Province Negotiating Land Lease with Dalhousie University

The province is in the final stages of a negotiation with Dalhousie University for a long-term lease of land in Halifax's south end.

Dalhousie is planning to build an arena for university and community use on a 2.8 acre portion of land at 5846 South St. The land is currently in use as a parking lot.

"We want to put the land to work for the community," said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Internal Services on behalf of Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Dalhousie's proposal is for an arena that will provide wide ranging benefits for students, varsity athletes as well as the broader community. It will provide a place for residents to be active and will serve as a community rink for local schools and school children."

The terms of the lease are still being finalized, however, the intention is that it would be for a nominal amount. A final agreement is conditional on Dalhousie getting all necessary municipal approvals and funds in place for the development.

"The new arena will be a wonderful addition to our community, as it will address the ice needs of varsity competitive athletics, intramural and club recreation, in addition to serving broader community needs and post-secondary partnerships," said Dalhousie President Richard Florizone. "We're firmly committed to ongoing conversation with the community in the next stages of planning and fundraising for this project."

Public parking would continue to be offered on the site prior to and after the construction.