News
Municipal Assistance Rebate Programs - Forms Now Available!
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Residential Property Tax Assistance
*NEW* Utility Assistance (sewer, bulk water purchases)
If household taxable income does not exceed $46,000 for 2023, property owners, sewer customers and bulk water purchasers may be eligible for a rebate. Rebates will be issued to qualifying applicants as follows:
- up to 50% of the current year's property taxes to a maximum amountof $400.00 for property owners
- up to 50% of the previous year’s sewer costs to a maximum amountof $200.00 for municipal sewer customers
- up to 50% of the previous year's bulk water purchases to a maximum amountof $200.00 for bulk water purchasers not on municipal water
Additional qualifiers apply.
CLICK THE ICON for links to the supporting council policies and to download the application form.
Questions? Call 902-798-8391, Ext. 138 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 31, 2024
Municipal Assistance Rebate Programs
- Details
2024-25 Assistance Rebate Forms Now Available!
- Residential Property Tax Assistance
- *NEW* Utility Assistance (sewer, bulk water purchases)
If household taxable income does not exceed $46,000 for 2023, property owners, sewer customers and bulk water purchasers may be eligible for a rebate. Rebates will be issued to qualifying applicants as follows:
- up to 50% of the current year's property taxes to a maximum amount of $400.00 for property owners
- up to 50% of the previous year’s sewer costs to a maximum amount of $200.00 for municipal sewer customers
- up to 50% of the previous year's bulk water purchases to a maximum amount of $200.00 for bulk water purchasers not on municipal water
Additional qualifiers apply.
Qualified applicants receive a rebate in the form of a credit applied to their tax or sewer account, dependent upon the program. 2023 CRA Notices of Assessment are required as proof of income for all adults residing in your household.
Download the application form: pdf 2024-25 WHRM Residential Property Tax Assistance & Utility Assistance Application Form.pdf (223 KB)
For additional information:
pdf Residential Property Tax Assistance Policy RCOFN-011.01.pdf (2.30 MB)
pdf Utility Assistance Rebate Policy RCOFN-016.00.pdf (2.84 MB)
Questions? Call 902-798-8391, Ext. 138 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 31, 2024
Secondary Suite Permit Fees: Removed for 3 Years!
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We have great news!
As you may know, WHRM received a commitment of over $1.08 million from the Government of Canada through the Housing Accelerator Fund, to be used to influence policy changes that support the development of new housing. WHRM submitted a Housing Action Plan as part of the application to the program which outlined 7 actions the Municipality would take to help support this goal.
Action 4 was to remove permit fees for secondary suites. On May 28, Council approved amendments to the Fees Policy to remove the development and building permit fees for secondary suite applications for the next three years (May 29, 2024, to 2027)!
For more information, please contact the Planning and Development Department at 902-798-8391 ext. 115.
Sewer Systems Consolidation
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On January 23, 2024, Council approved the consolidation of the West Hants and Windsor Sewer Systems. Sewer systems are governed by Council, and staff are in the process of consolidating the two by-laws. This decision was based on a sewer rate study prepared and presented by consultants.
Sewer rate changes were approved for 2024-25 through to 2026-27. The last changes for sewer rates in both West Hants and Windsor occurred on April 1, 2021. As outlined in the rate study, consolidation offers customers better rates long-term than if the two sewer systems continued operating independently.
Consolidated rates came into effect on April 1, 2024, for all municipal sewer system customers. Look for an insert included with the April utility bills. The new rates will be reflected on utility bills mailed out in July.
Full details on sewer systems consolidation can be found using the following links:
- Consolidated Rates
- Sewer Rate Study
- Sewer Systems Consolidated Rate Comparison
- Council Meeting Package, January 23, 2024
- Council Meeting Minutes, January 23, 2024
- April 2024 Water Bill Insert
Questions can be directed to the Utility Clerk. Call 902-798-8391, ext. 107 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Housing Accelerator Fund
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Housing Accelerator Fund
On March 12, 2024, it was announced that West Hants Regional Municipality was the recipient of $1,081,886 through the Housing Accelerator Fund. West Hants Regional Municipality is committed to creating vibrant communities that provide a range of housing options for our residents.
About the Housing Accelerator Fund
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund is an initiative aimed at accelerating the creation of new housing developments across the country. Through this program, municipalities like ours can access funding and resources to streamline the development process and bring much-needed housing to the market faster.
Our Commitment to Streamlining Housing Development
In West Hants Regional Municipality, we recognize the importance of providing housing options for our residents. Whether you're a young family looking for your first home, a professional seeking rental accommodation, or a senior looking to downsize, we strive to ensure there are housing options that are accessible and affordable for all demographics.
With the assistance of the Housing Accelerator Fund, we are implementing innovative strategies to accelerate the development of new housing projects. By streamlining our regulatory processes and facilitating partnerships with developers and landowners, we aim to create a more efficient and responsive housing market that meets the needs of our growing community.
Benefits of the Program
• Faster Development: By changing the land use regulations, we can bring new housing units to the market in a shorter timeframe and in new housing formats that provide more options.
• Increased Affordability: Through policy changes, we are working to ensure that new housing developments can include a mix of affordable housing options.
• Community Engagement: We are committed to engaging with residents, developers, landowners, and local organizations to ensure that new housing projects align with the needs and values of our community.
Get Involved
Are you a developer interested in partnering with us to create new housing opportunities in West Hants Regional Municipality? Are you a resident with ideas or feedback on how we can improve housing in our community? We want to hear from you! Get in touch with our Planning team to learn more about how you can get involved.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Housing Action Plan
A Housing Action Plan was created as part of the application for the Housing Accelerator Fund. Details on the 7 actions that are funded through the Housing Accelerator Fund are listed below.
Actions
#1: Allow greater density as-of-right
#2: Create affordable housing policy requirements
#3: Reduce parking requirements
#4: Remove permit fees for accessory dwelling units (UPDATED)
#5: Promote infill development
#6: Promote alternative housing forms
#7: Upgrade permit software
Action #1: Allow greater density as-of-right
WHRM intends to amend the planning documents to increase the ability for new homes to be built, which may include the following changes:
• Gentle density increases like rezoning Single Unit Residential (R-1) zoned properties to the Two Unit Residential (R-2) zone.
• Allow an increased number of units as-of-right in other residential zones.
• Update minimum zone requirements (setbacks, height, lot coverage etc.) to allow for more flexible designs on smaller lots.
Action #2: Create affordable housing policy requirements
WHRM intends to amend the planning documents to incentivize affordable housing to be included within residential and mixed-use developments.
Action #3: Reduce parking requirements
WHRM intends to amend the planning documents to reduce minimum parking requirements within serviced areas. The current parking requirements can be a cost factor and deterrent for a variety of developments including small to medium-scale infill projects. In communities where services, amenities, and recreation spaces are within walking distance, parking minimums will be reconsidered.
Action #4: Remove permit fees for accessory dwelling units
WHRM intends to eliminate the cost of building and development permit fees that are normally charged for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) like secondary suites, across the entire Municipality. This cost savings is expected to run for the period of the Housing Accelerator Funding availability and is intended to reduce the cost of establishing new ADUs.
UPDATE: On May 28, 2024, Council approved amendments to the Fees Policy to remove the development and building permit fees for secondary suite applications for the next three years (May 29, 2024, to 2027). For more information, please contact the Planning and Development Department at 902-798-8391 ext. 115.
Action #5: Promote Infill Development
WHRM intends on identifying opportunity sites and working with landowners to connect them with potential developers to help utilize vacant land within WHRM’s serviced communities. Infill development can increase housing options within our existing communities, while making more efficient use of existing services like central water, sewer, and sidewalks.
Action #6: Promote Alternative Housing Forms
WHRM intends to utilize pre-approved designs that focus on the 'missing middle' style of residential development, including townhouses and low-rise to mid-rise multi-unit buildings in certain locations. These pre-approved designs could offer a complete set of building plans available to anyone for a nominal fee and illustrate where these housing forms are permitted.
*The original Housing Action Plan provided a different direction for this Action that was not consistent with the funding objectives of CMHC. The scope of this action was edited to explore pre-approved designs.
Action #7: Upgrade permit software
WHRM intends on updating its permitting software to provide applicants with a faster process for building and development permit applications, while also enabling online payment methods.
Resources
Sign Up for E-mail Updates
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We are thrilled to announce that you can now sign-up to receive e-mail updates from us!
Get the details at https://www.westhants.ca/sign-up.html and sign up today!
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