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Message-ID: <4011A795.352D733B@ns.sympatico.ca>
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 19:00:37 -0400
From: david aalders <daalders@ns.sympatico.ca>
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To: sbruce@herald.ns.ca
Subject: Press release on HRM development moratorium
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Ecology Action Centre, Halifax
The Ecology Action Centre supports the 90-day ministerial moratorium on
approvals of new large scale residential developments in most unserviced
areas of the HRM, and plans to place a further moratorium until the new
Regional plan is enacted.
David Aalders of the Ecology Action Ctr said: “The actions of
HRM in placing a moratorium on large scale development is prudent and
necessary from environmental, public health and fiscal perspectives. It
would be shortsighted and self defeating if HRM allowed new development
applications, while devising new rules. It is probable that many of the
applications this moratorium prohibits, would not be approved under the
new Regional plan”.
Responsible planning
The HRM’s request for a 90-day moratorium is an act of responsible
planning, and is an entirely reasonable request, considering:
· the gravity of the planning task (regional, 25 years)
· the need to fill data gaps in order to make more informed and
responsible decisions
· the long-lasting impacts of strategic planning decisions.
“Affordable” development
The 90-day moratorium addresses the critical question of whether
Halifax, as a region, can afford development at the urban periphery.
The issue being addressed goes beyond the pricetag to individual
homebuyers, but the pricetag to all residents of Halifax, who might
ultimately (through taxes and utility bills) be footing the bill for
service extensions such as:
· water and sewer
· electric and gas utilities
· police, fire, ambulance
· snow removal
· road maintenance
· transit
· schools
Public environmental health
The 90-day moratorium gives the HRM the opportunity it needs to consider
important longer term issues that concern the entire community, such as:
· Preservation of wildlife habitat, recreational open space, fertile
land, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas.
· Burdens on taxpayers typically associated with fringe developments
(e.g., the health care costs of air pollution due to sustained use of
automobiles.)
. Continuing high levels of obesity, especially in children, as
developments on the urban fringe require car usage for even basic trips.
Urban Issues Committee / David Aalders/ 477-6514
Ecology Action Centre / Mark Butler / 429 2202
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