Public Hearings for Multiple Towers, September 7th

HRM hosted two public hearings on September 7, 6pm (day after Labour Day) via zoom and approved Case 20761 and Case 22927. The huge public opposition to these proposals was seriously misrepresented by HRM staff and ignored by everyone but Patty Cuttel the only HRM Councillor to vote against the Rouvalis proposal. This is a bad process. It continues to result in a bad outcome.

Case 20761 (red): Carlton Block at Robie, Spring Garden, College, Carlton

Case 20761 – Rouvali 28, 29-storey towers are being considered separately from Dexel’s Cast 20218 for 2 ~30-storey towers. Model by Hadrian Laing.

Developer Rouvalis can now build TWO TOWERS, 28 and 29 storey + penthouses, at Robie and College. Confusingly, Case 20218 (orange) developer Dexel also wants TWO ~30-storey towers in the same block at Robie and Spring Garden, but these 2 developments are being considered separately. Dexel’s towers will be considered at a future public hearing for the 2 towers. If permitted together the FOUR ~30-storey towers will demolish 12-14 buildings, 110-114 affordable units; an area equivalent to a 12-storey building. There will be stalls for ~861 cars. Constructing new towers will emit 31,000 tonnes+ of greenhouse gas. Development Options Halifax modeled a 9-storey in-fill option with~ 550 units and keeping all but one building.

Case 22927 (orange): Willow Tree Block on Robie near Quinpool

Case 22927, Danny Chedrawe’s wants his 23-storey building (orange) between the 25-storey Armoyan / Shannex (red) and the 20-storey Welsford (not shown). This case is being considered separate from other towers ie Shannex/Armoyan, St. Pat’s etc. Model by Hadrian Laing.

A second public hearing on Sept 7th approved a 23-storey Chedrawe development on Robie between the 25-storey Armoyan / Shannex and 20-storey Welsford. HRM Staff recommended 6-storeys. Council changed the rules.(https://www.halifaxcommon.ca/cancel-the-proposed-wsp-23-storey-high-rise/)  In a recent staff report 80% of the public submissions opposed this development. The Willow Tree Group worked for years to have a better process and result.

Summary:

  • (https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/districts-councillors) These proposals are not what the public want or the Centre Plan public consultation proposed. There is ZERO public benefit in exchange for a lot of harm.
  • Its discouraging but please continue to express your concerns about this style of development – its bad for affordable housing and its bad for the climate crisis. clerks@halifax.ca  

It’s your city.