Interim Growth Management
Interim growth measures
(IGM) were adopted in January 2004 to allow Regional Council and
the public to have valuable input into the pattern of development
for the future of HRM.
Without these measures, there was a clear risk numerous as-of-right development applications would be sent
through the system before any new guidelines were established. In the end, that
would mean the Regional Plan would have little effect on where
HRM would grow. In other words, the decisions would already have been made.
With the Regional Plan's adoption, the interim growth measures would
be lifted; the Regional Plan creating a permanent
growth management program. The Regional Plan would encourage development in some
areas of the region and limit it in other areas.
The Regional Plan will identify the areas research and public
input have determined are the best places to develop. It will provide
policies that limit development to those areas that want to grow
and where it would be cost-effective to support new development.
Some of the areas covered by the IGM will become growth
centres where development is encouraged. The Regional Planning
policies will influence what type of development is permitted. For
example, more clustered and mixed-use development will encourage
residences and small businesses to co-exist in new neighbourhoods
or subdivisions.
This encourages walkable communities and a healthier lifestyle.
It also preserves more open space and makes it easier and more cost-effective
to provide some municipal services. Public input has indicated it
is important to achieve these goals.
Although growth will be guided to new and existing centres, some
growth will take place between centres as well. However, development
approvals will depend on economic and environmental factors. For
example, proof of sufficient quality and quantity of water or sufficient
transportation capacity could be required before a new unserviced
subdivision would be approved.
Monitoring the IGM
A report presented to Regional Council in fall 2004, outlines
the impact of the interim growth measures. Monitoring focused on four key elements: lot and house prices; lot availability; housing
affordability and employment in the construction sector.
Click on any of the following
documents for more information.
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