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Downtown...I'm In

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Consultation has concluded

Downtown Halifax and Dartmouth have something for everyone.

Spending time with family and friends. Exploring. Working. Working out. Shopping. Checking out new art exhibits. Attending a class. Reflecting during a quiet moment.

Vibrant cities around the world have one thing in common: they attract and keep people in their downtown areas.

Mayor Mike Savage and HRM Regional Council are gathering ideas for how to make Halifax and Dartmouth downtown areas even better. They want YOUR ideas.

Watch the video and what others are saying.

Here's how you can get involved:

Speakers to inspire us:

Come and hear inspiring Downtown Champion speakers describe what they've seen around the world so we can appreciate what's working here, and what's possible moving forward. The Downtown Champions are:

Don't want to comment online?

  • Drop us a line at: Downtown...I'm In!, PO Box 1749, Halifax, NS B3J 3A5
  • Email us at: downtownimin@halifax.ca

@hfxgov #downtownimin

Downtown Halifax and Dartmouth have something for everyone.

Spending time with family and friends. Exploring. Working. Working out. Shopping. Checking out new art exhibits. Attending a class. Reflecting during a quiet moment.

Vibrant cities around the world have one thing in common: they attract and keep people in their downtown areas.

Mayor Mike Savage and HRM Regional Council are gathering ideas for how to make Halifax and Dartmouth downtown areas even better. They want YOUR ideas.

Watch the video and what others are saying.

Here's how you can get involved:

Speakers to inspire us:

Come and hear inspiring Downtown Champion speakers describe what they've seen around the world so we can appreciate what's working here, and what's possible moving forward. The Downtown Champions are:

Don't want to comment online?

  • Drop us a line at: Downtown...I'm In!, PO Box 1749, Halifax, NS B3J 3A5
  • Email us at: downtownimin@halifax.ca

@hfxgov #downtownimin

Consultation has concluded

This is your space to find out more about this project so please feel free to ask us a question here.  

  • Share Before making any streets pedestrian only check with the city planners of Bethlehem, Pa in the states. They did it for quite a few years and totally killed all businesses on that street. People are lazy!!! on Facebook Share Before making any streets pedestrian only check with the city planners of Bethlehem, Pa in the states. They did it for quite a few years and totally killed all businesses on that street. People are lazy!!! on Twitter Share Before making any streets pedestrian only check with the city planners of Bethlehem, Pa in the states. They did it for quite a few years and totally killed all businesses on that street. People are lazy!!! on Linkedin Email Before making any streets pedestrian only check with the city planners of Bethlehem, Pa in the states. They did it for quite a few years and totally killed all businesses on that street. People are lazy!!! link

    Before making any streets pedestrian only check with the city planners of Bethlehem, Pa in the states. They did it for quite a few years and totally killed all businesses on that street. People are lazy!!!

    anonymous asked almost 11 years ago
    Thank you for your comments. We will take this forward as part of the report to HRM Regional Council.
  • Share Is there plans to reduce posted speeds for our downtown areas? I know that in traffic cars are not driving to fast but to see a lower posted speed tells drivers they are in a special place, a place where there are lots of pedestrians and this city cares. A "Healthy and Livable Community." must put people first. Thanks on Facebook Share Is there plans to reduce posted speeds for our downtown areas? I know that in traffic cars are not driving to fast but to see a lower posted speed tells drivers they are in a special place, a place where there are lots of pedestrians and this city cares. A "Healthy and Livable Community." must put people first. Thanks on Twitter Share Is there plans to reduce posted speeds for our downtown areas? I know that in traffic cars are not driving to fast but to see a lower posted speed tells drivers they are in a special place, a place where there are lots of pedestrians and this city cares. A "Healthy and Livable Community." must put people first. Thanks on Linkedin Email Is there plans to reduce posted speeds for our downtown areas? I know that in traffic cars are not driving to fast but to see a lower posted speed tells drivers they are in a special place, a place where there are lots of pedestrians and this city cares. A "Healthy and Livable Community." must put people first. Thanks link

    Is there plans to reduce posted speeds for our downtown areas? I know that in traffic cars are not driving to fast but to see a lower posted speed tells drivers they are in a special place, a place where there are lots of pedestrians and this city cares. A "Healthy and Livable Community." must put people first. Thanks

    anonymous asked almost 11 years ago
    Thank you for your comment. Please incorporate the suggestion above into a survey response, if you haven't already. We also hope that you bring your thoughts out to one of the 'Downtown...I'm In' sessions tomorrow (Saturday, February 8) at either Alderney Farmers Market or City Centre Atlantic at 10 a.m.
  • Share This is more of a suggestion. I ask that you please consider families in your downtown revivals. Myself and other mothers of young children don't go downtown to shop or have coffee anymore because it is too difficult to find places that have baby change stations, and places to breastfeed. The only baby change stations are in the library and in park lane mall IF you ask for a key (and its a bad station, doesn't even have safety straps). on Facebook Share This is more of a suggestion. I ask that you please consider families in your downtown revivals. Myself and other mothers of young children don't go downtown to shop or have coffee anymore because it is too difficult to find places that have baby change stations, and places to breastfeed. The only baby change stations are in the library and in park lane mall IF you ask for a key (and its a bad station, doesn't even have safety straps). on Twitter Share This is more of a suggestion. I ask that you please consider families in your downtown revivals. Myself and other mothers of young children don't go downtown to shop or have coffee anymore because it is too difficult to find places that have baby change stations, and places to breastfeed. The only baby change stations are in the library and in park lane mall IF you ask for a key (and its a bad station, doesn't even have safety straps). on Linkedin Email This is more of a suggestion. I ask that you please consider families in your downtown revivals. Myself and other mothers of young children don't go downtown to shop or have coffee anymore because it is too difficult to find places that have baby change stations, and places to breastfeed. The only baby change stations are in the library and in park lane mall IF you ask for a key (and its a bad station, doesn't even have safety straps). link

    This is more of a suggestion. I ask that you please consider families in your downtown revivals. Myself and other mothers of young children don't go downtown to shop or have coffee anymore because it is too difficult to find places that have baby change stations, and places to breastfeed. The only baby change stations are in the library and in park lane mall IF you ask for a key (and its a bad station, doesn't even have safety straps).

    anonymous asked almost 11 years ago
    Thank you for your comments and those are great points you bring up. If you haven't already please incorporate those into the survey that is also on this site. We also hope to see you tomorrow (Saturday, February 8) at either Alderney Farmers Market or City Centre Atlantic to be part of the conversation. Just so you know, Discovery Centre will be onsite at both locations with activities for children:)
  • Share Let's restore pride in Halifax's heritage by having a city mascot named Rusty the Kingfisher. I'm thinking of the kingfisher figure featured prominently in the City's Coat of Arms in the pre-amalgamation period. on Facebook Share Let's restore pride in Halifax's heritage by having a city mascot named Rusty the Kingfisher. I'm thinking of the kingfisher figure featured prominently in the City's Coat of Arms in the pre-amalgamation period. on Twitter Share Let's restore pride in Halifax's heritage by having a city mascot named Rusty the Kingfisher. I'm thinking of the kingfisher figure featured prominently in the City's Coat of Arms in the pre-amalgamation period. on Linkedin Email Let's restore pride in Halifax's heritage by having a city mascot named Rusty the Kingfisher. I'm thinking of the kingfisher figure featured prominently in the City's Coat of Arms in the pre-amalgamation period. link

    Let's restore pride in Halifax's heritage by having a city mascot named Rusty the Kingfisher. I'm thinking of the kingfisher figure featured prominently in the City's Coat of Arms in the pre-amalgamation period.

    anonymous asked almost 11 years ago
    Thanks for your comment. That is a very interesting idea. Please incorporate it into the survey that is also on this site. We would also encourage you to bring ideas like these to one of the two 'Downtown...I'm In' event locations at Alderney Farmers Market or City Centre Atlantic tomorrow (Saturday, February 8th) at 10 a.m.
  • Share I am amazed that in this age of clean cities the HRM doesn't do anything about the indiscriminate postering of our telephone poles. We have a bylaw in place which seems to never be enforced and consequently streets leading to the downtown core have row upon row of poles covered in garbage from thousands of rusting staples and shards of paper. This is even after the city has provided public poster kiosks. Contrast this with how uncluttered streets outside the downtown area look. What steps are we going to take to address this problem? Thanks. on Facebook Share I am amazed that in this age of clean cities the HRM doesn't do anything about the indiscriminate postering of our telephone poles. We have a bylaw in place which seems to never be enforced and consequently streets leading to the downtown core have row upon row of poles covered in garbage from thousands of rusting staples and shards of paper. This is even after the city has provided public poster kiosks. Contrast this with how uncluttered streets outside the downtown area look. What steps are we going to take to address this problem? Thanks. on Twitter Share I am amazed that in this age of clean cities the HRM doesn't do anything about the indiscriminate postering of our telephone poles. We have a bylaw in place which seems to never be enforced and consequently streets leading to the downtown core have row upon row of poles covered in garbage from thousands of rusting staples and shards of paper. This is even after the city has provided public poster kiosks. Contrast this with how uncluttered streets outside the downtown area look. What steps are we going to take to address this problem? Thanks. on Linkedin Email I am amazed that in this age of clean cities the HRM doesn't do anything about the indiscriminate postering of our telephone poles. We have a bylaw in place which seems to never be enforced and consequently streets leading to the downtown core have row upon row of poles covered in garbage from thousands of rusting staples and shards of paper. This is even after the city has provided public poster kiosks. Contrast this with how uncluttered streets outside the downtown area look. What steps are we going to take to address this problem? Thanks. link

    I am amazed that in this age of clean cities the HRM doesn't do anything about the indiscriminate postering of our telephone poles. We have a bylaw in place which seems to never be enforced and consequently streets leading to the downtown core have row upon row of poles covered in garbage from thousands of rusting staples and shards of paper. This is even after the city has provided public poster kiosks. Contrast this with how uncluttered streets outside the downtown area look. What steps are we going to take to address this problem? Thanks.

    anonymous asked almost 11 years ago
    Thank you for your comments. Identifying ways that would help to make both downtown Dartmouth and Halifax even more attractive is very relevant to this discussion. If you haven't already, please fill out the survey above and capture your thoughts in that survey. If you would like to have your question answered in a more immediate fashion, please call 311. Again, we thank you for your comments.
  • Share Make more apartments for low income for downtown Dartmouth. Why is Halifax booming and to compare Dartmouth downtown is crap? Built the apartments and business shall come. on Facebook Share Make more apartments for low income for downtown Dartmouth. Why is Halifax booming and to compare Dartmouth downtown is crap? Built the apartments and business shall come. on Twitter Share Make more apartments for low income for downtown Dartmouth. Why is Halifax booming and to compare Dartmouth downtown is crap? Built the apartments and business shall come. on Linkedin Email Make more apartments for low income for downtown Dartmouth. Why is Halifax booming and to compare Dartmouth downtown is crap? Built the apartments and business shall come. link

    Make more apartments for low income for downtown Dartmouth. Why is Halifax booming and to compare Dartmouth downtown is crap? Built the apartments and business shall come.

    Madmaximillion asked almost 11 years ago
    Thank you for your comments. All of your ideas are very relavant to making both downtown Dartmouth and Halifax more attractive. If you haven't already, please fill out the survey above and capture your thoughts in that survey. Again, we thank you for your comments.
  • Share I visit Cardiff, UK, annually. It is a city similar in many ways to ours: Capital of the region, seaport, 2nd highest tides in the world, similar size population. While Halifax seems to be hell bent on creating outdoor shopping areas ( Business parks, Spring Gdn Rd, Barrington etc ) Cardiff has gone the opposite direction. They have made 2 of their main streets pedestrian only and these have numerous covered shopping arcades coming off them. Given that our weather here is much colder, I fail to understand why we are lagging so far behind. Yes, the new Library is going to be WONDERFUL but just imagine how much better the whole experience would be if Spring Garden Rd was made entirely pedestrian. Once that were established, it might be possible to provide some degree of shelter or, better still, cover the whole street and make a park like environment with indoor trees and benches where people could relax in between shopping. Time to reclaim downtown! Has this been suggested and considered at any point? Nick Mattison on Facebook Share I visit Cardiff, UK, annually. It is a city similar in many ways to ours: Capital of the region, seaport, 2nd highest tides in the world, similar size population. While Halifax seems to be hell bent on creating outdoor shopping areas ( Business parks, Spring Gdn Rd, Barrington etc ) Cardiff has gone the opposite direction. They have made 2 of their main streets pedestrian only and these have numerous covered shopping arcades coming off them. Given that our weather here is much colder, I fail to understand why we are lagging so far behind. Yes, the new Library is going to be WONDERFUL but just imagine how much better the whole experience would be if Spring Garden Rd was made entirely pedestrian. Once that were established, it might be possible to provide some degree of shelter or, better still, cover the whole street and make a park like environment with indoor trees and benches where people could relax in between shopping. Time to reclaim downtown! Has this been suggested and considered at any point? Nick Mattison on Twitter Share I visit Cardiff, UK, annually. It is a city similar in many ways to ours: Capital of the region, seaport, 2nd highest tides in the world, similar size population. While Halifax seems to be hell bent on creating outdoor shopping areas ( Business parks, Spring Gdn Rd, Barrington etc ) Cardiff has gone the opposite direction. They have made 2 of their main streets pedestrian only and these have numerous covered shopping arcades coming off them. Given that our weather here is much colder, I fail to understand why we are lagging so far behind. Yes, the new Library is going to be WONDERFUL but just imagine how much better the whole experience would be if Spring Garden Rd was made entirely pedestrian. Once that were established, it might be possible to provide some degree of shelter or, better still, cover the whole street and make a park like environment with indoor trees and benches where people could relax in between shopping. Time to reclaim downtown! Has this been suggested and considered at any point? Nick Mattison on Linkedin Email I visit Cardiff, UK, annually. It is a city similar in many ways to ours: Capital of the region, seaport, 2nd highest tides in the world, similar size population. While Halifax seems to be hell bent on creating outdoor shopping areas ( Business parks, Spring Gdn Rd, Barrington etc ) Cardiff has gone the opposite direction. They have made 2 of their main streets pedestrian only and these have numerous covered shopping arcades coming off them. Given that our weather here is much colder, I fail to understand why we are lagging so far behind. Yes, the new Library is going to be WONDERFUL but just imagine how much better the whole experience would be if Spring Garden Rd was made entirely pedestrian. Once that were established, it might be possible to provide some degree of shelter or, better still, cover the whole street and make a park like environment with indoor trees and benches where people could relax in between shopping. Time to reclaim downtown! Has this been suggested and considered at any point? Nick Mattison link

    I visit Cardiff, UK, annually. It is a city similar in many ways to ours: Capital of the region, seaport, 2nd highest tides in the world, similar size population. While Halifax seems to be hell bent on creating outdoor shopping areas ( Business parks, Spring Gdn Rd, Barrington etc ) Cardiff has gone the opposite direction. They have made 2 of their main streets pedestrian only and these have numerous covered shopping arcades coming off them. Given that our weather here is much colder, I fail to understand why we are lagging so far behind. Yes, the new Library is going to be WONDERFUL but just imagine how much better the whole experience would be if Spring Garden Rd was made entirely pedestrian. Once that were established, it might be possible to provide some degree of shelter or, better still, cover the whole street and make a park like environment with indoor trees and benches where people could relax in between shopping. Time to reclaim downtown! Has this been suggested and considered at any point? Nick Mattison

    swanvil asked almost 11 years ago
    Thank you for taking the time to think about positive changes for the downtown. We appreciate your comments. If you haven't already, please fill out the survey above and capture your thoughts in that survey. Comments from the survey will be used in a report for HRM Council. Again, we thank you for suggesting ways to improve the downtown.
  • Share Hello: As a member of the business community I was just wondering why these two forums, with these two advocates are being put on congruently. It makes it difficult for many of us, who have an interest not only in both downtowns, but also in the whole notion of what each city means to its citizens, to be able to see those differences and the possibilities discussed for each side of the harbour. I hope there is the possibility to change this format and allow us to take in both sides of the coin. Thanks! on Facebook Share Hello: As a member of the business community I was just wondering why these two forums, with these two advocates are being put on congruently. It makes it difficult for many of us, who have an interest not only in both downtowns, but also in the whole notion of what each city means to its citizens, to be able to see those differences and the possibilities discussed for each side of the harbour. I hope there is the possibility to change this format and allow us to take in both sides of the coin. Thanks! on Twitter Share Hello: As a member of the business community I was just wondering why these two forums, with these two advocates are being put on congruently. It makes it difficult for many of us, who have an interest not only in both downtowns, but also in the whole notion of what each city means to its citizens, to be able to see those differences and the possibilities discussed for each side of the harbour. I hope there is the possibility to change this format and allow us to take in both sides of the coin. Thanks! on Linkedin Email Hello: As a member of the business community I was just wondering why these two forums, with these two advocates are being put on congruently. It makes it difficult for many of us, who have an interest not only in both downtowns, but also in the whole notion of what each city means to its citizens, to be able to see those differences and the possibilities discussed for each side of the harbour. I hope there is the possibility to change this format and allow us to take in both sides of the coin. Thanks! link

    Hello: As a member of the business community I was just wondering why these two forums, with these two advocates are being put on congruently. It makes it difficult for many of us, who have an interest not only in both downtowns, but also in the whole notion of what each city means to its citizens, to be able to see those differences and the possibilities discussed for each side of the harbour. I hope there is the possibility to change this format and allow us to take in both sides of the coin. Thanks!

    LeoHFX asked almost 11 years ago
    Thank you for your response. As you can probably appreciate, this is a decision that the organizing committee discussed. The reason for having two locations going simultaneously is to get as many perspectives on how to improve both the Halifax and Dartmouth downtowns as possible. We also tried to place the consultations in trafficked areas to capitalize on pedestrian and shopping traffic at both locations. With that said, if you go to either session, you will see both speakers as we are simulcasting the presentation from Halifax to Dartmouth and vice versa. We sincerely hope that you attend, enjoy and contribute to the sessions on February 8th and thank you again for your comments.
  • Share Good evening, Is anyone aware at City Hall that hourly parking rates in downtown Halifax are 3 times what they are in Miami Beach Florida for covered parking about 1000 feet away from a beautiful beach, a nice boardwalk, hotels, bars, restaurants,...? This is unacceptable (and it is not acceptable that parking in downtown Halifax in not under the control of HRM). The provincial and municipal levels of government must step in to stop this abuse which hurts downtown businesses and tourism. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment. Dan Coté on Facebook Share Good evening, Is anyone aware at City Hall that hourly parking rates in downtown Halifax are 3 times what they are in Miami Beach Florida for covered parking about 1000 feet away from a beautiful beach, a nice boardwalk, hotels, bars, restaurants,...? This is unacceptable (and it is not acceptable that parking in downtown Halifax in not under the control of HRM). The provincial and municipal levels of government must step in to stop this abuse which hurts downtown businesses and tourism. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment. Dan Coté on Twitter Share Good evening, Is anyone aware at City Hall that hourly parking rates in downtown Halifax are 3 times what they are in Miami Beach Florida for covered parking about 1000 feet away from a beautiful beach, a nice boardwalk, hotels, bars, restaurants,...? This is unacceptable (and it is not acceptable that parking in downtown Halifax in not under the control of HRM). The provincial and municipal levels of government must step in to stop this abuse which hurts downtown businesses and tourism. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment. Dan Coté on Linkedin Email Good evening, Is anyone aware at City Hall that hourly parking rates in downtown Halifax are 3 times what they are in Miami Beach Florida for covered parking about 1000 feet away from a beautiful beach, a nice boardwalk, hotels, bars, restaurants,...? This is unacceptable (and it is not acceptable that parking in downtown Halifax in not under the control of HRM). The provincial and municipal levels of government must step in to stop this abuse which hurts downtown businesses and tourism. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment. Dan Coté link

    Good evening, Is anyone aware at City Hall that hourly parking rates in downtown Halifax are 3 times what they are in Miami Beach Florida for covered parking about 1000 feet away from a beautiful beach, a nice boardwalk, hotels, bars, restaurants,...? This is unacceptable (and it is not acceptable that parking in downtown Halifax in not under the control of HRM). The provincial and municipal levels of government must step in to stop this abuse which hurts downtown businesses and tourism. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment. Dan Coté

    anonymous asked almost 11 years ago
    Thank you for your comments. Parking is very relevant to this discussion and is part of making both downtown Dartmouth and Halifax more attractive. If you haven't already, please fill out the survey above and capture your thoughts in that survey. Again, we thank you for your comments.