DHBC champions best practices in Downtown planning, design, management and utilization of public spaces that inspire vibrancy in Downtown Halifax. We offer streetscaping programming that applies not only to individual members, but the Downtown district as a whole. From database information to placemaking projects, DHBC pays attention to everything that relates to the Downtown’s visitors, residents and members. Our initiatives include, but are not limited to:

Seasonal Decorations and Signage 

DHBC’s DELIGHTFUL DOWNTOWN features themed light shows on the former Halifax Memorial Library building at Grafton Park, seasonal decorations including a 26 foot tall illuminated tree at Peace and Friendship Park, LED lit tree-wraps, lamp pole lights, and other general decorations throughout Downtown. Christmas wreaths are installed along Downtown streets every Winter and rainbow crosswalks are refreshed each Summer In partnership with HRM. For more information on seasonal decorations and signage, contact info@downtownhalifax.ca or (902) 423-6658.

Public Seating and Installations 

DHBC installs painted picnic tables (including wheelchair accessible tables) at the following locations during the summer and fall months: Peace and Friendship Park, Granville Mall, Sands at Salter (next to Bishop’s Landing), on the corner of Hollis and Salter Street, Purdy’s Wharf, George and Hollis Street, and the corner of Duke and Hollis Street. A recent addition to Downtown includes the activation of Granville Mall during the warmer months, placing painted bistro tables, chairs, lights, and more in this public area. If you are interested in borrowing picnic tables for an event taking place in Downtown Halifax or have any questions pertaining to this program, please contact info@downtownhalifax.ca or (902) 423-6658.

Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Grants 

Each spring, DHBC’s Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Grants are awarded to individuals and businesses seeking to encourage civic pride, support local economies, and enhance the overall attraction and vibrancy of Downtown Halifax’s streetscape. Categories include a standard Open Grant, Mural Grants, as well as our new Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) Mural and Open grants. Grant applicants are not required to be urban planners or professional artists, and can be eligible for up to $10,000 on an annual basis. Forms will be available when the 2023 call for applications start. To view a list of the 2022 grant recipients, click here. For more information please contact jonathan@downtownhalifax.ca

Self-guided Downtown Art Tours 

This self-guided art tour showcases all the Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Grant projects around the Downtown area. Make sure to bring your camera as you spend the day exploring all the public art installations that make the Downtown area so memorable.

Downtown Halifax Crew

We are passionate about keeping Downtown Halifax clean and beautiful. DHBC partners with HRM on matters of maintenance and ornamentation of the Downtown core. During the tourist season, May to September, DHBC’s seasonal employees maintain and enhance the Downtown area by removing graffiti and posters, and paint public items such as garbage cans and lamp posts. The Downtown Halifax Crew also serves as a valuable resource for tourists and visitors looking for directions or recommendations. For more information on the Crew, contact info@downtownhalifax.ca or (902) 423-6658.

Poster Kiosks

DHBC maintains four poster kiosks and nine pole collars for community advertising. This project provides an alternative space for posters in an effort to clean up clutter in the Downtown. DHBC is responsible for kiosk maintenance on the 1st and 15th of every month. For more information on poster kiosks, contact info@downtownhalifax.ca (902) 423-6658.

DHBC Lamp Standard Banner Program 

DHBC manages the banner program on Downtown Halifax’s lamp standards. The banners are used by event organizers to promote their events and programs that take place  Downtown. The Halifax Jazz Festival, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Neptune Theatre, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Blue Nose Marathon, the SaltWire Holiday Parade of Lights, and Metro United Way have all used the banner program to raise awareness about their events and programs. Please contact info@downtownhalifax.ca for more information.