Halifax is a beautiful city, steeped in tradition and with a long and storied history. Nova Scotians are right to treasure that history, but it is a mistake to try to freeze the city in time.
Development is essential for Halifax Regional Municipality to grow, prosper and fulfill its great potential. In these times of economic uncertainty, the city of Halifax must move forward, not step back. That's why I spoke out against the decision to reject the proposed Waterside Centre at Historic Properties.
It's a decision that sends a message to the business community that Halifax is not open for business. It tells our young people that it's okay to head down the road to build their lives because we aren't interested in attracting the businesses, careers and salaries that will allow them to stay in Nova Scotia.
Already, there isn't enough Class A office space in the downtown area to accommodate companies that want to establish themselves in Halifax. We have a real opportunity to establish the city as a financial services centre that will bring good, high paying jobs to Nova Scotia. But it's an opportunity I fear will slip away if the NDP, now known as the "No Development Please" party have their way.
The companies want to come, but they don't want to be isolated from the downtown. They need to be part of a vibrant community with similar businesses.
If we don't work with businesses and remove the obstacles that keep them from locating in Nova Scotia, they will surely go somewhere else. We are competing with markets around North America and beyond. Those markets understand the value of streamlining the process of getting things built and welcoming opportunity. They open the door to development.
This development needs to move forward. It will bring significant employment for trades. It would encourage businesses to move to Halifax, bring meaningful jobs, and it would broaden the tax base.
If Waterside Centre does not move ahead, everyone loses. The developer can't build and the heritage sites will be torn down. That situation is simply unacceptable. The only way to save the heritage buildings is to incorporate them into a modern, dynamic city.
We have the opportunity now to build on our proud history and build a city and province that will prosper.
