The Value of Investing in Canadian Downtowns - International ...

sites for redevelopment that are currently in public ownership.
The downtown’s public realm is also influenced by the
presence of large public and quasi-public entities —
universities, schools, Federal agencies (i.e. the Department of
National Defence and Parks Canada), the Waterfront
Development Corporation, and other Provincial and Municipal
bodies. Large areas of land have been claimed by these
institutions for a single land use. While the City can leverage
city-owned properties, it often has little control or influence —
or even communication — with these other "public" land
owners. This can create challenges for planning for the flow,
permeability, and vitality of the city itself. Therefore in
response to this challenge, the City has established the
Strategic Partnership which unites these groups and allows
them to forge a strong collective dialogue and plan for the
downtown. The Strategic Partnership provides an excellent
model on how this type of group can be successfully
established.
Overall, downtown Halifax has a quality public realm that
attracts tourists from all over the world. Yet it will be important
that the City continues to build and expand on this framework
to realize its full potential and vibrancy.
Top: The Sands of Salter, was a provincial project that created a hugely
popular urban beach, it also hosted the FIVB volley ball tournament in 2011
and 2012.
Middle: The summer side walk cafes have also been a major success in the
downtown. An attractive feature is the innovative use of “seasonal extensions”
to the permanent sidewalks. In addition to providing space for restaurants and
cafes to expand their presence on the street, the increased activity during the
summer months also acts as a “traffic calming” measure.
Connectivity
Downtown Halifax sits on a historic grid characterized by small blocks and narrow roadways. The grid is set out on a
steep hill. While this intimate pattern creates a positive experience for pedestrians, these narrow streets and the
City’s topography often creates challenges for vehicles, freight, and http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=5386770
cyclists moving around the downtown. Contrary
to most North American cities, Halifax has recently taken measures
, http://pricetags.wordpress.com/2007/10/04/fine-dining-inhalifax/
towards implementing more one-way traffic flows
(Sept 2011), to reduce the number of vehicle travel lanes with the goal of increasing street space available for onstreet
parking, bike lanes, and other potential uses. 8 Initiatives such as these contribute to a more interconnected
downtown that encourages alternative modes of transportation.
8
CBC News. (2011). Sackville and Lower Water Streets to be One-Way. Retrieved from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/09/08/nshalifax-streets-one-way.html.
Accessed 2012 January 17.
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