A developer has proposed building more than 5,800 housing units on the Halifax Exhibition Centre lands, but concerns have been raised about the feasibility of such a large project. Fathom Studios, on behalf of developer BANC Group, has requested approval for a mixed-use development on the 46-hectare space. The proposal includes 5,867 residential units in multi-unit buildings between six and 24 storeys, townhomes, stacked townhomes, new public roads, infrastructure, and parkland. The location is seen as an ideal area for future development due to its proximity to water and sewer services, major highways, and the Ragged Lake Urban Reserve.
While the municipality’s regional plan has identified the site as an opportunity for mixed-use development to address the increased demand for housing, concerns have been raised about the scope of the project. Coun. Patty Cuttell of Spryfield-Sambro Loop-Prospect Road is worried about the density of the development, which has increased from 1,016 units to over 5,800 units. This would create a very dense urban center, raising questions about traffic, congestion, and the need for essential services like schools and fire services in the area. Cuttell made a motion to defer the planning process until more reports related to planning in the area are received, but it was defeated in a council vote.
Community concerns have also been raised by residents living in the surrounding area. Issues such as existing traffic problems on Prospect Road and worries about increased traffic congestion have been highlighted. Residents like T.J. Gerrior and Colleen Graves expressed their discontent with the proposal, stating that the area already faces traffic congestion and adding more homes will only worsen the situation. The lack of alternative routes out of Prospect is a major concern for residents, especially in emergency situations like wildfires, where access to alternative routes could be crucial.
During a council meeting, councillors voted in favor of initiating the planning process for the development, with the understanding that many unanswered questions would be addressed throughout the planning process, including in a public participation program. While concerns about the project’s impact on traffic and congestion remain, the main motion to proceed with the planning process was ultimately passed. However, some councillors, including Cuttell, Stoddard, Austin, and Morse, voted against it. The developer representatives were unavailable for comment, leaving residents and councillors with lingering concerns about the potential impact of such a large-scale development on the community.
Overall, the proposal for a large-scale mixed-use development on the Halifax Exhibition Centre lands has sparked debate and concern among councillors, residents, and developers alike. While there is acknowledgment of the need for more housing in the area, questions about the scope, density, impact on traffic, and provision of essential services remain unresolved. The decision to move forward with the planning process has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as an opportunity for future development and others voicing concerns about the potential negative effects on the surrounding community. As the planning process unfolds, it is expected that more clarity will be provided on these issues through further reports and public participation.
