Queen's Marque project means kiosk changes at Halifax waterfront

Halifax's waterfront is about to undergo a major change.

A new $200 million development, the Queen's Marque project, means the colourful kiosks along the boardwalk have to be moved.

• Queen's Marque development aims to be 'a modern day Historic Properties'

Officials with Halifax Waterfront Development Corporation want to use the move to revitalize what they call the "vendor village." There are currently 12 leased spaces closer to the ferry terminal that sell food, services and goods.

The new site is just south of Summit Place in a parking lot adjacent to the Warehouse restaurant. It's twice as big as
the current location.

"We want to take it up a notch," said Peter Bigelow, a senior planner with the Waterfront Development Corporation. "We'd like to expand into art and entertainment."

The Queen's Marque is a two-hectare site will include a boutique hotel, luxury rentals and office, commercial and public space.

Small business owners urged to weigh in

Waterfront planners want to hear from small business owners, entertainers and the general public about what should be included. Four brainstorming sessions have been planned.

The first session was held Wednesday afternoon at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The owner
of one of the existing businesses in the vendor village took part.

"We would like the option to license the restaurant so that probably require some sort of enclosed area." said Dave Hyndman, the owner of Dave's Lobster. " We serve local craft beer at our other locations and it's a big hit."

A new concept plan is expected by mid July. Waterfront officials hope to begin work on the new vendor village in September, so it can open in the spring of 2017.