Sands at Salter on Halifax Waterfront Opening Soon

Nova Scotians and visitors will soon have a new public outdoor space to enjoy on the Halifax waterfront, at the foot of Salter Street.

About one third, or an acre, of the site next to Bishop’s Landing, will be converted into green space as a temporary use and called Sands at Salter.

“Our goal remains the same, we want to see this site developed. But in the interim, we have an opportunity to create another destination, create a space for people to enjoy,” said Colin MacLean, president and CEO of Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd.

“We have this window of time to try ideas, gauge what people like over the next couple of years, and assess what concepts work well in key waterfront spaces.”

An informal session with interested community members and public feedback generated ideas to combine a mix, from beach-like spaces to areas for leisure activities and events.

Starting this month, sections will be phased in, including grassy and sandy areas, creating an urban beach feel, green space for people to take part in leisure activities and new seating. The boardwalk on both sides will be connected to the extended portion built in 2009. A parking section will re-open today, June 20.

The site will also be the venue for two signature event, the 25th anniversary of the TD Bank Jazz Fest in July, and 2011 SWATCH Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Junior World Championships starting in August.

As a legacy, close to 2,000 tonnes of sand used for the volleyball courts will remain. Donated by FIVB host Sports and Entertainment Atlantic, it is a key feature in the interim plan.

Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd. is a provincial Crown corporation developing the strategic potential of the Bedford, Dartmouth, Halifax and Lunenburg waterfronts. Revenues are reinvested in the waterfronts to drive economic opportunity, enhance tourism and reflect and protect marine heritage.