What is a Community Area Rate?
Community area rates are uniform charges that support local community recreation activities, including community events, community beautification, recreational infrastructure maintenance, or grants to non-profit organizations.
The community area rates are managed by the registered community association and are required to submit business plans for the fiscal year to staff, containing budgeted financial expenditures which may also include proposed capital projects. The Administrative Order sets out the requirements and types of capital projects that are permitted to be funded through a community area rate.
Establishing a Community Area Rate
Step 1: Form a Non-Profit Association with the Registry of Joint Stocks
Step 2: Submit a proposal to the arearateinfo@halifax.ca for the establishment of a rate in its community during the Municipality’s annual business plan process. The proposal must include:
- the purpose for which the rate is to be established.
- the anticipated duration of time during which the rate will be applied.
- the proposed amount of the rate.
- the method by which the rate is proposed to be levied, which shall be as a uniform charge by
- dwelling unit or by taxable property assessment in the catchment area.
- the proposed catchment area for the rate boundary and an explanation as to why that boundary is appropriate; and
- a proposed financial plan for the use of the funds, including:
- how the funds will be expended; and
- any other sources of revenue to be combined with the funds.
Step 3: Hold a public meeting. Each property within the proposed area will receive a letter ballot from Municipality with a proposed date and location for a public meeting. Voting will close seven (7) days after the public meeting.
Regional Council Approval
Council may accept, decline, or modify the proposal for a rate, and may impose conditions on the expenditure thereof. The area rate will be set annually by resolution of Council, at its sole discretion, pursuant to the HRM Charter. Approval of a rate for a subsequent taxation year is at the discretion of the Council.
Frequently asked questions
The criteria are set out in the Administrative Order, but the following drop-down table includes answers to common questions. If you need assistance, please email arearateinfo@halifax.ca.
- How is community area rate collected?
The Municipality will collect the area rate through the property tax bill. The amount collected will then be distributed back to Non-Profit Association once approved by Regional Council and annual records are provided.
- What if I own more than one property in the catchment area.
A person who owns more than one property in the proposed area may vote once per property. The owner will also be subject to pay the area rate on each property.
- How many properties need to vote in favor for the area rate to pass?
50% +1 of properties must vote in favor for the area rate and then Regional Council must vote in favour for the final approval.
- Is there help from the municipality?
The municipality will administer the collection of the rate and assist an applicant with the process for the establishment of the rate.
| November 15th | The Municipality will collect the area rate through the property tax bill. The amount collected will then be distributed back to Non-Profit Association once approved by Regional Council and annual records are provided. |
|---|---|
| November 15th | The Municipality will collect the area rate through the property tax bill. The amount collected will then be distributed back to Non-Profit Association once approved by Regional Council and annual records are provided. |
| January 15th | Last day for requests to increase in area rate amount if the increase has been voted approved at your AGM or confirm there is no rate change. |
| March 15th | Last day to pause or discontinue your area rate. |
| April 30th | Provide annual documentation: A copy of AGM meeting minutes, a copy of previous years financials, annual business plan/budget. |
| June 2nd | Submit capital project requests for review for inclusion in the following year’s budget. |
| Name | Area Rate Collected | Council Approved Budget | Council Approved Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Area Rate Collected | Council Approved Budget | Council Approved Date |
| FRAME Subdivision Homeowners’ Association | $45 | $4095 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Glen Arbour Homeowners Association | $65 | $21,970 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Grand Lake Oakfield Community Centre | 0.021/$100 | $32,395 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Haliburton Highbury Homeowners | 0.023/$100 | $66,390 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Highland Park Ratepayers Association | 0.005/$100 | $12,280 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Ketch Harbour Area Residents Association | $66.67 | $14,700 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Kingswood Ratepayers Association | $50 | $67,650 | 23-Apr-24 |
| LWF Ratepayers Association | .030/$100 | $260,410 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Mineville Community Association | $20 | $11,280 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Musquodoboit Harbour & Area Chamber of Commerce & Civic Affairs | 0.005/$100 | $17,060 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Prospect Road and Area Recreation Association | 0.012/$100 | $135,100 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Sackville Heights Community & Cultural Centre | 0.010/$100 | $373,800 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Sheet Harbour & Area Streetscape Program | $5/$15/$25 | $44,115 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Silversides Residents Association | $100 | $16,300 | 23-Apr-24 |
| St Margaret’s Village at Fox Hollow Homeowners Association | $60 | $6,240 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Three Brooks Homeowners Association | $60 | $10,260 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Waverley Community Association | $35 | $33,495 | 23-Apr-24 |
| Westwood Hills Residents Association | $50 | $35,850 | 23-Apr-24 |