Well said – almost any cause, no matter how noble intended, unbalanced can lead to unfortunate consequences which distort or disrupt other equally worthwhile endeavors. The two decades of development stagnation in Halifax’s downtown core leads to the obvious conclusion that the balance between development and heritage preservation was not in equilibrium. I am happy to now see progress made and hope that a system which considers heritage preservation within it will provide some counter balance to until a worthwhile organization like the Heritage Trust can find itself once more a constructive voice in the discussion about shaping Halifax’s future while honoring its past.
Great article. I think this is indicative of our political process. We’re “assuming” support for positions on development when in fact we could know for certain the public desire. The controversy with Nova Center would be put to bed if we used our provincial and municipal elections were to add proposals and referendums to our voting ballots like many other jurisdictions do. The public opinion would be known with relative certainty and it would also serve as a motivation for some non-voting citizens to get out to the polls to support their issues. Clear public surveying would eliminate the burden this bantering places on scarce public funds for development and needless abuse of our court system. If Heritage Trust’s position has support, it would be identified. In the case of the Nova Center, I doubt it would have been approved in the first place. I guess I just answered my own question on why we don’t have this type of ballot system. Politicians would have to actually listen to the public.
Heritage Trust? Perhaps occasionally. Mostly reactionary against the right of a property owner to do what he properly plans on his own property which usually has become unusable.
As for shifting to outright obstructionism – it should be understood that we get what we vote for.
A great piece. You provide a balanced informative and accurate summary of the issues with an account of the history of Halifax and the important role and valuable accomplishments of the Heritage Trust. . True Bill Black- direct , hard hitting and fair. As one of the leaders of the 300 interested citizens I applaud the effort and energy of all citizens who have stepped forward to support a balanced and progressive new view for Halifax. Let’s work together to trade on our rich past and focus on our investment in a strong future for Halifax and Nova Scotia
I support what the Heritage Trust is doing in this case!
This White Elephant of a convention centre (CC) will cost HRM property owners and taxpayers plenty over its lifetime, because it will never make money – just like the existing CC.
The developer got a free ride with this project at every turn and both HRM & NS Gov’t were all too willing to pour our tax dollars into something that WE WON’T EVEN OWN after 30 yrs – great negotiating! Angry – yea, I bloodly well am!!
Well said – almost any cause, no matter how noble intended, unbalanced can lead to unfortunate consequences which distort or disrupt other equally worthwhile endeavors. The two decades of development stagnation in Halifax’s downtown core leads to the obvious conclusion that the balance between development and heritage preservation was not in equilibrium. I am happy to now see progress made and hope that a system which considers heritage preservation within it will provide some counter balance to until a worthwhile organization like the Heritage Trust can find itself once more a constructive voice in the discussion about shaping Halifax’s future while honoring its past.
Chris Crowell | August 1, 2014 |
Great article. I think this is indicative of our political process. We’re “assuming” support for positions on development when in fact we could know for certain the public desire. The controversy with Nova Center would be put to bed if we used our provincial and municipal elections were to add proposals and referendums to our voting ballots like many other jurisdictions do. The public opinion would be known with relative certainty and it would also serve as a motivation for some non-voting citizens to get out to the polls to support their issues. Clear public surveying would eliminate the burden this bantering places on scarce public funds for development and needless abuse of our court system. If Heritage Trust’s position has support, it would be identified. In the case of the Nova Center, I doubt it would have been approved in the first place. I guess I just answered my own question on why we don’t have this type of ballot system. Politicians would have to actually listen to the public.
Barry | July 14, 2014 |
Heritage Trust? Perhaps occasionally. Mostly reactionary against the right of a property owner to do what he properly plans on his own property which usually has become unusable.
As for shifting to outright obstructionism – it should be understood that we get what we vote for.
gordon a... | July 13, 2014 |
A great piece. You provide a balanced informative and accurate summary of the issues with an account of the history of Halifax and the important role and valuable accomplishments of the Heritage Trust. . True Bill Black- direct , hard hitting and fair. As one of the leaders of the 300 interested citizens I applaud the effort and energy of all citizens who have stepped forward to support a balanced and progressive new view for Halifax. Let’s work together to trade on our rich past and focus on our investment in a strong future for Halifax and Nova Scotia
Robert zed
Chair
triangle Strategies.
Robert zed | July 11, 2014 |
I support what the Heritage Trust is doing in this case!
This White Elephant of a convention centre (CC) will cost HRM property owners and taxpayers plenty over its lifetime, because it will never make money – just like the existing CC.
The developer got a free ride with this project at every turn and both HRM & NS Gov’t were all too willing to pour our tax dollars into something that WE WON’T EVEN OWN after 30 yrs – great negotiating! Angry – yea, I bloodly well am!!
Harold | July 11, 2014 |