Green, Michelle, "A Study of Intensification Efforts in the South End of Halifax"

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the physical result of the policy of intensification that has been in place in the South End of Halifax since the adoption of the South End Detailed Area Plan in 1982.

This policy takes the approach that residential intensification should be achieved through densification of existing housing stock, rather than creating new apartment buildings. The intent is that the facade of the neighbourhood will not be disrupted and its character will be maintained. The most important mechanism to achieve this goal is the R-2A zone which allows additions up to 14 units. Many areas of the South End were "down zoned" from R-3 to R-2A to protect the stability of the neighbourhoods where existing land use did not reflect the R-3 zoning.

Based on a field survey and information from the building permit database at the City of Halifax a matrix was developed to assess the physical impact of development under this policy. The study covered an 11 year period after the R-2A zone came into effect in February of 1983 from 1983 to 1993. It found that a consequence of this policy was a significant impact on the neighbours and neighbourhood that is not readily apparent from the street. While the facade is maintained the character of the neighbourhood behind is changing.

This study led to the conclusion that the impact of this policy on the neighbours and neighbourhood was significant and that the approach of this policy needs to be reexamined.