Plans for a nearly 12-hectare development in Halifax were released Wednesday during a public engagement session. “You come here and you see some of the plans and it’s just amazing what is in store for Halifax over the course of the next 30 years,” says Halifax resident Eldon MacKeigan. “I’m absolutely fascinated with the growth possibilities of Halifax.” Two developers have submitted proposals for up to 4,615 new residential units, as well as commercial and office spaces on an area between Windsor, Young, Robie and Almon streets. “This area has a lot of existing services that are close by and has a lot of potential for new services as well,” says HRM planner Rhys Burnell. The block, which for decades was the site of the old Piercey’s property, is now known as the Young Street Lands. It was designated as a future growth node back in 2021. Proposal one has one building, up to 33 stories high, going up on the old Mayflower Curling Club site. The second includes 11 towers ranging from 12 to 52 stories tall. “I think it’s a great way to increase density without taking away any historic value of Halifax,” says Thomas Jangaard, who lives across the street from the block. Heather Murphy showed up to encourage developers to use their imagination in the buildings’ designs. “Aesthetically, look at what you’re doing. Make sure that it always looks attractive as opposed to just a cement city of tower apartments,” she said. Bill Hughes was particularly interested in the proposals. He and his wife moved into a new building adjacent to the curling club seven years ago. They’re now hoping to move into a newer model when it’s ready. “That’s the plan, because a new building will now have the view that we presently have, the new building will take it away,” he said. Feedback from the public sessions will help form final proposals which will be presented at city council for approval. Surveys are available online at Engage Halifax until Aug. 23 for anyone not able to attend Wednesday’s session. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
