Halifax’s development plan isn’t green enough, says the Ecology Action Centre.
The EAC wants greenhouse gas reduction targets written into HRMbyDesign, but the city says it has to wait for the province.
Currently there are no hard standards for lowering greenhouse gas levels in the plan. The EAC wants a bylaw on emissions, energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable building practices.
HRM planners say they have to wait for the province to change the building code before such rules could come into effect.
The EAC disagrees, citing the new Halifax Regional Municipality Charter. Under section 197, council has the power to make bylaws involving “the health, well being, safety and protection of persons.” The EAC says their changes would fit that definition.
HRMbyDesign has not been finally approved by council.
