DHBC created the Vision 2030 document with the help of many people. Since June 2024, we have been getting in front of policymakers, government officials and investors, asking them to use it as a roadmap for the future of Downtown. 

With this, DHBC is seeing tangible progress in becoming proactive partners with HRM, and also the Province, on everything that affects Downtown.

DHBC's 2025-2026 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission, presented to the Honourable John Lohr, Nova Scotia Minister of Finance and Treasury Board - Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Read more on Vision 2030 here. 

One of the four transformational moves outlined in the Vision document is "MOVE SMART," stating that getting to, and around Downtown is critical to its success!

DHBC supports the concept of a FREE Downtown shuttle, and wants to see a joint lobby position with HRM around obtaining provincial funding for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). 

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DHBC has a great relationship with the Chief of Police, Police Inspector and our Community Response Officer (CRO). 

New Community Response Officer 

A warm welcome to Constable Paul Desrochers as Downtown Halifax’s new Community Response Officer (CRO). Paul has over 40 years of policing experience and is amazing at working directly with the community and business leaders alike. 

When should I contact my CRO? Paul’s hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., so if you have complaints, concerns, or suggestions specific to Downtown you can reach Paul directly during those times at 902-225-8975. 

For more information on who to call and when visit HRM’s Crime Reporting page. 

DHBC works closely with HRM's Cogswell Development team, via monthly stakeholder sessions, and direct communication. To follow all road closures and updates on Cogswell you can follow our Cogswell Lowdown page. 

In June (2024), DHBC, along with seven other business improvement districts (BIDs) in Halifax, sent a letter to Minister John Lohr. The letter states that we support an amendment to the HRM Charter that would enable the municipality to establish a fund to help mitigate the negative financial impact some construction projects have on local businesses.

June 25, 2024 - Our letter to Minister Lohr

July 17, 2024 - Response to HRM BIDs from Minister Lohr

Cogswell Coalition's Gehl Report

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.

Read "Halifax's Bold Move" from 2015 here.