Emerging from the global pandemic, Halifax has a palpable energy, excitement, and incredible momentum. Our city is taking its place alongside the best in the world thanks to the ongoing collaboration, hard work, and investment of engaged companies, organizations, and all orders of government.
As we celebrate Halifax Partnership’s 25th Anniversary, we are looking ahead and planning for the future. The Partnership is leading the development of Halifax's next economic growth plan for 2022-27 with the Halifax Regional Municipality and in collaboration with our many partners and stakeholders throughout the city.
The new growth plan will be our city’s shared roadmap for economic development over the next five years, founded on the values of alignment, partnership, engagement, and inclusion. The plan will build upon Halifax’s strengths and set a shared vision and measurable actions and outcomes to create prosperity for all Halifax businesses and residents.
Over the past year, the Partnership has been bringing together private sector, government, and community leaders to share ideas that will build a more inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and prosperous Halifax. This work has been done in tandem with implementing Halifax’s COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Plan to help Halifax businesses and residents respond to and weather the impacts of the global pandemic.
Coming into 2020, Halifax was experiencing record economic and population growth. We welcomed more than 9,000 new residents last year, making Halifax the second-fastest growing city in the country and keeping us on track to meet our growth targets.
Although Halifax has fared comparatively well, the pandemic has dealt substantial economic and social blows. Our small businesses – particularly those in the tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors – need our support, as do our residents affected by the pressing issues of affordability, attainable housing, and economic inequality.
Coming out of this challenging time, Halifax will have a new economic plan and vision in place for the future. Our economy is forecasted to rebound strongly with GDP growth of over 5% in 2021, setting us on the path to restoring Halifax’s long-term growth trends and momentum.
This is great news. However, we are not aiming to grow Halifax for growth’s sake. Collectively, we are asking ourselves, if Halifax were recognized as the most inclusive city in North America five years from now, what would be different from today? If we are going to achieve Halifax's economic potential, what are our best opportunities for growth that are aligned to our values and vision for the city?
Collaboration and engagement with diverse voices and sectors are essential to the development of the new growth plan. The private sector plays a critical role in shaping a shared vision for our city and building a better Halifax for all. We invite you to share your insights and ideas by visiting whatsnexthalifax.com.
Cover Image Credit: Halifax Partnership
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