From:

To:

Darrell Dexter, Premier
Province of Nova Scotia
1888 Brunswick St, Suite 302
Halifax, NS B3J 3J8

Dear Premier Dexter:

The P3 convention centre and associated 14 and 18-storey towers proposed for downtown Halifax would block the view of the centre harbour and George's Island from Halifax Citadel National Historic Park.

800,000 people visit the Citadel each year and spend $50 million in the downtown. In 2007 the Citadel was voted "Top Wonder" of Halifax and 93% of HRM residents said they visit Citadel Hill. Now free for everyone, the view would be sold to private interests to be appreciated only by those who occupy the buildings.

A public survey held in August 2010 showed over 80% of those polled oppose the towers.

Earlier this year the Nova Scotia auditor general concluded that P3 schools cost the province at least an extra $52 million. At a time when government is struggling to pay for core services such as healthcare, education, and roads we should not be spending public money to subsidize a private developer. Without the public's money the developer's towers can only be 7 & 9 storeys.

Please do not give public money towards the privatization of the view. There is no business case, it is not economically, socially or environmentally responsible and there has been no proper public participation in the decision.

Sincerely,

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