[Halifax] Nova Centre | 65-58-58 m | 16-15-14 fl | Completed

[fenwick16]

The final public consultation is tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec 5th) - http://buildyourcentre.ca/public-engagement/final-session/#.UL63aWeAqdB. They will be presenting the most up to date designs so it should be interesting.

With excavation now underway there will be quite a bit of design work to do in a short period of time in order to start construction in 2013. The final designs also have to be presented to the Design Review Committee. Page 20 of the Downtown Halifax Land Use By-Law has an explanation of the requirements for the Publically-Sponsored Convention Centre - https://www.halifax.ca/capitaldistrict/documents/DHLUBandDesignManual.pdf.

[halifaxboyns]

I thought Roger Taylor's article (http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/218242-taylor-shapeshifting-centre-shows-public-has-had-its-say) on the Nova Centre was quite good. In a way, it sticks it to the people who have said there would be no public consultation and I'm sure it sticks in the craw of the Save the View people (which is a particular delight for me).

[cormiermax]

Will there be a live stream of tonight's presentation?

[Duff]

Will there be a live stream of tonight's presentation?

I'm assuming there will be. They have for all of them so far. Usually it is hosted on their website right when the meeting begins.

[q12]

http://i47.tinypic.com/i5riao.jpg
:previous:
From CBC Nova Scotia. http://ow.ly/user/CBCNS

1000th post!

[RyeJay]

:previous:

Congrats, q12! And thank you for posting these pictures. :)

I really want to see a rendering of a Prince Street view!!!

These updated pictures are exciting!!

[cormiermax]

The designs look good, nothing overly great but they do the job. The two buildings beside the one with the curve look like they were an afterthought though.

[RyeJay]

The designs look good, nothing overly great but they do the job. The two buildings beside the one with the curve look like they were an afterthought though.

I find it's a major improvement over the previous design! :)

The westward tower, closest to the Citadel, is now seemingly angled to match the slant of the curved tower, which helps to make the tower-less area less terrible.

I'm so curious about the Prince Street tower!! :yes:

[Empire]

http://i47.tinypic.com/i5riao.jpg
:previous:
From CBC Nova Scotia. http://ow.ly/user/CBCNS

1000th post!

I hope the illuminated section at the top of the tower looking straight out the harbour is a RESTAURANT!!!

[cormiermax]

Does anyone have a link to the live stream if there is one?

[RyeJay]

I hope the illuminated section at the top of the tower looking straight out the harbour is a RESTAURANT!!!

Agreed.

[RyeJay]

Does anyone have a link to the live stream if there is one?

http://buildyourcentre.ca/

The video stream has tended to be on the home page, I believe.

[cormiermax]

http://buildyourcentre.ca/

Thanks!

[Dmajackson]

Looks great to me! :)

However that said the straight'wall on Argyle Street at the rear (north-east) building is a potential problem for Argyle Street patios.

Also Market Street will either be a good success or an epic failure.

[halifaxboyns]

Wow - just watching the discussion about the interior and it sounds interesting!

[halifaxboyns]

Apparently the roof will be a green roof! :)

[halifaxboyns]

The fact that there was applause when the presentation was done is great. Huge change of attitude.

4 digital screens will be included in the Grafton Street public space to show case 4 different regions of NS (Cape Breton, South Shore, etc.). Could include a fly through of the Cabot Trail - interesting idea!

[Haligonian88]

Here are a few renderings of the interior that I grabbed from the stream for those who missed it.

Argyle Street Main Entrance

http://i49.tinypic.com/2ziwpcg.jpg

Overlooking the Exhibition Hall

http://i49.tinypic.com/348g788.jpg

Ballroom Pre-function Area

http://i49.tinypic.com/dd0zdv.jpg

[halifaxboyns]

The wood interior is really cool - it's like the Vancouver convention centre, which is amazing. I see Andy Fillmore is there too, that's good.

[RyeJay]

This centre is also getting a green roof, similar to Vancouver's convention centre.

Edit: open to the public, too!!

[halifaxboyns]

I've been to the convention centre in Vancouver (not for a conference, but while I was visiting). I have to say it's an amazing building. Here are some of the images of the green roof:

http://da-architects.ca/wp_2010/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/project.jpg
http://www.golder.ca/en/uploads/projects/image-206.jpg

[halifaxboyns]

Just listening into some of the background conversations that the microphones are picking up and there were a couple people who I could hear that admitted they were anti-project and now are totally excited. I sounds good. Just wondering how many people showed up?

[cormiermax]

It looks really nice, my biggest worry is cladding though. Some of the images look like the cladding was brought back from the 60s.

[halifaxboyns]

Well from what it sounds there is still another step of design work to come from this...

[Phalanx]

A few more slides from the presentation have been put up on the site:

http://buildyourcentre.ca/public-engagement/final-session/#.UL_pzYbF3ke

[halifaxboyns]

Good to see that the developer jumped in the comment about the 'blue glass'. I couldn't tell if he was there for the other sessions, but his presence tonight is clearly visible and being open to discussion.

[halifaxboyns]

The applause for the public engagement was well deserved. I was hoping someone would bring that up, glad it happened. Mr. Ramia could have easily just said 'here is the design I'm going with' but he did a good process.

[Phalanx]

And the coloured glass trend continues. Excellent.

[halifaxboyns]

And the coloured glass trend continues. Excellent.

Here here, that's a great idea for the blue.

[teddifax]

I wonder when they are going to announce the hotel going into Nova Ctr! I believe it is supposed to be a hotel chain not currently in the area. Any guesses or does someone actually know?

[halifaxboyns]

I wonder when they are going to announce the hotel going into Nova Ctr! I believe it is supposed to be a hotel chain not currently in the area. Any guesses or does someone actually know?

I would guess that we won't hear about that until after the approval occurs. Wasn't that how the ones at the Citadell site happened?

[Hali87]

Here here, that's a great idea for the blue.

What was the idea?

[someone123]

Looks nice. I'd like to see some renderings of Prince Street or renderings from the Citadel.

[teddifax]

How infuriating!!! WHY would the CTV news tonight give MOST of its time on the new Nova Ctr on comments on Phil Pacey and how he feels! Ah, I am so tired of the stop progress, save the view and keep Halifax in the past advocates! You have lost, give it up. Halifax is moving on, get over it!

[halifaxboyns]

CBC showed Pacey's reaction, but his comment I think was somewhat off base. His issue (in CBC clip) was that they didn't show the building in context with it surrounding buildings. Thing is, that's a very leading comment because the viewplanes around the site limit the height. So of course, the buildings are shorter in scale. Very leading comment indeed but I'm sure they will do what they can to try to stop it, despite the fact it's virtually a done deal.

[someone123]

Did Phil Pacey attend any of the public consultations and provide any new ideas? My guess is, sadly, that he is still fixated on the "yea or nay" debate that was concluded by all 3 levels of government months or years ago and that pretty much everybody else has moved on from?

If the city had to wait for every naysayer to be happy, nothing would ever be built.

[halifaxboyns]

Did Phil Pacey attend any of the public consultations and provide any new ideas? My guess is, sadly, that he is still fixated on the "yea or nay" debate that was concluded by all 3 levels of government months or years ago and that pretty much everybody else has moved on from?

If the city had to wait for every naysayer to be happy, nothing would ever be built.

He attended and I'm sure contributed very little, if anything...beyond the 'surrounding context doesn't support this'. Well of course it doesn't when you have viewplanes on either side with capped heights of well below maybe 5-7 stories. Sometimes their obvious strategies just aren't surprising.

[someone123]

He attended and I'm sure contributed very little, if anything...beyond the 'surrounding context doesn't support this'. Well of course it doesn't when you have viewplanes on either side with capped heights of well below maybe 5-7 stories. Sometimes their obvious strategies just aren't surprising.

He may not like it but I think it shows a lack of practicality and maturity to keep harping on the question of whether or not to build something when so many others have moved past the question and when the developer is genuinely looking for feedback that can improve the proposal. I also think it's possible that the Heritage Trust could have negotiated for something with Ramia, like how the house was saved from the Vic apartments. Maybe they could have gotten some money to improve the public infrastructure around the nearby Town Clock, for example, or maybe some funding for plaques to show what the neighbourhood used to look like. We could still see something like that from the public art component of the development.

In practice, if all attendees were bitter about the Nova Centre we would have just gotten (a) the original Nova Centre proposal or (b) another X years of vacant lots.

I hope that STV type groups will have less traction in the future now that there are more examples of constructive consultation. We have seen that this model is way more successful than STV-style turf wars in terms of improving the quality of what is built in Halifax.

[ILoveHalifax]

I was at the session last nite. I am very impressed in the process and the results.
There was a gentleman who arrived at our table when discussion started who wanted to discuss and take over the conversation about the recent report by the auditor general and the viability of the convention center. We listened for a moment while he wrote all kinds of notes about it and then told him we were all there to talk design, his concerns were no longer of any interest to the rest of us. We all believed him to be Alan Ruffman, although he never introduced himself. He later left our table, wasn't getting any attention.

[beyeas]

Interesting that in the slides they show Argyle as pedestrian. Do they know something we don't? I wonder how realistic that is?

I actually like what we can see of the exterior design, and I think it is an improvement. I especially like the public access to the roof. The Prince street side concerns me, but my major concern is still Grafton. Devil is in the details, but Grafton could either be a cool pedestrian mall, or epic failure as a dark unwelcoming tunnel.

[bluenoser]

A few more slides from the presentation have been put up on the site:
http://buildyourcentre.ca/public-engagement/final-session/#.UL_pzYbF3ke

Interesting that in the slides they show Argyle as pedestrian.
... my major concern is still Grafton. Devil is in the details, but Grafton could either be a cool pedestrian mall, or epic failure as a dark unwelcoming tunnel.

Not only are Argyle and Grafton pedestrian only, but they almost look like they're wooden boardwalks (the original files are huge if you want to see more detail):

http://buildyourcentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NOVA-CENTRE-D-1024x791.jpg
http://buildyourcentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NOVA-CENTRE-D-1024x791.jpg

http://buildyourcentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NOVA-CENTRE-E-1024x791.jpg
http://buildyourcentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NOVA-CENTRE-E-1024x791.jpg

^^I appreciate that the design includes a band of saxophones and balloons (on both streets)... If there are any more design tweaks, I wish a bit more could be done with the ceiling in terms of features and lighting. If Argyle will be converted to pedestrian-only (and is a more appropriate street for this) and since there doesn't appear to be a lot of retail, etc., then at this point I'm wondering if Grafton would be better left open to traffic after all. It looks like there will already be a roadway for pickup/drop off. Oh well, too late for that discussion I suppose.

From what we can see at this point, I like the overall design quite a bit. Maybe not every detail is better than the previous but generally, this is my favourite yet - to me, it is night and day compared to the very first design. And ditto about the hopes for a top floor restuarant or function space - apparently with a very high ceiling.

It seems like a lot of expectation has built up around this project as it's evolved over the past couple of years, so I may be more critical of smaller details as a result. I think it's all the more exciting if I look at this as if a convention centre with three towers in the heart of downtown has just been announced and the overall plans are being revealed for the first time, and it has many nice features, and it's already under construction.

[halifaxboyns]

I don't think the second image in bluenoser's post is showing Argyle 'the street'. That looks to me to be a balcony space on top of the podium, above the street. Look at the way the area interacts with the buildings beside it - it looks like the space is elevated and that is' just an exaggerated perspective. But that's just me...

http://i47.tinypic.com/i5riao.jpg

It looks like the elevated space just up from the street on the image to the right. It could also be just the way they drew in the buildings (just used general shapes) and it's the actual street. I'm not sure...

[bluenoser]

^ Yes, it looks like the balcony maintains the same level as Grafton St. I hope there is good street activity on the Argyle side though!

[someone123]

As far as I know the Argyle Street stuff is all "conceptual"; they don't actually have control over it. There are plans to do some streetscaping along Argyle and now is the right time to overhaul the street but it remains to be seen whether or not council will follow through.

[Drybrain]

I can't imagine a better street in the city to convert to pedestrian-only (or at least a "naked street" model) than Argyle between Prince and Blowers. It's not a major auto thoroughfare, there's no transit, and it's got a density and mixture of uses tailor-made for pedestrians. If the Nova Centre's pedestrian realm is as good as the renderings suggest, that's all the more reason for it.

Of course, the renderings are pretty fanciful. A lot more balloons than is probably realistic...

[ILoveHalifax]

They indicated last nite, they are hoping Argyle will be a shared street (sometimes cars and sometimes just people) but this would have to be worked out with HRM.
Grafton would be car access to the hotel and parking garage, but most of it would be pedestrian with a large gathering space in the middle. All along Argyle would be retail and I believe most of Grafton would be retail as well.

[halifaxboyns]

They indicated last nite, they are hoping Argyle will be a shared street (sometimes cars and sometimes just people) but this would have to be worked out with HRM.
Grafton would be car access to the hotel and parking garage, but most of it would be pedestrian with a large gathering space in the middle. All along Argyle would be retail and I believe most of Grafton would be retail as well.

It sounds like something similar to Stephen Avenue here in Calgary. It is pedestrian only during the day time, but after 6pm it goes back to cars.

[RyeJay]

It sounds like something similar to Stephen Avenue here in Calgary. It is pedestrian only during the day time, but after 6pm it goes back to cars.

After 6pm, is the space exclusively for cars?

The Nova Centre, from what I understand, would never exclude pedestrians; and for special events, it may be converted to pedestrian only.

I realise a number of people were hoping Grafton would always be pedestrian only, but something had to give, considering the developer has gone to great lengths to move the garage away from Argyle.

[ILoveHalifax]

After 6pm, is the space exclusively for cars?

The Nova Centre, from what I understand, would never exclude pedestrians; and for special events, it may be converted to pedestrian only.

I realise a number of people were hoping Grafton would always be pedestrian only, but something had to give, considering the developer has gone to great lengths to move the garage away from Argyle.


They did not indicate specific times but rather by event and usage. They kind of like cars and their place in a lively streetscape.

[fenwick16]

The new renderings look great.

It will be tough for the Save The View group to get much support at this point. If they try any antics then they will probably alienate a large proportion of the HRM population (in my opinion).

[someone123]

I realise a number of people were hoping Grafton would always be pedestrian only, but something had to give, considering the developer has gone to great lengths to move the garage away from Argyle.

Actually I think car access to Grafton might be positive in terms of adding more activity and tying this development in with the blocks around it. The activity from people driving into the parking entrance doesn't really contribute much but a lot of people would use a covered drop-off area.

With Argyle I think you'd see the opposite of Stephen Ave; mixed during the day and pedestrian-only during the busiest times in the evening. It would add a lot to Argyle to have more space for patios and more space for people to gather outside. The sheltered spot next to the Nova Centre entrance could be nice too.

[RyeJay]

http://i47.tinypic.com/i5riao.jpg

The Argyle/Sackville curved tower is curved only on one side, as the other side more fully uses the available envelope facing Argyle, it appears. I wonder what the back of this tower looks like?

They should have produced at least one Prince Street view rendering.

[halifaxboyns]

After 6pm, is the space exclusively for cars?

The Nova Centre, from what I understand, would never exclude pedestrians; and for special events, it may be converted to pedestrian only.

I realise a number of people were hoping Grafton would always be pedestrian only, but something had to give, considering the developer has gone to great lengths to move the garage away from Argyle.

No no no. The pedestrians are just stuck using the sidewalks rather than the whole street.

During the day, pedestrians can use the sidewalks and walk on the 'roadway' as well. The only exception is that some delivery trucks are allowed during the day because the gate is not locked.

[halifaxboyns]

CTV Atlantic has a story up saying that Nova Centre the Halifax/Dartmouth Bridge Commission has booked the first convention for 2016.

[worldlyhaligonian]

CTV Atlantic has a story up saying that Nova Centre the Halifax/Dartmouth Bridge Commission has booked the first convention for 2016.

Let's see if its done on time.

But, "people aren't having conventions anymore, its a dying industry" - STV assholes.

[RyeJay]

CTV Atlantic has a story up saying that Nova Centre the Halifax/Dartmouth Bridge Commission has booked the first convention for 2016.

Really...:) Well. Construction hasn't even begun and the ball is already rollin'. Hopefully naysayers take notice.

In 2017, the Nova Centre would be a very appropriate location to hold a special event to commemorate the centennial of the Halifax Explosion. It's going to be a very important news event for the entire nation -- and also recognised by Americans, particularly in Boston.

By then, I wonder how much more filled in the downtown will be? Hopefully the Barrington Street towers (Discovery and the Rowe) will be completed. I'm not sure how realistic it is to hold my breath on the site owned by United Gulf... Nevertheless, walking along Barrington Street is going to be drastically improved with the taller, modern buildings surrounding the low-rise, heritage buildings. It'll be a beautiful contrast, feel much more urbanised, and I believe will bring more appreciation for the heritage buildings we're kept, which essentially stretch from city hall all the way down to the cathedral at the beginning of Spring Garden Road.

Whenever the city gets around to streetscape renovations, perhaps the streets surrounding this stretch of heritage buildings should reflect the age of these buildings, as the streetscape throughout the rest of the downtown would be, more simply, contemporary?

For the conceptual renderings of the Nova Centre, one picture revealed how Argyle's streetscape could be renovated to display the same linear design of the Nova Centre's ballroom and that of the top floor of the curved tower. I wonder how it would look if this linear design surrounded Barrington's heritage buildings?

[halifaxboyns]

Let's see if its done on time.

But, "people aren't having conventions anymore, its a dying industry" - STV assholes.

The bridge commission rep was saying that they wanted to the convention here but the current centre didn't have the space. They specifically booked because Nova had more room.

There are two things I liked about his comment: First it stuck it to the STV crowd outright. Second, it was a crown corporation taking advantage and bringing a conference to the city to show it off. While I know crown corp spending $ can be touchy sometimes, I think the HDBC needs a bit of a kudos here. I read into his comment that they had wanted to show off Halifax's bridges (I can't think of what convention this would be or organization) and I'm guessing it would be a big conference. Couldn't do it with the current centre, so now we can. Great!

Now if only other publicly owned corporations would think like that!

[halifaxboyns]

Really...:) Well. Construction hasn't even begun and the ball is already rollin'. Hopefully naysayers take notice.

In 2017, the Nova Centre would be a very appropriate location to hold a special event to commemorate the centennial of the Halifax Explosion. It's going to be a very important news event for the entire nation -- and also recognised by Americans, particularly in Boston.

By then, I wonder how much more filled in the downtown will be? Hopefully the Barrington Street towers (Discovery and the Rowe) will be completed. I'm not sure how realistic it is to hold my breath on the site owned by United Gulf... Nevertheless, walking along Barrington Street is going to be drastically improved with the taller, modern buildings surrounding the low-rise, heritage buildings. It'll be a beautiful contrast, feel much more urbanised, and I believe will bring more appreciation for the heritage buildings we're kept, which essentially stretch from city hall all the way down to the cathedral at the beginning of Spring Garden Road.

Whenever the city gets around to streetscape renovations, perhaps the streets surrounding this stretch of heritage buildings should reflect the age of these buildings, as the streetscape throughout the rest of the downtown would be, more simply, contemporary?

For the conceptual renderings of the Nova Centre, one picture revealed how Argyle's streetscape could be renovated to display the same linear design of the Nova Centre's ballroom and that of the top floor of the curved tower. I wonder how it would look if this linear design surrounded Barrington's heritage buildings?

The Rowe?

[RyeJay]

The Rowe?

:haha: The Roy.

Wow... I must have been excited about the final public consultation at the Kenneth C. Rowe Heritage Hall.

[Hali87]

Here here, that's a great idea for the blue.

I've seen a few comments about the "coloured glass trend continuing", from the renderings though it looks like most of the building will be clad in uniform blue-tinted glass? Can anyone explain what the excitement is about?

[Phalanx]

I've seen a few comments about the "coloured glass trend continuing", from the renderings though it looks like most of the building will be clad in uniform blue-tinted glass? Can anyone explain what the excitement is about?

The main convention level is supposedly going to be done in a vivid blue tint. They mentioned at the meeting that it came out lighter in the renderings than intended. This is why if you look at the sketch-style rendering, the colour of the main convention floor stands out from the towers/lower levels.

Someone also said something about using different shades of blue, but I don't remember if that was just a suggestion, or something they were looking at doing.

Did they ever answer the question about whether or not it was going to be connected to the Link pedway/tunnel system?

[teddifax]

The main convention level is supposedly going to be done in a vivid blue tint. They mentioned at the meeting that it came out lighter in the renderings than intended. This is why if you look at the sketch-style rendering, the colour of the main convention floor stands out from the towers/lower levels.

Someone also said something about using different shades of blue, but I don't remember if that was just a suggestion, or something they were looking at doing.

Did they ever answer the question about whether or not it was going to be connected to the Link pedway/tunnel system?

I was forgetting about the pedway/tunnel system. It is amazing how an important part of how downtown currently connects can be forgotten! I hope this is looked into! I hope all future developments must commit to connecting to this system as a condition of their development.

[someone123]

The bridge commission rep was saying that they wanted to the convention here but the current centre didn't have the space. They specifically booked because Nova had more room.

There are two things I liked about his comment: First it stuck it to the STV crowd outright.

That is good to hear. It was unfortunate that so many STV comments were parroted back unquestioningly by the media. They made it sound like the new convention centre will be a white elephant when in reality the old one is already turning away business. The Nova Centre is not a guaranteed cash cow but it was not portrayed accurately.

The main convention level is supposedly going to be done in a vivid blue tint. They mentioned at the meeting that it came out lighter in the renderings than intended. This is why if you look at the sketch-style rendering, the colour of the main convention floor stands out from the towers/lower levels.

I guess it is hard to say exactly what it will look like, but this plan doesn't sound very good to me. The bright balconies of the Vic work well because they are unusual and small accent pieces. Blue might not be so great since there's already a lot of it around, and a huge window covered in an artificial looking colour might not be great either. Admittedly it is probably not of the same quality that the Nova Centre will be, but one mall in my neighbourhood has blue tinted skylights and they look really goofy. I wonder if they put them in to give the illusion of clear blue skies during Vancouver's long, grey winters.

[fenwick16]

I thought the following piece by Roger Taylor contained some good points - http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/228328-taylor-nova-centre-would-bring-thousands-downtown-daily


TAYLOR: Nova Centre would bring thousands downtown daily

December 7, 2012 - 9:26pm By ROGER TAYLOR Business Columnist
http://thechronicleherald.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/ch_article_main_image/articles/novacentre.jpg

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While the value of building the new Nova Centre complex, where the newspaper building once stood, still has its doubters, it is estimated that even during the least amount of activity at the centre, about 3,000 people will be working, living in or visiting the complex.

Add to that the prospect of conventions coming to the new convention centre, which is part of the Nova Centre complex, and it has been estimated that 7,000 to 8,000 people will be brought to the downtown.

Immediately, even for those who are most critical of the project, it becomes clear that Nova Centre will play a major role in the redevelopment of downtown Halifax, once the centre is completed in late 2015.
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While he’s not directly involved, Ramia says he’s convinced the new centre will be successful. People from other parts of the country have been telling him that Halifax residents may not fully realize how special Nova Scotia is as a place to visit.

Ramia believes the convention business still provides a viable opportunity for a place like Halifax, which is just a short plane ride from several large population centres and in a unique setting to attact new visitors to the province.

“It is cheaper (to host a convention in Halifax) from a cost point of view; it is very close to 150 million people within two hours away. It is a city that’s on the water. It has so much to offer and it is completely different from a Toronto or a Montreal or a New York or a Boston. It has something special to offer. I think that puts us in a class by ourselves,” he says.
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[someone123]

I was forgetting about the pedway/tunnel system. It is amazing how an important part of how downtown currently connects can be forgotten! I hope this is looked into! I hope all future developments must commit to connecting to this system as a condition of their development.

I have mixed feelings about the pedways. They take a lot of life off of the streets and they have a negative impact on some streetscapes downtown. I also think that a big part of the rationale for having them is simply that we have a lot of ineptly-designed and poorly-maintained outdoor pedestrian routes downtown; Cogswell is a prime example.

I bet that the covered area by the Nova Centre will be pretty comfortable year-round on all but the coldest days. A lot of other outdoor areas could be like that too with features like glass awnings and heated sidewalks that melt snow and ice.

[someone123]

I thought the following piece by Roger Taylor contained some good points - http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/228328-taylor-nova-centre-would-bring-thousands-downtown-daily

Okay, this is my last bit of spam in this thread for a while:

Ramia's comment about Halifax being a good place to visit is an important one. The Argyle Street are is great, the waterfront is great, and Barrington could be great. In many other cities, the convention centres are isolated and unfriendly and in a lot of cases even the downtown cores are pretty generic. The Nova Centre looks like it will be well-integrated into the core and there will be tons of hotel, dining, and entertainment options for visitors. Lots of people can easily fly to Halifax (major airport with pre-clearance close to major North American cities). Halifax already has a great reputation in the rest of Canada, and if Americans realize that it is a good place to visit and host conferences it will get lots of business.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Okay, this is my last bit of spam in this thread for a while:

Ramia's comment about Halifax being a good place to visit is an important one. The Argyle Street are is great, the waterfront is great, and Barrington could be great. In many other cities, the convention centres are isolated and unfriendly and in a lot of cases even the downtown cores are pretty generic. The Nova Centre looks like it will be well-integrated into the core and there will be tons of hotel, dining, and entertainment options for visitors. Lots of people can easily fly to Halifax (major airport with pre-clearance close to major North American cities). Halifax already has a great reputation in the rest of Canada, and if Americans realize that it is a good place to visit and host conferences it will get lots of business.

So important. The problem is Halifax doesn't know how to market itself and then there are a bunch of pessimistic people creating this culture of defeat.

The HT, STV, and all those folks have held us back for too long. They are the problem. They are the ones that say everything is impossible.

Things are possible... we just need to have the infrastructure and the mentality.

[ILoveHalifax]

So important. The problem is Halifax doesn't know how to market itself and then there are a bunch of pessimistic people creating this culture of defeat.

The HT, STV, and all those folks have held us back for too long. They are the problem. They are the ones that say everything is impossible.

Things are possible... we just need to have the infrastructure and the mentality.

I think the local media is very much to blame for the city being held back by all the naysayers.
It is just too easy to call up the same old people for a negative story rather than seek out others with a more positive point of view. Not just television and print but talk radio seems to encourage the same.
I would wish that talk radio find replacement hosts with a future in mind rather than encouraging the negativity of the last few decades.

[worldlyhaligonian]

The media is absurd. Honestly, there needs to be a mandate of optimism. If somebody doesn't have something relevant to contribute, they shouldn't get airtime.

[Keith P.]

I think the local media is very much to blame for the city being held back by all the naysayers.
It is just too easy to call up the same old people for a negative story rather than seek out others with a more positive point of view. Not just television and print but talk radio seems to encourage the same.
I would wish that talk radio find replacement hosts with a future in mind rather than encouraging the negativity of the last few decades.

Indeed. The media love negative stories because the media is basically lazy and negative stories are much easier to write - you just play back whatever the criticism happens to be and presto, you have a story. Otherwise you would have to undertake research and analysis on your own, so this way is much easier. A prime example of this style is Paul Withers of CBC, who has a negative spin to virtually every story he files, which is matched by his delivery and tone.

Your comment about talk radio is especially interesting. I have taken to listening to the Rogers news station in town because CBC Radio One has driven me away with the utterly stale Information Morning and the absolutely horrid Mainstreet in the afternoons. But it is a challenge because Rogers airs Jordi Morgan in the mornings and that program is essentially the Jamie Baillie/Stephen McNeil show - it is so bad that the NDP govt members will not appear on it. Add to that multiple appearances by Kevin Lacey of the so-called Canadian Taxpayers Federation, a bunch of extreme right-wingers who do not want govt spending any money on anything, and you have a pretty toxic mix. That really isn't a surprise because Morgan is an old Reform Party insider, but it is really negative and slanted against anything the govt does. Then in the afternoon you have Rick Howe, who is just the opposite, but who is equally negative because he finds every self-proclaimed victim and lefty loon and gives them air time. So there you hear the likes of Tamara Lorincz decrying any progress we make in this town, with Rick always chiming in about how the govt needs to do more. But extreme opinions on either side are what make talk radio run, so I guess it should be no surprise.

[RyeJay]

Indeed. The media love negative stories because the media is basically lazy and negative stories are much easier to write - you just play back whatever the criticism happens to be and presto, you have a story. Otherwise you would have to undertake research and analysis on your own, so this way is much easier. A prime example of this style is Paul Withers of CBC, who has a negative spin to virtually every story he files, which is matched by his delivery and tone.

Easy? I'm not so sure. Your negativity seems to take a lot of effort...

[Keith P.]

Easy? I'm not so sure. Your negativity seems to take a lot of effort...

I am negative about things that deserve it, like you. It takes a lot of research and work to evaluate some of the foolish things that get floated in the public eye, although in your case it was easy to assess you for what you are.

[RyeJay]

I am negative about things that deserve it, like you. It takes a lot of research and work to evaluate some of the foolish things that get floated in the public eye, although in your case it was easy to assess you for what you are.

You're negative about, like, virtually everything apparently.

And what is your assessment of me? :D I suspect your journalism skills are much lazier than the people in the media you criticise -- people who just so happen to not share your ideology.

[eastcoastal]

I have mixed feelings about the pedways. They take a lot of life off of the streets and they have a negative impact on some streetscapes downtown. I also think that a big part of the rationale for having them is simply that we have a lot of ineptly-designed and poorly-maintained outdoor pedestrian routes downtown; Cogswell is a prime example.

I bet that the covered area by the Nova Centre will be pretty comfortable year-round on all but the coldest days. A lot of other outdoor areas could be like that too with features like glass awnings and heated sidewalks that melt snow and ice.

I think pedways are a bad bad idea.

[Phalanx]

I think pedways are a bad bad idea.

The nearest connection point is a tunnel, so I doubt it would be a pedway, even if it is connected.

Speaking as someone who actually uses the Link, I find them convenient.

[FuzzyWuz]

Did anyone see Peggy Cameron's latest rant in the Coast? It's time to say out loud that she is either a liar or an idiot. She stated that the government money was 375m. She stated that the Nova Center goes against HRMbD. She's saying it will need LUB amendments and public hearings and there's still a chance to vote it down. The only explanation I see is that she is deliberately aiming to lie to the public.

[halifaxboyns]

I read her comments and I'm not loosing sleep over it. The version of HbD that is on HRM's website doesn't include the appendix which 7 (15A) refers too, but I'm sure that there is something that states on the drawings and that a final design is subject to change, etc.

As usual, it's a classic example of a group attempting to interpret rules/regulations which they had no help in creating for their benefit. HRM staff are the keeper of the plan (with decisions by council) and if their interpretation is that it meets the Bylaw or intent of the drawing and council support that, then so be it.

At worst, even if it does require a plan amendment - I think the writing is on the wall as to what they will be doing. I can see the vote now, 15 in favor and 1 against (and I'm sure we all know what Councillor that will be).

[teddifax]

I have posted this on the Build your centre site as well.
There is something I have been meaning to ask. Is there a possibility within the design of the Nova Ctr to be able to expand within the confines of the building, taking other space within the complex if needed for future expansion?

[halifaxboyns]

I would think that if the 'convention centre' needed to be expanded, that it would simply start gobbling up some retail/back of house space...?

[fenwick16]

I have posted this on the Build your centre site as well.
There is something I have been meaning to ask. Is there a possibility within the design of the Nova Ctr to be able to expand within the confines of the building, taking other space within the complex if needed for future expansion?

Hopefully it will be built with expansion in mind. I keep thinking that the Nova Centre convention centre might be successful beyond anyone's dreams.

I don't know if updated floor plans have been released, but floor plans were released for the original design. Here are the original floorplans from October, 2010 - https://conventioncentreinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/WTCC-II-Bid-Summary.pdf

[halifaxboyns]

I would assume that it's quite likely the floor plate/layout will have to be significantly changed. But considering the RFP had detailed specifications on the size of the meeting space, number or rooms and meeting spaces and all that - any changes to the design of Nova Centre would have taken all of that into account.

Some of the comments in that presentation are quite surprising in terms of what we are losing out on with the current WTCC. Here are some quotes. From June 2007 to June 2010 (Lost business):

80 Conferences.
$10 million in revenue for the WTCC lost
Over 75,000 delegates.
129,000 room nights.
$108 million in direct expenditures.


This is on slide 32. Slide 33 is an interesting list of places that say they require a new centre to consider Halifax. There are 17 groups in that list, if we got even 8 of those events that would be a major boost!

[worldlyhaligonian]

I think pedways are a bad bad idea.

How?

[worldlyhaligonian]

Did anyone see Peggy Cameron's latest rant in the Coast? It's time to say out loud that she is either a liar or an idiot. She stated that the government money was 375m. She stated that the Nova Center goes against HRMbD. She's saying it will need LUB amendments and public hearings and there's still a chance to vote it down. The only explanation I see is that she is deliberately aiming to lie to the public.

She has zero credibility or influence over the project. The Coast is not the best venue for her to be trying to be involved in the discussion anyway.

Realistically, all the naysayers have varied reasons for being against this, but false info doesn't become true at the end of the day.

Allegations made by the anti-groups are simply allegations and the public engagement process came up with a great end product that will be refined and finalized.

Like someone123 already stated, the decision has been made already to build a new trade centre. Its obvious that the current one isn't sufficient. We do live in a democracy, implying that not everybody is going to agree, but our council and government somehow were smart enough to get this to the stage where it will be built. So contribute or be quiet.

[someone123]

There was an article about the Nova Centre in ANS tonight. Joe Ramia is planning to make an announcement about tenants soon. BMO was mentioned but they said they haven't made a decision yet. The article also stated that the plan is to move forward with construction on all components of the development (convention centre, 2x office towers, hotel) in the spring. That goes against some of the speculation about staging we've seen in this thread in the past.

[fenwick16]

There was an article about the Nova Centre in ANS tonight. Joe Ramia is planning to make an announcement about tenants soon. BMO was mentioned but they said they haven't made a decision yet. The article also stated that the plan is to move forward with construction on all components of the development (convention centre, 2x office towers, hotel) in the spring. That goes against some of the speculation about staging we've seen in this thread in the past.

That is good news. I would hate to see the Nova Centre become a platform of the next provincial election.

[eastcoastal]

How?

I think pedways are bad because I believe they dilute street activity. I know this is Canada, but the weather is not so bad in Halifax that we need to shield ourselves from going outside as much as possible.

I think they're particularly dangerous for Halifax because our density is not so great, and I feel like healthy streets are either non-existant, or tenuous where they do exist.

[Jonovision]

Construction cam went up this morning!

http://www.novascotiawebcams.com/halifax/nova-centre-construction.html

[RyeJay]

:previous:

Nice view!! Wow!!

I realise this is a large development, on paper... But with this cam's view, I'm starting to more appreciate just how big this project is.

[-Harlington-]

Nice view of the site and the skyline



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8260444681_a71e7acc03_z.jpg

[beyeas]

:previous:

Nice view!! Wow!!

I realise this is a large development, on paper... But with this cam's view, I'm starting to more appreciate just how big this project is.

indeed. that is one HUGE hole in our downtown that is about to be filled!

[someone123]

I was wondering if/when they'd put a Nova Centre webcam up!

[halifaxboyns]

I envy you guys for just having rain...I wish this snow out here in Calgary would go away! :)

[teddifax]

I envy you guys for just having rain...I wish this snow out here in Calgary would go away! :)

Torrential rain here and continuing mild through the weekend!

[Haliguy]

Any idea how many cranes will be up during construction?

[halifaxboyns]

Any idea how many cranes will be up during construction?

Well if the Citadell site has 4; I'd guess that this site would have at least that, if not 5 or 6. We are now talking 3 towers (not 2 anymore).

[worldlyhaligonian]

I think pedways are bad because I believe they dilute street activity. I know this is Canada, but the weather is not so bad in Halifax that we need to shield ourselves from going outside as much as possible.

I think they're particularly dangerous for Halifax because our density is not so great, and I feel like healthy streets are either non-existant, or tenuous where they do exist.

I don't think they dilute street activity when the current site has no people on it and will bring in tons of streetlife that isn't likely on those floors on a regular basis. It makes it easier for the office workers... with the restaurants, etc on argyle, I don't think those people will be walking the pedways too often, even in the NC restaurants / bars at street level.

[Phalanx]

As a regular pedestrian (no car), I make use of both the Link system and the sidewalks. I find the Link quick and convenient when I need to get somewhere with relatively few obstructions, or the weather is poor. Otherwise, quite happy to use the sidewalks.

Given the very utilitiarian nature of the system, I don't think it detracts from street life at all, it's mainly used by people who need to get from point A to point B in a reasonable amount of time. It's generally not used by people who would be window browsing or heading out to the pub/restaurant/cafe.

[Hali87]

We just need to make sure not to "rely" on the pedways too much. In Winnipeg for example the streets downtown often are pretty dead, presumably because the pedway system is much more pleasant to walk than the cold, windy streets full of cars going 60.

[JustinMacD]

Nice view of the site and the skyline



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8260444681_a71e7acc03_z.jpg

Really gives you an idea how massive this project is. Wow that's a huge footprint.

[someone123]

Really gives you an idea how massive this project is. Wow that's a huge footprint.

This view also demonstrates just how low-density and single-use some of the struggling stretches of Barrington are. There are 2 big empty blocks just west of Barrington and Sackville, and another 2 half-empty blocks just to the east. Barrington itself has mostly 2-8 storey heritage buildings. Some of them cannot have apartments on their upper floors due to fire concerns. NFB is totally abandoned, and buildings like CD Plus were marginal (1 usable floor, 100% retail space in poor condition). The neighbourhood is out of balance; it consists overwhelmingly of a certain type of older retail space. There isn't enough residential or office space to bring in customers to drive demand to fill the storefronts.

When looked at in this context, I think it's impressive how many good businesses have managed to make a go of it on Barrington. Even more importantly I think we'll see a huge transformation when some of the new buildings are completed. The difference between having 1 million square feet of hotel/office/convention centre 1 block away vs. two weedy, half-empty parking lots is enormous. Even Barrington itself will have somewhat better buildings in the future (1592 and Barrington Espace).