Huge Halifax convention centre officially opens five years after first proposed
HALIFAX — Following years of controversy and delays Halifax’s new convention centre officially opened its doors Friday, with officials voicing confidence the massive development can attract the needed business to keep it afloat.
The convention centre is part of an estimated $500-million construction project that dominates downtown Halifax.
Taxpayers are spending $169.2 million for the convention centre as part of a deal with the developer that is cost shared by three levels of government.
First announced in July 2012, the entire one-million square foot development known as the Nova Centre, includes a hotel, office tower and public plaza. The Halifax Convention Centre, about the size of an entire city block, is to host its first event — the Canadian weightlifting junior nationals — on Jan. 20.