[Halifax] The Maple | 72 m | 21 fl | Completed

[worldlyhaligonian]

I also think Toronto could run without a mayor, the private sector runs that town.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by Hali87

I didn't mean you specifically. I don't think Barrington South did either. Just things that I've observed over the past couple of years, in support of what he said he's observed.

Regarding the Hume article, the "they drink Tim Hortons" part was sort of what I was getting at. It's a very literal, unintentional caricature of the "latte-sipping elitist" mindset. The sort of dismissal of a very large part of the population, the whole "obviously anyone who voted for Ford sees little value in the city and drives everywhere because they choose to do so and doesn't think of themselves as real Torontonians"... I dunno. It came off as a bit arrogant and self-satisfied to me. Even though the article is an exploration of "what type of thinking goes into voting for someone like this?" the starting point of that exploration is a set of very bold assumptions. Read the comments on the article if you want a better idea of where I'm coming from. It's not really a big deal though. Again it's just a change in tone that I've noticed over the last couple years. Not you specifically, the forum in general. Maybe it's just a result of me re-evaluating my own beliefs and trying to be more pragmatic.

Fair enough. I didn't mean to sound so defensive, I guess I was surprised that it was my couple postings about the CRA-to-suburbs move was what brought Barrington out of the wilderness to express his dismay at SSP. I know he said "not this post in particular", but I was quoted, after all.

Before I say more, I should also say, I respect your contributions to SSP, Hali, and think we've had some good discussions/debates on other counts.

Anyways, on the Hume piece, I agree, he's really out there on a limb doing some pretty base mass social psychology without much evidence to support it. But I don't think you need to be an urban elitist to say or write that at this point, anyone who continues to support Rob Ford in light of his recent actions, can't be a responsible or serious citizen. Maybe not has nothing to do with Tim Hortons or suburbs. But it's demonstrably self-evident.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Well, I mean swearing is just a representation in a way other words aren't as impactful... I'm known to do it, but the Penn and Teller episode on the topic really is a good place for anybody to approach that discussion. Anyway.

Halifax is doing better than ever, I guess the outcry is about the fact that although regulations permitting various developments have been adopted, some of the anti-development folks are still using similar tactics.

I don't think its passive urbanity, I think its more about looking beyond the pipeline for Halifax and also at design. We used to have scraps on here in 2007 and now this forum has more content than I've ever seen.

Exactly. I'm actually really hopeful and optimistic about the new projects all over the Peninsula, both the in core and elsewhere.

But a lot of the same problems and design/development mistakes and bad government policies and decisions continue to exacerbate and perpetuate some of the same problems that plagued the city for years.

Things are immeasurably better under Mayor Savage and this Council, but, to intentionally para-quote a famous line, when it comes to city planning: Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Good Urbanism. =)

FWIW, I've actually written letters to the Mayor and relevant and Provincial Ministers encouraging them to contact the federal minister about the matter. At the very least, the Feds should do some greater consultation with the city before making such a serious move, and also be more clear about their future plans for the Ralston Building.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

Exactly. I'm actually really hopeful and optimistic about the new projects all over the Peninsula, both the in core and elsewhere.

But a lot of the same problems and design/development mistakes and bad government policies and decisions continue to exacerbate and perpetuate some of the same problems that plagued the city for years.

Things are immeasurably better under Mayor Savage and this Council, but, to intentionally para-quote a famous line, when it comes to city planning: Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Good Urbanism. =)

FWIW, I've actually written letters to the Mayor and relevant and Provincial Ministers encouraging them to contact the federal minister about the matter. At the very least, the Feds should do some greater consultation with the city before making such a serious move, and also be more clear about their future plans for the Ralston Building.

Yeah, well this is an issue of quality of candidates. I'm sorry, but Halifax has no people with the actual skills to deliver creative policy... all the talent is in the private sector or leaves. I'm sorry, but I don't know why I was never able to get a job with a lower level of government out of school and now work in much more important international roles at a young age that involve conceptual thinking.

Why isn't there a lower tax applied for different levels of government downtown? It will be somewhat revenue neutral if they all go to the low tax burbs anyway?

A major issue in the whole Canadian system is the distribution of power or at least the agreements between levels of government. The fact the country has free trade agreements externally and not free trade within the country is an example.

With a population of 35 million we need to allocate resources better, that means getting more military out of downtown and more administration into downtown.

I was appalled when I heard access NS is in Bayers Lake. Who the "f" is running the show? It seems to me that the policy is trying to hurt downtown... could the municipality not figure something out to improve the retention of government in the city.

Is this partly Harper or lower levels? I just don't get what goes on in the country anymore... it seems as though Canada could be doing way better.

The sad/funny part is that the mismanagement at all stages seems to be completely out of ignorance and is made worse by all the loonies.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Yeah, well this is an issue of quality of candidates. I'm sorry, but Halifax has no people with the actual skills to deliver creative policy... all the talent is in the private sector or leaves. I'm sorry, but I don't know why I was never able to get a job with a lower level of government out of school and now work in much more important international roles at a young age that involve conceptual thinking.

Why isn't there a lower tax applied for different levels of government downtown? It will be somewhat revenue neutral if they all go to the low tax burbs anyway?

A major issue in the whole Canadian system is the distribution of power or at least the agreements between levels of government. The fact the country has free trade agreements externally and not free trade within the country is an example.

With a population of 35 million we need to allocate resources better, that means getting more military out of downtown and more administration into downtown.

I was appalled when I heard access NS is in Bayers Lake. Who the "f" is running the show? It seems to me that the policy is trying to hurt downtown... could the municipality not figure something out to improve the retention of government in the city.

Is this partly Harper or lower levels? I just don't get what goes on in the country anymore... it seems as though Canada could be doing way better.

The sad/funny part is that the mismanagement at all stages seems to be completely out of ignorance and is made worse by all the loonies.

There's probably nothing here that I disagree with. You nailed it.

I also can't believe that about "Access NS" being in Bayers. May as well rename it "Inaccess NS". When did it move there? And *Why*? I also have a problem with the *Halifax* Chamber of Commerce being in Bayers Lake.

I will only add on one side point about your experience getting a job out of school. Pretty typical. Halifax has a serious youth (un)employment problem. In 2006-2012, 97% of all labour force growth in Halifax went to people over age 45. That is not only horrendous hiring practices, horrendous for the long term health of the economy, but it's quite demonstrably discriminatory.

Youth between 18 and 44 make up 40% of the population in Halifax. Imagine any other insular group protected by human rights law, which constituted 40% of the population but only enjoying the benefit of 3% all new jobs. There would be front page pieces in the Chronicle Herald and someone calling for a public inquiry into systemic discriminatory practices.

Government could be a leader on this count. But I don't see it, from any level of government at this point. The NDP were a complete failure on this, but I don't see Stephen MacNeil saying anything worthwhile.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

There's probably nothing here that I disagree with. You nailed it.

I also can't believe that about "Access NS" being in Bayers. May as well rename it "Inaccess NS". When did it move there? And *Why*? I also have a problem with the *Halifax* Chamber of Commerce being in Bayers Lake.

I will only add on one side point about your experience getting a job out of school. Pretty typical. Halifax has a serious youth (un)employment problem. In 2006-2012, 97% of all labour force growth in Halifax went to people over age 45. That is not only horrendous hiring practices, horrendous for the long term health of the economy, but it's quite demonstrably discriminatory.

Youth between 18 and 44 make up 40% of the population in Halifax. Imagine any other insular group protected by human rights law, which constituted 40% of the population but only enjoying the benefit of 3% all new jobs. There would be front page pieces in the Chronicle Herald and someone calling for a public inquiry into systemic discriminatory practices.

Government could be a leader on this count. But I don't see it, from any level of government at this point. The NDP were a complete failure on this, but I don't see Stephen MacNeil saying anything worthwhile.

Good points, because they are made up of the same people. Interesting thing about getting older though, eventually you become dependent on the younger generations... I don't think the youth will forget this lack of inclusiveness.

[Ziobrop]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Why isn't there a lower tax applied for different levels of government downtown? It will be somewhat revenue neutral if they all go to the low tax burbs anyway?

the feds dont pay tax - they transfer "equivalent funds" - this led to a dispute over citadel hill as the feds were paying far less then the value of the land. Also why the city lost taxes revenu when Mariner and the Seaport market went bankrupt. Port is federal, though the tenant pays the taxes - not the landlord.

[Ziobrop]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

I will only add on one side point about your experience getting a job out of school. Pretty typical. Halifax has a serious youth (un)employment problem. In 2006-2012, 97% of all labour force growth in Halifax went to people over age 45. That is not only horrendous hiring practices, horrendous for the long term health of the economy, but it's quite demonstrably discriminatory.

I'm 33 - I have had 4 jobs in the last 6 years, all for more money. I also have 15 years experience in my industry. Halifax has jobs for experienced workers. what It lacks are good entry and intermediate jobs. Attracting jobs with tax payer dollars is doomed to fail - those jobs are transient, and will move to the next jurisdiction with money when the funds dry up.

fundamentally Nova Scotia needs to be cost competitive with the rest of Canada in terms of taxation and energy rates. why will anyone come here if it costs more..

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

FWIW, I've actually written letters to the Mayor and relevant and Provincial Ministers encouraging them to contact the federal minister about the matter. At the very least, the Feds should do some greater consultation with the city before making such a serious move, and also be more clear about their future plans for the Ralston Building.

I admire your level of commitment. I've written letters supporting development proposals, but I haven't gone as far as to lobby government.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by RyeJay

I admire your level of commitment. I've written letters supporting development proposals, but I haven't gone as far as to lobby government.

Thanks! Let's see what happens.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by Ziobrop

I'm 33 - I have had 4 jobs in the last 6 years, all for more money. I also have 15 years experience in my industry. Halifax has jobs for experienced workers. what It lacks are good entry and intermediate jobs. Attracting jobs with tax payer dollars is doomed to fail - those jobs are transient, and will move to the next jurisdiction with money when the funds dry up.

fundamentally Nova Scotia needs to be cost competitive with the rest of Canada in terms of taxation and energy rates. why will anyone come here if it costs more..

100% agree.

[kph06]

Demolition appears to be ramping up and d site servicing is underway with new manholes and sewer main going in on Sackville St.

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by Ziobrop

I'm 33 - I have had 4 jobs in the last 6 years, all for more money. I also have 15 years experience in my industry. Halifax has jobs for experienced workers. what It lacks are good entry and intermediate jobs. Attracting jobs with tax payer dollars is doomed to fail - those jobs are transient, and will move to the next jurisdiction with money when the funds dry up.

fundamentally Nova Scotia needs to be cost competitive with the rest of Canada in terms of taxation and energy rates. why will anyone come here if it costs more..

Here here! Couldn't agree more. But I would also add that NS's tax policy is also not helpful for mid to senior level jobs, which helps create the lower level ones as people move up the chain.

Years ago, I found this tax calculator website to help me in dealing with my budget and how much money I was putting in a pension (god I feel old).

When I plugged in my current salary - the results when I looked were stunning. I knew AB had much better taxes than others, but even the difference between NB/NS was amazing.

If you look at a typical senior level of management; the salary tends to be $100K +. I know out here, the Director level runs between about $130-$185. If I put into that tax calculator $185,000 - that job would earn $114,350. But in NB - that same job would earn $119,148 (nearly $5,000 more). It gets even worse as you go even higher because NS has an additional tax bracket for the really high earners.

So it makes me wonder what the point would be to come back at such a high level of salary if the government was going to ding me so much? I have no problem with paying taxes, but if I could do so much better in NB tax wise - why would I move to NS?

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

So it makes me wonder what the point would be to come back at such a high level of salary if the government was going to ding me so much? I have no problem with paying taxes, but if I could do so much better in NB tax wise - why would I move to NS?

Because NS is obviously better than NB in every regard, duh! I mean, Halifax is the only place I'd really want to live in the maritimes.

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

When I plugged in my current salary - the results when I looked were stunning. I knew AB had much better taxes than others, but even the difference between NB/NS was amazing.

The corruption in New Brunswick provincial politics is so embedded that the province has adopted many of Alberta's tax rates in order to be "competitive."

Compared to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick does not reap an exceptional economic advantage. These tax cuts aren't creating the jobs that were promised. In the end, these subsidies (and yes it is welfare -- because New Brunswickers do enjoy infrastructure and public services that must be built and maintained) end up shrinking the amount of wiggle room Fredericton has in its pathetic attempts to balance budgets.

Cue the equalisation transfers...

So although the average Canadian may not enjoy "getting dinged" on their pay -- it's a safe bet to assume these very Candians would enjoy much less not having roads, or water and sewer systems, or food inspection, or healthcare, etc...

People move to Halifax because it's the biggest, with the most options, and is therefore the most entertaining. It's worth paying a little more to the government. Don't worry: Nova Scotia isn't dinging people enough either. Balancing budgets in NS is quite the task, too.

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by kph06

Demolition appears to be ramping up and d site servicing is underway with new manholes and sewer main going in on Sackville St.

Sackville Street is going to be construction central as these projects roll online.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Because NS is obviously better than NB in every regard, duh! I mean, Halifax is the only place I'd really want to live in the maritimes.

lol, hear, hear.

You have $5,000 more. But then, you're living in New Brunswick. What are you going to do? Buy 12 lifetime passes to the Champlain Place rollercoaster?

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

lol, hear, hear.

You have $5,000 more. But then, you're living in New Brunswick. What are you going to do? Buy 12 lifetime passes to the Champlain Place rollercoaster?

I actually like New Brunswick, but I laughed out loud at that.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

I actually like New Brunswick, but I laughed out loud at that.

I like New Brunswick... I just prefer Halifax to NB's cities. Interestingly, there is potential for and NB city to overtake if they play their cards right for long enough (alot of big companies HQ'd in the province and if they open to rampant development, nobody would hesitate to develop there over Halifax). I mean, its all about critical mass and city size.

All the people that "don't want Halifax to be NYC", should reverse that opinion. Its why NYC is great.

[IanWatson]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

All the people that "don't want Halifax to be NYC", should reverse that opinion. Its why NYC is great.

I am VERY happy with Halifax not being NYC.