Province Protects Land Assets Around Halifax Harbour

Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd. has been given responsibility for protecting and enhancing provincial lands surrounding one of Nova Scotia's most famous landmarks -- Halifax Harbour.

Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage said today, Aug. 24, that the corporation's new mandate will ensure that a co-ordinated and strategic approach is applied to an important economic resource that benefits the entire province.

"Halifax Harbour is extremely important to Nova Scotia's economy. The Port of Halifax generates 9,000 direct and indirect jobs and has an economic impact of $700 million," said Mr. Fage. "And, since the harbour is so important, we wanted to use the experience of the Waterfront Development Corporation in co-ordinating future growth for the benefit of all Nova Scotians.

"After all, the corporation has nearly 30 years of successful experience dealing with waterfront issues."

Mr. Fage said there will be no immediate changes to provincial lands on the Halifax waterfront and no Crown lands or assets will be transferred to the corporation.

The corporation currently manages three parcels of property on the waterfront -- in Bedford, downtown Halifax and Dartmouth on behalf of the province.

"The corporation will continue to work closely with the minister and staff of the Office of Economic Development, and other provincial departments, to ensure that the use of all provincial land along Halifax Harbour is co-ordinated for marine industrial development," said Bill Campbell, acting president of Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd.

New rules -- such as one that limits board members to serving two four-year terms -- bring the corporation in line with the best practices of other provincial Crown corporations and organizations.

Mr. Campbell said the corporation remains committed to redeveloping and revitalizing the lands surrounding the harbour to the same quality that has been achieved over the past three decades of the corporation's activities.

In 2004, the province hired Belleclaire Consulting to conduct a review of the corporation's mandate. Belleclaire worked with a steering committee of government representatives and consulted with stakeholders including Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Port Authority.

The consulting firm concluded the province has a substantial interest in ensuring that Halifax Harbour remains a working harbour and in the best development of lands adjacent to it. The firm said one of the best ways to do this is to retain ownership and control of strategic harbourfront lands.