PROTECT HALIFAX'S BUILT HERITAGE OR LOSE TOURIST DOLLARS

Friday July 16, 2004

Halifax – Halifax Atlantic MLA, and NDP critic for Municipal Affairs, Michele Raymond is calling on the Minister of Tourism, Rodney MacDonald and the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Barry Barnet, to work with the Halifax Regional Municipality to preserve the historical character of Halifax’s downtown.

“The Midtown proposal has opened up our eyes to what is at risk,� says Raymond.

“There are one hundred and twenty cruise ships due to come into port this season. Let’s face it. American tourists aren’t coming here to see high-rises.�

“If this city loses its views and its character the impact on the tourist economy will be enormous.�

Raymond points out that Halifax Regional Municipality staff were unanimous in opposing the erection of a seventeen storey hotel on the Midtown Tavern site, which among other things, would restrict the Harbour view from the Citadel. She is concerned that the vote to over-ride staff recommendation was initiated by a few councillors who have argued publically that their personal preference was to see more multi-storey development in the downtown core.

“Municipal councillors, with their prejudices and preferences will come and go,� says Raymond. “What matters is that the character of this city is protected and endures.�

“It is a provincial and national asset, and no intelligent economic plan degrades assets.�

Raymond feels that current legislation needs to be updated and enhanced to protect the city. She notes that current view plane bylaws have not been revised in thirty years.

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