Halifax and its wish list to get more people downtown. Parking not included

The Downtown Halifax Business Commission's new report includes 17 suggestions to improve the city's downtown core. The report did not include plans to expand access to parking.

Dozens gathered along the Halifax Waterfront on Wednesday to hear the Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s new pitch for improving the city’s core. As several crucial ideas were discussed, one issue of high importance for some residents was not addressed.

The unveiling of the commission’s report, titled “Vision 2030”, was constructed as a result of consultation with urban experts, policymakers, and the general public.

The document includes 17 recommendations under four main pillars — improving accessibility to the harbour, neighbourhoods, entertainment, and transportation. The report did not include any plans to expand parking.

The pitch included several recommendations to improve Halifax’s public transportation woes. Some priorities included developing a “bus rapid transit” system for downtown routes, pedestrian-first designs for streets, and establishing a complete network of protected bike lanes.

Paul MacKinnon, CEO of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, said Halifax needs an improved transit system to properly accommodate a rapidly growing city.

“That’s something that came up in every single one of our stakeholder groups,” he said. “There’s still a place for cars coming downtown but we really need to be able to move more people much easier, much more quickly. That’s a major investment and it needs to happen in a city of our size.”

Mackinnon said many parking options already exist in downtown Halifax.

“Parking isn’t really the future of the downtown. We need to create much more excitement, many more reasons for people to get here, and to make it easier for them to come here in ways (other) than always bringing their car.”