Halifax arts community concerned about rapid development

Rapid growth and development in Halifax has translated to high housing costs and a dwindling number of arts venues.

When you think of Halifax, a few things may immediately come to mind about the city: a vibrant bar scene, a crowded waterfront and a popular landscape for artists.

However, rapid growth and development has translated to high housing costs and a dwindling number of arts venues, leading some to be concerned that the arts community is being brushed out of the market.

“I think Halifax needs to take another look at the designing of Halifax,” said Lil MacPherson, an entrepreneur, former mayoral candidate and environmental advocate.

MacPherson, who is co-owner of The Wooden Monkey restaurants in downtown Halifax and Dartmouth, says she’s concerned for Halifax’s cultural identity — especially when it comes to preserving heritage buildings.

“We really need to design a city that’s livable and likable and beautiful and have a lot of taste because we can’t just build buildings with no purpose,” she said.

Her restaurants are filled with art — from murals on the walls to prints from local artists for sale. She also makes an effort to offer a stage for local live performances.

She hopes all the change Halifax experiences will echo that kind of support for the arts.

“Either our young people will say, ‘What were you thinking?’ or ‘Thank you, you were thinking,'” she said.