Halifax Forum Demolition Application Paused as Costs Surge to $126 Million
Municipal staff in Halifax have suspended the heritage demolition application for the Halifax Forum after projected costs rose from $38 million to $126 million, cancelling an upcoming public session and returning the matter to Regional Council.
Municipal staff in Halifax have paused the heritage demolition application for the Halifax Forum due to increased projected costs that exceed currently approved funding. The decision was informed by an updated project cost estimate that incorporates extensive value engineering work.
The redevelopment of the Halifax Forum was originally approved in 2014 with an estimated cost of $38 million. However, the projected cost has now risen to $126 million. As a result of this significant increase, a public information session regarding the Forum's demolition application, which was originally set for Oct. 1, was cancelled after staff suspended the application.
The matter will be brought back to Regional Council for further debate on next steps. This development follows a previous attempt to delay the project; in March, Mayor Andy Fillmore brought forward a motion to defer the project for one year, but it was defeated by an eight-to-eight tie vote.
Looking ahead, the design phase for the revitalization of the 99-year-old Forum is expected to be completed by 2027. Pending council approval, construction on the Halifax Forum could begin by the end of that year.