Halifax opts out of plan to build stadium in Shannon Park
Canada Lands to tear down Shannon Park buildings to make way for mixed commercial, residential use
Halifax Council voted on Tuesday to opt out of a bid to build a stadium in Shannon Park.
Canada Lands — the federal agency that's redeveloping the park — had asked the city for a decision concerning 16 hectares, which is about half of the development's size.
"A community stadium with 10 to 14,000 seats is something we may want, but it's a medium priority and it's something we're looking at 10 years out," said Councillor Waye Mason.
"And we only set that priority about 18 months ago. So to suddenly be in a position with Canada Lands saying, 'You've got to make a decision' — we're not ready to make a decision."
Mason says there are a number of sites that could house a stadium, be it Halifax or Dartmouth.
"We've decided to not rush into and keep it on pause for now."
Canada Lands will now be free to continue its plans to redevelop the site, for which it has planned a mixed-use residential and commercial development. About three hectares will be handed over to the Mi'kmaq.
Mason says Canada Lands will start tearing down the buildings soon.
"It's going to be a game changer for the north end of Dartmouth," he said.