Via Provincial release:

The Cogswell District project in downtown Halifax is set to receive a substantial boost with a $5 million investment aimed at demolition and remediation work. This effort will support the development of over 3,400 residential housing units, marking a significant step toward addressing the housing supply shortage in the city.

Community Services Minister Brendan Maguire, speaking on behalf of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Increasing the housing supply in the city needs to be a top priority and infrastructure development is fundamental for this work,” Maguire stated. “This investment addresses critical infrastructure needs and lays the groundwork for future residential expansion in the downtown core.”

The announced work includes the removal of a bridge and two retaining walls, along with soil remediation to extend services and street infrastructure. This is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality’s (HRM’s) broader redevelopment of the Cogswell District, a project that aims to reconnect downtown with the north end and the waterfront.

Mayor Mike Savage highlighted the significance of this project, calling it “the largest, most ambitious city-building project in the history of this municipality.” He expressed gratitude for the Nova Scotia Government’s $2.5 million contribution, which matches the HRM’s investment, enhancing the project’s potential to support the city’s growth.

The provincial funding comes from the Municipal Capital Growth Program, a one-time $102-million investment in municipal infrastructure projects across Nova Scotia. This program is the largest provincial investment in municipal infrastructure in decades and is designed to address critical issues such as housing, climate change, accessibility, and growth.

For more information on the Cogswell District project, visit the Halifax Regional Municipality’s website.