Halifax Forum Redevelopment Paused as Costs Soar Beyond Approved Budget
The Halifax Regional Municipality has paused the heritage demolition application for the Halifax Forum redevelopment due to projected costs exceeding those approved by regional council. The project, originally planned in 2014 with an estimated cost of $38 million and a 2019 completion date, now faces significant delays and increased expenses, with the mayor's office indicating costs could exceed $126 million.
The Halifax Regional Municipality has paused plans for the redevelopment of the Halifax Forum after projected costs increased beyond what was approved by regional council. The decision marks a significant shift for a project that dates back to 2014, which had an initial estimated cost of $38 million and was set to be completed by 2019.
In March, regional council voted against deferring the Halifax Forum project for one year. However, the mayor's office recently stated that the redevelopment would cost more than the expected $126 million and take two ice surfaces offline for around four years. Neither the mayor's office nor the city provided a new projected price or details on how the pause affects the timeline when asked by CBC News.
Paul Card, chair of the Halifax Forum Community Association, criticized the decision as "fundamentally flawed thinking," expressing both disappointment and surprise. Card argued that further delays will increase costs through inflation and that the aging building cannot remain open long enough for alternative solutions to be developed. He described the idea of keeping the Forum open for six to eight years while the municipality develops other rinks as "absolutely preposterous" given the building's condition.
Mayor Andy Fillmore suggested keeping the current facility operational while seeking better approaches or private investment. Speaking to CBC’s Information Morning, Fillmore noted that the region has an ice sheet deficit and proposed maintaining the Forum while a new solution is built. However, previous reports indicated limited interest in partnership models; a 2021 staff report determined there was little interest in actual partnerships, with potential partners preferring to buy parts of the land instead.
The nearly 100-year-old Halifax Forum includes a multipurpose area, a bingo hall, and community spaces. The uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment timeline continues to impact local stakeholders, who are concerned about the viability of the historic structure amidst rising costs and delayed action.