Halifax’s Growth A Good Thing Despite Pains, Economist Says
HALIFAX–The chief economist for Halifax Partnership says the city’s rapid downtown growth is a positive trend, even if it comes with some “growing pains.”
A recent census report from Statistics Canada shows Halifax’s downtown core grew by an incredible 26 percent between 2016-21. That makes it the fastest-growing urban downtown core in Canada.
The average downtown core in Canada grew by about 10 percent over the same timeframe.
“The growth is great. We have a general goal of getting more people in Halifax and more people across the province,” said Ian Munro, of Halifax Partnership.
“That’s good for increased density. Over the longer term, it makes it cheaper to run a city if people are moving to downtown rather than sprawling outside the city.”
The growing pains of such a rapidly expanding city centre have been felt by the average Halagonian, however. Housing and rental prices have skyrocketed since 2016.
Munro says there are three major areas often impacted by sudden, unexpected growth to a city’s downtown: transit, traffic, and housing.
But Munro remains confident these growing pains are temporary. He points to the level of construction taking place on new housing units.
“There’s a lot of construction going on. If you were standing in Halifax, looking out the window, you would see cranes,” he said.
“There’s lots of things being built, there are lots of big holes in the ground where foundation is being poured. But these things just take time; you can’t build a new apartment building overnight.”
Munro is also encouraged that all three levels of government have recognized that there is a housing crunch locally, provincially, and nationally.
And while there are many residents in cities who don’t want to see too much growth, Munro doesn’t believe Halifax has outgrown itself yet. He also believes more people in Halifax are excited about growth, despite its challenges.
“Here in Halifax, anecdotally, I think the balance is shifting ever more to those who are pro-growth.”
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].