HRM approves downtown projects despite height restrictions
Posted May 11, 2011 06:09:53 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Two development projects in Halifax’s downtown are getting the green light after lengthy public hearings where dozens of people gave the plans a mixed review.
Both plans to develop the Discovery Centre and the Roy Building exceed the 21 metre height restrictions, but Halifax Regional Municipality has approved both plans to build the high rises.
It was Coun. Dawn Sloan (Halifax Downtown) who put the motion on the floor to approve the mixed-use commercial redevelopment project.
People came out in droves to voice their views on the two developments.
Former councilor Bernard Smith fully supported replacing the Roy Building with a glass high rise.
“I’m persuaded that it’s best to replace and to add to the building in sufficient levels to make it viable,” Smith told the council during the public hearing.
Owner of the Foggy Goggle Restaurant and Bar on Argyle Street, Natalie Dugie, also said she’d like to see new development in the area.
“Anything that would bring more parking and more people downtown I think would be quite advantageous to everybody,” said Dugie.
While business owners showed their support for the project, which is expected to boost the downtown pedestrian traffic and local economy, there were concerns raised by those who want to conserve the heritage of the district.
“High rises and demolition are a worst-case scenario for the Barrington Street heritage conservation district,” said long-time resident Elizabeth Pacey.
The motion was passed and construction should begin within the next year.
