News Release

Hydrostone Voted Second “Best Neighborhood” in Canada

(May 17, 2011) - The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) has chosen Halifax’s Hydrostone neighbourhood as the second best neighbourhood in the country in its first annual “Great Places in Canada” program.

“We are thrilled with this news from CIP,” said Mayor Kelly. “The Hydrostone is a perfect example of the vibrant community spirit that exists in neighbourhoods throughout HRM.”

The top ten finalists in three separate categories (Great Streets, Great Neighbourhoods, Great Public Spaces) were chosen from nearly 6,000 nominations and judged through online voting and a panel made up of renowned planning experts.

“The Hydrostone community is a special place, unlike any other,” said District 11 Councillor Jerry Blumenthal. “Now, thanks to this recognition, we’re happy to share this jewel of a neighbourhood with the rest of the country.”

The Hydrostone was nominated in the neighbourhood category. It was described a true mixed-use development with residential, retail commercial, office and public park spaces integrated in a way that reinforces and complements each other. Due in part to the density of the Hydrostone and to its location on Halifax’s peninsula, many residents of the Hydrostone support active transportation and transit which in turn promotes sustainability. In addition, Needham Park and the wide boulevards within the Hydrostone contribute to the urban forest.

Great Places in Canada is a national recognition program sponsored by the CIP to recognize the work of professional planners and to join with all Canadians in a celebration of the great places in this country. For more information on this program, visit www.greatplacesincanada.ca.

CIP was established in 1919 and has a membership of 7,800 professional planners. The Institute sets a Code of Professional Practice and national standards for training, certification and best practices. For more information on CIP visit www.cip-icu.ca.

For more information on the history of the Hysdrostone neighbourhood visit www.cip-icu.ca/greatplaces/en/place.asp?id=1009 or the Nova Scotia provincial archives website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/explosion/.

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CONTACT:

Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010

Jerry Blumenthal
District 11 Councillor
431-7136 or 237-0720