Halifax Regional Municipality continues consultation on commercial tax changes

A virtual consultation session regarding proposed commercial taxation changes will be held by Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)’s Committee of the Whole on February 15, 2022.  HRM is hoping to gather additional stakeholder feedback on the options and recommendations outlined in its staff report, Item No. 10.1 Halifax Regional Council January 11, 2022 | Small Business Definition and Commercial Taxation Options. 

The latest staff report has resulted in a recommendation from HRM staff for a tiered tax system based on commercial property assessments. This recommendation is different from the proposed approach – championed by many of the elected HRM councillors – for a tiered tax system based on commercial property assessments combined with tax zones. For the past year, RCC has been working with HRM on this issue and has already presented to Council’s Executive Committee on subject. 

RCC will also participate in the consultation session on February 14, 2022. Stakeholders can provide a written submission and/or make a 5 minute virtual presentation to the Committee. As previously noted, the proposed tax changes would benefit some retailers through lower tax rates while increasing the rates for other retailers. 

If RCC members wish to participate in the consultation session, please contact Jim Cormier, RCC’s Atlantic Director, as soon as possible at jcormier@retailcouncil.org.