FHC

About Us

About: Friends of Halifax Common

Protecting Green Space

The Halifax Common is one of the city’s most valuable public assets – a substantial green space where people relax, play sports, access the fields and facilities, meet friends, and enjoy nature on a sunny day. FHC is dedicated to protecting that space and making sure it stays public, natural, and accessible.
For more than 20 years, we’ve researched planning proposals, talked with residents, and spoken up at City Council to keep the Common green. We believe — public land should remain public — and that people who live, work, and study in Halifax deserve a real voice in shaping its future.

FHC Members Want

  • Sustainable stewardship that respects nature, heritage, and people
  • Transparency and accountability in all land use and planning decisions
  • Public access to green, open space for health, community, and joy
  • Protection of the Common from privatization and institutional overreach

What’s happening now?

1. A proposed permanent stadium on the Wanderers Grounds

  • This is public land, and there has been no public consultation.
  • Cost: at least $120 million in public money will go to support a for-profit business.
  • More than 130 studies show that publicly funded stadiums don’t deliver the promised economic benefits.
  • Local amateur athletes who once were able to use the field will permanently lose affordable access to the grounds.

2. A planned expansion of Robie Street

  • Over 80 mature, irreplaceable trees and dozens of affordable housing units could be removed.
  • Estimated cost: $200 million and likely more.
  • Widening will remove an adjacent historic neighbourhood and change the character of the area.

Why this Matters

If you care about climate issues, affordable housing, community space, and how public money gets spent, this affects you. Green space isn’t just “nice to have.” Research shows it supports mental health, reduces heat in cities, improves air quality, and gives people a place to move and connect. Once it’s gone, it’s almost impossible to get back.

 What is FHC doing?

We are:

  • researching the environmental and social consequences of development proposals
  • bringing community concerns to City Council and committees
  • sharing information with residents
  • pushing for consultation, transparency, and evidence-based planning
  • proposing alternatives that protect trees, housing, and public land

Decision-making can be slow and complicated, but sustained community involvement makes a difference.

What To Do

You could:

Help Protect the Common 

You can contribute something crucial: energy, fresh thinking, and a future-focused perspective. 

This is your city too. The Halifax Common should stay green, public, and open to everyone. Even when city decision-makers don’t listen at first, we keep showing up and making recommendations. Real change takes persistence — and more voices.

Help protect our green space. 

Join Us
CONNECT WITH US

Interested?

We’d love to connect with you. Whether you're curious about our work, want to participate, collaborate or have a question—just reach out.
7 ways to connect
Friends of
Halifax Common
6032 Charles Street
Halifax, NS   B3K 1L1
friends(at)halifaxcommon.ca
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