the Planning & Design Centre newsletter volume 1 • issue 1 • april 2007
INTRODUCTION Change is a constant. It occurs every day, it touches everyone and happens everywhere. It’s fueled by local forces, and dynamics that have a global reach. New subdivisions are built. A road is widened. It’s hard to find parking. It’s easier to get to school. Some streets are barricaded, others landscaped. The sun brings out more panhandlers. There’s a new development close to Citadel Hill. The landmark at the corner is threatened. The cost of oil doubles. The bus route is changed. There are new development proposals and many studies underway. There are forums, meetings, hearings and appeals. It’s endless, it seems complicated, it feels obscure and it’s unclear how it all fits together. A great city deals with change through a shared and broadly understood vision; a transparent, open and energetic approach that embraces positive change and action; welcomes popular engagement in shaping the community; and supports a culture that values quality, understands that local design makes a difference and that mediocrity is never acceptable. HRM by virtue of its manageable size, fortuitous geography and human capacity has unparalleled opportunities to embrace change and shape its own future, to value its history and see that its best days are still ahead. Focus, innovation and imagination will make Halifax into a great city of the 21st Century. The Planning & Design Centre is a response to this context. The idea is to create a store-front operation that makes planning and design visible, open to discussion and sources of innovation. It is seen as a collaborative enterprise, common ground, and think tank that brings together the public, the business community, the development industry and different levels of government for a tangible purpose. The goal is to make the region a better place to live, grow up, do business and visit by: being proactive in providing up-to-date, organized information; facilitating public discussion; and focusing on innovative and practical research. This newsletter “SEEK” is the first preliminary step, a seed, in the evolution of the Planning & Design Centre, which every few months will provide a snapshot of what is happening – and there is a lot happening: numerous development proposals, many studies, and many, many meetings. Each in its own way will make a difference. Each is an opportunity to make positive local change. There is also a value in seeing them all together for they represent a picture of where we are going and how we are going to get there. In that sense, this newsletter will make planning more visible, and design issues more tangible. The hope is that ultimately it will fuel more interest, raise awareness and inspire our collective imagination to direct change toward building the city of our aspirations.
4,828 public parking spaces within a 5-minute walk from Grand Parade 634 park properties in HRM $75 million
could be saved over 25 years through proposed strategic transportation plans (i.e. new transit routes & services, high speed ferry project etc).
$16 million
Spring Garden / Queen Street / Infirmary Study Area
The intent of this provincial / municipal study is to transform the urban core into a lively, accessible and vibrant place, specifically focusing on two major study areas: Grand Parade / Province House and Spring Garden Road / Queen Street. Much of this municipally and provincially owned land is currently space for parked vehicles and does little to contribute to the quality of public life in the downtown. George / Carmichael Street, part of the Grand Parade / Province House study area, is the most significant link from the waterfront to Citadel Hill. It runs from the ferry terminal, past the Art Gallery and Province House, through the Grand Parade to the Clock Tower on the hill. Recognizing the potential of this prominent downtown corridor, the project team asked the public to help develop a vision for the future of the area. Through consultations held in January and March of 2006, many ideas were generated by concerned citizens and other interested parties. One recommendation included removing Council parking from the Grand Parade, an idea that was approved by Regional Council in February 2007.
1% of suburbanites in HRM walk to work
18.2 million
annual number of public transit passengers in HRM, carried on:
200 transit buses, 3 community transit buses, 3 ferries, and 20 access-a-buses 1/3 of urban land is used for surface parking in North America
Spring Garden/Queen Street Project: TIMEFRAME: Sept 2005 - Feb. 2007 BUDGET: $51,694 PROJECT TEAM: HRM Capital District, Province of Nova Scotia, EDM, Urban Strategies, Citizen Advisory Committee FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.halifax.ca/capitaldistrict/PublicLandsPlanning.html
Grand Parade / Province House / Birks Study Area
costs to the provincial health care system in a year, due to physical inactivity
41% of HRM residents who live and work on the Halifax Peninsula walk to work
IMAGE CREDIT: EDM.
$500,000
allocated to the replacement of the Central Library on Spring Garden Road in the 2007-08 HRM capital budget. This money will go towards issuing a Request for Proposal to engage an architect and towards public consultation.
Joint Public Lands Plans
IMAGE CREDIT: CBCL Limited.
FACTOIDS
Grand Parade/Province House Project: TIMEFRAME: Dec. 2005 - Feb. 2007 BUDGET: $62,953 PROJECT TEAM: HRM Capital District, Province of Nova Scotia, CBCL, Greenberg Consultants, Young + Wright Architects Inc., GHK International, Citizen Advisory Committee The Spring Garden Road / Queen Street area was the subject of intensive meetings, discussions and workshops at the end of last year. The public made firm demands that the new public library be built on the prominent corner of Spring Garden & Queen, and that throughout the study area priority be given to people over the automobile. Citizens also voiced the need for bold architecture, affordable live / work spaces and the incorporation of art and nature into the urban fabric. Regional Council has, in principle, recently approved the Plan and has recommended that HRM move forward with the ideas generated through the public meetings. Next steps include the launch of a design competition for the new library. The municipality will be seeking assistance from the private sector to help fund and develop the area to its full potential.
Regional Parking Strategy Parking is an important factor to consider when weighing the costs and convenience of transportation choices. Policies and by-laws that control the supply of parking are part of the push / pull dynamic that influences people’s transportation choices, i.e., a push away from single occupant vehicle travel and pull toward more sustainable transportation options. On October 3, 2006, Halifax Regional Council approved the funding to undertake a Regional Parking Strategy. This is one of five functional plans being completed as part of the Transportation Master Plan. Beginning with an analysis of the current state of parking supply, operation and management, the study will propose a management strategy to address issues such as parking spillover into residential neighbourhoods, extensive surface parking lots, and the need to support transportation alternatives. Balancing the parking needs of residents, businesses and institutions, will be a significant challenge for the project team. The study presents an opportunity to bring parking policies in line with the goals of HRM’s Regional Plan, addressing parking issues in the short and long-term. Open house events were held March 5-8 in Dartmouth, Sackville and Halifax. More consultation activities are planned, including telephone surveys, public meetings and stakeholder interviews. TIMEFRAME: 9 months (completed Summer 2007) BUDGET: $180,000 PROJECT TEAM: HRM, IBI Group, Terrain Group, RICH+Assc. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
HRMbyDESIGN HRMbyDESIGN is a downtown urban design study that aims to create specific guidelines and implementation tools to ensure high quality development and vibrant public spaces in the core areas of HRM. The study will establish design guidelines for districts, neighbourhoods, centres, transit corridors and main streets. This study will fundamentally affect the form of the city and touch directly or indirectly everyone in the region. The project is unfolding over six phases, where public input from each phase is integrated into the next. Input is derived through public forums, where citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions and develop their aspirations for the future of HRM’s Regional Centre. The next forum will take place April 16 - 19 and will focus on infill case studies and previously identified “opportunity sites” (vacant or underutilized land). The intent of the forum will be to establish detailed concepts and guidelines that will direct the future development of these sites.
Cultural Plan: Khyber Feasibility Study HRM Council approved the draft Cultural Plan on March 28, 2006. Strategic direction, goals and policies of the Plan make important connections between community development, regional vitality and culture. The aim of the plan is to create a strong cultural mandate that will help guide future development and create prosperous communities within HRM. Implementation of the Plan began in April of 2006 with a handful of projects and initiatives including a graffiti management plan, community art pilot projects, urban design study and scouting for creative cluster opportunities.
5 case study areas:
Gottingen Wyse Road Vernon/Jubilee + Quinpool Downtown Halifax Downtown Dartmouth + Dartmouth Cove
27 neighbourhoods have been identified (residential character)
57 districts have
been identified (non-residential character)
183 words in the HRM by Design vision statement
6 phase project taking place over 18 months
The project team recently added an exciting urban design tool to the list of project deliverables: a virtual 3-D model of the Regional Centre that could be used by the general public, developers and HRM to illustrate and evaluate development proposals in the context of existing streets and buildings. In addition, the recently expanded project scope includes a detailed inventory of heritage buildings, and development of a Heritage Management Strategy. TIMEFRAME: 18 months (completed December 2007) BUDGET: $400,000 PROJECT TEAM: HRM, Office for Urbanism, Vollick McKee Petersmann, Urban Design Task Force FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.hrmbydesign.ca
FACTOIDS
5 public forums are planned for this project 2 public forums have
already taken place (september + december 06)
8 urban design principles:
The Khyber, a non-profit, artist-run organization located in downtown Halifax on Barrington St., presented an opportunity to develop the “creative cluster” concept, an idea that would see a variety of artistic and creative businesses or services all co-existing in one building. In February and March 2007 HRM and the Khyber Arts Society hosted a public meeting to discuss the use of the building as an arts and cultural centre. The event generated a wealth of creative ideas that will ultimately shape the Khyber’s future. A feasibility study for the Khyber has been proposed to provide a thorough analysis of the spatial and structural capabilities of the building and will consider how to implement the public’s ideas. HRM is currently seeking additional funding for the building under the “Cultural Spaces Canada” program, which would help to support the renovation and acquisition of equipment needed to support such a centre. TIMEFRAME: Proposed feasibility study to be completed by the end of August 2007 BUDGET: $30,000 - $40,000 Project Team: HRM, Khyber Arts Society FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.halifax.ca/culturalplan/ www.khyberarts.ns.ca/index.html
Sustainability High Quality Heritage and Culture Movement Complete Neighbourhoods Growth and Change Process Connected
5 “campaigns” for a great city have been developed: a sustainable city a city of livable + complete neighbourhoods a distinct + unique city a city of vibrant + exciting places a beautiful city 33 Secondary Plans exist in HRM
50 growth centres identified in the Regional Plan:
7 urban centres 21 suburban centres 22 rural centres
what’s going on in HRM? recent, current + proposed projects, developments + studies
Community Visioning Pilot: Musquodoboit Harbour • HRM pilot project initiated November 2006 (in progress). Community Visioning Pilot: Fall River • HRM pilot project initiated November 2006 (in progress) • Airport Hotel • proposed hotel development adjacent to Stanfield International Airport (call for Expressions of Interest pending) • Airport Parking • proposed 1200 space parking garage • Basin Vista • 160 condo units in two 8-storey buildings • initial stage • if approved, planned opening is Spring 2009 • Bedford Commons • commercial / retail development • Walmart opened in March 2007 • under construction • Community Visioning Pilot: Bedford • HRM pilot project initiated November 2006 (in progress) • Neighbourhood “B” of Wentworth / Bedford South Area Master Plan • applied for development agreement; approved and then appealed • Southgate Village • mixed-use development • 44 condos (in approval process) • The Tides • 6-storey condo development • under construction • Bedford Waterfront Phase II • extension to public walkway • fill project over 5-8 years (depends on availability of slate) •
Sheppards Island • luxury condos (under construction) • Dartmouth Crossing • retail business development • some businesses (Home Depot, Walmart + Staples) opened January 2007 • under construction • HRM by Design Study Area • Regional Centre urban design study (in progress) • Barrington Narrows • 112 apartment units + 20,000 s.f. commercial space • planned opening May 2007 • under construction • Greenvale Lofts • 26 loft condos in the former Greenvale School • planned opening Fall 2008 • under construction • Founder’s Corner • 37 condo units (4 storeys) • under construction • King’s Wharf • large scale urban mixed-use waterfront development • Phase 1: 270 luxury condos • planned opening in 2008 • Dartmouth Harbourwalk Trail • 1.2-kilometre, barrier-free, multi-use trail along Dartmouth waterfront from Woodside Ferry terminal to Cusack Street in Dartmouth • opened in June 2004 • future phases are planned to connect the trail to Dartmouth Cove • Canal Greenway Coordinated Open Space Development Plan • proposed greenway to link Dartmouth Cove to Lake Banook trail system • Phase III report completed January 2007 • Gladstone Ridge • multi-residential development • 17 single family homes • 278 condos (two towers: 139 opening in Summer 2007 +139 planned) •6-storey assisted living complex • under construction • NSCC Dartmouth Campus • phase I built • phase II planned opening Fall 2008 • Armoury Square • residential development - townhouses + condos • under construction • Spice • condo development at Barrington + Cornwallis • under construction • Dave’s Bottle Exchange • 16-unit residential redevelopment on Charles Street • public information meeting held; staff report pending • Phonecia Foods • 24-unit apartment building at corner of Agricola + North • public information meeting held; staff report pending • Grand Parade / Province House / Birks Site Public Lands Plan • approved by Regional Council • implementation / land swap next phase • Redevelopment of Former Texpark Site (1591 Granville) • mixed-use development • two 27-storey towers (1 hotel, 1 condos) with street-level retail • approved by Regional Council; appealed to NSURB (decision to be released in 3-4 months) • Salter Street Development • mixed-use development with proposed observation tower • application made to HRM; public information meeting forthcoming • Update of Halifax Waterfront Plan • developing terms of reference • W Suites • 7-storey apartment building (former YWCA site) • planned opening August 2007 • under construction • Queen’s Landing • naval / waterfront development including expansion of Maritime Museum of the Atlantic • developing Request for Proposals for feasibility study • Redevelopment of Former NFB Building / Argyle Bar + Grill • Barrington + Argyle Streets • mixed-use residential and commercial proposal • on hold by applicant • Keith’s Brewery Lands • mixed-use development proposal (initial stage) • Spring Garden / Queen Street Area Public Lands Plan • approved by Regional Council • implementation / land swap next phase • design competition / RFP upcoming for new Central Public Library • Seaport Development • redevelopment of sheds along waterfront (adjacent to Pier 21) • projects include: NSCAD Port Campus, Garrison Brewery + Cunard Centre • Life Sciences Building • proposed replacement (Dalhousie University) • Waterton @ Stoneridge • condo development (two buildings) •
HRM FACTOIDS
1.5 million acres = size of HRM (slightly larger than Prince Edward Island) 8000 acres = size of the Regional Centre of HRM
382,200 people in HRM 97,000 people live in the Regional Centre of HRM
84,400 more people will live in HRM within 25 years
25% of this growth will be directed towards the Regional Centre (about 21,000 people)
50,000 households in the Regional Centre of HRM 15,000 new housing units are projected for the Regional Centre over the next 25 years 56% of HRM’s total employment is located in the Regional Centre of HRM (107,000 jobs) 4,460 building permits were issued in 2006 which totaled approximately
$696 million in construction costs.
188 communities in HRM RECENT PLANS + STUDIES: Regional Plan Public Lands Plans Cultural Plan Official Bike Plan Halifax Harbour Plan Active Transportation Plan Economic Strategy Immigration Action Plan Phase 1 Urban Design Study (Capital District) Barrington Street Heritage District Study Halifax Port Authority Land Use Plan Waterfront Development + Open Space Plan Point Pleasant Park Design Competition
VisionHRM: Community Visioning
How Can I Get Involved? Upcoming meetings & events
VisionHRM is a public engagement and consultation process that provides community members the opportunity to focus on local issues and think creatively about the future. Currently in the pilot phase, the visioning process is being tested in three HRM communities: Fall River, Bedford Waterfront and Musquodoboit Harbour. Community visioning is the next step in implementing the goals and policies of HRM’s Regional Plan,Cultural Plan,Active Transportation Plan, Economic Strategy and Immigration Action Plan.
April 16-19 > April 16: 6:00-7:00 > April 17/18: 12:00-1:00 > April 18: 6:00-8:00 April 17 @ 6:00 pm April 17 @ 6:30 pm
Unlike traditional planning processes, VisionHRM aims to be a more flexible and comprehensive process designed to allow for meaningful discussion and problem solving as communities set their own priorities for the next 10, 15 or 20 years. Project outcomes will include a Community Profile, Action Plan and Vision for the future form and feel of each community. The Community Profile provides a snap shot of the community today, while the Action Plan will prioritize the actions required to achieve the Vision. These products will inform the review of Secondary Plans, when legally binding policies and regulations will be developed.
April 18 @ 6:30 pm April 18 @ 6:00 pm April 23 @ 7:00 pm April 24 @ 6:00 pm April 24 @ 6:30 pm April 24 @ 7:00 pm April 25 @ 3:30 pm April 25 @ 5:00 pm April 25 @ 7:00 pm April 26 @ 7:00 pm May 1 @ 6:00 pm May 1 @ 6:30 pm May 2-31
VisionHRM kicked off in November, 2006 with public events in each of the three pilot communities, providing residents with an opportunity to learn about the process and open the dialogue that will consider issues such as location of future development, housing needs, transit service and access to schools. Community Liaison Groups (CLG), representing a cross section of each community, will guide and champion the process at the local level, working to maximize their community’s engagement using a variety of public participation tools including workshops, presentations, community walk-abouts, surveys and online discussion forums.
May 2 @ 7:00 pm May 3 @ 7:00 pm May 8 @ 5:30 pm May 7 @ 7:00 pm May 7 @ 7:00 pm May 8 @ 5:30 pm May 8 @ 6:00 pm May 8 @ 6:30 pm
May 8 @ 6:30 pm The next public engagement events are scheduled for Bedford on April 12, and Musquodoboit Harbour on May 9 @ 7:00 pm April 14. Community Liaison Group meetings are held weekly and are open to the public. Tuesdays @ 7:00 pm Thursdays @ 7:00 pm TIMEFRAME: Start date: Sept. 2006; 6-12 months BUDGET: $30,000 PROJECT TEAM: HRM, Community Liaison Groups FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.halifax.ca/VisionHRM/
HRMbyDESIGN Forum 3 Open House: Bus Stop Theatre on Gottingen Public Viewing: Bus Stop Theatre on Gottingen Open House: Bus Stop Theatre on Gottingen Regional Council Meeting @ City Hall Fall River: VisionHRM Community Liaison Group Meeting Ash Lee Jefferson School Library Halifax Watershed Advisory Board @ City Hall Public Submissions Meeting for Public School Board Halifax Regional School Board Building (90 Alderney Drive) District 12 Planning Advisory Committee @ City Hall Regional Council Meeting @ City Hall Fall River: VisionHRM Community Liaison Group Meeting Ash Lee Jefferson School Library Musquodoboit Harbour: Vision HRM CLG Meeting Mezzanine, Muquodoboit Harbour Community Centre Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting @ City Hall Dartmouth Lakes Advisory Board @ Findlay Centre Marine Drive, Valley + Canal Community Council Beaver Bank Recreation Centre North West Community Council (location TBC) Regional Council Meeting @ City Hall Fall River: VisionHRM Community Liaison Group Meeting Ash Lee Jefferson School Library Celebrating Nova Scotia Architecture @ Pier 21 (NSAA 75th Anniversary Exhibition + Design Charrettes) North West Planning Advisory Committee Fenerty Room, Sackville Library Harbour East Community Council Halifax Regional School Board (90 Alderney Drive) EAC Transportation Committee @ 2705 Fern Lane Chebucto Community Council @ Keshen Goodman Library Peninsula Community Council @ City Hall EAC Built Environment Committee @ 2705 Fern Lane Regional Council Meeting @ City Hall Fall River: VisionHRM Community Liaison Group Meeting Ash Lee Jefferson School Library Musquodoboit Harbour: Vision HRM CLG Meeting Mezzanine, Muquodoboit Harbour Community Centre Bedford Watershed Advisory Board @ LeBrun Centre Halifax Peace Coalition @ Dalhousie SUB Room 318 Halifax Coalition Against Poverty @ 2420 Agricola Street
the Planning & Design Centre newsletter published by the Cities & Environment Unit on behalf of the Planning & Design Centre comments? questions? did we miss something? contact: ceu@dal.ca 902.494.3926 http://pdc.ceunit.dal.ca