Halifax considers paid Saturday parking amid tough budget year

Halifax expects a 10.9% rise in average urban residential property tax bills for 2026-27, and councillors are reviewing cuts and new revenue options including paid Saturday parking and higher parking fees as part of the budget process.

Halifax is facing a projected double-digit increase in urban residential property taxes for 2026-27. The average Halifax urban residential property tax bill is expected to rise 10.9 per cent, about $283 more per household. Halifax Regional Municipality's budget committee is reviewing various cuts and new revenue options to reduce that increase, including changes to parking fees and permits. Current proposals: - The committee is considering paid daytime parking on Saturdays in downtown Halifax, downtown Dartmouth and Spring Garden, and a 25 per cent increase to paid parking fees. - Mayor Andy Fillmore proposed that the first hour of Saturday parking be free if paid Saturday parking is implemented; municipal staff said the HotSpot app would control that free hour. - Municipal staff told councillors they would need about $40 million to keep the tax rate flat; the budget options will be finalized later in the cycle and the budget is scheduled to be passed in late March. Summary: The measures under review are intended to reduce upward pressure on property taxes now estimated at 10.9%. Council will continue to consider the proposed changes during the budget process, with final decisions expected when the budget is passed in late March.