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MAGAZINE RANKS HALIFAX AS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN CANADA
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HALIFAX
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 News worth sharing.
metronews.ca | twitter.com/metrohalifax | facebook.com/metrohalifax
Council OK’ s height plan Planning. Exemption for proposed YMCA expansion at corner of South Park and Sackville streets receives unanimous support
Coach’s victims
OUTRAGED by sentencing PAGE 7
Graham James, accused sex offender, arrives at court on Tuesday in Winnipeg for sentencing. The former junior hockey coach was handed two years in prison for sexually preying on two of his former players. JOHN WOODS/THE CANADIAN PRESS
Big night for Sid the Kid
Province ‘on track’
Harsh words from Finley
Crosby’s four assists help lead Pens past Jets
Deficit continues to shrink, which could mean more money for you PAGE 4
Federal minister attacks the province’s jobs strategy
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JENNIFER TAPLIN
jennifer.taplin@metronews.ca
The YMCA redevelopment passed another major hurdle Tuesday night. After a lengthy public hearing, Halifax regional council voted 20-0 to amend height restrictions to allow the expansion project to proceed. They applied the Policy 89 exemption for projects that serve the public good. It will now go to the design committee. Robert Richardson, chair of the board at the YMCA, said the 15- and 17-storey residential buildings — double the size allowed — are necessary to pay for a new $22-million recreation facility. Richardson told council they’re offering HRM a down-
town recreation facility at no cost to the municipality and are only asking for an exemption to the height restrictions. Alan Parish, who helped shape HRMbyDesign, warned council against making an exemption. He said the YMCA has other funding options and could find another site to build their project. Developers should seek to conform to the rules, not the other way around, he said. Parish added it makes a mockery of HRMbyDesign and sets a precedent. The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia and other community groups also urged council to reject it. Carla Wheaton, speaking for Parks Canada, was one who spoke out against the project. “It will weaken protections that were established to protect the Citadel,” she said, referring to the view planes. But the vast majority of the 40-plus speakers expressed their support for the YMCA and the project. They spoke to the health and community benefits of the YMCA, and very little about height restrictions. “Please listen to us. I know
The CBC building RYAN TAPLIN/METRO Quotable
“I think the evidence is overwhelming for public benefit.” Coun. Barry Dalrymple
it’s ambitious, but it’s worth it,” said one long-time Y member. Others called it “critical” and vastly important to the community. Jeremy Jackson, who runs a youth basketball club, said a lack of affordable gym space has forced them to turn kids away. “We are absolutely crying out for more affordable gym time,” he said.