News Release

Symposium to Set Business District Priorities

(Friday, February 1/2002)-- More than 90 delegates are attending a two-day symposium at Pier 21 to help the HRM Capital District Task Force develop a visioning statement and to set strategic priorities for rejuvenating the five business districts in the Halifax-Dartmouth urban core.

Mayor Peter Kelly, on behalf of Halifax Regional Council, officially opened the symposium this morning, citing the Capital District strategic planning project as one of the most exciting the municipality has ever launched.

Mayor Kelly said "Council and I are fully committed to supporting the efforts of the Capital District Task Force, the business community and our residents in rejuvenating our downtown business districts and enhancing our reputation as the Capital of Atlantic Canada."

The Mayor concluded "It is through volunteer efforts, such as this, that make HRM a great place in which to live and do business. Mutual respect among all partners and a common desire to preserve and protect our quality of life is what makes us a great community."

Elected and senior officials from the three levels of government, representatives from the various business associations and business community leaders will have an opportunity today and tomorrow to express their views on how all partners can work together more effectively to enhance and improve the districts of downtown Dartmouth, downtown Halifax, Spring Garden Road, Gottingen Street and Quinpool Road.

(Note: EnRoute, Air Canada's on-flight magazine, has just named the HRM downtown waterfront "one of the coolest places in Canada.")

Results of the recent Capital District Public Survey show:

• citizens want the business districts to be more pedestrian-friendly and transit- friendly.
• citizens do not like to see harbour views blocked and are very concerned about "urban sprawl"
• citizens are concerned about garbage/litter and safety issues at night (particularly for women)
• citizens want more open air venues for culture and entertainment and better libraries.

The symposium in scheduled to conclude on Saturday afternoon.

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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010

Carol Macomber
Project Manager, Capital; District Task Force
(902) 490-5908