October 2013
| Business World Magazine | 25
There is a common refrain among Halifax resi-
dents that they cannot decide whether they
live in a small big city or a big small city. Statis-
tically, Halifax - home to just under 400,000
residents – is relatively small for a provincial
capital; and its population grows at the rela-
tively slow rate of 1% per year, on average.
When these numbers are set against the popu-
lation explosion in Western provinces, such as
Alberta (which, according to the 2011 census,
boasted increases of 12.6 and 12.1% inCalgary
and Edmonton, respectively), Halifax’s rate
of growth could appear to be lackluster. The
truth of the matter, though, is that Halifax’s
government sponsored, industrial, and private
development indicates a seismic change for
the better in the way port, and in fact all, cities
could grow.
Situated on a clear channel to the Atlantic,
Halifax has always been an invaluably located
city. Its natural harbor, the second largest in
the world, operates currently as the east coast
port of the Canadian Navy and a docking sta-
tion for the vibrant cruise ship industry. All
