WELLINGTON: A proposed $1.5 billion development near the Halifax Stanfield International Airport that has sparked excitement online, including talk of a stadium, hotels, restaurants, and commercial growth, remains only at the discussion stage, according to HRM Councillor Cathy Deagle Gammon.
Deagle Gammon said there has been no formal application submitted to Halifax Regional Municipality council or planning staff regarding the concept being floated for Aerotech Drive.
“There has been no formal request to municipal council at this point regarding the proposal,” Deagle Gammon, the representative for District 1 Waverley-Fall River-Musquodoboit Valley, said in an interview Thursday.
She said the comments come after remarks from Premier Tim Houston published Thursday morning by AllNovaScotia generated renewed public attention around the proposal.
Deagle Gammon said that Houston said the province would be willing to discuss using legislation to expand water and wastewater servicing in the area if needed for the project.
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hile the proposal has generated buzz online and optimism from some residents hoping to see large-scale development near the airport, Deagle Gammon emphasized nothing official has been presented to council.
“Even though there’s been no formal applications, I do know that they have socialized the idea with a number of councillors,” she said, adding discussions have also taken place with other stakeholders.
At this point, she described the situation as exploratory.
“It’s just discussions and research and discussions,” said Deagle Gammon.
“My understanding is they’re actually seeking out what people think about it and what is possible there.”
One of the major questions surrounding the proposal involves extending water and wastewater services to the area. Deagle Gammon noted Halifax Water has previously indicated any service boundary expansion would involve provincial authority and legislation.
“So at this moment in time, nothing has happened to my knowledge,” she said.
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The councillor said details surrounding the proposal remain limited, making it difficult to answer broader questions about infrastructure impacts, transit, or how such a development would fit into the surrounding communities.
“It just feels like it’s a very high-level view,” she said. “The details are — there’s no details there.”
Reaction from residents has been mixed. Some community members have expressed excitement online about the possibility of a stadium and entertainment district near the airport, while others have questioned whether another location would make more sense.
“There are some people that think that this would be a wonderful addition,” said Deagle Gammon. “There are some people that think there are other sites where something like this could happen.”
For now, she believes those behind the proposal are gauging public and political interest before taking any formal steps.
“They’re testing the waters,” she said.
