Halifax Harbourfront Revitalization

The Waterfront Development Corp. Ltd. announces it has recently acquired the former Department of Fisheries and Oceans and RCMP building on Lower Water Street, Halifax.

The provincial Crown corporation, responsible for the rejuvenation of the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts, has long sought these properties because of their strategic location. In the tradition of its 22-year history, the corporation will be revitalizing these properties to improve the harbourfront for visitors and encourage economic investment benefiting the harbourfront, the region and the province.

The corporation will assess short-to mid-term revitalization in association with EDM Environmental Design Management Ltd. of Halifax.

A workshop has been held with key waterfront stakeholders and new opportunities are being explored. In a joint endeavour to begin in the new year, the corporation and Halifax Regional Municipality will be reviewing current land use policy, needs, and urban design issues for the downtown harbourfront.

The fisheries laboratory at 1721 Lower Water St. is being renovated by bioScience Enterprise Centre Inc. as an incubator bioscience research facility. Its refurbishment is a important physical and economic enhancement of the harbourfront.

Starting almost immediately, the oldest of the fisheries laboratories and the RCMP building will be demolished. This will open dramatic views down Prince Street to the water and make the northern side of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic accessible.

A new pedestrian link to the harbourfront will increase access and the profile of the museum. The sidewalk area along Lower Water Street will be improved through landscaping, and the views of historic Queen's Wharf will be enhanced.

Special events space will be increased, much needed parking spaces will be added, and opportunities for vendors improved. Better use of the Tour Boat Centre, the water inlet and the seawall will offer an added attraction. All of these changes together with the overall improvement to the harbourfront boardwalk will enhance visits to the area.

An open house to provide for public comment on this important project for the harbourfront will be announced soon.