[q12]

Jordi Morgan just reported on NEWS 95.7's Maritime Morning that Peter Mackay will be in town next week (Monday possibly) to make an announcement. He said it is likely about the convention centre.

[Jstaleness]

I sure hope so. If this is for real and the announcement is made, is there anything else in the way before site prep begins?

[halifaxboyns]

I sure hope so. If this is for real and the announcement is made, is there anything else in the way before site prep begins?

Wouldn't this still have to go through a site plan approval at least? Or a DA or a development permit?

[fenwick16]

Wouldn't this still have to go through a site plan approval at least? Or a DA or a development permit?

I think it would have to be radically different than what has already been described and approved by the HRM_by_Design. It gives a site layout and description in the HRM_by_Design manual. It is described on page 27/141 of this HRM_by_Design manual http://halifax.ca/capitaldistrict/documents/DHLUBandDesignManual.pdf .

[halifaxboyns]

I think it would have to be radically different than what has already been described and approved by the HRM_by_Design. It gives a site layout and description in the HRM_by_Design manual. It is described on page 27/141 of this HRM_by_Design manual http://halifax.ca/capitaldistrict/documents/DHLUBandDesignManual.pdf .

I seems to me Fenwick; that you and I had this debate before. I'm getting the funny feeling of deja vu.

I went through the downtown LUB and normally if a use is not requiring a permit, there is a section that talks about exempting certain uses and under what circumstances. Calgary's LUB has 3 pages (it's quite extensive). I didn't see the convention centre listed either in the peninsula lub or the downtown one, so it still needs at least a development permit and more than likely a building permit.

If I look at (15B); it sounds like any development permit needs to be referred to the design review committee, but only for the qualitative elements "as set out in Section 1.1 b of the Design Manual" (quote from the text).

Section 1.1 b of the design manual is:
b. The qualitative elements of an application (architectural design, streetscape presence, public realm contribution, sustainability, etc.) are
subject to a discretionary approval resulting from a design review process. It is this discretionary process for which the Design Manual is intended.
Additionally, the Design Manual contains criteria by which modest modifications to the quantitative elements of the Land Use By-law may be made through the design review process.

So it wouldn't be the site plan I guess. It would just be the design, etc. The more subjective stuff, versus height, etc.

[fenwick16]

I seems to me Fenwick; that you and I had this debate before. I'm getting the funny feeling of deja vu.

I went through the downtown LUB and normally if a use is not requiring a permit, there is a section that talks about exempting certain uses and under what circumstances. Calgary's LUB has 3 pages (it's quite extensive). I didn't see the convention centre listed either in the peninsula lub or the downtown one, so it still needs at least a development permit and more than likely a building permit.

If I look at (15B); it sounds like any development permit needs to be referred to the design review committee, but only for the qualitative elements "as set out in Section 1.1 b of the Design Manual" (quote from the text).

Section 1.1 b of the design manual is:
b. The qualitative elements of an application (architectural design, streetscape presence, public realm contribution, sustainability, etc.) are
subject to a discretionary approval resulting from a design review process. It is this discretionary process for which the Design Manual is intended.
Additionally, the Design Manual contains criteria by which modest modifications to the quantitative elements of the Land Use By-law may be made through the design review process.

So it wouldn't be the site plan I guess. It would just be the design, etc. The more subjective stuff, versus height, etc.

Yes, we had this discussion before - I didn't intend for it to be a debate but just an answer to your previously stated question "Wouldn't this still have to go through a site plan approval at least? Or a DA or a development permit?" - I feel that the LUB clearly states that it doesn't need a DA (development agreement). I think that you stated this in your post, so I don't think that we disagree.


All the public debates have been held on this project when funding was approved. Construction of the convention centre project is permitted in the Land Use By-laws. It even states in 15(B) that it is the qualitative elements (such as exterior materials) that must be followed, so I think it is fair to state that it is not the quantitative elements (maximum height, setbacks, stepbacks, lot coverage, etc.) that must be followed. Qualitative and quantitative elements are defined in section 1.1 of of the Design Manual http://halifax.ca/capitaldistrict/documents/DHLUBandDesignManual.pdf .

Based on what you stated in your post, I think that we agree? Essentially, the downtown LUB specifically provides a development agreement for the convention centre project.

[halifaxboyns]

Yes, we had this discussion before - I didn't intend for it to be a debate but just an answer to your previously stated question "Wouldn't this still have to go through a site plan approval at least? Or a DA or a development permit?" - I feel that the LUB clearly states that it doesn't need a DA (development agreement). I think that you stated this in your post, so I don't think that we disagree.


All the public debates have been held on this project when funding was approved. Construction of the convention centre project is permitted in the Land Use By-laws. It even states in 15(B) that it is the qualitative elements (such as exterior materials) that must be followed, so I think it is fair to state that it is not the quantitative elements (maximum height, setbacks, stepbacks, lot coverage, etc.) that must be followed. Qualitative and quantitative elements are defined in section 1.1 of of the Design Manual http://halifax.ca/capitaldistrict/documents/DHLUBandDesignManual.pdf .

Based on what you stated in your post, I think that we agree? Essentially, the downtown LUB specifically provides a development agreement for the convention centre project.

I guess we'll have to see if we are right - but essentially it looks like just a development permit (with a referal to the urban design committee) on design, materials, etc. I guess a site plan approval would include all those...but it could just be a regular development permit.

[q12]

http://www.news957.com/news/local/article/263246--convention-centre-rumours-flying-ahead-of-defence-minister-s-address

Convention centre rumours flying ahead of defence minister's address
Amy Arts
Aug 11, 2011 05:47:12 AM

Defence Minister Peter MacKay is coming to Halifax on Monday - and he won't be talking about the military.

MacKay is scheduled to address the Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast event during which he'll discuss "federal investments and infrastructure in nova scotia's economy," a topic that has speculation flying about a possible announcement regarding the proposed convention centre.

MacKay told reporters earlier this week that the federal government was ready to go on making its position known on whether it planned to help fund the $159 million project, but he did not elaborate.

Premier Darrell Dexter said he doesn't know which way the federal government is leaning, and if he did, he couldn't make an announcement on its behalf.

"Peter MacKay will be in town on Monday and from the conversations that I've had with him, what I can say is, I believe that we should be very optimistic about the result," Dexter told News 95.7.

Dexter said he's anticipating a two-part announcement, with the first part being confirmation of funding and the second part being the amount of the contribution.

"This is an important project for the city and also for the province, and I would argue even for the region," he said. "It will mean 1700 person-years of work just on the project itself."

The province and Halifax Regional Municipality have each pledged one-third of the $159 million cost and have asked the federal government for the remaining $47 million.

However, several deadlines have lapsed while awaiting a response and the developer Rank Inc. has reportedly been re-costing the project.

Also read the heralds article to hear pacey crying...:whip:http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1257680.html

[WestEndHali]

I'll be at the meeting Monday. Is anyone else coming?

[someone123]

I guess we'll have to see if we are right - but essentially it looks like just a development permit (with a referal to the urban design committee) on design, materials, etc. I guess a site plan approval would include all those...but it could just be a regular development permit.

I am not sure about the approval process but I seem to recall the developer pointing out a while ago that excavation would begin promptly because there's so much of it to do. That at least would be interesting to watch, even if construction isn't permitted for a few months. A busy excavation site with signs up announcing a new development looks about a million times better than an abandoned hole.

There are a few sites that are particularly bad downtown:
-Roy Building
-NFB
-Waterside
-Nova Centre
-United Gulf

If they became new buildings they'd only amount to moderate growth of the downtown as a whole but the "optics" of the area would be dramatically improved.

[halifaxboyns]

I am not sure about the approval process but I seem to recall the developer pointing out a while ago that excavation would begin promptly because there's so much of it to do. That at least would be interesting to watch, even if construction isn't permitted for a few months. A busy excavation site with signs up announcing a new development looks about a million times better than an abandoned hole.

There are a few sites that are particularly bad downtown:
-Roy Building
-NFB
-Waterside
-Nova Centre
-United Gulf

If they became new buildings they'd only amount to moderate growth of the downtown as a whole but the "optics" of the area would be dramatically improved.


Typically demolition and site excavation can be covered under two different types of permits through the building code; thus aren't planning approvals.

So you could strip and grade a property, demo a building and possibly excavate the hole for parking. But once you got into the construction of the physical parking structure, that moves into the planning realm requiring a development permit.

So a lot of the important site prep work could go ahead, but the actual construction would have to wait until the building and development approvals were granted.

[Keith P.]

CTV News reporting the federal participation is confirmed and the deal is done. It's a go!

[DigitalNinja]

Link is here
http://atlantic.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110812/convention_centre_110812/20110812/?hub=AtlanticHome

[fenwick16]

Link is here
http://atlantic.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110812/convention_centre_110812/20110812/?hub=AtlanticHome

Thanks for the link.

It is good to hear that construction could begin this fall.

[sdm]

Thanks for the link.

It is good to hear that construction could begin this fall.

Well its good to hear there is finally a decision, but something smells with what CTV is reporting.

What was with earlier this week comment for the delay being sent towards the developer?

In the end i am glad there is finally a decision, regardless if i believe in it or not.

[halifaxboyns]

Well maybe the developer is out town - he could be on vacation? Some people do take them...

It's like someone said in one of the threads - media only does well when they pain the situation as the sky is falling. So that's what gets them viewers...that's what they did.

I'm glad to hear this is going forward and that the federal contribution has been increased to take into account the additional costs. That's good.

The sinister side of me is waiting to see the news that several members of STV were in the hospital due to heart problems associated with the announcement and a couple obits because they couldn't take it :)

[JustinMacD]

I imagine the Save the View crowd is losing their shit right now.

[-Harlington-]

I could be wrong but from what i heard on CTV was that theres about 70 million in funding to be announced

Its supposed to be the Nova Centre for sure but what else is being funded ?

Theres speculation that it could be stadium or ship building, or maybe im just hoping, lol

[MonctonRad]

CTV News reporting the federal participation is confirmed and the deal is done. It's a go!

I'm glad to hear this is finally going to move forward. This is a project that I think the whole Maritime region should be able to get behind. The type of conventions that the Nova Centre would attract would not consider Fredericton, Charlottetown, Moncton or Saint John in the first place, therefore Halifax is not really competing with the other Mariitime cities for this business. Instead, this should be viewed as a project that will introduce a whole new segment of people to what the Maritime region has to offer.

In this particular instance, what's good for Halifax is good for the Maritimes. :tup:

[fenwick16]

I could be wrong but from what i heard on CTV was that theres about 70 million in funding to be announced

Its supposed to be the Nova Centre for sure but what else is being funded ?

Theres speculation that it could be stadium or ship building, or maybe im just hoping, lol

It would be great to see a $20 million federal funding commitment to a stadium and maybe free land and demolition at Shannon Park? It would certainly take the sting out of Premier Dexter's announcement of no funding commitment to a stadium and it would be smart from a Conservative perspective to support a popular stadium project when the provincial NDP'ers are rejecting it (Mayor Kelly has Conservative connections so maybe .... :fingerscrossed: ). Since we only have less than 3 days to speculate - I wonder how Premier Dexter would react to such an announcement of stadium funding?

[q12]

New development will revitalize Halifax downtown core (CTV)

http://atlantic.ctv.ca/?video=516201

http://www.rankinc.ca/rankinc/image3.jpg
http://www.rankinc.ca/rankinc/image3.jpg

:ohyeah:righton::pepper::fruit:

[sdm]

Funding visit still a mystery
Mayor hopes convention centre makes MacKay’s agenda
By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE City Hall Reporter
Sun, Aug 14 - 7:31 AM

In the absence of a courtesy call from one of its proposed funding partners — the Harper government — Halifax city hall has had to glean information on potential federal funding for the municipality’s new convention centre from recent media reports.

Mayor Peter Kelly said Saturday he’s in the dark regarding an expected announcement Monday about the planned development in downtown Halifax.

"I don’t know any of the details," he told The Chronicle Herald.

Kelly said he’s optimistic an infrastructure speech to be delivered by Defence Minister Peter MacKay to a business audience will include Ottawa’s contribution to the convention centre.

"But there’s no certainty," the mayor said.

CTV News reported Friday that MacKay will announce about $70 million in government funding for Nova Scotia projects and the lion’s share of that public money has been earmarked for the proposed $159-million centre on Argyle Street.

Last week, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce announced MacKay had asked to speak at a chamber breakfast Monday. Ottawa’s been considering spending $47 million on the proposed convention centre but it is unknown how much will be contributed.

MacKay, the MP for Central Nova and the province’s lone federal minister, is scheduled to speak at 7:50 a.m.

Halifax Regional Municipality and the provincial government have already committed $56 million each to the contentious project proposed by Rank Inc. It’s to be built on a fenced, vacant lot that used to house The Chronicle Herald.

Earlier this month, MacKay said in Halifax that "we’re ready to go" with a federal announcement about the proposed development. The developer has been unavailable for comment.

The cost of the planned centre has reportedly gone up and sources told CTV News that MacKay is expected to announce a small increase in funds for the project.

Kelly said he hasn’t heard of a new dollar figure but acknowledged in the past that Halifax regional council would have to debate any potential increase to the municipality.

The province is not bumping up its contribution, Premier Darrell Dexter told reporters recently.

Kelly said if MacKay’s announcement is "what it’s expected to be" then the mayor hopes construction would begin soon. Construction was to have started in the spring.

Opponents have said there isn’t a business case to support a new convention centre in the Halifax region. They also don’t like the height of the development, saying it’ll block the view from Citadel Hill.

An audio-visual denunciation, posted on the Coalition to Save the View’s website, says there’s been steadily increasing convention space on the market, so Halifax doesn’t need a facility larger than the World Trade and Convention Centre.

"Generally speaking, the convention centre business has been either stagnant or dropping since 1995," coalition member Beverly Miller said on the website.

Proponents have said the city has seen large conferences go elsewhere because the trade centre can’t accommodate large groups.

The convention centre would be part of Rank’s $500-million Nova Centre, a complex that would include retail space, a hotel and an office tower.

MacKay said publicly on July 20 that he expected an announcement regarding the proposed new centre within days. It appears that was 26 days, to be exact.

His press secretary said Friday "Minister MacKay will address the Halifax Chamber of Commerce to discuss economic and infrastructure initiatives for the province."

Kelly said he’ll be there Monday morning. "I was asked to go by the chamber," he said.

( mlightstone@herald.ca)

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1258186.html#comments

[Keith P.]

Meanwhile the CBC still uses the original renderings of the proposal whenever they have a story on the air or on their website. I'm unsure if they are doing it on purpose or not. Their left-wing constituency seems not to support such a project, which seems rather strange.

[someone123]

Meanwhile the CBC still uses the original renderings of the proposal whenever they have a story on the air or on their website. I'm unsure if they are doing it on purpose or not. Their left-wing constituency seems not to support such a project, which seems rather strange.

You will love this -- at the Khyber no less!

http://spacingatlantic.ca/2011/08/13/events-guide-culture-not-convention-photo-exhibition-launch-monday/

$375M in tax dollars? Huh?

[CorbeauNoir]

You will love this -- at the Khyber no less!

http://spacingatlantic.ca/2011/08/13/events-guide-culture-not-convention-photo-exhibition-launch-monday/

$375M in tax dollars? Huh?

I'm not in Halifax anymore but I'd actually be kind of interested in seeing some of these alternate proposals people have come up with, assuming they're talking about what to put in those lots. I've never been really ga-ga over specifically constructing a convention center - if somebody had a really cool alternative proposal for that plot that would give vibrancy to the area and cost less, I'd probably be more in support of that.

The problem is that virtually all the complaints of 'the money could be used for something better' that I've come across make little to no mention of how that money would go towards those two blocks. Having those bombed-out pits in the middle of downtown is unacceptable. I don't particularly care if they're used to build a convention center or a quirky local-boutique shopping district or a Yaletown-esque townhouse/apartment development or a new museum or whatever, but there needs to be SOMEthing there.

[Keith P.]

You will love this -- at the Khyber no less!

http://spacingatlantic.ca/2011/08/13/events-guide-culture-not-convention-photo-exhibition-launch-monday/

$375M in tax dollars? Huh?

And of course the Khyber has been on the dole from taxpayers for what seems like an eternity. What a bunch of hypocrites. I wish I owned a Cat D-8 bulldozer - that place would disappear mysteriously one night.

[CorbeauNoir]

And of course the Khyber has been on the dole from taxpayers for what seems like an eternity. What a bunch of hypocrites. I wish I owned a Cat D-8 bulldozer - that place would disappear mysteriously one night.

Nothing like extremes on both sides, huh? :rolleyes:

[resetcbu1]

New development will revitalize Halifax downtown core (CTV)

http://atlantic.ctv.ca/?video=516201

http://www.rankinc.ca/rankinc/image3.jpg
http://www.rankinc.ca/rankinc/image3.jpg

:ohyeah:righton::pepper::fruit:

funny the buildings in the background and also the reflection aren't real halifax buildings ???

[someone123]

I'm not in Halifax anymore but I'd actually be kind of interested in seeing some of these alternate proposals people have come up with, assuming they're talking about what to put in those lots. I've never been really ga-ga over specifically constructing a convention center - if somebody had a really cool alternative proposal for that plot that would give vibrancy to the area and cost less, I'd probably be more in support of that.

I agree that there are all kinds of possibilities for the site, but the convention centre isn't being funded by the government because they need something to fill the lot. It's being built because they've identified a need for a new convention centre facility.

The whole idea of alternate spending proposals is a bit strange. This isn't the sole thing the province and city are funding right now, and as a piece of important infrastructure it might actually increase the pool of money available in the future for other projects. The view of development as a zero-sum game is simply incorrect. Governments have a big role to play in economic development. Even in big cities in the US the government gets involved, building stuff like the Empire State or WTC. If Halifax does not work on similar projects it will continue to be left behind.

There are also elements of myopia and selfishness when people complain simply because one project does not directly benefit them. It's a bit sad when a group cheers on the library or Khyber, for example, and then turns around and moans about the convention centre or a stadium.

[halifaxboyns]

What's funny about this art program is that without the investment in the community that this project will bring (more tourism dollars, etc.) which will then cause Provincial resources to increase - these programs would never get funding. Irony...oh well.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Check out the photo petition link off of that Spacing event.

Practically everything these people would spend money on are either already somewhat in development or completely outlandish/rediculous (high speed rail from yarmouth to sydney??? how is that even justifiable as a legit expenditure compared to a convention centre... it would literally cost billions and the usage would be less that rail in most medium sized cities), or literally the job of the existing municipal government.

These folks are completely out to lunch... Any shred of respect for this people is now gone. I actually feel sorry for them because they don't get it at all.

Plus... its not "their" money per se.

[worldlyhaligonian]

In addition... this event is in December? Good luck anti-development crowd, given the funding announcement I hope to see cranes in the air before then.

[q12]

$51.4 Million from the feds!

Suck it save the view!:superwhip

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9021703.html

[halifaxboyns]

Suck it save the view!:superwhip
[/URL]


Took the words right out of my mouth.
Although everyone posting on the herald website is now saying that they believe this is a suck up to let us down on the ship building contract.
I hope not.

[q12]

Meanwhile the CBC still uses the original renderings of the proposal whenever they have a story on the air or on their website. I'm unsure if they are doing it on purpose or not. Their left-wing constituency seems not to support such a project, which seems rather strange.

CBC finally changed the rendering. Now that it's going to be constructed I guess they decided to give up trying to stop it by using old renderings to make it look ugly.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/08/15/ns-cnnvention-centre-mackay.html

[q12]

http://media.metronews.topscms.com/images/05/a5/f728827d4a32aa512926faba461e.jpg
RYAN TAPLIN/METRO HALIFAX http://media.metronews.topscms.com/images/05/a5/f728827d4a32aa512926faba461e.jpg
:previous:
"Those morons at Save the View thought they could stop us hahahaha...."

[Haliguy]

http://media.metronews.topscms.com/images/05/a5/f728827d4a32aa512926faba461e.jpg
RYAN TAPLIN/METRO HALIFAX http://media.metronews.topscms.com/images/05/a5/f728827d4a32aa512926faba461e.jpg
:previous:
"Those morons at Save the View thought they could stop us hahahaha...."

haha...nice one!

[halifaxboyns]

The only thing that I didn't think about this morning when looking at this is the comments people are making that this is 'hush money' on 'loosing' the ship contract. I don't know - I am more optimistic on that.

[someone123]

The only thing that I didn't think about this morning when looking at this is the comments people are making that this is 'hush money' on 'loosing' the ship contract. I don't know - I am more optimistic on that.

People have a habit of making up theories or imagining connections without any clear factual basis. Many of these people have already been proven wrong by this announcement. I ignore them.

[WestEndHali]

People have a habit of making up theories or imagining connections without any clear factual basis. Many of these people have already been proven wrong by this announcement. I ignore them.

I would too. MacKay went out of his way this morning to outline the importance of the ship building contract to Nova Scotians and to reiterate the Feds commitment to an arms length approach during the selection process.

[haligonia]

Yes.. the people who are saying that this means we won't get the shipbuilding contract are just pessimistic and bitter because they didn't get their way.

[halifaxboyns]

That's what I was thinking the more I thought about it.
This also shows how McKay still tries his best to actually champion Nova Scotia at the cabinet table. I have a little more respect for him today than I did before lol.

[halifaxboyns]

For immediate release
August 15, 2011


Media Release


Coalition Enters Phase Two


"This is a sad day for Nova Scotians”, said Beverly Miller of the Coalition to Save the View, reacting to the announcement by Defence Minister Peter MacKay that the federal government would provide $51.4 million to the proposed Halifax convention centre.

“The Coalition has been studying the economics of the industry for two years and has not found a single shred of evidence that the convention centre would have net economic benefits,” Ms. Miller continued. “Instead the project would be a $378 million, 25-year drain on the citizens of this city and Province.”

Taking most of the remaining money from the Nova Scotia Allocation of the Building Canada Fund for this project would leave very little for projects in the Province for the next three years. “This sort of speculative development distracts Nova Scotia from real economic growth and stifles new grass roots ideas for building wealth in our province,” said John Wesley Chisholm.

"With the prospect of dozens of local jobs being lost as part of the "fiscally responsible" cut back at Environment Canada, I don't see any way the feds can, with a straight face, fund the Convention Centre," said Jean Chard.

You can get a real laugh by reading the rest of this here (http://www.savetheview.ca/release_phase2.html).

[someone123]

It is just sad how their coalition includes groups from CB and the South Shore. These groups are presumably interested primarily because they would like to kill spending in Halifax. Friends of the _ and the neighbourhood associations are BANANA groups - Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything. These people are no doubt the ones who came up with the stupid name "Save the View", which totally destroys any credibility they might hope to have when lecturing us about the dying convention industry.

[Antigonish]

HAHAH!! Thanks for that excerpt HaliBoy,

How do ya like us now "Save The View" ?!?!! :haha::D

[halifaxboyns]

I'm listening to the CBC live...I just missed the 'pro' convention centre story; they just did the against side and had Bev Miller and the artist community.

[Keith P.]

CBC finally changed the rendering. Now that it's going to be constructed I guess they decided to give up trying to stop it by using old renderings to make it look ugly.


CBC News at 6 just ran a piece by hatchet-job specialist Preston Mulligan that - guess what? - featured the OLD rendering.

They are either totally clueless, or are purposely trying to put this in the worst possible light.

Meanwhile the piece itself was the typical bunch of negativity and naysayers, from Kevin "Johnny One-Note" Lacey, standing in front of the hole on Argyle St saying that this was a sad day for Halifax, to everybody's favorite, convention expert Bev Miller, saying none of the numbers are right, to the Khyber parasites, with all of their moronic ideas for how to better spend these dollars on themselves.

The amount of negativity being spread around today on what should be a very happy day is simply extraordinary.

[halifaxboyns]

Convention Centre not a done deal, says developer
(Rank Inc.)Developer Joe Ramia said a proposed downtown convention centre is not a done deal, despite an announcement Monday of a federal contribution of $51.4 million towards the project.

"This is a good day and this is a positive news and we will do everything in our power to do a development everyone will be proud of," Ramia told CBC News.

Ramia, head of Rank Inc., was not at Monday's announcement.

The CEO of Trade Centre, Scott Ferguson, said the new convention centre will open later than expected: it was orginally slated to open by the end of 2014.

Rank Inc. now needs to see if potential tenants for the office tower and retail space that will be connected to the convention centre are willing to wait for an early 2016 opening.

Ramia said Monday it will be another two months before he can confirm if he will build it, because the convention centre is dependant on a larger project that includes an 18-storey financial services centre.

"We're doing the convention centre at cost. So our money is being made at the financial centre, so they are going to dictate whether this moves forward or not," said Ramia.

The federal investment is about $4 million higher than what was originally expected. Developer Rank Inc. said the convention centre would cost $159 million, but that price was only guaranteed until mid-April.

He said the price of the convention centre has gone up as part of the overall $51.4-million development, but at this point, he can't say how much more the convention centre price tag will be. It does explain why the federal government was asked to kick in $4 million more than originally asked.

Full story here (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/08/15/ns-cnnvention-centre-mackay.html).

[someone123]

You'd think that any prospective tenants would have been aware of the potential for delays from the beginning because the government funding was always a part of this. It seems unlikely that they would say yes to Rank, follow along with this for years, and then pull out once the funding is secured.

[halifaxboyns]

CTV's coverage
Here (http://atlantic.ctv.ca/?video=516948)

[q12]

CTV's coverage
Here (http://atlantic.ctv.ca/?video=516948)

Thank You CTV for a proper report on this exciting news. After watching the inteview with Ramia it sounds like there will be no problems proceeding with this.

Cranes by the spring?


The herald article was updated at 5 p.m.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9021703.html

I like this quote from Peter Mackay:

MacKay said the province needs to move forward.

“It needs to be positive, proactive, productive, and agile. We must all work diligently to take the no out of Nova Scotia,” he told the audience

[fenwick16]

It is good to see this project receive federal support. Hopefully, it won't take too long for Joe Ramia to make all the arrangements to start construction.

[someone123]

We must all work diligently to take the no out of Nova Scotia,” he told the audience

This could be 70% accomplished by deporting Bev, HCAP, and the Paceys.

[halifaxboyns]

This could be 70% accomplished by deporting Bev, HCAP, and the Paceys.

HCAP?
CBC's story was saying it will take Ramia 60 days to confirm renters for the office tower.

[Dmajackson]

HCAP?
CBC's story was saying it will take Ramia 60 days to confirm renters for the office tower.

I think he means the Heritage Advisory Committee (Heritage Committee Advisory People)

[Jonovision]

" We must all work diligently to take the no out of Nova Scotia,”

[q12]

http://thechronicleherald.ca/brucemackinnon/mackinnon-cartoon-2011-08-16

[DigitalNinja]

I laughed so hard at that!

[halifaxboyns]

http://thechronicleherald.ca/brucemackinnon/mackinnon-cartoon-2011-08-16

OMG that's funny. I printed that out and put it up on my office wall.

[David1gray]

http://thechronicleherald.ca/brucemackinnon/mackinnon-cartoon-2011-08-16

LOL! nice one! seriously though I am so glad this got the go ahead. So anyone want to make a guess at when this will start construction?

[MonctonRad]

So anyone want to make a guess at when this will start construction?

They say early 2012 with opening in late 2015 (maybe early 2016).

This is seriously good news for the city, the province and indeed the region. A project like this does not compete with any development elsewhere in NS or in NB or PEI. It stands on it's own. It will only enhance the reputation of the entire region. :tup:

[worldlyhaligonian]

This is great for the maritimes as a whole!

The fact that the anti- groups said they can't find a shred of evidence that this will have economic benefit has to be the most rediclous statement ever. What about the 51 million that wasn't directly out of the NS taxpayers pocket, lol.

Plus the jobs, etc. They are just making everything up at this point.

[someone123]

I think he means the Heritage Advisory Committee (Heritage Committee Advisory People)

Halifax Coalition Against Poverty.

Anyway, again I wonder if the 2012 construction date includes excavation. My guess would be that it does not, and that work will begin late this year if there are tenants for the office building. Can't wait to see cranes up on this site -- they will be very prominent. This is a project that will make the city feel a little more "grown up". Those empty lots are a real eyesore.

I suggest going to Citadel Hill for ideal viewing. In fact, I think the view will be improved from some angles as the refinery will no longer be visible. :)

[halifaxboyns]

Someone asked earlier if Nova Centre was going to be attached to the downtown pedway system. I had a quick look on Rank's website (which alas is still under construction) and it shows there is a proposed pedway from the Prince George to the Nova Centre site.

I rather enjoyed the brief interview with Victor Sipryk (did I spell that right)? He put it best (for the bar owners): It will be a few years of hell, but really worth it in the end because they will get access to a new parking facility (since it's likely the spots will be open to the public at night) and being so close to the centre - during lunch breaks and after conference meetings are over they will benefit.

[someone123]

Yeah, it seems like this development will be an amazing neighbour for the bars and restaurants. It's also great to have a convention centre where attendees can walk out the door and find good places to eat.

[CorbeauNoir]

Practically everything these people would spend money on are either already somewhat in development or completely outlandish/rediculous (high speed rail from yarmouth to sydney??? how is that even justifiable as a legit expenditure compared to a convention centre... it would literally cost billions and the usage would be less that rail in most medium sized cities)

Ech, I take it back, maybe I don't want to know what these guys are proposing. Even Calgary-Edmonton can't really find justification in getting a high-speed rail link off the ground.

Personally after hearing that the Art Gallery has been contemplating a new location I'd have pegged that spot for a replacement building. The current gallery has its charm but its display rooms are really erratically arranged and have very little natural flow, even after having visited it 5-6 times over the last year I would still get a little bit lost trying to find my way in there. Temporary exhibition space in particular is tiny and really suffocates the potential of displaying the gallery's collection (I was really surprised to find out that the AGNS has a larger collection than the VAG, yet it feels far smaller and exhibits are a lot more static). Plus with the Neptune right next door it would really strengthen Argyle's entertainment-district role. It could even be a mixed-use facility with office or hotel space similar to the Glenbow in Calgary.

But like I said earlier, I'm not really too picky about what fills that space. I'm just really glad to hear that SOMEthing is going to finally be built over that pit.

[beyeas]

CBC News at 6 just ran a piece by hatchet-job specialist Preston Mulligan that - guess what? - featured the OLD rendering.

They are either totally clueless, or are purposely trying to put this in the worst possible light.

Meanwhile the piece itself was the typical bunch of negativity and naysayers, from Kevin "Johnny One-Note" Lacey, standing in front of the hole on Argyle St saying that this was a sad day for Halifax, to everybody's favorite, convention expert Bev Miller, saying none of the numbers are right, to the Khyber parasites, with all of their moronic ideas for how to better spend these dollars on themselves.

The amount of negativity being spread around today on what should be a very happy day is simply extraordinary.


At this point, and given that only they and the coast are still using the old rendering, there really can be no conclusion but that it is an editorial decision to paint it in a bad light. They could be forgiven for a period for using the old one, but at this point there is no other explanation.

The negativity surrounding this decision absolutely astounded me when I read the comments on the CH site. The one that pissed me off the most was the theme that seemed to be picked up about how we never should have asked for this because we won't get the convention centre and the ship building contract.

That is EXACTLY what Mackay was talking about... that sort of defeatist attitude is just so pervasive across the entire political spectrum of NS provincial politics. Other regions of the country have no hesitation, and rightly so, standing up and trying at all points to maximize investment in their provinces. Hell... Quebec and Alberta threaten to separate when they don't get their way, and yet somehow we are wrong if we dare to have the audacity to make multiple parallel investment requests. If we don't, some other province will be more than happy to step into the vacuum and take them money.

NS desperately needs to give itself a shake and take itself out of the backwater attitude of "we are never going to succeed so why try".

[someone123]

The one that pissed me off the most was the theme that seemed to be picked up about how we never should have asked for this because we won't get the convention centre and the ship building contract.

This is the kind of "theory" I mentioned in the stadium thread. It's totally made up and it makes no sense. It's particularly sad since that kind of thinking causes people (like the South Shore and CB Save the View members) to oppose projects because they think this is all some zero-sum game and that a "no" in Halifax means "yes" to Tar Ponds II or a new bridge from Boston to Yarmouth or something. It's crazy.

In the past I have mentioned the negativity as a serious drawback of living in NS. I still think it's the worst thing about Halifax.

[Waye Mason]

In my experience the main convention halls (which would be the only space in Nova Centre big enough to hold 4000 people I would think) do not make good performance halls.

I can certainly see that it would be a space to temporarily seat 4000 people for a large scale speaking engagement using a speaking dais, but it would not be well suited either acoustically or in terms of viewing experience for performances. Usually these centres have one hall with inclined seating that holds maybe 1000 people (in addition to the smaller spaces), but the main hall is really just designed for vendor displays etc. Any room that is designed to have a transport truck roll into it and set up large scale commercial vendor displays is unlikely to be well suited to watching the symphony!!!

This is well put.

If we eventually build a new concert hall (which I think is 20-25 years away) we need to have our sights set on something like the Winspear in Edmonton:

http://www.designdialog.ca/site/designdialog/assets/images/Francis-Winspear-Centre-Ness-int-36a_-_crop.jpg

That said, I am told the Cohn can be expanded to 1500, and right now the demand for a larger hall that the current 1000 seats is no more than 10 times a year, max. There are cheaper ways to accommodate that, and other things are more important, like the Legacy project, a 400 seat theatre for dance and drama that eight companies are collaborating on. Other projects include improving acoustics and production at the Forum MPC, production at Alderney Event plaza, and ongoing renovations to extend the life of the HMC.

I am convinced the Legacy could fit in the OLD WTCC site. Cut out the floor below the current ballroom and you have a 3 story, very large space to put a stage, 400 seats, and rehearsal rooms and black boxes.

Imagine, a theatre with shows 80% of the year, with a new entrance right on Argyle, just down the street from the new WTCC, that would be exciting indeed.

[fenwick16]

Tim Bousquet at The Coast continues to attack the convention centre economics. He also continues to use the old rendering of the Nova Centre (not much of a surprise).

(source: http://www.thecoast.ca/RealityBites/archives/2011/08/21/raachel-brighton-gets-the-convention-centre-entirely-wrong&cb=a8d936f6f69bbb23c73bb8338ffc6084&sort=desc#readerComments )
Rachel Brighton gets the convention centre entirely wrong
Chronicle-Herald columnist misses the big costs to government.

Posted by Tim Bousquet on Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 1:36 PM

Rachel Brighton, publisher of Coastlands: The Maritimes Policy Review and columnist in the Chronicle-Herald, is a knowledgable and insightful commentator on Nova Scotia's often-foolish attempts at economic development. So it's with great disappointment to read her commentary in todays Chronicle-Herald, "Halifax convention centre looks like a good bet."

But, now that it looks like the convention centre is going to get built, Brighton's commentary gives me the excuse to review the economics and costs behind the thing, and to plainly lay out the various claims and numbers, so that down the road we can give the lie to the false promises of the last few years.

[q12]

Tim Bousquet at The Coast continues to attack the convention centre economics. He also continues to use the old rendering of the Nova Centre (not much of a surprise).

(source: http://www.thecoast.ca/RealityBites/archives/2011/08/21/raachel-brighton-gets-the-convention-centre-entirely-wrong&cb=a8d936f6f69bbb23c73bb8338ffc6084&sort=desc#readerComments )

:tantrum::baby:

:lmao:

[Empire]

What surprises me about Tim Bousquet is that he is always wrong. One would think that occasionally he would slip up and write a positive article by mistake and actually be right for a change. His left wing views couldn't be more regressive and he and his cronies feel that utopia resides in the Bousquet scriptures. What a sad group of misfits.

[someone123]

One particularly bad aspect of Tim Bousquet's writing is that he will sometimes present opinion or uncertainties as fact. For example, in the article above he states that the convention centre will lose money. In reality he is just making a prediction which may or may not turn out to be correct.

At this point I am tired of his writing and I mostly do not read or comment on his articles.

[Jstaleness]

Nice to see comments that are against his views too. A few of which I see are from the gents here in this forum.

[halifaxboyns]

Tim is very much like Rick Bell out here in Calgary. He rants and raves about everything - the city can never do any right. I can't stand reporters like him...but they do occassionally hit the nail on the head. I'm not shocked though that Tim hasn't.

I rarely read his stuff...it makes a better kitty litter liner, frankly.

[someone123]

It is too bad. The Coast was never reliably great from what I remember but sometimes there were interesting articles about the city. Tim Bousquet seems too bombastic for that though; every article I have seen is arrogant, accusatory, and difficult to even get through. He frequently condemns new plans and passes off his own personal conspiracy theories as fact.

Casual readers can only take so much of that before it's all filtered out as noise. For those actually involved in projects like the convention centre much of it must be personally insulting. Bousquet's message does resonate with some but I think he's preaching to the small choir of disaffected Coast commenters and missing the wider audience.

I am pretty sure he reads this forum***. Hopefully he will tone it down a bit in the future and write some more positive articles.

***Bousquet has insultingly written about people on the internet who like generic highrises and skylines -- another "drive-by" style hit on yet another group that has far more nuanced opinions than he lets on. There are people here who know way more about planning than writers at The Coast do. I would also guess that SSP members have had a far more positive impact on Halifax development than Bousquet's rants have.

[halifaxboyns]

Hopefully he will tone it down a bit in the future and write some more positive articles.


You are holding out hope in the face of a hopeless cause...

[worldlyhaligonian]

***Bousquet has insultingly written about people on the internet who like generic highrises and skylines -- another "drive-by" style hit on yet another group that has far more nuanced opinions than he lets on. There are people here who know way more about planning than writers at The Coast do. I would also guess that SSP members have had a far more positive impact on Halifax development than Bousquet's rants have.

Well said... I think that the issue here is dismissal of every other opinion as wrong and all of the lies / misinformation, regardless of the tone of the writing.

Everybody is negative from time to time, but most of the writing about development in The Coast is downright rediculous. Some of it could be considered slander.

In a city that is often defined by the images of Purdy's Wharf and the clocktower I find it humourous that these opponents use such underhanded tactics in order to substantiate hollow perspectives. We need old and new, condo development, heritage restoration, and affordable housing. To think one of these things necessarily takes away from the others is just plain wrong... like most of "information" found in The Coast.

[fenwick16]

I am pretty sure he reads this forum***. Hopefully he will tone it down a bit in the future and write some more positive articles.

***Bousquet has insultingly written about people on the internet who like generic highrises and skylines --

This would be another one of Tim Bousquet's false assumptions since most of us like extraordinary highrises and extraordinary skylines.

[eastcoastal]

This would be another one of Tim Bousquet's false assumptions since most of us like extraordinary highrises and extraordinary skylines.
... not to be self-congratulatory or anything... LOL

[fenwick16]

... not to be self-congratulatory or anything... LOL

I don't get that one??? Can you explain? Are you saying that you like generic highrises?

PS: I don't have a clue what you are stating, eastcoastal - you seem to interpret things in a very unique way ...

[halifaxboyns]

I don't get that one??? Can you explain? Are you saying that you like generic highrises?

PS: I don't have a clue what you are stating, eastcoastal - you seem to interpret things in a very unique way ...

It was a joke.

[fenwick16]

It was a joke.

Eastcoastal has directed comments at me in the past, so he can speak (or type) for himself. I just asked for an explanation. Saying Eastcostal's comment "was just a joke" is a poor explanation.

This is a skyscraper forum, so there is nothing self-congratulatory (?) in liking extraordinary skylines and extraordinary highrises. As far as extraordinary skylines go, San Francisco and Chicago pop into my mind. As far as extraordinary highrises go, the Sears Tower (now the Willis Tower), the Empire State Building, and the Transamerica Pyramid pop into my mind (I have seen them all in person). In Halifax, 1801 Hollis and Purdy's Wharf pop into my mind. If Eastcostal disagrees then he can do so, I just wish that he would do it in a more understandable manner instead of in a riddle.

[Reality Check]

Eastcoastal has directed comments at me in the past, so he can speak (or type) for himself. I just asked for an explanation. Saying Eastcostal's comment "was just a joke" is a poor explanation.

This is a skyscraper forum, so there is nothing self-congratulatory (?) in liking extraordinary skylines and extraordinary highrises. As far as extraordinary skylines go, San Francisco and Chicago pop into my mind. As far as extraordinary highrises go, the Sears Tower (now the Willis Tower), the Empire State Building, and the Transamerica Pyramid pop into my mind (I have seen them all in person). In Halifax, 1801 Hollis and Purdy's Wharf pop into my mind. If Eastcostal disagrees then he can do so, I just wish that he would do it in a more understandable manner instead of in a riddle.

Wow. Talk about touchy. I didn't in the least take the comment as directed at you at all. Get over yourself and stop taking yourself so serious. Many of the posts you write yourself are mere ramblings seemingly just to "hear yourself talk." Over 3,000 posts. I mean really. Isn't that a little excessive/obsessive for a grown adult.

Ive been reading this forum for a couple of years now and can state without doubt that it is just like all others. Controlled by a few regulars who usually cannot tolerate the fact that others have opinions - quite often more factual and accurate than regular posters. Regulars write long-winded opinion pieces while the occasional poster jumps in with short mostly factual informational posts that are much more useful than a post that starts with "in my opinion ....." or "in my experience ....". Posts like "the condo building at King's Wharf has topped out" and "footings have started for ....." are much more constructive and informationally valuable.

But then again the ramblings here do provide many in Halifax with some humourous moments. Especially the ramblings from those who don't live here. Why exert so much energy and time on something in which you do not have a stake? You haven't lived in in years. Come back and contribute to the daily upkeep and future change of this place then you might have some cred.

So that said I say to all "be kind, be nice and respectful of others".

I fully expect the usual snippy response you seem to shoot back with at others so feel free to go ahead and take your pot shot "from away".

[fenwick16]

Wow. Talk about touchy. I didn't in the least take the comment as directed at you at all. Get over yourself and stop taking yourself so serious. Many of the posts you write yourself are mere ramblings seemingly just to "hear yourself talk." Over 3,000 posts. I mean really. Isn't that a little excessive/obsessive for a grown adult.

Ive been reading this forum for a couple of years now and can state without doubt that it is just like all others. Controlled by a few regulars who usually cannot tolerate the fact that others have opinions - quite often more factual and accurate than regular posters. Regulars write long-winded opinion pieces while the occasional poster jumps in with short mostly factual informational posts that are much more useful than a post that starts with "in my opinion ....." or "in my experience ....". Posts like "the condo building at King's Wharf has topped out" and "footings have started for ....." are much more constructive and informationally valuable.

But then again the ramblings here do provide many in Halifax with some humourous moments. Especially the ramblings from those who don't live here. Why exert so much energy and time on something in which you do not have a stake? You haven't lived in in years. Come back and contribute to the daily upkeep and future change of this place then you might have some cred.

So that said I say to all "be kind, be nice and respectful of others".

I fully expect the usual snippy response you seem to shoot back with at others so feel free to go ahead and take your pot shot "from away".

Most people on this forum simply have an interest in HRM area developments. It is people such as yourself and eastcoatal who come on occasionally with pompous, condescending, twisted remarks and then go back into lurking mode. The HRM has been ruled for years by special interest groups that oppose everything. I assume that you are part of that group. These special interest groups don't like the fact that there is now the internet where the majority of people can express their views. In fact Tim Bousquet has complained about it. The reason - he is no longer free to post misleading stories that twist the facts . There are plenty of people who can now point out the misinformation in his stories.

In any case, I have stated my real name many times. You come on this one time hidden behind a username and you could be anyone, including Tim Bousquet himself. So be a man Reality Check, and state your real name. Otherwise you are just one more troll who will pop up from time to time to make pompous remarks.

[MonctonRad]

Wow Reality Check, for a first time poster you certainly know how to make an impression. This is the equivalent of a drive-by shooting!!

Perhaps Fenwick is correct. Are you Tim Bousquet in disguise?

[beyeas]

The funny part for me was that, before I even clicked on the link for this thread, when I saw that the latest post on was by someone called "Reality Check" I rolled my eyes and thought "Oh yeah this will be fun".

[q12]

Wow. Talk about touchy. I didn't in the least take the comment as directed at you at all. Get over yourself and stop taking yourself so serious. Many of the posts you write yourself are mere ramblings seemingly just to "hear yourself talk." Over 3,000 posts. I mean really. Isn't that a little excessive/obsessive for a grown adult.

Ive been reading this forum for a couple of years now and can state without doubt that it is just like all others. Controlled by a few regulars who usually cannot tolerate the fact that others have opinions - quite often more factual and accurate than regular posters. Regulars write long-winded opinion pieces while the occasional poster jumps in with short mostly factual informational posts that are much more useful than a post that starts with "in my opinion ....." or "in my experience ....". Posts like "the condo building at King's Wharf has topped out" and "footings have started for ....." are much more constructive and informationally valuable.

But then again the ramblings here do provide many in Halifax with some humourous moments. Especially the ramblings from those who don't live here. Why exert so much energy and time on something in which you do not have a stake? You haven't lived in in years. Come back and contribute to the daily upkeep and future change of this place then you might have some cred.

So that said I say to all "be kind, be nice and respectful of others".

I fully expect the usual snippy response you seem to shoot back with at others so feel free to go ahead and take your pot shot "from away".

Get over yourself.

I gotta defend fenwick here. I strongly believe that his efforts to push for a stadium in Halifax have actually had an effect on where HRM is now which is quite remarkable. We know that some councilors have been reading this forum.

It is quite suspicious that you would lurk around this forum for so long and post a negative post right from the start.
Especially when a heated argument has just occurred over @ the coast in a section called "REALITY BITES" http://www.thecoast.ca/RealityBites/archives/2011/08/21/raachel-brighton-gets-the-convention-centre-entirely-wrong

If the anti-everything crowd want a war, we'll give 'em one. And right now I think we know who's winning. :whip:

[resetcbu1]

This would be another one of Tim Bousquet's false assumptions since most of us like extraordinary highrises and extraordinary skylines.

I acctualy read an article on the internet years ago , I'm not sure if it is still available or who came up with the list or how, but it was list of the 100 most beautiful skylines in the world and if memory serves me correct Halifax was ranked 86th (I belive been at least 5years ). That's a pretty impressive feat when you consider all of the citties of the world even if it was just the opinion of the few people or editors or whatever of an online poll or magazine.

[resetcbu1]

I acctualy read an article on the internet years ago , I'm not sure if it is still available or who came up with the list or how, but it was list of the 100 most beautiful skylines in the world and if memory serves me correct Halifax was ranked 86th (I belive been at least 5years ). That's a pretty impressive feat when you consider all of the citties of the world even if it was just the opinion of the few people or editors or whatever of an online poll or magazine.

I was looking for that article but "no go" although I found a few referances that state it as the 183rd best in the world and they are more recent still not too shabby I guess wonder if it would improve with alot of the new proposals downtown ie Skye? there has been alot of building in alot of asian citties in the past few years an the UAE certainly so I could see how that list can change alot over a few years.

[haligonia]

I think eastcoastal was referring to this post by fenwick:

This would be another one of Tim Bousquet's false assumptions since most of us like extraordinary highrises and extraordinary skylines.

In stating that most of us like extraordinary highrises and skylines, he was (probably unintenionally) doing the same thing Bosquet does: assume that their opinion represents the opinion of the masses. People like Bosquet are in a minority, but this forum is also a minority group.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I think eastcoastal was referring to this post by fenwick:



In stating that most of us like extraordinary highrises and skylines, he was (probably unintenionally) doing the same thing Bosquet does: assume that their opinion represents the opinion of the masses. People like Bosquet are in a minority, but this forum is also a minority group.

A minority, in a minority, in a majority. I feel like an anglophone in Quebec, lol.

I definitely rolled my eyes at the name "Reality Check"... what is being implied here? That everybody on this forum is uniformly incorrect in our opinions? Somehow we are the ones that aren't being realistic?

One reality is that I'm a bit insulted by somebody with 1 post who has contributed nothing to this forum. In fact, most of us "regulars" contribute and have differing opinions on urban planning and development. I don't always agree with sdm and others... but I have respect for them because they use accurate/truthful information to explain themselves.

Cheers to the regulars that make this forum what it is. :cheers: Especially DJ!

[halifaxboyns]

I definitely rolled my eyes at the name "Reality Check"... what is being implied here? That everybody on this forum is uniformly incorrect in our opinions? Somehow we are the ones that aren't being realistic?



I do find it suspicious that he only has made 1 posting. But I think his posting is wrong.

We may feud sometimes but we do try to respect other people's opinions. I also agree with the comment about Fenwick's work on the stadium and echo Worldly's comment about DJ's dedication to this.

But I do have to say that when I saw the LOL - I took it as a joke. :)

But back to the subject of this thread - it's been about a week now since the money was announced. Anyone have a guess or news about what's going on? I know Rank is reconfirming things - I suspect we'll hear something in mid september.

[someone123]

Yeah, so long personal attack as first post => banhammer.

[beyeas]

But back to the subject of this thread - it's been about a week now since the money was announced. Anyone have a guess or news about what's going on? I know Rank is reconfirming things - I suspect we'll hear something in mid september.

I think I read that Rank needed 60 days to recontact tenants and see if they would now still be interested and sign a firm commitment.

[halifaxboyns]

Yeah, so long personal attack as first post => banhammer.

I just now read his full post - I actually do contribute to the NS economy. I typically come home 4 times a year, spend money while I'm there and rent a car.

So suck on that one lol. :P
Plus my phone is still registered in Nova Scotia, so I pay HST. :P

[beyeas]

It is quite suspicious that you would lurk around this forum for so long and post a negative post right from the start.
Especially when a heated argument has just occurred over @ the coast in a section called "REALITY BITES" http://www.thecoast.ca/RealityBites/archives/2011/08/21/raachel-brighton-gets-the-convention-centre-entirely-wrong


These days I really think that "The Coast" should just be renamed "The Savage Love & Weekly Entertainment Listings" and be done with it. That is all anyone I know reads in it any more. Whenever I see people pick it up they immediately flip to the last 5 pages or so, read that, and put it back in the pile. :whip:

[haligonia]

Sustainable City and some of the guest columns are quite interesting. I just skip the Bosquet editorials.

[someone123]

I just now read his full post - I actually do contribute to the NS economy. I typically come home 4 times a year, spend money while I'm there and rent a car.

So suck on that one lol. :P
Plus my phone is still registered in Nova Scotia, so I pay HST. :P

The troll post is total BS. Fenwick for example has spent months or years researching stadiums, built a model, and flew to Halifax to present it to councillors. I do not doubt that he had a positive impact on the stadium debate.

The disdain for "come from aways" is one of the least attractive things about NS. Some locals contribute a lot, and other don't. And people who move away (or come from away) still have an interest in NS. I would even argue that these groups have contributed more on the whole than those who have just stayed in one spot all their life. I think Halifax is great but I have experience I just would not have gotten had I never left the city.

[beyeas]

The disdain for "come from aways" is one of the least attractive things about NS. Some locals contribute a lot, and other don't. And people who move away (or come from away) still have an interest in NS. I would even argue that these groups have contributed more on the whole than those who have just stayed in one spot all their life. I think Halifax is great but I have experience I just would not have gotten had I never left the city.

Canada is bad in general for that, and NS in particular.

I remember getting criticism years ago when I went abroad to do a research fellowship, and was told by multiple people that they thought it was "disgusting that their tax dollars went to educating me and the 1st thing I did was leave". It is such a small minded attitude to assume that there is nothing that we can't learn from others. In fact this country/region is made stronger when people leave, learn new things, and maybe someday return and bring that new knowledge and ideas back!