ANNUAL REPORT 2021 TABLE OF Contents

CEO’S MESSAGE 3

VISION / MISSION 4

DHBC STAFF 6

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 8

ACTION TEAMS 9

BOUNDARY MAP 10

ABOUT 12

RECOVERY PLAN FRAMEWORK 14

COVID-19 ”DOWNTOWN RECOVERY” ACTION PLAN 16

DHBC: WHAT WE DO 20

HOW DHBC IS FUNDED 31

BUDGET 32 Participants at the Taking BLK History DHBC STICKER 33 Market in the Halifax Brewery Farmers Market. Photo: Ryan Williams, Unbound Media

Cover: Large X – Browsing at Taz Records. Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging Cover: Medium X – Twinkling lights at Bedford Row outdoor patios. Photo: Stoo Metz Photography Cover: Small X – “Victoria, Roman Goddess of Victory” mural by Mike Burt, at 1221 . Photo: Stoo Metz Photography

The view of Brunswick Street from Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Photo: Discover Halifax DowntownHalifax.ca 1 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S Message Paul MacKinnon Chief Executive Officer

Just about every annual report I saw last year began with the line, “2020 was a year unlike any other…” – which was true. But then we hit 2021 and things looked remarkably similar. For Downtown Halifax, and indeed downtowns around the globe, it meant quiet streets and the continued loss of key markets, such as tourists, students, event attendees, and the workers who normally fill our offices. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Downtown Halifax hard, and the impacts of this will be felt for a long time to come.

Before the pandemic, we were doing well. We were tracking in a positive direction in 16 of our 20 strategic priority objectives. But as our reality changed, the Downtown Halifax Business Commission Board of Directors took the step of refocusing on two goals: Downtown Vibrancy and Downtown Prosperity. Our four action teams created a suite of programs to address these, in the areas of Advocacy, Marketing & Communications, Membership Engagement, On a scale of 1 to 7, where 7 and Placemaking. You can see highlights of this year’s action plan on page 16. is “a very serious problem,” Members rate the following Thanks to vaccines, we do anticipate a items as serious problems much better year ahead. We will continue to for Downtown Halifax today advocate for government supports, create (5-7 rating): marketing programs to bring our customers back Downtown, instill vibrancy, and engage • Parking rates and with you, our members. Together, we will work toward the dawn of a new era of Downtown availability 74% prosperity. • Impact of COVID-19 on your business 69% • Vacant storefronts 59% X inset – Amos Pewter. Photo: Michelle Doucette Photography Window shopping at Urban Outfitters.Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging

2 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 3 To passionately pursue a more VISION ’s Favourite Downtown MISSION prosperous and vibrant Downtown

Max Rastelli, Owner of Segway . Photo: Michelle Doucette Photography

Patio season at Garrison Brewing Company. Photo: Michelle Doucette Photography Bedford Row patios at night. Photo: Stoo Metz Photography

4 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.a 5 DHBC Staff

Paul MacKinnon Kimberly Dossett Ivy Ho Allana MacDonald Mills Raf Mikhael Peligro Eric Jonsson Chief Executive Officer Director of Operations Director of Communications Director of Marketing Communications and Project Coordinator, Marketing Coordinator Navigator Street Outreach

Placemaking Manager: Membership Engagement Manager: Vacant Vacant

Kayaking in . Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia X inset – “Within the Body” mural by Alice MacLean, located at the Halifax Ferry Terminal. Photo: James MacLean

6 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 7 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020-2021 ACTION TEAM MEMBERS 2021-2022

Gordon Whittaker, Chair ADVOCACY Jessica Muzzerall PLACEMAKING Side Door ACTION TEAM Halifax Marriott Harbourfront ACTION TEAM Sarah Flynn, Vice Chair Issmat Al-Akhali Adriana Afford Sarah Flynn Consulting Granville Hall Student Laura Oakley Argyle Fine Art Residence Legendary Hospitality Group Mike Burt Christian Rankin, Secretary Treasurer Kristin O’Toole Emily Richards Mural Grant Jury Member If HRM were to commit to Obladee, A Wine Bar, Wonderlust Media Inc. more funds to Downtown Develop Nova Scotia Neptune Theatre Lindsay Ann Cory Halifax, Members believe Kristin O’Toole, Member at Large Sanjeev Pushkarna Jenna Rideout Nocturne Develop Nova Scotia the following should be their Nova Scotia Power Develop Nova Scotia top priority: James Janssen Pino Pagnottella, Member at Large Christian Rankin Andrea Saint-Pierre Mural Grant Jury Member • Re-development of the Sterling Properties Obladee Wine Bar, Craft Nova Scotia Wonderlust Media T. J. Maguire Issmat Al-Akhali Leah Veinot Develop Nova Scotia 21% Granville Hall Student Residence Jeff Ransome Discover Centre Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Matthew Martel • Streetscaping on Marilisa Benigno Hotel Black Business Initiative Barrington Street Benigno Group of Companies MEMBERSHIP 14% Gordon Whittaker ENGAGEMENT Nathalie Morin Rousseau Chocolatier Erin Esiyok-Prime Side Door ACTION TEAM • Better public transit Events East Group 13% Tyler Beers Annie Rankmore Marsh Canada Limited Discover Halifax Wendy Friedman MARKETING • Incentives for ACTION TEAM Biscuit General Store Grant Ruffinengo residential development Marilisa Benigno Melissa Carey Benigno Group of Companies Onside 12% Matthew Martel RCR Hospitality Group Black Business Initiative Dan Bourque Jeremy Smith Katie Conklin Crombie REIT Freak Lunchbox Nathalie Morin Discover Halifax Rousseau Chocolatier Kevin Burgess Amber Solberg Ankur Gupta Mural Grant Jury Member Ambassatours Gray Line/ Scanway Catering Sanjeev Pushkarna Murphy’s on the Water Jake Whalen Nova Scotia Power Krista Lingley Halifax Regional Municipality Erin Esiyok-Prime Parks Canada Jeff Ransome Events East Group Elora Wilkinson Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel Emily MacNeill-Liot Mural Grant Jury Member Events East Group Jake Whalen Rose Zack Halifax Regional Municipality Mural Grant Jury Member

8 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 9 DOWNTOWN HALIFAX BUSINESS COMMISSION Boundary Map

If your business is located in Downtown Business Commission provides to help Halifax, you are automatically a member of organizations and businesses make the DHBC. DHBC represents all organizations, best of being in Downtown Halifax. If you including property owners and tenants, have questions along the way, please do not located in the area between the Halifax hesitate to get in touch with us. Waterfront and the waterside of Brunswick Street, and between the Cogswell For more information, contact: Interchange and the south end of [email protected] or Barrington Street. (902) 423-6658 1546 Barrington Street, Suite 104 This Annual Report highlights the resources downtownhalifax.ca. and supports that Downtown Halifax

10 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 11 ABOUT Downtown Halifax

X inset – Judy Anderson, Owner of FireWorks Gallery. Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging

The Top 4 activities that Members thought DHBC should put their resources into:

• Attracting public events to the Downtown 83% • Beautification of the Downtown 81% • Lobbying government on Downtown issues 81% • Working with government to improve mobility to/ around Downtown 74%

The view from the Stone’s Throw Patio, Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia

Downtown Halifax Business Commission DHBC’s mission is to passionately pursue between the Cogswell Interchange and and heritage preservation with elected (DHBC) is the voice and resource for the a more prosperous and vibrant Downtown the south end of Barrington Street. There officials, the media, and other stakeholders. businesses located in the central business Halifax, through Downtown mobility, good are approximately 1,600 businesses within district of Halifax, Nova Scotia. DHBC development, Downtown placemaking, the geographic area. By virtue of being in Downtown Halifax Business Commission develops and executes programs, events, DHBC leadership, and membership services. the Downtown district, these businesses (DHBC) is the largest business improvement and marketing initiatives to make Downtown are members of DHBC. DHBC gives its district (BID) on the East Coast. With the Halifax a better place to live, work, and play DHBC represents businesses located in membership a collective voice at the table largest membership, we can do the most and to foster a place where businesses want the area between the Halifax Waterfront on all major issues concerning Downtown for our members and we are proud to be to be. and the waterside of Brunswick Street, and Halifax, including Downtown development your BID.

12 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 13 RECOVERY PLAN Framework

MISSION VISION VISION To passionately Canada’s favourite & pursue a more downtown MISSION prosperous & vibrant downtown

2021/2022 GOAL: DOWNTOWN RECOVERY

PRIORITIES

83% of Members believe that Downtown Halifax Business BUSINESS DOWNTOWN Commission PROSPERITY VIBRANCY makes a positive contribution to the state of Downtown Halifax.

The Old Town Clock at night. Photo: Discover Halifax

14 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 15 DHBC “COVID-19 DOWNTOWN RECOVERY” Action Plan 2021-2022

BUSINESS PROSPERITY Programs

ADVOCACY PLACEMAKING

Federal advocacy plan (IDA Canada): • Deck the Downtown Grant (winter) new ParkSmart website, free parking days, • Develop communications strategies for • Advocate for creation/extension of • Get Ready for Summer Grant (summer), app-use strategy). developments. COVID-19 support programs (e.g., funded by ACOA • Develop DHBC organizational • Develop and promote “Random Acts of CERB, rent assistance, sales tax data, communications plan. Coffee” promotion. business support grants, return to office • Host “virtual coffee breaks” with a for government workers) through direct Halifamous host. contacts, media relations, etc. MARKETING & • Develop a campaign targeted at office COMMUNICATIONS MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT workers. Provincial advocacy plan: • Create a new Community-Led • Advocate for a Provincial Recovery Plan • Develop spring/summer campaigns • Develop professional development and Organization (with SGABA). (with a Downtown Halifax priority). (“Meet Me Downtown” and patio information sessions (webinars, training • Develop a new “Downtown Lunch • Advocate for creation/extension/ campaign). sessions, Navigator Street Outreach). Program” for office workers. improvement of COVID-19 support • Develop winter 2021 campaign. • Maintain DHBC database. programs (e.g., business support grants, • Develop general brand campaigns (print • Train new and current members on using hotel tax rebate, providing personal and digital advertising). the DHBC website. protective equipment, return to office • Manage additional brand progression • Contact members at least twice a week, for government workers, etc.), consumer (creation of “personas,” other updates as with tracking tool to catalogue issues/ confidence. needed). concerns. • Red Tape Reduction • Produce new shareable photography • Host virtual membership meetings assets. and events (networking socials, retail Municipal key issues: • Enhance social media strategy to leverage roundtable, AGM, new development • COVID-19 support programs, no patio and grow substantial base of followers. meetings). fees, open streets program, tax relief, • Produce Season 3 of “Downtown • Distribute printed Annual Reports to all eliminating COVID-19 event waiver, return Lowdown” podcast. members. to office for government workers • Continue Meltwater media monitoring • Respond to member inquiries. • Commercial tax reform (issues and programming). • Membership communications (e.g., • Downtown bike lane network • Manage ongoing website updates and bulletins, notices, Downtown Members • Parking strategy improvements. Update (multiple times per week as • Produce Holiday Gift Guide (with Spring needed), website update on Strategic Municipal issues to monitor: Garden Area Business Association). Plan, Annual Report, members section and • Construction mitigation plans and • Launch new Open Online Digital grant Strategic Plan microsite on website). enforcement program. • Re-engage Neighbourhood Captains to • Integrated Mobility Plan • Launch Downtown Halifax Live music celebrate/welcome new members with • Plan grant program. Welcome Package. • Communication strategy for Cogswell and • Promote businesses owned by visible • Develop Cogswell District “Connection” mural by Daniel Burt, located on Spring Garden construction projects minorities. communications plan (with HRM the Blowers side of 1558 Barrington Street. • Develop new parking promotion (video, communications). Photo: Stoo Metz Photography

16 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 17 DHBC “COVID-19 DOWNTOWN RECOVERY” Action Plan 2021-2022

BUSINESS VIBRANCY Programs

ADVOCACY MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT

Federal Advocacy Plan (IDA Canada): Municipal issues to monitor: • Manage graffiti clean-up. • Meet with developers on Construction • Share national policy paper, “One National • Reintroduction of • Coordinate/manage NSBLEC placemaking Mitigation Plans (CMP) and provide input Voice”, which articulates five key focus beat patrol programming (provincially funded). and share CMP on the DHBC website. areas and program proposals. • Windsor Street Exchange/railcut • Christmas wreaths • Develop and coordinate DHBC Downtown • Share of recommendations from Canadian • Green Network Plan • Manage Pole Banner program. Welcome Centre programming. Urban Institute’s “Bring Back Main Street” • Regional Plan • Implement Peace and Friendship Park • Distribute dog bowls to patios. (BBMS) and “Restore the Core” papers. • Poverty/Homelessness Strategy holiday lights installation (year-round). • Develop Downtown “Cash Mobs” for retail • Coordinate with regional business • HalifACT sustainability plan • Implement new spring and summer light members. improvement district (BID) associations • Navigator Street Outreach program activation in Peace and Friendship Park. • Host outdoor coffee breaks for members. and IDA Canada. • Downtown shuttle • Maintain capital assets. • Promote Discover Halifax/Events East • Hold an election forum. • Argyle Entertainment District noise by-law • Install of “Rainbow Art” crosswalk. online event calendar. • Manage Bedford Row lights installation Provincial advocacy plan: Other programs: (mid-June to March). • Grant Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) • Art of City Building conference and • Produce 10 small light shows with Gobos. greater authority through Halifax Charter Canadian Urban Institute workshop • Produce “Pizza Mural” street art. (“person powers”). • Navigator Street Outreach program • Apply for the CHCI grant (Connectivity • Develop effective relationships with key • Partnership funding to advance strategic Tunnel of Light and DeLIGHTful Downtown departments (Inclusive Business Growth, goals light show). Municipal Affairs). • Research opportunities • Provide new BID support. • Renew Main Street program. • Hold an election forum. MARKETING AND PLACEMAKING COMMUNICATIONS Municipal key issues: • Integrate BBMS recommendations into • Manage and implement “Gritty to Pretty” • Develop holiday campaign. Halifax Partnership COVID-19 Recovery Grant programs – Open Grant and Mural • Support Switch Halifax: Open Street Plan Mural. Sundays. • Integrate Downtown priorities into 2022- • Complete Salter Street and Ferry Terminal • Promote and participate in Open City. 2027 Halifax Partnership Economic murals. • Sponsor Downtown events. Growth Strategy • Downtown Halifax Crew (on-street May to • Coordinate and develop activations of • Long and short-term municipal September). events. infrastructure investment • Manage painted picnic tables program. • Promote and distribute online Downtown • Cogswell District • Install Barrington Street Heritage District Events Calendar. • Centre Plan “Package B” (including banners. • Promote HRM’s Grand Parade concert • Install Old South Suburb Heritage series. Downtown Plan revisions) “Defeat” mural by Mike Burt, located at • Residential development and conversion Conservation District banners. • Produce Tunes at Noon summer concert 1580 Grafton Street. • Supervise poster kiosk monthly maintenance. series on the Halifax Waterfront. Photo: Stoo Metz Photography

18 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 19 DHBC What We Do

MEMBER PROGRAMS Downtownhalifax.ca is the go-to As a Downtown Halifax Business resource for information on all things Commission (DHBC) member, you are Downtown. This includes information entitled to the many member programs on retailers, restaurants, entertainment, run by DHBC and we strive to make it easy accommodations, and professional services for you to access them. These programs – just to mention a few. The website is include (but are not limited to): integrated with the member database of Downtown businesses and makes it easy for • Member communications tourists and locals alike to find out what’s • Benefits of the DHBC website going on Downtown and where to find it. • The Featured Member program • Social media promotion The website provides members with a • Pedestrian counter data profile page to present their business and • Eligibility for event sponsorship provide information about their location, • The use of the Downtown Halifax hours of operation, contacts, events, and Welcome Centre space much more. Businesses and organizations • Professional development can upload a logo and cover photo to their • Graffiti clean-up program “member profile” to promote their products • DHBC Holiday Party/Open House to the public, e.g., food, drink, comic books, • Welcome package and new-business sales, special services, promotions, or any visits information they want the public to be aware of.

The view of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Grand Parade. Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia • Main membership survey and key indicators survey Downtownhalifax.ca is also the definitive • Neighbourhood Captains program resource for events happening Downtown. DHBC has been focused on five strategic • Downtown Placemaking – DHBC • Member grant programs The Downtown Happenings e-newsletter priorities to better serve Downtown champions best practices in Downtown automatically lets our audience know what Halifax businesses and organizations: planning, design, management, and events are coming up every single week. utilization of public spaces that inspire DHBC WEBSITE – As you become more familiar with using the • Downtown Mobility – DHBC advocates continuing and increasing vibrancy in DOWNTOWNHALIFAX.CA website and work it into your daily routine, for an easily accessible, pedestrian- Downtown Halifax. this tool will enable your information to friendly Downtown Halifax that permits reach more of the public. ready access to Downtown businesses. • DHBC Leadership – DHBC is the recognized expert resource and voice of In 2020, the DHBC website became a • Good Development – DHBC encourages Downtown Halifax – the leader, facilitator, COVID-19 resource for businesses with development that positively impacts and convener of strategic discourse and the latest information on public health Downtown vibrancy and prosperity. communications. restrictions and guidelines, government business support programs, DHBC COVID- • Membership Services – DHBC builds related member grants, and promotions relationships with members, is a resource when restrictions eased. for problem-solving, and advocates for common issues.

20 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 21 DHBC What We Do

Sign up for a DHBC member account on the FEATURED MEMBER a welcome centre where: visitors can come Social media platform handles: website by visiting downtownhalifax.ca/ and learn about the urban core; members • Facebook: @DowntownHalifax members and clicking on the “Request a can meet and interact with staff and one • Twitter: @DowntownHalifax DHBC Member Account” tab. another; members can try out new concepts; • Instagram: @DowntownHalifax and DHBC partners can share their projects. • LinkedIn: Downtown Halifax Business Commission ONLINE CALENDAR If you are a DHBC member and would like • YouTube channel: DHBC1 to use the Downtown Halifax Welcome Centre to showcase your business, host a networking event, or organize a PROMOTIONS AND special activity, visit downtownhalifax. Mimi Fautley, Owner of The Loop Modern Fibre Craft. CAMPAIGNS Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging ca/storefront to fill out the application form and we will get in touch to help you Interested in becoming a Downtown Halifax make it happen. Please note that in-person Featured Member? Fill out an “Apply to Be networking events will be on hold until the Featured” application form on our website Nova Scotia Health Authority deems them and we will boast and brag about you for safe for small indoor spaces. several weeks. As a Featured Member, your business or organization will appear on the website’s homepage, be shared via social NEIGHBOURHOOD CAPTAINS media, and be featured in an issue of the Neighbourhood Captains are Downtown Visit the online calendar on the DHBC bi-weekly Members Downtown Update and Halifax business owners and employees website to find out what is happening an episode of Downtown Lowdown podcast. located in various geographical areas of Downtown. The website is a great resource Downtown Halifax. Their role is to be local to showcase member specials, promotions, ambassadors of their respective and events through the online calendar. You BI-WEEKLY MEMBERS UPDATE business area or office building who and other website visitors can also custom & MEMBER COMMUNICATION welcome, celebrate, inform, support, and sort by day or event type. And if you tag DHBC communicates with you, our create networks among the organizations your business to your event or promotion, members, on a regular basis through and businesses around them. Visit it automatically appears on your Member e-bulletins, notices, event/meeting downtownhalifax.ca/members to find out DHBC runs several promotions and Profile. Here are a few examples of what you invitations, bi-weekly updates, and the who your Neighbourhood Captain is. campaigns throughout the year targeted might add: percentage off, Burger Week, annual report. If you are not on our mailing toward key audiences. Recent programs tax-free all day, free consultation, free list, please sign up by logging into your include: Meet Me Downtown; March Break in tablet when you open an account. What member account at downtownhalifax.ca to SOCIAL MEDIA Downtown Halifax, Show Your Downtown you post to our online calendar will also be receive updates. DHBC has a sizeable social media presence, Love; What’s Open in Downtown Halifax shared via DHBC’s “Downtown Happenings” and we use this to the benefit of our (during pandemic lockdowns); Random Acts e-newsletter that goes out on Mondays members. Visit our social media channels for of Kindness #RAKDTHFX; giveaways on and Thursdays. Visit the Member Centre on DOWNTOWN HALIFAX our regular posts and be sure to “like” and social media; Self-Guided Downtown Art downtownhalifax.ca/members for “how to” WELCOME CENTRE “follow” us and we will do the same. Be sure Tour; Downtown Halifax Holiday Gift Guide, steps. The DHBC headquarters, located on to also tag us in your posts so we can share Evergreen Festival activations; Patio Season; Barrington Street, is not just an office. It is your activities and events to our followers. Pups on Patios; parking campaign; a winter

22 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 23 DHBC What We Do

to continue to improve their online presence Barrington Street; Barrington Street, week from our online events calendar and and/or develop a marketing strategy for their near Sackville Street; ; sends it out to those on the subscriber list. websites and e-commerce sites. Over 75 George Street; Lower Water Street South; As a member, you have the opportunity to grants were awarded to help members adapt Upper Water Street North; and Sackville add your event/special/promotion to our to the changing business climate affected Street. To see how much foot traffic is on calendar and have it listed in the newsletter. by COVID-19. your street, visit: downtownhalifax.ca/ pedestriancounts. To have access to uploading events on the DHBC website, simply create PARKING INITIATIVES a DHBC member account by visiting DHBC is focused on easy enhancements to GRAFFITI CLEAN-UP downtownhalifax.ca/members and clicking mitigate the perception of parking problems If your building has been tagged by graffiti, the “Request a DHBC Member Account” in Downtown Halifax for the benefit of contact DHBC to have it removed. It’s as tab. Contact us if you also need help adding members and the public. DHBC sometimes simple as that. Please note: this program is your events to the calendar. To sign up for offers free parking for special events for privately owned, commercial buildings the newsletter, visit downtownhalifax.ca, through either the HotSpot mobile app or within the Downtown Halifax boundaries scroll to the bottom of the page, and type in the on-street parking stations. DHBC also only. To report graffiti, contact:(902) 423- your email address. campaign; and collaborative campaigns with produces a ParkSmart webpage, which 6658 or [email protected]. partners including Discover Halifax, Events outlines where to park, the costs, and other East, Develop Nova Scotia, and more. As tips for easy parking Downtown. ParkSmart DOWNTOWN HALIFAX CREW part of these promotions, DHBC can develop can be found on the DHBC website for easy MEMBERSHIP SURVEY materials such as: guides, maps, posters, access at downtownhalifax.ca/parksmart. Downtown Halifax Business Commission brochures, videos, window clings, and prize In 2021, DHBC is launching a video conducts a comprehensive online and packages. DHBC also develops general campaign to dispel the myth that there is no phone survey every three years to measure branding opportunities for Downtown. As a parking in Downtown Halifax. attitudes, perceptions, and awareness of member, you are able to take part in these Downtown programs and issues. A shorter initiatives. Be sure to stay connected key-indicators survey is conducted every through the website, downtownhalifax.ca, PEDESTRIAN COUNTERS other year. This information is used to help and our bi-weekly Members Update for We work to get “feet on the street.” In order us better understand our membership updates on promotions and campaigns. to measure that success, eight electronic and to plan our programs. The latest full pedestrian counters were installed to membership survey was conducted in early In 2020, two phases of the Open Online monitor the foot traffic in several Downtown 2021 and highlights from the results can Digital Grant were launched to help Halifax locations. Data is collected from the be found throughout this Annual Report. members create, increase, and enhance counters on an ongoing basis and is made To view the most recent full membership their presence online. The first round of the available to members and the public. With survey in its entirety, visit downtownhalifax. We are passionate about keeping Downtown Open Online grant (called the eCommerce this information, DHBC can: more accurately ca/members. Halifax clean and beautiful. DHBC partners Assistance Program) provided financial monitor trends; capture event attendance; with Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) on assistance to those who wanted help and discover relationships between revenue matters of maintenance and beautification improving their e-commerce websites and and visitation. EMAIL NEWSLETTER of the Downtown core. During the tourist for those who did not have an e-commerce The Downtown Happenings e-newsletter season, from May to September, DHBC site at all. The second round provided The counters are located at the following goes out on Mondays and Thursdays. This summer students maintain and enhance financial assistance to members that wanted locations: South Barrington Street; North newsletter pulls events happening that the Downtown area by removing graffiti

24 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 25 DHBC What We Do

patios. Façade and patio enhancements between Prince and Sackville Streets, were intended to help entice customers Province House, and Granville Mall. back to their establishments during the more open phases of the pandemic and to enhance the pedestrian experience in GRITTY TO PRETTY Downtown Halifax. PLACEMAKING GRANTS DHBC’s Gritty to Pretty Placemaking grants are for individuals and businesses seeking POSTER KIOSKS funding to improve areas of Downtown DHBC manages four poster kiosks and nine Halifax. Gritty to Pretty includes three grants: pole collars for community advertising. This Open Grant, Façade Lighting Grant, and project provides an alternative space for Mural Grant. While beneficial to the entire posters in an effort to clean up clutter in the Downtown, the grants allow citizens to take Downtown. DHBC is responsible for kiosk charge of their district, gets people involved maintenance on the 1st and 15th of every month. in beautifying their neighbourhoods, and helps DHBC better understand what people want to see improved in Downtown Halifax. BANNER PROGRAM X inset – Picking out plants at Audrey Too. Sophie Lee, Owner of Café Taiyaki 52. DHBC provides banner space on banner To view more examples of past successful Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging Photo: Michelle Doucette Photography poles to promote events and programs Gritty to Pretty projects and to download the that take place in Downtown Halifax. The application forms, go to downtownhalifax. and posters and painting public items SEASONAL DECORATIONS Halifax Jazz Festival, Royal Nova Scotia ca/grittytopretty. such as garbage cans and lamp posts. The DHBC is responsible for installing and International Tattoo, Neptune Theatre, Art Downtown Halifax Crew also serves as a maintaining the holiday wreaths throughout Gallery of Nova Scotia, Maritime Museum valuable resource for tourists and visitors Downtown Halifax during the winter of the Atlantic, Children’s Wish Foundation, NAVIGATOR STREET looking for directions or recommendations. months, as well as seasonal light shows and and Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon OUTREACH decorations in Peace and Friendship Park. have all used the banner program to raise Navigator Street Outreach (NSO) offers direct awareness about their events and programs. support to homeless and street-involved EVENT SPONSORSHIP In 2020, DHBC launched the Deck the To inquire about banner space for your individuals on the streets of Downtown th Downtown Halifax Business Commission Downtown Grant to provide eligible event and available locations, contact info@ Halifax. The initiative, entering its 14 year, is offers a limited number of sponsorships for members with funding to assist them in downtownhalifax.ca or (902) 423-6658. a partnership between DHBC and Spring events that contribute to DHBC’s strategic decorating their windows and storefronts for Garden Area Business Association and also goals. We have sponsorship assessment the holiday season. Close to 50 grants were receives funding from HRM. From April 1, guidelines to establish the best way to provided to members to help them attract PICNIC TABLES 2020, to March 31, 2021, the Navigator financially support events happening in customers and clients and to increase sales DHBC has 30 colourfully painted picnic connected with 241 individuals across Halifax Downtown Halifax. DHBC’s Marketing during the pandemic. tables throughout Downtown to add Regional Municipality who fell within the Action Team, comprised of DHBC members, animation and seating options, including 10 designated service population. Navigator evaluates all sponsorship opportunities In the same vein as the Deck the Downtown wheelchair-accessible tables. Picnic tables Street Outreach is but one essential against the guidelines. To view the Grant, in 2021, DHBC launched the Get are located in Peace and Friendship Park, component of a comprehensive strategy to assessment guidelines and application form, Ready for Summer Grant to help restaurants Raymond Taavel Park, Halifax Waterfront end homelessness in our community. visit downtownhalifax.ca/sponsorship. and retail to spruce up their storefronts and next to Bishop’s Landing, Argyle Street

26 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 27 DHBC What We Do

download at downtownhalifax.ca/cogswell. TUNES AT NOON AND DOWNTOWN HALIFAX LIVE The Cogswell Interchange is scheduled Tunes at Noon is a free summer music series for demolition fall 2021. DHBC will work brought to you by DHBC in collaboration closely with HRM communications to ensure with partners such as Develop Nova Scotia, that members will receive up-to-date Music Nova Scotia, the African Nova Scotian information and notices during demolition Music Association, Youth Arts Connection, 69% of Members rate and construction. and The Coast. In 2020, to comply DHBC’s effectiveness on with COVID-19 provincial public health restrictions, Tunes at Noon went virtual with a scale of 1-5 as 4 or 5. TRANSIT STRATEGY two grants available to DHBC Members, Enjoying the Holiday light display at Peace and An effective intramodal and intermodal under the Downtown Halifax Live program. Friendship Park. Photo: Stoo Metz Photography transit system is vital for a thriving One grant was for three concerts that were For more information, contact Eric Jonsson, downtown. In 2013, Metro Transit undertook live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube common goal – keeping Downtown Halifax Navigator Street Outreach Program public participation and announced that and the other grant was provided to 17 clean and litter-free. Unfortunately, this Coordinator, at [email protected] they were undertaking a two-year overhaul businesses that put on over 30 live shows event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due or (902) 209-6517. of their system. In March 2016, the Halifax in their establishments, while adhering to to COVID-19 gathering limits. We hope for Transit Moving Forward Together plan, public health guidelines. its return in 2022. a five-year service plan, was approved MAIN STREET TAX PLAN by HRM Council. DHBC is currently an In 2021, Tunes at Noon will be taking place The current municipal tax system is unfairly engaged member of Leading With Transit, an in-person once again on Wednesdays, HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING weighted against our city’s Downtown advocacy group dedicated to transit system Thursdays, and Fridays in July and August. In 2020, DHBC was a partner in the and main streets. Working with the other improvements. This year, the shows will take place on the Evergreen Festival, a holiday event and business improvement districts (BIDs), Salt Yard Stage at the Halifax Waterfront, promotion spearheaded by Develop Nova we have proposed a framework for a new from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. For more Scotia and Discover Halifax. DHBC built on commercial tax plan, which will reduce DOWNTOWN PARKING information, visit downtownhalifax.ca/ their program with a spectacular light show the unfair levels of taxation to the city’s The axiom that, “every successful downtown tunes. in Peace and Friendship Park throughout the traditional main streets, and act as a has a parking problem,” is very true. Whether winter months and promotion of members’ disincentive for continued commercial it is a perception that there is no parking or sales, food specials, and holiday offerings. sprawl to business parks. the annoyance of paying for it, this will be an CLEAN SWEEP To see more about the Evergreen Festival, ongoing challenge for Downtown Halifax. Every spring, DHBC fills Downtown Halifax visit evergreenfestns.com. DHBC is focused on the following: work with with over 170 volunteers from over 20 COGSWELL DISTRICT HRM to more nimbly implement their corporate offices to sweep the streets for REDEVELOPMENT Downtown parking strategy; promote the the Annual Clean Sweep. The event also ART OF CITY BUILDING In 2018-2019, 27 organizations worked ability to pay multiple ways for on-street serves as an official kick-off for DHBC’s CONFERENCE together to facilitate discussions around parking; increase awareness of the Downtown Halifax Crew, a team of students DHBC has been an active partner of the Art the redevelopment of the Cogswell District availability of existing parking through that provide tourist information and keep of City Building (AoCB) since its inception to ensure that Halifax advances with the signage and information, and elevate Downtown Halifax clean throughout the in 2018. AoCB is an annual conference best overall urban design vision possible for awareness of best practice parking spring and summer. It is a great opportunity designed to inspire conversations around the project, through a robust public design solutions that have proven to work for our members to get outside and engage people, design, and placemaking. With a process. The Gehl report is available for effectively in other cities. with one another while working towards a different focus each year, past themes

28 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 29 DHBC What We Do HOW DHBC IS Funded

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS The idea of an organization devoted to serving a particular business improvement district (BID) is a very simple one: businesses in a defined area, typically a downtown or commercial main street, hold a vote and agree to create a special levy, 70% are aware they which is added to their commercial taxes. are DHBC Members This levy goes to a specific organization compared to 63% in 2016. with a mandate to do marketing, events, (Note: Membership is automatic advocacy, placemaking, networking, and when a business or organization is undertake other projects of common located within DHBC’s geographic interest. The very first BID in the world was boundaries.) created on Bloor Street, , in 1970. In the 51 years since, hundreds of BIDs have formed in Canada, thousands in the United States, and many more around the world.

Obladee, A Wine Bar. Photo: Dashboard Living DHBC FUNDING Downtown Halifax Business Commission Last year, the BID levy represented 78% “Triangulum” by Duncan Armour, located inside a of our total revenues for the organization. transit shelter on Barrington Street. (DHBC) was established through a vote of Photo: Stoo Metz Photography the businesses in the Downtown in 1987. This year’s BID levy has been maintained at Once created by vote, the levy is mandatory. $0.091 per $100 of assessment. include: “Moving People,” which focused on It is charged to all commercial property many aspects of mobility; “Our Place,” which owners, identified as a separate line item DHBC always seeks to provide excellent explored the future of Halifax and our ability on their municipal tax bill (which consists value for members. Whether you are a to achieve broad community development of eight different rates). Landlords typically large multi-tenant landlord paying tens of objectives; and “Under Water” that explored then charge this proportionately to their thousands of dollars, or a small business balancing economic growth and social tenants. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) paying several hundred dollars, we are happy inclusion with environmental regeneration. collects the levy and remits it to DHBC. to meet with you to discuss the return on In 2020, the conference was offered virtually investment you are getting from your DHBC due to the pandemic. For more information, DHBC is led by a Board of Directors, membership. visit artofcitybuilding.ca. consisting of members who are elected to their positions at the annual meeting each June. The Board creates an annual budget and sets the appropriate levy amount to fund it. This amount then needs to be Strolling on the Halifax Waterfront boardwalk. approved by HRM Council, as part of their Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging annual budget process.

30 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 31 2021-2022 Budget DHBC MEMBERSHIP Sticker

REVENUE

Members Levy $1,290,515 Advocacy $124,418 Placemaking $193,776 Communications & Marketing $3,155 Member Engagement $0 Administrative $18,575 Oysters at Gahan House. Photo: Discover Halifax

Carry forward from reserves $196,636

Kathryn Harding, Sommelier TOTAL REVENUE $1,827,075 Books on display at Venus Envy. and Retail Manager of Bishop’s Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging Cellar. Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging

OPERATING EXPENSES

Advocacy $233,615 Placemaking $439,790 Communications & Marketing $384,862 Member Engagement $84,871 Administrative $683,937

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $1,827,075 SURPLUS (DEFICIT) $(0) Shopping at Drala Books & Gifts. Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging

76% of Members feel that DHBC is an effective and knowledgeable voice to represent the interests of Downtown.

All photos in this document were taken while following the directives of the Nova Scotia Health Authority and adhering to provincial COVID-19 restrictions. Browsing at Lisa Drader-Murphy. Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging

32 DowntownHalifax.ca DowntownHalifax.ca 33 Clockwise: Valentina Ouyanova, Manager of Maps & More: The Travel Store. Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging Mary Nkrumah, Chef and Owner Mary’s African Cuisine. Photo: Michelle Doucette Photography Knitwear at Northern Watters. Photo: Chris Geworsky Imaging Dumplings at Kyo Ramen & Bar. Photo: Dashboard Living

DOWNTOWN HALIFAX BUSINESS COMMISSION 1546 Barrington Street, Suite 104, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3J 3X7 Tel: (902) 423-6658 | Fax: (902) 429-0865 Email: [email protected]

34 DowntownHalifax.ca DOWNTOWNHALIFAX.CA