About DHBC
Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) is the business improvement district (BID) that represents the 1600+ businesses in the urban core of Halifax, Nova Scotia. We are a not-for-profit organization that works to passionately pursue a more prosperous and vibrant Downtown.
Guided by our focus areas: Advocacy, Marketing, Membership engagement, and Placemaking, DHBC runs programs, projects, events, and initiatives to help make Downtown Halifax a better place to live, work and play. DHBC also provides our membership with a collective voice at the table on all existing and emerging issues concerning Downtown Halifax, including but not limited to: planning and development, relief programs, heritage preservation, and urban mobility. We speak directly to all levels of government, media, and other stakeholders on our members' behalf.
DHBC runs programs, projects, events, and initiatives to help make Downtown Halifax a better place to live, work and play.
DHBC also runs a Navigator Outreach Program that offers direct support to homeless and street-involved individuals. This includes, but is not limited to support in: finding housing, employment, medication access, obtaining identification, and providing referrals to appropriate community programs. The initiative, entering its 14th year, is a partnership between DHBC and Spring Garden Area Business Association and also receives funding from HRM. The program is built on the belief that everyone should have equal access to social services and the Navigator partners with a variety of community agencies to ensure effective service delivery to the clients they work with.
Mission:
We champion and support a thriving Downtown Halifax.
Vision:
Canada's Favourite Downtown.
Guiding Principles:
- We foster collaboration and bring partners together to achieve common goals.
- We make informed decisions grounded in data, best-practice, and measurable impact.
- We welcome all people and support a Downtown that embraces diversity.
- We respond to change with creativity, resilience, and focus.
- We act boldly and responsibly to move Downtown forward.
- We communicate openly and share information responsibly.
View the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan here.
The Downtown Halifax District
If your business is located within DHBC’s boundaries, you are automatically a member of DHBC. DHBC represents all organizations, including property owners and tenants, located in the area between the Halifax Waterfront and the water side of Brunswick Street, and between the Cogswell District and the south end of Barrington Street.
If your business is located within DHBC’s boundaries, you are automatically a member of DHBC.
DHBC is proudly Rainbow Registered, a national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations.
