Regulatory board approves Halifax Water rate application – with adjustments

Halifax Water has received approval for its proposed rate hike.

The Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board has approved Halifax Water’s general rate application, but not without adjustments that will need to be filed in a week.

Halifax Water submitted an application that, if approved, would increase water and wastewater service rates for residential customers by 15.8 per cent on Jan. 1, 2026 and 17.1 per cent of April 1, 2026.

The board requested adjustments be made to the revenue requirements in the application, which will reduce the overall proposed rate increases.

Halifax Water will have to submit the adjustments by Dec. 23.

In a news release, Halifax Water said its request was driven by inflation, depleted reserve funds, ageing infrastructure and rising interest rates. It will be the first Halifax Water rate increase since April 2023.

“We are reviewing the impact of today’s decision and remain committed to providing reliable service to our customers and the environment.” said Kenda MacKenzie, general manager of Halifax Water, in the release. “Our team works hard to provide reliable water, wastewater and stormwater service while controlling costs and maintaining good service for our customers.”

In a written statement, Mayor Andy Fillmore said he agrees with most of the board’s findings, but expressed concerns about their direction for Halifax Water to explore if the municipality “should absorb financial shortfalls” that contribute to their deficit.

“That is not something HRM can responsibly consider without a full, independent audit,” Fillmore said. “I have therefore written to the Halifax Regional Municipality Auditor General, and the Auditor General of Nova Scotia, to ask that they each consider a review of Halifax Water’s governance, financial management, and capital planning practices.”

Fillmore said he received more than 2,000 letters from residents and businesses advocating against the rate increase.

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