2006  Program and Service Scan

A survey of current operators and providers of community programs in the peninsula confirmed that the YMCA remains a relevant provider of health and wellness programming for this region of the municipality.

2007  Market Research

Confirmed that a sustainable operating business model is possible for a new community centre that focuses on health, wellness and active living for citizens of all ages who live, learn, work and play in peninsular Halifax. Research indicated a pent up demand for such a centre with health and wellness program and service offerings on the Peninsula.

2007  Site Selection

With no preconceived notions of where we might end up, we entered into conversations with other public institutions that were concurrently in various stages of development for the future. We investigated various green space options. These dialogues and research confirmed that our current location on South Park Street met the market criteria, and based on current ownership, allowed the best opportunity to proceed in a timely manner.

2008  CBC/Radio-Canada Partnership

Based on the critical nature of the aging building structures of both the South Park YMCA and the Sackville St. CBC/Radio-Canada building, our two organizations formed a partnership to take a collaborative approach to developing this prime location as a joint development.

2009  Stakeholder Engagement

YMCA Volunteers and Staff proactively sought feedback from key stakeholders and stakeholder groups in the community to help identify potential opportunities to move the project forward.

May 2010  Community Consultation

As part of the YMCA Community Participation and Consultation Program, a Public Open House was held in May 2010. This was an opportunity for the community to review the proposed design to date and offer their thoughts to the project team. The community engagement process revealed that there was great excitement for a new YMCA and the health, wellness and public amenities it would bring to Halifax. There was an overwhelming desire to move the project forward and recognition of the strong potential for the design of the development.

December 2010  Application Submission

The YMCA and CBC Radio-Canada submitted a Plan Amendment Application to HRM Planning Services for the proposed joint development of their properties.

March 2011  Initiation Report Approval

Halifax Regional Council voted to approve the initiation report for the CBC-YMCA redevelopment site plan amendment allowing the request to proceed through the HRM public participation process.

April 2011  Public Information Meeting Held

Halifax Regional Planning Staff hosted a Public Information Meeting on April 21 2011 at Halifax City Hall and received feedback from the general public on the proposed amendment.

Report to Regional Council

Regional Staff prepare a report based on the outcomes of the Public Information meeting that is presented to Regional Council for their review.

Public Hearing

As the application continues to move through the HRM approval process, a Public Hearing will be held in Council Chambers. This is an opportunity for the public to speak to the project and for City Councilors and staff to hear this feedback. At the conclusion of the Public Hearing, Regional Council will vote on whether to approve the proposed plan amendment.

Decision by Council to adopt Plan Amendment

Should the project proceed with approval, a private developer will be sought who can make the construction of a new YMCA a reality.