Its time to take action!
Its time to take action!
Development Options Halifax is a group of citizens in Halifax, NS who want better balance between the interest of citizens and those of developers. We advocate for using technology such as 3-D models to present facts and options to the public. This contributes to open, informed and transparent public discussion on development. Citizens have expertise.
One of our current concerns which are reflective of larger problems, are the two proposed developments (“Rouvalis” and “Dexel”) for 30, 16, 26 and 20 storeys at Spring Garden Road, Robie, Carlton and College Streets.
We created drawings and a 3-D model of the two developments together for the first time. We believe the public “consultation process” should have required these. For that and other reasons the process has been flawed. Without even responding to requests to present our 3-D model, HRM held a public hearing to decide about the 2 proposals.
Then HRM Planning staff continued to change policies to match the developments as they became even larger. In Sept 2021 the Rouvalis proposal was approved for 28 and 29 storeys plus penthouses. That was despite on-going concerns and offers of better solutions from hundreds of citizens. In August or September 2022 the Dexel proposal for two 30-storey towers will come to a public hearing.
Together the 4 ~30-storey towers will require the demolition of 12-14 buildings, a floor-area of a 10 or 12-storey apartment. These are historic, small-scale multi-unit and affordable. This is just one example of multiple demolitions we are seeing.
We believe demolitions harm affordability, community, character and the climate.
Please sign our petition asking the Premier to Stop the Demolitions — Show Nova Scotia Some Love shorturl.at/dlxET
Our mission is to promote better urban design that respects the physical, historic cultural and social identities of the city. This will make the best choices for our present and a future that must deal with climate change. Making better use of available technology including 3-D modelling can help us choose better small-scale options for in-fill, adding on and developing under-utilized land. Our case studies show this protects affordable housing, community, character and the climate.
Our Mission
The Coburg Apartments at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Robie Street in the 1950s or early 60s.
Our mission is to promote better urban design that pays attention to the physical, historic cultural and social identities of the city and that make the best choices for our present and a future that must deal with climate change. One way forward is to make better use of available technology including 3-D modelling to ensure the discourse is informed, citizens are engaged and our government listens.
Promenade Robie South
Spring Garden West
Who We Are
People concerned with the limited scope of debate on development in Halifax.
Citizens concerned with the fate of what’s left of the historic Halifax Common.
Neighbours of the proposed development.
Heritage advocates.
Architectural practitioners attempting to address the limited dialogue on new development through the technology and expertise at their disposal.
Below is a volunteer-created 3-D Model of what the proposals will look like together on one city block.
