Municipal and provincial politicians could lose their parking spaces in front of two historic landmarks in downtown Halifax.

Halifax regional planners are holding hearings into what the public wants to do about Grand Parade Square and the space around Province House, two areas used as parking lots.

Grand Parade was cleared for a free outdoor concert last Thursday.
Grand Parade was cleared for a free outdoor concert last Thursday.

"It looks like we have privilege because we're parking there," said Coun. Dawn Sloane, whose mission for the last five years has been to clear the cars from Grand Parade.

The square, between Halifax City Hall and St. Paul's Church, is open to drivers with special permits. Down the hill at Province House, there's usually a jigsaw puzzle of cars inside the gates.

Sheila Stevenson, one of 30 people participating in the public consultation, said the cars act as a barrier, preventing more people from exploring the historic downtown area.

Historic Grand Parade Square most often is a parking lot
Historic Grand Parade Square most often is a parking lot

"I'm very interested in Halifax becoming a much more liveable city and the downtown becoming much more people-friendly," Stevenson said.

Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly, most councillors and many members of the legislative assembly agree they must look at creating alternate places to park. Municipal and provincial politicians are continuing to discuss the issue.

Sloane said the success of last Thursday's outdoor concert in Grande Parade during the Juno Awards shows they must act quickly.

"It was so great to see so many people at the apex of the whole thing. There was 15,000 people. I mean, that just shows you that we need an area in the downtown core where we can host those types of events," she said.

Sloane suggests turning Grand Parade and the area around Province House into green spaces, which she said would liven up the area and attract more business.