**** HRM Media Release
Regional Council approves 2021-22 municipal budget
Today, Regional Council approved $833-million in total municipal expenditures, provincial mandatory contributions of $173.8-million and a capital plan of $177.9-million as part of the 2021/22 municipal budget.
Council approved a residential tax rate increase of 1.0 per cent. The average single-family home tax bill will increase by $21. The overall average commercial tax bill will also increase by 1.0 per cent.
Debt will remain stable and should be as low as $241.2-million in 2021/22.
“Our new Regional Council has worked well and collaboratively to deliver as much budget certainty as uncertain times allow,” said Mayor Mike Savage. “Our goal was to strike an appropriate balance between responsibly managing tax rates and recognizing the need to invest in the programs, services and projects that are good for the economy and social development while creating communities where people increasingly choose to live.”
“I’m proud of the work that staff, the Mayor and Regional Council were able to accomplish during the 2020-21 fiscal year, especially under the significant pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CAO Jacques Dubé. “As the region’s economic sectors return to a new normal in 21/22 and beyond, we will continue our unprecedented growth as Atlantic Canada’s leading economic region. Our approach to growth management remains the same – building the municipality on the strength of our diverse communities and cultures and our strong fiscal position. We will continue to invest strategically in many exciting projects and initiatives to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of residents and visitors to the municipality for generations to come.”
Key programs and capital projects
Halifax Transit
- Electric Bus Procurement $900,000
- Mill Cove Ferry Service $2.9-million
Active Transportation and Environment
- Active Transportation ‐ Strategic Projects $3.3-million
- HalifACT 2050 -Energy Efficiency $2-million
- Urban Forestry Plan implementation $1.3-million
Transportation & Safety
- Road Safety Improvement & Street Calming $3-million
- Enhanced Transit Stop Clearing $2-million
Recreation & Community
- Park Land Acquisition $1.5-million
- Park Recapitalization $9-million
- Non-profit tax rebate for affordable housing increase $450,000
UPDATE: Council approved a residential tax rate reduction from 0.815 to 0.813, and a commercial tax rate reduction from 3.000 to 2.953. Due to the increase in property assessment values, the average tax bill for both commercial and residential will increase by 1.0 per cent. The average single-family home tax bill will increase by $21.
For more detailed information on the 2021-22 municipal budget visit www.halifax.ca/budget
