Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Halifax, NS

Municipal Governance and Support

Funding and Infrastructure Programs

• Administration of the Canada Community-Building Fund.
• Management of the Municipal Capital Growth Program.
• Oversight of the Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program.
• Provision of operating grants to municipalities and villages.
• Guidance on municipal financial planning and budgeting.
• Support for the Provincial Capital Assistance Program.

Departmental Mandate

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing, headquartered in the Maritime Centre on Barrington Street, serves as the primary link between the provincial government and the 49 municipalities of Nova Scotia. This office is responsible for ensuring that local governments have the legislative authority, financial resources, and administrative capacity to provide essential services to their residents. The department administers the Municipal Government Act and the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, which form the legal backbone of local governance. Staff at this location work closely with mayors, wardens, and councilors to develop policies that promote sustainable community growth and fiscal responsibility. 🏛️📜🚜

Safety and Housing Initiatives

In addition to municipal relations, this department houses the Office of the Fire Marshal, which oversees fire safety standards and investigations across the province. The department also plays a critical role in addressing the housing crisis by funding affordable housing projects and working with developers and non-profits to increase housing stock. While this specific office is primarily administrative and deals with corporate stakeholders rather than individual housing applications, it is the strategic hub for provincial infrastructure planning, including water, wastewater, and public transit funding agreements.