DHBC is monitoring the news daily (hourly honestly) to provide information for our member businesses. 

We know the Premier has added a contingency fund to this year’s budget in response, but as he said, it is too early to determine exactly what specific funding will be necessary, as we're all unclear how this will affect our Downtowns and Main Streets at this point. 

We are hearing from a few shops that have certain products that are not made in Canada, that their U.S. vendors have already increased their prices, which in turn will show up at the cash register and negatively impact customers. 

Be Kind 

We are encouraging the public to do their best to research how to tell if something is Canadian made (and even better, Nova Scotian made) and to not take any price increases at their favorite local shop out on the shop keeper.  

Reach Out

DHBC wants to hear from our members on how this is affecting you and your business. If you want to reach out, email jayme@downtownhalifax.ca. As we gather information, we will be able to advocate on your behalf. 

The province is encouraging the purchase of local products through Nova Scotia Loyal. 

Nova Scotia Loyal is a way for we as Nova Scotians to recognize Nova Scotia products and choose to purchase them. There are now 250 producers, manufacturers or retailers who are participating in this program. Nova Scotia Loyal is seeking new participants and you can learn more or sign up here.  

The province of Nova Scotia announced a tariff Hotline on February 6th. There is also a tariff information line at: 1-800-670-4357. If a businessperson calls and needs follow up, a business navigator will contact them. Other Nova Scotians with questions that require follow up should leave their name, email address and phone number. That line is available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.  

The province is providing a survey for businesses who may be impacted by tariffs. 

Take the survey at https://novascotia.ca/tariffs. Business owners and employees who fill out the online survey will be able to share information about barriers to expanding into interprovincial or international markets. The province will take that information into account as it moves forward with its tariff response. 
 

Our friends at the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) want to better understand the impacts of announced and anticipated tariffs on Canada’s local economies. 

Take the Main Street Canada Survey.

There's "Shop Canadian," the brainchild of two software developers in Edmonton; 

"Buy Beaver," which was dreamt up by two Montreal entrepreneurs; 

"O SCANada," created by a mother and son in Calgary; and 

"Maple Scan," an AI-powered tool made by a Calgary researcher. 

All four apps have a feature that lets shoppers scan an item's barcode to determine how Canadian it is. CBC Reports. 

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, submitted to the Honourable John Lohr, Nova Scotia Minister of Finance and Treasury Board - Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

DHBC's 2025-2026 Municipal Budget Submission, submitted to Mayor Andy Fillmore, HRM Regional Council, Chief Administrative Officer, Cathie O’Toole and Director of Finance, Jerry Blackwood - Friday, February 21, 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). 

Image

Another one of the four transformational moves outlined in the Vision document is "ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL," which represents the goal that Downtown Halifax is a nationally renowned destination for arts, culture, and entertainment. 

DHBC recently became aware that HRM has now released its “Performing and Visual Arts Venues Study”, prepared by HRM, Happy Cities, Licker Geospatial Consulting, and The Arts Firm Inc. For more information, click here. 

Image

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.