Consultation Aimed at Seizing Economic Opportunities for Nova Scotia

Communities, organizations and interested individuals across the province will have a say on how to make the most of economic opportunities arising from a new convention centre and how to ensure the public space within the centre reflects the character and culture of Nova Scotia.

The developer, Rank Inc., is required to conduct public consultations, including open houses, social media forums and targeted meetings. The province will also play a role in ensuring people can share ideas on how to maximize economic opportunities in every region.

"We look forward to hearing from Nova Scotians on how this project can fully benefit their local communities," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson, on behalf of Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "This convention centre will grow the economy and create jobs and I encourage community groups and organizations from every region of the province to provide input."

Part of the consultation will focus on which images, displays and other elements would best capture the culture and character of the province and its people.

"We have pride in our communities, our people, our province, and we want to showcase that for all to see," said Mr. Wilson. "We want visitors to the convention centre to get a taste of what they can experience throughout Nova Scotia."

Details of the consultations will be announced during the coming weeks.

Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Peter Kelly said he and Council look forward to seeing detailed plans for a high-quality, well-designed convention centre that will be both a showcase and an economic driver for the entire region.

"This project is a good example of all levels of government working in harmony with the private sector for the best interests of the community," said Mayor Kelly. "The immediate and long-term economic opportunities that this entire development represents, in terms of jobs, retail stimulus and tax revenues, will be felt far beyond the downtown."

Mayor Kelly noted that the convention centre will anchor a major retail/office/residential complex expected to cost more than half-a-billion dollars.

"The convention centre is an opportunity to showcase Cape Breton island and all of Nova Scotia to visitors from around the world," said Mary Tulle, CEO Destination Cape Breton. "We are encouraged that communities across the province will have input to ensure the essence of Nova Scotia is reflected."

During the construction phase, Rank Inc. will also ensure people who work and live in the area are kept up-to-date on construction activities through advisories and social media.

The convention centre project will be subject to HRM site plan approval under the HRM By Design downtown plan. It considers designs elements through a council-appointed design review committee. More details of the process can be found at: www.halifax.ca/capitaldistrict/RegionalCentre .

During construction, the new convention centre is expected to generate an estimated 1,700 person years of employment and $9.5 million in provincial tax revenue. During the first 10 years of operation, it is expected create more than 12,000 person years of employment and $40 million in provincial tax revenue.