Help Shape Halifax's Suburban Communities Plan
Official title: Suburban Plan
Halifax is rewriting the rules for how suburban neighbourhoods grow and change. The city wants to hear what residents value about their communities—and how they'd like to see them evolve. This plan will update zoning, land use policies, and development regulations across 66,000 properties where over 250,000 people live.
Why This Matters
Live in suburban Halifax? This plan will shape what gets built near you for decades. It affects whether your neighbourhood gets more housing, better transit, or stays the same. Homeowners and renters alike should pay attention—41% of suburban households rent, and housing policies are on the table.
What Could Change
New zoning rules could allow different housing types in your neighbourhood—duplexes, townhouses, or small apartments where only single homes exist today. The 280 existing zones and 2,500 policies will be updated. Transit corridors and walkable areas may see denser development.
Key Issues
- What do residents value most about their suburban communities?
- How should suburban neighbourhoods grow and change?
- What infrastructure and services need improvement?
- How should communities connect to the wider Halifax region?
How to Participate
- Review the What is the Suburban Plan Fact Sheet to understand what's being planned.
- Explore your community's profile—detailed reports are available for Bedford, Cole Harbour, Dartmouth, and other suburban areas.
- Watch for in-person engagement events coming soon, or email suburbanplan@halifax.ca with your feedback.
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (4)
- What do you value about your community?
- What makes your community unique?
- How does your community connect to the wider region?
- How would you like to see your community grow and change in the future?