Babin, René Joseph, "Planning Guidelines for Halifax's Historic Waterfront: A Relationship between Historic Preservation and Tourism"

This thesis argues that further expansion of urban waterfront resources must always regard the cultural and historical aspect of the site with respect to its development. The analysis undertaken principally considers the impact of tourism on the urban waterfront. Its capacity for generating activity for existing and future waterfront projects must be acknowledged alongside economic gain.

Successful urban waterfronts in North America continue to be those that have managed to enhance (or sometimes, create) a sense of place that is conducive to public gathering. The success of Baltimore's Inner Harbour redevelopment has been examined by delegations of city planners and developers from all over the continent and around the world. Rigby (1986) explains, however, that there is a danger that communities will overlook the 25 years of intensive effort and planning and the particular circumstances that have made Baltimore's waterfront redevelopment project a success. "Without an appreciation of that effort, they may come away with the idea that a lively urban waterfront requires nothing more than an aquarium, some boats and a hotel".

Based on Case Studies of the historic ports of Montreal and Quebec City, this thesis has identified and described elements that are characteristic of successful urban waterfront projects, by incorporating cultural tourism and heritage in the analysis of waterfront revitalization. Whereas they are applied to the present situation on the Halifax waterfront, it is hoped that other communities may also consider the following elements; Access, Facilities and Services, Historical Integrity and Public Improvements, when developing, reviewing or considering further action on their own special and unique waterfronts.

Atlantic Planners Institute

This page and all contents are produced by the Atlantic Planners Institute, an affiliate of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

This document was last modified on January 3, 2001.