PLANAPP 2025-01681 – 1290-1300 OXFORD ST, HALIFAX

Request

Request
Application by FBM & Westwood Construction Limited on behalf of a property owner, requesting to enter into a heritage development agreement on lands at 1290-1300 Oxford Street, Halifax (PIDs 00078162 & 00078170) to permit a multi-unit residential development consisting of one 14-storey tower with two levels of underground parking, as well as landscaping improvements.

Background
This development agreement is being sought in accordance with Policy CHR-7 of the Regional Centre Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy (SMPS), which permits Council to consider a development agreement on any lot containing a registered heritage building to encourage the conservation and adaptive re-use of registered heritage buildings.

Heritage Significance
1300 Oxford Street, Halifax, also known as First Baptist Church, has been a cornerstone of Halifax’s Baptist community since its dedication in 1950. Designed by the Ontario architectural firm Bruce Brown & Brisley, with local supervision by architect Allan Duffus, the church is a highly representative example of the Neo-Gothic style. Constructed by the Brookfield Construction Company, the stone-clad church retains excellent architectural integrity. The congregation of First Baptist Church traces its roots to 1827 and has played a significant role in the religious, cultural, and social history of Halifax, including responses to the Halifax Explosion and both World Wars.

Proposal

The applicant is proposing the construction of a new multi-unit residential building at 1290 Oxford Street, the property immediately south of the registered heritage property (1300 Oxford Street). The new building is proposed to be 14 storeys tall and to contain a maximum of 98 units. The new building will be physically separated from the church. Two storeys of underground parking are proposed to provide parking for 64 vehicles (4 accessible spaces), as well as a bike room and storage lockers. The underground parking entrance is proposed to be accessed via Oxford Street. The ground level is proposed to include 2,706 sqft of indoor amenity space and 2,136 sqft of outdoor amenity space.  The proposal includes the landscaping and accessibility improvements, shared outdoor amenity spaces, and designated parking for the church.

Process

Heritage Development agreements are discretionary applications, meaning that they require the approval of Community Council to proceed. Details of the proposal have been published to the municipal website, and a sign will be posted on-site.

Public feedback is being solicited through a fact-sheet mailout survey. Residents within a 160-metre radius of the site will be notified by mail of the opportunity to provide feedback. Feedback may also be submitted to HRM staff by individuals residing outside the notification area using the contact details provided below.

After public engagement has been completed, HRM staff will negotiate a development agreement with the applicant and prepare a staff report and recommendation for review by the Heritage Advisory Committee and decision by Halifax and West Community Council. Prior to Community Council decision, a Public Hearing shall be held and advertised through mail-out notifications sent to residents within an 160m radius of the site.  through mail-out notifications sent to residents within an 160m radius of the site. 

Status

This application is currently in the engagement stage. A mail-out survey outlining the application details has been distributed to residents within a 160-metre radius of the site. Prior to the survey closing on April 03, any person, including residents outside the notification area, may provide feedback using the contact details provided below.

Documents Submitted for Evaluation

The applicant has submitted plans and studies required by HRM staff to properly evaluate the application. The documents are also available for review at the HRM Planning and Development office in Downtown Halifax (5251 Duke St, 3^rd Floor).