Stadium or no stadium? Debate continues over development of Shannon Park site

HALIFAX – A stadium in Shannon Park is a hot topic once again at city hall, but this time it’s looking much bigger than original suggestions.

In a new report headed to Tuesday’s council meeting, municipal staff recommend that further study is needed to determine the feasibility of building a 20,000 seat outdoor stadium being built at the site, which is an upgrade from around the originally proposed 10,000 seat stadium.

Reports suggest a bigger stadium could entice a Canadian Football League or Major League Soccer franchise to set up on the east coast.

Shannon Park lands served as military housing from the ’50s until the Department of National Defence declared it surplus in 2003. Canada Lands Company, a crown corporation, purchased the site in 2014 for redevelopment.

“What this report really says is lets take a piece of it, lets get started let Canada Lands go ahead and develop the land and that the city keep the option open for a part of it, 20 to 25 acres for a stadium or some other use down the road,” Mayor Mike Savage said Monday.

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That idea isn’t sitting well with community and affordable housing activists.

“I would be a little ticked if they built a stadium,” said Kate Watson.

Dartmouth advocate, Watson says a stadium is not financially feasible and other uses for the land are more pressing.

“We need to create a community at Shannon Park, a community that includes housing for all income levels,” she said.

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Anti-poverty activist Wayne MacNaughton agrees. He says the land at Shannon Park is a perfect solution to alleviate the city’s housing crisis.

“Their priorities are messed up. People need places to live more than they need a stadium,” MacNaughton said.

Mayor Savage says many possible developments are under consideration for Shannon Park including mixed use housing,  but he doesn’t see it as a site for affordable housing.

“I don’t know (if) a lot of people would suggest you put affordable housing there,” he said. “I think affordable housing needs to go in the direct core of the city.”

Stadium or no stadium Savage says development of the site will begin soon.