[Halifax] RBC Waterside Centre | 37 m | 9 fl | Completed

[sdm]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

The province needs to decrease the tax rate starting with the HST. However, the convention centre will attract businesses to the province. It isn't just a tourist destination, it caters to businesses. Businesses aren't going to just start coming to Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia will need good marketing people to encourage people to set up in Nova Scotia and the new convention/trade centre is a start.

I don't understand your position that a convention/trade centre will do nothing to attract business to Nova Scotia?

It will attract businesses looking to do conventions and trade shows, but it will do little to bring big bussinesses to setup and operate from Halifax.

NSBI is making a tremendous effort to market and attract businesses to relocate to Halifax, which is in fact is the best marketing one can do.

[Haliguy]

What companies have moved?

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

The province needs to decrease the tax rate starting with the HST. However, the convention centre will attract businesses to the province. It isn't just a tourist destination, it caters to businesses. Businesses aren't going to just start coming to Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia will need good marketing people to encourage people to set up in Nova Scotia and the new convention/trade centre is a start.

I don't understand your position that a convention/trade centre will do nothing to attract business to Nova Scotia?

I actually think that the province would be better off leaving the HST where it is at this point, and instead use the room to lower the corporate tax rate.

There is no "fun" tax, but consumption taxes are often the least damaging to an economy, whereas the ability of many businesses to operate in small margin areas is often very sensitive to corporate/payroll taxes. Alternatively (or even better in combination) one could lower the provincial component of the HST on certain items that will be of help to businesses (e.g. no provincial sales tax on industrial upgrades, building renos etc).

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by sdm

It will attract businesses looking to do conventions and trade shows, but it will do little to bring big bussinesses to setup and operate from Halifax.

NSBI is making a tremendous effort to market and attract businesses to relocate to Halifax, which is in fact is the best marketing one can do.

Anything, including a convention centre, that promotes Halifax will help to attract business to the Halifax area. Businesses are not likely to locate in Halifax if they know little to nothing about the city. Convention centres attract trade shows which are attended by big businesses.

Sports teams, such as the CFL, would also attract some attention (in Canada) to the Halifax area.

[sdm]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

Anything, including a convention centre, that promotes Halifax will help to attract business to the Halifax area. Businesses are not likely to locate in Halifax if they know little to nothing about the city. Convention centres attract trade shows which are attended by big businesses.

Sports teams, such as the CFL, would also attract some attention (in Canada) to the Halifax area.

Taxes, employee base, and quality of life attract business to cities.

I am sure a trade centre might open their eyes to the area, i agree with that, but to globally say that it will attract businesses to locate here is misleading. The above factors would be far be of more importance. And sadly we are not competitive in these areas and the tax hikes and cost of living are intensifiying the issue more so.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by sdm

Considering in the past few months a number of companies have downsized and move out of here because of the tax environment i tend to believe the government is doing the opposite.

We need new companies in the province, but the convention centre will do nothing to help the province in that regard.

Hogwash. I know you say that you work in this industry, but I do as well and have seen what a trade show can do to attract investment in local businesses or expansions to different markets. Its obviously not happening on the scale in needs to be in the current venue. With projects like the enterprise centre at Dal, now is the time be investing in infrastructure like this. (turning down federal funding is the stupidest thing Nova Scotia could do in 2010)

Several companies may have left Halifax due to our taxation environment, but our industrial sectors are doing quite well and we could easily host more trade shows due to our proximity and cost savings over different markets.

The trade show / convention / seminar business is not as bad as you think.

[hfxtradesman]

The only thing that i can find out now(people are on vac), is that he wanted to make a statement to certain groups (HT) and at the time not much rented out on the building.

[Dmajackson]

From Tuesday;

[sdm]

Originally Posted by hfxtradesman

The only thing that i can find out now(people are on vac), is that he wanted to make a statement to certain groups (HT) and at the time not much rented out on the building.

Hfxtrademan you might want to get your facts straight.

They couldn't examine the foundations in these buildings with everything still in place. They then prepared the building for construction and from my very direct understanding they are preparing to proceed once they meet their requirements for preleasing.

[worldlyhaligonian]

sdm is correct from what I have heard.

I actually think this building is a good addition now... at least the views from the north looking south will make it appear more true to the original view.

Credit: LuciaB on Flickr

[fenwick16]

I love that image (nice find). I can't wait to see the Waterside project move forward with construction. I keep thinking of it as another Founders Square type project. I think that Armour Group has provided a great service to the residents of Halifax with their renovations. It would be great if the TD Bank development group would use some of the expertise from Armour Group to improve their renovation.

[sdm]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

I love that image (nice find). I can't wait to see the Waterside project move forward with construction. I keep thinking of it as another Founders Square type project. I think that Armour Group has provided a great service to the residents of Halifax with their renovations. It would be great if the TD Bank development group would use some of the expertise from Armour Group to improve their renovation.

Well funny you mention that, Armour use to own the heritage buildings on granville and joint ventured with Standard life to expand the TD building on that side. In the end both parted ways due to the difficulties of doing such a renovation with tenants in place and strong opposition from the heritage trust.

I've actually have a copy of the renderings somewheres i should dig up.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by sdm

I've actually have a copy of the renderings somewheres i should dig up.

Thanks for the information. I would like to see the renderings. I am sure that several people would be interested in seeing what their plans were for it.

[sdm]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

Thanks for the information. I would like to see the renderings. I am sure that several people would be interested in seeing what their plans were for it.

From what i can remember, the clading was the same and the building was more or less squared off on the granville street side.

The interior feature a 2 or 3 storey double volume space lobby.

Now i will need to find them.

[Jstaleness]

I forgot to mention this last week. There has been more activity at the site. A half dozen vans/trucks have been there. No noticeable changes though as far as site prep.

[eastcoastal]

Originally Posted by Jstaleness

I forgot to mention this last week. There has been more activity at the site. A half dozen vans/trucks have been there. No noticeable changes though as far as site prep.

I think there's some work going on at the Morse's Teas building next door, so those vehicles may have something to do with that

[HRM]

The vehicles have been at the Morse building for the last couple of months. I think Starfish is doing a major reno - loft offices per the signage on the side of a building on Barrington Street. Can't remember which building.

[Northend Guy]

Yeah, the Morse Tea building is getting loft style offices & 2 floors will be for a restaurant - Baton Rouge.

[phrenic]

A flippin awesome location for a Baton Rouge I must say - at least structurally, not for parking. The one in downtown montreal is in a similar style building as well.

[terrynorthend]

Originally Posted by phrenic

A flippin awesome location for a Baton Rouge I must say - at least structurally, not for parking. The one in downtown montreal is in a similar style building as well.

I hope they open up the north ground floor elevation with big glass windows and and entrance to the restaurant, and use the big sidewalk apron for a patio. That would look great driving into downtown.