Province, HRM and Port of Halifax discussing land swaps

A memorandum of understanding expectedto be signed between Nova Scotia, its capital city and the Port of Halifax will help meet the growing demand for modern transportation links and housing, according to the provincial government.

Few details have been released about the MOU, includinghow it will achieve those goals.

Public Works Minister Kim Masland was given cabinet approval earlier in the weekto enter into the MOU, according to an order-in-council.That document saidthe MOUwill allow for "the exchange of lands, on the terms and conditions approved" by the provincial cabinet.

A spokesperson for Masland's department said further information could not be provided, citing confidentiality.

"Our province is growing, and we want to move quickly to seize opportunities that will allow us to address that growth," Gary Andrea said in a statement.

"The MOU with Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Port Authority is an agreement to work together to look at opportunities to ensure we are maximizing taxpayer dollars as potential land purchases are negotiated to support long-term economic strategic plans in the HRM."

Officials with the municipality and port had little else to add on the matter.

A spokesperson for the municipality said although there have been discussions among the parties on the potential exchange of lands, an MOU has not been finalized.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the port said the agency "continues to engage with all levels of government to support economic growth and prosperity for Nova Scotia," but they are unable to elaborate further at this time.

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