Halifax convention centre would cost public $327 million over 25 years: province

HALIFAX, NS – The Nova Scotia government is estimating a new convention centre for downtown Halifax would cost taxpayers about $327 million over 25 years.

Transportation Department spokeswoman Jane Fraser says the amortized construction cost is about $10.2 million annually, for a total of $255 million.

The rest of the cost to taxpayers would be from annual maintenance and operating costs of $2.9 million beginning in 2014.

Fraser says the proposal is to split the public contribution between Halifax and the province.

The convention centre would be part of a private development that includes a hotel or office building on the site of the former Halifax Herald.

Provincial Transportation Minister Bill Estabrooks said before today’s briefing that cabinet hasn’t made up its mind on whether it favours the proposal from Rank Inc.

During the briefing, heritage groups spoke against the proposal, saying it will be an underused white elephant, while several businesspeople and a member of a youth group said the city needs to revitalize its downtown and attract more visitors.