News Release

Mayor Kelly welcomes federal participation in centre

 

(August 15, 2011) Halifax – Mayor Peter Kelly has welcomed the decision by the federal government to become a partner in a new convention centre and the thrust it will give to the entire complex planned by a private developer.

Speaking after today’s announcement by federal Defence Minister Peter MacKay, Mayor Kelly said the decision will have a positive impact far beyond the core area of the Halifax Regional Municipality.

“Mr. MacKay has delivered a major vote of confidence in the economy of our whole region,” Mayor Kelly said. “He has conveyed to the private sector that government clearly has faith in our future and this will, I am confident, encourage much more investment here.”

HRM and the province have already made financial commitments to the new convention centre. Mayor Kelly noted the centre is part of a much larger private development to include a luxury hotel, an office tower and retail facilities. The entire complex will be built at an estimated cost of $500 million, with the private sector picking up two-thirds of the tab.

The complex will be the second major development expected to stoke the economy of the core areas, Mayor Kelly said. The other is the new Central Library, work on which will start later this year.  Thousands of construction jobs will be created by these two projects as well as many permanent ones when both are completed.

 

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Contact:

Mayor Kelly

490-4010