Province, HRM Conclude Land Exchange

The province and Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) have concluded negotiations that will result in key properties being exchanged between the two levels of government.

Under the arrangement, the Birks site on Barrington Street and the site of the former Queen Elizabeth High School will be transferred from HRM to the province. In return, the province will transfer part of the former Infirmary Hospital land to HRM. HRM will pay $1.9 million to the province in recognition of the higher value of the provincially owned land.

"This agreement gives the province and HRM access to strategic land for planned and potential developments," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks. "For example, the former high school site will be used by Capital District Health."

Mayor Peter Kelly said the land transaction is a fine example of different levels of government working together in the public interest.

"The conclusion of this land transaction clears the way for the construction of a new central library that promises to be a significant cultural and architectural addition to the vibrancy of our municipality," said Mayor Kelly.

While the future use of the former Birks site has yet to be determined, its location near the legislature and government offices presents opportunities for use by the provincial government.