Top Priorities for 2024-2025
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.
Downtown Halifax Vision 2030
DHBC will use Vision 2030 as a roadmap for the future of Downtown by getting in front of policymakers, government officals and investors. Read more on Vision 2030 here.
Strengthen Partnerships with (all 3 orders of) Government
DHBC wants to see tangible progress in becoming proactive partners with HRM, and also the Province, on everything that affects Downtown.
Halifax BIDs 2024 Provincial Priorities "Position Letter"
As of November 26, 2024, the nine Halifax business improvement districts (BIDs) will be calling on the newly elected provincial government to work collaboratively in identifying solutions for the day-to-day challenges our members face.
Construction Mitigation Fund
In June, 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
Public Safety Investments
DHBC wants to see proactive work done on tent encampment strategy. And, to strengthen our relationship with the Chief of Police, Police Inspector and the Community Response Officers (CROs) by having regular check-in meetings, and to host an annual Town Hall for members.
Getting to and around Downtown
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).
Minimize disruption from Cogswell Redevelopment
DHBC will work 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.
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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.
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
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.
