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# Friends of Halifax Common

greenspace grows here

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://halifaxcommon.ca/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Citizens Speak to Council: Save Lives, Money, & Housing [videos]](https://halifaxcommon.ca/citizens-speak-to-council-save-lives-money-housing-videos/) - Watch the videos below and send a letter to city council asking them to stop the demolitions and allow these deeply affordable building to stay occupied during this housing crisis. This first video with Halifax resident Kathleen Flanagan caught a lot of attention on Facebook, where it received tens of thousands of views and had several
- ["They paved paradise, put up a parking lot."  Here's our version. [video]](https://halifaxcommon.ca/they-paved-paradise-put-up-a-parking-lot-heres-our-version-video/) - Let's not make the mistake where we "don't know what we've got 'til it's gone." In Halifax, City Council is once again paving over communities to make way for expensive, discredited plans ($200 million to widen 850 meters to add a lane that experts say won't even make transit better). We've heard this song before.
- [Immoral & Probably Illegal: HFX's Housing Plan for Robie St [video]](https://halifaxcommon.ca/immoral-probably-illegal-hfxs-housing-plan-for-robie-st-video/) - Watch the videos below and send a letter to city council asking them to stop the demolitions and allow these deeply affordable building to stay occupied during this housing crisis. Dalhousie Legal Aid Service and ACORN are the first two names on the list when a Haligonian renter needs help. Many of the protections that
- [Can You Help Stop the R❤️bie St Destruction?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/wider-roads-make-worse-cities/) - Help stop HRM's $200m plan to demolish Robie Street's last historic neighbourhood (North to Cunard). HRM Council needs to hear from you: Do Not Widen Robie St! Citizens strongly oppose this. 1. Send a Letter + 2. tell others + 3. print & distribute our updated Hands Off Robie flyer. HRM knows data shows even for
- [Learn more about the plan to widen Robie St](https://halifaxcommon.ca/learn-more-about-the-robie-street-widening/) - At recent public participation sessions at City Hall, the community has been speaking out against this $200 million mistake. We've also had some of these concerned citizens sit down for interviews to share their insights. Here are some of the highlights, ranging from overviews of the entire proposed project to detailed concerns and alternative proposals
- [Saving the legacy of Dr. Ligoure - hero of the Halifax Explosion & Nova Scotia's first Black doctor](https://halifaxcommon.ca/saving-the-legacy-of-dr-ligoure-hero-of-the-halifax-explosion-nova-scotias-first-black-doctor/) - Dr. Clement Ligoure might be the most under-appreciated hero in Halifax's history. And now, Halifax City Council is jeopardizing the living legacy of Dr. Ligoure: his home and clinic on North and Robie. Once again, the politicians and developers of the region are attempting to erase Black and working class history as they demolish a
- [Sat Matinee, 2pm: Thinking Beyond the Market: A Film About Genuinely Affordable Housing](https://halifaxcommon.ca/ns-premiere-thinking-beyond-the-market-a-film-about-genuinely-affordable-housing/) - Saturday Matinee 2pm: Thinking Beyond the Market: A Film About Genuinely Affordable Housing A 2nd screening presented by FHC & Carbon Arc! Come and see Dr Brian Doucet's new cross Canada doc to learn about policies, programs and projects having a positive impact on addressing our housing crisis. Such a timely topic for Halifax and
- [Here's Why the Temporary Wanderers Stadium Needs to Go!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/time-for-the-temporary-pop-up-stadium-to-go-fhc-to-hrm/) - Here's why you need to sign FHC's Petition to Save Our Wanderers' Field! HRM Mayor, Council and staff persistently ignore our every effort to have the Wanderers Grounds amateur field remain fully available to and used by amateur players. Despite our June 9th FHC letter HRM Wanderers Stadium.pages to HRM Mayor, Council and Community Economic
- [Is it Really National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/) - September 29, 2025 Dear HRM Mayor Fillmore, Councillors and CAO, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemorates the children who died in the residential schools, supports Survivors, and calls for systemic change to create a healthier future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. A Nov 2024 Point-in-Time (PiT) count found ~181 unhoused Indigenous people in
- [Robie Rallies a Success!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/join-fhcs-thursday-action-to-stop-robie-st-widening/) - Thank you to all who helped make Homes Not Highways Rallies a success! People learning about HRM's secretive plan to spend $200m in public money to demolish 50-70 homes and cut 80 trees for a 2nd bus lane are dismayed and opposed. It defies logic- we're in a budget crunch; widening won't reduce traffic or
- [FHC AGM-Tues Oct 7, 6:30 - 8:45, Rm 301, Halifax Central Library](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-agm-tues-oct-7-630-845-rm-301-halifax-central-library/) - Join us for FHC’s AGM, Tues Oct 7, 6:30 - 8:45, Rm 301, Halifax Central Library The Wanderers Grounds : The State-of-Play Guest Speaker: Howard Epstein As HRM Council begins its financial feasibility study for a $116 - $122 redevelopment of the Wanderers Block, mostly towards a permanent stadium, guest speaker, Howard
- [Re: Urgent request for Emergency Meeting of Heritage Advisory Committee](https://halifaxcommon.ca/re-urgent-request-for-emergency-meeting-of-heritage-advisory-committee/) - September 26, 2025 Attention: Mr. Brad Anguish, HRM CAO, HAC and HRM Council Dear Mr. Anguish, HAC Members, HRM Council Re: Urgent request for Emergency Meeting of the Heritage Advisory Committee I write on behalf of Friends of Woodill to request an emergency meeting of the HAC be convened at the earliest possible time. Friends
- [Todd Veinotte- Interview re Ron Pink's letter to HRM on Privatization of Wanderers Grounds](https://halifaxcommon.ca/todd-veinotte-interview-re-ron-pinks-letter-to-hrm-on-privatization-of-wanderers-grounds/) - In 2018 just before the start of public consultation for the Halifax Common Master Plan HRM signed a contract with a private, professional, for-profit soccer club for a temporary "pop-up" stadium on the Wanderers Grounds. According to the 2017 HRM staff report, prior to this agreement amateur players of all ages and gender fully used
- [FHC & Todd Veinotte-Councillor Misinformed on Wanderers](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-todd-veinotte-councillor-misinformed-on-wanderers/) - Reminder: Its time for our Mayor and Council to protect the Halifax Common, not to let more of it slip out of public use and control. The temporary "pop-up" stadium on the Wanderers Grounds is turning into yet another example of privatization of the public's Common. Before the private, for-profit Wanderers Club took over the
- [FHC to HRM Community Planning & Economic Develoment Standing Committee](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-to-hrm-community-planning-economic-develoment-standing-committee/) - Dear HRM CPED Committee Members: Re- Wanderers Grounds - FHC Comments FHC’s FOIPOP information received Sept 11and attached below shows that the Wanderers Grounds was used almost exclusively by Derek Martin/SEA activities with virtually nothing for amateur players. This is similar to two previous FOIPOPs. Martin/SEA private-for-profit stadium is consistently shutting out amateur players year
- [Widening Mayor Fillmore's Robie Street Info](https://halifaxcommon.ca/meeting-with-mayor-fillmore/) - Howard Epstein and Peggy Cameron's May 21 meeting with Mayor Fillmore was a very important opportunity to raise the multitude of reasons as to why HRM must stop further expenditures on the Robie St widening; repopulate the buildings that have been or will be purchased and emptied; employ any of the various better, cheaper options
- [Telling It Like It Is — HRM's Transportation Committee](https://halifaxcommon.ca/presentation-to-hrm-transportation-standing-committee/) - On May 21 Howard Epstein and Peggy Cameron presented to HRM's Transportation Standing Committee to update them on the Public Panel on the Robie St widening. If you missed the meeting watch the 5 minute presentations to find out more here, (Begins at 55:30.)
- [Todd Veinotte & Peggy Cameron: What's Up With Robie St?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/todd-veinotte-asks-peggy-cameron-re-robie-st-public-panel/) - FHC's recent public panel with Howard Epstein, Frank Palermo, Peggy Cameron & emcee Jeff Karabanow had over 100 residents who learned learn about HRM's $200m project to widen Robie St for a 2nd bus lane. Bottom line? It's outdated, expensive, destructive, ineffective, ignores cheaper options, is not a plan & will not fly. Listen to
- [HRM -Cancel Robie St Widening & Save $73m](https://halifaxcommon.ca/hrm-cancel-robie-st-widening-save-73m/) - FHC has written to HRM to cancel its Robie St widening plan and save $73m. That's HRM's budget to buy property, demolish buildings and cut 80 trees for a bus lane. But data shows, even for public transportation, widening roads does not reduce traffic congestion. Instead demolishing dozens of small-scale affordable units and cutting 80
- [Mayor Fillmore-We Worry About Our Meeting, Neighbourhood & Misinformation](https://halifaxcommon.ca/mayor-fillmore-we-worry-about-our-meeting-neighbourhood-misinformation/) - Writing on behalf of FHC and Robie St residents, Peggy Cameron and Howard once again ask Mayor Fillmore for a meeting. The first request was on November 4th 2024 with multiple follow up inquiries. We worry that details on HRM’s plan to spend at least $75m to acquire property and demolish buildings to widen Robie
- [The Mayflower Factory Building Project Needs Work!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/the-mayflower-factory-building-development-application-needs-work/) - Maybe you know of the Mayflower Tobacco Factory building? Its a small brick building near the Halifax Common and Armories on Nora Bernard. Built in the 1800s, it survived the Halifax Explosion. Now it's home to ~23 small locally owned businesses and services. But, as with a lot of older buildings, a developer has another
- [Reject N.S. Minimal Planning Requirements,](https://halifaxcommon.ca/reject-the-provinces-minimal-planning-requirements-submission/) - (Feb 24, 2025) FHC's submission to HRM on the Nova Scotia Government's proposed changes to Minimal Planning Requirements* asks that they be rejected. The changes are without adequate public information, understanding or engagement. Where, what form and how development occurs should be integrated with plans for infrastructure, societal needs (including all ages and abilities) and
- [Dear Premier Houston-Do You Know Your Government is Buying & Demolishing Affordable Housing?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/premier-houston-do-you-know-that-ns-dpw-is-buying-and-demolishing-affordable-housing/) - Dear Premier Houston, (Feb 23, 2025) We're writing to ask if you know that the NS Department of Public Works is spending an estimated $18 million in public money to buy at least 10 multi-unit buildings on Robie Street to tear down? This is at the behest of HRM which intends to widen Robie
- [April 15 - Once More Time, FHC Writes Parks Canada re Garrison Ground](https://halifaxcommon.ca/april-15-fhc-follow-up-letter-to-parks-canada-re-garrison-ground/) - This 2024 FHC April letter to Parks Canada copy.pages summarizes concerns over and options to halt the paving of Garrison Ground. Unfortunately Parks Canada agreed to the provincial Department of Health's request for parking expansion. The QEII hospital redevelopment team ignored the health, social, cultural, economic value of protecting and expanding green space. It ignored
- [HRM Election - FHC's Questions For Candidates](https://halifaxcommon.ca/its-hrm-election-time-fhc-has-six-questions-to-help-you-choose-the-best/) - Vote for Our Common Good - Keep It Ours! Congratulations to our new Mayor and Council and thanks to everyone who stood for office, helped with the election and voted. We look forward to meeting and working with the new municipal government. As it's important that electoral candidates hear Common concerns from many voices! During
- [Jamie Simpson - How Cities Protect Trees By Law](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-agm-trees-arent-just-pretty-things-to-look-at-how-can-we-protect-them/) - Halifax - Ki'jupuk is known as the ‘City of Trees’ but FHC worries for how long. Hundreds of Halifax Common trees (Bell Rd, Robie St, University Ave) and throughout the city are being cut. Governments, both municipal and provincial, plan these tree cuts as if trees can just be replaced. Jamie Simpson's Law of
- [AGM 2024 FHC Activities Report and Grades](https://halifaxcommon.ca/agm-2024-activities-report-and-grades/) - FHC AGM Activities Report, 2024: This is a brief summary of FHC Activities over the past year presented at the October AGM. Halifax Common Master Plan: FHC Directors spent hundreds of hours trying to have input into the Common Master Plan. Despite that, little was achieved. The Plan is piecemeal, keeps none of the
- [Write to Parks Canada "Don't Pave National Park Green Space for Parking"](https://halifaxcommon.ca/write-to-parks-re-green-space-for-parking/) - (Ki’jupuk) Nova Scotia Health and Parks Canada intend to pave green space on the Garrison Grounds for healthcare parking. This public green space on the Citadel National Park is historically used for gathering, playing, music, and all forms of enjoyment. Please read details in the CBC article below, then send your comments/concerns/no ways!! to the
- [Amend the Centre Plan, Protect Halifax Trees!              Public Hearing, May 21](https://halifaxcommon.ca/amend-the-centre-plan-protect-halifax-trees-public-hearing-may-2/) - Halifax planning is killing urban trees. Cutting trees for the QEII hospital is part of a bigger problem. The Centre Plan reduced public open space requirements and increased lot coverage for development threatening trees & green space. And its Robie Street Transportation Corridor will cut ~ 80 trees to widen the street. See: https://shorturl.at/tCDHU But here's
- [(April 7) FHC to Minister Guilbeault - Do Not Pave Halifax Citadel’s Garrison Ground for Parking](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-to-minister-guilbeault/) - "It is completely unacceptable that you as Minister of Environment and Climate Change, or a department of your government would contemplate such a thing as paving green space for expanding parking given its health, social, cultural, historic, environmental importance and negative impact on these. Or support the ongoing destruction of our environment. Do not permit
- [Shame - Premier Houston & Mayor Savage Ignore ~3,400 Citizens & CUT 20 Robie & Bell Road Trees!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/why-are-the-premier-mayor-silent-on-plan-to-cut-down-37-trees-on-the-halifax-common/) - When FHC heard Premier Houston's provincial government wanted Mayor Savage and HRM's permission to cut 37 trees on Robie, Bell Road & Summer for the QEII hospital expansion, we knew there was a better option — take the building back from the edge so the tree roots were safe. Together our collective effort reduced the number
- [FHC to Mayor/Premier: Stop Plan to Cut Mature Historic Trees on Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-to-mayor-premier-stop-plan-to-cut-mature-historic-trees-on-common/) - re: QEII Hospital Build and cutting down Halifax Common Trees FHC has just learned that the province intends to cut down as many as 40 mature historic trees on the Halifax Common as part of the QEII hospital build. To learn more about the Friends of Halifax Common position read our July 14/23 letter to Premier
- [Renovated Robie St House Demolished & What about those trees?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/media-release-newly-renovated-robie-street-house-demolished-what-about-those-trees/) - Mid-town Halifax housing takes another hit this morning as an “Investor" knocks down 2110 Robie to save on maintenance and taxes and to profit from poor planning. At least four units are destroyed in a recently renovated, pristine and irreplaceable building next to the North Common. (see pictures below) This is one of
- [Todd Veinotte & FHC's Howard Epstein re HRM's Proposed $40m Stadium Build](https://halifaxcommon.ca/todd-veinotte-fhcs-howard-epstein-re-hrms-proposed-40m-stadium-build/) - Listen to Todd Veinotte's interview with Howard Epstein about SEA/Derek Martin's pitch for HRM to spend $40 million on a permanent stadium for his private use and profit for thirty years. Watch Derek Martin/SEA pitch to HRM Community Planning and Economic Development standing committee along with presentations by Howard Epstein starts at 13:03, David Bentley
- [FHC Writes to Ms. Maggie MacDonald, HRM Executive Director Parks & Recreation](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-writes-to-ms-maggie-macdonald-hrm-executive-director-parks-recreation/) - FHC sent a letter to HRM's Executive Director of Parks & Recreation Ms Maggie MacDonald to with information for her use in writing a staff report for the HRM Standing Committee on Community Planning and Economic Development about the Wanderers Grounds, particularly in the context of the proposal Mr. Derek Martin made for a long-term
- [HRM Council Approves Carbon Bombs for Carlton Block](https://halifaxcommon.ca/take-action-public-hearing-for-carlton-block-and-two-more-31-storey-towers/) - On January 23 HRM Council voted to give the Dexel / Lawen development even more benefit but still without any public benefit in exchange. For almost a decade HRM Council and staff ignored public concerns about the Lawen and the Rouvalis families' two projects and refused requests that the four towers be considered together. Citizens
- [HRM Adopts Piecemeal Halifax Common Master Plan - No Legal Protection](https://halifaxcommon.ca/hrm-adopts-piecemeal-halifax-common-master-plan-no-legal-protection/) - The Halifax Common Master Plan Review and Implementation Plan was adopted by HRM Council on January 23, 2024. In February 2022 HRM Council directed staff to undertake further public consultation and review as the masterplan process begun in 2017. The public had not seen the plan since pre Covid and had little awareness of it.
- [Todd Veinotte Asks FHC About Paving the Garrison Ground for Healthcare Parking](https://halifaxcommon.ca/todd-veinotte-asks-fhc-about-paving-the-garrison-ground-for-healthcare-parking/) - (Ki'jupuk) Todd Veinotte & Peggy Cameron discuss the Nova Scotia's Department of Health pitch to Parks Canada to pave more green space on the Halifax Citadel's Garrison Grounds for healthcare parking. Already ~30% of the Common is parking/parkades, mostly hospital. Have a listen, learn more about better options. Then please write to Parks Canada to
- [Honour the Mi'kmaq with the name "Black-duck Pool" —Forget about sponsorship or charging kids money](https://halifaxcommon.ca/call-teh-central-common-black-duck-pool-forget-about-central-common-pool-fees-sponsorship/) - HRM Mayor and Council approved selling branding/sponsorship for the new central common swimming pool building. But FHC proposes that instead, HRM call the pool its historic Mi’kmaw name —Black-Duck Pool and commemorate this summer’s North American Indigenous Games. FHC opposed both HRM Parks and Recreation plan to make $100,000 on user fees and plan to
- [Wanderers Grounds: Ron Pink Letter to HRM Mayor Savage](https://halifaxcommon.ca/wanderers-grounds-ron-pink-letter-to-hrm-mayor-savage/) - FHC recently retained Halifax lawyer Ron Pink with respect to concerns about the Halifax Regional Municipality's (HRM) use of the Wanderers Grounds. HRM is operating in violation of the HRM Charter, the 1994 Halifax Common Plan and the Plan's intent to maintain public access to all Common land. The letter, FHC 2023 07 10 Letter
- [Todd Veniotte & FCH: What's Wrong with the HRM-Emera Secret Deal?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/dont-approve-secret-agreement-with-fossil-fuel-corporation-to-extend-oval-sponsorship/) - LOTS! HRM Mayor & Council ignored all FHC's good reasons why making secret deals with any fossil fuel corp is bad news. So now Emera, NSPI's parent—gets naming rights (along with some very cheap green washing) to the Halifax Common's Oval. Can someone remind those HRM decision makers we're in a climate crisis? And that
- [Secret Agreement with Fossil Fuel Corporation to Extend Sponsorship](https://halifaxcommon.ca/secret-agreement-with-fossil-fuel-corporation-to-extend-sponsorship/) - FHC has written to request that HRM Mayor and Council not approve a secret agreement with the fossil fuel corporation Emera to extend the sponsorship and naming rights of the Halifax Common's Oval. Below is the September 12, 2022 letter: Dear Mayor and Council, Friends of Halifax Common write to ask that you do not
- [HRM Pulls Switcheroo on Premier / Minister with Common's Pool Building](https://halifaxcommon.ca/hrm-pulled-a-swotcheroo-on-ns-government-with-commons-pool-building-premier-houston-minister-lohr/) - Say one thing, do another. In April 2021 HRM's Jacques Dube asked the NS Government's Law Amendments for permission for HRM to construct a building to support the new pool on the Central Common. FHC presented our concerns to Law Amendments then; drawings showed two buildings; the public had never been consulted on the design;
- [2022 FHC AGM- Tuesday November 29, 6:30-8:45 Halifax Public Library](https://halifaxcommon.ca/2022-fhc-agm-tuesday-november-29-630-845-halifax-public-library/) - Dear Friends of Halifax Common, Please join FHC for our 2022 AGM. Our meeting will focus on the draft Halifax Common Master Plan. That's because In February HRM Mayor & Council asked HRM staff to undertake more public consultation on the draft Plan, but apart from an on-line survey HRM staff has been silent. See details
- [Send Your Comments to Help Make the Halifax Common Plan Better!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/help-make-the-halifax-common-plan-better/) - HRM is continuing its ‘public consultation’ on the Halifax Common draft plan via an on-line survey or comments until February 28, 2023. Thanks to Mayor Savage and HRM Council supporting HRM’s Community Economic Development standing committee's excellent recommendation in January 2022 to bring it back to the public for feedback. (view video of committee meeting)
- [Thank you for Writing to Protect Former Home & Clinic of Dr. Clement Ligoure—5812-14 North Street](https://halifaxcommon.ca/help-protect-former-home-clinic-of-dr-clement-ligoure-5812-14-north-street/) - On January 24th HRM Mayor and Council unanimously supported FHC's 2022 Heritage Designation Application to help protect the former home and clinic of Dr. Clement Ligoure at 5812-14 North Street by giving it heritage designation. This important building is a legacy to Nova Scotia's first black doctor, co-founder of Canada's first all black military battalion
- [FHC Response to HRM's 'in principle’ Halifax Common Master Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-responds-to-hrms-in-principle-halifax-common-master-plan/) - We invite you to read these detailed comments on the ‘in principle’ Halifax Common Master Plan (the “Plan”) that FHC recently sent to HRM staff. Collectively it took us thousands of hours. It is comprehensive and worth a look! (There is a short summary below the map.) The response is divided into two parts. An
- [Public hearing - “Pizza with the Works" to be Served](https://halifaxcommon.ca/public-hearing-pizza-with-the-works-to-be-served/) - At 6pm, Tuesday May 21, at a Public Hearing at City Hall Mayor and Council will decide what their appetite is for a proposed 8-storey + penthouse building at the corner of Robie, Cunard and Compton Streets. Changing the existing height restriction of 35-40’ along the western edge of Robie Street to permit the development
- [Please Sign the Petition to Stop the Demolitions](https://halifaxcommon.ca/please-sign-the-petition-to-stop-the-demolitions/) - Is Halifax’s Centre Plan an undiagnosed pandemic? Its triggered 100s of building ‘deaths’ - Please sign to stop: shorturl.at/dlxET We’ve no record of how many units but a map of 454 building demolition permits since January 2020 shocks. We all see, feel and understand that these demolitions harm affordability, community, character & climate. Photos remind us how negligent
- [Tribute to Alan Ruffman, FHC director, by Howard Epstein](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tribute-to-alan-ruffman-fhc-director-by-howard-epstein/) - The passing of our friend 'Citizen Ruffman' was a terrible way to end a terrible year. Linda and Alan have always been a fixture of intelligent, articulate, and progressive local politics. I realize that I have known Alan for almost 50 years. He was around in the early days of the Ecology Action Centre and
- [Robie Street Widening - Citizens to HRM: "Don't Wreck the Neighbourhood, there are better options!"](https://halifaxcommon.ca/robie-street-widening-citizens-to-hrm-dont-wreck-the-neighbourhood-there-are-better-options/) - Citizens living in the Robie Street neighbourhood between Cunard and North Street oppose HRM's plans to expropriate private land to widen the Street. Thanks to the many who wrote or presented at the HRM Regional Centre Community Council's December 14 public hearing in Dartmouth. Widening will result in as many as 18 buildings being demolished
- [Halifax Common Master Plan, Wanderers Block & Public Garden Greenhouses Needs Full Public Consultation](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-common-master-plan-wanderers-block-public-garden-greenhouses-needs-full-public-consultation/) - FHC want the Friends of Public Gardens' proposal for new greenhouses on the Wanderers Block to be included as part of the on-going public consultation for the Common Master Plan. While supportive of the concept FHC worries that so far HRM staff and consultants refuse to include the Wanderers Block during the any phase of
- [Walk Around the Common – June 23/21 4-6pm](https://halifaxcommon.ca/walk-around-the-common-june-23-4pm-6pm/) - Join us for a Walk around the Common – June 23rd @4pm – to mark the 258th anniversary of the Halifax Common, a gift 'to and for the use of the inhabitants of the town of Halifax as Commons, forever." We're following the German tradition of a Grenzgang –when people walk around a property to
- [News 95.7 Todd Veinotte re Wanderers Grounds Privatization](https://halifaxcommon.ca/news-95-7-todd-veinotte-re-wanderers-grounds-privatization/) - News 95.7 Todd Veinotte and FHC director Peggy Cameron. FHC director talk about why the Wanderers Grounds must remain public. It's been used to full capacity by amateur players for many sports- all ages, any gender. COVID showed us there are more and more demands on the little remaining public space on the Halifax Common.
- [FHC Letter to Mayor: Private Permanent Stadium on Public Land is Foul Play](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-to-mayor-private-permanent-stadium-on-public-land-is-foul-play/) - FHC call on you to confirm to developer Derek Martin that his request to make his private “temporary” pop-up stadium on the public Wanderers Grounds permanent and for $20 million of public money are both not going to happen. Mr. Martin needs to purchase his own venue with his own money, not continue to make
- [Todd Veinotte- Why Halifax Common Pool Needs a Better Location](https://halifaxcommon.ca/todd-veinotte-why-halifax-common-pool-needs-a-better-location/) - Halifax Central Common Pool re-do — good idea bad location. News 97.5 Todd Veinotte explores FHC's concerns and better ideas for where / how HRM could locate the $16 million dollar pool. (Hint: not next to a traffic corridor & 1500 cars worth of pollution)
- [Halifax Common Pool – HRM Dives into the Wrong End of Planning Process](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-common-pool-hrm-dives-into-the-wrong-end-of-planning-process/) - (Ki’jupuk / Halifax) HRM’s ad hoc planning (get it done) vs long term (do it right) once again drowns potential for the best outcome — in this case for the Halifax Common’s new aquatic centre. Your car, my lungs -a powerful mural by Marta Frej, via @WarszawaBezSmog) While always supportive of and recognizing the need for
- [Chronicle Herald: Rally Against Robie Street demolitions](https://halifaxcommon.ca/chronicle-herald-rally-against-robie-street-demolitions/) - [Stephen Cooke | Posted: April 9, 2022] While a portable speaker played the sound of Joni Mitchell singing “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot,” Haligonians dismayed by the recent destruction of historic homes on Robie Street gathered in front of the rubble-strewn site across from Camp Hill Cemetery. Organized by the citizens’
- [Chronicle Herald: Community groups call for public consultation audit on HRM developments](https://halifaxcommon.ca/community-groups-call-for-public-consultation-audit-on-hrm-developments/) - Francis Campbell The voice of the public is not being heard or heeded in “pre-ordained” Halifax Regional Municipality development plans, several community groups say. “The consultative process is a right of the public under the (municipal) charter so that the public is able to participate in the finalization of planning strategies,” said Peggy Cameron of
- [Round and Round We Go...Parking is us.](https://halifaxcommon.ca/round-and-round-we-go/) - Time to Stop Government Spin on the Hospital Parking Garage Friends of Halifax Common (FHC) are calling on the Halifax Regional Municipal and Nova Scotia governments to scrap the $30 million dollar, 500-stall, 8-storey parking garage planned for the Nova Scotia Museum property as part of the proposed $2 billion dollar QEII hospital expansion.
- [From Now - Oct 17 Elect HRM Representatives Who are Friends of the Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/oct-6-17-elect-the-representatives-who-are-friends-of-the-common/) - From now until October 17 you as a citizen of HRM can vote to elect a Mayor and Council. Confronted with the climate crisis, COVID crisis, housing crisis, transportation crisis and social equity crisis we know we need a different kind of government; one that represents and governs for the common good— one that will
- [Cancel the Proposed WSP 23-storey high-rise-Case 22927](https://halifaxcommon.ca/cancel-the-proposed-wsp-23-storey-high-rise/) - Dear HRM Planners, Mayor and Council Re: Cancel the Proposed WSP high-rise- Case 22927 The proposed Westwood high-rise tower at 2032-2050 Robie Street has already been turned down by HRM Mayor and Council. Height for this location was to be restricted to 6-storeys. Council’s decision to allow a Development Agreement is discretionary and should be cancelled. It
- [FHC to Premier-Don’t Approve a Pool Building Before Public Consultation and a Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-to-premier-dont-approve-a-pool-building-before-public-consultation-and-a-plan/) - FHC are asking the Nova Scotia Legislature not to approve legislation to permit new building on the Central Common for HRM’s proposed Aquatic Centre. A public consultation process for the Common Master Plan begun in Dec 2017 has never come back to the citizens for final input or approval. Despite there being no final Plan,
- [Failed Public Consultation Case Study #11: Joan Fraser's North/Oxford St Neighbourhood Group](https://halifaxcommon.ca/failed-public-consultation-case-study-11-joan-frasers-north-oxford-st-neighbourhood-group/) - The following is an account by Halifax resident Pat White. For a period of seven years the late Joan Fraser and I worked along with many others as part of a community group in the Oxford/North Street area with HRM staff to try and “negotiate” a good outcome for a development at the site of
- [DAVID GARRETT: Whither the withering Halifax Common?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/david-garrett-whither-the-withering-halifax-common/) - The Halifax Common was once a treed marsh in K’jipuktuk, as the Halifax Peninsula was known to the original inhabitants, and within the larger still-unceded area of Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral home of the Mi’kmaq. Much is now vastly different, but elements remain, including flowing water from Freshwater Brook, now largely in underground pipes but
- [RONALD COLMAN: Shrunken Halifax Common mirrors global assault on green spaces](https://halifaxcommon.ca/ronald-colman-shrunken-halifax-common-mirrors-global-assault-on-green-spaces/) - On June 23, 1763, King George III granted the 235-acre Halifax Common “to and for the use of the inhabitants of the town of Halifax as common forever.” Today, exactly 258 years later, what we fondly call "the Commons" is a mere 20 per cent of that grant. Some was used for public institutions. Some
- [Carlton Block’s “Upward Creep” Proposals Ignore Both Public Concerns and HRM Regional Plan Policy Considerations](https://halifaxcommon.ca/carlton-blocks-upward-creep-proposals-ignore-both-public-concerns-and-hrm-regional-plan-policy-considerations/) - Media Release July 4, 2021 -For immediate release KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) HRM’s response to significant public concerns over two massive Spring Garden Road high-rises that will overwhelm and negatively impact the entire historic Carlton Street neighbourhood has been to give the developers even more height. On June 23, the HRM Heritage Advisory Committee moved the Rouvails
- [Chronicle Herald: Group concerned with proposed central Halifax highrise developments](https://halifaxcommon.ca/chronicle-herald-group-concerned-with-proposed-central-halifax-highrise-developments/) - Noushin Ziafati - July 6, 2021 An advocacy group says it’s concerned that a set of proposed highrise developments in central Halifax will negatively impact the historic Carlton Street neighbourhood and that Halifax Regional Municipality hasn’t been transparent in the approval processes for the buildings, which a local councillor adamantly denies. On June 23, Halifax
- [Electoral Report Card—FHC Grades Electoral Candidates](https://halifaxcommon.ca/electoral-report-card-fhc-grades-electoral-candidates/) - Friends of the Halifax Common distributed a three-question survey to Halifax Peninsula MLA electoral candidates and political party leaders. This was to determine their commitment to the passage of an 'Act to Protect the Halifax Common' similar to the one protecting the Dartmouth Common, as well as two additional questions on future parking garages and
- [Public Hearings for Multiple Towers, September 7th](https://halifaxcommon.ca/call-to-action-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
- [Halifax Common Master Plan Approval Delayed by HRM Standing Committee](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-common-master-plan-approval-delayed-by-hrm-standing-committee/) - HRM's Community and Economic Development Standing Committee met on Wednesday, Dec 8, and agreed to delay approving the Halifax Common Master Plan just released on Friday, December 3, 2021. FHC's Howard Epstein and Alan Ruffman were among several speakers and concerned groups including the Halifax Lancers These speakers asked that the draft Plan not go
- [RALPH SURETTE:  The lowdown on high-rises:  they fuel the climate crisis](https://halifaxcommon.ca/ralph-surette-the-lowdown-on-high-rises-they-fuel-the-climate-crisis/) - (published in The Chronicle Herald, October 28, 2021) (Halifax/Ki'jupuk) A global environment conference called COP26 is opening this weekend in Scotland to deal with the climate crisis that the world promised to deal with as far back as the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, but has so far failed to control. Some progress is being
- [FHC Submission to HRM Review of Regional Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-submission-to-hrm-review-of-regional-plan/) - We are deeply concerned about recent incursions into the Halifax Common... ...from proposed multiple high rises (16-, 28-, 29- and 30-storey and ~900 cars – similar in mass to the Nova Centre) at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Robie Street; the expansion of major QE2 facilities onto parkland adjacent to the Natural History
- [HRM Promises Further Public Consultation (Kind of)](https://halifaxcommon.ca/please-write-to-request-further-public-consultation-on-the-halifax-common-masterplan/) - HRM’s Council adopted the new 500 page Halifax Common Master Plan and has promised further public consultation (kind of). Thank you to the ~100 citizens who wrote to help make this possible. Friends of Halifax Common Executive have at least five major concerns about the plan as grounds for further public consultation. Here's our
- [Buildings For the Climate Crisis - in the Media](https://halifaxcommon.ca/buildings-for-the-climate-crisis-in-the-media/) - What others are saying about Buildings For the Climate Crisis Buildings for the Climate Crisis – A Halifax Case Study A report by Peggy Cameron finds that the building boom fuels not only the climate crisis via greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from the construction, development and demolition industry but also the affordable housing crisis.
- [Lloyd Alter: Groundbreaking Study Highlights How Design and Development Decisions Affect Embodied Carbon](https://halifaxcommon.ca/lloyd-alter-groundbreaking-study-highlights-how-design-and-development-decisions-affect-embodied-carbon/) - "Groundbreaking study on embodied carbon comparing new build to retrofit and addition in Halifax Canada ignored by city, author told to 'stop making things up." Should be studied closely, big implications.” writes Lloyd Alter, well-known author at Treehugger in a review of the new report, Buildings For a Climate Crisis, by Peggy Cameron. "The
- [Buildings For the Climate Crisis - A Halifax Case Study by Peggy Cameron](https://halifaxcommon.ca/report-released-buildings-climate-crisis/) - This new report "Buildings for the Climate Crisis - A Halifax Case Study" by Peggy Cameron, MES reveals the high levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) released up-front by high rise construction, developments, and demolitions. By comparing these to more climate-friendly in-fill buildings (carbon-neutral or carbon-positive) it offers scenarios that are better matched for what
- [Letter to Premier Rankin-Protect the Halifax Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/letter-to-premier-rankin-protect-the-halifax-common/) - March 17, 2021 Dear Premier Rankin and Minister Macguire, RE: Legislative Protection for the Halifax Common The 235 Halifax Common was granted “to and for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax as Commons forever” by King George III in 1763. It is Canada’s oldest and largest Common. The Friends of Halifax Common write to
- [FHC - Being For Good Public Process — Not Against Oval](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-being-for-good-public-process-not-against-oval/) - June 19, 2018 Dear Mayor and Council Re- The Oval I believe it is always best to have public perception reflect reality. At last evening’s public hearing there were a couple of references by council that members of the audience had been against the Oval but were now presenting that they were concerned about the
- [City Plan for the Common needs public consultation](https://halifaxcommon.ca/city-plan-for-the-common-needs-public-consultation/) - Howard Epstein, Friends of Halifax Common, says the Halifax Common Master Plan needs further public consultation.
- [Buildings For the Climate Crisis - A Halifax Case Study by Peggy Cameron](https://halifaxcommon.ca/buildings-for-the-climate-crisis-a-halifax-case-study/) - This new report "Buildings for the Climate Crisis - A Halifax Case Study" by Peggy Cameron, MES reveals the high levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) released up-front by high rise construction, developments, and demolitions. By comparing these to more climate-friendly in-fill buildings (carbon-neutral or carbon-positive) it offers scenarios that are better matched for what
- [https://www.halifaxcommon.ca/buildings-for-the-climate-crisis-a-halifax-case-study/](https://halifaxcommon.ca/https-www-halifaxcommon-ca-report-released-buildings-climate-crisis/)
- [2020 - FHC Centre Plan Submission](https://halifaxcommon.ca/2020-fhc-centre-plan-submission/) - Dear Centre Plan Staff, Please find included in this email two previous submissions from Friends of Halifax Common (2018 & 2016) . Our suggestions seem even more relevant in this time so we ask that you will please take the time to re-read these. Green Space: As the Centre Plan intends to add 15-30,000 new
- [Epstein-HRM council should respect the Common, as it has Lake Banook](https://halifaxcommon.ca/apl-public-hearing-hrm-council-should-respect-the-common-as-it-has-lake-banook/) - Chronicle Herald by Howard Epstein Jan 15, 2018 Harbour East Council (Councillors Streatch, Hendsbee, Karsten, Nicoll and Austin) recently rejected a 15-storey proposal for Graham’s Corner beside Lake Banook, and has put off a follow-up proposal at nine storeys. All of the reasons offered apply to the full HRM council’s consideration this week of the
- [Cartography of the Commons - Workshops with Zachery Gough](https://halifaxcommon.ca/cartography-of-the-commons-workshops-with-artist-zachery-gough/) - Cartography of the Commons is a collective mapping initiative and workshop series by artist Zachery Gough to take stock of the things we share in Halifax. We'll swap info about shared and free resources (Biophysical, Knowledge, Social and Cultural) and talk about how increasingly everything is for sale. All workshops take place a the Halifax
- [Whose Interest is the City Serving?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/whose-interest-is-the-city-serving/) - The Halifax Common and the Parker-Welsford Street neighbourhood continue to be threatened by the proposed 30-storey Armoyen and 25-storey Chedrawe developments. It is disappointing to have city staff pushing through the development agreement process for projects that are non-conforming to the MPS, the LUB, the Quinpool Road and Area Plan and 1994 Halifax Common Plan
- ["Centre Plan Headed in Wrong Direction"](https://halifaxcommon.ca/centre-plan-headed-in-wrong-direction/) - Letter to the HRM Community Design Advisory Committee by Dalhousie professor Steve Parcell, for Wednesday Aug. 23 meeting. Dear CDAC, My comments below are in two parts. The first section is new, addressed to you. The second section (with its attachment) is a copy of my comments on the Centre Plan growth scenarios that were
- [Enough with the Developer Shock and Awe](https://halifaxcommon.ca/enough-with-the-developer-shock-and-awe/) - In "A nightmare of evocation as Halifax falls to the wrecking ball," author Larry Haven (The Coast Aug 17) gives a satirical glimpse into why we worry that Halifax is "surely and inexorably being destroyed by rampant developers and an obliging council." The worst is yet to come. A recent Willow Tree Group essay describes
- [Photographic Exibition: Parking the Common, Documentation of Phylum Paveia](https://halifaxcommon.ca/photographic-exibition-phylum-paveia/) - View On Line: Parking the Common, Documentation of Phylum Paveia This study classifies invading species of Phylum Paveia (parking lot) responsible for the creeping disappearance of the Halifax Common. Ecological examination reveals P.Paveia colonizes territory replacing endangered natives such as Lawnis tranquilis, Gardenia publica and Serenis communis. Identified Paveias include Genera Bituminus (asphalt), Lapillius (gravel)
- [Writing The Common - The Coast Reviews Poetry Book Published By Gaspereau Press](https://halifaxcommon.ca/writing-the-common-book-review/) - Writing the Common: Being An Anthology of Poetry Commemorating the 250th Anniversary Of the Halifax Common Published by Gaspereau Press This spring the Friends of Halifax Common released a collection of all-new poetry inspired by and in tribute to the 250th anniversary of Halifax's iconic green space(s). With a detailed introduction of "the common" as
- [Catalogue Launch - Celebrate the Common 250](https://halifaxcommon.ca/catalogue-launch-celebrate-the-common-250/) - In October of 2014, Friends of the Halifax Common organized four days of activities to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Halifax Common. The Halifax Common came into being when the land was given to the "common folk" of Halifax by King George III "to and for the use of the inhabitants of the Town
- [Map of Site for Celebrate the Common 250](https://halifaxcommon.ca/map-of-site-for-celebrate-the-common-250/) - Click to enlarge the map of locations of events on the Common. There are more than 50 events offered by a broad spectrum of members of the community.
- [Thank you to 500+ Citizens Who Petitioned For Changes to Centre Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/petition-to-hrm-council-make-changes-to-centre-plan-before-adoption/) - A round of applause in gratitude to the 500+ citizens who asked the Mayor and Council Plan for All Citizens by making changes to the Centre Plan before adopting it. Unfortunately they voted unanimously to approve the Plan on Tuesday October 26th, 2021)) . How sad that they ignored our ask for better options to
- [FHC to HRM Staff- The Halifax Common Needs Good Planning Please!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-to-hrm-staff-the-halifax-common-needs-good-planning-please/) - FHC executive members recently met with HRM planning staff to remind them of the importance of good planning and protection for the future of the Halifax Common under the the following themes: Consider the Common as a whole; Protection; Flexible space; Expand the Purview and Participatory. !. Consider the Common as a whole. The historical
- [New Evidence to Remind HRM Auditor General of Failed Public Participation in Planning Processes](https://halifaxcommon.ca/new-evidence-to-remind-rhm-auditor-general-of-failed-public-participation-in-planning-processes/) - June 07, 2021 Halifax Regional Municipality Auditor General PO Box 1749, Halifax, NS B3J 3A5 Re- Review of HRM Planning's public consultative process as a Charter matter On August 4, 2020 the Friends of the Halifax Common (FHC) sent a letter requesting the HRM Auditor General conduct a review of the HRM Planning Department's public engagement
- [Happy 105th Birthday Jane Jacobs! - Six Ways to Celebrate...](https://halifaxcommon.ca/happy-105th-birthday-jane-jacobs-six-ways-to-celebrate/) - Jane Jacobs (May 4, 1916-2006) was a Canadian-American urbanist who changed the way many people understand city planning and economics, and gave ordinary citizens the right to trust their own experiences and insights. In these COVID times FHC offers you 6 ways to vicariously experience or physically stroll about Halifax with or without a Jane’s
- [News 95.7-Rick Howe: Freshwater Brook vs Parking Garages](https://halifaxcommon.ca/news-95-7-rick-howe-freshwater-brook-vs-parking-garages/) - Construction work for a controversial parking garage by the NS Museum of Natural History exposed an ancient pipe where Freshwater Brook flows. Rick Howe interviews Peggy Cameron who sees this as a perfect opportunity for a re-think on the controversial $30 million, 8-storey, 500-stall parking garage planned for one of the few public, open green
- [Chronicle Herald: Restore historic Freshwater Brook in Halifax to natural state](https://halifaxcommon.ca/chronicle-herald-restore-historic-freshwater-brook-in-halifax-to-natural-state/) - Francis Campbell Freshwater Brook resurfaced recently in the middle of Halifax but its exposure is likely temporary. The brook, initially called a river, ran from what is now near the corner of St. Albans Street and Clifton Street in north-end Halifax, across the peninsula, through the Halifax Public Gardens, Victoria Park, past Fenwick towers and
- [CBC-Maritime Noon-Why Old Buildings Matter](https://halifaxcommon.ca/cbc-maritime-noon-why-old-buildings-matter/) - Listen to CBC's Bob Murphy and guests Tom Urbaniak, professor at Cape Breton University and Tom Morrison, engineer at Heritage Standing Inc. discuss the multiple advantages of keeping old buildings-economic, social, cultural and very important - environment and climate change.
- [Rick Howe-Cancel the Parking Garage-There are better solutions.](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-cancel-the-parking-garage-there-are-better-solutions/) - Rick Howe interviews FHC's Peggy Cameron about the group's letter to Premier McNeil asking that he cancel the plans for parking garages on the Halifax Common. There are other, better solutions.
- [FHC Letter to Centre Plan Team Re Package B (Feb. 24 2021)](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-letter-to-centre-plan-team-re-package-b-february-2021/) - Centre Plan Team: The Friends of the Halifax Common (FHC) wish to re-confirm our belief that while Package B of the Centre Plan is notable in many respects, the current draft does not adequately address the need for green public recreational space within an increasingly densified Regional Centre. The need for public open space in
- [Letter to Premier Rankin: Cancel $100M Parking Garages](https://halifaxcommon.ca/letter-to-premier-rankin-cancel-100m-parking-garages/) - Friends of Halifax Common has sent a new letter to Premier Rankin requesting that he cancel the ~$100 million parking garages planned for the QEII re-development. FHC respectfully ask for a better choice for the future and for health care dollars. There is a much greater need for direct-to-patient health care over unnecessary parking structures. Nova Scotia
- [Letter to Premier - Cancel the Parking Garage](https://halifaxcommon.ca/letter-to-premier-cancel-the-parking-garage/) - December 17, 2020 Dear Premier McNeil, As you leave your role as Premier, we write to ask that you reconsider the decision to build a $30 million dollar, 8-storey, 500-stall parking garage on one of the last remaining public open green spaces on the Halifax Common. Approximately 20% of the Common is used as parking,
- [Take a Chalk Around the Common-International Day of Climate Action 350.org](https://halifaxcommon.ca/take-a-chalk-around-the-common/) - Halifax- In support of 350.org, International Day of Climate Action, Friends of Halifax Common are inviting the public to volunteer to help them in drawing a chalk line around the entire perimeter of the original Common. Join them on Friday October 23rd from 12-2 p.m. Less than 1/3 of the Halifax Common's original 235 acres
- [The Coast, Bruce Wark Editorial - Looking for Common Sense](https://halifaxcommon.ca/the-coast-editorial-looking-for-common-sense/) - E D I TO R I A L by Bruce Wark Looking for Common sense The land deal between the city & the province chips another piece off of the Halifax Commons I call it city council's royal fuck-up. The Queen's High School is being traded to the Queen's Hospital for a new central library
- [Media Release - Common for Sale?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/is-the-halifax-common-for-sale/) - Is the Halifax Common for Sale? HRM Council is going to sell the Queen Elizabeth High School site, Halifax Common land. This is to facilitate Flagship Developments on Spring Garden Road & Queen (the new public library) and the Grand Parade & Province House. The Halifax Common Plan is very specific about the amount of
- [Friends of Halifax Common Challenge Sale of Common Land - Media Release](https://halifaxcommon.ca/friends-of-halifax-common-challenge-sale-of-common-land-media-release/) - Friends of Halifax Common (FHC) are calling on the provincial government to stop the sale of 5.5 acres of Halifax Common land at the former Queen Elizabeth High School (QEHS). The QEHS land is included in a land swap between HRM and the province. FHC says this a bad deal. HRM will lose public open
- [Letter to The Coast - Don’t lighten up](https://halifaxcommon.ca/letter-to-the-coast-dont-lighten-up/) - To the editor, Thanks for all the great Halifixes suggested ("Halifixes '08," Jan. 3, 2008). However, the "Common sense proposal" is going down the wrong path on two counts: 1. Re: better lighting—unfortunately, the idea that better lighting ensures better security is notional. Studies reveal that lighting reduces the fear of crime rather than crime
- [Candidates for Councillor, District 13](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-councillor-district-13/) - Of Candidates for District 13 Derek Bellemore and Pam Lovelace responded. Tom Arnold, Tim Elms, Robert Holden, Nick Horne, Darrell Jessome, Iain Taylor and Harry Ward did not submit responses. Derek Bellemore gives exceptionally Common favourable replies! For details see below: Derek Bellemore Phone: 902.476.1425 Email: dsbellemore@gmail.com 1.There has been gradual but constant loss of
- [FHC Survey—District 12 Candidates' Replies](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-councillor-district-12/) - Of Candidates for District 12 Eric Jury was the only respondent. Candidates John Bignell, Iona Stoddard and Incumbent Richard Zurawski did not reply to the survey. Eric gives very thoughtful answers so FHC has decided to endorse him. To read his answers please see below: Eric Jury Email: ericjury@eastlink.ca 1. There has been gradual but
- [Candidates for Council, District 8](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-council-district-8/) - Of Councillor candidates for District 8 Virginia Hinch was the only respondent. Dylan Smith and Incumbent Lyndell Smith did not respond. FHC has been disappointed with Councillor Smith. Last year Smith put forward a motion to have a Development Agreement proceed for a 23-storey high rise to on Danny Chedrawe's Robie Street Cruickshanks property against
- [FHC Survey —District 9 Candidates' Replies](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-district-9/) - Each of the five candidates responded to the FHC survey. These include Bill Carr, Shaun Clark, Incumbent Shawn Cleary, Stephen Foster and Gerry Lonergan. See details below: Bill Carr Phone: 902.717.7713 Email: bill@billcarrdistrict9.ca 1. There has been gradual but constant loss of public-use open space from the Halifax Common's 245 acres. In the HRM Charter
- [Candidates for Councillor, District 4](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-councillor-district-4/) - Of Candidates running for District 4, Ryan Burris, Darryl Johnson, Jamie MacNeil, Chris Mont and John Stewart responded. The following candidates did not send answers: Marisa DeMarco, Kevin Foran, Jerome Lagmay, Tania Meloni, Trish Purdy, Jessica Quillan and Caroline Williston. See details below: Ryan Burris Email: ryanburris.district4@outlook.com 1.There has been gradual but constant loss of
- [FHC Survey- District 2 Candidates' Replies](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-survey-district-2-candidates-replies/) - Of four candidates in District 2 only incumbent David Hendsbee replied. David Boyd wrote to say that he supports the FHC 100%, surveys from Nicole Johnson and Tim Milligan were not returned. See details below: David Hendsbee Phone: 902.404.8848 Email: david.hendsbee.ns.ca@gmail.com There has been gradual but constant loss of public-use open space from the Halifax
- [Candidates for Council, District 11](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-council-district-11/) - Of Candidates running in District 11 Hannah Munday was the only respondent. Stephen Chafe, Matthew Conrad, Bruce Cooke, Patty Cuttell, Bruce Holland, Kristen Hollery, Jim Hoskins, Ambroise Matwawana, Lisa Mullin, Dawn Edith Penney and Pete Rose did not reply to the survey. See Hannah's response below: Hannah Munday Email: hannahmundayhfx@gmail.com 1. There has been gradual
- [FHC Survey — District 3 Candidates' Replies](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-councillor-district-3/) - Of candidates running for District 3 Clinton Desveaux, Lloyd Jackson and Becky Kent replied. Vishal Bhardwaj and George Mbamalu did not respond. See details below: Clinton Desveaux Phone: 902.229.1364 Email: clintondesveaux@gmail.com 1.There has been gradual but constant loss of public-use open space from the Halifax Common's 245 acres. In the HRM Charter there is a
- [Candidates for Councillor, District 14, 15 & 16](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-councillor-district-14-15-16/) - No responses were received from candidates in District 14, 15 or16. These include: District 14: Candidates Incumbent Lisa Blackburn and Fred Frampton. District 15: Candidates Mary Lou Leroy, Anthony Mrkonjic, Jay Aaron Roxy, David Schofield and Incumbent Paul Russell. District 16: Incumbent Tim Outhit.
- [Candidates for Councillor, District 10](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-councillor-district-10/) - Of Candidates for District 10 only Kathryn Morse responded. Candidates Andrew Curran, Mohammad Ehsan, Renee Field, Sherry Hassanali, Christopher Hurry, Debbie MacKinnon and Kyle Morton did not respond. See Kathyrn's response below-other than not having solutions to the parking garage she seems like she is open, positive and thoughtful! Kathryn Morse Phone: 902.403.0821 Email: kathrynmorsedistrict10@gmail.com
- [Candidates for Councillor, District 7](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-councillor-district-7/) - District 7 Candidates Jen Powley and incumbent Waye Mason submitted survey responses. Richard Arundel-Evans and Craig Roy did not return surveys. See details below: Waye Mason Phone: 782.234.2458 Email: waye@wayemason.ca These are not yes or no questions, so if you will not print my answers in their entirety please do not answer yes or no
- [Candidates for Councillor, District 5 & 6](https://halifaxcommon.ca/candidates-for-councillor-district-5/) - Disappointingly neither incumbent Councillor Sam Austin nor candidate Mitch MacIntyre responded to the FHC survey. We did note that Austin's first campaign video was about the exciting work that is happening in the daylighting of the Sawmill River. FHC wishes this could be said for Freshwater Brook-identified with the same 2006 MOU as Sawmill River
- [FHC Survey- District 1 Candidates' Replies](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-survey-district-1-candidates-replies/) - Of HRM Electoral Candidates for Councillor, District 1, Stephen Kamperman and Arthur Wamback replied. Cathy Deagle Gammon and Incumbent Steve Streatch did not reply. See Kamperman and Wambacks answers below: Stephen Kamperman Phone: 902.880.9913 Email: stephenkamperman@gmail.com There has been gradual but constant loss of public-use open space from the Halifax Common's 245 acres. In the
- [FHC Survey- Mayoralty Candidates' Replies](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-survey-mayoralty-candidates-replies/) - There are 3 candidates for Mayor in HRM's Oct 17 Election. Incumbent Mayor Mike Savage did not respond to the FHC survey. Below are the survey questions and replies from Max Taylor and Matt Whitman. Max seems to be a better friend of the Common. See details below Max Taylor Email: maxemersontaylorcampaign@gmail.com Phone: 865.438.8866 There
- [HRM Public Consultation Experience Submissions to HRM AG](https://halifaxcommon.ca/hrm-public-consultation-experience-submissions/) - FHC has requested in a letter to the HRM Auditor General that a Review of HRM Planning’s public consultative process as a Charter matter be conducted. Ten case studies written by individual citizens representing community groups who have engaged in HRM public consultation accompany the request. They are as follows: 1. Young Avenue District Heritage
- [In the News—parking garages, developments, Centre Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/july-update-parking-garages-developments-centre-plan/) - FHC Update: During COVID bubbling its been wonderful to see how many people are enjoying the Common for sitting, playing, eating, socializing or relaxing. A round up of recent media stories shows what Friends of Halifax Common has been busy doing to work with citizens to protect the Halifax Common. Legislative protection of the Halifax
- [FHC Requests HRM Auditor General Review Public Consultative Process as a Charter Matter](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-requests-hrm-auditor-general-review-public-consultative-process-as-a-charter-matter/) - August, 2020-Letter to HRM Auditor General Re- Review of HRM Planning’s public consultative process as a Charter matter This letter (accompanied by 10 brief case studies) is to request that HRM Auditor General conduct a review of HRM Planning Department’s public engagement process and outcomes with respect to HRM planning and council votes. In writing
- [Rick Howe-FHC Request to AG for Review of Public Consultation Process](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-fhc-request-to-ag-review-of-public-consultation-process/) - Rick Howe interviews FHC's Peggy Cameron- Why have ten community groups asked HRM's auditor general to do a review of HRM's public engagement process and outcomes?
- [News 95.7 Sheldon MacLeod Interview on FHC Request to Auditor General](https://halifaxcommon.ca/news-95-7-sheldon-macleod-interview-on-fhc-request-to-auditor-general/) - HRM spends considerable amounts of money and staff resources in public consultation for urban planning and other projects but to what purpose? Listen to Sheldon MacLeod's interview with Peggy Cameron about FHC's letter to HRM's Auditor General asking for a review of HRM Planning's public consultative process as a Charter matter. The letter contains 10
- [Rick Howe News 95.7: Health Do$$ars to Build Parking Garages - Governments Going Backwards](https://halifaxcommon.ca/health-to-build-parking-garages-governments-going-backwards/) - News 95.7 Rick Howe speaks with Peggy Cameron on "Why do HRM mayor and council hold the Common in contempt?" Eliminating green space to build expensive new parking garages is a turn in the wrong direction. Over 50% of hospital staff are interested in other transportation options. So why aren't governments working to improve transportation
- [Herald Op Ed: Why do HRM's mayor and council hold the Common in such contempt?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/herald-op-ed-why-do-hrms-mayor-and-council-hold-the-common-in-such-contempt/) - K'JIPUKTUK (Halifax) On June 23, the Halifax Common, Canada’s oldest and largest, turned 257. There is good news. The 1994 Halifax Common Masterplan goals committed to by the city continue to be front and fore in citizens’ present-day desires. This is reflected in findings of the public consultation for the new masterplan begun in 2017
- [Welcome Spring Around the Common!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/spring-around-the-common/) - Why not welcome Spring with a walk around the Common? The perimeter is ~4km and it takes ~1 hour to circumnavigate. Until now public directives telling us to stay at home to help flatten the COVID-19 curve have not banned being outside. That’s lucky, as while our society prioritizes health benefits associated with rigorous physical
- [RFP for 8-storey parkade on North Side of Museum of Natural History Has a Nasty Surprise](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rfp-for-8-storey-parkade-on-north-side-of-museum-of-natural-history-has-a-nasty-surprise/) - KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) With no explanation, Department of Transportation’s 889 page RFP for the Summer Street parking garage has a nasty one-sentence surprise buried deep inside the Sustainability Requirements section that specifically eliminates superior-to-conventional-ramp-parking alternative solutions. "Automated parking facilities and systems capable of receiving, parking, and retrieving passenger vehicles automatically are not considered viable for
- [Halifax council approves new hospital parking proposal for Summer Street](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-council-approves-new-hospital-parking-proposal-for-summer-street/) - CBC, Pam Berman, April 9, 2020 ..." Friends of the Halifax Common, are still unhappy with the plans to build parking structures in the area. "Neither the city nor the province have a strong sense of what is the real value of the Halifax Common," said Peggy Cameron. "It was public, open space that was
- [Council OKs revised parkade plan - Chronicle Herald](https://halifaxcommon.ca/council-oks-revised-parkade-plan-chronicle-herald/) - Chronicle Herald, Frank Campbell , April 10 "...The Friends of the Common group doesn’t agree that it’s a win for the city or its citizens. In a news release Wednesday, the group said it had 2,900 citizens sign a petition to the mayor and council objecting to any components of the Infirmary site going on
- [New Parking Garage Proposal is 8-storeys on north side of NS Museum](https://halifaxcommon.ca/parking-garage-is-back-8-storeys-on-the-north-side-of-ns-museum/) - FHC has written a letter to HRM Council asking that they refuse the Provincial Government's latest proposal for an 8-storey, 512 stall parking garage on the north side of the Nova Scotia Museum Site. (An entrance would be on Bell Road and it would connect to the Halifax Infirmary via a pedway across Summer.) A
- [Halifax Infirmary parkade plan draws criticism](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-infirmary-parkade-plan-draws-criticism/) - Chronicle Herald, Nov 4, Francis Campbell The new parking plan for the Halifax Infirmary site is drawing criticism. “It’s clearly the case that the hospital is not even thinking about what are the benefits of public open space, they are just going ahead and doing the easiest thing to accommodate a growing demand for cars
- [QE II Model of Health Kills More Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/qe-ii-model-of-health-kills-more-common/) - Most Haligonians are aware of recent news stories on the situation with the Province's plans for hospital expansion on Halifax Common land. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has moved in and started excavations for several massive demolition and rebuilding projects, and apparently it is difficult for anyone, even HRM Councillors to get any
- [Petition to Protect the Halifax Common ](https://halifaxcommon.ca/petition-to-protect-the-halifax-common/) - Update: Congratulations, you made the difference! A sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to send an email, sign the petition and show support for the Halifax Common. On Tuesday Feb 25, Waye Mason tabled the petition at HRM Council. FHC is working to have the petition tabled at the Nova Scotia
- [Rick Howe - Province's Parkade Unplanned](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-provinces-parkade-unplanned/) - It's time to write the Premier- premier@gov.ns.ca. Tell him that the Provincial government's announcement for a parking garage and steam plant surrounding the Nova Scotia Museum on the Halifax Common needs to be called off -it is unplanned, unnecessary and destructive. Rick Howe's recent interview with Beverly Miller gives a good overview of the situation:
- [We Need More Green Space Not Less- 95.7 Sheldon MacLeod](https://halifaxcommon.ca/we-need-more-green-space-not-less-sheldon-macleon/) - We need nature. Whether its a plant or a park, the evidence that public open space has important physical and mental health benefits is growing. But even-tho the Centre Plan wants 30,000+ new residents within HRM's urban core we are shrinking the Common. On April 24, one day before a public consultation for the Halifax
- [Rick Howe Interview - No More Parking on Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-interview-no-more-parking-on-common/) - The provincial government has plans to build a new $29.5 million parking garage by the Museum of Natural History for the Halifax Infirmary. Peggy Cameron, co-chair of Friends of Halifax Common, takes issue with more Common being used for parking. Between 20-25% is already used for parking - there are better options!
- [Time to care for Canada’s oldest, besieged Common - Chronicle Herald Op Ed](https://halifaxcommon.ca/op-ed-time-to-care-for-canadas-oldest-besieged-common/) - Published July 1, 2018 June 23 marked the 255th anniversary of the Halifax Common, the 1763 Crown Grant by King George III for 235 acres of land and five acres of roads given “to and for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax as Common forever.” Clamoured for by the poor and
- [June 4th - Letter to Heritage Advisory Committee re Carlton Street proposals](https://halifaxcommon.ca/june-4th-letter-to-heritage-advisory-committee-re-carlton-street-proposals/) - Howard Epstein's June 4th letter to the Heritage Advisory Committee requested that the HAC strive to achieve a better balance between the interests of developers and those of citizens as they consider the Rouvalis and Dexel proposals. For example, more reasonable were proposals from the Centre Plan Public Consultation where HRM story-boards suggested adding 400
- [Op Ed - HRM Centre Plan Process Sidelines Citizens](https://halifaxcommon.ca/op-ed-hrm-centre-plan-process-sidelines-citizens/) - Chronicle Herald, Reader's Corner The Centre Plan process began back in 2016. The idea, based on a study commissioned by HRM and done by Stantec, was to add population density on the peninsula and in central Dartmouth to make better use of our civic infrastructure and make it more economical. Sound good? City council certainly
- [Unanimous Approval of Carlton St Developments New Low In City Governance](https://halifaxcommon.ca/unanimous-approval-of-carlton-street-developments-new-low-in-city-governance/) - Mayor Savage and Council's unanimous approval of two proposal for four towers in historic Carlton Street's neighbourhood is a new low in city governance. Eight hundred+ citizens petitioned against the proposals and a dozen+ speakers at July 15th's special meeting spoke in opposition. HRM ignored Development Options Halifax's requests to present a 3-D model showing
- [Comedian Cathy Jones says Halifax losing ‘its livability and its character’ due to high-rise developments](https://halifaxcommon.ca/comedian-cathy-jones-says-halifax-losing-its-livability-and-its-character-due-to-high-rise-developments/) - Chronicle Herald, July 8, 2019, Francis Campbell Comedian Cathy Jones says Halifax losing ‘its livability and its character’ due to high-rise developments Cathy Jones thrives on an ability to make people laugh, to get a rise out of a live or TV audience. But the 64-year-old St. John's-born comedian doesn't see the proliferation of proposed
- [HOWARD EPSTEIN: HRM council is kowtowing to developers](https://halifaxcommon.ca/howard-epstein-hrm-council-kowtowing-to-developers/) - Chronicle Herald, July 8, 2019 This is the council that is making Halifax unlivable. The main problems are in the unaffordability of housing and congested transportation. Council is not doing its basic job. Its consideration of the two proposals for the Spring Garden Road/Robie Street/Carlton/College Street block illustrates the problem. Not that this is the
- [Citizens See 3-D model - but HRM won't look!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/citizens-see-3-d-model-but-hrm-wont-look/) - Development Option Halifax's 3-D model of 2 Carlton Street proposals shows them together together for the first time. This cheap and available technology helps understand the scale, perspective and placement. Unfortunately HRM’s Heritage Advisory Committee ignored requests to present the 3-D model to aid them in their approval process. Listen to Sheldon MacLeod’s interview with
- [3-D Model Shows the Big Picture](https://halifaxcommon.ca/3-d-model-shows-the-big-picture/) - Development Options Halifax wants the city to require 3-D models for all developments and for changes proposed with the Centre Plan. Learn why in this interview from News 95.7FM where host Todd Veinotte speaks with the architect and 3-D modeller Hadrian Laing: Then read & sign the petition - https://forms.gle/3enTs6PfSkmMmNW48
- [Dear Centre Plan, Show us your 3-D models!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/dear-centre-plan-show-us-your-3-d-models/) - FHC has joined other citizens to form Development Options Halifax. Recently the public saw our 3-D print model of 4 towers that 2 developers want to build at Carleton, College, Spring Garden and Robie. This technology is readily available, effective and cheap but it's the first time it's been used to model developments for Halifax
- [The Path of Freshwater Brook Commemorated](https://halifaxcommon.ca/the-path-of-freshwater-brook-commemorated/) - Friends of Halifax Common celebrated Earth Day 2011 by installing 100 blue stakes along the former pathway of Freshwater Brook. Approximately 30 willow tree switches were planted alongside the blue stakes which were decorated with fish - as a reference to the former waterway. The original Halifax Common included the lands which drained into this
- [Planning A Carlton Street Super Block Isn't Urgent - It's Premature, Piecemeal and Peculiar.](https://halifaxcommon.ca/carlton-piecemeal-and-peculiar/) - Why exactly are Mayor Savage and HRM Council following the lead of the Lawen/Dexel and Rouvalis developers who want to break rules and jump ahead of HRM's planning process to build 16, 20, 26 and 30-storey towers on the Carlton Street block of the Halifax Common? Listen to Rick Howe's interview with FHC director Howard
- [Heritage is Greater than the Sum of the Parts](https://halifaxcommon.ca/heritage-is-greater-than-the-sum-of-the-parts/) - In early January FHC as part of Development Options Halifax held a media conference to show a model of two massive developments (16-, 20-, 26- and 30-storey towers) proposed for the historic Carlton Street area together to the public for the first time. Listen to the interview below by News 95.7 Sheldon MacLeod about the
- [Time to Start Over - Spring Garden Road, Robie, College, Carlton St Projects are TOO Massive](https://halifaxcommon.ca/spring-garden-road-projects-need-to-be-seen-together-in-planning-procces-time-to-start-over/) - "Development Options Halifax" is a new group using technology to model two proposals for four towers 16, 30, 20 and 26-storeys, at Spring Garden Rd, Robie, College and Carlton Streets and to explore alternatives. At 3/4 the size of the Nova Centre these are among the most colossal proposals in Halifax to date. If approved
- [Rick Howe 95.7- Carlton Street Area- Conservation District or Developers' Demolition Dream?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-95-7-carlton-street-area-conservation-district-or-developers-demolition-dream/) - Next steps for 2 proposals for 16-, 20-, 26- & 30-storey towers beside Carlton Street, (Halifax's only Heritage streetscape?) will be a review by the Heritage Advisory Committee and then the Halifax and West Community Council. Meeting dates are not yet scheduled. Up to 11 buildings on the last historic neighbourhood of the South Common
- [Designate Carlton Street Area as Conservation District!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/designate-carlton-street-area-as-conservation-district/) - Two developments for four towers (16-, 20-, 23-, 30-storeys) on the single block between Carlton, Spring Garden, Robie & College continue on a path to destroy dozens of affordable housing and small-scale commercial units on the last historic neighbourhood on the Halifax Common's South Common. In an August 29th letter to Mayor Savage FHC Director
- [Willow Tree Tower Ignores Planning Process and Common Interest](https://halifaxcommon.ca/willow-tree-tower-ignores-planning-process-and-common-interest/) - May 22, 2018 Dear Mayor and Council, Re case 18966- 25-storey Armco Project As members of the Friends of Halifax Common we write to ask that you not proceed with further steps towards approving a 25-storey ARMCO building at the corner of Quinpool and Robie. We remind you that at the January 16th public hearing
- [CBC's Bob Murphy Interviews Councillor Outhit, Joachim Stroink & Peggy Cameron](https://halifaxcommon.ca/cbcs-bob-murphy-interviews-councillor-outhit-joachim-stroink-peggy-cameron/) - Please listen to the interview and then let CBC know what you think: 1-888-686-6246 or mainhfx@cbc.ca HRM Councillor Shawn Cleary has crafted a deal for a new public hearing for a 25-storey proposal for George Armoyen at Robie and Quinpool instead of the 20-storey proposal presented to the public on January 16. Its more bad
- [CBC Mainstreet Interview -The Common Roots Farm Move is a Chance to Grow Our Parks!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/cbc-main-st-common-roots-farm-move-a-chance-to-grow-our-parks/) - CBC's Bob Murphy interviews Common Roots Urban Farm's Jayme Melrose about its impending move from the former QEHS site on the Halifax Common. FHC's Peggy Cameron follows (at 09:40) to describe the search for a new location as a chance for the city to expand its parks and live up to its past commitments. More
- [Rick Howe Interview - Council Caves on Willow Tree Tower](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-interview-council-caves-on-willow-tree-tower/) - In June HRM Council ignored public opinion and staff advice to vote 10 to 6 in favour of George Armoyen's 25-storey tower at Robie and Quinpool. The building will degrade the neighbourhood and the Halifax Common. And the decision assures an elite class of developers that democratically derived rules don't matter to Council. Hear a
- [FHC's Presentation to Council at Willow Tree Public Hearing](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhcs-presentation-to-council-at-willow-tree-public-hearing/) - June 19, 2018 Dear Mayor and Council, Friends of Halifax Common oppose this proposed 25-storey tower. Further we believe this project is the wrong focus for HRM staff, Council and the public at this time. FHC has closely followed or participated in the ~ 20 “events” that have led to today’s extra public hearing. These
- [Common Roots Urban Farm - Transplant it to St Pat's!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/cruf-transplant-it-to-st-pats/) - An idea planted by FHC led Jayme Melrose and her volunteers to transform QEHS lands into a place of productive beauty. Now the farm is evicted and still homeless. So let's imagine the St Pat's site with that same vision & ask HRM to transplant Common Roots to Quinpool. 95.7's Listen to Sheldon MacLeod's interview
- [Does Halifax need Missing "Gentle Density" or Armoyan's 20-storeys?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/does-halifax-need-missing-gentle-density-or-armoyans-20-storeys/) - FHC's latest letter to City Council asking them to not approve a 20- or 29-storey highrise at Robie & Quinpool, at City Hall's April 25th public hearing included Brent Toderian's “Canadian Cities need more gentle density to address housing crunch" article from Halifax Metro. The former Vancouver city planner writes that ground-oriented housing that’s denser
- [Halifax Common Consultation - Use 1994 Plan as Starting Point](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-common-consultation-take-inspiration-from-the-work-of-others/) - At the invitation of the Halifax Master-plan Consultants' Team FHC reviewed and highlighted Ten Items from the 1994 Halifax Common Plan of Current Significance in creating a New Halifax Master Plan... 1. Recognition that the need for a Plan for the Halifax Common was and is brought about “...partly from concern about the increasing number
- [Postpone Pop-up Stadium Decision, Complete Halifax Common Masterplan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/postpone-pop-up-stadium-decision-complete-halifax-common-masterplan/) - Dear HRM Mayor and Council Re: Request to postpone decision on Private-for-profit stadium on Halifax Common’s Wanderers’ Grounds until completion of on-going Halifax Common Master Plan Consultation. Presently HRM is in the midst of a public consultations for the Halifax Common’s Master-plan, a process which began in the December 2017. The consultant team, Upland Studios,
- ["It Is Our City!" - FHC Comments on The Centre Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/it-is-our-city-fhc-comments-on-the-centre-plan/) - FHC supports the principles of the Centre Plan but believe it needs a better balance of proper densification and environmental care. Below are recent suggestions and concerns that we submitted. There are four distinct themes that build on previous asks such as growth scenarios that include commuter rail and 3-D models of what the Centre
- [Two Halifax Common Stories - Thank you Halifax Magazine!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/two-halifax-common-stories-thank-you-halifax-magazine/) - Two recent articles in Halifax Magazine about the Halifax Common are nicely informative with beautiful photos. "For the Common Good" by Katie Ingram describes FHC's efforts to have the City honour its 1994 promise to keep the Common's public open space and recapture its lost open space. This is contrasted with HRM staff's efforts to
- [Common Roots Urban Farm Needs a Home- Think BIG!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/common-roots-urban-farm-needs-a-home-think-big/) - Common Roots Urban Farm will need a new home after this growing season. Plan to attend the public engagement session - Wed, April 11, 7-9 pm, at Citadel High’s Atrium to explore ideas for its future. Its time to think bigger! That’s how we got the Urban Farm in the first place. Back in 2007
- [The Draft Centre Plan Harms the Common- (some more)](https://halifaxcommon.ca/the-draft-centre-plan-harms-the-common-some-more/) - Disruption to Halifax’s built environment proposed under the Centre Plan is of a scale equal to or greater than that of Cogswell and Africville together. Please attend the open houses (see schedule below) to inform yourself about the Centre Plan and provide feedback. The Centre Plan is ignoring the on-going Halifax Common Master Plan Consultations and 1994 Halifax Common
- [Sheldon MacLeod Interview - Did HRM's Invalid Survey Fool the Quinpool Biz Assn.?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/sheldon-macleod-interview-trust-the-city-believe-the-quinpool-biz-assn/) - Listen to Sheldon's MacLeod's interview with FHC about misuse of HRM's invalid survey to push for 25-storeys. At January 16th's public hearing on APL's proposed 20-storey highrise, Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Assn. used HRM's invalid on-line survey to claim that the public support 25 storeys and decided to push for 5 more storeys. That same
- [CBC Radio Interview- Common's Death by a Thousand Cuts](https://halifaxcommon.ca/cbc-radio-interview-commons-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/) - On the eve of the Halifax Common's 252 anniversary CBC Mainstreet's Stephanie Domet interviews Peggy Cameron. The conversation outlines the many decisions that the city is making in advance of an integrated master plan for the Halifax Common. There are no rules. Individual decisions outside of a plan are having a cumulative impact and are
- [Rick Howe Interview: St Pat's Land- Plan For Our Future](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-show-st-pats-land-sale-wrongheaded/) - Common Roots Urban Farm is an inspiration. In 2007 instead of returning the former QEHS land to the Halifax Common as promised, HRM traded it to Capital Health. FHC and smart Capital Health decision-makers agreed that a community garden would be a good interim use. In the 5 years since a valid public consultation, gardening
- [95.7 Rick Howe - Do Mayor & Council Enable Demolitions?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/95-7-rick-howe-do-mayor-council-enable-demolitions/) - There are approximately 45-50 buildings under threat of demolition or already under the wrecking ball. What is the role of the Mayor and Council? What can they do? Why haven't they done it? And why are demolition permits being handed out "left, right and centre"?
- [Rick Howe 95.7 - Is Densification Promoting Demolition?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-is-densification-promoting-demolition/) - April 4, 2017 - Listen as Rick Howe interviews Peggy Cameron on why the Centre Plan will lead to demolition of hundreds of 2 & 3-storey Halifax & Dartmouth homes in growth centres and corridors areas such as Robie St, Spring Garden Rd, College St, Parker St, Chebucto Rd., etc. See also Critics fear Centre
- [News 95.7, Rick Howe  -  "Pop-up" "Temporary" Stadium is Private & for Profit](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-95-7-pop-up-temporary-is-private-for-profit/) - Rick Howe talks with Peggy Cameron about why the best use of the Wanderer's Grounds isn't a private business person's permanent 3,000- 6000 seat stadium with 60 port-a-potties. In fact it isn't even legal. Instead HRM needs to stay focused on the big picture - a master plan for the Halifax Common - committed to
- [News 95.7 Rick Howe; Privatizing the Halifax Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/privatizing-the-halifax-common/) - Friday June 23rd is the 254th anniversary of the granting of the 235 acre Halifax Common "to and for the use of the inhabitants of the town of Halifax, as Commons forever". No difference to HRM Council which fast-tracked its further privatization by approving a for-profit private stadium at the Wanderers Grounds. Rick Howe interviews
- [Rick Howe interview re Corridor Wasting Disease](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-interview-re-corridor-wasting-disease-2/) - Rick Howe's interview Peggy Cameron about her photographic exhibition- Corridor Wasting Disease: Robie Street, A Case Study helps us understand why proposals such as demolishing 7 houses to build an 8-storey box at Robie, Compton & Cunard are the worst choice for the economic, cultural, social and environmental needs of our city. The exhibition continues
- [Rick Howe & FHC Update on APL's Willow Tree Tower](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-fhc-on-apls-willow-tree-tower/) - Last week at Council , District 9's Shawn Cleary suddenly tried to pass a motion to have a public hearing for "up to 25-storeys" for APL's Willow Tree tower, not the 20-storeys that HRM Council voted for in March. That's because APL claims 20-storeys won’t make money. Luckily Cleary’s motion didn't get a 2/3 majority.
- [Rick Howe Interview re Master Plan Consultation](https://halifaxcommon.ca/rick-howe-interview-re-master-plan-consultation/) - After 11 years of FHC work the Halifax Common Master Plan process has begun -23 years after city hall's commitment. The first public meeting confirms that the place to start must be the informed and balanced 1994 Halifax Common Plan. We must plan for the entire Halifax Common. We can't leave anything to private discussions between the
- [Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association Boycotts Residents](https://halifaxcommon.ca/quinpool-road-mainstreet-district-association-boycotts-residents/) - FHC's executive has written to the Quinpool Rd. Mainstreet District Association to express dismay at their enthusiastic endorsement of APL's proposed 25-storey project at Robie and Quinpool at the January 16th public hearing. The Association is aware since the first public meeting that members of the public, largely residents of the neighbourhoods, were unanimously opposed
- [Sheldon MacLeod Interview -Why is Quinpool Business Association Boycotting Neighbourhood?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/sheldon-macleod-interview-why-is-quinpool-biz-association-boycotting-neighbourhood/) - FHC wonders why Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association enthusiastically endorsed APL's proposed 25-storey building at Robie & Quinpool at the public hearing meant to consider 20-storeys. Residents oppose this block-buster project and have engaged with the Centre Plan and Halifax Common Master Plan processes in hopes of developing a vision for the district that respects
- [Saving the Oval: Take the Time to Make the Best Decision](https://halifaxcommon.ca/saving-the-oval-take-the-time-to-make-the-best-decision/) - In its rush to Save the Oval, the HRM staff report on the Canada Games Oval recommending a single centralized skating facility on the North Halifax Common has miscalculated the price tag and budget implications. "One cost missing is NSPI's forecasted 20% electricity rate increase by 2015," says Alan Ruffman, Executive member of Friends of
- [Speak or Write for the Common Good - City Hall, 6pm Tues Jan 16](https://halifaxcommon.ca/speak-or-write-for-the-common-good-city-hall-6pm-tues-jan-16/) - Save the date- George Armoyan’s APL proposal for 20- 25- or 29- storeys at Quinpool, Robie & Parker next the the Halifax Common has a Public Hearing on Tuesday January 16th, 6pm at City Hall. Please attend - this tower is bad news for the Halifax Common and bad news for the neighbourhoods. It will cause shadows
- [The 1994 Halifax Common Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/the-1994-halifax-common-plan/) - In 1994, after public uproar over paving part of the Common for the Grand Prix road races, Halifax City Council adopted the Halifax Common Plan after a successful and meaningful public consultation. It promised... Section 2.1:The amount of public open space in the Halifax Common will not be decreased. Section 3.1:The amount of land owned
- [Chronicle Herald Review - Artist critiques HRM’s plans: Robie St., a case study](https://halifaxcommon.ca/chronicle-herald-review-artist-critiques-hrms-plans-robie-st-a-case-study/) - Peggy Cameron's photo exhibit, Corridor Wasting Disease, is on display at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, contintues until Thursday, Nov. 2nd. Shown here is Case Study Sample No.2636 Review by Lisa Cochrane “In nature, everything is connected,” states environmental consultant and photographer Peggy Cameron. “Likewise, this city is an ecosystem.
- [Urgent-Common Neighbourhood Under Threat at Cunard, Robie & Compton](https://halifaxcommon.ca/common-neighbourhood-under-threat-at-cunard-robie-compton/) - What: Please attend HRM's Public meeting to give feedback on the proposed Tony's Pizza development. When: Wed. Oct. 11th, 7 pm Where: Halifax Forum (Maritime Hall) Can't attend? Please write the clerks@halifax.ca about Case 20577 Details: Abe Salloum (owner of Tony’s Pizza) wants to demolish 7 buildings on Cunard St, Robie St, & Compton Ave. and
- [Tell Council APL's Proposal Needs to Start Over](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tell-council-apls-proposal-needs-to-start-over/) - Tomorrow (Tuesday Nov 14) APL is coming back to HRM Council arguing that their business case for Willow Tree only works at 25-storeys, not the 20-storeys that Council voted to bring to a public hearing. Please tell your Councillor not to yield to the developer's pressure. FHC agrees with Councillors Waye Mason and Lindell
- [HRM Mayor and Council contact information](https://halifaxcommon.ca/hrm-mayor-and-council-contact-information/)
- [Photographic Exhibition, Corridor Wasting Disease: Robie Street, a Case Study](https://halifaxcommon.ca/photographic-exhibition-corridor-wasting-disease-case-study-robie-st/) - Exhibition: 9 AM - 5 PM, Oct 4 - 31, 2017 (Wed 9 AM - 8 PM and Mon - Closed) Location: Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History 1747 Summer Street, side entrance, bottom corridor https://naturalhistory.novascotia.ca Opening Reception: Wed Oct 4th, 5 PM - 7 PM Canada’s Endangered Places Committee (EPC) has added hundreds of
- [Good News - Bad News                                            Purcell's Cove Backlands & Halifax Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/good-news-bad-news-purcells-cove-backlands-halifax-common/) - There's good news- a few days ago HRM issued an RFP for the Master Plan for the Halifax Common. Next Council agreed to pay $4.1 million to help protect the Purcell's Cove Backland. Mayor Savage's statement, “As our city grows, it is more important than ever to preserve natural recreational spaces,” supports what many citizens
- [Please, Write to Stop this Shady Dealing!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/please-write-to-stop-this-shady-dealing/) - HRM Council moves one step closer to approving a 20 or 29- storey mega-lithic money-maker tower for APL (George Armoyan) at Robie & Quinpool on March 21st. That's against what 99% of citizens who spoke at public meetings or wrote letters want. But letters don't get carried forward so if you didn't write in March,
- [April 25th Public Hearing on 20-storeys is About Taking from the Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/april-25th-public-hearing-for-20-storeys-is-not-a-compromise-its-a-theft/) - HRM's Public Hearing for Armoyan's proposal for the Willow Tree is April 25th, 6 pm at City Hall. But Friends of Halifax Common 10-year effort to have HRM honour its 1994 commitment to develop an integrated master plan for the Halifax Common is ignored. The 240 acre Halifax Common is a unique parcel granted by
- [Wanderer's Grounds "Pop-up" "temporary" stadium illegal](https://halifaxcommon.ca/wanderers-grounds-pop-up-temporary-stadium-illegal/) - Proposed "pop-up" "temporary" stadium on Halifax Common Wanderer's Grounds is illegal says Friends of Halifax Common. A proposed private, long-term use of Halifax Common lands is not permitted under legislation governing the Halifax Common. Nor is it considered in the 1994 Halifax Common Plan documents which emphasize that temporary events are for a "limited amount
- [Wanderer's Grounds Facing Privatization](https://halifaxcommon.ca/wanderers-grounds-facing-privatization/) - On Tuesday, June 20th Mayor Savage and Council approved the proposal for a private stadium on the public Wanderers' Grounds. Friends of Halifax Common (FHC) have outlined our serious concerns about the bias of the City's Staff Report and the staff's recommendation to fast-track the approval for the pop-up stadium in a letter we delivered
- [Walk the Common Link Pathway](https://halifaxcommon.ca/walk-the-common-link-pathway-10-am-friday/) - The Common Link is a pathway currently being developed to link the green spaces within the Halifax Common – Victoria Park, Public Gardens, and the Halifax Common North. See pathway on the attached map. Friends of Halifax Common are excited to be working with the Common Link folks who have taken inspiration from the Boston
- [Opinion: Open Letter to Premier McNeil - Do Better](https://halifaxcommon.ca/opinion-open-letter-to-premier-mcneil-do-better/) - The following interview with Sheldon MacLeod is based on an open letter sent to Premier Stephen McNeil in August 2017 Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil's government plans to export wind energy, continue burning coal through 2030 and twin the province's highways. These policies need a climate update, says Peggy Cameron in an open letter to
- [Developer Delays May 23rd Public Hearing - FHC Requests New HRM Staff Report](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-requests-new-hrm-staff-report-before-public-hearing-on-apl-20-or-29-storeys/) - For a second time developer APL has asked to delay the HRM Public Hearing for its 20 or 29-storey highrise at Robie and Quinpool. FHC has written City Hall to request a new HRM staff report before HRM Council holds a Public Hearing. FHC's concerns about accuracy, bias and comprehensiveness of analyses and statements by
- [Speak or Write for the Common Good - 6pm Tues. May 23](https://halifaxcommon.ca/speak-or-write-for-the-common-good-6pm-tuesday-may-23/) - Urgent - Tell the Mayor & Council to say "No!" to APL's proposed 20 or 29-storey highrise at Robie & Quinpool A Public Hearing at City Hall on Tuesday May 23rd at 6pm is your last chance to voice your concern. APL's proposal will be a permanent looming intrusion on the Halifax Common and neighbourhood
- [Wanderer's Grounds' private "pop-up" "temporary" Stadium Illegal](https://halifaxcommon.ca/wanderers-grounds-private-pop-up-temporary-stadium-illegal/) - A proposed private, long-term use of Halifax Common lands is not permitted under legislation governing the Halifax Common. Nor is it considered in the 1994 Halifax Common Plan documents which emphasize that temporary events are for a "limited amount of time" or a "short period of time" and understood to not restrict "general public use
- [Chronicle Herald Op-Ed - Running Circles Around Common Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/celebrate-the-common-250-1/) - Published June 27th, 2014 This week marked the 251st anniversary of the signing of the 1763 land grant of 240 acres “for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax as Common forever.” This year also marks 20 years since the City of Halifax approved the 1994 Halifax Common Plan, a document that
- [Write to Stop 20+ or 29-storeys at Quinpool/Robie](https://halifaxcommon.ca/write-to-stop-20-storeys-at-quinpoolrobie/) - Armoyan's proposal comes before Council on Tuesday, March 21. As a next step, a public-hearing date will be scheduled. Please write to say: re Case 18966: Do not approve APL's 20 or 29-storey tower at Robie & Quinpool at this time. Wait for the Centre Plan. Dear Mayor and Council: Please say "No!" to the
- [Centre Plan - The Good, the Bad and the Just Plain Stupid](https://halifaxcommon.ca/centre-plan-the-good-the-bad-and-the-just-plain-stupid/) - There's one good change for the Halifax Common in the draft Centre Plan but the rest seems like more bad news... The Good The draft Centre Plan designates the Halifax Common a "Cultural Landscape" (p 54) but now it needs to make it meaningful by adopting the 1994 Halifax Common Plan as part of the
- [HRM Planning Information Meeting -   Wednesday Dec 7th                               19 proposals at 1 meeting](https://halifaxcommon.ca/hrm-planning-jamboree/) - Please attend this important meeting and make comments on the 19 proposed developments... Most of the 19 proposals are for highrises that break existing height restrictions and are out-of -scale with neighbourhoods. They'll cause dozens of affordable small-scale, mixed-use residential units, commercial spaces & historic houses to be demolished. This will harm Halifax's Common in
- [Please Comment on 18 Spot Re-Zoning Projects](https://halifaxcommon.ca/please-comment-on-18-spot-re-zoning-projects/) - There is worrisome trend for the developer tail to be wagging the HRM Centre Plan. And for some folks to not have to follow the rules. HRM is asking the public to comment on 18 projects (many on or near the Halifax Common), that break rules and will hand hundreds of millions of dollars in
- [Sorry, Wanderer's Grounds is not available for Stadium](https://halifaxcommon.ca/wanderers-grounds-is-not-available-for-stadium/) - Friends of Halifax Common have written to HRM Mayor and Council asking them to make a statement to refute rumours and media coverage indicating there will be a stadium built on the Wanderer's Grounds. The city has received an unsolicited proposal from a private person to put in 3-5,000 temporary bleacher seats. So begins the
- [HRM Planning Jamboree - Developers Take a Lesson from The Donald](https://halifaxcommon.ca/hrm-planning-jamboree-developers-take-a-lesson-from-the-donald/) - If you've been watching the Halifax development scene maybe you weren't surprized about the US election. You already know there are no rules. A one-stop shopping jamboree for 18 new development agreement applications, with an open house style HRM Public Information Meeting on Wednesday, December 7, 12–2 and 6–8, at the Atlantica Hotel will determine
- [Working with Nature, a Common Cause](https://halifaxcommon.ca/kevin-hooper-presentation-agm/) - How can understanding former uses and natural features of the Halifax Common help us deal with contemporary concerns and future challenges? To learn more come & hear guest speaker Kevin Hooper Tuesday April 12, 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm Room 301, Halifax Central Library, Spring Garden Road A refreshments break at 8:45 pm will be
- [FHC Letter- South Park Loft Breaks Public Values & Trust](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-letter-south-park-loft-breaks-public-values-trust-2/) - HRM's Design Review Committee has approved Olympus Property's South Park Loft an 11-story tower spanning the block between South Park and Brenton Streets directly across from the Halifax Common's Victoria Park. The proposed building is the 3rd recently approved highrise in the single block of South Park Street between Spring Garden Road and Clyde St.
- [Dear Mayor-Take Control of Demolition Permits](https://halifaxcommon.ca/dear-mayor-take-control-of-demolition-permits/) - Dear Mayor Savage and Council: Re: Take Immediate Action to obtain an amendment to HRM City Charter to control issuance of demolition permits. I write to request that the HRM Municipal Council take immediate action to ask the provincial government for an amendment to the HRM Charter so as to obtain control over demolition permits.
- [Write now! Help Amend City Charter to Stop Demolition](https://halifaxcommon.ca/write-now-you-can-help-amend-city-charter/) - Write now to the Law Amendments Committee (c/o legc@novascotia.ca) to ask for amendments to Bill 177- An Act to Amend the HRM City Charter and the Municipal Government Act so the city can take control over issuing demolition permits, ensuring affordable housing, and protecting built environment, streetscapes and public space etc. Bill 177 has been
- [St Pat's Report - Ignores Public In-put, Favours Big Development.](https://halifaxcommon.ca/st-pats-report-ignores-public-in-put-favours-big-development/) - May 27, 2016 Dear Peninsular Advisory Committee Members: RE: St Pat’s High School I am writing to suggest that the process for determining what should be built on the former St Pat’s High School has not been conducted with enough rigor or within a proper framework to ensure its final recommendations are valid and to
- [FHC to Centre Plan- "Protect the Common"](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-to-centre-plan-protect-the-common-good/) - FHC Centre Plan Submission May 2016 emphasizes the importance of public open space. As HRM's population grows we need to protect and expand access to green land and blue sky, not just on the Halifax Common but throughout the city. Below's a summary of FHC requests for how the 1994 Halifax Common Plan be respected.*
- [Centre Plan Threatens Halifax Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/centre-plan-threatens-halifax-common/) - What ever happened to planning for the Common good? Deliberately or otherwise and despite FHC's submission to the Centre Plan, the new draft Centre Plan growth scenarios are about to continue the obliteration of the Halifax Common in at least five ways. 1. The Halifax Common Planning Boundary continues to be mislabeled. 2. Highrise growth
- ["Making a Bad Situation Worse," FHC Centre Plan Submission](https://halifaxcommon.ca/making-a-bad-situation-worse-fhc-centre-plan-submission/) - "We see the draft Centre Plan as making a bad situation worse. We urge a complete re-thinking of the draft Plan." Howard Epstein, Board Member, Friends of Halifax Common Below are FHC Board Member Howard Epstein's comments on HRM's June 27th draft Centre Plan Growth Scenarios submitted to HRM Community Advisory Committee. His letter addresses
- [Mayor & Council Vote to 'Fenwick' the Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fenwick-the-common/) - [ alternate link to sound file ] What is the racket at city hall? Despite overwhelming public opposition to George Armoyen's proposed 29-storey highrise at Robie and Quinpool, City Council has voted to support the project as-is. Four Councilors - Watts, Mancini, Mason and Nicholl - voted to support the recommendation by City Staff for
- [Good Planning Needs Adequate Notification & Time to Reflect - -  A letter from Howard Epstein, FHC to Jacob Ritchie, HRM](https://halifaxcommon.ca/good-planning-needs-adequate-notification-time-to-reflect-howard-epstein/) - FHC Board Member, Howard Epstein, has written to HRM's Jacob Ritchie following a recent meeting to relate points of common understanding and to reiterate FHC concerns with about the Halifax Common and the proposed Centre Plan. In summary: The Halifax Common is a special place distinct from normal parks. The 1994 Halifax Common Plan could
- [Letter to Mayor Savage - Stop Development Agreements](https://halifaxcommon.ca/mayor-savage-stop-development-agreements/) - Your worship, I am writing again to request that HRM Council consider a moratorium on development applications and on any individual changes to the MPS, pending completion of the Centre Plan and also of the Bonusing Study. As stated in my letter of July 2015 it is inappropriate to proceed with any more of these
- [Brenton Place - Giving Away the Public Good](https://halifaxcommon.ca/brenton-place-giving-away-the-public-good-a-developer-free-for-all/) - In July 2016 HRM's Design Review Committee (DRC) approved the controversial 16-storey Brenton Place. FHC's letter to the DRC outlines its concerns... Dear DRC Committee Members: Please do not permit the extra height for the Brenton Place proposal. The building is already controversial as it will block the sw side of the adjacent WM Fares
- [Are Dexel Developers Slick Marketers Using Brent Toderian & Bob Bjerke?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/are-dexel-developers-slick-marketers-using-brent-toderian/) - FHC’s belief that protecting the Halifax Common must be a top priority as the population in the urban core grows is supported by growing evidence of the social, health and environmental benefits of public open space. Sadly Dexel Construction’s private consultation for a 28+/- tower on Halifax Common land at Spring Garden Rd, Carleton and
- [Come for a Walk on the Common Link - October 24, 2015](https://halifaxcommon.ca/walking-the-common-link-you-are-invited/) - You are invited by the recently formed Common Link Association to join us for a walk along a newly proposed 'Common Link.' This route is designed to connect the green spaces and blue vistas through the heart of Halifax. Please come and support our efforts to create and promote a continuous, easy-access loop through the
- [Protect Public Blue Space Too!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/public-blue-space-is-part-and-parcel-of-pubic-green-space/) - Don't take the view of public blue sky for granted. No, Halifax developers aren't painting the town red, but they are trying to get rich by occupying public blue space next to green space. Presently there are proposals for 25-, 28-, 18-, 11-, 25-storey buildings around the Halifax Common. As well, on Halifax Common land,
- [Respect Public Values, Stop St Pat's Process Until After Centre Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/stop-st-pats-process-until-after-centre-plan/) - FHC's Peggy Cameron speaks with Rick Howe's about problems with the St Pat's process and other development agreements in the city. The Peninsular Advisory Committee (PAC) will re-convene on June 27th to further discuss St Pat's fate. There's still time to tell the Mayor and Council to stop precluding the Centre Plan and take action
- [FHC Letter-South Park Loft Breaks Public Values & Trust](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-letter-south-park-loft-breaks-public-values-trust/) - This December 10, 2015 letter to Design Review Committee Members, Mayor Mike Savage and Regional Council presents reasons why the proposed project South Park Loft should not be permitted to be constructed as planned. 1994 Halifax Common Plan: The 1994 Halifax Common Plan provides goals, objections and specific direction based on the foundations laid through
- [Halifax - Dartmouth neighbourhoods aren't “out-of-date” or ready for demolition.](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-dartmouth-neighbourhoods-arent-out-of-date-or-ready-for-demolition-2/) - MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 1, 2016 (Halifax) Between 45 & 50 buildings on the Halifax Peninsula are about to be demolished or are under threat. When you add it up, Halifax is under siege by some developers that want to build outside existing planning rules and get ahead of the Centre Plan.
- [Steele Auto Expansion- Not a New Experience](https://halifaxcommon.ca/steele-auto-expansion-not-a-new-problem/) - News 95.7 Sheldon MacLeod interviews Peggy Cameron about demolition being a long-term threat to neighbourhoods that the city has allowed.
- [FHC asks HRM About Armoyen/Chedrawe @ Public Meeting](https://halifaxcommon.ca/fhc-asks-hrm-about-armoyenchedrawe-public-meeting/) - On September 17, 2016 FHC attended a public meeting about the proposed 29 Storey Armoyen and 25-storey Chedrawe Highrises. Here are our questions: 1. The Halifax Common was designated as a historic site under the City Charter in 1971. The 1994 Halifax Common Plan made no mention that high-rises might encircle the Common, as height restrictions were in
- [Be Neighbourly, CBC-YMCA Is Already Twice the Allowed Height (7 vs. 14+ storeys)](https://halifaxcommon.ca/be-neighbourly-cbc-ymca-already-double-permitted-height/) - Is development polarizing Halifax because developers always want and get more? A Jan 10 CBC response article correctly points out the FHC position that city staff should be applauded, not bashed for turning down the requset for 14 more amendments from the CBC-Y site developer, Mr Spatz. His development is already double what's permitted under
- [FHC Signs Coalition Letter to Mayor &  HRM Councillors](https://halifaxcommon.ca/an-open-letter-to-mayor-savage-and-hrm-councillors-september-10-2015/) - Coalition of Community Groups to Council: "Stop Misuse of Development Agreements to Circumvent Approved Plans and Regulations" Friends of Halifax Common has joined the Coalition for Responsible Development in HRM, which includes 14 community groups from across the municipality, in sending an open letter to Mayor Savage and HRM Council today, September 10, 2015. The letter requests
- [Halifax Examiner: Wanderers Ground “unsafe”](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-examiner-wanderers-ground-unsafe/) - "The Wanderers Ground is a soggy mess." writes Tim Bousquet (Aug. 28). That's why a long-planned Rugby Canada Match against Glasgow (Scotland) Warriors scheduled for the Halifax Common's Wanderer's Grounds had to be re-located to Spryfield. Read the story below for details on how the Halifax Common remains a city priority. The Wanderers Ground is
- [St Pat's Deadline & Bullshit At 6067 Quinpool Road Post](https://halifaxcommon.ca/st-pats-deadline-bullshit-at-6067-quinpool-road-post/) - Friday, August 14 is the deadline for comments at Shape Your City/Manipulate The Citizens for the former St Pat's High School at 6067 Quinpool Rd. The April 2014 decision to sell St Pat's was made without any public consultation. Now more pretense at public consultation allows 20 days for comments on three prescribed proposals, The
- [Howard Epstein To Mayor Savage: Use Your Best Efforts](https://halifaxcommon.ca/howard-epstein-to-mayor-savage-use-your-best-efforts/) - July 15, 2015 Mayor Mike Savage PO Box 1749, Halifax, NS B3J 3A5 Your Worship: I am writing on behalf of Friends of Halifax Common to set out an important concern about the state of play in overall land-use planning in the Capital/Regional Centre. Our focus is on the Halifax Common, but some of the
- [St Pat's Background Report Inaccurate, Inadequate & Biased](https://halifaxcommon.ca/st-pats-process-deeply-flawed/) - HRM has posted a background report by WSP Canada Inc. about the former St. Patrick’s High School site (Quinpool 6067) in advance of Wendesday's meeting. The three concept designs are not yet avalable. Errors and omissions in the report are detailed below. The report would be a very faulty basis for a public consultation and
- [Urban Halifax stream dormant but not gone](https://halifaxcommon.ca/herald-oped-demont-urban-halifax-stream-dormant-but-not-gone/) - Op Ed for the Chronicle Herald by John DeMont. It occurred like so many great insights have at Charlie’s Club on a Wednesday night, with the smell of hops and the click-click-click of pool balls in the north-end Halifax air. Ben Wedge, born in Summerside, P.E.I., with a mind that is interested in many things,
- [St Pat's High School Property - Public Meeting- Wed. Jul. 22](https://halifaxcommon.ca/st-pats-high-school-property-public-meeting-wed-jul-22/) - There's a public open house to review and comment on three preliminary design options for St Pat's High School on Wed., July 22, 6:30 – 9 p.m., Halifax Forum, Multi-Purpose Room Can't make it? Ask questions or make comments at: https://shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/quinpool6067. Our questions? ..... 1. Why is this very important public consultation meeting being scheduled
- [Jane's Walk - Freshwater Brook, Halifax Common -              Sunday May 3, 11am](https://halifaxcommon.ca/janes-walk-freshwater-brook-halifax-common-sunday-may-3-11am/) - Did you know that Halifax has its own lost river system? Join Jane's Walk guide, Ben Wedge on the North Common to explore Halifax’s river system and its influence on development patterns in a growing garrison town. After centuries of development burying our beautiful urban streams, cities are rediscovering them and starting to bring them
- [Write to Protect the Halifax Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/write-to-protect-the-halifax-common/) - This year Halifax will commemorate the June 23rd anniversary of the 240 acre Halifax Common grant from King George III by cutting several mature trees to make way for a roundabout at the Cogswell/NorthPark/Ahern/Trollope intersection. Its a fitting tribute to the on-going onslaught of the Common whereby less than 30 acres remain as public open
- [Herald Counterpoint: St. Pat’s Site is Public Property](https://halifaxcommon.ca/herald-op-ed-st-pats-site-is-public-land-usurped-by-council/) - Published December 11, 2015 The St. Pat’s High School land belongs to the citizens. Unless citizens decide otherwise, that’s the way it should remain. But city staff, under direction from the Halifax mayor and council continue an invented process to sell off the site. Why are they so stoked about the sale? They made the
- [St Pat's - Where is the 3-D Model? What is the Public Benefit?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/st-pats-where-are-the-3-d-models-public-benefit/) - HRM's survey on the St. Pat's site developments closes Jan 4th. BUT you can still email vodickr@Halifax.ca that you'd like to see like to see some 3-D models or dioramas. We need to understand what the cumulative impact of so many buildings will be. Previous problems identified by FHC posts and a Willow Tree Group's
- [Good News at the Willow Tree - Thank You Bill Mont!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/whither-the-willow-tree/) - Friends of Halifax Common offer a sincere "Thank You" to Bill Mont for his resolve to plant a new willow tree at the Robie St. & Quinpool Rd. corner. A midst all the distraction over proposed highrises & a proposed roundabout at the "Willow Tree" corner no notice was given to the Willow Tree having
- [Residents say Armoyen's 29-storeys is too tall for neighbourhood](https://halifaxcommon.ca/public-meeting-on-29-storey-highrise-at-robie-and-quinpool/) - It's Deja view! A 29-storey tower one of two developments proposed at the corner of Robie & Quinpool, next to the Halifax Common and residential neighbourhoods west of Robie Street is too high according to 80+ attending a Sept 17th public meeting. At just 20' shorter than Fenwick Tower the building is potentially the second
- [Update on Coalition for Responsible Development in HRM](https://halifaxcommon.ca/update-on-coalition-for-responsible-development-in-hrm/) - In June 2015 a coalition of 14 community groups signed an open letter to Mayor Savage and the HRM Council about the misuse of the Development Agreement process within HRM. Friends of Halifax Common supported this letter. A recent meeting was held to see if these organizations were prepared to form a Coalition for Responsible
- [Herald Opinion - Halifax Common Takes Another Hit](https://halifaxcommon.ca/herald-opinion-halifax-common-takes-another-hit/) - Published June 22, 2015 - On June 23, 1763, King George III granted 240 acres of common land “to and for the use of the inhabitants of the town of Halifax as Common forever.” Unwittingly, this year the city will commemorate the anniversary by cutting several mature trees to make way for a roundabout at
- [100 in 1 Day Halifax - June 6/7, 2015](https://halifaxcommon.ca/100-in-1-day-halifax-june-6-2015/) - For FHC 100 in 1 Day is the perfect way to Celebrate the Common. To remind Haligonians of the Halifax Common's real size the Friends have marked the perimeter by hanging approximately fifty small flags silk-screened with "Halifax Common" and an outline of its shape. And as well the group has marked the four corners
- [HRM Tender for The Pavilion at The Oval](https://halifaxcommon.ca/hrm-tender-for-the-pavillion-at-the-oval/) - The Halifax Examiner reports: after much delay, the city is offering the tender for construction of the pavilion at The Oval. Back in 2012, the city issued a request for proposals for design of both the plaza and the accompanying building, but with the sense that things were going too fast for design of a building, that tender was
- [Effective Lighting & Public Safety on the Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/letter-to-the-coast-glare-and-present-danger/) - Letter To The Coast Magazine by Peggy Cameron, Coordinator, Friends of the Halifax Common Glare And Present Danger - Letter to the Editor, January 15, 2015. Although we can feel vulnerable walking alone at night, there no evidence that bright lights reduce crime. (Streetlight scarcity casts risky shadows," feature by Ameya Charnalie and Sergio Gonzalez,
- [Trees, Traffic & Roundabouts](https://halifaxcommon.ca/trees-traffic-roundabouts/) - FHC isn't wading into the pro or anti roundabout on North Park Street debate but instead asks... 1. How does this $12.9 million expenditure fit into an integrated transportation strategy* that is about moving people, not just cars into and out of the downtown? Should the cost $12.9 million be a spending priority when HRM's
- [Halifax Metro News - Hospital space trumps green space in Common decision](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-metro-news-hospital-space-trumps-green-space-in-common-decision/) - By Lindsay Jones Regional council approved giving up the rest of the Queen Elizabeth High School land to become part of a hospital expansion yesterday. The city is exchanging the former Halifax Common land, as well as several other parcels, with the province to help pay for land at the corner of Queen Street and
- [Chronicle Herald Op Ed - Protecting Halifax’s Common Ground](https://halifaxcommon.ca/chronicle-herald-op-ed-protecting-halifaxs-common-ground/) - Recently, Friends of Halifax Common were informed HRM will begin electrical repairs to the Centennial Fountain on the North Common. This was conveyed to us as a “good news” story. Indeed there hasn’t been much good news about the Common for a long time. The Halifax Common, Canada’s oldest urban park, was created in 1763
- [Drawing Green Parallels - Chronicle Herald](https://halifaxcommon.ca/drawing-green-parallels-chronicle-herald/) - Drawing Green Parallels Commons supporters, climate change activists join forces to highlight need to protect nature By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE Staff Reporter, The Chronicle Herald ’Our vanishing Halifax Common(s) is a metaphor for the disappearance of our global Common, most urgently our atmosphere and climate’ SHEILAGH HUNT - Friends of the Halifax Common Remnants of the
- [Media Release - $6M for Oval is Ad Hoc Planning](https://halifaxcommon.ca/225/) - HRM Staff Support of $6 Million Centralized Oval is Ad Hoc Planning (Halifax) The HRM staff report on the Canada Games Oval recommending a single centralized skating facility on the Halifax Common is ad hoc planning, according to Friends of Halifax Common (FHC). The group questions the oval's placement, the planning process and the price
- [Bill 157 - Unprotecting The Halifax Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/bill-157-unprotecting-the-halifax-common/) - On December 3, 2012, Friends of Halifax Common submitted comments to Law Amendments with respect to the NDP provincial government's Bill 157, that re-crafted the Halifax Charter to give permission for the construction of a support building for the skating Oval. After the Friends' presentations to community councils, letters to the Mayor and Council, letters
- [Questioning A New Permanent Building - June 5th](https://halifaxcommon.ca/questions-for-hrm-public-meeting/) - Questions and comments for consideration 1. Temporary Buildings: a. As per the change to the legislation the only building permitted is the one exclusively to support the Oval. What is the schedule for removal of the temporary buildings now in their 5th year? b.-The Museumplein in Amsterdam is one example of many of a public
- [Parking on the Halifax Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/parking-lot-for-the-cure/) - Parking on the Halifax Common is illegal and signs are posted. At a fundraiser held on Saturday June 7th up to 100 vehicles were parked on the North Common and at the Pavilion on the Central Common. Why didn't HRM staff on duty have the parking ban enforced? Was it because they didn't know, because
- [The Halifax Common - Unlock The Potential](https://halifaxcommon.ca/the-halifax-common-unlock-the-potential/) - Join the Friends in championing the Halifax Common. Your enthusiasm about caring for the heart and lungs of Halifax- 240 acres of public open space - already has strong roots in the 1994 Halifax Common Plan. Help make sure the North, Central, South Commons' vibrancy, beauty and identity continue to strengthen our neighborhoods, our common
- [Letter To The Coast - Roundabouts - Wrong Priority for the Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/the-coast-sidewalk-closed-use-other-side/) - Letters to the editor, July 31, 2014, Sidewalk Closed Use Other Side - Julat like spending millions of dollars to widen Robie St. at Cunard or millions to widen Chebucto Road itself, blowing $12.9 million on the North Park roundabouts project is out of sync with a big-picture integrated transportation strategy. The money will do
- [Freshwater Brook & Sawmill River](https://halifaxcommon.ca/freshwater-brook-sawmill-river/) - What do these two watercourses, Freshwater Brook and Sawmill River, have in common you might ask? Well, for now, they are both underground. Freshwater Brook drains the Halifax Common watershed into Halifax Harbour and was piped underground around 1878. See Matt Neville's detailed essay: Representing Halifax, Exploring the Potential of the City through Mapping and
- [Letter to Herald- Will Halifax City Council See The Wisdom of Daylighting River?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/letter-to-herald-will-halifax-city-council-see-the-wisdom-of-daylighting-river/) - Paul Schneiderheit’s story highlights the benefits of daylighting streams. Jan 6, 2015- Chronicle Herald - Schneiderheit One omission is that HRM’s 2006 daylighting policy specifies two water courses: Dartmouth's Sawmill River and the Halifax Common's Freshwater Brook. We’re generally unaware that the Halifax Common as the watershed for the peninsula was a rich and diverse
- [The Common Streetscape vs Towers, Wind & Shadows](https://halifaxcommon.ca/op-ed-quinpool-footprint-developers-must-follow-the-rules/) - Why is another Halifax neighbourhood up for grabs? Chronicle Herald Op Ed, Jan. 14, 2015 by Andrea Arbic, Peggy Cameron, Kathy Moggridge, Steve Parcell and J. Grant Wanzel HRMʼs Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law were intended to guide a rational planning process for the city. They were developed through extensive public consultation and
- [Is Parking for the Common Good?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/letter-to-the-coast-im-walkin-and-fallin-here/) - Letter To The Coast Magazine by Peggy Cameron, Coordinator, Friends of the Halifax Common Great job describing myriad reasons why metro pedestrians feel they're the last on the list. I suspect it's not the sidewalks that have patience maxed out but also the long-term failure of the city to develop an integrated transportation policy. Decades
- [Book Launch and Events](https://halifaxcommon.ca/heather-menzies-book-launch-related-events/) - Reclaiming the Commons for the Common Good by Heather Menzies Everyone is welcomed to attend events with award-winning author Heather Menzies in celebration of the launch of her new book, Reclaiming the Commons for the Common Good. A memoir of personal and political discovery, Menzies’ focus is on the need to reclaim common resources to work
- [HRM Public Meeting - New Permanent Building, North Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/hrm-public-meeting-new-permanent-building-north-common/) - Have your say about the new permanent building on the North Common Date: Thursday June 5, 2014 Time: 6:30pm to review presentation panels & 7pm for the formal presentation Location: Atlantica Hotel (former Willow Tree Holiday Inn) Isn't it time for a big picture plan that respects the 1994 Halifax Common Plan? In March 2012 HRM found
- [Blockbuster Highrise Proposed for Quinpool & Robie](https://halifaxcommon.ca/blockbuster-highrise-proposed-for-quinpool-robie/) - Presently there are 2 proposals by 2 developers for 3 block-buster towers of 28, 24 and 12 storeys near the Willow Tree intersection. (For comparison, Fenwick Towers is 32 storeys and Bell Aliant is 22 storeys) These highrises are not permitted under present planning regulations, set a bad precedent and will harm the Halifax Common
- [Celebrate the Common 250 - Media Release](https://halifaxcommon.ca/celebrate-the-common-250-media-release/) - for immediate release September 24, 2013 Friends of Halifax Common Celebrate the Common’s 250th (Halifax) On October 4, 5 & 6, Friends of Halifax Common invite the public to join in the free festivities to Celebrate the Common 250 and help mark the 250th anniversary of Canada’s oldest Common. Events at www.halifaxcommon.ca are being updated
- [Welcome to our new site!](https://halifaxcommon.ca/this-is-a-quick-press-note/) - The Friends of the Halifax Common are happy to connect with you via our new site. We now have an interactive calendar of events. Registered users can now log in and make a comments. Over time we will develop this site to facilitate discussion between FHC members and the public.
- [Celebrate the Common 250](https://halifaxcommon.ca/celebrate250/) - In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Common, Friends of Halifax Common have organized one big party. On October 4, 5 & 6th, 2013 we will host 3 days of over 50 events to commemorate the gift of the Halifax Common "to and for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax
- [Wrap-up: Celebrate the Common 250](https://halifaxcommon.ca/wrap-up-celebrate-the-common-250/) - In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Common, Friends of Halifax Common organized one big party. On October 4, 5 & 6th, 2013 we hosted 3 days of over 50 events to commemorate the gift of the Halifax Common “to and for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax as Common
- [Parks Canada Paves Garrison Grounds](https://halifaxcommon.ca/parks-canada-paves-garrison-grounds/) - Work has begun by Parks Canada to pave the parking lots on the Garrison Grounds in anticipation of meeting more demand for parking and having more concerts. Choosing to asphalt the Garrison Ground parking lots is really a vote against heritage, the environment, the health benefits of public open space and a vote for the
- [100in1Day - Fun Ideas For Better Public Space](https://halifaxcommon.ca/100in1day-fun-ideas-for-better-public-space/) - On Saturday, June 7th, 2014, Halifax joined 15 other cities around the world for 100in1Day, a festival of citizen-driven action that showcases people-ideas for a better city. FHC's "urban intervention" was a fun, low-cost way to showcase a simple idea for a better city - we cleaned a bus shelter and provided it with seating,
- [Halifax Common vs. Block Buster Highrises](https://halifaxcommon.ca/halifax-common-vs-spot-re-zoning-2/) - Presently there are 2 proposals by 2 developers for 3 block-buster towers of 28, 24 and 12 storeys near the Willow Tree intersection. (For comparison, Fenwick Towers is 32 storeys and Bell Aliant is 22 storeys) These highrises are not permitted under present planning regulations, set a bad precedent and will harm the Halifax Common
- [North Common Roundabout – The Big Picture, News 95.7 Rick Howe Show](https://halifaxcommon.ca/north-common-roundabout-the-big-picture-news-95-7-rick-howe-show/) - Listen to News 95.7 The Rick Howe Show Interview with Peggy Cameron On July 7/14 Rick Howe interviewed Peggy Cameron (representing Friends of the Halifax Common) about The Big Picture and the $12.9 million dollars spent on the North Park Roundabouts. Peggy questions how this expenditure meets HRM’s stated long term goals.
- [Poetry Call for Submissions](https://halifaxcommon.ca/poetry-call/) - The call for poetry submissions is now closed. Celebrating the Halifax Common - 250 Years Friends of Halifax Common and Gaspereau Press look forward to launching the poetry anthology as part of the October 3, 4 and 5th celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Common. We'll keep you posted on details.
- [Book Launch - Reclaiming the Commons for the Common Good by Heather Menzies](https://halifaxcommon.ca/3583/) - Everyone is welcomed to attend events with award-winning author Heather Menzies in celebration of the launch of her new book, Reclaiming the Commons for the Common Good. HALIFAX BOOK LAUNCH Tuesday June 3rd, 7PM Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer Street DARTMOUTH BOOK LAUNCH Community Picnic/Potluck Supper Monday June 2nd, 3:30 – 6:00PM
- [More Pavement Slated for the Central Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/more-pavement-slated-for-the-central-common/) - FHC has learned the Pavilion parking lot on the Central Common is slated for paving. Soon. The restricted (not public) lot is directly beside the wading pool and the pathway that follows the route of Freshwater Brook through the Central Common. Why is the city's priority cars and paving the Common instead of landscaping the
- [Interview ~ Invasive Species Phylum Paveia, News 95.7 - Rick Howe Show](https://halifaxcommon.ca/interview-invasive-species-phylum-paveia-news-95-7-rick-howe-show/) - Listen and learn about the invasive Phylum Paveia, responsible for the creeping disappearance of green space on the Halifax Common...
- [Disappearing Green Space, News 95.7 Interview With Rick Howe - 2014/07/07](https://halifaxcommon.ca/disappearing-green-space-news-95-7-interview-with-rick-howe/) - Rick Howe discusses the disappearing green space on the Halifax Common with FHC's Peggy Cameron. We have been losing more than an acre per year and City Counselors show no hurry to protect the remaining green space.
- [The Tragedy of the Common - Coast Magazine](https://halifaxcommon.ca/the-tragedy-of-the-common-coast-magazine/) - The Tragedy of the Common: If the Common is so common, why can't common people decide how to use it? The Coast Magazine, Opinion - Sustainable City, by Chris Benjamin Tragedy-of-the-Common_THECOAST - PDF from: https://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/tragedy-of-the common/Content?oid=1503404 "Picture a pasture open to all." So wrote Garrett Hardin in his 1968 Science article, "The Tragedy of the
- [Media Release Earth Day - FHC Commemorate Freshwater Brook](https://halifaxcommon.ca/media-release-earth-day-fhc-commemorate-freshwater-brook/) - Earth Day - Friends of Halifax Common Commemorate Freshwater Brook's Path (Halifax) Friends of Halifax Common (FHC) are marking Earth Day by outlining a portion of the historic Freshwater Brook, a watercourse that lies buried underneath the Halifax Common. “One of hundreds of interesting suggestions from citizens of Halifax included in the 1994 Halifax Common
- [Haligonians Reclaiming the Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/haligonians-reclaiming-the-common/) - The Friends of the Halifax Common has engaged in a number of initiatives to try and raise interest in and support for ensuring the intent and spirit of the 1994 Halifax Common Plan is upheld. This has included succeeding in having the 1994 Halifax Common Plan be available on HRM’s website in 2008. Because most
- [Article The Right to the Common - by Katie McKay](https://halifaxcommon.ca/article-the-right-to-the-common-by-katie-mckay/) - from: SPACING ATLANTIC HALIFAX - Last Wednesday January 20th, HRM staff presented the plan “Improvements to the North Common” [PDF] to a full house, where there were more people in attendance than there were chairs. The presentation of the plan lasted an hour, and although only 30 minutes was set aside for input from the

## Pages

- [Donate](https://halifaxcommon.ca/about/donate/) - Friends of Halifax Common is a non-profit registered charity whose goal is to preserve and protect the Halifax Common. If you are interested in supporting the Friends with a financial donation it will help us to continue our work. An alternative to online donation is to mail a cheque payable to Friends of the Halifax
- [Newsletter](https://halifaxcommon.ca/newsletter/) - To receive our Newsletter please send your name and email address to newsletter(at) halifaxcommon.ca Once registered on the FHC mail list you will receive the newsletter, infrequent press releases, announcements and other news of concern to Friends. We average one email per month. PRIVACY POLICY FHC does not share user data. This site does
- [Contact Form](https://halifaxcommon.ca/contact-form/) - Please contact FHC at the following addresses: fhc-info (at) halifaxcommon.ca > Peggy Cameron and BOD friends (at) halifaxcommon.ca > Membership treasurer (at) halifaxcommon.ca > Treasurer Sign up for the Newsletter
- [Membership](https://halifaxcommon.ca/about/membership/) - Friends of Halifax Common actively campaign to reclaim, preserve, and protect the Common lands. Friends of Halifax Common Membership is open to anyone who supports the preservation of the Halifax Common in a manner consistent with the 1763 granting of the common lands “for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax forever”,
- [Photo Gallery](https://halifaxcommon.ca/gallery/photo-gallery/) - Photos of the Common on GoogleMaps Marking the path of Freshwater Brook buried beneath the common Chalking the perimeter of the North, South and Central Commons Concerts on the Commons
- [Timeline 1700-present](https://halifaxcommon.ca/timeline-1700-present/) - A Timeline of the Halifax Common 1700s 1760-1762 The Halifax Common was laid out under the authority of Lieutenant Governor John Belcher. 1762, June 8 Charles Morris registers the plan outlining the Halifax Common on land described as "rocky, swampy and unsuitable for cultivation." 1763, July 30, King George III grants the 235 acres of
- [Timeline](https://www.halifaxcommon.ca/timeline/index.html#new_tab) - A Timeline of the Halifax Common 1700s 1760-1762 The Halifax Common was laid out under the authority of Lieutenant Governor John Belcher. 1762, June 8 Charles Morris registers the plan outlining the Halifax Common on land described as "rocky, swampy and unsuitable for cultivation." 1763, July 30, King George III grants the 235 acres of
- [Contact](https://halifaxcommon.ca/about/contact/) - MAIL: Friends of the Halifax Common. 6032 Charles Street Halifax, NS B3K 1L1 Want to receive the newsletter, press releases and the odd email from FHC? CLICK HERE to join our email list. PLEASE NOTE- If you have a question about booking a space or using a facility on the Halifax Common please call 311 -
- [Login](https://halifaxcommon.ca/login/) - [ultimatemember form_id="7181"]
- [Background](https://halifaxcommon.ca/about/welcome/) - Did you know that the Halifax Common is a fraction of the size it was at the turn of the century? The lack of appreciation of the need for green space allowed the land to be been assigned other uses over the years including hospitals, schools and other public and private institutions. It's time to
- [About Us](https://halifaxcommon.ca/about/) - Friends of the Halifax Common is a non-profit community group founded in 2006 by Peggy Cameron and Beverly Miller, long-standing Halifax residents involved in the community. Did you know that the Halifax Common is a fraction of the size it was at the turn of the century? The lack of appreciation of the need for
- [Checkout-Result](https://halifaxcommon.ca/stripe-checkout-result/) - [accept_stripe_payment_checkout]
- [Products](https://halifaxcommon.ca/products/) - [asp_show_all_products]
- [So where is Freshwater Brook?](https://halifaxcommon.ca/explore/walk-freshwater-brook/) - In this guided walk, Bill Lewis, respected indigenous elder, Matt Neville, urban planner and writer, and Peggy Cameron, generalist and Friends of Halifax Common Co-chair, led a walk to retrace the watercourse of the now underground Freshwater Brook, starting at the North Common and walking through to Victoria Park. This little-know buried stream was once
- [Video Gallery](https://halifaxcommon.ca/gallery/video-gallery/) - Video scenes of the Halifax Common by Michael Lei [sz-video url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32ddTghZEbI" width="300" height="175" /] Video scenes of the North Common by Michael Lei [sz-video url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiKaTx2cLWU" width="300" height="175" /] Jane's Walk 2012: Stories from the Citadel - Part One [sz-video url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81QLdl8tJVQ" width="300" height="175" /] Jane's Walk 2012: Stories from the Citadel - Part Two [sz-video url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8eVzvFQSd4"
- [Camp Hill Cemetery: Flora and Fauna or Life after Death](https://halifaxcommon.ca/explore/walk-flora-and-fauna/) - Christopher Majka, ecologist and natural historian, leads a guided walk through the Camp Hill Graveyard to explore the flora and fauna of this corner of the Common. Plants, animals, bird, bugs, and the mysterious glowworm were all encountered in this ecological exploration. Imagine that there is a link between the Napoleonic wars and the urban wildlife
- [Explore the Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/explore/) - "No one can find what will work for our cities by looking at suburban garden cities, manipulating scale models, or inventing dream cities. You've got to get out and walk." Jane Jacobs, Urban Visionary Inspired by the legendary Jane Jacobs, JANE'S WALK is a now a global activity occurring in cities around the world. In May 2012
- [Parking the Common ~ Phylum Paveia Photo Exhibition](https://halifaxcommon.ca/gallery/parking-the-common-photo-exhibit/) - In October 2014 in participation with Photopolis, a city-wide celebration of photography, Friends of Halifax Common sponsored Parking The Common - Documentation of Phylum Paveia, a photographic exhibition. The photo exhibition, an artful collaboration between biologist Peggy Cameron and photographer Kathleen Flanagan identified and documented 'Phylum Paveia', an invasive species responsible for the creeping disappearance
- [Calendar](https://halifaxcommon.ca/calendar/)
- [Projects](https://halifaxcommon.ca/gallery/) - As a collective, Friends of the Halifax Common create projects to express the meaning and value of the Halifax Common and to enjoy the common. In our gallery we document the many projects we've undertaken to raise awareness about the importance of the Halifax Common as a public space. We also have photos of the
- [The common: a play that exists only between your ears](https://halifaxcommon.ca/explore/walk-a-play/) - Dustin Harvey a Halifax based theatre-maker led an artist's walk along the route of his recent project "the common: as long as you have so far," a theatrical encounter for one person in a public space with the help of a headset. The walk explores the process through which history and memory are combined to
- [Publicity](https://halifaxcommon.ca/publicity/) - It's a priority that Friends of the Halifax Common communicate with the public when working on issues, celebrating the common, recommending changes as we are 'the public' and we work for 'the people'. If you would like to receive our press releases please sign up with us. You will see subscription info in the column
- [Haligonians Reclaiming The Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/about/welcome/haligonians-reclaiming-the-common/) - Since 2007, Friends of the Halifax Common has engaged in a number of initiatives to try and raise interest in and support for ensuring that the intent and spirit of the 1994 Halifax Common Plan is upheld. This has included succeeding in having the 1994 Halifax Common Plan be available on HRM’s website in 2008.
- [1994 Halifax Common Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/about/welcome/1994-halifax-common-plan/) - In 1994, after public uproar over paving a section of the Common for the Grand Prix road races, Halifax City Council adopted the Halifax Common Plan. This was based on a successful and meaningful public consultative process. The Halifax Common Plan commits the City (now HRM) to the following: Section 2.1: The amount of public
- [The 1994 Halifax Common Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/history/the-1994-halifax-common-plan/) - In 1994, after public uproar over paving a section of the Common for the Grand Prix road races, Halifax City Council adopted the Halifax Common Plan. This was based on a successful and meaningful public consultative process. The Halifax Common Plan commits the City (now HRM) to the following: Section 2.1: The amount of public
- [Let's go south, on the Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/explore/walk-south/) - Blair Beed, well-known historian, author and tour guide, will lead a walk on the South Common starting at Sackville and Summer to University to South Park and returning to Sackville at South Park. Along with the presentation of history there will be an expose of development on the South Common as well. The walk begins
- [History](https://halifaxcommon.ca/history/) - The 235 acres of common land that King George III granted in 1763 “for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax forever,” includes all the land bordered by Robie and North/South Park Streets between Cunard and South Streets. Originally the predominant uses were as a military ground, for public grazing & wood,
- [Stories from the Citadel](https://halifaxcommon.ca/explore/walk-citadel/) - Alan Wilson, respected historian, author and educator will lead a walk around the exterior of the Citadel Fortress. Starting from the entrance to Fort George, the tour will head to the SE end corner to view the harbour entrances, including the Eastern Passage, Fort Townshend, the Islands, York Redoubt, point Pleasant, the opening of the

## Categories

- [EVENTS](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/events/)
- [ACTION](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/initiatives/action/) - An initiative that takes the form of an action. Could be an action by an affiliate.
- [IN THE MEDIA](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/news/in_the_media/) - FHC in the news, in magazines, on TV, articles published about FHC. (not by FHC)
- [RELEASES](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/news/press-releases/) - Press Releases written by FHC or close affiliates.
- [MEETINGS](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/activities/meetings/) - Meetings of FHC and affiliates. (not city hall meetings)
- [ACTIVITIES](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/activities/) - Fun things to do – Jane’s Walks etc.
- [INITIATIVES](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/initiatives/) - Activist initiatives such as encouraging letter-writing. New projects. Protesting.
- [BACKGROUND](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/background/) - Historical info. Policies that affect the Commons. Research papers. Informative documents.
- [NEWS](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/news/) - Time-limited information. Something happening NOW and will be deleted very soon when the event/activity has passed. An item that will only appear in the blog for a short time.
- [OPINION](https://halifaxcommon.ca/category/initiatives/opinion/) - Friends of the Halifax Common send letters to the media and to public officials regarding protection of and development of the Halifax Common.

## Tags

- [1994 Halifax Common Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/1994-halifax-common-plan/)
- [Halifax Charter](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/halifax-charter/)
- [North Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/north-common/)
- [parking](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/parking/)
- [legislation](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/legislation/)
- [lighting](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/lighting/)
- [integrated transportation strategy](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/integrated-transportation-strategy/)
- [roundabouts](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/roundabouts/)
- [Halifax Regional Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/halifax-regional-plan/)
- [density](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/density/)
- [spot-rezoning](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/spot-rezoning/)
- [Freshwater Brook](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/freshwater-brook/)
- [block-busting](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/block-busting/)
- [public space](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/public-space/)
- [Garrison Ground](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/garrison-ground/)
- [The Pavilion](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/the-pavilion/)
- [Municipal Planning Strategy](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/municipal-planning-strategy/)
- [Queen Elizabeth High School](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/queen-elizabeth-high-school/)
- [St Pat's High School](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/st-pats-high-school/)
- [Centre Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/centre-plan/)
- [Wanderers Grounds](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/wanderers-grounds/)
- [development agreement](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/development-agreement/)
- [Common Link](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/common-link/)
- [Willow Tree](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/willow-tree/)
- [Common Roots Urban Farm](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/common-roots-urban-farm/)
- [Victoria Park](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/victoria-park/)
- [CBC-YMCA](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/cbc-ymca/)
- [HRMbyDesign](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/hrmbydesign/)
- [29 storey Armoyen](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/29-storey-armoyen/)
- [Demolition Permits](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/demolition-permits/)
- [School for the Blind](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/school-for-the-blind/)
- [VG Parking Lot](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/vg-parking-lot/)
- [Carlton Street/Spring Garden Road](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/carlton-streetspring-garden-road/)
- [pop-up stadium](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/pop-up-stadium/)
- [Corridor](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/corridor/)
- [Robie Street](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/robie-street/)
- [HRM Mayor & Council](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/hrm-mayor-council/)
- [The Oval](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/the-oval/)
- [Central Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/central-common/)
- [Audio File](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/audio-file/) - Radio interviews and recorded presentations.
- [South Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/south-common/)
- [Carlton Street](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/carlton-street/)
- [Carlton Street Proposals](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/carlton-street-proposals/)
- [Development Options Halifax](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/development-options-halifax/)
- [3-D model](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/3-d-model/)
- [capital health](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/capital-health/)
- [QE II](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/qe-ii/)
- [health](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/health/)
- [Halifax Infirmary parkade](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/halifax-infirmary-parkade/)
- [Halifax Common Master Plan](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/halifax-common-master-plan/)
- [walks](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/walks/)
- [Celebrate the Common](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/celebrate-the-common/)
- [HRM Auditor General](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/hrm-auditor-general/)
- [High Rises](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/high-rises/)
- [climate crisis](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/climate-crisis/)
- [demolitions](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/demolitions/)
- [embodied carbon](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/embodied-carbon/)
- [Central Common Pool](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/central-common-pool/)
- [AGM](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/agm/)
- [trees](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/trees/)
- [Robie Street widening](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/robie-street-widening/)
- [Robie St widening](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/robie-st-widening/)
- [Heritage](https://halifaxcommon.ca/tag/heritage/)