Current Top Priorities
Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) represents the collective voice for its members when speaking with government, media, and other stakeholders.
Each year, our Board of Directors, along with our advocacy committee, decide on our top priorities. But, there are always hot topics and projects affecting Downtown Halifax, and those can change daily. We monitor the news and work to provide updates to our membership, assuring we are always one step ahead.
Working with HRM on behalf of DHBC's Members
2024-2025 HRM Budget
On March 1, 2024 DHBC sent budget recommendations to HRM's Council. This included additional police officers patrolling Downtown.
Grand Parade
March 8, 2024 - 10 a.m. - From HRM - Municipal statement regarding de-designated locations
February 7, 2024 - DHBC's position on the future of Grand Parade
For the past few months, Grand Parade has become a tent encampment for individuals experiencing homelessness. This has raised awareness of the homelessness crisis and attracted the attention of volunteers and donors. But, with viable alternatives now available, and increasing safety concerns, the time has come to return Grand Parade to its intended purpose. Grand Parade is the historic centre of our capital city. It is where we pay respect to veterans and fallen peace officers. It is where we raise flags to celebrate cultures and causes. It is a place for everyone, and as such, should never be a place used by any one group for an extended period of time.
Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) believes in a housing first approach. We know that homelessness can only truly be solved when everyone has a home. Since we’re currently in a housing crisis, the next best thing (and part of the solution) are short-term alternatives, alternatives like shelters.
DHBC continues to advocate for more deeply affordable, supportive (wrap-around services) housing with the Provincial and Federal governments and our Navigator Outreach Coordinator continues to proactively work on finding housing for the individuals currently still sleeping in downtown parks.
To learn more and to support the ongoing work of our Downtown Halifax Navigator Outreach Program visit: https://downtownhalifax.ca/navigatoroutreachprogram
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Cogswell Redevelopment Project
While demolition, road and park construction continue for the Cogswell District, the final phase of public consultation will be happening soon. The land use bylaw review will involve public consultation on what the private development aspects of the district will look like and how affordable housing will be incorporated. This work will be led by HRM, and a timeframe will be announced soon.
In 2018, DHBC, along with many other stakeholders who make up what we refer to as the “Cogswell Coalition”, and HRM, hired world-renowned consultants, Gehl People, to make recommendations for the Cogswell District. Gehl presented at the Art of City Building conference, conducted site visits, and facilitated stakeholder meetings. The result was a 135-page report that provided recommendations to guide both public and private design moving forward.
Some of their recommendations on the public realm were incorporated into the final designs for parks and streets. The report also contains recommendations, which should influence this next phase.
You can read the Gehl report here.
Follow the latest work happening here.
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Permanent Stadium at Halifax Wanderers Grounds
Letter of Support
September 12, 2023Dear HRM Standing Committee on Community Planning and Economic Development, and HRM Regional Council,
Downtown Halifax Business Commission supports the idea of HRM proceeding to investigate the feasibility and cost of implementing a permanent sports/entertainment venue on the Halifax Wanderers Grounds. Such a venue would continue to be home to the Halifax Wanderers Soccer Team, as well as a potential home for the Citadel High sports teams, other community uses, as well as year-round sporting and entertainment.
The Halifax Wanderers soccer team has proven to be a success for our city, both in providing community spirit, as well as driving economic benefits in several business districts, including Downtown Halifax. They have demonstrated that this previously under-utilized location works for sports.
We would request that HRM CPED and Regional Council direct staff to undertake a feasibility report, and begin budget planning, for a permanent facility on the Wanderers Grounds.
Sincerely,
Paul MacKinnon, CEO
Downtown Halifax Business Commission -
CEBA Loan
Despite advocacy from many groups across the country (including us) to adjust the timeline for loan repayment, businesses needed to repay their CEBA loan by January 18, 2024, in order to keep the forgivable portion of the loan.
For the latest visit: Canadian Federation of Independant Business (CFIB) Resources
On January 17, 2024, Halifax Chamber of Commerce released their latest Q4 2023 Halifax Business Conditions Data Report. There is a new section added with the CEBA loan data on page 9 - click here to read it.
Key Stakeholders & Partner Organizations
HRM
Downtowns Atlantic Canada (DAC)
International Downtowns Association (IDA)
Halifax BIDS
Nova Scotia BIDS
Cogswell Coalition
Discover Halifax
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
DHBC is proudly Rainbow Registered, a national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations.
