Downtown Halifax Vision 2030 is a report currently being created by Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC).Throughout the winter, we collected ideas from the public and stakeholders to answer the question: "What are the big moves to ensure our Downtown is vibrant and prosperous in 2030 and beyond?" 

The Downtown Halifax Vision 2030 report will be published later this summer. 

“When it comes to actually realizing better cities, having 'vision' comes down to being able to see things for your city that aren’t currently there, that may seem impossible or just too hard to achieve, but that are not only possible, but necessary.” – Brent Toderian, internationally renowned urban planner

Prior to 2020, Downtown Halifax had experienced a decade plus of major public investments in a new library, convention centre, Argyle Street streetscaping, waterfront transformation, and unprecedented levels of private investment. However, in 2020, our Downtown, like all downtowns across North America, was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to be in recovery mode. 

Currently, commercial vacancies are on the rise and in-office workers have declined due to hybrid work. Tourism, conventions, and events are attracting many visitors, and the residential population is booming. Governments at all levels are tightening their belts or focused on other priorities. We need to remind them of the importance of Downtown Halifax. 

A new vision for how to build on our success and get behind some signature projects is what we now need. Downtown Halifax Business Commission plans to unveil that new vision this spring (2024). 

This new vision WILL be:

• Multi-jurisdictional
• Brief, inspirational, understandable, and doable
• Contain themes as well as specific solutions
• And outline a better future for Downtown Halifax that can be actioned ASAP

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It will NOT be:

• A new municipal planning strategy
• A detailed action plan
• A budget document

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Have questions, comments or concerns? Email us here.