Waterfront Business Opportunities Available

People interested in offering high quality food, products and services are encouraged to submit their ideas to the Waterfront Development Corp.

The corporation has issued a request for proposals for about 13 seasonal kiosk opportunities on the waterfront.

The three-year term would start in spring of 2013. The kiosks will be centred at Queen's Wharf Market. The area will also feature enhanced access from Lower Water Street, new flowerbeds, walkways, and additional seating areas around the market and at the water's edge. Kiosks are generally open from mid-May to mid-October.

"This opportunity at one of the province's top destinations brings forward healthy competition, generates economic activity and supports entrepreneurship and sustainability," said Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris.

The waterfront is home to some of the region's top events, including Tall Ships Nova Scotia, TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Word on the Street, FIVB-Swatch Junior World Volleyball Championships, Nocturne: Art at Night, and expanding features such as new marine infrastructure and free public Wi-Fi.

The Halifax waterfront was recently voted Best Staycation Spot by The Coast readers in the annual survey. In 2011, the Waterfront Development Corp. received Corporate Partner of the Year from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

"The interest in being a part of the Halifax waterfront business community is high and it's exciting to see the possibilities that come forward," said Colin MacLean, president and CEO, Waterfront Development Corporation. We are looking for high quality experiences that represent the best of Nova Scotia for our residents and visitors."

Other objectives in the request for proposal include:

• maximize continuous public access to the water's edge
• complement other permanent and seasonal commercial operations on the waterfront
• encourage the production and sale of Nova Scotian and Atlantic Canadian products
• partner with businesses that are economically and environmentally sustainable
• provide active and dynamic year-round destinations
• provide financial return to the Waterfront Development Corp. for reinvestment into the development and maintenance of activities and public assets.

The request for proposals closes Dec. 14. Information is available at www.my-waterfront.ca.

Waterfront Development is a provincial Crown corporation developing the strategic potential of waterfronts in Bedford, Dartmouth, Halifax and Lunenburg. The corporation fosters waterfronts that drive economic opportunity, enhance tourism, provide experiences and reflect and protects marine heritage.