The four zone Greenbelting Solution

Developed by the Our HRM Alliance
As of March 19, 2012

Greenbelting Plan for HRM - please click on image to view a larger pdf

The Greenbelting Solution proposed by the Alliance features four “zones,” each with a different focus and different development policies:

1.    Protected areas and natural corridors

This zone provides the highest level of protection for watersheds, unique ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The zone links “protected areas” to provide “natural corridors” for wildlife and recreation. This zone includes “proposed areas for protection” that have a similar conservation value to already “protected areas”, but have not yet been recognized or need a higher level of protection. In areas designated as “natural corridors”, the Province and Municipality should work towards gaining control of lands necessary for connectivity through zoning, strategic land purposes and other means.

2.    Natural resources and agriculture

Abundant resources in Nova Scotia provide a base for significant economic activity. Greenbelting protects lands for the continuation of forestry, agriculture, fishing and mining rather than allow these areas to become places for residential or commercial development.

3.    Rural communities and Coastal Management Area

This zone protects the rural and coastal lifestyles that help define the Nova Scotian character. The greenbelting initiative suggests placing a holding zone designation over land outside the containment boundaries set by individual communities through HRM’s Community Visioning process. A Coastal Management Area must also be designated and enforced to both preserve the natural environment from people and protect people from the natural environment.

4.    Regional Centre and suburban growth centres

To reach sufficient densities to allow for sustainable development, growth should be channelled to already-serviced areas. HRM’s target of 75 per cent urban/suburban development must first be reached and then revisited.  This zone should encourage abundant green spaces within growth centres, opportunities for urban agriculture, and green building practices. 

HRM must complete its Affordable Housing Functional Plan to ensure affordable options exits in convenient, transit-oriented locations.

Full details of the policy layers and the draft Greenbelting Solution maps are available at ourhrmalliance.ca.

Please contact Jen Powley at 429-0924 or 802-1270 for further details.