The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, introduced proposed amendments to the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000 and City of St. John’s Municipal Taxation Act in the House of Assembly on December 2, 2024. These amendments aim to support housing development and affordable housing projects throughout our province.

These amendments will help modernize legislation and provide clarification to municipalities with respect to planning tools that enable housing developments. The proposed amendments to the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000 facilitate inclusionary zoning, incentive and bonus zoning, virtual public meetings, and modernization of public notification methods.

The amendments to the City of St. John’s Municipal Taxation Act provide gender neutral language and allow real property tax exemptions to help enable affordable housing development projects.

These amendments will further strengthen municipalities’ legislative authority and encourage housing developments and access to affordable homes in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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“Municipal legislation directly impacts the daily lives of our province’s residents. These amendments are proposed to encourage and facilitate affordable housing projects and housing development necessary to build vibrant and more sustainable communities.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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