New campaign seeks to stop proposed Halifax property tax hike

A new campaign is opposing a proposed property tax increase in Halifax.

A new campaign seeks to stop Halifax’s proposed 10.9 per cent property tax hike as council continues its budget deliberations.

The Stop the Property Tax Hike campaign has garnered more than 600 signatures, according to a news release from the Rental Housing Providers of Nova Scotia.

In a news release last month, the municipality said “unavoidable cost drivers” have resulted in an estimated tax bill increase of 10.9 per cent.

“People can’t absorb another tax hike right now and they certainly can’t afford 40% in property tax hikes over the next four years,” said Kevin Russell, executive director of Rental Housing Providers of Nova Scotia, in a release. “If these hikes go through, housing costs will rise across the city, rents will be pushed higher, and small businesses will have a harder time keeping their doors open.”

The campaign also calls on city hall to use an “affordability lens” during their budget deliberations.

Russell told CTV News Atlantic they’re hearing from more people that are spending 40-to-45 per cent of their income on housing.

“Housing shouldn’t account for any more than 30 percent of your income,” he said.

In a previous interview with CTV News Atlantic, Mayor Andy Fillmore said they will “have to do some cutting” to bring down the proposed tax hike.

The budget committee continued their deliberations on Wednesday. They are scheduled to approve the final budget on March 31.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Emma Convey

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