. You may also dive deeper into issue papers that relate to the theme or read further into the background materials that helped to develop the theme.
Theme Description and Supporting Documents A quick snapshot of the Regional Plan ideas can be found here:
The Background to the Themes and Direction Document can be found here:
A link to the full Themes and Direction Document can be found here:
Theme 1: Considering the Regional Scale First
The Regional Plan sets out a common vision and long-range, region-wide planning Policies outlining where, when, and how future growth and development should take place between now and 2031. The Municipality’s physical geographic constraints, existing and planned water and wastewater infrastructure, transit boundary, as well as the location of employment and community facilities significantly impacts where and how the region grows’. A full description of Theme Area 1 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Theme 2: Building Healthier and More Complete Communities
The Regional Plan provides guidance for the development of communities across the municipality to build healthier, more complete communities by setting policy direction at a regional scale to strengthen our citizens’ quality of life by maximizing our municipal services and amenities. A full description of Theme Area 2 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Issue Papers
Additional Materials
Theme 3: Reconsidering Employment and Industrial Lands
The Halifax Regional Municipality is the economic hub of Atlantic Canada. The Regional Plan highlights important components of regional economic development, including protection for industrial lands, business parks, the Halifax Harbour and other coastal areas, as well as support for the rural economy. A full description of Theme Area 3 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Theme 4: Transforming How We Move in our Region
The Regional Plan supports safe, sustainable and accessible travel options to move conveniently throughout the region. A regional transportation system links people and communities with each other and with goods, services and opportunities in an environmentally and fiscally sustainable way. The Municipality recognizes that transportation and land use planning are inseparable and the decision-making process for both must be integrated. A full description of Theme Area 4 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Additional Materials
Theme 5: Social Planning for Community Well-Being
Since the last Regional Plan review Regional Council has played an increasing role in socially minded policies and directives including:
- Endorsing: the Housing Needs Assessment, Halifax Food Action Plan, Anti-Poverty Solutions Strategy
- Creating: the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Increasing presence of the African Nova Scotia Integrated Affairs Office
- Partnering: with Mobile Food Market, Halifax Food Policy Alliance, Housing and Homelessness Partnership
- Collaborating: with not-for-profits and the Province
A full description of Theme Area 5 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Issue Paper:
Additional Materials
- Accessibility Strategy
- Report of the Task Force on the Commemoration of Edward Cornwallis and the Recognition and Commemoration of Indigenous History
- African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity
- Diversity and Inclusion Framework
- Housing and Homelessness Partnership
- Homeless Partnering Strategy
- Accessibility Directorate
Theme 6: Celebrating Culture & Heritage
HRM is home to diverse cultures and histories that are expressed in many ways. Tangible assets, such as heritage buildings and sites, speak to the evolution of the community over time, while intangible assets, such as events, provide an opportunity to preserve and foster living traditions. Sharing Our Stories will provide a regional approach to the preservation of these heritage and cultural resources, which will be reflected in the Regional Plan review. A full description of Theme Area 6 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Additional Materials
Theme 7: Integrating Community Facilities and Parks
Parks and community facilities are an essential component of complete communities that support healthy lifestyles for all residents. Currently, in HRM there are more than 900 municipal parks, including playgrounds, sport courts, playing fields and other specialized amenities, as well as over 65 indoor community facilities, ranging from small community centres to large complexes with pools, arena and gymnasiums. Facilities provided by other organizations, such as schools and emergency facilities, also play an important role in the livability of our communities and should be considered when planning for development.
A full description of Theme Area 7 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Additional Materials:
Theme 8: Enhancing Environmental Protection
Open spaces and waterbodies are vital to maintaining a healthy, sustainable and desirable region. They provide important habitats and ecosystems, support economic activity, shape communities, provide opportunities for recreation, and reflect local culture and history. Momentum is building for work taking place in approved priority plans:
- Halifax Green Network Plan: identifies ways the Municipality can better identify and protect landscapes
- HalifACT: supports the preservation of open spaces and waterbodies as part of efforts to reduce emissions and help communities adapt to climate change.
A full description of Theme Area 8 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Issue Paper:
Theme 9: Leading Through Action on Climate
Climate change is real, urgent, complex, and a global crisis. With the changing climate, we face hazards to health, economic growth, safety and the natural world. In HRM, Regional Council has declared a climate emergency and, guided by HalifACT the Municipality is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support communities’ resiliency to the effects of climate change. A full description of Theme Area 9 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Additional Materials
Theme 10: Imagining HRM into 2050 and Beyond
As 2020 has taught us, society can change dramatically over a short time. However, with long-range planning, the municipality can be better prepared to handle an uncertain future, and to some extent, even direct what the future can look like based on a shared vision. Now that this plan is nearing the end of its lifespan (2031), it is time to begin thinking about what we want HRM to look like further into the future. A full description of Theme Area 10 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Theme 11: Assessing the Impacts of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global public health crisis that has significant implications for the social and economic well-being of our region. HRM is facing great uncertainty, and the Regional Plan can help to guide the Municipality’s recovery and response. A full description of Theme Area 11 and the suggested policy actions can be found here:
Additional Materials
Who's listening
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SG
Phone 902 943 9158 Email regionalplan@halifax.ca
Project Timeline
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Summer 2019 - Winter 2020
Regional Plan Review has finished this stageDevelop scope and work plan; engage with key internal and external stakeholders; Regional Council initiation February 25, 2020.
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Spring - Summer 2021
Regional Plan Review has finished this stagePublish Themes & Direction report; conduct Phase 2 community engagement through virtual meetings, pre-recorded webinars, surveys, maps, forums, and online resources
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Summer - Fall 2021
Regional Plan Review has finished this stageDraft “What We Heard” report on Phase 2 engagement
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Phase 3 Quick Amendments
Regional Plan Review is currently at this stageDraft Phase 3 Quick Amendments and engagement July, 2022.
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Phase 4 Draft Regional Plan
this is an upcoming stage for Regional Plan ReviewPublish draft revised Regional Plan; conduct Phase 4 community engagement through virtual meetings, pre-recorded webinars, surveys, maps, forums, and online resources. Anticipated to be completed by March, 2023.
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Phase 5 Future Communities
this is an upcoming stage for Regional Plan ReviewCreate a work plan and begin analysis of additional lands to be considered for expansion in anticipation of continued growth. Targeting to bring forward for Regional Council's consideration in 2023/2024.
Phase 3: Quick Adjustments
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Phase 3 Report and Attachments
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Phase 3 Staff Report (3.25 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment A (Amendments to the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy) (3.43 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment B (Amendments to Secondary Municipal Planning Strategies) (1.05 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment C (Amendments to Land Use Bylaws) (1.34 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment D (Amendments to the Subdivision Bylaw) (5.19 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment E Regional Plan Review Work Plan (Updated June 2022) (5.96 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment F (Phase 3 Site Specific Amendment Requests) (3.66 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment G (Phase 4 & 5 Site Specific Requests) (880 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment H (Site Specific Requests Map) (318 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment I (Public Correspondence Log) (5.66 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment J (Public Attachments) (11.8 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment K (New Site Specific Requests).pdf (15.4 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment L (Population Scenario Evaluation) (3.64 MB) (pdf)
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Themes and Directions
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What We Heard Report (Dec, 2021)
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Full What We Heard Report (Dec 14, 2021) (68.3 MB) (pdf)
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Themes & Directions What We Heard Staff Report (288 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment A - Revised Engagement Plan (206 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment B - Regional Plan Remaining Work Plan (210 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment C - Site Specific Requests Table (3.92 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment C - Site Specific Detailed Requests (50.2 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment D - Population Projections Supplementary Report (Dec 2021) (376 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment E What We Heard Report (179 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment E What We Heard (Appendix A - Q & A Transcripts)pdf (1.96 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment E What We Heard (Appendix B - Survey Summary Report) (721 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment E What We Heard (Appendix C - Comment Forum) (37.4 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment E What We Heard (Appendix D - Correspondence Log) (421 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment E What We Heard (Appendix E - Correspondence Attachments) (10.6 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment E What We Heard (Appendix F - Key Themes Table) (247 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment F - Engagement Plan Amendments (204 KB) (pdf)
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Themes and Directions Report (May, 2021)
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Themes and Directions (Full Version) (67.2 MB) (pdf)
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Key Ideas (662 KB) (pdf)
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Background (70.7 KB) (pdf)
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Theme 1 Regional Scale (14 MB) (pdf)
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Theme 2 Complete Communities (12 MB) (pdf)
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Theme 3 Employment Industrial (7.66 MB) (pdf)
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Theme 4 Mobility (3.57 MB) (pdf)
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Theme 5 Social Planning (642 KB) (pdf)
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Theme 6 Culture Heritage (3.14 MB) (pdf)
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Theme 7 Facilities & Parks (15.6 MB) (pdf)
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Theme 8 Environment (5.37 MB) (pdf)
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Theme 9 Climate (109 KB) (pdf)
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Theme 10 Long Term Planning (38.6 KB) (pdf)
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Theme 11 COVID (38.1 KB) (pdf)
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Glossary (60.8 KB) (pdf)
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Issue Papers
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Rural Community Planning (6.18 MB) (pdf)
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Suburban Community Planning (8.5 MB) (pdf)
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Density Bonusing (317 KB) (pdf)
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Planning Tools for Protecting and Conserving Land (2.42 MB) (pdf)
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Preliminary Housing and Population Projections Supplementary Report (Dec 2021) (376 KB) (pdf)
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Preliminary Population & Housing Analysis (June 2021) (12.5 MB) (pdf)
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Affordable Housing (2.1 MB) (pdf)
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Q & A Documents
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Online Public Meeting Instructions (301 KB) (pdf)
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Social Policy Presentation and Transcript June 11 (2.81 MB) (pdf)
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Housing Presentation and Transcript June14 (3.4 MB) (pdf)
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Climate Presentation and Transcript June15 (3.49 MB) (pdf)
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Environment Presentation and Transcript June15 (2.52 MB) (pdf)
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Mobility Presentation and Transcript June 16 (2.68 MB) (pdf)
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Long Range Planning Presentation Transcript June 16 (4.68 MB) (pdf)
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Q & A Webinars
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Background Documents
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Halifax 2020 Industrial Employment Lands Strategy - Full Report (3.84 MB) (pdf)
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Quantifying the Costs and Benefits of Alternative Growth Scenarios
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Rapid Transit Strategy
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Active Transportation Priorities Plan
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HalifACT
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Halifax Green Network Plan
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Urban Forest Master Plan
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Accessibility Strategy (5.08 MB) (pdf)
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African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan
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Cultural Landscape Framework Study
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Western Common Wilderness Common Master Plan
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2018 Affordable Housing Work Plan
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Halifax's 2016-21 Economic Strategy
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Site-Specific Requests
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Phase 3 Quick Adjustments
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C009 47 77 - Atholea Drive (7.24 MB) (pdf)
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C326 - Atholea Drive (Maps & Proposal) (302 KB) (pdf)
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C001 - Bedford Commons (31.4 MB) (pdf)
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C003 - Lake Loon Golf Course (1.71 MB) (pdf)
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C005 - Purcell's Cove Rd (1.01 MB) (pdf)
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C060 - First Lake Drive (974 KB) (pdf)
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C070-E Morris Lake (1.37 MB) (pdf)
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C079 Birch Hill Mobile Home Park (1.46 MB) (pdf)
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C086 - Exhibition Park (10.6 MB) (pdf)
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Phase 4 Draft Regional Plan
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C025 - Purcell's Cove Road (3.02 MB) (pdf)
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C027 Ketch Harbour (Revised June 9) (3.35 MB) (pdf)
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C061-B - Paper Mill Lake (3.24 MB) (pdf)
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C070-B Lindforest Court (1.29 MB) (pdf)
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C089 - Smiths Road (1.07 MB) (pdf)
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C104 - Bayers Lake (1.44 MB) (pdf)
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Site Specific - Middle Sackville (948 KB) (pdf)
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C070-C - Middle Sackville (Rosemary Dr) (878 KB) (pdf)
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C070-D Middle Sackville (Little Lake) (2.51 MB) (pdf)
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C102 - Middle Sackville (North of Hwy 101) (1020 KB) (pdf)
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C310 - Middle Sackville (south of Springfield Lake) (1.11 MB) (pdf)
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C311 - Middle Sackville (North of Webber Lake) (3.52 MB) (pdf)
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C312 - Middle Sackville (north of Springfield Lake) (1.79 MB) (pdf)
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C314 - Middle Sackville (Orchard Dr & Bambrick Rd) (1.5 MB) (pdf)
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C319 - Middle Sackville (Highway 101. Margeson Dr) (1.84 MB) (pdf)
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C320 - Middle Sackville (Berry Hills) (1.16 MB) (pdf)
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C329 - Springfield Estates (448 KB) (pdf)
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C339 Park West Centre (10.8 MB) (pdf)
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C405 Mayor Ave & Layton Rd (6.02 MB) (pdf)
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22257 - Purcell's Cove Backlands (3.56 MB) (pdf)
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Phase 5 Future Communities
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23084 and C061-C - Bedford Waterfront (2.74 MB) (pdf)
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C061-A - Birch Cove, Bedford Highway (1.9 MB) (pdf)
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C070-A Herring Cove (Clifton Heights) (4.94 MB) (pdf)
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C071 Lands near Kidston Lake (60.5 MB) (pdf)
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C074 Herring Cove (Lands southwest of Herring Cove Rd) (1.01 MB) (pdf)
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C103 - Lands east of Beaver Bank Rd (1.08 MB) (pdf)
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Site Specific Schedule J (1.09 MB) (pdf)
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C017 - Schedule J (Lands west of Sandy and Marsh Lake) (4.91 MB) (pdf)
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C109 - Schedule J (Lands North of Hammonds Plains Rd) (1.89 MB) (pdf)
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C117 - Schedule J (Lands near Kinsac Lake) (10.8 MB) (pdf)
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C299 - Schedule J (Lands near Barrett Lake) (1.42 MB) (pdf)
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C300 - Schedule J (Monarch Dr) (1.34 MB) (pdf)
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C317 - Schedule J (Hammonds Plains Rd & Lucasville Rd) (2.28 MB) (pdf)
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C325 Montague Golf Course (2.85 MB) (pdf)
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C328 Cow Bay (400 KB) (pdf)
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C333 Herring Cove/Spryfield Area (1.22 MB) (pdf)
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C337 Fraser Lake, Timberlea (1.5 MB) (pdf)
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C343 Beaver Bank (835 KB) (pdf)
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Herring Cove Holding Zone Requests (992 KB) (pdf)
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