A recent report from Narrative Research suggests that many Halifax residents are limiting their visits to the city’s downtown area due to perceived issues with parking, safety, and lack of public transit options. The study, which included input from 507 residents aged 18 and older, found that half of those living in the municipality only visit downtown once or twice a month. However, the majority of residents reported positive experiences with downtown attractions, with restaurants, the waterfront, and cultural events being the biggest draws. In order to increase visitation to downtown, residents suggested improvements in parking, a wider array of cultural events, increased safety measures, and better public transportation options.
Interestingly, the study found that the construction of an aquarium was the most popular suggestion to encourage more frequent visits to downtown Halifax. Forty-nine percent of participants said that an aquarium would entice them to visit the downtown area more often. Other attractions such as a new performing arts center and family-friendly venues also received positive responses from about one in five participants. However, some residents reported that they only visit downtown a few times a year, with a small percentage stating that they rarely find themselves in the downtown core. Surprisingly, one in three people mentioned that they believe Halifax has become more vibrant since the pandemic.
When it comes to safety, the majority of residents (60%) reported feeling safe when visiting downtown Halifax, while 18% did not feel secure. Additionally, the survey revealed that a large portion of residents (47%) feel at home when visiting downtown, compared to 29% who do not feel at home in the area. It was noted that individuals living with disabilities are significantly less likely to perceive downtown Halifax as a safe place to visit. Overall, the findings suggest that while most residents have positive experiences in downtown areas, there are still concerns about parking, safety, and public transit accessibility that may be limiting visitation.
In conclusion, the study highlights the potential for increased visitation to downtown Halifax with the implementation of attractive new attractions such as an aquarium, performing arts center, and family-friendly venues. Furthermore, improvements in parking, safety measures, and public transportation options are seen as key factors in encouraging residents to spend more time in the downtown core. The findings also indicate a positive perception of downtown vibrancy post-pandemic, although there are still some residents who rarely visit the area. Addressing these concerns and creating more appealing amenities could help boost tourism and resident engagement in downtown Halifax.
