Halifax Water Regional Development Charges – New Charges Effective May 31, 2021


April 8, 2021 / Halifax, NS —
The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board has approved Halifax Water’s application (M09494) for the Water & Wastewater Regional Development Charges.  Attached are frequently asked questions about the charges and the process for their calculation.


Summary of the Charges:

Wastewater Regional Development Charge (all areas within HRM with wastewater service)

Type of Development Current Charge May 31, 2021*
Single Unit Dwellings / Townhouses $ 4,080.80 / unit $ 5,495.68 / unit
Multiple Unit Dwellings $ 2,740.84 / unit $ 3,691.13 / unit
Industrial/Commercial/Institutional Buildings $ 2.24 / sq.ft. $ 27.12 / sq. m. ($2.52 / sq.ft.)

Water Regional Development Charge (all areas within HRM with water service)

Type of Development Current Charge May 31, 2021*
Single Unit Dwellings / Townhouses $ 182.88 / unit $ 1,723.84 / unit
Multiple Unit Dwellings $ 122.83 / unit $ 1,157.80 / unit
Industrial/Commercial/Institutional Buildings $ 0.09 / sq.ft. $ 8.51 / sq.m. ($ 0.79 / sq.ft.)

*An adjustment for Halifax CPI will be made annually to the RDC on April 1st.

About Regional Development Charges:

The RDC is designed to collect charges on new or additional residential units and/or any new or additional non-residential (ICI) floor area that are connecting to the water and wastewater systems.

The RDC is due with the Water Permit application.  The Water Permit application includes water, wastewater and stormwater service connections. Water Permit applications are made online through the Halifax Regional Municipality’s online Land Management System.  All Water Permits submitted on or after May 31, 2021, will be subject to the new charges.  Water Permits submitted, and RDCs paid, prior to May 31, 2021, will be subject to the current charge.  If the RDCs are not paid prior to May 31, 2021, the Water Permit will be subject to the new charges.  Water Permits are valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance.