The current Regional Plan has been in effect since October 18, 2014. It establishes long-range, region-wide planning policies outlining where, when, and how future growth and development should take place between now and 2031.
Vision and Guiding Principle
Our vision for the future is to enhance our quality of life by fostering the growth of healthy and vibrant communities, a strong and diverse economy, and sustainable environment.
The Plan will seek to address the needs and view of all sectors of the region, recognizing the diversity of its citizens, community and geography.
How is the Plan kept up-to-date?
The Regional Plan is regularly reviewed to make sure it still reflects the region’s goals for growth and development. The first review of the Regional Plan (RP+5) was completed in 2014.
The second 5-year review is currently underway. More information about the review process will be found soon on the Shape Your City project page. Following staff review and public engagement, including a public hearing, Regional Council will review and may approve changes to the Regional Plan. This review is anticipated to take two years, with Regional Council approval in 2022.
The next significant review of the Regional Plan is being planned for 2026-2030, at the end of the 25-year horizon of the 2006 Regional Plan.
What are the region’s growth targets?
The Regional Plan sets a target for where new residential development should be located: At least 75% of new housing units are targeted for the Regional Centre and urban communities, with at least 25% of new housing units within the Regional Centre over the life of the Plan (until the year 2031).
Full text of the Regional Plan and related maps
This text-only version of the 2014 Regional Plan [PDF] contains all amendments to March 20, 2021.
Each of the plan’s nineteen maps are provided below in PDF, while Maps 1-12 also available in ArcGIS Online Format.
- Map 1 - Settlement and Transportation
- Map 2 - Generalized Future Land Use
- Map 3 - Trails and Natural Networks
- Map 4 - Parks and Natural Corridors
- Map 5 - Significant Habitats and Endangered Species
- Map 6 - Future Transit and Transportation
- Map 7 - Urban Transit Service Boundary
- Map 8 - Cultural Significance
- Map 9 - Areas of Elevated Archaeological Potential
- Map 10 - Burnside Area
- Map 11 - Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lakes Conceptual Park Area
- Map 12 - Water Supply Areas
- Map 13A - Hubbards Rural Local Growth Centre
- Map 13B - Upper Tantallon and Tantallon Crossroads Rural Growth Centres
- Map 13C - Enfield Rural Growth Centre
- Map 13D - Lake Echo Rural Local Growth Centre
- Map 13E - Porters Lake Rural District Growth Centre
- Map 13F - Musquodoboit Harbour Rural District Growth Centre
- Map 13G - River-Lakes/Fall River Rural District Growth Centres
These electronic conversions are unofficial copies and are provided for information purposes only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these electronic copies, the Halifax Regional Municipality assumes no responsibility for discrepancies that may have resulted from the reformatting for electronic publication or from delays in updating approved amendments.
Regional Subdivision By-law
Regional Subdivision By-law (text and schedules, except for schedules B, H, I and J)
Subdivision By-law Schedules:
Schedule B - Service Requirement Map (revised on Sept. 30, 2017)
Schedule H - Interim Growth Management Area (Map)
Schedule I - Future Transportation Routes (Map)
Schedule J - Beaver Bank and Hammonds Plains Growth Control Areas (Map)