When an individual or developer purchases a building in the historic center of Halifax they should be well aware that there will be significant pushback to any attempt to demolish the building. The pushback appears to be greater from the general public than from council or planning. Now that development has finally reached brownfield sites in the Robie St. area, council should exercise more authority to protect our unique architecture in and around downtown. The opportunity for significant increased tax revenue through new development is not limited to the downtown now.
IMO height limits have done a lot of damage to the historic fabric of the city. Areas that can accommodate tall buildings without demolition of historic architecture should become a focus of council. Cogswell and the Robie / Kempt Rd. strip are prime areas where additional height should be permitted. Limiting height in areas that are well equipped to manage additional height is placing increased pressure on historic structures.
The concept of owner’s absolute rights was evident in the loss of grand architecture on Young Ave. where vacant lots now sit inside poorly installed security fencing (1). In link (2) below, we can see that the building on the right was not subject to any architectural guidelines even though it is in a historic streetscape. Property owners must abide by a myriad of regulations when modifying a property through the building permit system. Fences are to be limited to a certain height, garden sheds require a minimum setback from the property line and street set backs for housing additions (must align with neighbouring properties) etc. The building permit system should have protective covenants for historic features. If a perspective home owner intends to remove the historic character of building in the downtown area and there are regulations in place to prevent that, then they are free to purchase in a neighbourhood without such restrictions.
After all of the destruction and demolition that has occurred in Halifax, it is very disappointing that unique and quality architecture such as 1535 Birmingham can be destroyed with such ease (3).
(1) Young Ave. lost architecture:
https://www.google.ca/maps/@44.63198...7i13312!8i6656
(2) Historic features lacking:
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.6521...7i16384!8i8192
(3) Birmingham – Halifax architecture under threat:
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.6437...7i16384!8i8192