Halifax remains ‘Canadian comeback city’ for downtown activity

Halifax Leads the Way in Downtown Recovery Post-Pandemic

Halifax has emerged as a shining example of downtown recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic, with experts attributing its success to the area’s diverse economy. According to data from the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, the area saw approximately 10.22 million unique visitors from mid-June to December 29 last year, a number that almost matched the pre-pandemic levels of 10.26 million visitors in 2019.

Karen Chapple, director of the School of Cities at the University of Toronto, praised Halifax for its rapid bounce-back and sustained growth, noting that the city has outperformed others in Canada. Utilizing data from Environics, a data analytics company that tracks cellphone location pings, Chapple’s team found that Halifax experienced an 11.7% increase in visits from October 2023 to October 2024, the highest percentage change in the country.

Chapple credited Halifax’s diverse downtown economy for its resilience, citing a mix of bars, restaurants, retail establishments, universities, arts and culture venues, tourist attractions, government offices, hospitals, and residential buildings as key drivers of activity. This varied landscape draws a wide range of people, including long-term residents, immigrants, and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, creating a vibrant and inclusive community.

Paul MacKinnon, CEO of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, emphasized the city’s strengths and potential for continued growth. A recent commission report revealed a 24% increase in the downtown employment base, with over 22,000 people working in various sectors. MacKinnon highlighted the return of government employees to the office as a boon for downtown businesses, calling for improved transit options and innovative use of the city’s harbour to alleviate congestion.

As Halifax continues to attract visitors and residents alike, it joins other Canadian cities like Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal in nearing pre-pandemic visitor levels. With a diverse and thriving downtown economy, Halifax stands as a prime example of successful post-pandemic recovery, setting the stage for continued growth and prosperity in the years to come.