Downtown Halifax looks to attract customers this Christmas season
Dartmouth Crossing is a shopping hot spot, Mic Mac Mall, thanks in part to the rebirth of Woody the Talking Christmas Tree, is enjoying a bustling holiday rebirth, and it seems the Halifax Shopping Centre is always busy, too.
So how, in this competitive landscape can downtown Halifax attract customers?
"We are all ready to go with the Evergreen Festival," said Paul MacKinnon from the Downtown Halifax Business Commission.
MacKinnon said an outdoor festival-like atmosphere is likely to draw a variety of people and shoppers to the area. He believes the downtown core is primed to come alive in the coming weeks. He is also keeping a close eye on the renovation of Spring Garden Road.
"What’s good for Spring Garden Road is good for downtown, and vice versa," said MacKinnon.
Kurt Bulger said his Spring Garden Road business is doing roughly 65 per cent of normal pre-pandemic business expectations.
"It is better than we hoped for," said Bulger.
Bulger said the pathway to prosperity for Spring Garden Road merchants has not been an easy one to navigate in his opinion.
"Bike lanes. They got rid of parking. They changed the parking rules. They increased the parking rates," he added.
Bulger is confident the massive renovation of Spring Garden Road will dramatically improve the area. However, he questions the timing.
"They did everything they could to make it more difficult to shop downtown during the pandemic."
Shopper Amy Tannenbaum agreed and said blocked off walkways make it difficult to shop.
"If I’m going somewhere, I need to go around a few times because I’m going the wrong way," said Tannenbaum.
MacKinnon admits it is not easy for pedestrians in places. However, he adds, the notion that there is not enough parking is pure fiction.
"It is a perception. There are 6000 parking spaces downtown," said MacKinnon.
MacKinnon wants people to spread the word and flock to downtown Halifax during the upcoming holiday season.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.