The Halifax Common is a special place within the heart of Halifax. Its parks and green spaces lend a unique sense of place and community identity, providing spaces for recreation and leisure, social gatherings and celebrations, connection to the outdoors, and ties to history. 
Equally important, the Halifax Common is also a place where people work, learn, and heal through health care, education, culture, and recreation facilities. The Common’s diversity of land uses creates prosperity and vibrancy within the capital city.

In 1763, 235 acres of land was granted for a Common for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax forever. As the city developed, the Halifax Common became defined by the boundaries of major streets. With significant public institutions and a multitude of active recreation facilities, open spaces, and cultural features, the Halifax Common is a special place for residents from across the municipality.

Halifax Common Master Plan

The municipality is planning for the future direction of the Halifax Common.

As the city and region continue to grow, this dynamic public space will only take on more significance as a major park and recreation area serving local residents and all people in the Halifax region. The time has come again to take a comprehensive look at the future of the Common, through a master planning process that will define management policies, guidelines for open and green space, as well as concepts and action plans for physical renewal.

The outcomes will serve as a blueprint for future improvements, to guide the City in the provision of open space areas, parks, recreation programs and facilities for the short and the long-term.

For information about the Halifax Common Master Plan, visit Shape Your City. You'll find up to date information about engagement sessions, online surveys, and the feedback that we've captured so far. 

January 2020 Update

Staff are currently working on the revisions to the Halifax Common Master Plan, including the analysis and response to the Province’s QEII New Generation Health Care Services Master Plan and the latest proposal to construct a parking structure on the Wanderers Grounds block on the Halifax Common and acquire lands from the municipality.

As part of the Province’s health care redevelopment of the QEII Health Sciences Centre on the Halifax Common, the Province is moving ahead with their preparations for the expansion of the Halifax Infirmary site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre. As part of their parking strategy, a tender has been released to build a replacement parkade on the NS Museum of Natural History’s parking lot, directly across from the Halifax Infirmary on Summer Street.

For more information on the QEII New Generation hospital Master Plan, please visit the QEII New Generation project page found here:

https://healthredevelopment.novascotia.ca/qe2

The RFP for the design and construction services for the QEII New Generation Project Summer Street Parkade has been posted on the Nova Scotia Tender Notices site (#DOC349648503)

https://procurement.novascotia.ca/tender-details.aspx?id=DOC349648503

FAQ

Is the concept plan the final version?

No. The concept plan that was presented for feedback presents one manner in which the Halifax Common can be rebalanced for all uses. The concept plan is not a final version, and no decisions have been made. Given public feedback, further changes to the Halifax Common Master Plan may be made.

What are the next steps for the Halifax Common Master Plan?

Next steps for the Halifax Common Master Plan will be determined by assessing the feedback from the recent survey and public consultation. The schedule associated with the project envisioned a return of the Halifax Common Master Plan to Regional Council in late Fall 2019.

December 2019 Update – Halifax Common Aquatic Area Report Approved

Halifax Common Aquatic Area and Open Space Master Plan Update Report

On December 10, 2019, Regional Council approved the recommendation to initiate the capital planning and construction of a new outdoor aquatics area on the Central Common. This is a complete replacement of the existing swimming pool and related facilities on the Central Common. The project includes an outdoor recreation pool, splash pad, community building and playground. This is envisioned as the first phase of the Halifax Common Open Spaces Master Plan.

You can read the full report on the Halifax Common Aquatic Area and Open Space Master Plan Update here. 

Will there be an opportunity for more public feedback?

Individual submissions can be made to staff, with contact information as noted on Shape Your City. The need for any additional engagement will be assessed once we have reviewed the latest round of public consultation.

How soon would we see changes to the Halifax Common?

The Halifax Common Master Plan is to serve as a blueprint for future improvements to the entire Common, both in the short term and the long term. With this in mind, the aquatic facility has been identified as an early need of focus and attention.