"Everybody knows that there's challenges that come with growth ... but it's my belief that the city's done well and that we've grown, ... and this Centre has been such a big part of that."
Since 2012, Mike Savage has been the 'marketer in chief' of the Halifax Regional Municipality. As Mayor, he has been a champion of public spaces that create vibrancy and richness in our community, including Scotiabank Centre and the Halifax Convention Centre. Over the last decade, Halifax has seen transformational growth -- from the revitalization of the waterfront and the refurbishment of Argyle and Grafton streets to record-breaking immigration and new construction starts. Prior to the Convention Centre's opening, Mayor Savage was an influential voice supporting the new facility. He believed that public infrastructure would lead to private investment, and a new Centre would help Halifax attract more visitors, greater events, and strengthen the local community. And he was right. With Scotiabank Centre, including this year's projections, the Halifax Convention Centre has generated over half a billion dollars in economic impact, welcoming over 3.2 million visitors to the city for more than 1,500 events, which is an incredible achievement for all of our partners!
As Mayor Savage ends his final term as mayor in October, Events East President & CEO Carrie Cussons sat down with the Mayor to reflect on their time together as colleagues, the growth of Halifax since 2012, the impact of the Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre on the city's success, and their favourite moments at both venues, including the 2023 IIHF World Juniors, the 2023 NAIG Opening Ceremony, and the 2024 JUNO Awards. Watch the interview below: