Bill 24 Regulations

With the passing of Bill 24, the Link Nova Scotia Act, the Minister of Public Works has order-making power to order a municipality to build, change, or remove transportation infrastructure within the municipality, or to do anything that would be necessary in the interest of safe, efficient and coordinated movement of people and goods.

To ensure ensure clarity, fairness, and accountability, regulations have been developed that must be considered when using Ministerial order-making powers under the Act.

Bill 24 – The Link Nova Scotia Act

Regulations

The Minister must consider the following criteria and factors before issuing an order under Section 7 of the Act (as noted in “Schedule A”):

(a) how the proposed order aligns with the Regional Transportation Plan;

(b) how the proposed order aligns with transportation projects;

(d) relevant and available data and evidence;

(e) emergency response and access needs;

(f) impact to traffic flow;

(g) economic development needs, including commercial transportation routes;

(h) any applicable funding agreements or obligations;

(i) whether discussions with the municipality have occurred to identify mutually beneficial solutions;

(j) the potential impact on the municipality’s budget.

If the Minister chooses to issue an order, written notice will be given to the municipality and key criteria or factors in the decision identified.

Common Questions

What is a regulation?

If legislation is the “what”, then regulation is the “how”. Regulations lay out conditions and criteria for how the legislation will be applied.

What is the purpose of the regulations?

The regulations will ensure clarity, fairness, and accountability when using Ministerial order-making powers under the Act.

When do the regulations come into effect?

The regulations are effective on and after January 20, 2026.

Active Transportation Review

With the release of the Regional Transportation Plan, Link Nova Scotia was directed in the Government Response to review active transportation projects to preserve existing road capacity.

Link Nova Scotia has developed a framework to review active transportation projects on an as-needed basis:

Step 1: Intake / Initial assessment: Could the project reasonably impact the regional transportation system in respect to one or more of the considerations contained in the Regulations Respecting Criteria and Factors?

Step 2: Information gathering: Is the data / information available sufficient to carry out review / analysis?

Step 3: Detailed review / analysis: Using the information provided or collected / produced, review the project to consider whether any adverse impacts on the criteria and factors are expected.

Step 4: Opinion / recommendation: Prepare a summary of findings, recommendation, risks, and alternatives for review.